Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2017 i Style At Home

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m George Peters, 27, and I design stationery and gifts for the home at oohilikethatdesign.com. I live with my husband Sam, 26. MY HOME We moved into our rented three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Wellington, Somerset, in September 2015. WHEN I MOVED IN The house was very plain, with beige carpets and dull cream walls. The bathroom felt dark, but we loved the square rooms and big kitchen. AND NOW It feels light and open, as everywhere has been painted white. Hand-made pieces and second-hand furniture give it a homely feel and I’ve added colourful accents. STYLE TIP Use double-sided sticky pads to hang pictures. They peel off cleanly – perfect for renters! GREAT IDEA ‘Rearrange your furniture as a no-cost way to refresh a room’…

COLOUR COMBO Mix different-coloured cushions to curate a display on your sofa. Aim for a variety of bolder shades and more muted tones to balance out the look, and don’t shy away from blending patterns, too. QUICK FIX Changing your cushions is a simple way to update your scheme without breaking the bank. Invest in a couple of basic designs that can work all year round, then add one or two statement cushions each season to freshen up the look. SOFT TOUCH Always consider the material of your cushion carefully before buying it, to make sure it works both with your interior scheme and lifestyle. Why not go for velvet for a luxurious finish, or a fluffy faux-fur to cosy up your couch.…

PICTURE THIS Use wall decals to create a feature display without the need for repainting or wallpapering. Arrange a series of stickers, or go for one large design to act as a focal point in the room and as an alternative to regular artwork. OFF THE WALL Be creative when positioning your stickers – consider using a design as a ‘headboard’ above your bed, or use picture frame stickers to surround photos on the wall. DIY IDEA If you can’t find a design you like, try making your own using stickyback vinyl. Test the material on a discreet area first to make sure it doesn’t pull off paintwork when removed.…

LOOK ONLINE FOR FOLK-STYLE DESIGN INSPIRATION. INCLUDE MOTIFS SUCH AS BIRDS, LEAVES AND FLOWERS, AND MIX IN PLENTY OF BOLD COLOURS Spend an afternoon making our simple appliqué cushion, using bright shades of felt and wool. There’s very little sewing involved, as the pieces are fixed in place using fabric glue. Follow the cute heart design that we have used, or try a Scandi-style house or a bird motif for a folksy look. These will make a lovely handmade gift for a new home or wedding present. HOW TO TAKES 4HRS COSTS £13 Scissors & pencil Blue & red tapestry wool Felt pen & paper White fabric, £4 per m, Ikea Yellow, red, blue and green felt Fabric glue, £3 per 120ml, Hobbycraft 50cm Bay Stripe fabric, £12 per m,…

Beth’s bathroom is always neat and tidy thanks to a handy tallboy cabinet, which keeps clutter at bay in her busy family home. We’ve hunted on the high street and online to find 10 pieces to inspire your own bathroom look, whether you’re after a practical unit to hide away bath time toys, or open shelving to have your guest towels on display. £174.99 Choose the elegant Marseille acacia slatted tall unit for a spa-inspired feel, DUNELM £35 Showcase decorative items and candles on the Ronnskar open shelving unit, IKEA £50 Display towels on the Odin ladder for an alternative to regular shelving, HABITAT £175 Try the classic Croft Blakeney double mirrored bathroom cabinet for a stylish country look, JOHN LEWIS £24.99 Keep all your bathroom essentials organised with the…

AROUND ME FREE This is a great app for showing you where your local amenities are – from hospitals, petrol stations, supermarkets, dentists and doctors to cinemas and banks. It picks up your location and offers directions on how you get to them and how long the journey will take. MORTGAGE CALCULATOR UK FREE For a quick guide to what your mortgage payments might be on a particular house, download this handy app. It will recommend the best mortgage deals and rates available on the market, as well as giving you an estimate of what a repayment or interest-only mortgage would cost monthly. ZOOPLA FREE One of the most well-known and comprehensive UK property search apps available, Zoopla covers renting and buying plus everything from property history, sold prices and…

Working with texture isn’t just a case of throwing together your favourite things – it takes consideration to get the right effect. Firstly, textured doesn’t have to mean rough – gloss and high-shine pieces play just as big a part as fretwork and chunky knits – we’ve broken this guide into sections to help you figure out what will work best. Texture is the foundation of every piece and important to consider when putting a scheme together. Too much of the same thing can be overwhelming or dull, so punctuating with a contrasting piece can really lift a look. On the other hand, if you take it too far, your items can get lost in the chaos. We’ll help you to step back from it all and achieve an overall…

