Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2016 i Style At Home

I feel very lucky to have the job that I do. It means I get to see all the latest interior trends and decorating ideas before they hit the shops, which is especially helpful right now as I’ve just bought a new home. The trouble I have, like all of us, is that I don’t have time to tackle the list of tasks I need to finish (or start!). So I always feel thankful when May rolls around, as it brings two sets of bank holidays – the perfect time for giving your home a refresh. And to help you along the way, we’ve packed in 40 fast fixes you can achieve in a long weekend (p54), quick perk-ups for your kitchen (p104), bathroom revamps for less than £130 (p96)…

#askSAH QI have lots of old jam jars and milk bottles that I’ve collected over the years, but I’m not sure what to do with them. Do you have any creative ideas? EMMA LEWIS, VIA TWITTER Firstly, jam jars are great as storage pots for every room, but they also make fabulous vases for stem flowers. Or if you’re a beginner who wants to try their hand at crafting, have a go at making these cute yarn-wrapped bottles. It’s a unique way to display flowers. Head to our blog, cushienumber.co.uk, to find all the instructions you’ll need. Got a burning styling question? Tweet it to our editor Lizzie @styleathomemag – she’s on hand with all the answers! This month… Like us on Facebook and share your style tips, makeovers and…

ABOUT ME I’m Jo Caulfield, 46, editor of community magazine, Mumbles Times (sa3mumbles.com). I live with my husband Peter, 46, a civil engineer, our children Lily, 14, and Tom, 12, plus our dog Nessa. MY HOME A five-bedroom 1920s house in Mumbles, Swansea, where we’ve lived for 12 years. WHEN I BOUGHT IT Absolutely everything needed work, and getting rid of the ugly orange and beige carpets was the first step. We also needed to replace the kitchen and bathroom and install a new boiler, before completely redecorating. AND NOW With a loft conversion and side extension, we’ve got a bedroom for everyone, an office for me and a spare bedroom with sea views. We’ve also added a conservatory, which opens out to the garden where there's a sunny spot…

COLOUR BURST Spruce up the exterior of your bath with a bold paint that coordinates well with your scheme. Try Tubby UK for a range of bath surfacing kits, available in 48 different colours, starting from just £53. TEST RUN Visit bathroom showrooms and try sitting in the bathtubs to get a feel for them and check that the length and depth is right for you. Be sure to choose one that you can relax and stretch out in comfortably. SIZE MATTERS When deciding on your new bath, remember that freestanding designs generally require more room than standard ones. Take this into account when calculating the space you need and whether your boiler is able to produce enough hot water to fill it sufficiently.…

Make sure your yummy kitchen creations are showcased in style by treating yourself to a new cake stand. Whether you’re after something on a budget for a one-off creation or a stand that will play host to numerous bakes, we’ve scoured the high street and online to find 10 pretty designs, all for £40 or less. Let’s bake!…

Display old family photos and treasured letters on this beautiful memo board, which is perfect for a bedroom, hallway or home office. We’ve chosen a muted floral fabric for our project, but it’s easy to swap it for any design of your choice to really make it your own. Check out your local charity shops or car-boot sale to pick up a vintage style frame like this one, or try Dunelm or Wilko for something similar. HOWTO TAKES 1HR COST £18.05 Large picture frame Cutting mat & scalpel Pencil & scissors White foam board, £3 for A2 size, Hobbycraft 1/2m of Rose Garden in Mineral fabric, £14 per m, Studio G Duct tape & staple gun 3m of 13mm cream ribbon, £1.05 for 6m, Hobbycraft White drawing pins 1 Remove…

ADD PRINTS Make a bold statement like Angela has with a dramatic floral feature wall. Hang Laura Ashley’s stylish Oriental Garden wallpaper, £44 per roll. TIME FOR A CUPPA Put on a traditional vintage tea party when guests pop over and accessorise with one of the cute cake stands from Bettimay. We recommend the May blue design, £40. NIGHT NIGHT Create a classic country look that’s similar to Angela’s, with wrought-iron bed frames in a light ivory. Feather & Black has a good choice, from £125. FRESHEN UP Revive tired dining chairs by giving them a new lease of life with a coat of paint. We love the pretty pastel colours that Angela has used. Try Bongo Jazz eggshell, £20.69 per 2.5ltr, Dulux, for a similar shade. STYLISH SETTING A…

START TO UNDERSTAND YOUR OWN STYLE, THEN USE INSTAGRAM AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA FORUMS TO BUILD UP A BRAND BASED ON THIS LOOK Do you often find yourself sitting at work daydreaming about planning an office redesign rather than tackling the task at hand? Or have your family and friends admired your interior design skills in your own home? Then it might be time to think about turning your passion into a business or side income. Here we provide our advice to make your obsession a reality. Become a blogger Blogs provide a great platform for building an audience and future client list. It takes time and effort to create a really great blog, but it will help open up relationships with PRs and media, which can eventually lead to…

The six lucky women whose homes we've featured in this issue are all members of our Stylists at Home club, and you could be part of it, too. Love Style at Home magazine? Got lots of styling ideas to share with other readers? Dream of having your home featured? Want to help create fantastic features? If you answered yes, then we want to hear from you! So sign up now and help us to make Style at Home the best magazine ever. It's totally free to join and you'll receive our fortnightly newsletter, bonus offers and other special treats. All you need to do is email your interest to the below address and we'll get straight back to you. stylistsathome@timeinc.com…

