Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i Style At Home

I look forward to August every year – not just because it’s my birthday and I always have a big garden party, but because the flowers are in full bloom, the lawn’s lush green and the weather is bright and sunny – the perfect time for a celebration! If you’re thinking about alfresco entertaining, dip into our fab feature on page 120 – it’s packed with ideas. And if you’re after a tasty sponge recipe for a birthday, our surprise-cakes masterclass on page 116 is just what you need. As I’ve recently moved into my new house, I’ve been getting inspiration from all our readers’ homes and makeovers – especially Erica’s living room (p40), which I loved so much, I had to put it on the cover! Upcycling tends to…

#askSAH QI’m not the most creative sort, but would really like to give furniture upcycling a try. I’m not sure where to start. Any handy tips? LISA EVANS, VIA EMAIL Upcycling is one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest ways to update a room without having to do a total overhaul. You can easily pick up furniture from a charity shop, car boot sale or house clearance sale that’s perfect as a project. Try our chest of drawers makeover for beginners – download the step-by-step guide free from our blog, cushienumber.co.uk 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 get inspiration for your next makeover or project. Here’s one of our…

ON THE BALL Aneesha bought her hanging light garland, which is in the master bedroom, while she was on holiday in France, but Cable & Cotton sells a great range of different colours, from £22.95. NEAT AND TIDY Display little ornaments and figurines in a quirky wire box, just like in Jaiyan’s room. Try the house-shaped knick-knack shelves, £9.95, by Berylune at Notonthehighstreet.com. HANG UP Wallpaper in fresh candy tones looks great against white-painted walls. We suggest the Gesso Pastel wallpaper, £20 per roll, Wallpaper Direct; and the Polka Dot Duck Egg geometric design, £10 per roll, from B&Q. MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT Create a display of posters and photos – Aneesha has put together a gallery wall in her living room, and there are other prints dotted throughout the…

@QWERTHIA We love these DIY rope shelves! It’s a great idea if you need a custom-sized shelf to fill an awkward corner in a room. @PERFECTLY LOVELYJEN Use hooks above or beneath your shelf to extend the display with more accessories. @SEWA LITTLELOVE Get creative with colour and choose pieces that go well together for a coordinated and stylish design. @SAIRA NAOMI Introduce a cool light, such as this carnival-style arrow, for a fun, playful look. @_LISA_ DAWSON_ Select a print or piece of artwork as a statement piece, then build up your scheme around it.…

LIGHTEN UP Fit Habitat’s Aerial ceiling light, £40, to create a bold scheme. Add your own touch with Dunelm’s George ceiling flex and cup fitting, £9.99, or choose from a range of flexes at Creative Cables. OFF THE WALL Get Susannah’s striking style with the Superfresco Easy Trippy geometric wallpaper, £13.99 per roll, Wickes. SLEEP WELL Bunk beds are great fun for kids and handy for sleepovers. We like the single and double bunk bed, £199.99, Argos. SMART STORAGE Susannah’s square basin gives the bathroom a sleek, modern edge and has built-in storage. Copy the look with Victorian Plumbing’s chic Nova vanity sink and cabinet for £120. 1950S FEEL Introduce angular furniture, such as Ikea’s Mellby armchair, £375; or the Luna table, £130; and Jasper chairs, £40 each, both John…

Follow Susannah’s lead and think outside the box when it comes to decorating by using wallpaper to create something unexpected. If you want to add interest to a dingy alcove or revamp an unloved piece of furniture, a punchy patterned wallpaper is a quick and simple way to change your look without breaking the bank. Check out our favourite ideas on how to make wallpaper work wonders for you. Quick fix Use leftover wallpaper to line the back of a pigeonhole unit. Measure and cut each piece to size and stick with PVA glue, smoothing out air bubbles. Try the Harlequin Kaleidoscope wallpaper, £34 per roll, John Lewis Pretty panels Revamp a door or wardrobe by papering the panels. This technique is ideal for upcycling cupboards or chests of drawers.…

ABOUT ME I’m Erica Beanlands, 33, and I live with my husband Paul, 40, and our daughters Kristen, 2, and Taylor, 6 months. MY HOME A 1960s three-bedroom semi-detached in Leicestershire. Paul bought it in 2006, and I moved into the house in 2008. WHEN I MOVED IN It was in a terrible state. There were dated features, such as 1970s stone cladding and a gas fire, and the boiler had been condemned. AND NOW We redesigned and renovated the whole downstairs, and have gradually added new bathrooms, and a kitchen and redecorated throughout. STYLE TIP Don’t rule out cheaper stores for designer-look accessories. Shops like Dunelm, George and Next have fab pieces that nobody would ever guess are high street.…

