Innholdsfortegnelse for Sep-2018 i Style At Home

It’s been an amazing, blazing summer, hasn’t it? But now I’m good and ready to make the transition into winter mode! It’s time to get your winter clothes, boots and bedding out of storage and give the house what Ma Richmond calls a ‘top-to-toe purge’. Sounds painful, but it’s actually kinda cathartic and sets you up for the crazy-busy months between now and (whisper it!) Christmas. So, this issue walks the line between all that forward thinking – decluttering and reorganising ready for the new school term, getting the sitting room in good shape for box-set season – while keeping one foot firmly in summer (time outdoors, time-off-work redecorating projects, sales bargains in the shops…). Enjoy the issue and have a great month! SEND US YOUR STYLING SNAPS ON INSTAGRAM…

Hannah A’Court ABOUT ME I’m 28 and I live in a two-bed canalside flat in Aylesbury with my partner Ollie, 29. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SHOP? I love Anthropologie – it has such a brilliant range of products, from the quirky, colourful kitchenware to the delicate vases and pretty pots. I just can’t help but fall for everything they bring out! Hayley Knief ABOUT ME I’m 33 and I live with my husband Simon, 42, and children Oscar, five, Luca, three, and baby Rosa in a new build in Somerset. WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY? I’ve learnt not to match things too much. It can be tough, as I’m someone who loves to match and organise, but it can make a room look too one-dimensional. Joanne Robinson ABOUT ME I’m…

1. Choose mirrored furniture Mirrored pieces are a wise investment. Being colourless, they work in any scheme or room, brightening gloomy corners and adding polish. 2. Keep the curtains simple Avoid fussy swags or pleats as they will tip this look over into ‘Barbara Cartland’ territory – keep it modern with a tab or ring-top design. 3. Go luxe with a plush headboard Updating a divan base with an upholstered, buttoned headboard not only adds a touch of luxury, it’s an affordable way to make a big impact. 4. Add soft furnishings with shimmer Layer up your bed with sequin-embellished cushions, metallic-thread throws and silk-look bedding for a truly opulent sleep space.…

HAYLEY SAYS ‘I love how light and airy this house looks for a period property! The mix of classic and modern styles blend perfectly and the largely neutral decor allows the two styles to co-exist happily together.’ EMILY SAYS ‘Add pops of colour around the house without buying new items – buy all purpose spray paint to update pieces, or re-cover your cushions.’ ANNERIEKE SAYS ‘The wood-effect tiles warm up the bathroom and work especially well paired together with the blue-and-white wall tiles.’…

GO DARKER Instead of sticking to white woodwork, turn skirting and trims into a feature by painting them a darker shade, such as dark grey or black. Using a paler colour on the largest surface area (such as walls and ceiling) and a darker tone on woodwork will make the walls appear lighter and elongate the room. Try taking the colour up and around door frames, too. ADD PATTERN POPS If you’ve fallen for a statement wallpaper that’s out of your budget, it doesn’t have to be completely off limits. Just a single roll of wallpaper can have a big impact if used creatively. Try a length or two on one wall in a small hall, then position a large mirror on the opposite wall to reflect the pattern. Or…

ABOUT ME I’m Aileen Shah and I live with my husband Stephen and two of my three children – Stephen, 21 and Aidan, 14. We run our own business, 1st Choice Window Blinds. MY HOME We live in a four-bedroom, semi-detached house in Glasgow, which we bought in 2002. WHEN I MOVED IN We bought off-plan so the house was brand new. Every room was painted magnolia and lacked any character. AND NOW We’ve extended the property over the years, added an extra bedroom and built a conservatory. It’s now a spacious and bright home with a Scandi feel and lots of boho touches. STYLE TIP Mix bargain buys with expensive pieces and you will never notice the difference.…

IKEA is perfect for affordable, practical and well-designed furniture and accessories. Its online shop also means that the big items can be delivered for a small delivery charge. HOMESENSE is a great go-to shop for cushions, lamps and kitchenware. It always has an eclectic range, meaning you’ll rarely leave disappointed. LA REDOUTE has unique accessories, small items of furniture and beautiful rugs at reasonable prices. MATALAN has all the latest colour trends, accessories and faux plants in abundance, making it easy to hunt down pieces by colour or style. NEXT HOME is slightly more expensive than most of Aileen’s other favourite homeware brands, but if you’re looking for that special piece, it’s sure never to disappoint.…

