Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2017 i Style At Home

I’m always sad that summer seems to be over before it’s even started, so this issue is all about squeezing out the last drops of the sunshine, with burger recipes galore, bug hotels to buy and outdoor jobs to do! I’ve been spending my hols getting stuff done at home – I spent a week painting my bedroom (it’s south-facing, so I’ve used a fresh mid-blue), finding a new dining table and doing my annual decluttering- and-reorganising binge, so I can start autumn cool, calm and collected. Until then, I’ll be indulging in a bit of pottering in the garden and turning my hand to a creative project or two – I’m loving the cork wall panel idea for a home office on p99. I don’t actually have a home…

VERY Plum pleasures Midnight blacks, moody blooms and deep purples create this dramatic look HOMESENSE Graphic brights Mix pops of colour with tones of white and grey to create a cool bedroom NEXT Blue horizon Rich patterns and Mediterranean blues give this coastal look a vibrant feel DUNELM Mid-century elements Splashes of rich russet and ochre help carry your look into the new season Stylist at Home HAYLEY SAYS ‘The succulents in mugs would be a lovely quirky touch to have on display on an open kitchen shelf.’…

WELCOME AN ACCENT Prevent your neutral palette feeling too cold with tactile cushions and throws in warm shades. Yellows stand out against a muted scheme. PICK OR MIX Try splitting trends across spaces. Zilah takes the Scandi look further in the boys’ rooms, while the kitchen and living room have a more relaxed country vibe. LAYER YOUR LIGHTING Having just one overhead fixture can create a lot of shadow. Try introducing floor lamps, lanterns and candles for an intimate feel. ON SHOW Display patterned towels on an upcycled ladder or arrange cute toys in open baskets to store pretty things in a clever way. TURN TO PINTEREST When looking for practicality and style inspiration, Pinterest is the way forward. It’s full of tried and tested ideas on combining the two.…

KEEP YOUR KITCHENWARE OUT ON SHOW Lots of storage, especially above the counter, can make a space feel smaller and enclosed. Choose open shelving to display pretty bakeware, glassware and crockery within reach. Decant pasta, rice and cereal into clip-top jars or bottles to save cupboard space. BE BRAVE WITH COLOUR Although the coastal look typically shies away from bold block colour, it’s a great way to make a fun statement – like Nicola’s bright blue piano. Pick one piece of furniture that’s calling out for a lick of paint, and choose a bright, happy shade that pops – the brighter, the better! If you’re not feeling that brave, try a colourful rug instead, as this will still add an unexpected hit of colour. MIX UP STYLES Pairing industrial bar…

The original layout of our kitchen didn’t work for a couple of reasons,’ says Tatiana. ‘It was originally two rooms – the kitchen had a doorway leading through to a separate, small annexe by the garden, which we called the summer room as it was just too cold to use during the winter. This small annexe space was pretty redundant as we only used it for drying the laundry and for access to the garden. The kitchen itself was far too cramped for all five of us to sit and eat together – there was barely enough room for a table, and having friends over was a fiasco! Designing the space After living here for almost eight years, during which time we converted the loft and updated the family bathroom,…

‘THE MORE FLOOR SPACE THAT’S VISIBLE, THE LARGER THE ROOM WILL FEEL,SO CONSIDER WALL-MOUNTED FIXTURES OR A SLIMLINE PEDESTAL BASIN’ Tina Robinson, Heritage Bathrooms OLD FAVOURITE A slimline pedestal basin and loo help create the illusion of space. Rhyland range, from £845, Heritage Bathrooms BEST OF BOTH Wider at one end, the pear-shaped shower-bath of this suite offers extra showering space. Perdita range, from £475, B&Q SOFT CURVES Fitted items make the most of awkward shapes. Symmetry range, from £1,924, Utopia (includes integrated basin and loo) SUPER STORAGE Free up floor space with a wall-hung unit for storing essentials. Concept Air range, from £1,271, Ideal Standard (includes vanity unit) LINEAR LOOK The low-level loo will tuck neatly under shelves or a windowsill when wall space is tight. Cityspace range, from…

