Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2016 i Style At Home

My dear little cat Millie and playful pooch Joey are a special part of my life, and my house wouldn’t be a home without them. Pets bring joy to lots of us, so spoil your furry friends with our pick of animal treats in our special feature on page 113, where you’ll also find tips on keeping the house clean and how to make a comfy pet bed. If you live in a rented property it isn’t always easy to redecorate, but with our six-page guide (p51) you’ll put your stamp on your place in no time. But if you do want a total overhaul, our in-depth look at planning a room from scratch is your first step (p36). Get your kids involved in restyling their bedrooms, too, with our…

DUNELM Eastern escape Mix Asian style with pastel florals for a soothing sanctuary 3 of the best BATHROOM SETS Our pick of the best sets from George Home Want it now! STORE YOUR JEWELLERY IN THIS TRINKET BOX – WE CAN’T RESIST THE BEAUTIFUL COLOUR! CROWN Delicious decor The new Kitchen range has 16 hues for walls, wood and metal TESCO DIRECT Back to nature Fill your home with seasonal stems and botanical prints Cushion CORNER Treat yourself to a trendsetting design with a trim DEBENHAMS Elaborate elegance Indulge in beaded cushions, exotic birds and royal blues ON MY RADAR Ways with wool From crochet to macrame, introduce a textured look Buy it, style it! POP THESE CUTE LITTLE GOLD ANTS ON A SHELF, ON TOP OF BOOKS OR EVEN…

Having a designated office at home can be very practical, just as Victoria has found. But how do you choose the right desk for your needs? Think about how you’ll use the space – will you be working from home, surfing the internet, filing paperwork or turning it into a craft corner. To make it easier, we’ve found 10 stylish designs to suit every room and budget, starting from £77.50! £77.50 Select the versatile Kallax model, which can double up as a room divider, IKEA £279 Fall in love with the retro curves of the Cornell desk in walnut, MADE £196.99 Fit the Pompeii fold-down option into a hall if you’re tight on space, WORLDSTORES £299.99 Be timeless and choose the bureau-style vintage writing table, HOMESENSE £199 Make the most…

EMBRACE NATURAL LIGHT This will not only make your office a better working environment, but if you’re sitting next to a window, you’ll benefit from an outside view. CHOOSE STYLISH STORAGE Think about the theme you want, and pick magazine racks, shelves and boxes in colours or patterns that complement this scheme. STREAMLINE YOUR SPACE Keep items, such as extension cables, hidden away. And remember, a clutter-free desk promotes a much more productive setting. SPLASH OUT ON LIGHTS Pick lighting that suits your office, whether it’s a desk or floor lamp, overhead spotlights, or all three! Base your decision on what you’ll be using the study for.…

STAY ON TRACK A bold clock will really pop against white walls, such as Michelle’s red-rimmed Newgate design. For a fun, funky addition that’s perfect if you can’t settle on one shade, try the Colour Wheel clock, £18, Cafe Press. ON DISPLAY Ladder shelving is relatively inexpensive and can be moved easily from room to room. Very has a wide oak-effect design for £79, or why not keep your eyes peeled for vintage ladders that you can upcycle yourself. SHINE BRIGHT Bring in some shimmer and glamour with a metallic pendant, just like Michelle has. We suggest Habitat’s Rock chromed metal ceiling light, £65. DRAW THE EYE Fancy a retro feature wall like in Michelle’s family room? Orla Kiely’s linear stem design costs from £55 per roll, or try B&Q’s…

A room with no predetermined starting point can feel daunting to decorate. But before you give up due to indecision or make any hasty furniture purchases you may live to regret, put in the groundwork to ensure your new look is a success. Suss out your style Browse some interiors magazines or set up an online mood board on a website such as Pinterest. Spend a few hours tearing out (or ‘pinning’) images that draw your eye, making notes on what you particularly like about that image as you go. Continue until you’ve built up a collection of visuals, then analyse them as a whole. Chances are you’ll notice common themes emerging, be it a colour palette or a decorative style. Once you’ve honed this down, start to think about…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Lottie Manns, 34, and I’m an account manager. I live with my husband, Edd, 34, an accountant, our daughters, Molly, 4, and Alice, 3, and Humphrey the cat. MY HOME A three-bedroom semi in Worcestershire, built in 1901, which we bought in November 2010. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house had just been renovated, but we quickly discovered that there were many problems that needed to be corrected before we could start decorating it and making it into our home. AND NOW We’ve replaced the kitchen and bathroom, and added lots of personal touches. STYLE TIP In a house with children, paint your walls with endurance paint, so you can easily wipe away the scuffs and marks they tend to make. GREAT IDEA ‘Dress a…

