Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2016 i Ideal Home

While I’d love to be sunning myself in the garden, I’m going into organisational overdrive preparing for what will – hopefully – be my last move in a good long timeÉ TRYING NOT TO PACK I’m on the verge of exchanging contracts, so am experiencing that conflict every soon-to-be-homeowner faces: to pack or not to pack? The super-organised forward planner in me (seriously, I’m already thinking about ChristmasÉ) just wants it done already, but the ultra-cautious inner voice is telling me not to tempt fate. Nothing to stop me preparing for battle, though: I’ve ordered a ton of plastic crates from plasticboxshop.co.uk – I was converted to these when stuff I had stored in cardboard boxes fell victim to damp, thanks to a leaking pipe under the floor. Plus, because…

‘We’ve always championed the belief that flowers are as exciting as fashion and interior design but are entirely more accessible’GARY WALLIS , CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, JANE PACKER Faux flowers used to be the kind of thing we’d covet in high-end homeware boutiques, then go and buy a £1 bunch of supermarket daffs instead. But now everyone can indulge in them, as new to your nearest big Sainsbury’s is the supermarket’s first designer faux-flower and fragrance collection. Created in collaboration with renowned florist studio, Jane Packer, the range features romantic peonies, hydrangea heads, garden roses and elegant orchids in a blush palette. The realistic-looking blooms reflect the distinctly elegant yet refreshingly modern signature-Jane-Packer style, but with the non-scary price tags you’d expect from Sainsbury’s. Created first with real flowers…

“Style-over your garden by swapping boring chairs for something a bit more fabulous…”LISA FAZZANI, SHOPPING EDITOR TRUE BLUE Made of artificial, weatherproof rattan Lounge chair in Royal Blue, £99, Out & Out Original PUT YOUR FEET UP Choose from a grey-painted or a natural oiled finish Seville chair with footstool, £135, Next CUTE CACTUS Give your patio a pop of colour with this bold choice, which also comes in coral Cactus chair, £59, Oliver Bonas NATURAL STYLE This chic, neutral option would look great in any scheme Islay lounging armchair, £250, John Lewis COOL HANGOUT Rock a Seventies boho vibe with this jute hanging chair Hetty swing chair, £165, Out There Interiors PASTEL PICK Comes in four colours, so you can mix and match for an eclectic, summery look Chair,…

HYDRANGEA & LIMED OAK Hydrangea wallpaper (background), £25 per roll; dessert plate, £6; tea towel, £12 for two; all Cath Kidston. Ceramic fork, £3.50, John Lewis. Chelsea 254789 cushion, £70, Sanderson. Latte cup, £25, Mud Australia SPEARMINT & SLATE UF1246 flooring, £31.99 per sq m, Quick-Step. Cushion cover made in 3526/721, £39.99 per m, Prestigious Textiles. Tamil Oak napkin, £32 for four, Woven Oak. Parisian Blue napkin, £7.50, The Linen Works. Cutlery, £100 for a 24-piece set, Denby. V3204/07 swatch, £64 per m, Villa Nova. Tumbler, £6, John Lewis. Dinner plate, £19.50; bowl, £10.50; both Ceramica Blue. 111316 wallpaper, £37 per roll, Scion COTTAGE ROSE Chelsea PR7430/2 fabric (background), £59 per m, Sanderson. Time to Nest pillowcase, £12, Bedeck. Cushion cover, £18, Cath Kidston. Print, from a selection, Arc Prints.…

IDEA Create a display of pretty charity-shop china in colours picked from your feature floral wallpaper IDEA Add a few contemporary designs like this – the prints might be trad, but the overall look is very modern IDEA Use curtain clips to hang a plain white flat sheet at the window to bring a breezy feel to a modern country scheme Tip Keep the look contemporary by choosing furniture with simple lines, then add a touch of glamour with hits of burnished gold FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN,TURN TO PAGE 40…

Yellow prints Bring a room to life with these sunny delights 1 Fruity number This fun, vintage-style, lemony print will look great in a kitchen Ailsa in Soft Lemon, £12 per roll, B&Q 2 Painterly florals Large dreamy blooms work well in a bedroom Watercolour Bloom in Ochre, £15 per roll, Next 3 Leafy look Give your hallway a subtle retro vibe Golden Leaf, £48.50 per roll, Layla Faye range, Wallpaperdirect 4 Blooming lovely Bring a fresh feel to a country-style scheme Spring Meadow in yellow, £28 per roll, Sussex Gardens collection, Albany range, Wallpaperdirect 5 Ditsy design This subtle print would work well in any space Lym in yellow, £9.99 per roll, Home of Colour range, Homebase ‘Use a bold yellow cushion to give your space personality’GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE…

Flat matt Use a matt emulsion on walls in a living room, dining room or bedroom, or for ceilings. The flat finish will help hide imperfections on the surfaces. It doesn’t wash well, but blends easily if you need to touch up an area with a new coat of paint. Eggshell Not as glossy as satin or silk, it’s suitable for giving woodwork, such as skirting boards and doors, a smart effect. It can also be used on walls for a durable, washable finish. Satin or silk Satin has a more glossy finish, while silk has a mid-sheen. Used on walls, these can withstand scrubbing, so they are well suited to kitchens and bathrooms, and high-traffic areas, such as hallways. Satinwood or gloss Both suitable for woodwork, satin has a…