LOOK OUT FOR SECOND-HAND FURNITURE THAT YOU CAN UPCYCLE TO SUIT YOUR SCHEME Whether it’s a Formica kitchen table, upholstered sofa or a wooden bench, every item of furniture has a texture of its own to contribute to your scheme. While committing to the look you’ve chosen, think about how versatile these items are – then you can go forth and research what your texture options are. Material world Your personal style will dictate your choices. Wood can be industrial or rustic and changes its appearance when paired with other items. For instance, modern bed linen will update a wooden bed, while unusual handles can revamp a chest of drawers. Remember, when painted, most pieces can be any style you like, so don’t dismiss plainer items – you can always…

Q What exactly is Hygge? Hygge isn’t just about decor – it’s about creating lifestyle. It means being at home with family and friends, taking your time to just sit, read a book, have a leisurely meal or have a long luxurious bath. When creating a hygge home, layers and textures such as sheepskin cushions and throws are key, coupled with lots of candlelight. Q Can we create Hygge in any room in the home? Yes. From the kitchen to the bathroom, every room in the home can be given the hygge effect. Think candlelit baths, sofas and beds decked with super cosy cushions and throws, and an atmosphere where you’ll enjoy throwing relaxed, informal supper parties with friends and family. Q What about young families? Is there a safe…

HANG YOUR STORAGE POUCH ON THE WALL FROM A SMALL NAIL, OR FIX WITH COMMAND’S DAMAGE-FREE HOOKS FOR A TEMPORARY SOLUTION IN RENTAL PROPERTIES JEAN POCKET POUCHES Create crafty storage nooks with embroidery hoops and a pair of unwanted denim jeans TAKES 30 MIN COST £2.50 Tape measure Tailor’s chalk Pair of denim jeans (one back pocket per project) Fabric scissors Embroidery hoop (diameter 23cm), £2.50, John Lewis 1 Using a tape measure and tailor’s chalk, draw a circle at least 25cm in diameter around the back pocket of the jeans (to fit a 23cm embroidery hoop), ensuring the jeans pocket sits in the centre (a dinner plate might make a good template). Cut out the circle with sharp fabric scissors and lay to one side. 2 Take the embroidery…

LIME AND CORIANDERMAKE THE PERFECT AROMATIC GARNISH FOR CHICKEN CHIPOTLE CHICKEN TAKES 45MIN SERVES 4 4tbsp chipotle paste 4tbsp runny honey Zest and juice of 2 limes 4 chicken legs Chopped coriander to garnish 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/ Gas 6. Mix the chipotle, honey and lime zest and juice. 2 Place the chicken in a baking dish, pour over half the sauce, bake for 20min, then add the remainder. 3 Return the chicken to the oven for a further 20min, or until golden brown and sticky and the chicken is no longer pink in the centre. 4 Cut the other lime into wedges to squeeze over the chicken and serve with a little chopped coriander sprinkled on top. PASSION FRUIT & LIME SLICES TAKES 35MIN SERVES 12 250g…

1 When making chocolate brownies, top them with a few teaspoonfuls of peanut butter and swirl gently into the mix before putting the tray in the oven to cook. Bake as normal for a yummy treat with a nutty twist. 2 Blitz a spoonful of smooth peanut butter together with the ingredients for a fruity breakfast smoothie that will give your daily protein intake a boost. 3 For a healthy, satisfying snack, spread peanut butter onto chunky slices of apple to help fill you up between meals. 4 Blitz two bananas in a food processor together with 2tbsp peanut butter and freeze to make your own delicious dairy-free ice cream. 5 Make (or reheat ready-made) crêpes and serve with spoonfuls of peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut spread for a sweet…

CRISPER Earth Friendly Spray Starch is a chemical-free, pH-neutral spray that makes ironing a breeze and keeps fabrics crease-free for longer, £3.99, Lakeland CLEANER Rub EcoEgg Stain Remover paste on a stain, leave for 10 minutes then wash as normal. Stain-removing power with biodegradable ingredients, £3.79, Lakeland SOFTER Ecover Under The Sun fabric conditioner has a light, natural scent, and static reduction makes ironing easier, too, £2.25/25 washes, Sainsbury’s FRESHER Method Fresh Air Laundry Liquid: just a few squirts of this non-bio will deliver big cleaning power with a lovely ‘fresh air’ scent, £5.99/25 loads, Sainsbury’s…