Tiling a wall is a job that anyone can do successfully, even if it’s something that’s totally new to you. And the selection of tiles on offer nowadays is so versatile that you can make your home both stylish and practical, be it modern, traditional or industrial chic. There are a few skills you’ll need to master along the way, but with the right preparation, tools and information to hand, you’ll be able to tackle each job competently. And just think about that huge sense of achievement when you step back to admire your own handy work. You will learn What tools you'll need and how to prepare your walls Different types of tile styles How to tile, including cutting tiles and finishing off How to paint your tiles Ways…

TOPPS TILES A great choice of tiles in a range of styles and prices – look online or at one of its 330-plus stores nationwide. It offers room images for inspiration, how-to videos and advice, and a choice of delivery options. 0800 783 6262, toppstiles.co.uk TILE MOUNTAIN Browse a huge selection with up to 40 per cent off high-street prices. It also has a free cut tile sample service and an online visualiser. Many of its tiles are stocked in UK warehouses and can be delivered in 24 hours. 01782 223822, tilemountain.co.uk WALLS & FLOORS Jam-packed with over 6,000 tiles in many styles and colours. On the site are some wonderful images showing tiles that have been used in unexpected rooms to inspire you. Free delivery on orders over £99.…

DRESS IT UP If your tiles are flat and secure, but not quite to your colour taste, why not paint them for a brand-new look? There are lots of tile paints available at well-known DIY stores, but the basic steps remain the same. EASY AS 1, 2, 3… Give the tired tiles and grout a thorough clean before you begin, or otherwise the paint won’t adhere properly. Next, run masking tape along any surface that meets the tile, and the wall above if it’s a splashback, for neat lines. After this, follow the instructions on the paint tin. TIDY THE EDGES If any paint leaks onto the grout, neaten it up with a pen for the perfect finish. Try Ronseal’s one-coat grout pen, £6.49, Homebase.…

Q Anys tips on cleaning my new tiles? This depends on the material you’ve chosen. Porcelain is renowned for its strength and durability, so is easy to maintain, however, polished porcelain will need treating with a specialist protector to preserve its shine. While this type of tile is relatively low maintenance, it’s advisable to clean it with a tile and stone cleaner occasionally. Natural stone, like limestone, travertine or marble, needs a little more TLC. While these materials are hardy, looking after your tiles will help them last for longer. Use a specialist protector to stop it absorbing any oil or moisture, and a stone cleaner to help preserve its natural characteristics. Q What about tips on grouting? Work in a methodical way across your surface using a grout float…

NAUTICAL NAPKIN HOLDERS Find a new use for wooden curtain rings TAKES 1HR COST £6.50 White wood curtain rings Red and blue ready-mixed paints, £1 per tube, Hobbycraft Fine paintbrush Black rub-on letters, £1.50, eBay Rust-Oleum clear sealer, £4 for 125ml, B&Q 1 Hold each curtain ring by its metal loop and use a fine paintbrush to paint the coloured sections to mimic a life-saving ring. Repeat on each and leave to dry. Apply a second coat of paint for a stronger colour and leave to dry thoroughly. 2 Use the transfer letters to write your chosen names on each ring and brush a layer of clear sealer over the whole ring. Remove the small metal ring if desired. COASTAL SIDE TABLE Add beach style to an unloved piece TAKES…

TASTE OF METAL Dig the distressed look. Mercury vase, from £35, House of Fraser HIGH GLASS Look up to luxury. Fiji ceiling light, £55, Bhs SWEET SCENT Introduce natural beauty. Orchid in ceramic pot, £14.99, Dobbies PRETTY BUY Store jewellery in style. Glass floral print trinket box, £10, Next SUNNY ASPECT Bring me sunshine. Atlantic Blankets yellow zigzag throw, from £40, Notonthehighstreet.com WARM GLOW Cast a twinkling light. Jewel Drop table lamp, £8.99, The Range BIG COVER UP Jewel Pearl wallpaper by Julien Macdonald, £20 per roll, Graham & Brown TICK TOCK Keep an eye on the time. Square mantel clock, £15.95, Melody Maison SOFT TOUCH Fall asleep among the flowers. Ted Baker Tile floral cushion, £25, John Lewis…

Crisp whites and inky blues combine to create a timeless scheme inspired by the sights and sounds of Morocco. This look is perfect for the summer months ahead. Soft linens with attractive stitching and knitted textured throws all complement display accessories for a beautifully tranquil scheme that will have you dreaming of lazing on hot exotic shores. Get the look Prices in the new Sainsbury’s range start from only £8, and these great-value items include bedding, cushions and accessories. Stylists at Home REBECCA SAYS You could take these deep blue accessories outdoors in summer to style your next BBQ. Pair them with twinkly Moroccan lanterns or string some lights to create a magical evening retreat.’ MAKE IT YOURS How you can recreate Moroccan style at home BE INSPIRED…

