Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2015 i Style At Home

As we say goodbye to summer, now’s the time to hunker down for autumn and get cosy for the cooler months ahead. It’s my favourite time of year, when I can cuddle up on the sofa with my fur throw and watch the fire flickering (even if it is fake!). To get you in the mood, we’ve collected our top picks for autumn (page 12), and they’re all under £35! Our animal cushions are perfect for this time of year, too (page 48), and I know you’ll love our clever craft revamps on page 74. If you’re after a quick update, our 21 easy decorating ideas on page 54 will give your home a refresh without breaking the bank. And, don’t forget, it calls for colour when the weather gets…

Help out hedgehogs It’s time to start preparing your garden for the coming winter, so get on top of things before the frosts come. Support wildlife during the colder months with a few simple steps; rake together a pile of fallen leaves at the end of the garden for hibernating animals or have a go at building your own hedgehog hibernation box. CHECK OUT A NEW SHOP Take a look at new interiors website Suburban Living. Sourcing inspiration from across the globe, this shop is a one-stop destination for all your interior needs. From furniture to home accessories, Suburban Living’s collections suit any style and every budget, with next-day delivery. Bonus! Visit suburbanliving.co.uk GET CREATIVE For a spooky Halloween, get crafty and try making your own eerie decorations. For more…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Kate Beer, 38, and I’m a photographer and picture editor (katebeer.co.uk). I live with my two daughters, Lola, 9, Poppy, 7, and our cat, Rocket. MY HOME A four-bedroom new-build terrace in Stroud, Gloucestershire, which I bought in April 2014. It was constructed on the site of a former hospital, and was designed by Kevin McCloud’s company, HAB, in partnership with the housing organisation, GreenSquare Group. The estate is built on the ideas of community, sustainable living and being environmentally efficient. WHEN I MOVED IN The house was a complete blank canvas with white walls, but it was very light and spacious. It just needed a bit of thought on how to decorate the space to make it feel more like a home. AND NOW…

LOCATION, LOCATION Decide where in the room you’re going to put your new basket, so you can choose which shape will best fit. Pick nifty rectangular or corner designs to fit in tight spots. WEIGHTY MATTER Check how much laundry your basket can hold and choose one that’s big enough for your family. Go for a design with a lid to help contain unsightly overspills. BASKET WORK Choose a practical basket; one with handles will be easier to carry laundry to and from the washing machine, and one with ventilation is best suited to store damp clothes.…

SHOP SMART Think about the purpose you want your console table to serve; is it a purely decorative piece, or are you looking to add storage? Choose one with a low shelf to double up as a shoe rack, or make sure there’s room on the top for your phone and a vase of flowers. ON THE SIDE Pick up a few accessories to add finishing touches. Pop an umbrella stand by the front door and style up your console with a handy letter rack. Complete the look by hanging pretty hooks above the table for keys. NEW FROM OLD Be budget-savvy and have a go at upcycling an unloved console table to give it a new lease of life. Why not sand the surfaces down and apply a coat…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Francesca Alden, 50, store manager at Returned to Glory, a showroom selling pre-loved pieces, with all profits going to The Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted* (facebook.com/ReturnedtoGlory). I live with my husband, Jonathan, 54, a civil servant, and our children, Natascia, 21, Harry, 18, and Oliver, 15. We also have two Labradoodles called Lilli and Chase. MY HOME I live in a five-bedroom detached house in Gustard Wood, Hertfordshire, bought in 2007. WHEN I BOUGHT IT Although the house was narrow, it was on a large plot and I could see the potential to extend and create extra space. AND NOW We’ve added a two-storey extension and converted the loft. The kitchen-diner was moved to the front of the house and our living room now overlooks…

TAKE YOUR PICK Think about the type of effect you’re after. A photographic print gives a more realistic image, whereas an illustrated design will provide a softer look. Why not try an appliqué or knitted design for a homespun feel? SAVVY STYLING Break up a grouping of patterned or motif cushions with one or two block-coloured designs to keep the look balanced. Choose a shade that’s repeated in your cushion selection for a co-ordinated look, or go for a contrasting colour to make a bolder statement. BE INSPIRED Head online and check out our sofa-styling Pinterest board for lots of ideas on how to work your new cushions into your living room scheme, plus styling tricks of the trade. Visit pinterest.com/styleathomemag…

