Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2016 i Ideal Home

Weather permitting, I’ll be shifting my focus outdoors over the coming weeks, with chores to do in the garden and big plans that might be getting a little out of hand… MOVING OUTSIDE I did my spring blitz on the garden over the Easter weekend – getting the furniture out, doing the first mow and de-sliming the decking (on Pa Richmond’s tip I used Swarfega, £5.98 for 2ltr at B&Q, and can confirm it’s the bomb). But this weekend will be all about preparing for some serious dawn-to-dusk outdoor living, right down to picking sharp stones out of the lawn ready for the littlest Richmonds’ paddling pool and getting the Waspinator out. It’s a a bag resembling a wasps’ nest that you hang up to deter them – a thing…

‘Now you can create a complete kitchen with a sense of warmth, tradition and timeless high quality’MIKAEL AXELSSON, DESIGNER, IKEA With its affordable buys and stylish homeware, Ikea is a go-to destination for solving storage woes – from the trusty Billy bookcase to the versatile Lack shelf, there’s a solution for every clutter crisis. That said, Ikea isn’t just about modern minimalism or quick fixes – delve beyond the basics and you’ll find exclusive collaborations and collections, too. Full of hidden gems, these ranges are designed with natural materials and longevity in mind. These are the qualities that designer Mikael Axelsson considered when devising the Falsterbo wall shelf. He took his lead from classic forged-metal shelving to create a design that was not only timeless, but would also complement the…

ON THE WIRE Keep your look contemporary with this sculptural design Elements side table, £199, BHS SPACE AGE This futuristic side table is the perfect place to put bottles and bar accessories Atoma side table, £149, Dwell LEGGY LOOK Perfect for a sleek, fuss-free scheme Lynne side table, £221, Lene Bjerre range, Houseology HEAVY METAL Go for a luxe hammered-copper finish to tap into the metallic trend Bodo side table, £299, House of Fraser EYE OF THE TIGER Update a tired interior in an instant with this fun, novelty find The Tiger side table, £125, Design 55 PIPE DREAM Give a nod to the industrial look with this versatile wood and metal piece Pipe side table, £159, West Elm ORNATE DETAILING Hand-crafted in India using traditional techniques, so each one…

GET TO KNOW HER SIGNATURE STYLE As a designer, Kate is, unsurprisingly, hugely visual. ‘I love the abundance of imagery and sources available to our generation, such as magazines, Pinterest, archives, historical trends and travel abroad,’ she says. America is a big influence when it comes to her designs. ‘Customers are offered an amazing breadth of choice over there,’ she says. ‘They are also more classical in their shapes than some modern European retailers, which we feel reflects our customer better.’ She’s also inspired by elements from different design eras. ‘I love the traceability of movements such as Bauhaus – it’s so of its time, but still holds classic longevity,’ she says. ‘I’m also drawn to the simplicity of Scandinavian design, as well as original, honest pieces that reflect the…

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 36 HOME OFFICE  DECORATION AND FURNITURE Wall painted in Pure Brilliant White Endurance+ matt emulsion, £20.99 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. Stripe painted in Mad King George matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Fired Earth. For a similar floor paint, try the Loft White, £61 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Cupertino desk, £819, BoConcept. Black metal DKR chair, £177, Cielshop.co.uk. Helmer drawer unit, £25; Barsö trellis, £30; both Ikea. Cubist wall display, £50, Umbra. ON/NEAR DESK For a similar lamp, try the Riggad, £50, Ikea. Marble jar, £20, John Lewis. Cushion made in Vienna Apple, £24 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Stationery, from a selection; Bigso magazine files, £8 each; all Paperchase. Tray, £14.99, H&M. Tea glass, £12; glass teapot, £38; both Ross & Brown. Eternity calendar, £25, Design Vintage. ON TRELLIS Bug…

‘A mix of open and closed storage will provide visual relief from rows of cupboard doors’LISA FAZZANI , SHOPPING EDITOR We expect our kitchens to last for years, but it can get a bit boring staring at the same units day in, day out. However, giving your space a bit of a style revamp doesn’t have to involve embarking on a costly renovation project. Sometimes, it’s just a case of reworking what you have already, updating here and there and adding new features to keep your space moving with the times. From innovative storage solutions and smart ideas for display to new ways with walls and shelving, there’s an idea here to give your kitchen a quick and easy makeover, whatever your budget or DIY skill level. TURN PANS INTO…

IDEAL French fancy Display collectables in this antique-look cabinet Pauillac recycled wood wardrobe (H230cm x W200cm x D45cm), Maisons du Monde Metal head This Forties-style light features a smart bronze-coloured inner Titan size 1 pendant light, Original BTC Designer buy Invest in a design classic Eames DSR chair, The Conran Shop Flower power Lift a grey scheme with a floral print Cymbidium Alexanderi GX canvas (H30cm x W21cm), King & McGaw Bird song Make chic curtains Dawn Chorus fabric, Vanessa Arbuthnott Rural chic A smart rustic design with a planked ash top and painted legs Dorset white dining table (H75cm x W180cm x D90cm), Laura Ashley GREAT DEAL Compact choice Opt for a smaller design in a dove-grey finish Dorgeles display cabinet (H200cm x W120cm x D42cm), Wayfair Work light…

OFFICE Pixel pattern Create a bold focal point with this multicoloured rug Funk rug (140cm x 200cm), Debenhams Zingy yellow Update a classic design by choosing a vibrant, sunny hue Charles Eames DSW chair, Cult Furniture Bright bobbles Pop a fun cushion onto a chair or bed Pompom cushion, George Home Clutter clearer Perfect for keeping all of your paperwork stowed away Large storage box, Tiger Shine on Add a modern touch with this angular design Grasshopper floor lamp, Gubi range, Clippings.com All white Go for pared-back furniture, such as this Scandi-style desk Tretton dining table, My Furniture SEE MORE ONLINE  FIND MORE READER HOMES AT housetohome.co.uk/house-tours FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN, TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY…