PICTURE PERFECT Create your own customised design by having a photograph of your pet or favourite animal printed onto a cushion. Check out funkypigeon.com – they offer this service from £19.99. ALL IN THE DETAIL Think about what effect and finish you want for your cushion. For instance, a photographic print will give a more realistic look, whereas a quirky, illustrated motif will be better suited to a child’s nursery or playroom. BE INSPIRED Head online and check out our sofa styling Pinterest board for lots more decorating ideas on how to work your new cushion into your scheme. Visit pinterest.com/styleathomemag…

Want to make your rented home feel like your own, or just moved into student digs? We show you how to instantly update key items in every room of your house, just by introducing chic accessories, all for under £100! So, whether you're after an industrial-inspired dining area or a pretty pastel living room, you can achieve any of these looks on a shoestring budget. So what are you waiting for, let's hit the shops! Top tips Add style without the worry of losing your deposit DRESS UP A SHELF Hang wall shelves and create chic displays to draw the eye. Remember, three is the magic number when styling. PICK UP NEW ACCESSORIES Invest in funky cushions, beautiful bedlinen and bright towels to bring personality to a neutral scheme. GO…

GREAT IDEA Install an on-trend hanging chair to add the fun factor! Choosing a scheme for your child’s bedroom is always a fun and enjoyable task, but it can be a little bit of a minefield, too, as you need to create a space that you’re both happy with. While you may want calm and neutral in the rest of your home, here you can really go to town and you’ll realise that bold, vibrant colours work in even the smallest of spaces. There are many things to consider, but we’ve done the hard work and got it all covered for you, from what wallpaper and accessories to choose to getting the most of out of your storage and, of course, creating a room for them to grow in that…

HEAD TO THE SHOPS Nowadays, the high street has everything you need for a baby’s nursery. For instance, Next has amazing bedding, and Marks & Spencer offers great, long-lasting furniture. You’ll find the most beautiful blankets at The White Company – we love the grey cloud design, while Mothercare and John Lewis have a great selection of baby-related products. FUN, UNUSUAL FINDS If you’re after quirky accessories at affordable prices, we suggest the Roald Dahl cushions from PASX, from £19 each. PERSONALISE IT The Letterroom is the place to go if you’re after personalised keepsakes. From trains with initials on the carriages to engraved chairs and gorgeous artworks, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. SLEEK SCANDI STYLE We’re a little bit addicted to the cute kids’ accessories on Scandinavian and…

When kids reach their teens, they want a space that reflects their style. It will become their hideaway where they hang out with friends, as well as a quiet escape for studying. But it’s also important to create a room where they can express their personality. A teenager’s bedroom is a hive of activity and creativeness, and every parent knows how tricky it is to get their child to tidy up after themselves, so storage is essential. Use boxes, baskets and bins to maximum capacity and choose items that are both efficient and pleasing to the eye. If you get your child to help with the choices early on, they’ll be much happier with how it looks. Pick a theme Every teenager has their own unique style and tastes, so…

PRETTY PASTELS FOR NURSERIES BOLD DELIGHTS FOR TWEENS MONOCHROME FINDS FOR TEENS Never miss a copy of Style Made Easy! Download a digital copy of last month's guide to a mindful home free from cushienumber.co.uk. Next month, all about lighting your home.…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Wendy Marsh, 38, and I live in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, with my husband Mark and our two children, Lola, 7, and Connor, 4. We bought our three-bedroom semidetached house in December 2010. MY CHALLENGE The house was run down and dated, especially Lola’s room, which had an unsightly boiler cupboard, bad lighting, uneven floorboards and flaking walls. It was also cold, as there was no underlay. LOLA’S WISH LIST Lola wanted a room ‘fit for a princess’. It had to be bright, with a place to do drawing and writing, and she needed a new single bed as her old one was too small. Most of all she wanted it pink – I, however, wanted a little less pink! GREAT IDEA ‘Layer up the window treatments…

DYED JAM JARS Add a splash of colour to empty plain glass jars TAKES 30MINS COST £1.50 PVA glue, £1.50, Hobbycraft Food colouring Clean clear glass jars Paintbrush 1 Squeeze a teaspoon of PVA glue into a small jar (or more for a larger jam jar) and add a few drops of food colouring. Mix thoroughly, then turn the jar upside down. Rotate the jar to spread the coloured glue around inside the jar. 2 Once the inside is covered, leave the jar upside down to allow the excess to drip away. Turn it upright and leave for the glue to dry thoroughly before using. EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT TROPICAL STRING ART DESIGNS – WHY NOT MAKE A SET WITH PINEAPPLE OR PALM TREE SHAPES PINEAPPLE CHAIR Lend a truly tropical…