Create a kit to keep your shoes buffed and shiny. Include a stiff brush to remove dry mud and a set of brushes for leather shoes – plus wax polish to match. Pick a simple neutral wax if you only have space to store one. Finish with soft cloths.…

RACHEL SAYS ‘Claire has achieved a great interior style by using a variety of materials such as wood, brick, leather and natural textiles with paintwork, which are great combinations. Also, her clever use of mirrors creates the illusion of larger rooms.’ JOANNE SAYS ‘Claire’s house is deceptively spacious. I love her use of natural tones downstairs – the rooms flow as the colours complement one another. The kitchen is a lovely multi-purpose space, which is great for entertaining.’ HAYLEY SAYS ‘Claire has used interesting and vibrant artwork to liven up the neutral decor of her rooms. You could try this with both bright or mono art, depending on the look you prefer.’…

1 Comfortable and easy to live with, gentle neutrals create a calm and sophisticated mood in a space and can be built up in layers to add depth. 2 Pick your neutral base – warm neutrals have a red or yellow base, while cool neutrals have green or blue as their base. Think about how much light your room gets, and the room’s aspect (whether it faces north or south) when choosing your shades. 3 While neutral schemes are good for a natural and timeless look, they can look flat and dull without the all-important introduction of textures. Mix in finishes like rich woods, exposed brick and luxe fabrics for depth and interest. 4 Combine neutrals with a hit of monochrome for something a bit bolder – black accents are…

the STYLE RULES Come home to a chic and organised entrance Style a smart yet functional hall with rustic touches. STICK TO NEUTRALS A colour palette of light neutrals will make a narrow hallway feel more spacious. Choose a classic shade like pebble grey for the walls and opt for tonal accessories to keep it sleek. PRACTICAL PICKS Multifunctional furniture is the key to keeping a busy home entrance from chaos. Look for timeless pieces with in-built storage. HANG A ROW OF HOOKS Add a long Shaker-style peg rail to hold bags, coats and a basket for the family post. the STYLE RULES Combine practical solutions with pretty pastels A nostalgic look doesn’t have to be cluttered. Here’s how to make it work and still have…

As a busy professional living on my own and travelling all the time, it was so important to me to have a comfortable home where I could retreat to for some rest and down time,’ says Fiona. ‘I wanted my bedroom to go one step further by being a truly intimate, feminine sanctuary that reflected my personality. I already had the bed, side table and chest of drawers from my previous home, so I knew the room had to complement their clean, minimal style. Sorting the basics Before any decorating could happen, I had to deal with a few major issues. The windows were rotting and nailed shut, so I had a local sash window expert restore them. I also had two old radiators replaced with a more efficient single…

Large pieces of statement artwork in black and white can bring a sense of drama to a pared-back bedroom. A backdrop of blush pink on walls sets the tone for a feminine yet sophisticated sleep space. Complement it with touches of blush in the accessories. Ramp up the comfort level in a cool scheme by adding curvy pillows, throws and a cosy rug beside the bed. Layer up tactile fabrics like velvet and brushed cotton to create an inviting oasis. Plenty of storage is key. Choose white or cream furniture to ensure the space stays light and bright. Don’t be afraid to use blocks of black and grey to create drama and contrast. For a touch of glam that’s right on trend, introduce gold accents in picture frames and doorknobs.…

Since winning the second series of The Great British Bake Off, JO WHEATLEY has set up her own cookery school and written two books. She says, ‘Christmas is a great time to perfect your bakes and I’ll be giving you my best hints, tips and cheats!’ Wine writer and drinks expert EWAN LACEY says, ‘Most of us love a tipple at Christmas so I’ll be on board to advise Style at Home readers on the best wines, beers and spirits to indulge in – and needless to say, there will be a few tastings, too!’…