BEDROOM Tall order Pack lots of storage into a small space Provence tallboy (H132cm x W65cm x D50cm), Feather & Black Time worn The weathered-terracotta finish gives this lamp a classic, aged look Tigris small table lamp with off-white shade, Oka By candlelight This clear glass hurricane is sleek and unfussy Light storm lantern, LSA International Pillow talk Add a hint of pattern to plain bed linen using neutral stripes Dades cushion, Urbanara Simple square Keep it unfussy with a painted wooden mirror in a soft white finish Alena large square mirror, Laura Ashley Be bold Dress up windows in vibrant colours using a bright floral print Ilsa Camellia 7618/01, Orvieto Fabric collection, Romo Sleep easy A luxe upholstered design Sophie king-size bed with storage in Pebbledash house cotton blend…

IDEAL On the side A hand-made buy with artisan style Little Sunshine side table, Loaf Mellow yellow Also available in five other shades Belgian cushion cover, West Elm Squared up Use a striking print to zone an open-plan space Domino rug (160cm x 230cm), Brink & Campman range, Heal’s Take a seat This retro design still feels contemporary 1958 armchair, Oliver Bonas Sleek design The clean lines and marble base have a modern look Zaragoza floor lamp, Universal Lighting GREAT DEAL Toughen up Give your scheme an industrial edge Clarke side table, Swoon Editions Warm tone Break up neutrals with a sunny pop of colour Oxford edge slub cushion, Dunelm Pattern pro This simple, global design makes a strong statement Frankie rug in blue, (150cm x 230cm), Plantation Rug Company…

Not sure where to start? Try these top five places BESPOKE SURFACING 0800 083 3179; bespokesurfacing  ltd.co.uk The company specialises in natural stone aggregates for gardens and driveways, including eco products using recycled materials. Prices start at £40 per sq m, including delivery and laying the surface by hand. BRADSTONE 01335 372289; bradstone.com This firm offers a range of natural stone paving, plus concrete block paving for driveways, and aggregates including gravels, granite and flint. Prices start at £20 per sq m for blended natural sandstone. EVEREST 0800 540 4185; everest.co.uk Known for supplying windows, Everest also installs paved driveways in smooth contemporary or rustic finishes, in colours from light Autumn Gold to dark Graphite. Blocks are thick-cut for durability and laid…

WHAT IT COST Units...............................£14,000 Worktop..........................£3,000 Appliances......................£6,554 Flooring...........................£3,305 Paint........................................£76 Blind.......................................£164 Lighting...............................£509 Radiator..............................£217 TOTAL................£27,825 When Karen and Steve Winder bought an unfinished chalet bungalow in Ashtead, Surrey, 14 years ago, they knew they would have to make some short-term compromises. ‘It was our opportunity to own a big detached property,’ says Karen, ‘but we had to accept that we wouldn’t be able to do what we wanted to it for a few years, as we needed to save up first.’ The couple put in an inexpensive temporary kitchen and made do until they had the funds to create their ideal space. They spent the time carefully planning out the transformation, which involved changing the back of the house to create an open-plan kitchen-diner and an orangery. ‘Luckily, we already knew our builder,…

THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom, four-storey Victorian townhouse in Shepherd’s Bush, west London. WHO LIVES HERE Karine Candice Köng and Steve Kirk live here with their 10-year-old daughter, Mila Sienna. WHAT THEY DID Karine and Steve renovated an existing extension and swapped an outdated, dilapidated country kitchen for a modern, pared-back scheme. THE LOOK Minimalist, with pure white cabinetry and seamless resin flooring warmed up with pockets of colour, walnut textures and fun art prints. LESSONS LEARNED “Allocate plenty of funds for the unexciting details, such as levelling compound, rewiring and plastering. Preparing a room for a new kitchen can cost a lot more than you’d imagine.”…

There’s plenty to consider when smartening up your home, such as budget, style and the different tastes of family members. However, one of the other important factors to consider is whether or not your home is healthy – and this is where the charity Allergy UK* can help. Breathe easy at home For people who suffer from allergies, ranging from hayfever and asthma to eczema, it’s vital that thought is put into the products they buy and use in their home. In fact, even if you don’t have a family member with allergies, reducing allergens should be considered as guests to your home may be affected. Allergy UK aims to help those concerned about an allergic condition choose the best products for their home. By endorsing items with a Seal…

GARDEN Black magic Give fences and woodwork a striking black makeover Garden Shades in Black Ash, Cuprinol Keep cool Fill with ice and your favourite drink Mia water/wine carafe, LSA International Summer bright Add a pop of colour with vibrant alfresco accessories Lacquer cocktail tray, Nom Living range, Notonthehighstreet.com Statement chair This rattan-weave chair is hardy as well as stylish Jakarta egg bistro chair in Charcoal, George Home Super spout Quite possibly the chicest watering can out there Limbo watering can in Anthracite, Blomus range, Black by Design Cool cluster Arrange a trio of modern pots for a striking display Slate-effect planters (small H25cm), Homebase Set and match Go for smart, urban style with this table and bench set in a jet-black stain Ängsö table and two benches set, Ikea…

There are two main types of peony: tree and herbaceous, both of which are grown for their beautiful showy blooms that appear in spring and early summer. Herbaceous peonies are hardy and like to be planted in a sunny spot in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with good drainage. As their flowering time is short, plant among long-flowering perennials. Tree peonies are hardy, deciduous shrubs. Plant bare root in autumn or early spring, and support with a stake.…

HAND-HELD VAC Banish dust and irritating mites with this device V6 mattress hand-held vacuum cleaner, £250, Dyson SCENTED SPRAY Spritz directly onto clean bed linen for a fresh summer smell Lavender linen mist, £12, Crabtree & Evelyn WOOD POLISH Give your wooden bedstead some long-overdue TLC Fragrance-free furniture polish, £7, Daylesford Organic NATURAL DEODORANT Sprinkle on your mattress, leave for an hour, then vacuum off Cooks’ Ingredients bicarbonate of soda, 89p, Waitrose MATTRESS COVER-UP Add another layer of comfort, plus extra stain protection Waterproof mattress protector, from £30 for a single, John Lewis HANDY CLEANER Mix with water in a spray bottle and spritz your mattress to remove odours Vodka (35cl), £6, Sainsbury’s STAIN BUSTER Tackle marks on an upholstered headboard Vanish Oxi Action upholstery cleaner (500ml), £4, Homebase PILLOW…