BAG A WHOLE NEW LOOK FOR YOUR ROOM, SIMPLY BY FILLING IN OUR SURVEY AND LETTING US KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN STYLE AT HOME! We love creating Style at Home for you, and we always strive to feature the most inspiring issues packed full of shopping ideas, practical advice and clever home tips. But what do you want from your fave mag? Do you want to see more real reader homes? More recipes? More money-saving ideas? Whatever it is, we want to know. So pour yourself a cuppa and take a moment to complete our quick survey at housetohome.co.uk/sahsurvey. Then we’ll enter you into a free prize draw and one reader will win £200 to spend at Dunelm. 3 style buys TERMS & CONDITIONS The promoter…

WHEN CLEANING WINDOWS AND DOORS, WIPE UP AND DOWN ON THE INSIDE, AND LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE OUTSIDE SO YOU CAN TELL WHERE THE STREAKS ARE Now that the weather is finally warming up, it’s an ideal time to replace old or outdated patio doors and windows. By installing new ones, you can instantly change the whole feel of your house, both inside and out. Finish up by giving the glass a good clean for a sparkling look. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED… Q Is it expensive to install patio doors? This depends on the type of doors you want, and whether they are a new addition or a replacement. You can buy reasonably priced patio doors with all the fittings (including double glazing) from shops such as B&Q and…

Summer is the time of year when lots of beautiful flowers are in full bloom, so what better way to give your home a refreshing makeover than with vibrant floral prints. The brand-new Flower Market range from Sainsbury's draws on inspiration from the flourishing flower markets around the UK. Detailed hand-painted ceramics and intricate cushions and throws provide a vintage feel in a warm summertime palette of rich pinks and subtle blues, with classic cream hues. You can finish off the look with dramatic large-scale florals to add a modern edge to this pretty collection. Stylists at Home BECKY SAYS ‘This look could be styled with a shabby chic scheme with distressed furniture and soft florals, or a Moroccan-inspired palette.’ MAKE IT YOURS Want to know how to create a…

In this fast-paced, technology-driven age, when many of us are constantly connected to smartphones and tablets, the need to switch off has never been greater. ‘Mindfulness’ has become a buzzword, but what does it actually mean? You could interpret it as leading a simple, fulfilling life, based on an appreciation of the present and a disconnection from the future and past. It’s about taking a break from the digital realm and our hectic lives in order to fully rest and reflect. How we decorate and use our homes impacts the way we live, so creating a calm space is a good way to get started. Set aside some time, get a cup of tea and enjoy our guide to mindful living. Technology has made our lives easier in some respects,…

Up your eco factor in no time with these five easy changes 1 CUT DOWN ON WATER USAGE Keep track of your shower by fitting a ‘fourminute’ timer to your bathroom tiles. You can get one free at savewatersave money.co.uk. 2 COMPOST YOUR WASTE Create a compost pile in the back garden. Visit getcomposting.com where you can order affordable bins made of recycled plastic bottles. 3 BANISH KITCHEN ROLL Use reusable micro-fibre cloths that are machine-washable instead of kitchen towels. Have a look at the colourful range from Lakeland, £2.59 each. 4 FIT A WATER BUTT Place one under your guttering so you can use rainwater to water your garden. Prices start from £19.47 for a slimline design from Homebase. 5 CHOOSE AN LED BULB When a lightbulb burns out,…

PAINT WALLS IN SOFT PASTEL COLOURS OR NEUTRALS TO CREATE A CALM AND RELAXING SCHEME WHERE YOU CAN UNWIND Your home isn’t just a shelter – it’s a space where your emotional needs are met. It stores personal possessions and holds memories, so it should be a place where you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. You should be able to recharge and emerge revived into the world, ready for anything. Looking after your happiness at home can take many forms – from getting a good night’s sleep or treating yourself to a long, hot bath to savouring a refreshing cup of tea or sharing precious time with your close friends and family. It’s important that you take time out and relax. Light a candle It’s mesmerising and therapeutic to watch…

ABOUT ME I’m Caroline Borgman, 40, and I work as an interior designer. I live with my husband Anthony, 41, and our two children Ameli, 7, and Felix, 4, in a four-bedroom Cotswold stone cottage in Oxfordshire. MY CHALLENGE The guest bathroom was looking dated, with magnolia walls and pine woodwork. It had a bath but no shower, and I wanted to incorporate both. The size and shape of the room restricted how much of it I could change, but I was determined to transform it. MY WISH LIST I wanted to make the bathroom inviting and bright, with a modern country feel and a few vintage touches. It had to be easy to maintain and affordable. I craved a more spacious feel, so I needed colours that would give…