LOOKING GLASS Admire your reflection. Chrome round vanity mirror, £25, Next TRUE BLUE Light the way. Pomax Cordoue tealight holder in turquoise, £6, Amara PAMPER PRODUCT Make bathing a spiritual experience. Happy Buddha shower foam, £8.50, Rituals OFF THE WALL Get a natural look. Stone Random Linear Strip mosaic tiles, £23.95 per sheet, Walls and Floors BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Be bold with prints. Vegetal pattern blind, from £102 including measuring and fitting, Hillarys SMART STORAGE Stash your shampoo. Gecko quick lock suction shower basket, £34.50, Roman at Home SOFT TOUCH Pick towels that pack a punch. Teal 100% Egyptian cotton towels, from £1.99, Dunelm SMOOTH STYLE Opt for sleek fittings. Yang Mono wash basin mixer tap, £31.16, Bathroom Takeaway LAUNDRY STORE Keep clothes clutter at bay. Collapsible laundry hamper, £10,…

From vivid aqua furniture to rainforest-inspired details – use this bright selection of affordable accessories to create a tropical vibe in your bathroom. You'll feel like you're bathing in the middle of the Amazon! Stylists at Home REBECCA SAYS ‘Tropical prints are a big trend right now. Bring touches of it into your home with exotic leaf cushions, or by framing an offcut of rainforest-style wallpaper.’…

GIANT COUSCOUS CHICKEN TAKES 30MINS SERVES 4 Preheat oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Cut a slit in 4 chicken breasts, open out and flatten and put in a roasting tin. Coat with the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1tbsp chopped mint and 1tbsp of olive oil. Season and add 1 chopped red pepper and 1 chopped onion to the roasting tin and cook for 15 mins. Add 250g cherry tomatoes and roast for a further 5 mins. Boil 125g giant couscous for 6-8 mins, drain then season. Add a slug of olive oil and zest and juice of 1/2 lime. Stir the roasted onions, peppers and tomatoes into the couscous then add 100g spinach leaves to wilt. EASY ‘PAVLOVAS’ TAKES 10 MINS SERVES 4 4 meringue nests 4 scoops frozen…

Get ready for the summer months Now is the perfect time to spruce up the garden and exterior of your home CLEAR THE GUTTERS Remove all the leaves and debris that tend to build up in your gutters over the autumn and winter seasons. If your downpipes or gutters are a bit wobbly, reattach them securely. CLEAN PATIOS AND PATHS It’s easy to freshen up your decking, patios, paths and garden furniture by removing algae, moss and dirt with a pressure washer. Add a specialist detergent for really grubby areas. CHECK EXTERIOR PAINTWORK A good wash with warm soapy water and a mild detergent will immediately make your exterior paintwork look better. Now is the time to make repairs to any flaking surfaces – rub them down and repaint to…

FIND A FRIEND If possible, get someone to assemble it with you. It’s safer lifting items with two people and also you won’t struggle balancing pieces as you try to screw them together. BE ORGANISED Carry the unopened boxes into the room the furniture is for and build in situ – it’s much easier to transport several smaller boxes than the item of furniture once it’s assembled. Before you start, read the instructions, identify each part and put them in order, then separate the screws into individual piles. Make sure you have all the tools you need close to hand. THINK AHEAD If building a wardrobe or kitchen units, assemble the carcass then move it into place or nearby before fitting doors or drawers that will add extra weight. Replace…

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A Amara amara.com Annie Sloan anniesloan.com At Home in the Country 01484 865359, athomeinthecountry.co.uk At No 67 Concept Store 07518 575580, atnumber67.co.uk B Baked Tiles 02920 358409, bakedtiles.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200, bathroomtakeaway.co.uk BC Designs bcdesigns.co.uk Bed Monkey bedmonkey.com Bettimay bettimay.co.uk Black By Design 01889 502716, black-by-design.co.uk Bloomsbury Store 01225 461049, bloomsburystore.com Bombay Duck bombayduck.com British Blanket Company (The) 0845 474 1747, thebritishblanketcompany.com British Ceramic Tile 01626 834774, britishceramictile.com Brume 01364 73090, brume.co.uk C Chandelier & Mirror Company (The) 01892 541355, chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk Christy christy-towels.com Clare Williams Interior Design 0844 879 3677, clarewilliams.co.uk Clover & Thorne 0800 012 4613, cloverandthorne.co.uk Contemporary Home (The) 0845 130 8229, tch.net Cormar Carpets cormarcarpets.co.uk Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk CP Hart 0845 873 1121, cphart.co.uk Crosswater…

Brigitte Smith ABOUT ME I’m 58 and I rent a one-bedroom lodge in Reading, Berkshire, with my partner of 30 years, Paul, 58. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MONEY-SAVING TIP? Add new handles to furniture or cupboards, and refresh tired pieces with a lick of paint, to breathe new life into what you already have. Sam Taylor-Crooks ABOUT ME I’m 29 and I live with my husband Matt, 26, in a three-bedroom semi-detached in Herne Bay, Kent. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM? I adore my kitchen – I dream of having a country cottage one day, so that’s been my decorating inspiration in this room. I have a wall dresser for my Cath Kidston crockery, antique scales and homemade bunting. Rebecca Faith France ABOUT ME I’m 29 and I live in a…