Clerkenwell matt white units, £1,656.45; Lamona single ceramic sink, £187.95; two-lever Garda tap, £197.05; Neff single slide-and-hide oven, £624.75; integrated turbo extractor, £109.50; Lamona induction hob, £349, all Howdens. Saljan white worktops, £50 for 246cm; Fintorp rail, £6; cutlery stand, £5, all Ikea. Beko DIS15010 integrated slimline dishwasher, £249, Co-Op Electrical. AEG MBB1756S-M built-in microwave, £347, Currys, is similar. Hoover washer-dryer, £538, The Kitchen Seller. Metro tiles, £19.50sq m, Topps Tiles. Smeg fridge freezer, £1,305, AO.com. Wall painted in Hicks’ Blue, £48.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Door edge painted in Crown Trade Seville Orange gloss, £25.13 for 2.5L, The Paint Shed. Try the Annika drop-leaf table in Natural and White, £129, Noa and Nani. Alto galvanised bin, £35, is similar; Jessie bookcase, £110; Patsy mirror, £195, all Habitat. Axel leather…

Katie Alice teamed upcycled pieces with modern sanitaryware for her dream space We moved in 18 months ago knowing this place needed plenty of love and attention,’ says Katie Alice. ‘My partner Matt and I wanted to stay in Stamford as we love it and were brought up here. Previously, we lived in a Victorian two-bedroom terrace on a busy road. We were planning to have children, so we needed more space. We’d been looking for a while when we heard about this house. Matt wasn’t very sure, as it was dark and dingy and needed so much work done to it. But I managed to convince him that it had everything we wanted. Plan of action In the bathroom at the back of the house, the layout was awful.…

The Petite Millbrook bath, £1,107; bath taps, £422, both The Cast Iron Bath Company. Walls painted in Whitening intelligent matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5L; bath, vanity unit legs and mirror painted in Marine Blue intelligent eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, both Little Greene. Richmond close-coupled toilet and cistern, £199; Tall Marquis towel rail, £752, both Hudson Reed. Leap divider shower panel, £340; Flight shower tray, £149; Realm shower valve and diverter, £429, all Mira Showers. School desk as vanity unit base, £30, Peterborough Festival of Antiques. Table bowl, £314; three-hole wall-mounted basin set, £282, both Perrin & Rowe. Floor tiles, £81sq m, Mosaic del Sur. Matrix Rice Field wall tiles, £17.80sq m, Topps Tiles. Map of the World window film, £140, Surface View. Brooklyn Dome pendant light, £69; wall lights, £79…

When there’s more than two of you living under the same roof, only having one bathroom can be a bit of a challenge! This is especially true during busy mornings when everyone is getting ready for work, or evenings when you’re getting the kids ready for bed or wanting a long soak in the bath. The good news is that it is possible to install extra facilities even in the smallest or trickiest of spaces, and even if they’re not near the main drainage system - useful to remember if you’re planning home renovations. Simple solutions With over 60 years of experience, Saniflo is an expert in its field and has developed a range of over 30 different products. The Sanitop Up, which takes waste from a wash basin and…

CLEAR CHOICE This two-part epoxy glue dries to a clear finish – ideal for jobs that require invisible joins. Araldite rapid set two-part epoxy adhesive crystal, £6.99, Screwfix WOOD AND MORE Bond all types of wood, along with plastic, metal and stone, without the need of a clamp. Unibond No More Nails adhesive, £5.87 for 225g, B&Q BIND THE GAP This waterproof adhesive sticks to almost any surface, while filling gaps at the same time. Evo-Stik Gripfill gap-filling adhesive, £4.85 for 350ml, Amazon…

Mad for mandalas ‘Mandala’ is the Sanskrit word for circle, but is often used as a generic term for decorative circular motifs. In Mandalas to Embroider (£9.99, Search Press), Danish blogger Carina Envoldsen-Harris shares 24 beautiful designs to stitch. Novices needn’t fear, as there are only 10 stitches used, and clear step-by-step diagrams accompany each one. Patterns can be used to create everything from colourful wall art to unique jewellery. These pretty mini hoops (right) are a great place to start! CRAFTING IN KENT Take a trip to Penshurst Place in Tonbridge between 7-9 September and join in the fun at Weald of Kent Country Craft Show. There will be 150 stands to browse, plus workshops, rural craft demonstrations and live music throughout the day. Visitors will also have the…