HAVE A BATHROOM BLITZ Spray a 50:50 vinegar/water solution onto kitchen and bathroom tiles, wiping the solution away with a damp cloth. On dirty grout, leave the solution to work for around five minutes then scrub with an old toothbrush before rinsing. REMOVE STICKY LABEL RESIDUE Removing a price label or other sticker can leave a sticky mess behind. Dab the area with vinegar and it rubs right off. SORT GUNKY SCISSORS Wipe scissor blades with a cloth dipped in vinegar to remove sticky residue or grime, then dry. BRIGHTEN STAINED MUGS Make a paste with equal parts of vinegar and salt (or baking soda), and use to gently scrub away tea or coffee stains inside mugs, then rinse clean with plenty of cold running water.…

#askSAH Q My hallway is so dark and gloomy, it really needs a spring revamp. Any ideas? CHARLOTTE MORRIS, LONDON, VIA TWITTER The hallway is the first thing people see when they visit and sets a lasting impression, so you’re right not to overlook this important space. Colour and pattern are big this year, and if you’re not brave enough to try them in a living room or bedroom, this is the perfect place. Start with a spring floral wallpaper, then layer up with colourful, all-important storage, such as a painted bench seat with cushions and a wall-hung unit for essentials. Got a burning styling question? Tweet it to the team @styleathomemag – we’re on hand with all the answers! Tweets we love @Vicky_Cee24 Reading @styleathomemag and it features wallpapers…

Maggie McAllister ABOUT ME I’m a young-at-heart 62-year-old living in a converted Georgian church in Paisley. WHAT’S YOUR BEST HOME STYLE TIP? Before you take cast-offs to the charity shop, take a moment to consider if old clothing or ornaments can be upcycled using a sewing machine or spray paint. My favourite cushion was once an old jumper! James Richardson ABOUT ME I’m 28 and I own a first-floor two-bedroom apartment in north Yorkshire. WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY? As this is my first home, I’m not rushing into any design decisions. I have so many decorating ideas buzzing around in my head, but calm and thoughtful planning is the way forward! Nicola Lucas ABOUT ME I’m 34 and I live in a two-bedroom terraced house in north London…

SPELL IT OUT Display bold, fun letters on walls or mantelpieces. Hobbycraft mache letters, from £1, can be wrapped, découpaged or customised with paint. MAP WRAP Map-design accessories add a quirky, colourful element to your room. George London Map lampshade, is a brilliant buy at £12.99 from Dunelm. POPS OF YELLOW Add some stylish citrus accessories, which sing out against inky greys or crisp white. Try Maisons du Monde’s Ella desk lamp, £16.99 or the Janinge stacking chairs, £40 each, Ikea.…

USE A GOOD-QUALITY MASKING TAPE, SUCH AS FROGTAPE, FOR PERFECT SHAPES. LET EACH COLOUR DRY BEFORE REMOVING THE TAPE There’s something addictive about upcycling furniture. It’s all to do with getting a unique piece of furniture for a fraction of the cost of a new one and creating something that no-one else in the world has. Upcycled furniture makes you love your home just that little bit more. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED… Q How do I start upcycling furniture? It’s essential to prepare your furniture no matter what the surface is. Ensure top coatings are free from peeling paint or varnish. A good sand will do the trick. Start with a low-grade (rough) sandpaper and move onto smoother higher-grade ones, until you can’t feel any bumps, then clean. You don’t always…

LIVEN UP YOUR BED with an elegant button-back headboard. The Iceberg fabric vintage button headboard, £199, Maisons du Monde, has a similar feel and comes in a variety of tempting colours. CHOOSE WALL STICKERS to liven up plain walls like Jenny has done in her bedroom. Get her style with peel and stick up polka-dot wall stickers, which can be bought from Etsy, in a range of colours and designs and to suit all budgets. PERSONALISED STREET SIGNS will give your home individuality, whether you choose your names or special dates. Find similar designs at Getting Personal, from £11.99. FAUX DEER HEADS are a popular and traditional motif, but can be given a contemporary twist by adding a geo-style covering. Try the deer head geometric triangles cushion in mustard, £14,…