ABOUT ME I’m Christine Harrison, 36, and I’m a full-time blogger at littlehouseonthecorner.com. I live with my partner Jan Weiner, 37, in Stockport, Lancashire. We bought our four-bedroom Edwardian home in June 2010. The whole house had to be gutted but the living room was the first area we renovated. We wanted a place to retreat to when the rest of the house was still such a state! MY CHALLENGE The living room carpet was ancient, the room felt freezing as the windows and radiators were old and inefficient, and the original features had been removed. We wanted to improve the flooring, enliven the room, and reinstate the period features, in order to stay true to our Edwardian house’s age. MY WISH LIST We needed a warm, elegant, grown-up space…

ABOUT ME I’m Jillian Donaldson, 46, and I live in a three-bed 1950s detached villa in Belfast with my husband Jim, 55, who works in IT, and our sons Jack, 8, and Ryan, 7. MY CHALLENGE We loved this house because of its location, but even though the kitchen had been extended in the past, it was still too small for us. I’d dreamt of a freestanding kitchen for years. They’ve always appealed to me as they look so relaxed and casual, but it’s difficult to get the finish right and unify the whole scheme. MY WISH LIST As the boys were getting older I was keen to have a large family space where we could all spend quality time together. I wanted to create a kitchen-diner/ living room so…

SWEET CHILLI PRAWNS TAKES 25MINS SERVES 4 1tbsp groundnut oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2tsp chilli flakes 400g raw king prawns 400g mangetout 240g Thai Jasmine rice 200g spinach Sweet chilli sauce to taste 1 Heat oil in a large wok. Add garlic, chilli and prawns and stir fry for 2 mins. Slice each mangetout diagonally into three. Add to the pan for 1 min. 2 Rinse the rice under cold running water in a sieve. Place in a saucepan with double the amount of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook gently for 15 mins until all the water is absorbed. Fluff up with a fork. 3 Add the spinach to the prawns and splash in some sweet chilli…

Have you ever been at a party, looked at a cake and thought how have they made that? With that in mind, we’re giving you a baking masterclass so you’re equipped to make a showstopping cake to be proud of. And, we’ll let you into a little secret – it’s not as hard as you may think! Now get that apron on and start baking! BASIC CAKE MIXTURE 125g butter, softened 125g caster sugar 125g self-raising flour 2 large eggs 2tbsp milk 1 Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Cream together the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, eggs and milk and beat until smooth. 2 Pour the mixture into a greased and lined 20cm sandwich tin and level it out. 3 Bake the cake for…

GARDEN ANSWERS Free Know your daisies from your dahlias with this revolutionary plant identification app. Take a photo and get instant answers from horticulture experts. GROW YOUR OWN Free If you need help with growing fruit and vegetables, then this clever app from the RHS will save you time and money. It’s a brilliant place to start for the less-experienced gardeners among you. PLANTSNAPP Free Every budding botanist needs to download this. If you’re struggling to take care of your plants, spotted a pretty shrub somewhere or just need some advice, then this smart app is for you. It’s like having a gardener in your pocket!…

Display flowers in a vintage-look container. Large olive storage tin, £9.99, Dobbies Enjoy your garden late into the evening. Printed solar lantern, £3, Primark Bring in homespun textures. Arriba woven basket set, £6 for two, Habitat Bring some zing to your tabletop. Kyoto bowl, £5.99, Harbour Living Embrace rustic charm and natural materials. Essentials round acacia pizza board, £10, Bhs Coordinate your summer dining look. Yellow water jug, £6.99, HomeSense Dress your table with foliage. Terracotta plant pot, £5.95, Idyll Home Have a Tuscan feast. Orchard platter, £10, Sainsbury’s Serve up in style. Tuscany salad servers in acacia, £9.99, T&G Woodware Introduce Moorish-inspired motifs. Tile-print cushion, £7, George Home…

Vickie Nickolls ABOUT ME I’m 35 and I live in a four-bedroom detached 1980s house in Buckinghamshire with my husband Trevor, 40, and our daughter Grace, 2. WHAT’S YOUR BEST HOME STYLE TIP? Stay true to your style, buy items you love, and display pieces with sentimental value, like family photos, as this gives your house personality and identity. Becky Jackson ABOUT ME I’m 29 and I own a three-storey, three-bedroom Edwardian townhouse in Banbury with my partner Andy, 37. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM? I’m really proud of our bathroom, as it’s a mixture of traditional and industrial style, which really suits the period of the house – and we did it all ourselves! Liz Nagle ABOUT ME I’m 35 and I live in a four-bed period home in…

A simple garland or string of lights can be the perfect solution for lending a cute look to a corner of your home without breaking the bank. Choose a design and colour to suit your room; whether it’s something fun and playful to go in a kids’ bedroom or a more pared-back design for a living or dining room. We’ve picked out 10 charming looks, from pom poms to floral bunting, to help you update your space for as little as £7! £9.50 The Fiesta Mexicana bunting is the perfect addition for a summer garden party, NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM £19.50 Display the pom pom Stardust garland in a kid’s bedroom, OLLI ELLA £7 Style up a country dresser with the Pastel Wood Chicken garland, THE CONTEMPORARY HOME £10 Add a whimsical touch…