1. HT05-Plus extendable hedge trimmer, £99.95, Gtech ‘It’s light enough that I can use it to cut our 9ft-high hedge, and the angled head lets me reach the top without a ladder. Anyone with a bad back will find it useful for low hedges, too.’ 2. Original charcoal pizza oven attachment, £160, Weber ‘You fit this brilliant bit of kit on top of a W57cm Weber charcoal barbecue. My family always has fun cooking pizzas on it, and it costs a fraction of the price of a wood-fired oven.’ 3. Hydropod propagator, from £54, Two Wests & Elliott ‘Cultivating cuttings can be tricky, but this system automatically sprays them with a fine mist, so they don’t dry out. The high humidity inside the case also encourages them to grow quickly.’…

“The past five weeks have expanded my interior-design horizon and given me the desire and inspiration to learn more” CELINE DRUILHE, LONDON “Join us for five weeks in our international online classroom, and share your design problems, decorating inspiration and interior projects with me and your fellow students. Bring your latest decorating project to the course – I’ll bring mine, too – and work through it as we study the design process, finding your style, colours, fabrics and window treatments, and sourcing lighting and accessories. Although there’s something new in the classroom every weekday, you can do the work entirely when it suits you. And if you feel uncertain about your online skills, please don’t worry. Jump in and I’ll help, as technical support is a feature of the course.”…

Creating a warm, welcoming home that’s comfortable to live in and inviting for guests is something that most people aim for, plus they want the décor to look good, too. An easy way to achieve this when it comes to making flooring choices is by going for a wool-rich carpet from Brintons. Whatever your decorating tastes, you’ll find something to suit at Brintons. Available in an impressive range of colours, its carpets range from traditional checks and plaids to modern dots and stripes, busy patterns, exotic florals and bold botanicals. Buy the best of British Made from wool taken from hardy British sheep that live outside all year, the carpets are very tough and yet wonderfully soft. Incredibly, the wool from one in nine British sheep ends up in a…

Best for BEDTIME Nod, £49, Goodmans GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘The twin USB ports at the back let you charge your phones and tablets quickly at your bedside, and the display can be dimmed so that you’re not kept awake. But my favourite feature? The big snooze button on the side of the radio that’s just impossible to miss’ Best for BUDGET Spectrum Duo, £59.95, John Lewis GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘There’s a very good reason why this award-winning radio is a bestseller – its smart, wipe-clean, rubberised finish is uber-practical (I have mine in the kitchen), and it has built-in Bluetooth, so it can double up as an excellent speaker. It also comes in a choice of six cool colours’ Best for INTERNET Stream93i, £150, Roberts Radio GIRL ABOUT…

CLASSICAL ITALY 8 DAYS FROM ONLY £829PP THE PRICE INCLUDES Return flights, taxes and transfers Seven nights in a four-star hotel with breakfast and four evening meals Guided tours of historic Rome, Siena, Florence, Assisi and the medieval city of Arezzo, plus a visit to the Uffizi, which is one of the world’s finest art galleries Fully escorted by an experienced tour manager Selected departures up to October 2016 MADRID, SALAMANCA & TOLEDO 8 DAYS FROM ONLY £599PP THE PRICE INCLUDES Return flights, taxes and transfers Six nights in three- and four-star hotels with breakfast and four dinners Guided tours, including Toledo and Madrid, plus a walking tour of medieval Salamanca Visits to Aranjuez, the former Palace and gardens of the Spanish royal family, and the ancient city of Segovia…

Many of us spend the holidays visiting places of interest around the UK and abroad, but have you ever asked yourself what you know about your own town’s heritage? While it’s easy to take your surroundings for granted when you’re busy with your daily routine, this summer could be the ideal time to explore the delights of your home town just like a tourist. JUMP ON A TOUR BUS A fun way to learn about the place you live is from the top deck of an open-top tour bus – simply hop on and off to experience your town or city’s sights. Most buses have a pre-recorded commentary or a live guide to explain the history and culture of the buildings and places you pass. City Sightseeing (city-sightseeing.com) has 30…

GAME ON Traditional garden games like croquet, quoits and skittles are fun for all ages. Giant or oversized games are great for younger children and add a cool feature to the garden, too Find garden games at Amazon.co.uk, Argos, Notonthehighstreet.com, John Lewis, Traditional Garden Games and Toys ’R’ us Top tip Daily tasks, like watering the plants, can be fun games for kids CUT OUT A POSTCARD JIGSAW Here’s a no-cost game to make for little ones: use pinking shears to cut old holiday postcards into mini jigsaws. Mark the back of each piece with a symbol so the different puzzles don’t get jumbled up. Paper edgers, £5 for 10, Hobbycraft STRIKE A POSE Set up a pop-up photo studio and take snaps of friends with fun props Make…

In the shade Angle this parasol to shut the sun out Crank and tilt parasol, £39.99, Bracken Outdoors range, Garden Trends Gather round Keep warm on cool evenings Tabletop gel firepit, £95, Blomus range, Black By Design In monochrome This weatherproof cube makes a handy extra seat World Laguna pouffe, £149, Fab Habitat range, Wayfair Zen garden Invite calm to your outdoor space XL Buddha sculpture, £70, Next Lovely lantern Create a romantic evening glow Antique grey wood and linen lantern, £25, Very Take a seat Add stylish pattern to outdoor chairs Patterned seat cushion, £7.99, H&M Stir crazy Perfect for serving Pimm’s City Bar jug and stirrer, £45, LSA International Chic planter Get a lead effect with fibreglass Trafalgar round planter, £184, The Chelsea Gardener Easy chair Sip a…

TIME TO CHILL Your garden becomes an outdoor living room once you add a couple of luxurious loungers, an inviting hammock or a pergola seat with a view Find garden benches, hammocks and loungers at John Lewis, Houseology, Neptune and Marks & Spencer Top tip Store outdoor cushions and throws in a basket by the back door USE OLD SPOONS AS LABELS If you’ve planted summer veg, these painted wooden spoons are a fun way to label them. Get the kids involved with this easy project – use acrylic paint and, when dry, cover with a layer of waterproof varnish. For unpainted wooden spoons, try Tesco. For acrylic paints and varnish, try Hobbycraft CREATE A MINI POTTING SHED This wall unit is a clever way to store gardening bits and…