USE HASHTAGS, SUCH AS #INSTASHOPS, TO FIND NEW SELLERS OR ONLINE STORES. AND TO KEEP IT LOCAL AND FIND PEOPLE NEAR YOU, TRY #LONDONINTERIORS,ETC We’ve all scoured social media, looking longingly at beautiful images of people’s homes and the great buys they’ve found. The good news is that these days, it’s easier to buy original homeware from small creative businesses at the touch of a button. Online sites like Notonthehighstreet.com and Etsy have a selection of unique pieces that don’t cost the earth. And last year, Instagram also announced that it would introduce a Shop Now button, making it easier for online retailers to sell their wares. First things first With the range of online sellers, it can feel daunting knowing where to start looking. First, start by following people…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Beth Napthine, 45, and I live with my husband Colin, 66, and our daughters Sophie, eight, and Alice, six. MY HOME A 1950s three-bedroom detached property in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house was very dated and had lots of problems, a small cramped kitchen and an unusable bathroom. AND NOW We’ve added an extension across the back to make most of the open layout downstairs, plus a new kitchen and bathroom. Also, every single room has been replastered and redecorated. STYLE TIP If you’re keeping your kitchen scheme neutral, go for patterned crockery rather than plain to jazz things up a bit. We had no idea exactly what we were letting ourselves in for when we started renovating this house,’ says Beth.…

CLEVER IDEA If you are living in a rental home and aren’t allowed to drill into the walls, over-the-door hook rails will provide nifty storage for hanging towels and bathrobes. SHOP SMART Keep your bathroom surfaces tidy by investing in small containers and caddies to store toiletries. Baskets with lids are ideal for hiding unsightly bottles, or go for boxes that can be stacked to help save space. USE EVERY INCH For more compact bathrooms, select a storage unit that fits underneath your basin to make the most of the space. You can choose one with open shelves, or spend a little more on a cabinet with doors.…

GET CREATIVE WITH COLOUR AND TRY PAINTING THE INSIDE EDGES OF THE BOX FRAME IN A DIFFERENT SHADE TO THE OUTSIDE FOR ADDED INTEREST Creating a bespoke mirror isn’t as tricky as it sounds – our simple box-frame design can be made to your own dimensions in order to fit your space. Use sturdy D-rings to fix your mirror to the wall so you can use the ledge as a shelf to prop up small accessories such as vases, postcards and candles. Or use it to keep a favourite lipstick or scent within easy reach. HOW TO TAKES 1 HR *  COSTS £39.02 2 x lengths of stripwood (we used 90cm x 1.5cm), £5.98 each, B&Q Saw & sandpaper Dulux Quick Dry white Satinwood paint, £13.98 for 750ml, B&Q…

A NEW CARPET WILL SHED MORE FIBRES TO BEGIN WITH, SO VACUUM MORE OFTEN THAN USUAL FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS The way a room feels underfoot is just as important as the way it looks. If you’re choosing flooring for a kitchen or bathroom, hard surfaces are better, but this doesn’t mean sacrificing texture. Wooden boards suit a rustic look and offer a natural texture, but if you go for a cheaper laminate, many now mimic the look of real floorboards. Vinyl flooring has come far, offering a huge choice of patterns and styles, from faux floorboards to floral tiles, providing a textured look at a lower price. Tread carefully But there are other options. Concrete flooring is increasingly popular in either a matte or polished surface and is…

New craft trends are always popping up, but pompoms seem to have been popular for a while – and don’t look set to be going anywhere soon. We sent Ali from the Style at Home team to try out a two-hour workshop with Mingo + Tinks, a London-based company specialising in all things pompom. Here’s how she got on... Great balls of fun ‘Cupcake-decorating, sewing, pottery and bunting – I’ve tried a few different crafts in my time, but pompom-making is a new one for me. So when I booked into Mingo + Tinks’s workshop, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Upon arrival at West Elm’s stunning showroom in London, I was offered a glass of bubbly and a slice of cake from the girls in the team. I spent…

Try this upcycling project to add a statement piece of furniture to your scheme. This retro upholstered footstool is made from an old double school desk with two bookshelves just below the surface – perfect for storing newspapers and magazines. Not only does it double up as a footstool and coffee table, but it’s also sturdy enough for extra seating. Trawl antiques fairs or car-boot sales to find a similar desk or table. If it’s too high, just mark and saw the legs so that its top stands 34cm from the floor, sand down the rough sawn edges, and you’re good to go! HOW TO TAKES 2 HRS Wooden desk or low table Non-slip rubber matting (cut to fit top) Foam pad to fit top x 15cm depth Tape measure…