REVAMP A CHEST OF DRAWERS,WARDROBE AND DRESSING TABLE USING THE SAME TECHNIQUE FOR A COORDINATED SET OF BEDROOM FURNITURE Love Aneesha’s shabby chic sideboard? We’ve been inspired by her crafty project and revamped a bedside table with Rust-Oleum’s crackle paint. Choose two colours to suit your scheme – the bottom shade will be the one to show through the cracks once finished. HOWTO TAKES 24HRS COST £15.98 Wooden bedside table Paintbrushes & sandpaper Yellow matt emulsion Rust-Oleum Crackle Basecoat, £7.99 per 250ml, Homebase Mint green matt emulsion Rust-Oleum Crackle Topcoat, £7.99 per 250ml, Homebase 1 Sand the bedside table using sandpaper until it’s smooth. Coat with yellow emulsion paint. Be sure to brush in one direction (the next coat is brushed on at right angles to this). Leave to dry.…

FOR AN ADDED SPLASH OF COLOUR,TRY PAINTING THE WOOD IN A BRIGHT SHADE,OR USE PRETTY RIBBON INSTEAD OF LEATHER CORD TO HANG THE FRAME Looking for an alternative to the traditional frame for showcasing your collection of artwork at home? We’ve been inspired by Susannah’s idea and have put together this simple guide to make your own wooden hangers. This straightforward make takes next to no time and it’s easy to change your display by switching the prints as often as you like. Our project is for A4 posters, but you can adapt it to suit any size. HOWTO TAKES 1HR COST £9.18 Junior hacksaw Piece of 4 x 25 x 900mm stripwood, £1.20, B&Q Sandpaper Ruler & pencil Stix2 magnetic tape, £3 for 3m, Hobbycraft Scissors Bradawl Brass screw…

My husband Paul and I both grew up in this area, and so it was nice to stay close to our family,’ Erica says. ‘Paul had worked on the house to make it liveable, but it still needed a lot of work and a decorative touch – that’s where I came in! There was quite a lot to do, so after making the master bedroom a comfy and stylish sanctuary, we tackled the downstairs next. It was just a collection of strange little rooms, and we had to use what we had, but also try to create the spacious semi-open-plan space we dreamt of living in. It took about two and half months to do all the building work. We widened and raised the archway from the living room through…

Are you looking for a statement piece? A focal-point rug can instantly pull a room scheme together. Like Erica, go for a patterned print if you’re after the wow factor and be bold with your colour choice to really give your floors something to shout about. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite designs to get you started, all for under £150! £110 Choose the Viva Stripe design for a multi-coloured vibe, JOHN LEWIS £59 Restyle your space on a shoestring budget with the Hovslund rug, IKEA £69.99 Go for a botanical print and pick the Ashdon hand tuft rug in green, ARGOS £84.95 Select the handmade Spiral cotton rug for a unique style, MYAKKA £119 Bring your room up to date by laying the ombre Boston rug, MADE £149…

ADAPT THIS PROJECT TO SPELL OUT ANY WORD OR PHRASE OF YOUR CHOICE, OR CUSTOMISE IT WITH YOUR NAME FOR A PERSONALISED TOUCH Add a hint of sparkle to a pastel scheme with our DIY embellished cushion cover. We decided on a blush pink and gold colour palette for this make, but you can choose any fabric that will work with your decor. This simple project is perfect for those who are learning to sew, as it only requires basic sewing machine techniques. HOWTO TAKES 2HRS COST £8.29 A3 sheet of paper Pencil & fabric scissors Measuring tape 1/2m pink polycotton fabric, £2.99 per m, Minerva Crafts Impex Trim It glue, £3 for 60ml, Hobbycraft 1m gold sequin single trimming, 79p per m, Minerva Crafts Sewing machine Cotton thread…

IN ROOMS WITH A BUSY DECOR, SWAP PATTERNED ACCESSORIES FOR PLAIN ONES AND GET RID OF ANY MESS FOR A PEACEFUL FEEL A visually peaceful interior is one that doesn’t distract or stimulate us. Different colours have varied effects on our emotions. For instance, red is a powerful, stimulating colour that raises our pulse, triggering a ‘fight or flight’ response, so it’s not conducive to creating tranquility. In contrast, white gives a heightened perception of space, while green refreshes and soothes us – perhaps because in the natural world, greenery is associated with water, which we need to survive. Similarly, busy patterns demand attention, while gentle patterns blend subtly into the background. The key to creating a tranquil room is to keep it simple – steer clear of dark, dramatic,…