Dressing your window will transform your room, but it’s important to do your research first before hitting the shops. To narrow down your options, consider how the room will be used and think about how much privacy and light you require. Living rooms often need as much natural light as possible, so lighter fabric is an option, whereas a bedroom will need a thicker, well-lined material to block out the morning sun. Curtains are also a great way to add a splash of colour and pattern to a room and can finish the scheme, creating a homely feel. Get the measure The next step will be measuring up. Don’t be daunted by this. There are a few golden rules, which are easily mastered. Measured correctly, the curtains will enhance the…

Never miss a Style School! Last month's was on wallpapering – if you missed it download a digital copy from cushienumber.co.uk. Next month, all you need to know about heating!…

BOOK NOTE PADS Turn your stationery into vintage classics TAKES 30MIN COST 80p Old hardback books, 80p each, charity shop Spiral bound notepads to fit inside Ribbon remnant Scalpel & glue 1 Carefully remove the pages from the book by folding the covers back and sliding a scalpel along the paper. Leave the page attached to the inside front cover if possible. Trim this page so it covers the bare book spine and stick down with glue. 2 Place the notepad inside the book cover and thread ribbon through the wire of the spiral binding. Bring the ends of the ribbon around the book and tie in a knot on the outside to hold in place. STENCILLED SIDE TABLE Add woodland charm with this foxy number TAKES 1.5HR COST £28.11…

PICK THE PERFECT DESIGN Buy from the Next Directory by calling 0333 777 8000, or at next.co.uk, and customise your sofa by choosing size, fabric and leg styles. SHARE YOUR SOFA Once your dream sofa has been made-to-order and delivered to your door, share it online using #whatsmysofa. SPEEDY DELIVERY Most furnishing and accessories from Next Home are available for the next-day delivery service. Selected furniture, sofas and chairs can be delivered to your door within four working days.…

At the end of the day, we all want to come home to a place we can relax in, so why not treat your home to a cosy new look? Already renowned for outstanding quality, design and great-value homeware, Sainsbury’s beautiful Harmony collection will help you to achieve the tranquil space you’ve been dreaming of. Tranquil retreat The beautiful new range incorporates subtle abstract prints of trees and blossom in dove greys and shimmering silver, teamed with natural wooden accessories for a modern feel. Add a contemporary finishing touch with metallic accents, while creating the ultimate relaxing vibe. So, turn your home into a calming space with a fab new look. Stylists at Home NATALIE SAYS ‘I love the ceramic vases, I would make flowers out of pom poms and…

From fluffy pink towels to cool copper containers – use this simple selection of affordable accessories to inject colour, warmth and a touch of glamour to your bathroom scheme. Stylist at Home JILL SAYS ‘A white suite and tiles mean you can easily change your look with coloured towels. Refresh old towels by dyeing them a different colour.’…

Greenwich Gloss Stone and Light Oak units, £2,800; Lamona Black composite 1.5 bowl, £249; Lamona brushed steel-effect monobloc tap, from £150; Black square-edged laminate worktop, around £250 for 3m, all Howdens. Rustic Split Face mosaic tiles, £62 per sq m, Topps Tiles. Karndean Knight Tile pale lime oak-effect flooring, £19.99 per sq m, Concept Flooring. Walls painted in Dulux Kitchen Egyptian Cotton matt emulsion, £23.92 for 2.5ltr, B&Q. Kansas fluted bench seat in Kirsche, £560; table, £290; Bistro-style chairs, £63 each, all HCF Contract Furniture. Bar stools, £69 each, Barstools.co.uk. Metal sign with letters, £100, Goodwin & Goodwin. Light bulbs, £40 for 16, We Love LEDs. Napkin dispenser, £3.99, Dunelm. Tassimo red coffee maker, £99.99, Bosch. Salt and pepper shaker set, £3.95; red espresso shot cups, £3.95 each; Vintage shop…

MONSTER DOUGHNUTS TAKES 1HR MAKES 7 250g self-raising flour 2tbsp caster sugar 1tsp baking powder 150ml milk 2tbsp sunflower oil Oil for deep frying TO DECORATE 500g fondant icing sugar Green and purple food colourings 14 giant white chocolate and milk chocoate buttons 7 sweet teeth Orange sugar balls 1 Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch salt in a bowl. Add the milk and oil and mix to a soft dough. 2 Roll out to 2cm thick and cut out rounds with an 8cm cutter. Remove the centres with a 3.5cm cutter. Re-roll the trimmings to make more doughnuts. Heat the frying oil to 180°C and cook the doughnuts in batches. Fry for 4 min each side, until golden. Drain on kitchen towel and leave to cool.…