Whether you love soaking in the tub or taking a speedy shower, make sure you do it in a gorgeous bathroom. Fortunately, you don’t need a whole room revamp – just a few clever styling tricks to get a luxe look on an economy budget. For example, a large mirror won’t just look great, it’ll also make the room feel lighter and larger. Accessorising with good-quality products is key, whether it’s hand soap by the basin, stylish dispensers or candles. Being clever with your tiles will also add plenty of wow – large-format versions look glam, while stone and wood-look ceramics give a high-end finish. Pulling power Details can make a huge difference to a bathroom’s appearance. Swap basic handles on a vanity unit or cabinet for a gleaming copper…

SATAY VEGETABLE STIR-FRY TAKES 25MINS SERVES 4 50g dessicated coconut 4 egg noodle nests 6tbsp crunchy peanut butter 2tbsp lemon juice 4tbsp light soy sauce 4tsp brown sugar 2tbsp vegetable oil 600g pack stir-fry vegetables 1 Put the dessicated coconut in a bowl and pour over 200ml hot water and set aside. Place the egg noodles in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them to cover. Stir gently to separate, leave for 5 mins then drain. 2 Meanwhile, mix together the peanut butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar and dessicated coconut plus the soaking liquid. 3 Heat the oil in a wok. Add the sitr-fry veg and cook for 5 mins before adding the noodles for a further 2 mins. Stir through the peanut sauce and toss well…

CHOCOLATE CRUSTED MASCARPONE PUDDING TAKES 40 MINS + CHILLING SERVES 4 200g dark chocolate, cubed 250g ginger nut biscuits, crushed FOR THE TOPPING 500g mascarpone Juice and zest of 2 limes 4tbsp icing sugar 3tbsp seedless raspberry jam 125g raspberries 1 mango, chopped 1 Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth (make sure the bowl isn't touching the water or the chocolate will burn). 2 Stir the crushed biscuits into the chocolate. Tip into a 20cm round, loose-bottomed cake tin lined with clingfilm. Press firmly, chill until set. 3 Remove the chocolate crust from the cake tin, peel off the clingfilm and place it on a serving plate. 4 Beat together the mascarpone, lime juice, grated zest from 1 lime and…

FLYING FUR Pet hair is a big challenge for cat and dog owners. Place a towel or throw in their favourite spot to help keep the problem contained, and shake it out or pop it in the wash. Use lint rollers to remove surface hair from furniture before vacuuming for a deeper clean. For hard floors, use an electrostatic mop rather than a vacuum. Finally, groom your pet on a regular basis, brushing them outside if possible. MUCKY PUPS Paw prints are a common sight for most pet owners, but by following a few simple steps you can keep your floors tidy. Leave a towel or a pack of paw wipes by your front door to clean mucky paws after a walk. Pop your animal’s food and water bowls on…

To-do list A few things to try this month... CUT DIY COSTS Save money on your decorating projects by teaching yourself some basic DIY skills. Have a think about what needs doing around the home – can you do it yourself it or do you need to call in a pro? It may seem nerve-wracking to wield a power drill, but it’s easier than you think. A simple search on Google will bring up a list of DIY classes near you. Why not try Jo Behari’s in-depth courses – you’ll be an expert in no time. See skillsology.com GET JAMMIN’ Beat the birds and start picking blackberries to make your own jam. If it seems like a chore, think ahead to winter when you’ll be enjoying the taste of summer…

Treat your garden to a pop of colour with this great offer of 36 free* pansies worth £24.97. We have also included 100g of Incredibloom fertiliser to help you get the best performance from your plants, along with five packets of Thompson & Morgan seed for extra flower power. NOW TRY THESE OTHER OFFERS… POLYANTHUS ‘CRESCENDO’ MIXED F1 HYBRID Polyanthus ‘Crescendo’ paints a rainbow of colour in pots, boxes and borders. Long-lasting and fragrant, height and spread 30cm, supplied as plug plants. Buy 36 for £9.99. Buy 72 for £14.99 – save £4.99 VERBENA ‘LOLLIPOP’ This versatile plant produces clustered florets of purple blooms from July until October. Perfect for pots, beds and borders. Height and spread 60cm. Supplied as jumbo plug plant. Buy 3 for £11.99. Buy 6 for…