NAUTICAL TWIST Embrace the popular seaside trend by scattering coastal-inspired blankets and throws on your sofa to make your home warm and cosy. We love Matalan’s anchor-print fleece throw, £5. PICK PASTELS Dress up your sofa, just like Jo has, with an array of candy-coloured cushions for a pretty, feminine touch. Antique rose cushion, £30, Cath Kidston at Next, would work very well. BRIGHT BATHROOM Invest in some vibrant towels to quickly add colour and character to your bathroom. We suggest the stylish Supreme Capsule Stripe design, £22 for a bath towel, Christy. GO VINTAGE Give your bed an instant country-style makeover with a quilted bedspread like the one Jo has. We recommend the Martha Rose bedspread, £89.95 for a double, Forever England. NEUTRAL STATEMENT Follow Jo’s lead and paint…

ABOUT ME I’m Sarah Coles, 55, an area manager and buyer for the Hospice of St Francis Charity and specialist shops, including Returned To Glory (stfrancis.org.uk). I have three grown-up children, Emma, 26, Hannah, 24, and Ed, 22. MY HOME A five-bed 1920s detached house in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, which I bought in October 2006. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house felt homely but the decor was tired and the bathrooms dated. Also, the bedrooms were small and needed new layouts. AND NOW It has been redecorated in a neutral palette and I’ve added pops of colour with accessories. The bathrooms were replaced and the downstairs shower is now a utility room. We also extended the kitchen to include a dining table. STYLE TIP In a neutral scheme, change your cushions…

SMART STYLING Keep your stand on show and have fun displaying alternative props on its tiers. Fresh flower heads make for a pretty styling idea, or double it up as a fruit holder for days when you haven’t been baking. PRACTICAL CHOICE If you’re short on storage space and don’t want to keep your stand on show, opt for a multi-tiered design that can be taken apart and stored away in a box. Simply unscrew the central and top rods to dismantle it when not in use. GET CREATIVE Can’t find a design to suit your style? Why not have a go at making your own baking display that will wow your guests and display your handiwork. Use old vinyls for a retro feel or vintage saucers if you’re after…

Changing your bedding is a quick and easy way to update for the new season. Whether you want your room to exude exotic tropical vibes or you’re more a fan of calming floral prints, we’ve selected 10 of the best double duvet sets from the high street and online. Invest in a beautiful new design now and you can enjoy it for many more years to come.…

EXPERIENCE INTERIOR DESIGN £185, KLC School of Design. A one-day introduction to the principles of interior design, including concept, sample-board creation and the effects of colour and light. Visit klc.co.uk INTERIOR STYLING £495, University of the Arts London. An eight-week course where you will learn about styling for the camera, marketing yourself and styling methods. Visit arts.ac.uk DESIGN MASTERCLASS £225, Abigail Ahern. A one-day masterclass with the queen of quirky interiors, Abigail Ahern, in her north London home. Discover how to break the rules of interior design in the best way possible. Visit abigailahern.com…

It can be hard to find time for all those little jobs around the house, and the projects you want to finish, so an extra day or two off work during the bank holiday is ideal for updating your home. Whether you want to paint a focal wall or upcycle an old piece of furniture, now is the perfect time to tackle some of the tasks on your list. Check out our essential kit guide on page 60 to make sure you’re prepped with the right materials before getting stuck in! 1 Hang it all Add nifty storage to your kitchen by installing a wall-mounted rail from which to hang pots and pans – try using butcher’s hooks with the Bygel design from Ikea. Use the right wallplugs and screws…

WRAP IT UP Always have some cling film at hand when painting at home. Wrap up brushes tightly between coats and they’ll be ready to use when it’s time for the next layer. You can also use it to line a roller tray, so when you are done you simply fold it up and throw it away. DEAL WITH DUST If you’re drilling holes in the wall, an easy trick is to use masking tape to stick an opened envelope (with the flap cut off) to the wall just under where you want to drill. This catches all the fine dust and saves you having to vacuum. TAPE CARE If using masking tape to achieve crisp edges when painting around window frames, it’s best to remove the tape before the…

AN ONLINE TILE CALCULATOR IS A USEFUL TOOL TO HELP YOU PURCHASE THE RIGHT NUMBER OF TILES – JUST ENTER THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE SPACE YOU’RE COVERING Preparation is one of the most important factors when it comes to tiling. Walls need to be completely flat, clean, dry and stable before you begin. Start off by removing any grease, dirt, old tiles, wallpaper or flaky plaster, then fill in any big holes (smaller dents don’t matter too much). If your walls are very uneven, consider having them re-skimmed so you don’t end up with a poor finish. But you’ll need to leave the new plaster to dry thoroughly, which can take a few weeks, and prime any porous surfaces with a PVA-based adhesive. Alternatively, you could re-line the surface with…

FIT COLOURED SQUARE TILES IN A SIMPLE GRID FORMAT IN MODERN SPACES. FINISH IT OFF WITH A WHITE GROUT FOR ZEN-LIKE SIMPLICITY Some tiles, such as intricately patterned designs are shown off best when laid in a traditional grid pattern. But there are many other layouts you can consider that will take plain tiles to another level. GRID If you’ve chosen tiles with an interesting colour or pattern, a simple grid style – where tiles are aligned to form a repeating grid – will work well. HERRINGBONE This is a huge trend for 2016 that is achieved by laying tiles at right angles into zigzag formations or by a preformed mosaic. It will require careful cutting at the start, but once the layout is established, the main area will build…