SQUASH & GREENS TART TAKES 1 HR SERVES 8 Melt 1tbsp butter in a pan, add the chopped flesh from 1/2 butternut squash, cook for 10 min. Microwave a 250g pack of veg for 3 min. Preheat oven to 200°C/ Gas 6. Unroll a 320g ready-rolled puff pastry onto a lined baking tray. Score a border and top with the veg. Sprinkle over 1tsp dried thyme and dot with 100g blue cheese. Bake for 40 min. CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHEESECAKE TAKES 2 HR SERVES 10 300g double chocolate chip cookies 75g butter 2tbsp cocoa powder 600g cream cheese 125g caster sugar 200ml buttermilk 2 eggs 4tsp vanilla extract 3tbsp cornflour 350g jar morello cherries, drained Chocolate curls and buttons for decorating 1 Grease and line a 23cm spring-clip tin. Preheat oven…

Get ready to cosy up around the fire Sweep the chimney, scrub the hearth and clear the mantelpiece ready for winter CLEAR THE CHIMNEY The weather may still feel reasonably warm at the moment, but ensuring that your fireplace is ready for the first cold snap of winter is essential. If you have a real fire, then you’ll need to ensure the chimney and brickwork are in good working order and free from dirt and creosote. It’s a good idea to call in the professionals for an annual check-over of your chimney. Search for your nearest reputable chimney sweep through the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS). FAUX FIX-UP If you have an electric fireplace, turn off your electricity and give the unit a complete inspection and check all the…

Katie Poole ABOUT ME I’m 35 and I live with my husband Leo, 32, and our dog Shea. We live in a three-bedroom semi-detached in Staffordshire. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT WHILE RENOVATING YOUR HOME? Don’t buy something if you can’t envisage where it’s going to go. I constantly have a huge box of items that I haven’t found a place for yet. Jill Reece ABOUT ME I’m 57 and I live in a four-bedroom Victorian house in Liverpool with my partner Steve, 57, daughter Emma, 32, and three dogs. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT WHILE RENOVATING YOUR HOME? Always choose workmen that have been recommended by friends or family. That way, the quality of work will be up to the standard you’re looking for. Natalie Hydon ABOUT ME I’m 35, and…

LAYER ON LAYER Cushions and rugs are ideal for adding a pop of instant colour, and Kate has plenty to perk up her property. Take a look at the Agnes range from Habitat. READING CORNER Not only functional, but funky, too, we love the design of Kate’s slot-together bookshelves, £200, Unto This Last. SAY CHEESE! Be picture perfect and create your own gallery by hanging some of your favourite photographs from Ikea’s Dignitet curtain wire, £10, using bird clips, £6.25 for 16, Exit Interiors. ROLL IT OUT Follow Kate’s lead and wallpaper a feature wall using a bold design to add immediate style to a room. Homebase has a well-priced selection and we think its Bubble Gum Dots Wallpaper, £12.99 per roll, would look great in a children’s bedroom. MIX…

Adding pops of colour to your home can really draw the eye to features or accessories within individual rooms. But don’t limit it to paint ideas; you could coordinate coloured accessories, introduce tiles or textiles, upholster a chair or simply display fresh flowers. If your decor feels too neutral, a simple spruce-up with colour can be all you need to get inspired about your home again. Small changes matter There’s no need to dramatically alter your style; in fact, a neutral background can be a perfect base for bringing colour into a room. A good starting point is to see what accessories you already have. Is there an obvious look or theme you lean towards? Seek out pieces to add to a collection and emphasise the colour. An arrangement of…

COLOUR COMBOS A soft pastel palette gives the guest bedroom a calm vibe. She paired Colours matt emulsion paint in Duck Egg, £13.94 for 2.5ltr from B&Q, with pink accents and accessories. SITTING PRETTY We love Marie’s contemporary dining chairs and table. Try the Oppeby table and six chairs set, £510, Ikea, for a similar modern look. SMART SAVINGS Marie found lots of great bargains online. Head over to Gumtree and Freecycle, too, to pick up preloved furniture that you can revamp.…

Do you ever find that some of your most favourite possessions remain hidden away in storage because they’re a little too precious, or you just don’t know where to put them? There’s no good reason not to have some of your more delicate or sentimental items on show. With a little invention, it’s quite easy to display a variety of objects and make a real feature of them. There are many interesting containers to house your artefacts in and on, so have a little fun, reopen those boxes and get your treasures out. The problem could be you have too many things out on shelves already, so the more interesting treasures are being lost in the crowd. In which case, try to select the choice pieces you feel work best…