Garden store Keep seed packets safe and dry in this smart tin Seed tin, £12, Sophie Allport Tidy up A chic way to stop your garden twine getting tangled Garden twine dispenser and scissors, £18, MiaFleur Take note Jot down your planting and gardening inspiration ‘Genius ideas’ garden notebook, £3.50, The Oak Room Trio of pots These planters have a rustic feel Galvanised planters, £50 for three, Garden Trading Des res Provide a home for local wildlife Nostalgia birdhouse, £9, The Orchard Buzz off Hang it up to keep pesky wasps at bay Glass wasp trap, £8.99, The Chelsea Gardener Grand stand Display potted plants in style Plant stand in cream, £78.95, MiaFleur Keep track Identify plants with these pretty wooden labels Rosa Chinensis plant labels, £7.95 for six, Annabel…

GROW FRESH HERBS Nothing adds fragrance and flavour to dishes like fresh herbs picked from the garden. Plant in a sunny border or in pots by the back door and snip off a sprig or two as you need them. Try your local garden centre for mature pots of parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme and bay leaves; they make a useful starter set if you haven’t grown herbs before. SPRUCE UP BEDS Give your outdoor space a speedy makeover for summer. Remedy fading flowerbeds with mature bedding plants, fill gaps with plants in pots, trim hedges and lawns, and tie up any straggling climbers. Just add a new set of table and chairs, and you’re ready to enjoy the view FAKE IT Instant garden greenery comes courtesy of brilliantly life-like artificial…

Create a menu for a special meal by writing it in pencil on a wooden chopping board, then tracing over it with a chalk marker pen Go green Perfect for summer foliage Recycled-glass vase, £17.50, Garden Trading Meals on wheels A freestanding unit is a handy addition to a kitchen-diner Oak trolley shelving, £560, Luma Classic shade Ideal for a smart modern-country look Ceramic classic ceiling lamp in cream, £99, Willow & Stone Painterly finish Set a pretty table with china in soft pastel shades 1815 mug in blue, £6, Royal Doulton Clear view The wooden lid gives this jar a rustic feel Glass storage jar with lid, £6, Matalan Powdery pastel Mix it in with white crockery Puzzle side plate, £13, Murmur range, Houseology Gallery wall Perfect for a…

Prints charming The delicate jade colourway creates a serene feel Chinoiserie double duvet set, Heiwa range, George Home Twice as nice An extra bulb in the cutout base casts an interesting shadow Duo table lamp, Very Let it glow Add candlelight Metal tealight holder, Butterfly Home range, Debenhams Breakfast in bed Remove this side table’s tray to carry a cuppa Gary Black metal side table, Maisons du Monde Birds of paradise Opt for graceful patterns in soft, chalky shades Bird-print cushion, Linea range, House of Fraser Fake it Beautiful blooms that will last Faux magnolia in a glass vase, Next YOUR RECEIPT Duvet set, George Home........................£12 Faux flowers, Next...........................................£45 Side table, Maisons du Monde.........£26.99 Cushion, House of Fraser........................£20 Tealight holder, Debenhams................................£9 Table lamp, Very............................................£69 TOTAL £181.99 EASTERN FUSION NEED TO…

TRUE BLUE Ideal for the bedroom or kitchen Side table in Sky, £85, Bloomingville range, Idyll Home MIX IT UP This table has a mirrored top for a stylish take on the mixed-materials look Sonar side table, £169, Swoon Editions SHAPING UP Go glam with this cube creation Geometric side table, £130 for a set of two, Zara Home CAPITAL LETTER The clever S-shaped design provides two shelf spaces for storage York oak side table, £49.99, Dunelm CLEAR WINNER A cool update of the classic bistro table Rossini round acrylic table, £650, Aflair for Home DECORATIVE DRUM Made of solid mango wood and hand-crafted in Jaipur, India Carved wood side table, £179, West Elm COLOUR POP Thanks to its durable melamine top, this is sure to stand the test of…

PALMHOUSE GREEN Portia Lake Green fabric, £59 per m, Korla. Always Greener Premium Walls & Ceilings, £26.98 for 2.5ltr, Valspar range, B&Q. Spray bottle, £15, Rockett St George. Candles, £9 for 10, Rowen & Wren. Terrarium, £38, Graham and Green. Ike plate, £10; Turini cutlery, £90 for a 16-piece set; succulents, from a selection; all Habitat. Napkin, £16 for four, John Lewis. Glass, from £3, Heal’s PRIMROSE & DUCK EGG SS100 rug with HL16 border, £186 per sq m, Crucial Trading. Cushion covers made in (from left): 235605, £68 per m, Sanderson; 7726/42; 7726/36; both £47.50 per m, Romo. 110158 wallpaper, £50 per roll; swatch made in 131845, £62 per m; both Harlequin. Goldfinch picture (framed), £95.50; Tweet Tweet bottle, £19; verbena lino print, £4; all Madebyhandonline.com. Ceramic feather, £3,…

IDEA Try using garden-centre buys inside the home – this trellis makes a brilliant noticeboard and plant display IDEA Hang live artwork with The Urban Botanist’s Grand Living Wall, from £69.95 each, lining up two in a row for impact IDEA Make caring for plants simpler with self-watering planters, such as Woolly Pocket’s Living Wall Planters 2, £47.99 for four IDEA Lack surfaces for plants? Make a feature of narrow ledges and line up succulents, ferns and cacti with favourite accessories Tip Layer several shades of green for lush contrast – here, the blinds and a throw have been edged in a fresh shade that stands out against the sofa’s deeper hue FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN,TURN TO PAGE 42…

Feather motifs Plump for a pretty wallpaper with lovely plumes 1 Silver tips Metallic highlights give a shimmery effect Sirius in Pearl 673603, £16 per roll, Precious Metals collection, Arthouse 2 Elegant decadence A lush, gold and beige print with an Art-Deco feel Bohemian Burlesque in gold and beige, £20 per roll, AS Creation collection, B&Q 3 Bold choice This bright paper is ideal for a teen’s room Feathers in Multi, £20 per roll, New Wave collection, Graham & Brown 4 Wispy design A slightly textured feel for a neutral scheme Lucia LU070605, £31.95 per roll, Lucia collection, Galerie 5 Arty effect Match your accessories to the pops of rich colour in these individual quills Limosa 111075, £48 per roll, Amazilia collection, Harlequin ‘Try a bold feather in a neutral…

