Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2017 i Style At Home

Having recently moved into a new house and repainted most of it in a full-on painting frenzy, I feel like I’ve done my quota of big decorating jobs this year! However, I could definitely be tempted to tackle a mini project or two – you know, the kind of thing you can easily start and finish in a weekend? If you’re looking for new decor ideas, take a look at our easy style updates on p76, or check out the Ikea hacks and other simple upcycling projects at our sister title’s website, idealhome.co.uk. Plus, we’ve teamed up with Crown Paint to offer three free tester pots for every reader (see p44), so you can let loose with some super-bright colours on plant pots and picture frames, or try your hand…

M&S Luxe geo Lose yourself in a world of geometric designs and indulgent textures HOUSE OF FRASER Eastern approach Combine intricate patterns and earthy tones for a modern take on colonial style SAINSBURY’S Garden room Recreate a conservatory feel with delicate bouquets and spring greens DEBENHAMS Safari retreat Journey into the wild with Abigail Ahern's tribal-inspired collection…

MAKE DO AND MEND If you can’t find it in the shops, why not make it, like Cheryl? A can of spray paint costs very little and will transform any number of accessories and even furniture. Cheryl has also used twine to update vases and lamp stands. SHOW OFF YOUR FAM Find innovative ways to display favourite photos. Cheryl hangs hers from a yarn-wrapped branch, but you could make a photo washing line. All you need is a pack of mini craft pegs, £1 from The Range, and some baker’s twine. BE A SPACE INVADER Utilise every space you can think of! Place shelves in wall alcoves and look for units with storage underneath. Vintage-style suitcases are another on-trend idea for keeping less used items out of sight. Buy reproductions…

BARGAIN HUNT Look on eBay and Gumtree, or even at auctions, to pick up pieces that can be brought back to their former glory with a lick of paint. EMBRACE GRANNY CHIC Once thought chintzy and frumpy, floral wallpaper is back and, when used right, brings a vintage look together. Laura Ashley sells bold prints in subtle hues. BE A ROMANTIC French style is all about romance. Play with texture by introducing tactile fabrics like velvets and faux fur. Antique-style metal and glass accessories lend glints of light. STAY IN NEUTRAL Stick to a white and cream base, then introduce soft, vintage hues like dusky pink, mink and duck egg blue for a delicate lift. THINK ‘LESS IS MORE’ When it comes to French furniture, make heroes of a few…

the STYLE RULES A perennial favourite that's easy to live with Get cool, coastal style or a country cottage look with this combo that evokes the freshness of sea and sky. CONSIDER NATURAL LIGHT Shades of blue can vary in daylight – south-facing rooms are brighter and a pale hue will maximise the space. Embrace moody blues in smaller, darker rooms. ADD AN ACCENT Soft white is the classic highlight, but try a chalky grey to add depth, or metallics for some polish. MIX & MATCH Ticking stripes, checks, large florals and toiles work well in this palette. Classic blue & WHITE Make mismatched florals work by using a tonal palette the STYLE RULES A neutral colour scheme doesn't have to be boring This classic…

Revive your home for the summer by choosing gorgeous bed linen and super-soft towels from Christy. And this month, Style at Home readers can enjoy an amazing 20% off its top quality bed and bathroom linen. Christy’s irresistible collection of sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases ranges from simple-but-sophisticated plain designs to cool and contemporary patterned bed linen sets. Everything in the range has a high thread count, making it perfect for year-round use – and restful sleep. Refresh your look You’ll also find that Christy has a sumptuous selection of 100% cotton towels, bathmats and more. It’s the easiest way to give your bathroom a new look – choose coordinating items or pick a punchy shade to add colour to a neutral scheme. You can explore the whole Christy’s range…

COLOUR POP Casserole dish, £12.50, Mason Cash range, Oldrids & Downtown ENJOY A CUPPA Chiltern mugs, £14 for four, Next LIGHT IT UP Farsley enamel pendant light, £69.99, Dowsing & Reynolds SIMPLE STYLE Red band 12-piece dinner set, £24.99, Dunelm HOT METAL Copper tri-ply saucepan, £22, Wilko RETRO DETAIL Vintage storage canister, £5.99, Dunelm CLASSIC PICK Collection Kentucky wood chair, £89.99 for two, Argos…