QUIRKY STORAGE Vintage suitcases pop up in surprising locations around Francesca’s home, including the bathroom. Channel her look and pick up the decorative suitcase, £75, Oliver Bonas. EARTHY TONES Check out Valspar’s quick-drying range of paints at B&Q, which Francesca has used around her home. Take advantage of its paint-matching service and concoct your own bespoke colour. Silk emulsion paint starts from £15.64 for 5ltr. ANIMAL LOVER Give an old seat a country twist and re-cover it with Dunelm’s Tatton and Woodland Fox fabrics, both £8.99 per m. ON REFLECTION Look out for a striking mirror that will complement a bold wall colour or paper. Head to Next for a great selection – we love the Augustine mirror, £165. PRETTY PLATES Bring a bold touch to your dining table with…

Aloft extension is a great way to add extra space, whether you crave another bedroom, office or playroom. But you need to be sure it’ll be worth the investment – not to mention the disruption. Here’s our guide to whether a loft conversion is right for you… YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED… Q Do I need planning permission for an extension, and are there any other rules and regulations? The good news is that you don’t need planning permission for most loft extensions. Adding up to 40 cubic metres in a terraced house, or 50 cubic metres in a detached or semi-detached house counts as a permitted development, however the extension must not protrude beyond certain points. You can read up on the rules at planningportal.gov.uk. The rules aren’t too complicated –…

TAB TOP If you’re on a budget, this is often the best. The contemporary heading is only suitable for curtain poles and won’t require hooks or rings. Loops can be made in the same or contrasting fabric. Curtains, from a selection, Dunelm PENCIL PLEAT A simple and more traditional design that can be used either on a curtain track or pole. Opulence Amethyst pencil pleat curtain, W127 x L137cm, including measuring and fitting, £151, Hillarys EYELET This uncluttered look is only suitable for poles and allows the fabric to hang in wide, loose folds. You can choose from coloured eyelets to suit your pole. Heidi lined curtains in Steel and Clementine, from £50, John Lewis PINCH PLEAT Ensuring the fabric falls into elegant folds, this classic curtain heading is more…

Get a look that’s unique to you and your home by making curtains from scratch. There are so many fabrics and materials available in a wealth of colours, textures and prints, that you can be sure of a look that is personal and one of a kind. You’ll find, too, that making your own will save you money and may spark a new-found love of sewing. Sew simple It may feel a little daunting to embark on your own sewing project, especially for something as large as curtains, but don’t fear, because they’re easier than you think. A tab-top design is the least complicated pattern to follow, while – if you’re a dab hand with an iron and fusible fabric – no-sew curtains are another fantastic option for beginners. One…

9am BEAUTIFUL SETTING It’s a lovely sunny day and, armed with £20 given to them by Lizzie, the Style at Home Editor, Laurie and Emily head off to the Epsom Racecourse Antiques and Collectables fair in Surrey. Held once a month, this event has up to 200 stalls and is set by the stands of the racecourse, so it’s a fabulous location. There’s plenty to choose from – now all the girls need to do is decide what hidden gem to buy! 10am TOUGH DECISIONS Browsing through the stalls, the girls find beautiful vintage furniture and bric-a-brac – everything from old postcards to period bureaus, books, sideboards, vases and antique keys. The hunt continues and it takes time to peruse all the stalls. 11am…

Follow our simple steps for making this colourful multi-aperture picture frame, inspired by the playful design from Out There Interiors (right). Mix and match different shaped frames and colours, and get creative when it comes to laying out your arrangement to really put your own stamp on the project. TAKES 1.5HR COST £15 6 x photo frames, £1 each, charity shop 6 x paint tester pots in various colours, £1 each, B&Q 10 x 50mm mending plates, 30p each, Amazon Screws String & paintbrush 1 Paint each frame in a colour of your choice, but first, remove the glass and backing, then replace when the paint is dry. Work out the arrangement of your frames. On the back of one frame, screw one hole of a mending plate onto one…

Mention patterned carpet and often we think of outdated, unattractive swirly designs. Many of us opt for safer plains and naturals, sticking with a more minimal look, but why not try introducing some structured colour to your home? Try a bold choice Using patterned carpets can open up decorating opportunities and add a contemporary feel, instantly lifting a room. Be bold with pinstripes, plaids, even chevron stripes, for maximum impact. For a more subtle approach, look at less dominant details with the same shade that work in conjunction with the room. Match the pattern’s scale and complexity to your room size, and keep furnishings neutral. Preparing your floor The main factor is to ensure that the floor underneath is in good order. It should be clean, smooth, and free from…