GREY SHADES Hammered Hex glass mosaic, £70.02 per sq m; Burren Black tile, £15.99 per sq m, both Tile Mountain MIDNIGHT HUE Stardust Blue quartz, £95.44 per sq m; Stardust Blue mosaic, £129.89 per sq m, both Topps Tiles SOFTEN UP Concrete Londres tile, £44.32 per sq m; Wave Europe tile, £51.02 per sq m, both Wickes FIRM IDEA Runway Grey tile, £33.31 per sq m; Terra Copper Mix tile, £91.89 per sq m, both Topps Tiles IN THE DETAIL Skyros Blanco tile, £17.99 per sq m; Skyros Delft Blue tile, £18.99 per sq m, both Tile Mountain GLAZED OVER Altundra Crema tile, £37.49 per sq m, Tile Giant; Shibori Blue tile, £84.44 per sq m, Topps Tiles STRIKE OUT Moon Red mosaic tiles, £121.31 per sq m; Bumpy white…

ABOUT ME I’m Emma Luck, 33, a beauty therapist, and I live with my husband, Dan, 34, a mechanical engineer, and our baby son, Joe, in a three-bedroom 1920s detached bungalow in Shepperton, Surrey, which we moved into in August 2013. MY CHALLENGE Taking on a double-aspect room that had damp issues and was badly in need of new windows. It needed replastering and transforming into a stylish master bedroom that we could really relax and unwind in. MY WISH LIST I wanted proper storage to put all our clothes and shoes away, a soft carpet underfoot, calming colours on the walls and some fun elements to give the room a little more oomph!…

Picking your perfect mattress, duvet and pillows that you can’t wait to sink into should be as simple as counting sheep. But with so many options and varying prices available, it can be a bit overwhelming. Before you get the credit card out, think about how you sleep. Do you suffer from any aches and pains or airborne allergies? Do you sleep most comfortably on your front, back or side? Do you wake up in the night if you're too hot (or cold)? Is your partner a similar sleeper or do they have different requirements? Keep a notebook by your bed and jot down how you slept, so you'll be able to easily narrow down your ideal bedding wish list. Do your homework Once you've worked out what you need,…

Moving from a Victorian terraced house in nearby Teddington, west London, I was looking for a place with bigger rooms and a larger garden,’ says Fiona. ‘So 1930s houses were appealing because the proportions are definitely better. I wanted somewhere with a community feel, and I’d been told by friends that this area was very friendly and had a real village atmosphere, so I narrowed my search. I found this semi, which definitely needed some love and attention, but fitted the brief. The previous owner had clearly been a fan of dark, dramatic colours, so there was plenty of navy blue, deep yellow, bottle green and oxblood red everywhere, but that could be easily changed, and the structure wasn’t too bad. The bathroom at the top of the stairs was…

Give your home a new lease of life by decorating with statement tiles from Topps Tiles. With hundreds of designs to choose from – both in store and online – you'll have no problem finding a design you love. By working directly with its suppliers, Topps Tiles has created exclusive products, including classic metro-style tiles from the Diamante Pastel collection or the Victorian feel of the Berkeley floor tiles. Whether you go for a modern look or a more traditional one, for either floors or walls, you can trust that the tiles you choose will be great quality and excellent value for money. Plus, with summer just around the corner, it's worth rethinking your outdoor space, too, and Topps Tiles has all you need for perfecting your patio. Totally unique…

Homeowners often choose a white kitchen because of its timeless appeal. And playing it safe with a neutral base in this important family room is a wise move, especially as it’s simple to add colour with your less-permanent kitchen buys. Lots of gadgets and appliances come in a beautiful selection of colours and are a fast way to get a bolder scheme going. Opting for matching sets is a good start. Cool customising Introduce colour in unexpected ways. Hang pretty pendant lights with coloured lampshades over an island or breakfast bar. Or go for coloured flexes – you’ll find them in over 40 colours, from £3.79 per m, at dowsingandreynolds.com. Once you’ve chosen an accent shade, look out for eye-catching items that will fit in perfectly. Wide-open spaces Doorless cupboards…

FRY BACON, LEEK AND CHILLI AND MIX INTO PASTA. STIR IN CREME FRAICHE, TOP WITH CHEESE AND POP UNDER A GRILL BLT SALAD WITH CHICKEN TAKES 20MINS SERVES 6 Grill 6 rashers streaky bacon until crispy. Cool then break into pieces. Meanwhile, cook 150g green beans, halved for 5 mins, drain then refresh under cold running water. Arrange leaves from 2 baby gem lettuces on a plate and scatter over 200g sunblush tomatoes, 4 sliced ready-cooked chicken breasts and bacon. For the dressing put 5tbsp olive oil, 4tbsp half-fat creme fraiche, 4 drained anchovies and 1 clove crushed garlic into a blender. Add 2tbsp cold water and whizz together until smooth. Season and drizzle dressing over the salad. BAKED FISH WRAPPED IN BACON TAKES 30MINS SERVES 4 4 white fish…