NOT MUCH TIME? GROW YOUR OWN CUT-AND-COME-AGAIN LETTUCE IN POTS – THEY’RE EASY TO MAINTAIN AND YOU CAN ENJOY A HANDFUL EVERY DAY Your outdoor space can help you to live more mindfully in two ways. Firstly, it can provide a place where you can relax and focus your mind. Treat yourself to a comfortable garden chair or lounger or, if space is limited, a large floor cushion will work just as well. Take a little bit of time every day (we’ll let you off if it’s raining!) to sit outside quietly, simply listening to the sounds around you, or focusing your attention on one specific plant, flower, bird or insect. Secondly, your garden can also provide an opportunity for you to live more simply, enjoying rewarding tasks and…

Q How can I choose the right mattress? The three key elements to consider when choosing a mattress are: support, safety and comfort. Everybody has a different body shape, so it’s vital that the core of a mattress can adapt to give the right support and maintain the straightness of your spine. The latest pocket-sprung technology offers this. It’s also important that the mattress can breathe and adapt to your sleeping temperature. There’s no substitute for natural fillings such as wool, cashmere and cotton. These allow the mattress to breathe, unlike synthetic fillings, which increase moisture and heat. Before you buy, try out the mattress in person, if possible, and don’t be afraid to stretch out and lie down in the showroom. This is the only way you can feel…

Since my husband Anthony and I moved into this house in 2007, we’ve worked our way through it, transforming each room,’ says Caroline. ‘We updated it with new electrics, plumbing and flooring – the list is endless. I wanted a country farmhouse feel throughout, and a touch of nostalgia with hand-painted retro pieces. As I love painting and sewing, I’ve combined the two in most of the rooms, giving old pieces of furniture a new lease of life and saving money along the way. The guest bathroom has a long galley shape and this dictated its design and layout. I felt it was important to continue the muted pale hues of the other rooms, but also added a splash of colour with accessories, for overnight guests to enjoy. My starting…

Natural nautical A marine scheme lends itself perfectly to bathrooms, but it’s all too easy to stick with the go-to themes of stripes and shells. For a grown-up twist on the seaside trend, try sticking to cool blues and greys and add in some accents of warm wood. Eclectic geometric The bathroom may be a functional space, but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be beautiful as well, and it’s an ideal spot to showcase the popular geo look. Mix clashing brights and strong silhouettes with gorgeous geometric detailing. Relaxed romantic Turn your bathroom scheme into a place to truly unwind and indulge the senses with a softly feminine palette. Blend glamorous chrome and sparkling crystal with relaxed white woods and touches of pale pastel hues for a gently romantic…

Yellow cushion cover, £3.99, H&M Tile print pouffe, £49, Very Blue lantern, £12.99, HomeSense Set of three laundry baskets, £79, JD Williams West Elm honeycomb vase, £19, John Lewis Butterflies map of the world print, £17, Artpause at Notonthehighstreet.com Dexter rug in grey, 120 x 170cm £129, Made Elements Tate desk lamp, £9.99, Dunelm Set of three candles, £5, George Home…

With our sons, Jack and Ryan, rapidly taking up more and more space, my husband Jim and I realised it was time to start looking for a bigger house that could become our forever home,’ says Jillian. ‘We wanted a property in a good location with the potential to extend, and I’d always fancied a freestanding kitchen, so when we spotted this place online it ticked all of the boxes. The fact that it had a large south-facing garden was the icing on the cake. It provided us with the opportunity to extend back from the rear wall without compromising on the boys’ outside space. Just five weeks after we moved in, we started work. The kitchen had already been extended by the previous owners, but it was still quite…

CHICKEN & PEARL BARLEY POTS TAKES 40MINS SERVES 6 250g pearl barley 1 vegetable stock cube 250g cooked chicken, sliced 100g toasted hazelnuts, chopped 4tbsp chopped fresh mint 6 spring onions, chopped 2 peaches, halved, stoned and chopped Handful baby spinach leaves FOR THE DRESSING 5tbsp olive oil Grated zest 1 lemon, plus 1tbsp juice 3tbsp clear honey Tabasco sauce 1 Rinse the pearl barley in cold water and put in a saucepan with the vegetable stock and 700ml boiling water. Cook very gently, stirring occasionally until the barley is just tender, around 25 mins. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Leave to cool. 2 Add the chicken, nuts, mint, spring onions, peaches and spinach to the pearl barley and mix well. 3 Put the ingredients for the dressing into…