WHEN MAKING THE RISOTTO,THROW IN A FEW HANDFULS OF PEAS AT THE SAME TIME AS THE GOAT’S CHEESE TO BOOST YOUR VEGGIE INTAKE COURGETTE & GOAT’S CHEESE RISOTTO TAKES 45MIN SERVES 4 2tbsp oil 30g butter 1 large onion, finely diced 3 courgettes, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 500g Arborio risotto rice 200ml white wine 1.75L vegetable stock, hot Juice and zest of 2 lemons 125g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled 50g Parmesan, grated 1 Heat the oil and half of the butter in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the diced onion and courgettes and cook gently, stirring all the time, for 10min. Add the chopped garlic and cook gently for another 3min until all the vegetables are softened, but not coloured. 2 Add the risotto rice and stir well. Pour…

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3 of the best… FAUX CACTI…

When my partner Michael and I first moved in together we lived in his flat in Sudbury, Suffolk,’ says Heather. ‘But we really wanted a house with a garden and hoped we’d have a child someday, so we started to look for a new home in nearby Cambridge. But it was so pricey that we could only afford a one-bedroom flat there, so we had to think again. I was teaching graphic design in Colchester at the time, and we began looking around that area, and found we could afford a house there more easily. We were focussing on a particular part of Colchester which is known for having plenty of period properties with nice details, but after we lost some lovely properties that we’d set our hearts on, we…

TILES From geo to patchwork, Victorian to floral, there’s a design for your space. Or choose plain tiles with an interesting shape, such as triangles or hexagons. SHOWER CURTAIN Replace yours with a decorative number for a quick and easy way to introduce pattern on a budget. TOWELS Plain isn’t the only option – why not add in a couple of feature towels in simple stripes, modern geo or look-at-me florals, to easily inject a dose of fun design without breaking the bank.…

EMILY SAYS ‘Keeping to a theme of light grey gives the house a sense of unity, while still lending an individual look to each room. I’ll definitely pinch this idea!’ HANNAH SAYS ‘The use of botanical wallpaper and natural prints in the conservatory harmonise with the garden and seamlessly link the indoor and outdoor spaces.’ RACHEL SAYS ‘Aileen’s use of classic box pelmets with simple blinds on her windows provides neat clean lines, simplicity, and a final flourish to the decor.’…

Back in 2003, we were living in a Seventies semi that had zero character, but it was just up the road from here, so I used to pass this house daily,’ says Claire. ‘When I saw it was up for sale, I decided to view it and adored the high ceilings and feeling of space. I fell in love with it straight away and could see its potential even though I had to look past the navy floral carpets, dark paint and Adam-style plaster fire surround with gas fire. All the doors were painted in dark varnish, as were the banister and spindles and skirting boards throughout the house, and the bathroom suite was floral avocado! New beginnings The sale went through in July 2004, and my children Tom and…

1 Before getting started, check the paint you’re stripping doesn’t contain lead pigments. Use a lead testing kit – if the result is positive, use a chemical stripper. 2 Apply the paint stripper using an old paintbrush (wear protective gloves and goggles). Leave for the recommended length of time in the product instructions. 3 Use a flat-headed scraper to scrape off the paint and reveal the bare wood, and a shave hook to remove paint from any mouldings. 4 Following the product instructions, work either white spirit or water into the stripped surface with a cloth to remove the stripping chemical solution. Sand the door to finish.…

Give your interior a cottage vibe with a rustic palette of warm taupe, cream and slate, mixed with reclaimed timbers, natural stone, brick and weathered wood. Claire has kept to a similar palette throughout, so that one room flows into the next. Furniture and soft furnishings sit comfortably together and no harsh lines interrupt the eye. Plenty of shelves and surfaces give ample space to display artwork, ornaments, greenery and books.…

Make colourful animal jar toppers as storage for kids' bits and bobs. Wash out used jam jars and leave to dry. Take a selection of plastic animals and stick to the centre of the lids using strong glue. In a ventilated space, spray paint each in a vibrant shade.…

ABOUT ME I’m Fiona Robinson, and I live in a two-bed house in St Albans that I bought in 2016. MY CHALLENGE When I bought this house, every room was a yucky cream colour and the window frames were stained brown. This was the first room I completed – as it’s really important to me to have a tranquil sleep space, it seemed the logical one to do first. I’m so glad I did and if I ever do another renovation, I’ll always fix up my bedroom first! MY WISH LIST I have a hectic job that means I travel a lot and work long hours, so I was keen to create a relaxing, minimal retreat where I could really unwind and get a restful night’s sleep.…