1 Treat yourself to an indulgent homemade hot chocolate. Heat half a pint of milk and a vanilla pod in a pan. Remove pod and whisk in a small bar of dark chocolate, chopped up, until frothy. Add sugar to taste. 2 Pop a couple of squares into the pot while cooking a chilli con carne or bolognese sauce for a rich flavour. 3 To make a quick chocolate sauce for puddings and ice cream, melt 100g dark chocolate in a bowl over simmering water. Slowly add 100ml of cream or evaporated milk and stir. 4 Slice a banana down the middle, stuff with chocolate squares (and mini marshmallows if you want) and wrap up in foil. Bake in the oven for 5mins at 200°C for a delicious snack. 5…

GO UP! Maximise the underused wall space above your loo with this tiered unit. Molger open storage unit, £45, Ikea UNDER SINK Build around a pedestal to gain two concealed shelves. Cabinet, £39.99, Noa & Nani HANG IT Slot onto the wall fixing of your shower to provide room for toiletries. Tray, £12, Store OVER DOOR Make use of the space behind the door with handy baskets that clip over the top – no screws needed. Bathroom shelf, £65.99, Wayfair…

1 Remove old floor coverings and drive any protruding nails into the surface. Fit coarse paper to a heavy duty drum sander and work across the room, slightly overlapping as you go. Vacuum up the dust, then repeat with medium and fine sandpapers. 2 Use a hand edge sander to finish off the parts where the drum sander can’t reach. Then use coarse, medium and fine papers to get a smooth finish. 3 Finally, coat the bare boards with a protective finish. Be careful not to walk on them or spill any liquids before the top coat is applied as these can stain the wood, ruining your hard work. Tweet the team at #askSAH with your photos, decorating dilemmas and tips.…

This easy-to-grow collection of impressive perennials will create a rich display of pretty colours that you can enjoy every year. They’ll create an amazing scene in any garden. Verbena bonariensis These pretty long- lasting blooms attract bees and butterflies and have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. H: 200cm, S: 45cm. Geum ‘Mrs J Bradshaw’ A compact plant with vibrant purple stems bearing semi-double, scarlet flowers from late spring into summer. H: 45-60cm. Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’ Excellent for borders and cut flowers. An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. H: 45cm. Foxglove ‘Excelsior’ The tall spires of this breathtaking perennial produce delicate bell-shaped flowers with heavily spotted throats in pretty pastel shades of mauve, pink, yellow or white. H: 150cm, S: 45cm. OTHER GREAT OFFERS… DWARF VERBENA ‘LOLLIPOP’…

Seams like fun … Sign up for a friendly introductory sewing class at one of Sew Over It’s London shops – it’s ideal for beginners! Visit sewoverit.co.uk QUENCH YOUR THIRST Make a delicious batch of homemade cloudy lemonade for your garden party this summer. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from six lemons and two limes, then add to a large jug with all the juices plus 200g of sugar. Pour in 1.5ltr of hot water and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Cover and leave to cool before serving. SMART DIY With the May Bank Holiday drawing near, save yourself from the scrupulous scraping of old wallpaper and apply the clever Cover Up from Zinsser to refresh your walls without any fuss. Apply directly to…

USE THE EDGE OF A CREDIT CARD TO REMOVE ANY AIR BUBBLES IN THE WALLPAPER TO ACHIEVE A FLAT EVEN SURFACE AND A SMOOTH, NEAT FINISH Finished your latest room makeover and don’t want to ditch the last scrap of wallpaper? Try your hand at our smart idea and use it to decorate a plain tray in just a few hours. This simple upcycle is perfect if you’re looking to add a little colour or pattern to existing accessories and the technique can be applied to a whole host of other pieces, too. HOWTO TAKES 3HRS* COST £5.50 Klack tray, £4.50, Ikea Tape measure & pencil Leftover piece of wallpaper Ruler & scissors Storm Cloud paint 75ml tester pot, £1, Wilko Paintbrushes PVA glue & scalpel 1 Carefully measure the…

SHINE BRIGHT Add pendant ceiling lights to make a statement. Sarah chose the Harmony Ribbon pendant, from £80, John Lewis. BE BOLD Repaint an old piece of furniture. For a colour similar to Sarah’s teal vintage dresser, try the Rust-Oleum Duck Egg furniture paint, £14.99 per 750ml, Homebase. PRETTY PRINTS Hang a floral picture and pick out similar colours to use around the room. Try the second-hand range from Vintage Flower Paintings, from £45. FAKE IT Display artificial flowers among fresh displays to make them feel fuller. Check out the collection from Abigail Ahern at number twenty; red peonies, from £7.50. CUSHION CORNER Add a bolster cushion to comfy up a bed. Pick up the Ecru bolster cushion pad, £5.49, from Dunelm, and make your own to match your curtains.…

Get creative with your space and make your home work harder by utilising every nook and cranny. Adapt and configure the layout to suit your lifestyle and think about smart ways to add in extra features, such as a cosy reading nook or sociable dining area. Whether you want to transform an under-stairs alcove into a compact home office, or simply add more storage to wasted wall surface, we’ve got lots of quirky ideas to get you thinking, no matter what the shape or size of your house. Beat the box room Many of us have a room in the house that feels too small to really make proper use of, and it soon gets used as an extra place to store items or a dumping ground for clutter. With…