DINING ROOM Faded florals Its gentle tones work well with muted décor Magnolia and Red tulip canvas print (30cm sq), King & McGaw Well handled Use to hold firewood or as a laundry hamper in a bedroom Kubu rattan barrel large log basket, Wovenhill Stow away Store crockery and linens out of sight Bourton painted Shaker cupboard (H183cm x W64cm x D46cm), The Cotswold Company Café chair Keep it simple with classic French style Cross-back chair, Alexander & Pearl Farmhouse feel Add authenticity with a rustic piece made from recycled fir Sologne table (H78cm x W200cm x D100cm), Maisons du Monde Board meeting Perfect for the weekly shopping list Wooden heart blackboard with chalk, Melody Maison Artisan buy Each of these hand-crafted ceramics is unique Wobbler cereal bowls, Loaf Go…

IDEAL Statement colour Add a hit of emerald green to biscuit-coloured upholstery Retro diamond cushion in green (43cm sq), Graduate Collection High sparkle A grand chandelier is the perfect finishing touch to a polished scheme Vienna antique-brass grand chandelier, Laura Ashley Faraway flower The exotic bloom inside this cloche won’t wilt Artificial orchid cloche (H30cm), Marks & Spencer Lush lounger Bring life to your scheme with a bright accent colour Velvet tub chair in emerald, Oliver Bonas All aflutter Choose illustrated artwork London wildlife unframed print (H42cm x W29cm), Hanna Melin range, Notonthehighstreet.com Simple elegance Keep key pieces classic and neutral Bluebell three-seater sofa in Shell brushed linen cotton (H75cm x W216cm x D107cm), Sofa.com GREAT DEAL Hint of pattern This simple shell design has understated style Patterned cushion cover…

KITCHEN-DINER Back in time Go retro and hang up this baby-blue kitchen clock Fifties blue metal wall clock (diameter 21cm), Dotcomgiftshop Pretty in pink The classic Mason Cash mixing bowl in a soft rose pink Bake My Day mixing bowl (diameter 24cm), Mason Cash range, Wilko Simple message Add a homely touch with this pretty hanging sign Glass hanging wall art, Ashley Thomas range, Debenhams Cool curves Show off this Fifties-style freestanding fridge-freezer FAB30RF fridge-freezer (H168cm x W60cm x D68cm), Smeg Pitcher perfect Just the thing for filling with drinks or displaying flowers Living Nostalgia 2.3ltr pitcher, Kitchen Craft range, Wayfair Rustic chic The perfect piece for a country look Dorchester Pine kitchen table (H77cm x W91cm x L152cm), The Cotswold Company Spot on With its wipe-clean finish, this is…

IDEAL Branch out This faux antler set is made from wood Tovenaar antlers, Design Studio V Low profile Introduce a rustic feel with organic pieces Mango wood coffee table, Out there Interiors Glass act Use to display single blooms Large recycled-glass bottle, Garden Trading Natural buy Add warmth to a wood floor Argentinian cowhide, Natures Collection range, Amara Check it out A classic print will never date Homing Rosi cushion cover in grey, Indes range, Wayfair Retro inspired Go for mid-century good looks Philo large sofa in Stirling Onyx (H94cm x W226cm x D95cm), Arlo & Jacob GREAT DEAL Clear winner A geat eco option Recycled-glass bottle vase, Dunelm Soft touch Enjoy a cosy feel underfoot Natural cowhide rug, Puji All square Stick to a monochrome palette for understated chic…

THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom, detached, converted barn in Essex. WHO LIVES HERE Anne and John Oates live here. WHAT THEY DID The couple transformed a former agricultural building that was kitted out for factory use into a family home. The asbestos roof was replaced and both ends of the structure were rebuilt in steelwork. Underfloor-heating, rainwater-harvesting and heat-recovery systems were also installed. WHAT IT COST The couple paid £300,000 for the barn and spent around £408,000 converting it into a family home. The property is now worth more than £1 million.…

Gourmet garlic Flavoured with sweet, subtle slow-cooked garlic, this mayo would be great in potato salad Garlic confit mayonnaise (250g), Brindisa Packs a punch Boasting a good balance of chilli and ginger, this dressing also makes a great marinade for pork or chicken, or a dip to go with grilled prawns Chilli & ginger dressing (240g), The Bay Tree Lighter option Good for all salads, particularly peppery leaves and tomatoes, this has the flavour of a classic French dressing but with less fat Mary Berry’s light salad dressing (265g), Waitrose…

Taking in a lodger has always been a sound second earner, but now homeowners are finding new, enterprising ways to make even more from what their property has to offer. TRY A HOUSE SWAP While your home may not seem like an exciting holiday location to you, it might be a dream destination for someone else. Be it a city apartment or a country bolt hole, your property could appeal to one of thousands of travellers that are registered on house-swapping websites, which allow you to swap with others all over the world. While you aren’t physically making money by charging guests to stay, you do receive free lodgings in return, dramatically cutting the cost of a holiday. Extras are often included as well, such as use of the owner’s…