Garden Trading’s unique style mixes beauty with practicality, creating timeless pieces to make everyday life more enjoyable. Why not pick up a few items from its beautiful utility collection and carry out your spring cleaning in style this year? The collection includes useful bins, buckets and laundry essentials in natural wood and galvanised steel that will add rustic charm to your home’s décor. If you’re planning to get on top of your clutter build-up for good this spring, take a look at Garden Trading’s fantastic range of storage furniture, including shelf ladders, rustic wall units and painted settle benches that will bring a calm and ordered feel to your home. Head outside With spring just around the corner, it’s time to make sure you have all you need for outdoor…

GREEK LAMB TAKES 30MIN SERVES 4 400g lamb neck fillet 1tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into strips 125g giant couscous 1 vegetable stock pot Juice and zest of 1 lemon 100g baby spinach leaves Tzatziki, to serve 1 Season the lamb with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the chopped onion and fry for 2min. Add the lamb and cook for 3–5min, turning it occasionally. Add the red pepper to the pan and cook with the lamb for 5min. 2 Meanwhile, put the giant couscous and the vegetable stock pot into a pan. Cover them with boiling water and simmer for 6-8min, until the couscous is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed.…

RASPBERRY & ALMOND CAKE TAKES 1HR + FREEZING SERVES 16 300g unsalted butter, softened 300g golden caster sugar 300g self-raising flour 6 large eggs, beaten 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 100g ground almonds 3tbsp milk 1tsp almond extract FILLING 150g raspberry jam DECORATION 300g unsalted butter, softened 600g icing sugar Pink food-colouring gel 40 macaroons 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/Gas 3. Grease and line three 20cm tins. 2 Cream the butter and sugar until pale and soft. Add the flour, eggs, baking powder, almonds, milk and almond extract. Whisk until smooth. 3 Divide the mixture between the tins. Bake for 30min until risen, golden and cooked through. 4 Cool on a wire rack. Trim to level the layers, then sandwich them together with raspberry jam. 5 To make the…

1 ALL-IN-ONE ACTION Helps you mop, clean and scrub all in one go. 2 FLEXIBLE TOUCH The low-profile design slides under and around furniture with ease. 3 WASH & REWASH When you’ve used the microfibre cloth, it can be machine washed up to 300 times. 4 EASY ACCESS Spray your cleaning solution directly onto the floor with the trigger and use the microfibre mop on large areas including tiles and hard wood. For hard-to-shift spills, slide out the scrubber, then slide back into place after cleaning.…

1 SHOP SMART Don’t grab it just because it’s on offer. If there’s a deal on a favourite, buy it, find a recipe where it’s the hero, make double and freeze some. 2 PRESERVE PASTA Cooked pasta in tomato sauce keeps for two days in the fridge. Mix leftovers with egg and cheese and fry for a frittata, adding salami, bacon or chorizo. 3 RIPEN IT RIGHT Separate bananas from other fruit – if you keep it all together in a bowl the bananas ripen other fruits too quickly. 4 FILL THE FREEZER If what’s in the fridge is near its use-by date, freeze anything that you’d otherwise throw away. Store the rest in the fridge in order of use-by date and choose recipes that use it up in order.…

Style at Home has teamed up with Landon Tyler to give readers the chance to win one of eight home-fragrance and beauty bundles, worth over £250 each! The creator of wonderful home fragrances for leading brands for decades, Landon Tyler has now launched its own brand of home-fragrance and beauty products, all of which have been carefully crafted to deliver lasting, high-quality scents at affordable prices for a little bit of luxury to enjoy every day. Eyes on the prize Each winner will receive six 200g candle glasses (£10 each); four 100ml reed diffusers (£12 each); four sets of two 50ml diffusers (£10 each); four 460g three-wick candles (£15 each); three handcare duo sets (£8 each); three bathing gift sets (£13.50 each) and one three-piece hand cream set, (£6). If…