The curved end wall of Joe and Lou’s main bedroom is a classy addition to their Art-Deco home. A dramatic feature of the side extension, the curved wall is enhanced with a stainless-steel parapet and larch weatherboarding. Introducing curves instantly softens the internal space and adds character inside and out. Virtually anything is available in a curved form, from contoured glass extensions to rounded radiators. Curved walls are more costly than straight ones and need careful planning, particularly when incorporating fittings such as windows and sills. If you’ll be commissioning bespoke pieces, remember to factor in added costs and longer lead times. Think about how you will use the interior space. Freestanding furniture, bath or kitchen fittings are ideal as they are easier to install in a space without straight…

‘Transform your living room into a tropical haven with palmhousestyle botanical illustrations and brass finishes’ Last season’s moody-hued painterly florals have made way for fresh botanical prints that are perfect for a sun-drenched summer. This trend is all about bringing the outside indoors; re-create the look at home with a calm, nature-inspired palette and textiles featuring simple, uncomplicated leaf motifs. Restore calm Inspired by organic elements, the pieces from the Botanist collection are perfect for updating your home with a fresh feel for summer. Start with an understated backdrop of white, and layer up rich wood tones on flooring and furniture. Team fabrics featuring illustrative leaf designs with distressed textures, such as worn wood and brass finishes, then add in green accent pieces for a look that’s contemporary yet timeless.…

• USE paint that is VOC- and formaldehyde-free when decorating, and opt for cleaning products that have been approved by Allergy UK. • GET an air purifier to help filter out airborne allergens, such as house dust mites, cats and dogs, pollen and mould, as well as smoke and bacteria, which are common irritants. • LOOK for Allergy UK’s Seal of Approval when shopping for new appliances, bedding, cleaning products and flooring to give reassurance that the product will reduce or remove allergens. • VISIT the Allergy UK website for a list of products, ranging from air purifiers to steam cleaners, that are endorsed by the charity.…

‘The versatility of the entire design has totally transformed how we spend time outside’ Liz and Alistair Baird had been looking for a house and garden to renovate for some time, when they finally found an elegant but run-down Victorian villa in east London. Although mature and well established, the garden wasn’t particularly functional for family life, as it was one long, dull strip with a vegetable patch at the end. ‘We tend to live outside in the summer and really wanted our garden to provide an intimate dining space for the family, as well a separate area for us to relax and entertain in,’ explains Liz. With the help of landscape gardener Rob Bratby (07811 472799; robertbratbygardens.co.uk), Liz and Alistair decided to create two distinct garden zones, each with…

These impressive, hardy and easy-to-grow perennials will give rich, long-lasting colour every year. 1 Verbena bonariensis The long-lasting blooms of Verbena bonariensis will attract bees and butterflies to your garden. Height: 2m. Spread: 45cm. 2 Geum ‘Mrs J Bradshaw’ This compact plant has purple stems bearing scarlet flowers from late spring into summer. Height: 45-60cm. 3 Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’ Ideal for adding colour to borders, this variety is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. Height: 45cm. 4 Foxglove ‘Excelsior’ With tall spires and bell-shaped flowers in pretty pastel shades. Height: 150cm. Spread: 45cm. AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OTHER GREAT OFFERS... DWARF VERBENA ‘LOLLIPOP’ This pretty yet hardy dwarf verbena is ideally sized for patio pots and the front of borders, where it creates a wonderful delicate, airy effect.…

To-do list for JUNE EAT Pots & Co Salted Caramel & Chocolate pot, £2 for 100g, Ocado, Tesco and Waitrose. This rich, restaurant-style pud was created by chefs trained in Michelin-starred kitchens. DRINK Paparuda rosé from Cramele Recas in Romania. Smooth and aromatic, it has hints of summer fruit, £5.99 for a 75cl bottle, Adnams. TREAT fans of Middle-Eastern food to Sabrina Ghayour’s new cookery book, Sirocco (£25, Mitchell Beazley). The mouthwatering recipes are a fusion of Eastern flavours in Western-style dishes. Try a new taste SAMPHIRE Growing along the coastline, this fleshy-stemmed green vegetable has a salty flavour, making it a great partner to fish and seafood. It also makes a good alternative to asparagus and can be tossed raw into salads, steamed for a side dish or used…

The Korean tech giant has taken all the best things about its S6 Edge and improved them – it has a larger, stunning 5.5in screen, a longer battery life and a camera with faster focusing that’s better in low light. You can Facebook in the bath and it will survive a dunking, and I like the ‘Always On’ screen, which shows the time, date and battery life in lock mode. FIND OUT MORE AT GIRLABOUTTECH.COM “HELLO! I’m Amy Cutmore, Technology Editor… but you can call me Girl About Tech. This month, I’ve been checking out new steam ovens and got to meet the lovely Richard Burr of Great British Bake Off fame. Go online now to see my interview with everybody’s favourite builder-turned-baker” ON GIRLABOUTTECH.COM  RIGHT NOW FIVE…

SMART LOCK Outdoor Bluetooth smart padlock, £89, Master Lock GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Pop this Bluetooth padlock on your back gate or shed, and use your smartphone to open it. You can also set up access for your gardener, so they won’t need a key’ UPPER CRUST Piccolo pizza oven with base, £650, Wood, Fire & Stone GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Pizza ovens can cost thousands, but this practical stainless-steel trolley is a good starter option. It can cook up to two pizzas, or a 2kg loaf of bread, at a time’ SPY ON THE SHED Nubo camera, £259**, Panasonic GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘With infrared vision and a microphone, this camera lets you see and hear your garden. It connects over 4G/3G, so it works wherever there’s mobile coverage’…

By creating steam at the start of each bake, this oven fluffs up a sponge or dough a treat, and lifts layers of pastry beautifully. Sure, it can’t sous-vide salmon like pricier models, but it’s affordable and won’t require a big change to your cooking habits STEAMBAKE MODE Baking? Pour 100ml water into the indent in the oven floor and press SteamBake. Add your goodies and the steam will do its job. Once the water has evaporated, your bakes will brown to perfection PYROLYTIC CLEANING Clean it every few weeks by running the pyrolytic programme – it heats the oven to 500°C, turning any grime that’s inside to ash, so it’s easy to sweep out FOOD PROBE Take the guesswork out of cooking a roast by inserting its probe. When…