• Start from the ground up by applying either a natural, specialised patio cleaner (if you have pets) or a diluted bleach or washing-up-liquid solution to your path, patio or decking. Scrub off dirt and moss using a hard-bristled brush or a pressure washer. • Wipe down furniture with a dry cloth to remove any cobwebs and loose dirt. Next, use a wet cloth (or scrubber on more stubborn marks) and a multipurpose cleaning solution to clean all the surfaces thoroughly. Finish with a slick of oil on wooden furniture – try teak oil (1ltr), £13.23, Ronseal range, B&Q – to protect it. • Clean out old pots and planters, and remove old soil and dead plants to make way for new ones. Fill a large bucket with a mixture…

1. VSCO app, free, iOS and Android ‘There’s nothing I love more than snapping scenes on my iPhone. Process even the most ordinary travel images through this app and it magically makes them look more professional, elegant and charismatic.’ 2. Louis Vuitton City Guides, free, iOS ‘This collection of guides is a must for reliable restaurant, hotel and shopping recommendations in 25 destinations, from Bangkok to Venice. Each location costs £7.99 as an in-app purchase.’ 3. No More Excess digital luggage scale, £6.99, Amazon.co.uk ‘It’s not super hi-tech but I love this easy-to-carry weighing gadget. Always knowing exactly how heavy your full suitcase is means you can avoid getting stung by extra airline costs at Departures.’ 4. UE BOOM 2 Bluetooth waterproof portable speaker, £110, Ultimate Ears ‘Whether…

Attachable to anything from a bike helmet to the dog, the Hero4 Silver is a small, simple and tough camera that’s the first GoPro to have a built-in screen. If you want to splash out on new tech this summer, I’d go for this best-in-class gadget FOOTAGE FILTER Whether your idea of catching the perfect wave means riding the surf or, in my case, being signalled to by a handsome chap on my bike ride home, you can press the camera’s HiLight button to ‘tag’ the moment in your footage, so you can find it easily when you’re editing PRO-WORTHY FILMS AND PHOTOS Yes, you can shoot Full HD at 60 frames per second like the pros, and you can also take up to 30 still photos per second. What’s…

ISP BT Router Home Hub 5 Web address http://bthomehub. home User name admin Password See card on router ISP EE Router Bright Box Web address http://192.168.1.1 User name admin Password See sticker on router ISP PLUSNET Router Hub One Web address http://192.168.1.254 User name admin Password See card on router ISP SKY Router Sky Hub Web address http://192.168.0.1 User name admin Password sky ISP TALKTALK Router Huawei Super Router Web address http://192.168.1.1 User name admin Password admin ISP VIRGIN MEDIA Router Hub 3.0 Web address http://192.168.0.1 User name n/a Password See sticker on router…

More than 520 years after the explorer Christopher Columbus set out to discover the New World, this cruise ship named after him – the Columbus – will join the CMV fleet to offer a range of highly enjoyable, great-value, no-flying voyages to a variety of fascinating destinations. BOOK ONE PLACE BEFORE 30 JUNE 2016 and the second passenger sharing a cabin travels absolutely FREE!* YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES Full-board accommodation Fascinating ports of call First-class entertainment on board the ship A wide range of on-board leisure facilities TO BOOK visit newmarket.travel/IDH or call 0330 160 7885 quoting code IDH TERMS AND CONDITIONS *Buy one, get one free when booked by midnight on 30 June 2016 and quoting promotional code 7H5MUB. This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at…

“This summer, set up a stylish area for garden gatherings – think casual alfresco suppers with friends to sunny family celebrations”MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR Upcycle an old tray for a summer drinks party by lining its base with a vintage map, wallpaper offcuts or pretty wrapping paper Vintage vibe Part of a full tableware range Lace-embossed side plates, £35 for four, Katie Alice range, Kaleidescope Eclectic mix Add coloured glasses Fleur de Lys glass, £8.50, Van Verre range, Amara Flexi time Inside or out, it’s a great drinks table Tray table, £125, Next Full bloom Faux florals won’t wilt or need watering Mauve hydrangea stem, £9, Bloom Safe haven Create a garden where wildlife can thrive Bug and bee house, £25, Laura Ashley Rustic finish Fill with plants or, better…

“Give your bedroom a tranquil feel with classic furniture and a muted palette of soothing shades. Use soft layers, wooden textures and gentle prints to add to the calming look”HOLLY CATFORD, ACTING STYLE & DECORATING ASSISTANT Heaven scent Available in a smaller size, too Scented candle in glass jar, H&M Prints charming Add subtle, elegant pattern in muted tones Evelyn cushion, Homebase Pretty posy A look that will last Faux white hydrangeas in vase, Jane Packer range, By Sainsbury’s To the touch Add a hint of vintage style with this ceramic buy White textured vase, BHS Basket case Great for storing odds and ends Basket, By Sainsbury’s In the frame Mix and match similar frames in different sizes for an effortless look Distressed mango wood photo frame, Soak&Sleep Handy storage…