Add zing to your crockery. Skack serving bowl, £5, Ikea Look out for fun accessories. Panda mug, £8.49, The Oak Room Pick some fab, funky patterns. Monochrome feature cushion, £4.99, Dunelm Bring flavour to your tabletop. Charm salt and pepper set, £3.99, Harbour Living Introduce Scandi charm. Woodstock tea towel in yellow, £10, Andshine Accessorise with graphic ornaments. Standing ampersand, £10, Sainsbury’s Hang a welcoming note. House rules glass sign, £10, The Contemporary Home Earn your stripes. Black-and-white vase, £8.95, Rigby & Mac Brighten up your bathroom. MissPrint Trees towels, from £3.50, John Lewis Get your hall organised. Bird letter holder, £5, The White Lighthouse…

Tania Egan ABOUT ME I’m 39 and I live in a four-bedroom detached house in Cambridgeshire with my husband Graham, 45, and our children Lauren, 13, Nathan, 11, and Reuben, 6. WHAT’S YOUR BEST HOME STYLE TIP? I like William Morris’ motto: ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’. It’s a work in progress! Anne Codling ABOUT ME I’m 38 and live in a 1930s four-bed detached in St Albans with my husband Mark, 40, and children Sophie, 3, and Luke, 5 months. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM? Our house is being renovated and extended, so all the rooms are a bit of a mess! I suspect that my favourite room will be the kitchen-diner, as it will be…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Victoria Gallimore, 33, and I own restored furniture and furnishings company cherryvintage.co.uk. I live with my fiancé Andy Garnham, 36, and our dog, Spike. MY HOME A two-bed Victorian terrace in Isleworth, Middlesex, which we bought in 2013. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house was a 1970s nightmare, with a riot of pine panelling, damp patches, a failing flat roof, crumbling plaster, dated kitchen units and run-down flooring. AND NOW We replastered the walls and gave it a tasteful colour scheme, fitted a raised roof, and installed a new kitchen and bathroom. STYLE TIP Using a neutral palette of greys and off-whites gives you a calm base and a great backdrop for bright cushions, paintings and accessories. GREAT IDEA ‘Make cushions out of your favourite…

SMART STORAGE Go for a design with sufficient space. Built-in drawers hide clutter, while shelves are great for easy access to paperwork or crafty bits. TAKE A SEAT Pick a comfy chair that matches your new office area. Make sure it has good support if you’re going to be sitting for long periods of time, and add extra cushions if needed. SEEING CLEARLY Finish off with adequate lighting. Pop a desk lamp on the surface for directed lighting when working on a computer or reading.…

IF YOU’LL BE USING THE STOOL AS A SPARE SEAT WHEN GUESTS VISIT,TRY ADDING A LAYER OF WADDING BENEATH THE FABRIC TO GIVE A PLUMPER FINISH Bring both comfort and style to your living room with our simple fabric footstool project, inspired by Victoria’s cosy look. With no sewing required, this upholstery tutorial is easy to follow and can be done in just two hours. This simple project can be adapted to reupholster a brand-new footstool (ours came from Dunelm). Alternatively, you can use the same technique to update an existing stool in your home that’s starting to look a bit tired, or if you’ve found one second-hand at a charity shop or boot sale. HOW TO TAKES 2HRS COST £36.99 Small footstool (we got ours in Dunelm, £20) Measuring…

Add storage in your kitchen with some new containers. We’ve rounded-up our favourite high-street and online designs that will offer plenty of space without compromising on style. Display on open shelving or directly on the worksurface to act as a practical, but attractive, accessory, and keep tea, coffee and sugar near the kettle for convenience. You’ll wonder how you ever coped without them! £8 Get a quaint country feel by displaying the Chicken storage tin, SOPHIE ALLPORT £16 for a set of three Bring your look bang up to date with copper-effect jars, NEXT £5.99 Fall head over heels for the Sweethearts coffee canister, DUNELM £8 Work the marble-effect caddy into a modern scheme, GEORGE HOME £12.50 Jazz up a contemporary design with the Scandi-style Spira container, ANDSHINE £18 Introduce…

FEATURE CREATURES Use cushions to add personality to a room. John Lewis has a range of Scion animal cushions, from £25. MAKE IT PERSONAL Lottie mixes personal items, prints, photographs and postcards to decorate her walls. Try The Rifle Paper Co at Tea and Kate, from £3.95 for a postcard and Nkuku for glass hanging frames, from £12.95. PICK A PATTERN Revamp your bedrooms with modern patterned bedlinen. Try This Modern Life for childrens’ sets, from £34 and Habitat for regular bedlinen, from £40 for a double set. COPY & PASTE Highlight a dull corner with wallpaper. Lottie buys hers from Ferm Living, Scion and Mini Moderns – we love their Feather design, £55 per roll. KEEP IT SIMPLE Clean, stylish furniture with a Scandi slant gives Lottie’s home a…