SHELF LIFE Keep fruit and veg organised in this wood and metal shelving unit. Pine three-tier storage caddy, £75, Next LETTER BOXES A neat option for corralling all your children’s clutter. Wooden Letters boxes, from £17.99 each, Zara Home CHIC CLIPBOARD Featuring 12 clips for hanging important reminders plus four handy hooks. Myrheden frame, £12, Ikea TIP-TABLETOP SHAPE Keep coasters and napkins together in this nifty storage solution. Rectangular wooden tray in White, £12.99, H&M DUAL PURPOSE Perfect for storing (and applying) your make up. White wash mirror with shelf, £165, Gray & Willow range, House of Fraser STYLISH SORTERS Magazines, newspapers, knitting… These smart baskets are so versatile! Chic storage baskets, £25 for two, Sweetpea & Willow COOL KITTY Where better to store the furry one’s kibble than in…

Does your garden turn into the family dumping ground over the summer months? Then there’s no time like the present to get organised with a bit of extra storage. So long, clutter! Start small First think about what things you’re likely to be storing. If it’s only cushions, toys or smaller odds and ends that need putting away overnight, consider a weatherproof timber or plastic box. They’re compact, if outdoor space is tight, and come in handy when you need easy access to a patio or deck. Keep it compact If space is limited but you need to store bulkier items – from lawnmowers and garden tools to children’s play equipment and bikes – opt for a mid-sized solution, such as a garden lock-up unit that can be sited at…

CHIPOTLE CHILLI BEEF TAKES 25MIN, PLUS CHILLING TIME MAKES 6 400g tinned kidney beans, drained and rinsed 500g minced beef 11/2tbsp tomato purée 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 large egg yolk 10 cornichons, very finely chopped Large handful of coriander leaves, finely chopped 1-2tsp dried crushed chipotle chilli (or chipotle paste) 1/4tsp sweet smoked paprika 1tbsp sunflower oil 6 ciabatta rolls Guacamole and tortilla chips, to serve 1 In a large bowl, mash up the kidney beans with a fork, then add the minced beef, tomato purée, garlic, egg yolk, cornichons, coriander, chilli and paprika. Mix together until well combined, then divide into six equal burger shapes. Leave to firm up in the fridge for at least 2hr, so they don’t fall apart on the grill. 2 Brush the burgers…

We’re loving @looby1605’s gorgeous vintage-inspired crochet blanket! How perfect for kids’ rooms is this pretty button artwork? Great job, @twolittlepests! Nice idea by @woollysaurus for adding a homespun touch to a plain jar/tealight holder This cute little handmade chap is @sallyandtheboys’ handiwork – wow! What a fab quilt by @otlouise! Such a great way to add a pop of colour to a bedroom We’re just quackers for this duck tea cosy knitted by @suenatal This dog bone keepsake by @butterflystitches is a perfect way to pretty up your pet’s corner @Strawberry_blossom_sewing_room gift for a teacher – an amazing use of fabric scraps! Win £150! Post your snap on Instagram with next month’s #SAHpets hashtag and our favourite picture will win a Hobbycraft gift card worth £150! See terms and conditions…

Vickie Nickolls ABOUT ME I’m 36 and I live with my husband Trevor, 41, and daughter Grace, four, in a four-bed detached house in Buckinghamshire. WHAT’S YOUR BEST HOME DECOR TIP? Keep true to your own style – display items you love and personal items such as photos to show off your personality and make your home feel more individual. Bridgette Cooper ABOUT ME I’m 56 and I live with my husband Steve, 53, in a three-bedroom cottage in Staffordshire. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SHOP? I love Dunelm, as it’s full of bright colours, practical solutions and coordinated accessories. It also stocks a selection of fabrics, sewing equipment, wool and ribbons – all useful for making your own items. Karl Grant ABOUT ME I’m 38 and I live in a former…

Dirt-repelling paint is here! Yup, you read that right, Dulux has invented a stain-proof paint! Easycare is 20 times tougher than standard emulsion and any liquid hitting it will simply bead and sit on the surface until you wipe it away. Available in more than 30 shades, including this Denim Drift, it starts at just £22.03 for 2.5ltr. 3 of the best... MELAMINE PLATES At first glance, these posh picnic plates may look like they’re made of china, but they’re actually melamine, making them perfect for any alfresco meal on the move, picnic in the park or barbecue on the beach. A cash-saving alternative to the real thing, you might even be able to nab a set in the sales, leaving more money to fill the hamper with…