NEAT FREAKS Stashing clutter behind closed doors means a tidier bathroom. Use your unit to store razors, toothbrushes and flannels so the basin top is spick and span, too. STREAMLINED APPEAL Wall-hung vanities hide the ugly plumbing to the tap and basin, meaning a sleeker, cleaner look. FLEXIBLE FIT Most floor-standing units come at a fixed height, but with wall hung you can go as high or low as you need – ideal for children who struggle to reach the taps. EXTRA SUPPORT Floating vanities need to be fixed to a solid wall using specialist brackets, which are usually supplied. For stud walls or heavier vanities, you may need to install a steel frame (around £100) behind the plasterboard, onto which the unit can be safely mounted.…

TAKES 45MIN, PLUS COOLING SERVES 8 150g softened butter 200g caster sugar 4 eggs 142ml pot soured cream 275g self-raising flour Zest of 2 large lemons 3tbsp Limoncello FOR THE FILLING 300g full-fat cream cheese 150g lemon curd FOR THE TOPPING Zest of 1 large lemon 2tbsp lemon juice 125g icing sugar, sifted Lemon jelly slices 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/ Gas 4. In a bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time. Fold in the soured cream, flour and lemon zest. Grease and line 2 x 20cm sandwich tins and divide the mix between them. 2 Bake for 25min, until springy to the touch. Cool in the tins then turn out on to a wire rack.…

£30 Scion Spike gardening tool set, John Lewis £3.99 12 seed storage envelopes, Wyevale Garden Centre £16.95 Potting sieve, Annabel James £8 Six vegetable plant labels, Sophie Allport £9.99 Gardening tool tidy, The Oak Room £8.99 Julie Dodsworth Flower Girl gardening gloves, Dobbies £15.95 V&A William Kilburn pruners in Coral, Amazon £8.50 Highly Strung green string, Garden Trading £25 Gardener’s pots in Raspberry, Berry Red £18.99 Flora and Fauna Kneelo kneeler, Burgon & Ball £10 Watering can, Sainsbury’s…

PROTECT A NEW FENCE AGAINST WEATHERING BY OILING THE TIMBER WITH A QUALITY PRODUCT LIKE UV-PROTECTION, £20 FOR 750ML,OSMO The perfect finish Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, the smart Foundry trim from Topps Tiles gives a neat, contemporary finish to the edge of a tiled area. Simply cut a strip to size and slip it behind the last row of tiles. There are three shades to choose from, including elegant antique brass (above). New doors made easy Changing your doors can give your home a fresh new look, and you can do it yourself with Jeld-Wen’s Easy Fit door kit. Simply measure your door opening so you pick the correct-sized kit, then choose from six door designs. Remove the old door, place the new frame strips using the fittings supplied,…

Kate Duckmanton ABOUT ME I’m 40 and I live in a modern four-bed detached house with my husband Peter, 43, and our children Mabel, 7, and Rufus, 5. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SHOP? I love Etsy for small decorative bits and pieces, unique designs and inventive upcycling. I recently bought some gorgeous picture frames made from old bits of barn. Kayleigh Wallace ABOUT ME I’m 29 and I live in a three-bed new-build semi in Fife with my husband Krys and our baby girl Amelia-Jane, 8 months. WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY? I wish I’d looked into the right plants to go in our garden in time for last summer, as I spent a lot of money on plants that didn’t last. I’m not a natural gardener! Rachel Bluck ABOUT…

Blinds 2 love Online retailer Blinds 2go has joined up with top textile design house Harlequin. The result? A cutting-edge collection of designer blinds, without the price tag to match. Fancy! From £29.43 for a Roman and £27.95 for a roller blind, blinds-2go.co.uk. IT COULD BE designer! With its vintage detailing and crafted wood finish, this retro drawer unit screams high end, but at just £589 from Matalan, we’re thinking there’s been some sort of mistake… keep it on the down-low, people! Steal Lorraine’s style After her successful homeware launch last year, queen of daytime telly Lorraine Kelly is back with a new collection for JD Williams. It’s split into two travel-themed trends: Seascape mixes nautical stripes and watery florals, while Tropical takes on bold prints and vivid…

COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Cheryl Lumley, 42, and I live with my husband Chris, 43, and son Ben, eight. Chris and I are both graphic designers. I also run upcycling workshops and write a blog, allroundcreativejunkie.com. MY HOME A three-bedroom, Thirties semi in Gateshead, which we bought in 2004, a year after getting married. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The decor was neutral and we’ve been gradually revamping it over the years. AND NOW We’ve changed the kitchen, replaced the bathroom suite and redecorated everywhere. STYLE TIP It’s amazing what you can get second-hand, and at a great price. Mix and match with new pieces to create a look that’s unique to you. When the estate agent first showed Chris and I the details for this house, we were…

COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I'm Laura Rhodes, 34, and I live here with my partner Marshall and our five-year-old daughter, Belle. We run and manage Sussex Electrical Services. MY HOME We live in a four-bed, semi-detached house in Worthing, West Sussex, bought in 2012. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house hadn’t been touched in over 40 years so it needed modernising. AND NOW We changed the downstairs layout and updated the whole property, putting in new central heating and electrics. STYLE TIP I took a course to learn how to upcycle vintage furniture. It’s saved me a fortune as I’ve furnished my home with inexpensive junk-shop finds that I’ve painted and revamped. When hunting for our new home, we had our eyes peeled for a project that we could…

Paint is more than just colour, it’s an expression of your personality. So whether you’re planning to redecorate or create an impact this spring, Crown can help you make your mark on your home. Turn to the new Crown Look Book for inspiration or visit crownpaints.co.uk to see our full range of colours. Pick up to three shades, then order your free sample pots to begin your decorating journey. We offer a wide choice of colours, so you’re sure to find the right shade. And with Crown’s Breatheasy® formulation, which is 99% solvent free, you can enjoy your freshly painted rooms straight away. How to claim your sample pots Visit crownpaints.co.uk and select up to three colours, then add a 40ml matt emulsion sample pot (RRP £1.59) of each to…

GLITZ AND GLAM Add plenty of bling with sparkly chandeliers, fabulous mirrors or sequin cushions. Glossy fragments will reflect extra light around the room. WHITE WASH Generate flow throughout the house by painting your walls and units white. Accessories in subtle shades of grey and purple, along with contemporary chrome fittings, add opulence. SO SERENE A peppering of white flowers and candles makes for a sophisticated look, suggesting a harmonious feel that echoes from room to room. SOFTLY DOES IT To ensure a contemporary scheme of white and chrome doesn’t appear utilitarian, introduce warmth with tactile picks such as faux fur, velvet and textured damask wallpaper.…

1 Picture perfect Create a gallery wall using your favourite artworks. Mix framed prints, canvases and photographs but pick a unifying theme, whether it’s a particular colour or the style of artwork. Plan out different layouts on the floor before you fix anything up. 2 Mirror, mirror Brighten up a north-facing room by hanging a mirror on the wall opposite the window to reflect the daylight. Or try placing one behind a bedside lamp or pendant light to maximise the light’s reach. 3 SO SIMPLE Make a set of pretty bud vases by decorating glass jam jars and small bottles with brightly coloured washi tape. Use designs in different colours and patterns, and wrap them around the middle section of the glass in contrasting bands. 4 Add a fresh fragrance…

COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Jennifer Skingsley, 68, and I live in Hertfordshire with my husband Derek, 65. We bought this run-down 1960s semi in 2015 as we wanted a property to renovate now we’re retired. MY CHALLENGE The kitchen was really small, with two tiny windows, no cabinets, and just a sink! It definitely wasn’t my dream space. MY WISH LIST I wanted a smart, stylish kitchen that wouldn’t cost the earth while being practical, so I could enjoy spending time baking. I also wanted a bright, light scheme, but wanted to avoid stark white. BEST BUY The kitchen! At just £650 it was the best thing I’ve ever bought. I love my accessories, too. We’d always liked these houses in our pretty Hertfordshire village – but they…

SHOP CLEVER Save money by looking out for ‘bundled’ deals. Amazon and Currys often offer ‘frequently bought together products’ at a discounted rate. LOW-COST OPTION Supermarket own-brand kettle and toaster packs are less expensive, but quality can vary, so check reviews before buying. ALL IN THE DETAILS Check for comfort – try the position, shape and grip of a kettle’s handle, and a push-button lid will be easier to operate than one that’s pulled open. SIZE MATTERS A two-slot toaster is ideal for small households. Four-slot models are best for larger families but can be bulky, so if space is tight opt for a slimline long-slot toaster.…

‘WITH THREE SONS AND THIS BEING OUR ONLY BATHROOM, IT HAD TO BE PRACTICAL’ COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Antonia Ludden, I’m 45 and I live in Sale, Cheshire, with my husband, Paul, and our three sons, Alex, 15, Gabriel, 11, and Beau, eight. Both Paul and I are in digital marketing. Our home is a three-bedroom, 1930s semi and we’ve lived here for 12 years. MY CHALLENGE We were lucky the house was in good condition, but the bathroom was fairly conventional with an oval bath and a sink with a large vanity unit. MY WISH LIST In order to transform the bathroom into a shower room, we decided to remove the bath altogether in favour of a large walk-in shower. There are five of us needing to…