Pippa king-size bed frame, from £299; Pippa six-drawer chest, £399, both Dreams. Colonial Parallel Collection carpet in French Grey, £28 per sq m, Victoria Carpets. Stone Blue estate emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Soft Velvet Haze roman blind with blackout lining, £140, Tuiss. Pompadour 18-inch light shade, £83, Graham & Green. Bali silver plate and enamel frame in Fuchsia, £22.50; Kitty enamel and diamante frame, £9, both Bombay Duck. Lemieux Morocco Citrine king-size duvet and two pillows, £90, House of Fraser. Chinese garden quilt, £63, Pip Studio. White appliquéd birdcage cushion, £35; Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson turquoise scroll embroidery cushion, £25, both Debenhams. Venetian glass dressing table mirror, £25, Wilko. Hemnes two-drawer beside tables, £70 each; Ribba picture ledge, £7.90, all Ikea…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Catherine Goodchild, 38, an NHS administrator, and I live with my partner, Jeff, 40, a picture editor, and our children, Joe, 18, and Hannah, 14, in a three-bedroom 1930s house in Hampton, south west London. We moved into this house in June 2009. MY CHALLENGE I wanted to create extra space for a proper family bathroom where there was enough head height to accommodate a shower. We also needed plenty of storage space and I really wanted it to have a clean and tidy appearance. MY WISHLIST A decent, powerful shower and separate hand-held attachment, large neutral stone tiles, touches of colour, plus a window that wouldn’t leak! Moving to London from Macclesfield in Cheshire 15 years ago for work, we were settled in the…

GALA SLICE TAKES 1 HR 15 MIN SERVES 8 Put the meat from 600g sausages in a bowl and mix in 6 sliced spring onions. Season. Unroll 375g ready-rolled puff pastry, halve lengthways. Place one half on a lined baking sheet and spread over 1tbsp English mustard within a 2cm border. Spread a third of the meat down the middle, place 6 hard-boiled eggs on top and mould around the rest of the meat. Brush the pastry edges with egg and cover with the remaining pastry. Chill. Preheat oven to 200°C/ Gas 6. Brush the pastry with egg and bake for 45 min until golden. SPICED PEAR & STILTON TARTS TAKES 30 MIN SERVES 4 375g ready-rolled puff pastry 25g butter, melted 1/4tsp ground cloves Pinch allspice 2 ripe pears,…

1 Replace butter or margarine with coconut oil in some baking recipes as an alternative. It will give it a lovely coconut flavour. 2 Jazz up roasted sweet potato by roasting in coconut oil and sprinkled with paprika and chilli. 3 Make your own vegetable crisps by using a mandolin to slice your favourite veggies. Place the vegetable slices onto a baking tray and brush with coconut oil. Season with salt and pepper and bake for 10 min at 200°C/Gas 6. 4 Whizz up a delicious smoothie in a flash. Pop a handful of strawberries and raspberries in a blender with 1tbsp coconut oil, a few ice cubes and a little almond milk. Blitz until smooth. 5 Cook up a fragrant stir-fry by cooking 1 x 180g pack prawns in…

DULUX VISUALIZER iOS, Android. Free See how a colour will look in your home with this handy app that shows the paint in the room instantly. With multiple colours to choose from, you’ll find the best look for your room in no time. PINTEREST iOS, Android, Blackberry. Free If you need inspiration for home decorating and crafting, then Pinterest is for you. This visual bookmarking and social app is packed with creative ideas to try. BRIGHT NEST iOS, Android. Free With easy tips, a personal schedule and helpful reminders, this savvy app is a must for tackling home cleaning tasks, trying new DIY ideas and embarking on an interior makeover.…

Join up for our fab free weekly newsletter, The Home Stylist, and keep up to date with what we’re doing here at Style at Home HQ on a week-by-week basis. You’ll receive news of our favourite shopping finds, tons of decorating ideas, tours of our readers’ homes, plus lots of craft projects and recipes, exclusive offers and competitions – all delivered straight to your email inbox! And it’s all free! Sign up at housetohome.co.uk/ thehomestylist and don’t miss a thing! Sign up free! at housetohome.co.uk/thehomestylist…