My husband Liam and I were so excited when we got the keys to our home,’ says Zilah. ‘Buying the house through a shared ownership scheme allowed us to finally get onto the property ladder. It’s in a perfect location for us – it’s close to our family and good schools, and it’s a lovely area to live in. Keeping it neutral The way the house is set out across four levels really sold it to us – it’s quirky but very homely. It was in pretty good condition, too, although it had been decorated in quite a masculine style. There was wallpaper in almost every room, which we didn’t like, so we removed it all and repainted. We used Dulux One-Coat in white throughout for a clean, fresh look.…

We were looking for a weekend home in the West Sussex village where I grew up,’ says Nicola, ‘and although this three-storey seaside property was hardly postcard-perfect when I first saw it with my husband, Joe, we could both see its potential. It’s moments from the beach and has a private garden and off-street parking, which is perfect for us as a family, and a must during the tourist season, when we tend to rent it out. Although we’d never revamped a house before, we weren’t daunted because we didn’t need an architect or structural engineer. We loved the high ceilings and original bay windows, so all we needed was a great builder and some imagination, which luckily I have lots of. ‘IF YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PIECE IN MIND,…

the STYLE RULES Define key areas with strong pops of colour Bring the family together with a dual dining and living area, filled with vibrant splashes of colour and practical purchases. ZONE AREAS Give sections of an open-plan room a clear identity by using colour to define areas, like a dining space from sofas or work station. PICK YOUR CORNER For families who love to lounge together, a comfy corner sofa is a must – go for removable covers in case of spills and lots of cushions. MAXIMISE SPACE Glass garden doors blur the boundaries between inside and out, opening up your living space. Zoned SPACES Use colour to connect areas within an open-plan room the STYLE RULES Create a playroom full of vibrant imagination…

Heat things up with this KitchenOriginals by Kalorik copper kettle, £24.99, Argos Dine in style on a traditional Dinton dining chair, £175 for two, Marks & Spencer Sip a refreshing cool drink from the Beehive tumbler, 50p, Wilko Create an industrial look with the Jed pendant light, £40, BHS Get back to basics with Albany’s brick wallpaper, £13.50 per roll, Wallpaperdirect Pop a couple of stems into cute bud vases, £14 for two, Garden Trading Go rustic vintage with the Simeon distressed stool, £43, Maisons du Monde Make fruit look even more tempting in the Mendoza serving bowl, £15, Habitat Make yourself a cuppa in the Botanic Blue tea-for-one set, £38.50, Portmeirion…

‘TAKE YOUR TIME BROWSING IDEAS AND BE CLEAR ABOUT THE LOOK YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE’ When my boyfriend Jonathan and I moved into our flat, we were blown away by all the local amenities,’ says Lotte. ‘It’s a two-bedroom property that was built in the 1940s, and we chose the location in Kingston Vale as it’s just a 10-minute drive to Wimbledon, Putney and Barnes. Plus, our garden opens onto Wimbledon Common and the entrance to Richmond Park is just across the road. Inside, it wasn’t quite so idyllic. The place hadn’t been done up in a long time, so it needed a lot of work. The walls were tired, stained and dirty, wallpapered ceilings were peeling, the vinyl flooring had turned yellow and all the carpets were badly stained.…

We were living in a flat in south London but when I got pregnant with my daughter Amelia, we really started to think about somewhere greener with more space and a garden,’ says Alicia. ‘That’s when we discovered Walton-on-Thames. We took on a house that had barely been touched. It had a huge double garage at the side, which we didn’t need as we have off-street parking. Coming from London, this was a huge change. Making plans I’m from Malaysia and we always have lots of friends and relatives visiting us, especially since Amelia and our younger daughter Eliza arrived. As it’s such a long way to come, they often stay for several weeks. We liked the idea of creating separate guest accommodation, so a crying baby wouldn’t wake our…

LOCATION Leave access space around your storage unit, so you can open doors and lids easily. Avoid placing it where standing water can collect during periods of heavy rain and away from overhanging trees, as fallen leaves can cause damp if left on the roof and encourage moss growth. BASE Make sure the base is firm and level for a solid foundation. Paving slabs, solid concrete or timber decking are all suitable, just follow the manufacturer’s weight load recommendation. MATERIAL Metal is fire retardant and resistant to rodents, while reinforced plastic is light and waterproof, making it easier to move around. Timber storage tends to be constructed using interlocking tongue-and-groove boards angled so rainwater runs straight off, or rough overlapping slats with a feathered, rustic look. MAINTENANCE Metal and plastic…