ABOUT ME I’m Angela Warlow, 39, owner of vintage homewares company bettimay.co.uk, named after my two grandmothers, Betty and May, who inspired me. MY HOME A three-bedroom 1920s terraced house in Swansea, South Wales. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house was a bit of a wreck. It was suffering with damp downstairs, had layers of old wallpaper, the electrics were dodgy, and there was a lot of pine panelling and colourful carpets. AND NOW With replastered walls, stripped wooden floors and an off-white palette, I’ve created a great backdrop for my many collections, from crockery to mirrors. STYLE TIP You can never have too much colour, but use hues that complement one another for an effective, cohesive look.…

ADD IT UP Pay attention to the material and thread count when selecting new bedding. The higher the cotton content, the more breathable the duvet cover will be. A higher thread count means a smoother, softer weave. A standard count is around 180, but this number can be over 1,000. FOCAL POINT Create a headboard that makes your bed and new linens the focus of the room. If you’re a fan of patterned linens, choose a complementary solid colour to reupholster your headboard. MIX IT UP Go freestyle and combine a duvet cover from one set with pillowcases from another for a bespoke look. Start by combining a coordinating solid colour with your favourite pattern, then graduate to full-on pattern mixing as your styling confidence grows.…

USE ANY LEFTOVER FABRIC TO MAKE A COORDINATING TABLECLOTH AND MATCHING NAPKINS TO HELP BRING YOUR DINING ROOM SCHEME TOGETHER Treat your dining chairs to a mini makeover and have a go at making a pretty seat pad using our easy-to-follow steps – it’s a great way to add colour to your scheme. We chose the beautiful Avignon fabric from Prestigious Textiles for our project, but you could choose any design that works with your scheme. If you have more fabric to hand, why not make several matching seat pads and create a coordinating set, or even a bench pad, too. HOWTO TAKES 1HR COST £19.99 Measuring tape & pencil 1/2m of Avignon fabric in Petal, £14.99 per m, Prestigious Textiles Scissors & pins 1m of 6mm black satin ribbon,…

BE INSPIRED Reader @emmacstamp couldn’t find a sink unit she liked so she upcycled this vintage cabinet into the perfect piece. With a lick of paint and some smart handiwork, this unique cabinet is the focal point of her bathroom. Main feature Add character and charm to an alcove or small nook in your home with a bold wallpaper. Here, @choppy_chic has used an Orla Kiely wallpaper to give her hallway a retro twist and complement her muted palette. Take your time cutting around tricky light switches and plug sockets. New lease of life Check out this beautifully revamped bureau by @joandtess. To achieve a similar look, buy a stencil to apply an intricate design on top of paintwork and replace old drawer knobs with pretty alternatives. Use a chalk…

SUGAR SOAP Make sure your surfaces are grease-free before painting with the sugar soap powder, £4.49 for 860g, Wickes DUST SHEET Use masking tape to fix plastic sheeting to the edge of skirting boards for clean edges. Plastic 360 x 360cm dust sheet, £2.99, Homebase UTILITY KNIFE Keep a blade handy for trimming masking tape during tricky paint jobs. Stanley FatMax retractable utility knife, £10.57, FFX WHITE SPIRIT Clean brushes after applying oil-based paints. White spirit, £1.50 for 750ml, Tesco Direct PAINT CAN OPENER Save your screwdrivers and use a specialist tool to crack open your paint tins. Harris paint can opener, £1.82, B&Q…

CERAMIC Available in a huge range of colours, styles and finishes. It’s affordable, easy to cut and waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms. GLASS Rich and deep in colour, glass is an easy-to-clean surface that comes in a variety of sizes. Keep cutting to a minimum as edges remain sharp. PATCHWORK A box of tiles with a mix of designs that create a pattern. It’s perfect for adding personality to a plain scheme. NATURAL STONE Not every tile will be the same shade, but stone works in all schemes. Be aware that many require sealing to make them water resistant. MARBLE This looks glam and opulent in a bathroom, but it’s also expensive, hard to cut, and needs sealing and polishing, so it’s not easy for beginners. FAUX TIMBER Get…

FUN FACTOR Go old-school retro with these Romantic Comic tile stickers, £24 per pack (either 20 at 15cm or 30 at 10cm with five designs per set), Spin Collective HOT SUNSET Sandown Orange and white tile tattoo stickers by Mibo, £14 for a pack of 8, Notonthehigh street.com FLORAL TOUCH Give plain white tiles an elegant finish in next to no time with the striking Shanklin Blue tile tattoos, £12.50 for a pack of 8, Mibo…

METALLICS Add a luxurious feel with a touch of copper or pewter. PASTEL HUES Rose Quartz and Serenity are the two Pantone colours for 2016. These pastel shades are strong and beautiful with a lustre finish. TEXTURE From wood and brick to natural stone, modern tiles are now available in these authentic materials, which can be used in all interiors. SHAPES Look for interesting designs that take on an unusual form for a statement finish – but think carefully about the installation as it may be a bit tricky for a novice to tackle. LARGE SCALE Using the same oversized tile throughout creates a streamlined and elegant display. PATTERN Forget feature wallpaper – come up with your own design using tiles instead for a truly unique scheme. NEED MORE HELP?…