HARVESTING OF THE WOOL Once the sheep have been sheared, the fleeces are washed, stretched and dried. Next, the wool is ‘carded’, which is when a series of rollers comb and align the fibres. FROM WOOL TO THREAD All the wool is drafted onto bobbins before being spun into thread, which is twisted together to create high-quality yarn. THE DYEING PROCESS Spools of yarn are dyed by being bathed in colour vats at the Brintons factory. Once the colouring process has been completed, the yarn spools are spun to remove extra dye and then dried. After this, they are positioned on the loom for the weaving of the carpets to begin. FINISHING TOUCHES Every metre of Brintons carpet is inspected by eye twice, and they are all finished by hand…

‘When the sun shines, we all gravitate to whatever outside space we have, no matter how large or small, but if you haven’t ventured out there since last summer, it’ll undoubtedly need a boost. We’ve created this guide to help you make some updates – it’s packed with the latest looks and best buys for your garden, alongside ideas for family fun, alfresco entertaining, and go-slow days reserved for pottering. Add some quick garden fixes and delicious recipes and you’ve got all you need to make summer in your garden one to remember.’…

Strawberry ices MAKES 6-8 TAKES 10MIN, PLUS FREEZING TIME 150g strawberries 90g caster sugar 1tsp vanilla extract 500g low-fat natural yoghurt 100g melted white chocolate 60g hundreds and thousands You will also need: 6 or 8 ice lolly moulds 1 Put the strawberries, caster sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. Crush the fruit until roughly broken up and the sugar has dissolved. 2 Mix in the yoghurt and then pour into the ice lolly moulds and freeze. Once frozen, take them out of the moulds and dip the tips of the lollies in the melted white chocolate, then quickly dip in the hundreds and thousands. Serve as soon as they set. Apple & cinnamon flapjacks MAKES 12 TAKES 35MIN 225g butter 225g caster sugar 175g golden syrup 450g porridge…

SET THE SCENE Create a relaxed vibe by setting up a drinks station, and add seating areas for chilling out away from the main dining table, so your guests can mingle after eating Find outdoor accessories at B&Q, Dobbies, Dunelm, Homebase House of Fraser, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Very Top tip Fire up charcoal barbecues an hour before you plan to cook LET GUESTS HELP THEMSELVES Use alphabet stamps to add messages or your guests’ names to wooden napkin rings. Slip a rolled-up napkin inside each one and pop them in a jug or flowerpot. Loosely tie knives and forks together with ribbon. For similar wooden napkin rings, try Amazon.co.uk. For alphabet stamp sets, try Hobbycraft or Notonthehighstreet.com HOST A GARDEN MOVIE NIGHT Outdoor cinema screenings are big…

Dual purpose Hang as a pair or use several as oversized coasters Wall tiles, £6 each, Sainsbury’s All square The slim design will work perfectly on a console table Tile-effect square-base lamp, £20, George Home Tread softly Cosy it up with a thick wool rug Cream wool lace rug, £180, RJR.John Rocha range, Debenhams Dishy looks Pretty enough to go from the oven straight to the table Serving dish, £12.99, HomeSense Perfect pattern A pretty wallpaper with a traditional Indian motif Kalinda tile wallpaper, £25 per roll, Indian Summer collection, Albany range, Wallpaperdirect On the tiles The chic tiled top was crafted by hand Caldas coffee table in Gaudi Jade, £555, Amara Star buy Made from bone and wood Star-print frame, £25, Linea range, House of Fraser Go Greek Add…

ALL IN THE DETAIL We’re very used to seeing butterflies, plants, feathers and animal prints inspiring interior design, but this trend goes closer, exposing the microscopic details of flora and fauna. Digital manipulation and printing means that nature takes on a futuristic finish, with many prints beautifully replicating the symmetry of scales, moth and butterfly wings, and leaf skeletons. NATURE EXPOSED X-ray artist Albert Koetsier, who creates pieces featuring the skeletal details of plants, flowers and sea life, has collaborated with Photowall to create Beyond Light – a striking mural and canvas collection. Tom Dixon’s glass collection, Oil, has a finish that replicates a dragonfly wing’s rainbow iridescence, as does Neo Craft’s bubble-like glass pendant, Iris. Inspired by Scottish and Scandinavian flora, Emma June Designs uses the shibori dyeing technique…

‘The fabric trends that I see coming through for autumn are all about layering textures and tones’ Being at the design helm of a British brand like Multiyork is no mean feat, especially when you have to oversee every creative and visual aspect of the company. However, it’s a job that creative director Kate Tansley relishes, and it makes perfect use of her sklls as both a designer and an experienced furniture buyer. Specialising in all kinds of upholstered furniture, including sofas, armchairs, sofabeds and cushions, Multiyork can cover any of its frames in your choice of thousands of textiles, all sourched from well-know UK fabric houses. Since fabrics and upholstery are of such high importance to the company, it stands to reason that its creative director is an expert…

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…

START WITH A SIMPLE BACKDROP For such a strong scheme, it’s important to have a clear, unfussy canvas to build on. Stick to white walls and flooring – the room will immediately look modern and anything you add, from paint effects to standout furniture and planting displays, will be the stars of the show. CHOOSE POWERFUL NOT PASTEL Be brave when it comes to colour choices – any accent shade used should replicate the colour of fresh botanicals. Be inspired by British forests full of ferns in the height of summer or lush country hedgerows when the weather is at its warmest. If you feel these shades are too much for a feature wall, use in a thick band around the room instead. KEEP PATTERN MONOCHROME Steer clear of the…

Create a welcoming scheme full of pretty country style with a palette inspired by glorious summer meadows. Make a bold, sunny statement by using cheery buttercup on the walls, then add key accessories in vibrant verdure and soft dandelion. Temper the yellow tones with earthy putty, soothing duck-egg blue and calming white, then add warmth and interest by layering fabrics in delicate floral patterns The PALETTE PATTERN #1 Pop in a frame or use above a picture rail Salvia 110158 wallpaper, £50 per roll, Harlequin THE PAINT This sunny hue will bring warmth into any room Verdure Yellow Marble Matt Emulsion, £42 for 2.5ltr, Mylands of London PATTERN #2 An understated print is ideal for blinds Mellor Citrus F0599/01, £32 per m, Clarke & Clarke TRY THESE COLOURS WITH…