‘I set about creating pieces that I love; designs that are elegant, useful, classic and minimal’ With her products sold in stores across the country, including John Lewis, Heal’s and Fortnum & Mason, and a thriving online business of her own, it’s rather surprising to hear that Fenella Smith started up her company a mere five years ago. From the start, when she began producing a range of mugs adorned with her brother’s adorable dog illustrations, Fenella’s products instantly tapped into the nation’s love for animals. She now produces a wide range of ceramics, kitchen textiles, cushions, giftwrap, stationery and even fabric by the metre. THE WOMAN BEHIND THE LOOK Growing up with two brothers, Fenella’s childhood was packed with adventure. ‘My parents were so laid back,’ she says. ‘They…

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…

HAVE FUN WITH PATTERN Feel free to mix up prints featuring different flower types, such as rose, hydrangea and hollyhocks – the more the merrier. Create continuity by sticking to florals that share the same colours, though: pick just three or four key shades. We used cornflower blue, hot pink, primrose yellow and sage green, but you could swap the blue for a lilac or the yellow for a lime green. PLAY WITH SCALE A whole room of small-scale florals can look twee, so combine large blousy prints with ditzy florals to keep the overall look contemporary. CHOOSE A FOCAL POINT Be selective about which elements in your room showcase flower prints – adding too many will create floral overkill. In a living room, choose either a feature wall or…

More contemporary than either jade or teal, invigorating mint is the perfect colour to give your living space a cool, refreshing vibe. Create an informal, effortless feel by mixing it with relaxed denim blue and slate grey, then bring the whole palette to life with pops of crisp white, chartreuse and zesty lime. Make it mellower for the winter season with accents of navy blue and soft purple The PALETTE PATTERN #1 Add subtle colour with this retro pattern Tocca 111316 wallpaper, £37 per roll, Scion THE PAINT Go for a cool, calm blue Spearmint Intelligent Matt Emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene PATTERN #2 This pretty motif is ideal for blinds or cushions Aymara Eucalyptus fabric, £64 per m, Villa Nova OUR STYLIST SAYS “Pale mint hues can…

THE COMPANY Founded in London in 1921 by Sidney Cassey, Blendworth started as a wholesale fabric business selling woven designs, damasks and tapestries. Nearly 100 years later, the company exports to more than 40 countries worldwide. It offers a wide selection of original designs with a quintessentially British feel, and has collaborated with the iconic Wedgwood brand on an exclusive collection of fabrics and wallpapers. THE NEW COLLECTION Drawing on the Romantic era of the 19th century for inspiration, Blendworth’s latest fabric collection, Mystical, features eight beautiful designs. In a lush palette of blues, purples, greens and pinks, it includes pretty printed blooms and brushstroke florals, together with classic plains and crackle-effect velvets. Prices range from £35 per m for printed cotton designs to £88 per m for more ornate,…

‘I bought the wooden cabinet at a flea market in Provence, which is where I find most of my furniture’ ‘I took away the door between the kitchen and dining room, so my friends can talk to me while I cook’ ‘I fitted the long shelf – it’s really important to me to use materials such as wood to feel close to nature’ ‘I was fortunate because the owners allowed me to change some aspects of the property to make it work for me’ When Isabelle Jolivet moved into her cottage in Brussels, Belgium, three years ago, she knew it would be a challenge to make a rented property feel like home. A jewellery designer and boutique owner, Isabelle filled the property with personal touches to make it her own…

‘Go for elegance this season with grassy tones and delicate garden-inspired prints’ GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR As we enjoy the summer months, thoughts inevitably turn to giving our homes a fresh overhaul for the new season. With its leaf-adorned fabrics, garden-inspired palette and simple style, the Timeless Country collection from Laura Ashley is the perfect way to give your home a vibrant summertime feel. Find enduring style Consisting of beautiful upholstery, curtains, furniture and accessories, Timeless Country is full of classic pieces with a modern twist. Whether you’re looking to invest in a statement buy, overhaul your entire scheme or simply add a few key accessories for a summery feel, the collection has plenty of stylish ways to revive your look and bring the outdoors in. Make it your own…

A key feature of Anne and John’s converted barn is its bespoke oak-clad staircase, which was inspired by one the couple saw while on holiday in Venice. Although primarily functional, staircases can be a design feature in their own right, whether straight, curved, spiral or cantilevered. Anne and John’s oak staircase makes a real statement in their open-plan barn. It consists of chunky timber slats and clear-glass balustrades supported between oak newel posts. Made from toughened glass, the side panels have been bolted into structural steelwork, and were supplied and fitted by a local company. The cost of fitting a new staircase in your home can vary wildly. It’s possible to buy stair kits for just a few hundred pounds, but a bespoke staircase made by a joiner can cost…

‘Our junk room became a stylish sunroom’ When interior designer Egon Walesch (above) and architect Richard Goodwin bought their Edwardian terrace house in Blackheath, south-east London, it still had the original lean-to at the back, which they mainly used for storage. The kitchen and dining room had already been knocked through, but the couple wanted somewhere they could relax and enjoy views of the garden, while still having storage space. They collaborated with architects and furniture designers SASA Works to create a unique timber-framed sunroom, which echoes the bay window, with asymmetrical windows and a glazed door that opens onto the patio. Built-in cabinets were added under the windows to provide storage and extra seating. ‘We spend a lot of time in the sunroom,’ says Egon. ‘It connects us with…