You can treat your living room to a designer-inspired coffee table for a lot less than you think. Our simple project is inspired by the chic Cook table from Houseology and is bang on trend with its studded finish. Choose a colour to suit your scheme and transform an inexpensive buy in next to no time. TAKES 3HRS* COST £59.49 Skoghall coffee table, £35, Ikea Rust-Oleum chalky furniture paint in Laurel Green, £4.99 per 125ml, Homebase Paintbrush Screwdriver 2 x 5m pack of decorative upholstery nails, £9.75 per pack, eBay Hammer 1 Take all the parts of the table out of the box and paint each with a coat of furniture paint. Once dry, apply a second coat. Follow the flat-pack instructions and assemble the table when the paint is…

FOR BAD BACKS Memory foam or latex mattresses and pillows are often recommended by chiropractors as they can help relieve pressure, support your head and body and improve blood circulation, leading to a better-quality sleep. Try Time4Sleep. FOR COUPLES Opt for a partner’s duvet, where you can each specify your preferred tog rating on either side. Alternatively, check out The Fine Bedding Company’s Breathe duvet, which uses innovative Smartfil fibres that help to regulate individual body temperatures during sleep. FOR ALLERGIES Synthetic pillows, especially those with anti-bacterial treatment, can reduce allergies caused by dust mites, as can memory foam pillows. Mattresse that include Purotex can also help. Try Warren Evans. FOR THE INDECISIVE If you’re a bit princess-and-the-pea when it comes to sleep, look for mattresses that you can try…

ABOUT ME I’m Fiona MacCarron, 47, a customer training manager, and I live with my son, Nathan, 11, and our dog, Doodles, in a three-bedroom 1930s semi-detached in Hampton, London, which we moved into in October 2014. MY CHALLENGE The bathroom was cramped and painted a startling dark red everywhere, and my aim was to create a modern, practical layout, with a new colour scheme. MY WISH LIST I wanted a feeling of space, plus a decent bath, a powerful shower, a window that wasn’t rotten and somewhere to store our towels and toiletries.…

Cream Country kitchen in matt, £2,387; Sophie steel handles, £220 in total; oak worktop, £925; QMatrix integrated fridge freezer, £383; Bosch fully integrated dishwasher, £299; flat glass chimney cooker hood in stainless steel, £149; Calder round stainless steel sink, £57.50; Eden 1.5 bowl stainless-steel sink with drainer, £157.50; Hermes tap in chrome, £91, all Wren Kitchens. For an oven similar to Keeley’s try the Neff electric oven in stainless steel, £450; try the Belling gas hob in stainless steel, £169; Breville toaster, £30; Breville kettle, £30; Kenwood Solo microwave in stainless steel is a match, £69.99, all Currys. For similar kitchen flooring try Deema, £18 per sq m; for dining area flooring like this, Amouage is comparable, £59.99 per sq m; for similar wall tiles, try Burano Yellow wall tile,…

‘Join us for five weeks in our international online classroom, and share your design problems, inspiration, and 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, sourcing, lighting, and accessories. Though 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 – technical support is a feature of the course.’ Morwenna Brett, My Design School tutor TO BOOK Visit klc.co.uk/mds  and quote SH0416 for the Early Bird offer KLC is world renowned for…

QUICK STEAK FAJITAS WITH SALSA TAKES 10MINS SERVES 4 500g frying steak, fat removed 2tsp paprika 2tsp cayenne pepper 2tsp olive oil 4 flour tortilla wraps 3 tomatoes, chopped Small bunch coriander, chopped Handful of Cheddar, grated 150ml soured cream, to serve FOR SALSA 3 ripe tomatoes Small garlic clove, crushed Small bunch coriander, chopped 1/2 red onion, finely chopped Juice of 1 lime 1 tbsp olive oil 1 Thinly slice the frying steak and toss in the paprika, Cayenne pepper and olive oil. Fry in a heavy-duty pan over a high heat for 3 mins, until just cooked and sizzling. 2 Warm tortillas in a grill pan for a minute or two on each side. Divide steak and chopped tomatoes between the warmed tortillas. Add the fresh coriander, cheese…

LEMON & YOGHURT LAYER CAKE TAKES 1HR 45MINS SERVES 12 FOR THE CAKE 300g golden caster sugar 50g olive oil spread 3 eggs, separated 225g Greek yoghurt Zest and juice of 1 lemon 175g self-raising flour 6tbsp lemon curd 8tbsp 0% Greek yoghurt FOR THE TOPPING 200g low-fat cream cheese 75g icing sugar Crystallised flowers Mini mint leaves 1 Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin. Whisk the sugar, olive oil spread and egg yolks until pale and fluffy. Stir in the Greek yoghurt, lemon zest and juice. Fold in the flour. 2 Whisk the egg whites until softly peaking and fold in. Spoon into tin and bake for 1hr or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. 3 Horizontally…

HOME TIDYING UP 101 £2.29 Expert tips on how to tidy your home plus attractive illustrated guides showing you how to get organised. There are also easy-to-follow, step-by-step video teaching guides. Designed for iPhone and iPad. ORGANISING YOUR HOME 79p Practical techniques and tips to rid your home of clutter and keep it that way. There are also separate room-by-room chapters to tackle spaces individually for a more thorough job. SNAPLY Free Give away or sell items you don’t need any more by simply taking a picture and uploading it. Your location is taken from the phone’s GPS to alert buyers nearby. Quicker than eBay and connected to freecycle site Freegle.…