Bring the rustic, Scandi vibe into your home with Next's Bare & Beautiful range. Accessories, such as picture frames and lanterns, in a galvanised-metal finish are perfect for extending the summer months by filling your indoor spaces with pieces that have a nostalgic outdoor feel. 3 of the best… SCANDI-VINTAGE BUYS…

Country charm meets Scandi chic in this timeless yet cool look. Combining trends means you can take a more flexible approach to decorating, making it a surprisingly easy and affordable interior scheme to achieve. Start with palettes of soft greys and creams for a light and airy vibe, then break it up with geometric throws and bright cushions. Finish off with rural touches – think weathered wood, rustic accessories and garden blooms.…

When my partner Jim and I saw this house, we said “yes” to it straightaway,’ says Susie. ‘We’re both artists, working from home, and we could hardly believe how much space there was. We’ve got three bedrooms, two reception rooms and a big conservatory. There was masses of character, too, and period features like the fireplaces, wooden floors and picture rails were right up our street. Even though we’re renting, we can still decorate and make certain changes, and the first thing was to paint the little snug. The bright red walls made it quite dark, so we went for a soft green to tone it down. It was quite hard painting over such a strong colour, but Jim, who has worked as a painter and decorator, managed to achieve…

1 Colour crush For a fuss-free alternative to curtains and blinds, try shutters at French windows or patio doors. They’ll give shade and privacy when closed, but stack neatly back on themselves when doors are open to give easy access outdoors. Go for a bold colour to add impact. 2 Belt up Make leather hanging straps for shelves. Old belts are ideal – you’ll need two around 70cm long. Fold each belt in half and drill a hole through both ends. Screw onto the wall to make two loops, then slot the shelf inside to hang. 3 EASY MAKE Add origami paper to plain tiles to create pretty coasters. Cut the paper slightly smaller than the tile and stick on with Mod Podge, £1.50 per 59ml, Hobbycraft. Apply four more…

‘WOOD-EFFECT FLOORING IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO ITS NATURAL COUNTERPART, AND IT’S REALLY EASY TO KEEP IT LOOKING BEAUTIFUL’ David Bigland, Moduleo UK and Eire Wood-effect flooring is available in many forms, from ceramic and porcelain to vinyl and linoleum. Recent improvements in photographic and texturing technology have done wonders for making wood look flooring a really credible and stylish alternative to the real thing. Q What are the main benefits? Kitchens are considered ‘high traffic’ areas and kitchen floors come into daily contact with water, steam and food spillages. Wood-look flooring is all about achieving the beauty of natural wood without any maintenance issues. Excellent stain resistance is a key benefit in busy households; there’s no need to regularly wax or oil, and it’s less likely to fade or discolour…

Add pattern with Home Collection Aqua Diamond towels, from £9, Debenhams These artificial hydrangeas by Jane Packer come in a lovely glass vase, £28, Sainsbury’s Enjoy exotic scents of orchid and musk from this reed diffuser, £12.99, Dobbies Feel connected to the ocean with this faux coral sculpture, £16, Next Keep bathroom essentials tidy in this striped woven basket, £16.99, TK Maxx Use Illusion white ceramic wall and floor tiles for a marble effect, £16 per sq m, B&Q This Sakura Silks handwash is pretty enough to display, £8, Heathcote & Ivory Tap in to timeless style with this Hampshire basin mixer, £119, Victoria Plum Soak in a relaxing bath accompanied by The Ritual of Karma candle, £21.50, Rituals…

Lace Chalk Roman blind, from £27.25, Scion at Blinds2go Burnt Orange faux floral display, £15, George Home Henley Ice floor tile, £43.95 per sq m, Topps Tiles Drawer knob, £3.99, Gisela Graham Hue pendant, £29, Made.com Cotton & Olive vintage bath towel, £16.99, Wayfair Flowering cushion, £25, Dunelm Pastel table, £67, Maisons du Monde Ben Di Lisi throw, £80, Debenhams…

AS YOU DUST THE INSIDE OF YOUR CAR, VACUUM IT STRAIGHT UP AS YOU GO, SO IT DOESN’T SETTLE ELSEWHERE IN THE CAR 1 WASH THE EXTERIOR Rinse your car first to get rid of loose dirt or grit, as residual debris could damage paintwork. Use a good-quality car shampoo mixed with warm water to clean the exterior. Harsh detergents can strip wax straight off the paintwork, leaving it dried out and unprotected, so washing-up liquid is a big no-no! Start from the top of the car and work down to the wheels, so you don’t drip dirty water onto the areas you’ve just cleaned. Always rinse your cloth or sponge before putting it back into the soapy water, too. For the best result, clean and polish the car using…