BodyFIT Exercise Bike Only £69.99 plus £3.95 P&P, was £129.99, save £60 The perfect beginners’ exercise bike to help lose weight, burn calories and tone up. A built-in computer measures time, speed, distance and calories burned, so you can track your progress. It has been designed to be comfortable and reliable and comes with a one-year guarantee. Other features include adjustable saddle height and resistance levels. Some self-assembly is required. Measures H110cm x L82cm x W51cm. Max user weight: 100kg. BodyFIT Rowing Machine Just £79.99 plus £3.95 P&P, was £149.99, save £70 Get a complete workout at home with this fantastic rowing machine. Enjoy smooth rowing action and adjustable footplates for greater ankle support. Featuring a Dial-A-Tension hydraulic cylinder with 12 resistance levels and an adjustable incline to raise the…

#askSAH QI would love to try pastel shades in my kitchen but I’m not sure where to start. I don’t want the room to look too twee. Help! JENNY MULDOCH, IPSWICH If your kitchen cupboards are neutral, give the whole room a splash of gentle colour by installing soft pastel tiles behind the sink and oven – working as a splashback for both. Combine with a pastel-coloured Roman blind and pretty complementary accessories and you’ll have lifted the look of your kitchen without making any major changes. 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 crafty projects. Here’s one of our latest posts – a…

COSY CORNER Group together a pick of your favourite finds in a corner, as @choppy_chic has done. Start with a side table or chair, and then add smaller accessories to tie the look together and add interest. Include a lamp to light up your display in the evenings. GO COASTAL Be inspired by the coast and style up a nautical corner in your bathroom just like@ornamentalelephant. Display shells and pebbles and bring in soft blues to add colour. Hints of rope or seaside motifs will help tie the look together. RUSTIC ROOM Channel a soft vintage-vibe by introducing pretty accessories and linens into your bedroom styling. @natyshas vintagehome has chosen dainty floral prints on her bedding and hung rustic wicker hearts around the bed for a country-themed finishing touch. FAB…

The often-forgotten laundry basket plays an essential role in every household and needn’t be overlooked when it comes to style. Whether you keep yours in the bathroom, bedroom or utility room, treat your home to a chic new design that will cheer up your space and keep your smalls out of sight. Take a look at our pick of the top bins that will have you looking forward to laundry day (well, maybe..!).…

Create a stylish and unique display shelf for your books and decorative trinkets using two wooden fruit crates, in three super-easy steps. Then why not try painting the wooden crates to fit in with your interior scheme, too? HOW TO TAKES 5HRS COST £28.57 2 x 50cm wooden fruit crates, £10.79 each, Country Baskets Coarse and fine sandpaper Gorilla glue, £5, B&Q Castor wheels, £1.99 for four, eBay Screws 1 Use coarse sandpaper to rub over the wooden slats on each crate and remove any rough edges. Repeat inside and out with each crate until the wood is smooth and wipe away any dust. Go over again with fine sandpaper if necessary. 2 Stand one crate on its side, so the opening is facing outwards. Apply a line of Gorilla…

For most homes, the hall is the first room guests will see, so make sure yours is dressed to impress. A console table is the perfect way to add a focal point, while offering practical storage. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite designs, starting from as little as £79, to help you and your hall make a great first impression.…

Give your living room a speedy makeover with our fun scatter cushions to brighten up your sofa. Why not continue the look and add some DIY pom poms to a coordinating throw to create a matching set? HOW TO TAKES 1HR COST £15* 1/2m of Morella Orchid fabric, £14.99 per m, Prestigious Textiles (for pink cushion) 1/2m of Panama Petrol fabric, £13.99 per m, Prestigious Textiles (for blue cushion) Fabric scissors & pins Tape measure Iron Sewing machine Anchor tapestry wool in pink & blue, £1 each, Hobbycraft Clover 35mm pom pom maker, £5.90, Hobbycraft Needle and thread Basic pillows, £3 for two, Asda 1 To make a small cushion, cut out one piece of material in your chosen fabric measuring 37cm sq, and two further pieces measuring 37 x…

We’re a nation of animal lovers, so it’s no wonder our furry friends are popping up everywhere this season in interiors. From woodland creatures to our favourite pets, snuggle up with a cosy cushion to give your living room an on-trend update. We’ve tracked down 10 of our favourite designs, all with an autumnal feel, from just £7.…