SPICY CHICKEN BURRITOS TAKES 30MINS SERVES 2 Preheat the oven to 200°C/ Gas 6. Fry 1 sliced red onion and 250g mixed peppers in 1tbsp olive oil for 5 mins. Add 1tbsp Cajun spice mix and 400g boneless chicken thighs and fry for a few mins. Add 1/2 a 400g can plum tomatoes and cook for 3 mins. Divide between 4 large tortillas and roll up. Arrange in an ovenproof dish and spoon over the remaining plum tomatoes. Mix together 200g natural yoghurt, 1tbsp cornflour and 65g grated mature Cheddar and spoon over the top. Scatter with 60g grated mature Cheddar and bake for 20 mins. STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE TAKES 40MINS + CHILLING SERVES 12 175g digestive biscuits, crushed 75g butter, melted 250g strawberries, halved 75g caster sugar 2 sheets of…

Small space hacks Make the most of your outdoors with Cuprinol's clever ideas for an intimate outside spot COLOUR WORKS In Blighty we’re not blessed with the best weather, but painting with bold, bright colours will ensure you create an inviting space all year round. This is an especially good idea if you don’t have a lawn that naturally adds a hint of colour. Paint fencing, decking, patio sets and pots in eye-catching, coordinating shades – in a small spot, you can afford to be daring. PLANT SMART Always plant for your space and think about scale and size. If your area is on the small side then avoid vigorous plants that require lots of pruning, cutting back and shaping. Fern plants are fantastically low maintenance and are perfect for…

1 To protect the wood before the colder weather starts to set in, give it a thorough sweep, then scrub it with Ronseal Decking Cleaner & Reviver, £9.83 per 5ltr, B&Q. 2 Apply an even layer of Ronseal Perfect Finish decking stain, £35.99 per 2.5ltr, Homebase, along the grooves. 3 Leave the decking stain to dry completely and then add a second coat. When it’s completely dry, sit back and enjoy the finished result.…

Grow delicious fruit at home with your very own pear tree. The ‘Doyenne du Comice’ is a sweet variety that produces yellow-green fruits. The specially bred dwarf tree produces dessert pears on stems reaching only 1m tall, making it perfect for the patio. Supplied as a 9cm potted plant. NOW TRY THESE OTHER OFFERS... PATIO RASPBERRY ‘RUBY BEAUTY’ This compact dwarf raspberry plant reaches just 1m high, so is suitable for large containers and smaller gardens. It produces an impressive 1.5kg fruit per plant. Height 100cm, spread 50cm. Supplied as 9cm potted plants. Buy 1 for £9.99 Buy 3 for £19.99 – save* £9.98 PATIO CITRUS TREE DUO Oranges and lemons take up to a year to develop, but are well worth the wait. Hardy to -10°C, grow outdoors from…

Match made in heaven Annie Sloan has launched a brand-new collection of linens, designed to complement the shades of her existing Chalk Paint range. The fabrics are suitable for all upholstery projects and start from £29.95 per m. For more information and a full list of stockists, visit anniesloan.com OUT & ABOUT Make the most of the Great British summertime and arrange an overnight camping trip with friends and family. Check out pitchup.com to find a campsite nearby, or if you’re feeling less adventurous, set up a tent for the kids in the garden. Kit it out with sleeping bags, games, marshmallows, midnight snacks and torches to help set the scene. BERRY COOL If you’re hosting a garden party or just fancy a weekend treat, try making ice lollies. Mix…

SYMMETRY IS IMPORTANT WHEN STYLING A SHELF.IF YOU’VE GOT CANDLES IN ONE AREA, INCLUDE ONE OR TWO MORE THROUGHOUT THE DISPLAY With ‘shelfies’ popping up all over our Instagram feeds, it’s the new interiors hashtag that’s sweeping social media. Everyone can get involved and it’s so easy to use what you already have at home to come up with a perfectly curated snapshot of your favourite pieces. When it comes to arranging your shelf, use objects that are a mixture of heights and shapes to keep the display looking natural. Fill the shelves with anything you wish or have to hand, from stacks of books and old postcards to vases and ornaments. You could consider theming your shelves for a coordinated finish. Before you get started, check out our guide…

This house is quite different from our previous place, which was an older property with original features such as fireplaces, cornicing and tiles,’ says Susannah. ‘It was a beautiful home, but it had a small garden and the location wasn’t convenient, so I was keen to move somewhere nearer the children’s school and with more outside space. I looked at quite a few properties. Some had been renovated but weren’t to my taste, whereas this one hadn’t been touched for a long time. It had a good-sized garden and lovely big windows that let in a lot of light. There were no period features either, so it was a blank canvas, meaning, I could start from scratch. Getting going I always knew I’d make major changes to the ground floor.…