Pimp your desk space with DIY pencil pots made from upcycled tin cans. Stick masking tape around two-thirds of a clean and dry tin. Paint the rest of the tin with chalk paint. Leave to dry, then remove the tape to reveal a dipped effect.…

When I first viewed this flat, I saw the potential immediately – even though there was worn beige carpet literally everywhere, including up the walls, in cupboards and on the bathroom floor,’ says Jude Davis. ‘I’d never seen anything like it within my price range so I made an offer straight away. The main problem with the flat was the tiny, enclosed galley kitchen with poor lighting. There was only really enough space for one person to be in there, as a big partition wall separated it from the living area. Since the space was already small, this wall made it feel even smaller, so I knew I had to open it up. My vision The plan was for a space incorporating the kitchen, dining room and sitting room. As…

Thanks to new print technology and advanced manufacturing that has seriously improved design and durability, it’s definitely time to look again at laminate worktops. Unlike granite, stone and composite materials, laminate can be fitted on-site, without factory-based templating, so it’s also the fastest way to get cooking in your new kitchen. Q What are laminate worktops? 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 bear in mind that you get what you pay for. Allow a budget of between £40-£100 a linear metre for premium grade laminate. Q How can I spot quality? Look…

ABOUT ME I’m Katie Alice Dawson, 32, co-owner of tableware store The Katie Alice Online Shop with my partner Matt Searle, also 32. We live with our dog Luna in a three-bedroom Victorian semi in Stamford, Lincolnshire. THE CHALLENGE Turning a black hole of a bathroom with very little light and an appalling layout into a bright room with a decent-sized shower and room to move around. MY WISHLIST A powerful shower with a walk-in enclosure, roll-top bath, personalised vanity unit, lots of tiles in different colours and shapes and, most importantly, plenty of light.…

Swapping a pedestal basin for a vanity unit will give you handy extra countertop space and, if you go for one with storage underneath, you’ll have somewhere to stash your toiletries and cleaning kit, too. But if you can’t find an off-the-peg design that suits your style, why not consider repurposing a piece of furniture you already own? Q Can I use any piece of furniture to make a vanity unit? The first rule of thumb is to choose something solid and sturdy to support the weight of the basin – remember that it’ll be much heavier once it’s filled with water. Consoles, dressing tables and desks all make great bases – or consider a sideboard (especially useful if you fancy a double basin vanity), cupboard or chest of drawers…

DON’T FORGET TAPS OR SHOWERHEADS – REMOVE SOAPY RESIDUE AND LIMESCALE USING A VINEGAR AND WATER SOLUTION 1 START FROM THE GROUND UP Clear the floor of any bags, shoes and movable furniture. Sweep the floor of any dust and loose dirt. If your tiles are ceramic, a steam cleaner is the best (and easiest) option – it’ll blast away any dirt without soaking the tiles too much. Vinyl tiles are best mopped with a 1:10 solution of vinegar and water. Stone, slate or terracotta tiles should be cleaned with a special cleaning solution – normal cleaners may stain the surface. When done, keep the room out of bounds to everyone until the floor is completely dry. 2 TACKLE YOUR KITCHEN TILES Give the tiles a quick once-over with a…

REGULARLY REBOOT YOUR ROUTER TO IMPROVE ITS PERFOMANCE AND KEEP IT WORKING AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE Good broadband is right up there with other household utilities when it comes to how much we rely on it. Smartphones, televisions, tablets, computers, even washing machines now rely on a strong wireless signal, so follow our advice on how to boost performance in every corner of your home. Q I pay a lot for a fast broadband service so why do I still have a weak signal? Broadband speed and wi-fi strength are different things and some simple tweaks could make a huge difference. Charles Reed, smart home expert at Maplin suggests, ‘Don’t hide your router behind furniture. Instead, fit a longer cable, so you can put it in the middle of your…