WHAT IT COST Bath and mixer tap.......................£558 Shower.............................................£1,167 Loo.....................................................£189 Vanity unit, basin and taps.........£300 Tiles..................................................£800 Wood cladding.................................£80 Towel rail.........................................£269 Blind.................................................£200 TOTAL.........................£3,563 Caroline Borgman wanted a pretty vintage look and a practical design for her bathroom, but budget was a bit of an issue. ‘When we bought the cottage in Oxfordshire in 2007, my husband Anthony and I decided to refurbish throughout,’ she explains. ‘We wanted to save money to buy furniture and decorate a nursery ready for our first baby, so to keep the costs down, Anthony did much of the work.’ The inspiration for Caroline’s scheme was a French-style vanity unit. ‘I wanted a freestanding cabinet to house the basin and provide storage,’ she says. ‘After weeks of scouring vintage shops and looking online, I eventually found just what…

Pea, bean, walnut & miso salad SERVES 4 TAKES 20MIN PLUS COOLING TIME FOR THE DRESSING • 4tbsp brown rice miso paste • 3tbsp dry sherry or sake • 4tbsp mirin rice wine • 1tbsp dark brown soft sugar FOR THE SALAD • 250g runner beans, sliced • 250g peas • 60g walnuts, roughly chopped • 1tsp rice vinegar • 60g pea shoots 1 To make the dressing, put the miso, sherry or sake, rice wine and sugar in a pan and whisk together. Simmer on a low heat for 7-10min, until it is syrupy and reduced by about half. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. 2 Meanwhile, add the runner beans to a pan of boiling salted water and cook for 2min. Add the peas and cook…

DO make sure your home and contents insurance is up to date. Keep your insurers informed of your plans. DON’T leave precious or valuable items on display. Lock them away in a cupboard or safe. DO follow your instincts. If you don’t get a good feeling about someone, then don’t let them stay in your home. DON’T be afraid to check out a guest’s identity online. Airbnb and HomeLink encourage hosts to look at profiles on sites such as Facebook. DO your financial homework. There may be tax implications if you’re making a steady income from your home.…

‘Like pizza, Prosecco and Pavarotti before it, Steel Cucine is another Italian import I expect to do well over here. The company specialises in range cookers, each one custom-built to order in its small-but-perfectly-formed factory in Bologna. I love that the models can be tailored to suit your style of cooking – want to add a combi steam oven or deep fryer? No problemo!’ FIND OUT MORE AT GIRLABOUTTECH.COM “HELLO! I’m Amy Cutmore, Technology Editor… but you can call me Girl About Tech. It’s been pasta and risotto all the way this month, as I’ve been in Italy seeing how Steel Cucine makes its cookers and spotting appliance trends at the EuroCucina show – see all the news on my blog, girlabouttech.com” ON GIRLABOUTTECH.COM  RIGHT NOW FIVE BEST……

LIGHT READING Kindle Paperwhite, £110, Amazon.co.uk GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Ready to chill? This Kindle lets you access more than four million books, lasts up to six weeks on one charge and is easy to read in bright sunlight or under the covers’ BETTER PHOTOS 4-in-1 lens, £69.99, Olloclip GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Clip this onto your phone for awesome shots – snap selfies and landscapes with the Fisheye and Wide-Angle lenses, and use the Macro ones for crisp close-ups’ BACK-UP BATTERY Micro Stripe battery bank, £49.99, Kate Spade range, John Lewis GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Whether you’re hiking in Asia or camping down the road, your phone’s battery life will become an obsession. Keep it topped up with this pretty power bank’ SUN SAVVY Netatmo June, £118,…

EASY EDITING Bandit, £299, TomTom GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Link the Bandit to your smartphone via Wi-Fi, open the app, shake the phone and an edited version of your video footage will appear like magic’ 360° VIEW KeyMission 360, £TBA, Nikon GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Love virtual reality? Shoot your own Ultra HD 360° footage with this great 4K camera, which can “swim” as deep as 30m without a case – perfect for under-the-sea scenes’ NO GREAT SHAKES HDR-AS30V Action Cam camcorder, £150, Sony GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Strap this great-value gadget to your handlebars or even a drone, and image stabilisation will keep the Full-HD footage smooth when the going gets rough’ LOW-COST CAM SJCAM 4000, £50.99, Amazon.co.uk GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Waterproof to 30m, it shoots…

1 DECIDE ON YOUR LAYOUT American-style fridge-freezers come in two main styles. The traditional side-by-side has a tall fridge on one side and freezer on the other, so you won’t always have to stoop to grab frozen food, while multi-door models have a wide fridge on top (handy for platters) and freezer doors or drawers below. There are twists on these layouts, such as a door-in-door option that gives quick access to your most-used items, like milk, without letting too much cold air out. 2 FOCUS ON STORAGE They’re known for their generous capacities, but American-style models vary in the ratio of fridge to freezer. So if you like to make most of your meals from scratch with fresh ingredients, go for a big fridge, but if you prefer to…

As our long-awaited summer gets going and we ready ourselves for a spot of alfresco living, creating a beautiful outdoor space is more important than ever. Luckily, Cox & Cox has a rich offering this season to help you transform even the smallest garden or patio into the ideal spot for relaxing and entertaining. The company’s new collection features a wide range of furniture and accessories, ranging from modern to traditional – there are even a few industrial pieces, too. From hanging woven chairs, rustic planters and outdoor rugs to bistro sets and rocking benches, there’s an array of products to help you enjoy your garden. The highlight of Cox & Cox’s outdoor offering is the Porto collection. Inspired by Mediterranean summers, it combines classic and durable materials for use…