MIX & MATCH Be bold with colour combos when it comes to decorating and don’t shy away from punchy shades. If you prefer a more pared-back interior, keep your walls and large furniture neutral, then accessorise with pops of bright hues. PRINTS CHARMING Retro style is all about combining patterns and prints to make them work together. Whether you go for florals or geometrics, get creative with pattern and let your choices reflect your personality. VINTAGE FINDS To achieve an authentic retro feel, hunt around for old pieces at car-boot sales and antiques fairs. As well as Mid-Century furniture, look out for quirky pieces such as typewriters, record players and rotary dial telephones.…

PERSONAL PRINTS Get holiday snaps printed onto wall canvases. Go to Snapfish to have a bespoke design made, from £17.99. ANIMAL MAGIC Embrace the natural world with cute creature motifs. Etsy is a great place to look for creature-themed pieces and art. MIX AND MATCH Combine an informal blend of cushion colours and prints on your sofa. Sainsbury’s or George Home have great styles. NEW LOOK Give old furniture a fresh lease of life. Join Freecycle to find unwanted items in your area. CONFIDENT COLOUR Choose an accent hue for your living room and paint it on the chimney breast.…

SMART BUY Think about the function of your rug beforehand. For example, if you want to add a cosy touch to your living room, go for something with a luxurious-feeling deep pile, whereas if it’s going to be located in a high-traffic area such as a hallway, choose something that’s a little bit easier to maintain. BUDGET SAVVY If you don’t have the cash to splash out on a pricey pure-wool rug, consider going for a cotton flat-woven alternative or one in a man-made material instead. NEW FROM OLD Why not try your hand at giving an unloved plain rug a new lease of life. If it’s a low-pile rug, paint on a geometric design using masking tape and fabric paints.…

1 Personal touch Craftmanship is a big part of Bohemian style, so go for hand-woven textiles, painted ceramics and leather goods by local artisans. These earthenware beakers are ideal for serving drinks or potting plants. £28 for six, Rockett St George. 2 Style it out Pick a mix of different lavish materials to really help bring this look to life – from lace and linen to tassels, fringing, beading and crochet. 3 Intricate designs Be inspired by antique carousels and gypsy caravans, and choose furniture in ornate, detailed wood to complement this vintage vibe. Boho-style accessories Small details make a big difference 4 Rainbow pom pom garland, £15, PomPom Galore 5 Woven geo cushion, from £16, Next 6 Antibes jute floor rug, £245, Olli Ella 7 POP IT IN Alibaba…

CRAFTY CREATIONS Tie lengths of ribbon to chair backs for a colourful streamer effect. Make your own confetti by using a shaped hole punch on coloured paper. CLEVER CLOTHS If you need lots of tablecloths, try bed sheets with lace panels on top. CHALK IT UP Make your own signs by buying budget frames, using blackboard paint on the ‘picture’ part – then scribble on your chosen wording. FLOWER FEATURE Plant trugs with flowers instead of vases for a rustic table centrepiece. MEMORY LANE Hang a length of twine or ribbon and peg up photos of the bride and groom through the years. CUTE KEEPSAKE Cut out shapes from oven-bake clay, stamp guests’ names on, then leave to dry. Place on each table setting.…

SECURE YOUR GARDEN It should be fully enclosed so your chickens can’t escape. CHOOSE A COOP We like the Cube chicken coop and run pen, £94.99, FeelGoodUK, because it’s great value and has a lift-up lid and slide-out waste tray for easy cleaning, a spacious run, two nesting boxes and two perches. STOCK UP ON THE KIT You’ll need a poultry feeder and drinker, £3.49 each, both Screwfix. You’ll also need old newspapers for lining the house, straw for a nest box, dust-extracted wood shavings for bedding, a bag of layers pellets and some oyster shell grit, which hens need for calcium. BUY YOUR HENS Visit a reputable breeder where you can see the hens free-ranging outside and choose your ‘point of lay’ pullets (that are just about to begin…

Need some inspiration for your next project? We’ve done the hard work for you and shared 10 of our favourite craft projects in depth, as well as 11 more ideas to try. So whether you’re handy with a needle and thread or a pyrography novice, there’s something to suit all styles and skill levels. Why not organise a crafternoon with friends to try out a project? Don’t forget to share your snaps with us on Instagram @styleathomemag, using #stylistsmakes 1 COPPER PIPE FRAMES Create an industrial-style gallery display with this on-trend DIY design idea TAKES 2HRS SKILL LEVEL ** 2 x 15mm copper tube, £5.84, B&Q Ruler 15mm copper pipe cutter, £10, B&Q 4 x 15mm copper elbows, £1.54 for two, B&Q Thin paintbrush Gorilla Glue 15mm copper pipe clip,…

Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise bath and shower gel, £18, Molton Brown Solitude bath taps, £26.97, Bathroom Takeaway Hokus Pokus Mesh bag, £26.40, Holly’s House Hand-painted mirror, £95, Notonthehighstreet.com Blue Birds Seaspray Cotton/linen mix, £36, Laura Ashley Grey enamel jug, £13, The White Lighthouse Autonno Blend tile, £44.39 per sq m, Topps Tiles Valspar Modern Grey wood & metal paint, £25.98 per 2.5ltr, B&Q Fusion Flower towels in Saffron, from £3, John Lewis…

This time of year is always the perfect opportunity to make the most of the longer days and warmer weather. Invite your friends and family around for a sit-down summer feast or a relaxed barbecue in the garden. And what better way to serve up seasonal delights than on a beautiful set of kitchen and dining products designed by Keith Brymer Jones. An award-winning master potter who has starred as a judge on BBC2’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, Keith’s designs are available at keithbrymerjones.com, in John Lewis, plus department stores and gift shops. Pot luck Luckily for Style at Home readers, you can take advantage of our offer to enjoy 20 per cent off Keith’s entire collection. Each item in the renowned Word Range is meticulously crafted from the…

Aged Undertone candlesticks, from £15 each, Sweetpea & Willow Harrison wall clock, from £55, Neptune Stenstorp plate shelf, £40, Ikea Oak long paddle chopping board, £14, Sainsbury’s Duck Egg Country Heart sugar jar, £5.99, Dunelm Urban Chic Carte Postale padded memo board, £17.99, Wayfair Grey willow storage baskets, £8 for set of two, Wilko Super deluxe wok (30cm) in black, £7, Wilko Bistro tea towel, £10, Ville & Campagne…

FOR A TASTY LUNCH, GRILL SLICES OF HALLOUMI AND SERVE IN A WRAP WITH HOUMOUS, ROCKET AND TOMATOES SPRING VEG WITH HALLOUMI TAKES 20MINS SERVES 6 250g halloumi, sliced 2tbsp olive oil 1 head of fennel, sliced 4 spring onions, sliced 500g pack spring greens 1 carrot, grated 350g fruity couscous 1 Heat a frying pan, add the halloumi and fry for 3 mins, until browned. Set aside. 2 In the same pan, heat 1tbsp oil, add the fennel and spring onions and stir-fry for 2 mins. Add the greens and carrot and heat through for a few mins. Top with the halloumi and drizzle over 1tbsp oil. Serve with the couscous. GRILLED HALLOUMI TAKES 1HR SERVES 4 Cook 150g shelled broad beans and 200g frozen garden peas in lightly…

1 Serve up a yummy milkshake. Put 2 scoops of strawberry ice cream in a blender with 300ml milk and a handful of fresh strawberries. Whizz until smooth. 2 Make a banana split. Halve a banana lengthways and place in a serving dish. Add scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream and top with whipped cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce and cherries on top. 3 Get stuck into a knickerbocker glory. In a glass, layer up vanilla ice cream, raspberry puree and fresh raspberries. Top with whipped cream. 4 Make a baked Alaska by placing a flan case on a lined baking tray. Top with 500g ice cream. Pipe meringue over the ice cream. Bake at 230°C/Gas 8 until the meringue is golden. Serve immediately. 5 Enjoy…

FRESH AIR With an air hygene filter, the Miele Compact C2 is great for allergies, £170, Argos PET BUSTER The cool red Energise Vibe Pet Cylinder has a large 2.2ltr capacity, £70, Vax ULTRA LIGHT Hoover’s Curve is compact and lightweight, with A-class energy, £99.99, Tesco Direct PRETTY IN PINK The Numatic Hetty has eco tech and unbeatable cleaning, £99.87, Homebase…

A   AEG 03445 611611, aeg.co.uk Amanda McCrann mcrmosaics.bigcartel.com Amara amara.com Andshine andshine.co.uk Antique Fireplace Restoration Company (The) tafrc.co.uk B   B&M bmstores.co.uk Basket Company (The) 01202 422600, thebasketcompany.com Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200, bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Baumatic baumatic.co.uk Beko 0845 600 4911, beko.co.uk Better Bathrooms 0333 777 4777, betterbathrooms.com Black Country Metalworks blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk C   Cable & Cotton cableandcotton.co.uk Candle & Cake 01508 489361, candleandcake.co.uk Caple 0117 938 1900, caple.co.uk Celtic Sustainables 01239 623506, celticsustainables.co.uk Christy christy-towels.com Clock Studio clockstudio.co.uk Contemporary Home (The) tch.net Cotswold Company (The) 0333 200 1725, cotswoldco.com Country Style Furniture 01935 829522, country-stylefurniture.co.uk Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Creative Tops creative-tops.com Cuckooland.com 01305 231231 D   Danetti danetti.com Dear Doris 02921 155629, facebook.com/deardorispenarth Designer Furniture…