THESE ARE PERFECT FOR KIDS’ PARTIES, TOO – HANG SEVERAL IN A ROW, AND FILL WITH MINI TOYS PINEAPPLE PIÑATA YOU WILL NEED PVA glue Large bowl Newspaper Balloon Small bowl String White paint Paintbrush Scissors Yellow tissue paper Glue Green crepe paper Skewer 1 In the large bowl, mix two parts glue with one part water. Tear the newspaper into 2.5cm-wide strips. Blow up and knot the balloon. 2 Sit the balloon on the small bowl. Dip the strips in the paste, removing excess, and stick to the balloon, leaving a hole where it’s tied. Hang to dry, using the string. 3 Add two layers of strips, letting each dry. Pop the balloon and carefully remove it. Paint papier-mâché white. 4 Cut tissue paper into 6cm-wide strips. Make 4cm-long…

DUNELM Tropical luxe Turn up the heat and add a glam twist with gold accents and exotic motifs B&M Miami brights Bask in tropical shades with dashes of copper for a sunset-inspired scheme MARKS & SPENCER Tranquil blues Relax in a sophisticated space filled with artisan picks and indigo hues NEXT HOME Country meadow Pretty shades and dainty abstract florals combine for an informal rustic scheme Style Maker EMILY SAYS ‘The Dunelm range will fill your rooms with brightness. I’d suggest one or two key pieces coupled with plants like succulents.’…

As much as the pineapple will always have a (spiky) place in our hearts, the fruit of the season is most certainly the lemon, in all its sunny, yellow glory. This trend is so easy to introduce into your home with tableware, textiles and joyful accessories, all creating a cheerful vibe that’s reminiscent of sweet-smelling Mediterranean holidays.…

ABOUT ME I’m Heather Warren, 40, and I live with my partner, Michael Heaton, 38, our baby son, Jude, and our very old dog, Carla, who’s 19. MY HOME An Edwardian four-bedroom semi, in Colchester, Essex. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT The decor was a bit tired and ready for some attention, plus the garden was in a bit of a state after years of two footballing boys giving it hell. But the previous owner’s a friend, so she won’t mind me saying that! AND NOW We’ve renovated all of the rooms, re-tiled the kitchen and bathroom, got the garden up to scratch and built a garden studio. STYLE TIP If you’re using a strong colour like orange, less can be more – add it in tiny bursts, as we’ve done…

We had been living in a small two-bedroom Victorian flat for years and there were always structural problems and damp,’ says Aileen. ‘It felt like my husband Stephen and I were constantly fixing the place – no sooner was one problem resolved, another one came up. We were a growing family and wanted a bigger house with a garden. So, when we discovered a new housing development was being built in a good area near us, we jumped at the chance to own a larger, brand new, low-maintenance house. We chose our house off-plan, and moved in six months later. Bump in the road We had chosen a corner plot as it had a drive, a big garden and didn’t overlook any neighbours. My daughter Nicole and son Stephen finally…

Use a pergola to link two different areas of the garden, or to create an area that feels a bit more intimate and offers shade. Why not create an outdoor sitting or dining room? Decorate your pergola to suit your style. Paint the wooden posts in a bold shade, and choose furniture that makes a statement. Nothing creates atmosphere like lighting, so adorn your pergola with fairy lights and lanterns so that it will twinkle in the summer evenings. An outdoor heater or chiminea means you can still use your outdoor entertaining area in the colder months. Add some screening with grasses, willow or vertical walls of plants for extra privacy or to filter out intrusive sounds. Plant fragrant climbers such as jasmine up the vertical posts to add a…

HOTEL CHIC Want a boutique hotel-inspired bedroom scheme? Revamp the wall behind the bed with a bold feature wallpaper. Update your old bed with a new statement headboard, then dress the bed with crisp linens, layered throws and pillows and cushions arranged in stacks. SHELF STORY Create a shelf arrangement using narrow picture ledges. Prints, pictures and ornaments can be propped on the ledges (without being fixed on the wall) allowing you to swap things around when you fancy a change or add in newer pieces from time to time. BOX CLEVER Simple roller blinds and Venetians are an unfussy option for windows, but for a decorative touch, box pelmets are a great way to frame the window (as Aileen has done). Use lightweight foam core board to make a…