Cottage-garden pinks are perfect for growing in borders and containers, and also make great cut-flower displays. As well as a pair of gardening snips, this collection comes with two each of the following varieties: 1 Dianthus ‘Cranmere Pool’ 2 Dianthus ‘Doris’ 3 Dianthus ‘Gran’s Favourite’ 4 Dianthus ‘Letitia Wyatt’ 5 Dianthus ‘Cosmic Swirl’ All have a height and spread of 20cm, and are supplied as plug plants. AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OTHER GREAT OFFERS… GARDENIA ‘KLEIMS HARDY’ The first of its kind to grow outdoors all year round, this pretty, compact shrub has glossy leaves and is ideal for sheltered borders and containers. Height and spread: 90cm. Supplied as a 9cm potted plant. BUY ONE FOR £9.99; BUY TWO FOR £19.98 AND GET ONE FREE DIANTHUS ‘YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW’…

BECOME A ROLE MODEL What’s involved? Mentoring and befriending schemes help those lacking opportunities or going through difficult patches to achieve their goals, whether it’s finding work, doing better at school or just staying on the straight and narrow. How do I sign up? Contact the National Council for Voluntary Organisations for a local volunteer centre (ncvo.org.uk) or try its Mentoring and Befriending project (mandbf.org). You can also find opportunities via Do-It (do-it.org). KEEP A LIBRARY ALIVE What’s involved? Libraries are increasingly relying on volunteers to keep them going – the upside is that they’re run for the community, by the community, and there are plenty of ways to get involved. As well as lending books, many libraries now also offer IT skills workshops, reading groups and coffee mornings, too.…

“With Rio 2016 on the horizon, all things tropical are trending. It’s not just fiesta brights, though – we love this upscale botanical look”HOLLY CATFORD, ACTING STYLE & DECORATING ASSISTANT In the shade Lightweight and simple to hang Large bamboo pendant, £40, Habitat Jungle fever Bring a touch of the outside in with this vibrant cushion Jangala embroidered cushion, £28, Made.com Go gold Glam it up with gilded accessories Gold parrot hook, £2, Primark Folding find A bamboo chair fit for a rainforest look Mandisa folding chair, £105, Lene Bjerre range, Houseology Find forest friends Distressed green sideboard, £130; ornamental parrot, £12.99; pineapple pot, £5.99; all HomeSense Forest floor Get a lush feel with a palm-print rug in your conservatory or garden room Manila green rug (140cm x 200cm), £409,…

“Designers are using this confetti-effect surface to bring colour to everyday homeware”MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR THE STORY SO FAR Often used as flooring, terrazzo is a budget-friendly alternative to marble and can be found adorning many a train station and shopping-centre floor. It’s created using offcuts of natural elements, such as marble, stone or glass, which are set into concrete that is then sanded and polished to create its shiny, fragmented effect. Previously a feature of the Eighties’ recently revived Memphis Movement, terrazzo’s flecked finish is now used by designers to fall in with the current trend for coloured stone. WHERE WE’VE SEEN IT By using a blend of recycled materials, the terrazzo finish is being mimicked to create colourful and highly durable surfaces – Smile Plastics reuses items such…

GET TO KNOW HER SIGNATURE STYLE When asked what her main source of inspiration is, Fenella doesn’t hesitate: ‘Colour, colour, colour!’ she says. ‘My home is very minimalist with pops of bright accents. We have a big library area where we’ve colour-coded all the books, with all the yellows grouped together, the pinks together and so on.’ Fenella’s home is full of pieces that have a story attached to them. ‘I love things that have a personal element,’ she says. ‘I had a picture of a dandelion that my husband, Simon, had drawn digitally printed onto fabric, which was made into curtains for our breakfast room. We don’t have a lot of clutter in our house, but what we do have usually has history or a story attached to it.…

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 35 KITCHEN/ DINER DECORATION AND FURNITURE Hydrangea wallpaper, £25 per roll, Cath Kidston. For similar flooring, try the Nougat oak oiled planks IMP1626S, £67.99 per sq m, Imperio collection, Quick-Step. Pinner dining table, £975; Pinner dining chair (against the wall), £395 for two; all Heal’s. For similar dining chairs, try the Alabama white, £99.99 for four, Dunelm. Chichester 4ft open-rack dresser in Snow, £1,775, Neptune. For a similar rustic mug rack, try a selection, eBay. ON/NEAR DINING TABLE Dinner plates, £35 each; salad plates; flared bowls; all £25 each; all Mud Australia. Monsoon Kyoto cream salad plates, £9.50 each, Denby. For a similar left-hand vase, try the elegant recycled, £30; glazed jug, £12.50; both Cox & Cox. Glass vase in Blush, £69, Out There Interiors. Moroccan glasses, £6 each,…