1 START WITH ANY STAINS Ideally, you want to tackle new stains on your mattress as soon as they happen. Soak up the spill with a dry absorbent cloth, then dab it away with cold water and a sponge. Don’t use hot water as it will only set the stain. Existing spots will be harder to shift – use a stain remover on more stubborn marks. 2 ROOT OUT THE DUST Mattresses are breeding grounds for dust mites, as they live off dead skin cells and thrive in humid environments. Vacuuming or steam-cleaning your mattress will remove or kill the majority of mites and their allergens, but check with your mattress’ manufacturer first as it could damage the filling and/or springs. 3 USE NATURAL CLEANERS WHEREVER POSSIBLE Natural cleaners, such…

USB PORT A function of sophisticated computerised machines that lets you import designs you’ve downloaded. AUTO BUTTONHOLE Either a one or four-step process. Advanced machines will offer more than one style of buttonhole. AUTO THREAD TENSION Automatically adjusts the tension of the thread to suit the fabric you’re sewing. BUILT-IN NEEDLE THREADER Pulls the thread through the eye of the needle for you. EXTRA PRESSER FEET These hold the fabric in place. Each machine comes with a standard foot, but look for specialist feet for quilting, embroidery or zips. THREAD CUTTER This built-in function neatly cuts the thread when you’ve finished a line of stitches, so no need for scissors. TWIN NEEDLE FUNCTION Useful for sewing parallel lines of stitches for a stronger seam or as a decorative feature. NEEDLE…

TAKE CARE WITH LINSEED OR DANISH OIL AS SOAKED RAGS CAN BURST INTO FLAMES AS THEY DRY. SEE DANISH-OIL.COM  FOR DETAILS If your wooden worktops are varnished or lacquered, consider sanding and oiling them to get the best finish. Oiled wood not only has a richer, more natural patina, but the oil also helps to seal the surface, making it more durable and protected. 1 DO THE WATER TEST Test oiled worktops to see if they need re-oiling by dripping water onto their surface. If the water forms a bead, it’s fine. If the water sits flat on the surface, you should re-oil as soon as possible. 2 SAND THEM DOWN Use a hand-held electric sander to resurface the wood and remove any varnish, or simply to refresh…

SPRING CHICKEN BAKE WITH GREEN VEGGIES TAKES 30MIN SERVES 4-6 2tbsp olive oil 6 skin-on chicken thighs 150ml chicken stock 6 spring onions 100g Tenderstem broccoli 100g sugar snaps 1 lemon, quartered Handful oregano New potatoes, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/ Gas 4. Heat the oil in a flameproof dish on the hob until hot. Carefully add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 4-5 min, until crisp and golden. 2 Take the dish off the hob, carefully pour the stock over the chicken and cook in the oven for 15min. 3 Remove the dish from the oven and add the vegetables and lemon quarters, turning to coat them in the stock. Season well. Return to the oven for another 10 min, until the…

DID YOU KNOW? ALDI SELLS WINE ONLINE! FROM £3.69 FOR AN AUSTRALIAN SAUVIGNON BLANC,PLUS DELIVERY IS FREE CHEAT’S EATS! Veggies rejoice! The meat-free experts at Linda McCartney’s have created the brand’s first fish alternative, Vegetarian scampi bites. High in protein and low in saturated fat, they’re great for speedy family suppers and are vegan-friendly, too. Vegetarian scampi bites, £2, Linda McCartney’s, Tesco. Time to quit the carb loading… Are you aiming to ease up on the pasta, rice and potatoes? If so, head to Sainsbury’s for its brand new selection of low-GI sides. Try butternut squash lasagne sheets, crinkle cut chips and even squaffles (aka squash waffles), while everyone’s favourite pasta alternative, courgetti, is given a run for its money in the form of sweet potato tagliatelle. We’re big fans…

It's time for a mantel makeover! Swap that stiff, symmetrical arrangement of framed photos and winter candles for a looser look with mismatched vases of spring greenery and fresh-scented votives. Tesco's got it nailed with this sweet selection 3 of the best… FLORAL SPRING BUYS…

Terracotta is making a comeback in all its earthy glory Long gone are the sponge washed walls of the Nineties – this time it’s about global-chic patterns, block colours and luxe leathers. Work it into a country look with artisan pots and aged-finish pieces or put a new twist on a mid-century inspired room with a burnt-orange ikat pattern. For a glam look, pair it with smooth terracotta suede cushions or plush velvet upholstery.…