MAINTAIN PRIVACY ON A GLAZED DOOR WITH PATTERNED OR FROSTED WINDOW FILM – IT WILL KEEP OUT PRYING EYES AND LOOK PRETTY When decorating your home, it can be easy to forget the hall, as it’s a space where you never spend much time. But there are reasons to make an effort. It’s the first room that family and friends see when they come to visit and it can help you feel relaxed and happy after a long day. From fun and colourful decor schemes to calm, soothing designs, here are our favourite ideas to get you started. Hook it up Use your wall space practically and turn it into a feature with a series of hooks in different configurations and varying levels. This works particularly well in an open-plan…

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 you’d like, 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 is Style…

SPORTS MAD Create an All-American changing room vibe with a basketball hoop and lockers for wardrobes. ROYAL FINISH Girls love grand four-poster beds, so why not make a frame and fix it to a divan? Dress it with fairy lights for a pretty ambience. DARK & DANGEROUS Painting the ceiling a dark hue may not be your dream idea, but it will give the room a whole new feel and look very striking. STUDY STATION Paint an entire wall using blackboard paint. It’s great for homework reminders and friends can leave fun messages, too. Or why not try magnetic paint, so they can pin up family photos and notes. URBAN EDGE Be on trend with a stylish graffiti wall. But before you arm your kids with spray paint, have a…

‘I HAD AN AMAZING TIME ON THE COURSE AND CAN’T WAIT TO PUT MY NEWFOUND SKILLS TO THE TEST’ Whether you’re a novice with a needle and thread or a pro with a sewing machine, Sew Pretty offers a range of courses for all levels. The Wimbledon-based studio is the ideal place to develop your skills. Cassie from the Style at Home team, embarked on a four-week soft furnishings course. Here’s how she got on. Week 1 LEARNING THE BASICS After introducing ourselves, our lovely tutor, Rachel, didn’t waste any time getting started. We were taught how to wind the bobbin and thread the sewing machine, and spent about 30 minutes going over the dos and don’ts of machine work. After this, we were given time to get a feel…

STAR COOKIES TAKES 2HRS MAKES 15 Preheat the oven to 160°C/ Gas 3. Cream together 125g unsalted butter, 150g caster sugar and a pinch of salt. Beat in 1 egg with a spoonful of plain flour. Beat in a few drops of vanilla extract and 245g plain flour until it forms a dough. Chill until firm enough to roll. Roll out on a floured surface to 5mm thick. Use star-shaped cutters to cut the dough. Press a stick into each one. Put on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 15 mins until golden at the edges. Knead small amounts of sugarpaste in different colours and roll out to 3mm thick. Use the cutters to press out stars. Place the stars on the hot cookies. The heat will stick them in place.…

SQUASH, CHORIZO & GOAT’S CHEESE OMELETTE TAKES 25MINS SERVES 2 Heat 2tbsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan. Add 1 sliced red onion and 350g diced butternut squash and fry for 10 min until soft. Add 120g diced chorizo, then pour in 6 lightly beaten eggs. Cook for 5min. Meanwhile, preheat the grill. Add 120g sliced goat’s cheese and 3tbsp chopped chives to the eggs in the pan, fry on a low heat for a couple of min, then pop under a hot grill for a few mins until firm and golden. JAM CRUMBLE SQUARES TAKES 1HR MAKES 15 SQUARES 300g plain flour 200g unsalted butter, cubed 100g ground almonds 100g caster sugar Pinch salt 350g plum conserve 50g flaked almonds Icing sugar for dusting 1 Preheat the oven…

MAKE SURE YOU GO FOR A TOUGH,DURABLE FABRIC AND GIVE IT A WASH BEFOREHAND IF IT’S LIKELY TO SHRINK IN THE WASHING MACHINE Has your dog’s bed seen better days? Or maybe they’ve finally outgrown that mischievous puppy phase and it’s time to treat them to a new one they’ll no longer chew. If so, why not make your four-legged friends a padded pillow with our step-by-step tutorial. Plus, this simple project only takes two hours, so they’ll be able to settle down and sleep on it tonight! Choose a fabric that complements your decor but is also hardwearing, so it will stand the test of time. If you’re looking for a pillow to keep in the boot of your car, go for a wipe-down material so you won’t be…