ABOUT ME I’m Claire Ward, 44, a hairdresser, and I live with my son, Tom, 19, and daughter, Millie, 15. MY HOME A 1900s three-bedroom terrace in a village near Durham, which I bought in 2004. WHEN I BOUGHT IT It had a dark wood kitchen, gas fire with an Adam-style plaster fire surround, dark painted doors and skirtings, navy blue floral carpet and an avocado bathroom suite. AND NOW It’s light and bright with bifold doors in the kitchen/dining area, stone flooring and carpets, a smart bathroom and log burner. STYLE TIP Keep a neutral scheme throughout with splashes of pattern and texture, then add pops of colour through plants.…

HOMESENSE Jam-packed full of quirky, eclectic and sometimes designer homeware. Pop in often, as stock changes every few days. IKEA Super Scandi style at its best and at affordable prices – what’s not to love? LA REDOUTE Shop chic French style online, from bedding and rugs, to side tables and sofas. ZARA HOME Source beautiful throws, vases and accessories online or in store. Bedding is a particular strong point and there’s a good range of linen pieces. LAURA ASHLEY Pick up beautiful pieces, wallpaper, fabrics and classic pieces of furniture.…

RE-WORK YOUR WOOD Repurpose any wood from home renovation projects – old boards can become worktops and shelves or panelling and doors can double up as tabletops. Ask local builders if they have any unwanted timber or try reclamation yards. HANG MIRRORS Make a long, narrow hall appear bigger and brighter by hanging a large mirror. A group of mirrors in a stairwell or landing will bounce light around. Above a fireplace, try a round or oval mirror so the curves break up the straight lines, and position it low enough for a connection with the mantelpiece. DISPLAY KNICK-KNACKS Create a mini vignette of favourite things on a shelf or flat surface. Choose objects in a similar colour or finish so they work together and go for a variety of…

1 Take a seat Set up a quiet spot in the garden for a bit of ‘me’ time in the sunshine. Start with a rug or blanket on the lawn, pile up some cushions, and perhaps make a shade sail or windbreak with some pretty lengths of fabric – now you’re ready to enjoy being at one with nature. 2 Party piece Use empty drinks bottles to make a hoopla game for the kids. Swirl a little paint around the inside of the bottles to colour and leave to dry. Pour sand into each one to give some stability and use hoops made of garden wire or twine. 3 PRETTY IDEA Make a bunting cake topper with coloured washi tape. Take a length of baker’s twine and fold tabs of…

Walls in Cheriton Blush matt emulsion, £10 for 2.5L, Hemsley at Homebase. Devon tiles, £29.60sq m, Tons of Tiles. Blind in Nantucket fabric, £20.50m, Jane Clayton & Company. Similar bed, Hemnes double, from £175; Hemnes bedside table, £80; Hemnes chest of drawers, £100; similar mono cushions, Stockholm, £14.99 each; similar brass frame, Bjorksta 200x140cm, £32, all Ikea. Rug, £79.99, H&M. Rita table lamp, £79, Made.com. Bradshaw side table, £49; wardrobe, £250; Wonder sign, £12, all Marks & Spencer. Be still print, £4 for a download, DearLilyMae on Etsy. Hudson quilt, from £30, The White Company. Pink cushions, £25 each, Urban Outfitters. Belly basket, £35, Olli Ella at notonthehighstreet.com. Greta mirror, £8.39, Maisons Du Monde. Similar vase, Chevron, £14, Next Home. Marble tray, £55, Rockett St George. Similar handles, £5.95 each,…

ABOUT ME I’m Jude Davis, 35, a brand manager, and I live in a two-bedroom apartment within a Grade II-listed building that used to be an orphanage and school in West Norwood, London. I’ve lived here since November 2016. MY CHALLENGE At 474sq ft, the apartment was small and poky, and the dated kitchen was separate from the sitting room. My aim was to bring them together for a more cohesive vibe. MY WISH LIST I wanted a clean, sociable space that would showcase my vintage retro interior style and had already decided on an orange Smeg fridge freezer – I wanted it before I’d even bought the flat!…

DIY FITTING B&Q offers all the kit – edging strips, end caps, curved edge cutting jigs and jointing tools – to achieve a really professional finish. ON-TREND OPTIONS Howdens is a trade-only supplier – order via your builder – that’s surprisingly hot on trends. Its wide portfolio includes square-edge, matt and textured options. QUALITY CHOICE Axiom is the flagship brand of the world-renowned Formica Group, and all its laminate worktops are made to stringent British Standards in County Durham.…