A   Amara amara.com Amazon Handmade amazon.co.uk/handmade Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Anorak anorakonline.co.uk Argos 0345 640 3030, argos.co.uk Aspace aspace.co.uk A Splash of Colour asplashofcolour.com Atkin And Thyme 020 3768 7775, atkinandthyme.co.uk B   B&M bmstores.co.uk Barnaby & Co barnabyco.com BeanBagBazaar 0800 988 1286, beanbagbazaar.co.uk Becky & Lolo beckyandlolo.co.uk Berry Red berryred.co.uk Bhs 0333 733 1000, bhs.com Black By Design 01889 502716, black-by-design.co.uk Breville breville.co.uk Brintons brintons.co.uk C   CarpetRight carpetright.co.uk Carron Taps carron.com Cath Kidston cathkidston.com Christy christy-towels.com Clare Loves clareloves.co.uk Contemporary Home (The) tch.net Creative Tops creative-tops.com Crown Paints crownpaint.co.uk Crucial Trading crucial-trading.com Cuckooland.com 01305 231231 Currys 0344 561 0000, currys.co.uk D   Danetti danetti.com Daval daval-furniture.co.uk…

Love George’s look? Follow her lead and transform your sofa into a focal point by adding colour, texture and pattern with a collection of eye-catching cushions. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite new designs to help you get started, no matter what your look or budget.…

THIS IS A REALLY SIMPLE PROJECT FOR THE NOVICE CRAFTER. USE REMNANTS OF FURNISHING FABRIC AND MIX PATTERNS FOR A QUIRKY, MISMATCHED SCHEME New to upcycling? A dining chair seat pad is an easy project, and one which is sure to impress your friends! As you aren’t removing any old covers, the job is simple and mess-free. Look out for wooden chairs with removable seats at charity shops, car-boot sales or websites like Freecycle. Give the chair a little TLC before you start, wiping away any grime, then you’re set to get started! If you like, you can always paint your chair first with a suitable furniture paint. HOW TO TAKES 2 HRS COSTS £12 Wooden dining chair with drop-in seat, around £10, charity shop Furniture oil or polish Soft…

LONDON LILY Jewellery seller London Lily has branched out into homeware and has a cute collection of cushions, which look great in any room. instagram.com/london_lily;etsy.com/people/londonlily1 TOM PIGEON This design studio sells geo art, stationery, ceramics and jewellery, all of which are perfect as gifts for a modern home or design aficionado. instagram.com/tom_pigeon LILY BELLE Get personal with Lily Belle’s range of cute candles and gorgeous jewellery. With purse-friendly prices, there’s something for all occasions. notonthehighstreet.com/partners/lilybelledesigns/products LITTLE PRETTY PRINTS This Instagram shop offers hand-crafted home décor and personalised prints, including cute ideas for children and babies. instagram.com/littleprettyprints MINGO + TINKS Bring some fun style to your home with home-made pompom accessories, which include seasonal wreaths and garlands, plus DIY kits. mingoandtinks.co.uk; instagram.com/mingoandtinks APAMATESCENTS This Etsy shop sells aromatherapy products with all-natural…

USE THE SAME CUTE FABRIC to make into blinds, cushions and whatever you fancy, like in Beth’s daughter Sophie’s bedroom. Sanderson Posy Floral fabric, £36 per m, Wallpaperdirect. A DELICATELY FLORAL BLIND , which lets in some light adds pretty texture to Beth’s kitchen. Try the Elsham design in Ice White, from £48, Hillarys. GREEN IS THE SIGNATURE COLOUR throughout Beth’s house, and the study walls in Vert De Terre modern emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, were her starting point for inspiration. CO-ORDINATING INDOOR/ OUTDOOR FLOOR TILES provides seamless continuity. Beth’s are Khaki Fossil Valverdi tiles, £28.49 per sq m for indoors; and £48.88 per sq m for outdoors, both Hampshire Tile Warehouse. PASTEL CHECKED ACCESSORIES , like the Duck Egg Highland Check cushion in the study, £14.99,…

ONE WAY TO FIND OUT IF AN AREA SUITS YOU BEFORE COMMITTING IS TO RENT. THAT WAY, IF YOU DON ’T LIKE IT, YOU’RE NOT STUCK WITH A HOUSE TO SELL Moving to a new area can feel overwhelming. There are so many things to consider even before you begin house-hunting, such as transport links, local schools, crime levels and house resale prices. The key is to do your homework and be thorough in your planning. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED… Q How do I decide if my chosen location is the right place for me? Whether your preferred potential new place is in the country or a city, start by spending some time in the area if possible. Visit whenever you can, take a notebook and write down the pros and…