#askSAH Q I’d like to paper a feature wall in my bedroom but I’m a bit nervous I’ll regret it later. Any suggestions? CLAIRE TAYLOR IPSWICH If you’re unsure about putting paper on an entire wall then start with a subtle print – think ditsy florals instead of bold brights. Or pick a faux-effect design such as white bricks or wooden logs for a striking look that isn’t too overpowering. If you’re still not sure, then hang fabric. Pop a rail above the bed and drape material from it, or upholster the headboard, making it into a focal point. 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…

FAUX FEEL For a real wood effect, treat yourself to the Cottage Oak matt flooring from the Palazzo range, £61.74 per sq m, Quick-Step. TREAD CAREFULLY Go for a soft floor underfoot on the stairs, just like Victoria. We recommend a cosy wool mix carpet in Pewsey Nickel from the Avebury range, £28.99 per sq m, Cormar Carpets. BE NEUTRAL Victoria’s subtle colour palette provides a calm backdrop. For a similar look, try Skimming Stone estate emulsion, £39.50 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball. CLIMB HIGH A sturdy loft ladder can add access to another useable space. We like the Fakro LWK21 pine ladder, £109.95, Sterlingbuild. TAKE NOTE Hang vintage pinboards and bunting in period homes. Have a look at the range from Cherry Vintage, £65 each.…

Whether you work from home or enjoy spending your weekends crafting, it’s always useful to have a dedicated space or your own office. Don’t worry if you don’t have a specific room, as you can transform many unused areas into a handy study, from under the stairs to a corner in your guest bedroom. Take a look around to see where might suit. Keep in mind what you’ll use it for – do you require room for a sewing machine, or extra storage for files or books? And remember, lighting is important – the brighter the better – so take into account you may need to add some task lamps. Pick a desirable desk Utilise unused basement space to create a functional home office. Go for a large desk in…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Michelle Cage, 36, a former recruitment consultant. I live with my husband Philip, 46, a contract director, my daughter Evie, 12, and his children Lauren, 24, and Cameron, 21. MY HOME A five-bed three-storey detached new-build in Kent. We’ve lived here since December 2014. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house was a blank canvas with white walls and neutral carpets throughout. AND NOW We’ve bought lots of new furniture and injected personality with wallpaper, artwork and cushions. We also upgraded the kitchen with extra wall units, splashback tiles and Orla Kiely accessories. STYLE TIP Don’t spend a fortune on finishing touches. Instead, have a look in supermarkets and budget homeware stores for on-trend pieces. GREAT IDEA ‘Decide where to place your artwork by holding up…

TAKE YOUR PICK When deciding on appliances such as microwaves, kettles and toasters, choose a design that complements your scheme and that you’ll want to keep out on display. Consider copper finishes for a contemporary look, or keep it cream for a more neutral vibe. MAKE A STAND A cake stand is a handy item to dress up your worksurface, whether or not you’re a keen baker. Use it to store fresh fruit and veg as a quirky alternative to a traditional fruit bowl. CLEAN UP Buy a set of coordinating tea towels to complete your kitchen look. If you have a favourite design in particular, consider buying two of the same so you always have one to hand while the other is in the wash.…

THIS VERSATILE TECHNIQUE MEANS YOU CAN CREATE ARTWORK FOR ANY ROOMIN YOUR HOUSE – THE BALLOON DESIGN IS PERFECT FOR A NURSERY Be inspired by Michelle’s fun project and create a homely setting by hanging customised artwork. This cute craft will instantly refresh your scheme, without breaking the bank. Remember to choose a colour palette to suit your decor – take a look on Pinterest for more ideas. HOW TO TAKES 1HR COST £10.50 Paintbrush & pencil 20 x 20cm stretched canvas, £2.50, Hobbycraft Acrylic paints in your colour choice, from £2, Hobbycraft Pack of assorted buttons (colours and sizes to suit your chosen project), from £3 for 250g, DoCrafts UHU glue, £3, Hobbycraft Coloured twine or ribbon, if needed for your design 1 Use a pencil to roughly mark…

Get creative with your styling and embrace your inner child by scattering some of these adorable animal cushions around your interior. We’ve searched the high street and online and found these 10 playful designs, which are sure to cheer up any space, from your living room or bedroom to the nursery. Plus, prices start from £7, so you won’t mind these cute creatures keeping you comfy on the couch. £12.95 Welcome Honey the Hedgehog into your child’s playroom, DOTCOMGIFTSHOP £28 Introduce a magical touch with a Unicorn-shaped pillow, BOBBY RABBIT £18 Make space for the colourful embroidered elephant cushion, DEBENHAMS £9 Update your look for less with the Thorine dog design, IKEA £7 Work an autumnal palette into your decor with this fox design, GEORGE HOME £17 Add woodland charm…