1 Clean the window with soapy water, making sure to clean right up to the edges to make sure the film won’t peel away when it’s applied. Remove excess water with a squeegee and then go over the whole surface with a lint-free cloth. 2 Using a spray bottle, spray the window so it’s covered in a thin mist. Remove the backing liner from the film and spray the sticky side as you peel (this is so the sides won’t stick together). 3 Place the film onto the window, and use the squeegee to remove the water from behind the film, starting from the centre and working outwards.…

BAKE A BATCH OF YUMMY WHOLEMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES TAKES 30MIN MAKES 20 200g wholemeal flour 50g dark muscovado sugar ½tsp bicarbonate of soda 1tsp vanilla extract 50g margarine, softened and cut into cubes 1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk 60g dark chocolate, broken into chunks 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/ Fan 160°C/Gas 4. 2 Put the flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, vanilla extract and margarine in a food processor and pulse until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add egg and yolk and pulse until combined. 3 Tip on to a floured surface and sprinkle over the chocolate chunks. Bring together with your hands, then divide into 20 balls. 4 Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand, then place spread apart on two parchment-lined baking trays. Chill…

Make stairs more stylish Rather than opting for carpet to cover your stairs, why not use your DIY skills to perk them up with patterned vinyl instead? Lifestyle Floors boasts a wide selection of graphic printed vinyl that’s perfect for making an impact. Start by rubbing down all the wooden parts of your staircase with sandpaper, then paint the treads, banisters and handrail in your chosen colour. Once they’re completely dry, cut pieces of vinyl to size to fit each riser and stick in place using vinyl adhesive and a bit of firm pressure. The results? A practical, hard-working set of stairs that looks fabulous. Stay on the level Hanging pictures is child’s play with the Quigo from Bosch. This handy tool projects a level laser line across a wall…

BOX CLEVER Postcards, bills, takeaway menus… stash them all in this pretty box. Expression storage box with lid, £3, Wilko FAB FILING Arrange that messy pile of mags in this neat organiser. Wire magazine rack in Yellow, £20, Urban Outfitters SHOW OFF Hang one of these handy store and display shelves in every room. Meert gallery bookshelf, £22, Store GATHER ROUND Choose classy baskets for quick clearing up in bedrooms or bathrooms. Cotton rope baskets, £32.99 for two, Very DUCK & COVER Encourage kids to put their toys in this bird-shaped basket. Duck-shaped storage basket, £39.99, Zara Home STASHING STOOL You’ll never lose your remote controls, Sunday papers or knitting again. Lexie fabric storage footstool, £79, Argos FLORAL ARRANGEMENT Keep your worktop tidy with a few of these pretty pots.…

You may have seen them as backdrops for store windows and swanky hotels, but now you can create your own living wall. It’s a great way to introduce greenery and refresh a space indoors or out. YOU WILL NEED Living wall planters (£9.99 each, Dobbies) Wooden battens Electric screwdriver and screws Watering can Plants of your choice 1 CHOOSE A LOCATION Decide where you want your living wall to be and fix battens to the wall for the planters. 2 ATTACH THE PLANTERS Slot them into place one by one. Use an electric screwdriver and work from the bottom up, attaching the plastic planters to the battens on every third row in staggered rows. Remember to insert a plug or filter to conduct the water flow. 3 GET WATERING Use…

Posh up your picnic In the mood for a late summer picnic with a difference? Leave the soggy sausage rolls at home and head to Waitrose for its fabulous new World Deli range, which boasts a whole host of tapas-sized treats in Mediterranean, North African and Asian flavours. Choose from three different varieties of falafel, chicken skewers served souvlaki or miso style and plenty of delicious pastry-wrapped savoury treats that will please meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. CHEAT’S EATS! Whether you need a ‘back to school' super-speedy lunch or a light and tasty evening meal, PrepCo's new lunch pots are an instant saviour. Packed with dehydrated veggies combined with rice or couscous in four scrummy flavours, they're perfect if you lack the resources, time – or inclination! – to cook. Simply…