The six lucky women whose homes we've featured in this issue are all part of our reader panel, Stylists at Home, and you could be included, too. Love Style at Home magazine? Got lots of styling ideas to share with other readers? Dream of having your home photographed? Want to help create fantastic features? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you! It's totally free to be involved, so get in touch now and help us to make Style at Home the best magazine ever. All you need to do is fill in your details at the address below and we'll get straight back to you. idealhome.co.uk…

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND USE INTERESTING FABRIC TO COVER NOTEBOOKS, COASTERS, OR TO STAPLE AROUND A PICTURE FRAME The easiest way to bring texture to a scheme without huge upheaval is to look at ways to combine fabrics and textiles. Rather than investing in a new carpet or flooring, a rug can add interest and make the room much cosier. Rugs offer a wealth of texture, from a smart flatweave to plush deep-pile, so think about the touch you’re after and how much impact you want it to have. Cushions are just as versatile, with all kinds of fabrics from velvet to sequins, it’s common to see different styles lined up along a sofa or a bed, so let your creative side take over. Try to choose at least…

HOUSE PLANTS BRING BEAUTIFUL TEXTURE INTO A ROOM AND YOU CAN CHANGE THEM SEASONALLY SO THAT THE ROOM ALWAYS LOOKS FRESH AND UP TO DATE Whether you’re updating a living room, bathroom or kitchen, there are plenty of ways to use texture to gain a new look and it’s surprising how effective certain combinations can be. Layering textures might sound simple, but there are a few rules to making it look like a carefully brought-together scheme. For instance, faux-fur cushions will instantly add a cosy feel, but combining one or two with linen or velvet cushions will make them stand out and break up the look for a super cosy vibe. Work the room Kitchens and bathrooms are a smooth base to work with, so layer wooden seating, colourful towels,…

Yellow brings instant joy to a scheme. If you’re looking for something fresh, head to the citrus shades, which work so well with other brights or against crisp white and greys. For a calm feel, go for bright botanical shades of primrose, sunflower and buttercup that look fab paired with other pretty-as-a-picture pastels. For a warmer, more grown-up vibe, choose a deeper yellow in a spicier shade of turmeric or ochre. These richer hues look wonderful in opulent fabrics such as sumptuous velvets and shimmering silks. Living with yellow You can add this on-trend colour to a living room in a number of ways. To go the whole hog with top-to-bottom yellow, team a pale yellow paint with a patterned citrus wallpaper for real wow factor. If you’re using yellow…

CHICKEN BAGUETTES TAKES 30MIN SERVES 2 6 chicken mini fillets 2tbsp barbecue sauce 160g frozen veg mix 8 battered onion rings 1 frozen bake at home baguette 50g garlic butter 50g grated cheese 50g green salad leaves 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Mix the chicken and barbecue sauce. 2 Bake the barbecue chicken in the oven for 15min. Lay out the frozen vegetables and the onion rings on a baking tray, and cook for 15min. 3 Pop one baguette in the oven to thaw and bake through. Split the baguette in half horizontally, spread evenly with the garlic butter, then top with the chicken, vegetables and cheese. Pop the loaded baguettes back into the oven until the cheese has melted, then serve with the fresh salad leaves and…

To-do list A few things to try this month... DO A DEEP CLEAN Tackle all those forgotten places, so your home feels really fresh and clean. Open the windows as you work to let fresh air circulate, and work on one room at a time. Clean behind and under furniture to get rid of dust bunnies, wash all your paintwork, polish door handles and light switches, and dust places that are often ignored, such as high shelving or light fittings. PACK UP WINTER CLOTHES Putting away woollies, thick duvets, and heavy coats and footwear frees up lots of wardrobe space for spring/summer clothing. Make sure everything is clean and dry, then fold neatly before packing away. Use boot trees and pop shoes into boxes, and invest in vacuum bags to…

ALL-ROUNDER Easy to use, this machine has 18 pre-set stitches, including stretch, and snap-on feet. Janome DMX200, £120, Dunelm SMALL PACKAGE Light and compact, this is a great choice for beginners or occasional sewers. Midi sewing machine, £40, Hobbycraft GO FOR PRO Professional quality machine with pushbutton stitch selection and digital display. Singer Confidence 7465, £200, Hobbycraft…

Get into a nostalgic mood with warm neutrals, colourful small-scale florals, lace and traditional craft accents. Layer prints and textures, and add timeless vintage touches, like doilies and fringed lampshades.…