PICK A STENCIL TO SUIT YOUR LOOK– GO FOR SOMETHING GEOMETRIC FOR A MODERN EDGE, OR CHOOSE FLORAL FOR A MORE CLASSIC,FEMININE FINISH We’ve been inspired by Lottie’s unusual mirror and have added a personal touch to our own using a floral stencil. This step-by-step project takes just one hour to complete and would make a lovely present for a new home or for newlyweds as a wedding gift. HOW TO TAKES 1HR COST £33.19 Allium stencil, £4, Imagination Crafts Large Versailles bevelled mirror, £19.95, Dotcomgiftshop Masking tape Newspaper PlastiKote glass frosting spray, £9.24, Amazon 1 Position the stencil in your chosen spot on your mirror and stick in place around the edges with masking tape. Fix several more pieces of tape, working outwards from the stencil, to cover the…

Are you thinking about updating your home storage? Then look no further than the versatile options from Conti@Home. Style at Home has teamed up with Conti@Home to offer 25 per cent off its range of boards and bookcases. Each pack of ContiBoard contains two boards in a choice of measurements, which are ideal for building storage and shelving. Alternatively, the deliver-to-your-door bookcases with pre-inserted fittings come in two heights, three widths and four depths. Plus you only need a screwdriver to put them together. Conti@Home products are ideal for beginners and competent DIY-ers. And if you are taking on an intricate task, the boards are easily cut and can be given a smart finish with matching edging trim. Make it your own The bookcases and boards come in five colours,…

Q My son is superhero-mad, but I don’t want a room he’ll grow out of quickly. What should I do? A child’s imagination is key to their development. Why not paint the room blue, then add building silhouettes and a light beam for a more subtle look? You’ll enjoy designing it together, too. Q My son and daughter share a room. How can I please them both? Our fantasy Storybook scheme, which transforms the walls into cloud-filled skies, is perfect for both boys and girls. Start by painting the walls a soft blue, then chalk out the rough shapes of the clouds and use a bit of sponge to make the edges visually soft and fluffy. Q I want to create a feature wall Ð do you have any…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Vivienne Riley, 53, and I live with my son Charlie, 11, in a three-bedroom 1950s semidetached in Essex. We have been here for five years, and now that Charlie’s older, he was keen to be involved in updating his room. MY CHALLENGE While Charlie simply wanted a decor scheme that was more grown up, we also had to contend with a rather unusual and slightly awkward layout. The space was the result of an extension added by the previous owners, but it hadn’t been well thought through, so we knew it would be quite tricky. MY WISH LIST Charlie loved the idea of a bright, light industrial loft-style scheme with a New York vibe, while my main priority was to introduce plenty of organised storage…

This month we’ve put our own spin on the rustic side table by Loaf and created a design using on-trend hairpin legs. They’re the perfect way to work an industrial look into your decor and the log slice tabletop will add character. TAKES 1HR COST £70 Sandpaper Log slice, £9 for Dia45cm, eBay 3 x 3 pin 71cm hairpin legs in fern green, £61 for four, Invicta Ironworks Measuring tape Pencil Drill & screws 1 Use sandpaper to smooth down one side of the log slice so it's ready for use as a tabletop. If you want an extra layer of protection, apply clear varnish to the surface. 2 Turn the log slice upside down and place the three legs equally around the base. Use a measuring tape to adjust…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Clare Charlton, 39, and I live with my husband Matthew, 41, in a detached 1950s property in Hertfordshire, which we bought in 2012. MY CHALLENGE The bathroom was very small. We decided to move it into the box room and knock through to the airing cupboard to create one large space. MY WISH LIST I desperately wanted a luxurious shower enclosure, as we were fed up of being too cramped and showering over the bath as it’s always made a huge mess. I also wanted to install a freestanding bathtub and fit lots of storage to keep towels and toiletries hidden away, so that the room would look smart and uncluttered. GREAT IDEA ‘Introduce metallic accessories for a high-end feel’ GREAT IDEA ‘Give cabinets an…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Samantha Howard, 32, a beauty therapist, and I live with my flatmate, Peter, in a two-bedroom new-build flat in Anerley, southeast London. I bought the flat as part of a shared ownership scheme in August 2015. MY CHALLENGE When I bought the flat, all the fixtures and fittings were chosen by the builders and the place was painted white throughout. The kitchen area needed to have some character and to feel slightly separate from the open-plan living space. MY WISH LIST I wanted to add a touch of colour and pattern to the neutral scheme and display my favourite kitchen accessories. I was also keen to incorporate a space for a small dining table and chairs. STYLE TIP ‘Carry your accent colour through in unexpected…