‘Choosing a confident yellow colour scheme is guaranteed to brighten up both your home and your mood’GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR Fall for sunshine yellow WHY WE LOVE IT No colour embodies summer more than bright, cheerful yellow. From pale lemon hues to richer shades of buttercup and mustard, it instantly puts you in a good mood, lifts the look of any space and fills a room with a soft, inviting glow. WHERE TO USE IT Yellow is a versatile shade and the right print will sit happily in a kitchen, bedroom, living room or home office. Floral motifs are the perfect fit for bedrooms and living spaces, while graphic prints work brilliantly in kids’ rooms and smart stripes suit a home office. It’s also the ideal colour for brightening up…

When you can’t be faffed with redecorating, but you’re tired of your room scheme – or maybe it just needs a little something to give it character – then open up that cupboard where all the half-finished pots of paint are kept. With a little imagination and not much time at all (especially if you get a friend on board), you could add a little colour and a lot of style to a space. Take a look at which architectural features you could highlight or areas that lack visual structure or simply need a standout focal point. Plan it carefully before you break out the brushes, though, and go easy on the number of colours you use – too many will be hard on the eye. A good general rule…

THE PROPERTY A one-bedroom cottage with a separate workshop in Brussels, Belgium, rented since March 2013. WHO LIVES HERE Isabelle Jolivet and her partner, Christian Toro, live here. Isabelle is a jewellery designer and owns a boutique called Nina Bohême, and Christian is an antiques dealer. THE LOOK Elegant country, with one-off pieces of furniture, open shelving and informal galleries of paintings set against a soothing backdrop of soft, natural tones. LESSONS LEARNED “It’s definitely possible to bring personality to a rented property, even if you can’t repaint or hang pictures on the walls. Propping up artwork and creating displays on shelves are easy ways to add interest to a room.”…

BOUGHT FOR £725,000 SPENT £23,000 NOW WORTH £975,000 THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, semi-detached, Victorian house in Bramhall, Cheshire, bought in July 2006. WHAT IT COST Building work.............................£1,500 Kitchen.......................................£11,000 Bathroom...................................£8,000 Flooring......................................£2,000 Decorating....................................£500 TOTAL.....................£23,000 WHO LIVES HERE Caroline and Ian Firth live here with their children, Sam, 14, and Erin, nine. Caroline is an interior designer and Ian is a musician and music teacher. THE LOOK Colourful and eclectic, with period features and informal furnishings, as well as a mix of classic, retro and high-street buys. LESSONS LEARNED “Tackle your garden early on – we left it until last in our previous home and it took ages to mature. This time I made it a priority and we’ve been able to enjoy it so much more.”…

BOUGHT FOR £143,000 SPENT £11,000 NOW WORTH £500,000 THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, Victorian, mid-terraced house in East London, bought in August 2000. WHAT IT COST Windows....................................£3,000 Flooring.......................................£1,000 Decorating.................................£3,000 Furniture.....................................£4,000 TOTAL......................£11,000 WHO LIVES HERE Pauline and Robert Fox live here with their daughter, Emily, 21, and son, Tom, 18. Pauline runs a homeware business and Robert is a football coach. THE LOOK Traditional country, with a gentle pastel-coloured palette, pretty floral fabrics and upcycled second-hand furniture. LESSONS LEARNED “We added UPVC windows at the front of the house, but I wish I’d bought wooden sashes to match the originals, as they are much more attractive.”…

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…

Need help choosing? Check out these top five names... ADT 0800 144 4499; adt.co.uk Offers monitored systems with Keyholder Response (when the alarm is activated, you and your keyholders are notified). Its latest product is the Smart Home, with Keyholder Response at £199 including installation, plus a £29.99 monthly charge, which includes a twice-yearly check. CHUBB 0800 321666; chubb.co.uk Has basic ‘bells only’ packages, as well as SmartResponse fully monitored systems that notify a keyholder. Contact the sales team for prices. HONEYWELL 0844 800 0235; security.honeywell.com Security systems include the pet-tolerant and easy-to-install ADE Logic Six proximity kit, £85.82, and Le Sucre complete wireless self-monitoring safety kit, which allows remote viewing from a smartphone if an alarm is activated, £312; both…

To-do list for JULY EAT Lurpak’s Spreadable Infusions in wraps, pittas and flatbreads. Choose from Chilli & Lime, Smoked Chipotle or Sea Salt & Pink Peppercorn, £1.25 for 115g packet, from all major supermarkets. DRINK Aldi’s award-winning wines, which are available online by the case. Try the Prosecco Superiore DOCG for a summer party, £44.94 for six bottles (75cl each), Aldi. TREAT yourself to a day out at a Foodies Festival, where you can enjoy cookery demos, a food-producers’ market, a vintage tea tent and lots more. They take place across the UK all summer – find venue details and buy tickets at foodiesfestival.com. Try a new taste... KIMCHI This Korean dish of fermented cabbage is incredibly good for digestion. Lactobacillus bacteria created during the fermentation process turns sugars in…

TO DO THIS MONTH... • WATER YOUR PLANTS REGULARLY – daily for containers and a thorough soaking once or twice a week for the rest of the garden. Rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas also need sufficient water now to produce flowers next spring. • SOW BIENNIALS , such as foxgloves, sweet william, wallflowers, honesty and forget-me-nots, to plant in autumn for a stunning show next spring. Sow into seed trays or a dedicated seedbed, then divide seedlings when large enough to handle. • TAKE CUTTINGS from tender plants, herbaceous perennials and shrubs – look for fresh, firm shoots and snip off with secateurs, then push into damp compost. • DEADHEAD FLOWERS to prevent the plant from setting seed, as well as to encourage further blooms. • START HARVESTING fruit and veg…