We're always on the lookout for real homes packed with affordable ideas. If you're proud of what you've achieved, why not share your ideas with other Style at Home readers so they can be inspired, too? It's really easy to get in touch: snap some pics on your phone (living room, kitchen and one bedroom are a must…) and send them to us via email or social media – see below. EMAIL styleathome@timeinc.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/  styleathomemag INSTAGRAM #sahstylists TWITTER @styleathomemag…

Thanks to new print technology and advanced manufacturing, which have seriously improved design and durability, it’s time to take another look at laminate worksurfaces. Laminate can be fitted on-site, without the need for factory-based templating, so it’s also the fastest way to get cooking in your new kitchen. Q What is laminate worktop? High-pressure laminate (HPL) is made by soaking multiple layers of decorative paper in resins to form a single layer. This is then applied to a high-density core – usually chipboard or particleboard. It’s the cheapest worktop option, mainly because it’s inexpensive to produce, but you get what you pay for. Allow a budget of £40-£100 per linear metre for premium grade laminate. Q How can I spot quality? The thickness of the top layer and density of…

Wall-hung vanity units appear to float above the floor, offering a clean, contemporary look, as well as handy extra storage. Top with a ceramic or resin basin and choose one with wide drawers on soft-close runners, to avoid a noisy start to your day. Whatever your style, there’s a size and shape of unit to suit everyone. ADDED SPARKLE This compact model with crystal knob will prettify the smallest room. Roseberry modular unit, £475, Utopia BONUS DEAL This bargain high-gloss unit comes complete with a matching mirror. Cubic vanity unit, £180, Bathroom Takeaway DIVIDE AND CONQUER Its soft-close drawers have handy dividers. Godmorgon/ Odensvik wash stand, £170, Ikea CORNER DETAIL A curved unit frees up space for a bigger bath. Bauhaus Svelte corner vanity, £791, Drench CHIC NEUTRAL With its…

BIT ON THE SIDE There’s plenty of space for your cuppa and copies of Style at Home. Magazine table, £175, Kaleidoscope IN PLAIN SIGHT Decant pasta and rice into these handy jars so they’re easy to find in your cupboards. Glass storage jars, £17.99/£9.99, H&M FOR SPEEDY CLEAR-UPS Tidy a messy room in an instant – chuck it all in this, sort it out later! Wire basket, £40 for two, Next HANGING OUT Get the kids into the routine of hanging up their coats after school each day. Wooden hook in White, £5, M&Co FOUND IN A FLASH Easy-to-see shelving for shoes, toys, bags… holds pretty much everything you need for every day. PS 2017 storage unit, £55, Ikea HANDY HELPER Bathroom shelves overflowing with toiletries? They’ll look neat and…

‘Herbs are easy to grow and don’t need lots of care, so give them a go, even if you’re not an experienced gardener’ IF YOU DON’T HAVE SPACE FOR A HERB DISPLAY, PLANT THEM IN BORDERS – AS A SHRUB, THEY FILL GAPS NICELY! YOU WILL NEED 3 terracotta pots: 35cm, 20cm and 15cm in diameter Multipurpose compost 9 herb plants \ Horticultural grit Watering can Plant labels (optional) 1 CHOOSE YOUR HERBS What gets your juices flowing? If you love cooking, choose herbs that go well with lamb, chicken and beef, such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. If you’re a cocktail fan, go mojito mad with mint, while lemon verbena is great for teas. If you love a good detox, try camomile – it’s a great grower…

A Abigail Ahern abigailahern.com Amara amara.com Amaroni Home amaroni.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0845 548 0210, annabeljames.co.uk Appliances Direct 0871 984 4416, appliancesdirect.co.uk Argos 0345 640 3030, argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410, artisanti.com B B&Q 0333 014 3098, diy.com Baked Tile Company (The) 02920 358409, bakedtiles.co.uk Basket Company (The) 01202 422600, thebasketcompany.com Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200, bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Benchmarx Kitchens 01372 385915, benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Berry Red berryred.co.uk Best Heating 0344 417 2563, bestheating.com Betsy Benn 01242 570731, betsybenn.co.uk Blinds2go blinds-2go.co.uk Bosch 0844 736 0109, bosch-pt.co.uk Bradstone 01335 372289, bradstone.com Breville 0800 525089, breville.co.uk Brintons 0800 505055, brintons.co.uk British Designer Tiles 0845 618 7144, britishdesignertiles.com Burgon & Ball 0114 233 8262, burgonandball.com Burts 0333 772 0294, burts.co.uk Bushboard 01933 232272, bushboard.co.uk C Candle & Cake 01508 489361, candleandcake.co.uk CarpetRight 0330 333…