SLICE UP LEFTOVER BANANA AND FREEZE. USE FOR SMOOTHIES OR ADD INTO CAKE MIXTURE BANOFFEE POTS TAKES 10MINS SERVES 4 8 crushed Hobnob biscuits 400ml vanilla yoghurt 6tbsp caramel 2 sliced bananas Grated dark chocolate 1 Divide the crushed hobnob biscuits between four serving glasses. 2 Spoon the vanilla yoghurt, caramel sauce and sliced bananas over the crushed biscuits in each glass. 3 Top each one with a little grated dark chocolate. BLUEBERRY, BANANA & CHOCOLATES WAFFLES TAKES 25MINS SERVES 6 Put 60g butter in a pan with 250g blueberries and 2tbsp water. Heat very gently for 5 mins, until the fruit just softens. Turn off the heat. Heat an electric waffle maker. Measure out 100g butter and melt in the microwave on high for 30 secs. Crack 2 eggs…

1 Put a couple of split vanilla pods into a jar of sugar and shake every so often to make vanilla sugar. 2 Scrape the seeds from a vanilla pod and add to the sponge mix of a Victoria sponge cake to add flavour. 3 Mix up a speedy cheesecake. Mix 150g crushed biscuits with 30g melted butter and divide between six glasses. Beat 200g cream cheese, 4tbsp icing sugar, seeds from 1 vanilla pod and 150ml double cream until thick. Divide between the glasses and top with sliced strawberries. 4 Make custard. Split a vanilla pod in half and add to a saucepan with 570ml whole milk, warm until almost boiling. Whisk 4 egg yolks and 2tbsp sugar together. Remove the pod from the milk and whisk into the…

Millie the cavachon is fitting in nicely with @_emmaburton’s decor! @Charliemxx snaps her kitties Lola and Primrose having a cuddle @Anjamaja’s dachshund Inka is catching some rays in the summer sun! @Thislittlehouseofours’s Mrs Tibbs is ready for her close up! @Teddytheshetland feels perfectly at home in the warm indoors! @Klee222’s cats, Wiggle and Biscuit, are enjoying a Sunday morning lie-in Meet Duke, @hayleychapman03’s playful Jack Russell pup Say hello to Chaz and Dave, our homes editor @ldavdiso’s ginger tom cat brothers @Rebeccaedwards5’s cocker spaniel, Hurley, is snuggling down for the night…

Ideal for footie Quiet and super-efficient with a door that lets you pop in stray socks mid-wash, this 7kg machine is great for families. Samsung Add Wash, £479, Currys Fab for couples Clean clothes in 30 minutes with this 3kg machine. It gets laundry wet more effectively, ensuring clothes are washed quicker and faster. Zanussi Lindo100, £229, John Lewis Best for families The time delay setting on this 12kg machine schedules wash times, and its A+++ rating saves on your energy and water bills. Beko WY124854 MW, £499, Currys…

A   Acorn & Will acornandwill.co.uk Also Home alsohome.com Amara amara.com Andshine andshine.co.uk Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Appliances Direct 0871 984 4416, appliancesdirect.co.uk Art Fever art-fever.co.uk Arthouse arthouse.com Artisan Pet Deli (The) theartisanpetdeli.com Atkin and Thyme 0844 409 9834, atkinandthyme.co.uk A Splash of Colour asplashofcolour.com B   Bathstore bathstore.com Beefayre beefayre.com Berry Red berryred.co.uk Blinds 2go blinds-2go.co.uk Bobby Rabbit bobbyrabbit.co.uk Booker Gifts bookergifts.co.uk Bristan bristan.com British Ceramic Tile 01626 834774, britishceramictile.com C   CafePress cafepress.co.uk California Shutters 0800 195 0196, californiashutters.co.uk Candle & Cake 01508 489361, candleandcake.co.uk Ceramic Tile Company 01494 474736, ceramictile.co.uk Charley Chau charleychau.com Cherry Vintage cherryvintage.co.uk Clarke & Clarke clarke-clarke.com Coastal Home coastalhome.co.uk Coconutgrass coconutgrass.com…