FURNITURE WASH Revive wood or plastic with this dilutable natural solution Garden-furniture cleaner (1ltr), £15, Roullier White GRILL SCOURER Banish all burnt-on evidence of your last cookout Grill scrubber, £2.86, Scotch-Brite range, 3M Direct HEAVY-DUTY BRUSH Wire bristles will loosen any weeds and algae on decking Wooden decking brush, £10, Dobbies BARBECUE CLEANER A specialist spray for getting your barbecue back to its best Stainless-steel cleaner (500ml), £6.99, Weber PRESSURE WASHER This powerful cleaner comes with a must-have patio kit PowerWash 2,500W complete pressure washer, £220, Vax CLEANING SOLUTION Dilute with water to disinfect dirty plant pots Original thick bleach (750ml), 60p, Morrisons PATIO CLEANER Douse your deck or patio with this hard-working solution Patio Magic cleaner (2.5ltr), £9.76, Brintons range, B&Q PLANT TRIMMER Take the effort out of pruning…

You’ve been dreaming of (and saving for) this moment all year, but before you and the family head out on your big summer adventure, you’d be wise to use a tech trick or two to make sure your trip goes smoothly. SCOPE OUT YOUR SURROUNDINGS Don’t travel without looking up your hotel/villa/campsite on Google Street View first. This gives a 360° view, so you can get your bearings and plot a route to the nearest shops, the beach and so on. And if you’re going abroad, download a map of the area to your phone while you’re still in the UK then you won’t run up a huge data bill or be caught out by a lack of internet access. PACK LIKE A PRO Use a packing app, and never…

MAPS.ME Free for iOS and Android Covering everything from big cities to tiny tropical islands, this app’s detailed free maps can be downloaded so you can view them offline throughout your trip. JET LAG ROOSTER Free for iOS and Android Does jet lag leave you needing a holiday after your holiday? Combat that tired, groggy feeling with this calculator – it will give you a sleeping plan to help you get back to normal ASAP. PACKPOINT Free for iOS and Android Tell this app where you’re going and what activities you have planned, and it will suggest a list of items to pack. It pulls in local weather reports, too, so you won’t be caught out in a storm. GOOGLE TRANSLATE Free for iOS and Android Ditch the phrasebooks –…

Choose the right spot to place your router Try to put your router in the middle of the house where it will cover the most ground, connected to the master socket where the phone line enters the building. And whatever you do… • NEVER put a router on the floor. It’s far happier when it’s located high up and away from your microwave, baby monitor or cordless phone, which can all mess with its signal. • MAKE sure that it’s standing the way it’s supposed to – so never lay a vertical router on its side. • KEEP it away from thick walls and metal objects, like radiators and TVs. • AVOID putting it near reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, as Wi-Fi signals can bounce off them. Leave it on…

Best for EASY ACCESS GMJ916NSHV multi-door fridge-freezer, £1,999, LG GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘LG’s door-in-door design makes it easy to grab essentials, such as drinks, condiments or the kids’ yoghurts, without having to open the main fridge door, which saves energy. There are also dedicated storage zones for vegetables, meat and fish.’ Best for FLEXIBILITY FQ960PB multi-door fridge-freezer, £2,399, Smeg GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘The MultiZone compartment switches from freezer to fridge at the push of a button, so there’s no need to panic if you’re entertaining and require more space for canapés and wine. This model comes in black, cream and pastel blue, so it’s a good option for a more traditional style of room.’ Best for CONTROL KAD92AI30 Serie 8 side-by-side fridge-freezer, £1,750, Bosch GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS…

A Absolute Tile Solutions 020 8304 2461; absolutetile. co.uk AKG 01707 278113; uk.akg.com Akin & Suri 020 7286 5100; handmade interiorsshop.co.uk AK Timms 01993 824172; aktimms.co.uk Aldi aldi.co.uk Alexander & Pearl 020 8508 0411; alexanderandpearl.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Amazon.co.uk amazon.co.uk Amode 020 3397 7323; amode.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 713089; anniesloan.com Aram 020 7557 7557; aram.co.uk Arc Prints 020 7720 1628; arcprints.com Arlo & Jacob 0333 122 1537; arloandjacob.com Art.co.uk 020 8435 6556; art.co.uk Ashbee & Wood 01737 772100; ashbeeandwoodappliances.co.uk Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644; atlantic shopping.co.uk B Baker Lifestyle 01202 266700; gpandjbaker.com B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 355 9046; barkerand stonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Vanity Company (The) 01932 355332; bathroomvanitycompany.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323; bathstore.com Bay Tree (The) 01963 828020; thebaytree.co.uk Bedeck 0845 603 0861; bedeckhome.com Belinda Davies 07941 459371; belindadavieseiderdowns.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756; benjamin moorepaint.co.uk Betsy Blair Home betsyblairhome.co.uk BHS 0344 411 6000; bhs.co.uk BibiDu Architectural 07967 621304; bibidu.co.uk Black Swan…