SPRAY BUTTON Squirts water onto the fabric to help relax creases. POWER The higher the wattage (W), the faster an iron will heat up and the higher its temperature. BUTTON NOTCH A gap at the tip of the iron to help get round buttons. CAPACITY A larger water tank means less refilling. With steam generators, look for ‘continuous fill’ so you can top up while switched on. CONTINUOUS STEAM The amount of steam (in g/min) your iron can generate – over 100g/min is great for a steam iron. For steam generator irons, also check the bar pressure – look for at least 5 bars. STEAM SHOT BUTTON This provides an additional burst of steam – look for the highest value (g/min). AUTO SHUT-OFF Some irons turn off automatically if they…

‘AIM TO MOW YOUR GRASS LITTLE AND O FTEN DURING THE GROWING SEASON TO AVOID THIS ESSENTIAL TASK BECOMING A CHORE’ 'Keep mower blades high for the first few cuts of the year, lowering them as the weather improves, and don’t cut in hot conditions’ YOU WILL NEED Grass seed Lawn fertiliser Rake Spring-tine rake Half-moon edger Daisy grubber Garden fork 1 GET RID OF LEAVES, WEEDS AND MOSS Clear leaves with a rake as soon as they fall so they don’t rot and damage grass. Banish weeds either by hand, using a traditional daisy grubber, or a chemical treatment. Chemicals are less effort but make sure you follow the instructions to the letter to avoid over-treating and unnecessary damage. Use a spring-tine rake to remove moss (called scarifying). It’s…

‘MAKE HAMMERING NAILS IN A WALL EASY BY HOLDING THEM STEADY BETWEEN THE TEETH OF A COMB’ SAFER LADDERS Unless you’re a sailor or an escapologist, you’re probably not an expert at tying knots. This makes securing a ladder with rope to stop it slipping while you’re up top a worry. The What Knot, however, will help keep you safe without the need for knots. This clever device has a centre cuff which, when twisted around the rope, holds it tightly and is quick to release. It also has many other practical uses. Chalk it up Giving furniture a new lease of life has just got easier. Chalk paint, a popular finish for upcycling as it requires little or no preparation to create a lovely smooth matt finish, is now…

GRATE CHEESE WITH EASE THANKS TO THE NEW MASTER SERIES BY MICROPLANE.CHOOSE FROM FIVE GRATERS,FROM £29.95 EACH Make the last barbie the biggest… Now barbecuing days are numbered, it’s worth planning one last big cookout before colder weather arrives. Online butcher Donald Russell is the place to go, with a wide variety of meats to keep the family fed and happy. The brilliant Butcher’s BBQ Selection is a chilled box containing two minute ribeye steaks, two minute sirloin steaks, four pork chops, eight steak burgers and eight pork sausages, frozen and wrapped separately so you can cook some and save the rest for another sunny day. Add a little sparkle Fancy brightening up your summer tipple? Check out the fabulous new Pop A Ball Prosecco Shimmer from Lakeland. Stir 1/3…

A  Ahrberg Jackson Design 07967 621304, ahrbergjacksondesign.co.uk Amara amara.com Amaroni Home amaroni.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Amtico 0121 745 0800, amtico.com AO 0344 324 9222, ao.com Argos 0345 640 3030, argos.co.uk B  Babatude babatude.com B&Q 0333 014 3098, diy.com Bathstore bathstore.com Bed Monkey 01924 469993, bedmonkey.com Beko 0845 600 4911, beko.co.uk Best in Kitchens 020 3953 8066 BHS 0333 733 1000, bhs.com Black & Decker blackanddecker.co.uk Blinds 2go blinds-2go.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 0114 321 7000, bobbyrabbit.co.uk Boots Kitchen Appliances 0344 879 3483, bootskitchenappliances.com British Ceramic Tile 01626 834774, britishceramictile.com C  Cath Kidston 0333 320 2663, cathkidston.com Contemporary Home (The) 0845 130 8229, tch.net Cox & Cox 0844 858 0744, coxandcox.co.uk Creative Tops 01536 207710, creative-tops.com Crocus 01344 578000, crocus.co.uk Crosswater crosswater.co.uk Crown Floors crownfloors.co.uk Cuckooland.com 01305 231231 Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960, cultfurniture.com…