Don’t ditch your leftover wallpaper – put it to good use and have a go at creating your own piece of wall art in less than an hour! We made a trio of boxes using coordinating paint colours and wallpaper scraps, but why not customise each one to suit your look? Try using gift wrap or even your favourite photos to line the inside of the box for a totally unique look, or use smaller boxes to display Instagram-style snaps for a quirky art gallery idea. HOW TO TAKES 1HR COST £9.76 Medium square box, £5.99, Hobbycraft Paint tester pots, £1 each, B&Q PVA glue Paintbrushes Wallpaper samples Ruler & scalpel 3M Command Strips, £2.77 for four, Amazon 1 Working on newspaper, paint the inside and outside of the square…

Choosing curtains can feel daunting with so many things to consider, but once you’ve got it right, they’ll transform your room, making it feel warm and welcoming. There are lots of important points to consider before splashing out, though. Think about the size and shape of the window, room height and how your room is used. There are many different types of fabrics, too, plus linings, headings, curtain poles and finials, or made-to-measure versus off-the-shelf. We’ve done the homework so that it’s easier to make the best choice for your windows. You will learn How to plan your room Tips on measuring up Off-the-shelf versusmade-to-measure Fabric choices Heading styles Curtain poles and finials Fabric trends…

Q Can I hang curtains on windows that already have blinds or nets? Yes, of course! Blinds are great for practical reasons, especially if they are blackout versions, and perfectly frame the window. Curtains add depth and texture to the window and outline the space. Choose blinds and curtains that are in the same materials and complement one another, or go for a completely different finish to create a striking look. To save money, hang curtains that are not the full width but just create the look, and simply close the blind at night. Q Should I choose different materials for varying times of the year? For summer, curtains that are made of lightweight or translucent fabrics are popular choices due to their ability to freshen up a room, keep…

1 First, consider what colours you want to paint your desk – we decided on plain white for a fresh feel, paired with a metallic trim and dipped legs to give it a cool, sophisticated vibe. 2 Next, give the desk a light sand to rid it of any splinters – it also helps to give the paint a key to stick to. Wipe the desk over and ensure it’s clean of dust. 3 Using a medium-size brush, paint the desk with white furniture paint or eggshell, being sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the wood. Leave to dry, then repeat with a second coat and leave to dry again. 4 Mask off a line, three-quarters of the way down each leg, using masking tape. Paint…

WOOL Top quality, warm, soft and retains its look. Try an 80/20 mix with synthetics for an affordable option. POLYPROPYLENE Highly stain resistant and hard wearing, but prone to flattening in busy areas. Great value for money. POLYESTER Warm, durable and easily cleaned, this often makes a good blend with wool for better tuft definition. TWIST PILE Springy underfoot, great for high-traffic areas, hides scuffs and prints. LOOP PILE Loops made of wool, polypropylene, nylon or a mix of fibres. SAXONY Twisted yarns with a long pile, feels sumptuous, but can flatten. WOVEN Made from the traditional loomed method, with colours and patterns woven in, rather than printed on top. TUFTED This springy carpet, in a large variety of finishes and colours, is a value-for-money choice.…

Dualelle 170cm bath, £378.99; side panel, £249; end panel, £138.99; Quantum 600mm basin unit, £639; extra single base unit, £228.99; pencil-edged Tusk 230mm vanity top, £212; Quantum square back-to-wall loo, £699.99; Natural Crème ceramic floor tiles (44cm x 44cm), £46 per sq m; Natural Crème ceramic wall tiles (59cm x 32cm), £42 per sq m; all Utopia Group. Mosaic tiles, £90 per sq m, Not Just Tiles. Adept BRD mixer shower, £553.20; Evolve basin mixer tap, £95; Evolve bath pillar taps, £125; ACE square bath screen, £212.40; all Mira Showers. Agave heated towel rail, £499, Vasco. Aluminium 550 mirrored cabinet, £374.24, Bauhaus. Box frame, £2, Ikea. Heart insert mount, £1.95, Designer Picture Mounts. Small bath rug in Peony, £20; Supreme Supima Hygro bath towels in Blush and Pink, £20 each;…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Kristy Hirst, 30, and I live with my husband, Edd, 30, in our four-bedroom new-build townhouse in Rothwell, Northamptonshire. We’re expecting our first child later this year. MY CHALLENGE The kitchen-diner was every shade of cream and white, including the units, worktop and floor. It felt cold, bland and totally uninspiring. MY WISH LIST We wanted a space with buckets of cheerful character and charm that reflected both our personalities, and somewhere that we’d enjoy using as a family and for entertaining friends. The previous owners were the first to live in this new-build home and were here only 18 months, so when we moved in it was practically untouched,’ says Kristy. ‘On one hand, that was great as the house was a blank canvas,…