THE COMPANY Founded in 2012, Scion produces affordable designs bursting with colour and Scandi-style pattern. The company has 22 fabric and six wallpaper collections, and also reproduces a selection of its designs on bed linen, curtains and bone china. THE NEW COLLECTION Named Lohko, the Finnish word for blocks, the latest collection features nine fabrics and seven wallpaper designs – all in a bold, graphic style. Chevron motifs, asymmetric patterns and loose geometric designs dominate the range, with the company’s Mr Fox motif also making an appearance. The palette is packed with fresh, zingy shades, such as kiwi, paprika and pear, alongside classic neutrals, like pebble, linen and liquorice, to balance out the brights. Fabrics start at £29 per m, while wallpapers are priced from £37 per roll. WHY WE…

BOUGHT FOR £915,000 SPENT £130,000 NOW WORTH £1.2 million THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, detached, Twenties house in the Surrey Hills. The owners bought it in July 2014. WHAT IT COST Building work and plumbing.........................£35,000 Electrics....................................£15,000 Kitchen.....................................£30,000 Bathrooms.................................£4,000 Flooring......................................£8,000 Bifold doors and windows..........................£35,000 Furniture and soft furnishings.........................£3,000 TOTAL....................£130,000 WHO LIVES HERE Kate and Jason Stanley live here with their children, Amber, nine and Joe, seven. Kate is a strategy director for a charity and Jason works in strategy and marketing at a luxury-car company. THE LOOK Contemporary classic, with dramatic pops of bright colour. LESSONS LEARNED “Take your time – don’t be too quick to rip things out.”…

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…

‘We added a moving wall to the back of the house’ Irina Vial’s five-bedroom house in Ealing, west London, had a dark dining room and kitchen, and the back of the house felt disconnected from the garden. Irina, an artist, loves being outdoors, so wanted to link the house and garden for an open, light-filled ground floor for her husband, their two children and her father to enjoy. Plans were drawn up by Mufajel Chowdhury of Concept Eight Architects (01932 809444; concept8.co.uk) to extend the back of the house into the garden using wraparound glazing and sliding bifold doors. Internal walls were removed and the living room was also linked to the patio with elegant French windows. The kitchen-diner in the new extension merges seamlessly with the garden, with a…

WHAT IT COST Bath......................................£649 Shower..............................£1,193 Basin....................................£654 Taps.......................................£419 Loo.........................................£150 Tiles.......................................£715 Paint........................................£70 Lighting................................£576 Blind......................................£129 Furniture.............................£890 TOTAL..................£5,445 Pauline Jones loved the period features of her Edwardian house in Tyne & Wear, but its décor, particularly the bathroom’s, was stuck in the Seventies. ‘It’s a lovely, large room, but the layout didn’t make the best use of the available space and it was dark,’ says Pauline. ‘I hated the boxed-in bath, which looked like a coffin, the cheap laminate flooring and the glossy tiles. It definitely needed a revamp.’ Having decided to go for a period look in muted colours, Pauline bought a roll-top bath, as she thought it would make a great focal point under the window. Where the bath used to be, she put a new basin and towel rail, with the…

THE PROPERTY A semi-detached Victorian villa in Hackney, east London, with a south-facing, terraced garden. WHO LIVES HERE Liz and Alistair Baird live here with their daughters, Isabella, eight, and Imogen, five. Liz is an art director with her own design business, School House Creative, while Alistair is a creative director for a design agency. THE LOOK A modern outdoor space, split into a terrace for family dining and a decked area for entertaining. LESSONS LEARNED “Try to employ a gardening professional who has a passion for what they do and the expertise to develop your ideas into something special. ” THE COST Around £16,000.…

TO DO THIS MONTH... • PROLONG SUMMER FLOWERING by cutting fresh growth on herbaceous perennials back by half, using secateurs or shears. Known as the Chelsea Chop, it’s best done shortly after the famous flower show. • PEP UP TIRED BORDERS by filling any gaps with sun-loving summer bedding, such as zinnias, daisies, verbena, salvias, petunias and marigolds. For shaded areas, use impatiens, vinca and begonias. Water plants regularly and boost with a liquid fertiliser. • ENTICE BUTTERFLIES into your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers – they find aubretia, red valerian, lavender, small scabious, honesty, sedum and buddleja irresistible. Involve the kids by making a butterfly feeding station: in a plastic dish, mix one teaspoon each of sugar and soy sauce, add some water, then hang it up. • KEEP…

PICK THE BEST ASPARAGUS In season from the end of April until the end of June, asparagus is at its best when enjoyed as soon after picking as possible. • Whether you’re buying – or growing – delicate sprue asparagus or extra-large ‘jumbo’ spears, go for stems that are firm and bright green, rather than dry and wrinkly ones. • When asparagus stalks look slightly discoloured, dented or scarred, or they feel slimy at the tip and smell a bit fishy, they are sadly too far gone to eat. • If you don’t use your asparagus straight after buying or picking it, you should store it standing up in a jug of water in the fridge with the tips sticking out of the water. Boiled asparagus with mayonnaise SERVES 2…

FACT! 50% of homeowners don’t lock their shed, even though its contents are worth up to £1,200SOURCE: EVEREST AND AVIVA Hurrah, the sun’s out! Before you fire up the barbecue and put the Prosecco on ice, take a look out of the window. Do you see a garden of Eden or has your plot lost the plot? If it’s the latter, grab some gadgets to get your outdoor space party-perfect. CLEAN IT QUICK A pressure washer will blast away mud and moss from fences, garden furniture, patios and paths, and make short work of a grubby outdoor grill. A good one isn’t cheap, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll soon be addicted. I’m a fan of Kärcher’s intuitive new machines with LED displays that show exactly what power level…

GARDEN COMPASS Free for iOS and Android Spotted a flower in a neighbour’s garden that you like? Snap a picture of it and this app will identify it and tell you how to care for it, too. GRILLTIME Free for iOS and Apple Watch Do dreams of overdone steaks have you waking up in a cold sweat? Avoid barbecue nightmares with this guide and timer, which tells you when to flip food and take it off the heat. YAHOO WEATHER Free for iOS and Android You can’t control the weather, sadly, but this app will at least let you prepare for it. Its predictions are largely reliable and you can set it to notify you of the forecast every morning and evening. GARDEN TAGS Free for iOS and Android A…