Like us on Facebook Share ideas and tips at facebook.com/ styleathomemag Find us online Visit housetohome.co.uk/styleathome for more ideas, including decorating and moodboards Follow us on Instagram See our sneak previews of the latest home looks via @styleathomemag Watch us on YouTube Check out the latest videos by the Style at Home team. Visit YouTube and search for Style at Home Download your digital edition Enjoy your favourite magazine on your tablet by visiting housetohome.co.uk/digital-editions/ styleathome Sign up to our newsletter Get weekly exclusive offers, plus we chat with our cover star! Tweet us on Twitter Get the latest home news and share your own tips and ideas via @styleathomemag Follow us on Pinterest Be inspired and re-post our pins at pinterest.com/ styleathomemag Read our blog Stop by our blog,…

MEATBALL PASTA BAKE TAKES 50 MIN SERVES 4 300g pasta 500g pork mince 1 onion, diced 1tsp dried oregano 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2tsp Dijon mustard 1tbsp ketchup 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce 100g Cheddar cheese, grated Green salad, to serve FOR THE SAUCE 1tbsp oil 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, diced 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 50ml red wine 2tsp oregano 1tsp sugar 1 Cook the pasta to pack instructions, drain and set aside in the pan. Preheat the grill to medium. In a bowl, mix the pork with the onion, oregano, garlic, mustard, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Season. 2 Roll into 28 meatballs and arrange on a grill tray. Grill for 10–12 min, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. 3 For the sauce, heat the oil…

CHIFFON CAKE TAKES 1 HR 30 MIN SERVES 10 175g strawberries, hulled 250g self-raising flour 1tsp baking powder 6 eggs, separated 125ml vegetable oil Zest of 1 lemon 225g caster sugar Red food gel Strawberry jam FOR THE FROSTING 250g mascarpone cheese Zest of 1 lemon 2tbsp icing sugar 400ml double cream Red food gel Strawberries and edible flowers to decorate 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Grease and line 2 x 20cm tins. Puree the strawberries. Pass through a sieve. 2 Add the yolks, oil, zest and 175g sugar to an electric mixer. Add the puree and a little red gel, whisk for 5 min. 3 Whisk the egg whites until stiff, add 50g sugar, 1tsp at a time, until glossy. Fold the flour and baking powder into…

1 Turn off the electricity. Hang the drop over the switch and brush to make an impression. Mark with a pencil from corner to corner of the faceplate. Pierce the paper in the middle, cut back the corners. 2 Trim the flaps to the outer edge of the switch or socket so there is a slight 6mm overlap covering the fitting. Partially unscrew the faceplate and pull it away from the wall. 3 Ease the faceplate through the hole without tearing the paper. Use a brush to push the edges behind the faceplate and smooth away any bubbles. Screw back in position and leave to dry.…

Giant Delphiniums In a range of beautiful colours to brighten up your garden Transform your garden with a stream of colour and plant these gorgeous Giant Delphiniums, which come in a variety of shades. Flowering from June, they will tower over your garden year after year for a gorgeous display. Plant them in pots or in borders and fill your garden with a pop of colour. They also make great floral displays when cut and shown off in a decorative vase. Maximum height is 2m and spread is 40cm. Supplied as young plants in 14 days. Long-flowering Clematis Buy 6 for half price, saving £30 The Clematis Shikoo, Vyvyan Pennell and Countess of Lovelace are beautiful flowers, which begin to bloom in April, measuring up to 20cm in height. As…

A Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Andrew Martin andrewmartin.co.uk Andshine 07765 530607 Annabel James 0845 548 0210; annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803 168 Anthropologie anthropologie.eu Apex Loft Conversions apex loftandroofconversions.co.uk Aspace 0845 872 2500 B Barstools.co.uk 0845 519 1628 Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200; bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Bauhaus 0845 873 8840; bauhaus-bathrooms.co.uk Blinds 2 Go 0800 862 0464 Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000 Brintons 01562 820000; brintons.co.uk C California Shutters 0800 012 6009; californiashutters.co.uk Calm Gallery (The) 01223 269749; thecalmgallery.com Chandelier Drops 0161 408 2014; chandelierdrops.co.uk Cheddar Stamper 07838 180556; cheddarstamper.co.uk Christy 0845 758 5252 Colefax and Fowler 020 7244 7427; colefax.com Concept Flooring 01536 523914; conceptflooring.co.uk Contemporary Home (The) 0845 130 8229; tch.net Cotswold Company (The) 0333 200 1725; cotswoldco.com Cox & Cox 0844 858 0734 Crown…