AS SEEN ON SCREEN B48FT78N0B combination steam oven, £1,299, Neff GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Cooks with Full Steam, or adds steam for better baking or roasting. You’ll have seen its Slide & Hide door on The Great British Bake Off ’ RESTAURANT GRADE DGC6860 XXL PureLine combination steam oven, £4,699, Miele GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Has a sous-vide option, so you can vacuum pack* meat, fish or veg with herbs and spices, then cook it low and slow for tasty results’ RUSTIC CHARM Ascot multifunction oven, £1,490, Steel GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘As well as a combi-steam function for baking, this Italian-made oven has a rotisserie, pizza stone, meat probe and telescopic shelves, plus it comes in a choice of finishes’ STEAMS AND CLEANS GEBD47000 multifunction oven,…

1 DECIDE WHERE IT WILL GO Ask yourself where you want to put your radio. If it’s bound for the living room, you’ll want a ‘looker’ that can create a big sound. A radio that sits next to your bed, on the other hand, should be quieter, ideally with a clock and alarm feature – a dual alarm will wake you at different times on weekdays and at the weekend. For the kitchen, choose a radio with a wipe-clean finish and a snooze alarm, so you can set it to switch off as you finish cooking. 2 PICK DIGITAL FOR LESS CRACKLE Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) uses digital rather than analogue technology, which gives you a crisper sound with less interference. Around 90% of the UK has access to DAB…

FACETUNE £2.99 for iOS; £1.99 for Android Snap more selfies than Kim K? Then you need this app. It will smooth your skin, whiten your teeth and brighten your eyes – plus, you can even apply ‘make-up’. SNAPSEED 2.0 Free for iOS and Android A must-have for touching up photos on the fly, my favourite in-phone editing app has filters and effects that make even the most average shots look like they were taken by Mario Testino. TINY PLANET 79p for iOS This simple but addictive tool takes a photo and bends it around on itself until it looks like, well, a tiny planet. Or you can bend it the other way for a futuristic ‘rabbit-hole’ effect. Want more? Go to GIRLABOUTTECH.COM…

A  AEG 0844 561 1611; aeg.co.uk Aflair For Home 020 8789 7377; aflair.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Anglepoise 023 9222 4450; anglepoise.com Annie Sloan 01865 713089; anniesloan.com Ao.com 0844 324 9222; ao.com Appliances Direct 0871 984 4416; appliances direct.co.uk Apropos 0800 328 0033; apropos conservatories.co.uk Argos 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Arthouse 01706 230077; arthouse.com Asper Marble & Granite 020 8577 2353; aspermarble.co.uk Attic 020 8943 9626; discoverattic.co.uk B  B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 355 9046; barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323; bathstore.com Bespoke Fencing Services 07932 683025 Betta Living 0808 149 1818; bettaliving.co.uk Betty Twyford 01568 611124; bettytwyford.com BHS 0344 411 6000; bhs.co.uk Black + Decker 01753 511234; blackand decker.co.uk Black By Design 01889 502716; black-by-design.co.uk Bloom 0844 482 2332; bloom.uk.com Blooming Artificial 0800 977 7589; bloomingartificial.co.uk BoConcept 00 45 7013 1366; boconcept.co.uk Bodie and Fou 020 8450 5600; bodieandfou.com Boeme 01483 217716; boeme.co.uk BSO 01295 701777; building-supplies-online.co.uk Bulthaup 020 7495…

Child’s play Tots will go dotty for these jumbo-sized dominoes Garden dominoes set, £24.99, Plum Products range, John Lewis Sitting pretty A stackable, sturdy choice Darla chair, £12, Habitat Happy hideaway This cute teepee is sure to be a hit Nobodinoz large teepee, £129, Molly Meg Rainbow bright Add a party atmosphere Bright Fiesta fabric bunting, £6.50 for 3m, Luck & Luck Easy up There’s no need for a large base with this clip-on sun shade Ramsö parasol, £8, Ikea Soft option A giant beanbag that’s ideal for indoors or out The Piggy Bag in lime, £79, Made.com Fun first aid Soothe scrapes and bruises with a smile Ouch! Fruit plasters in tin, £3.99, NPW range, Flamingo Gifts Pack a picnic Avoid breakages with child-friendly melamine Vintage Apple plate, £4.95;…

Chargrilled sardines with lemon & sea salt MAKES 16 TAKES 15MIN 16 sardines Olive oil, to coat Sea salt flakes Wedges of lemon 1 Wash the sardines to remove the scales and then gut them. Rinse and dry the sardines, then toss them in olive oil. 2 Line up the sardines on an oiled fish grill, scatter with the sea salt flakes, then grill for 1-2min on each side. Serve with the lemon wedges. Top tip Buy sardines that have bright eyes and shiny skin, with the scales intact Ranch pasta salad SERVES 6 TAKES 20MIN 100ml buttermilk 1tbsp soured cream 1tbsp mayonnaise 1tbsp chopped parsley, chives, tarragon or dill 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice 1 garlic clove, grated 2 corn on the cob 1tsp oil 120g cubed pancetta…

Hot smoked salmon pâté SERVES 4 TAKES 10MIN 120g smoked salmon 160g hot smoked salmon 200g half-fat crème fraîche 1tbsp horseradish sauce 1 lemon, zested ½ pack fresh dill, finely chopped Sliced seeded bread Rocket leaves, to serve Lemon wedges, to serve 1 Put both types of smoked salmon into a food processor. Season well with black pepper, then blend to a chunky paste. 2 Add the crème fraîche, horseradish sauce, lemon zest and dill. Pulse until combined. 3 Toast the bread. Serve with the pâté, rocket and lemon wedges. Strawberry cake SERVES 8-10 TAKES 1HR 20MIN 175g butter, softened 175g golden caster sugar 2 medium eggs 175g ground almonds 175g self-raising flour 1tsp ground cinnamon 500g strawberries, hulled and halved Icing sugar, for dusting 1 Preheat the oven to…