Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2019 i Style At Home

With the Easter break coming up, I’m shortlisting some projects to plan, ready to swing into action. The big project I really need to be thinking about is a total kitchen refit, but that’s too big and scary for this year, so I’m focusing on humbler, more affordable changes. On my list: painting my oak, farmhouse-style dining table ( just the legs and base, not the top – in Farrow & Ball’s Babouche); turning some leftover worktop and old shelves into a patio kitchen; fixing a bunch of Muuto Dots (big, round pegs) to my bedroom wall in a random pattern to hang bags and scarves stylishly… Lots to do! This issue is stuffed with simple, takeaway ideas, from Easter makes to upcycling projects and advice on the Big Stuff…

As with most house purchases, the process for us had plenty of twists and turns along the way,’ says Gemma. ‘At the time it felt like a bit of a nightmare with all the setbacks, but it just goes to show how things can work out for the best in the end. This house, it turned out, had everything we were looking for. Having reserved a townhouse on a nearby new-build development, the sale of our flat fell through on the day of exchange, meaning we lost the property that we’d had our hearts set on. Back to square one, we managed to secure another buyer for the flat and in the meantime this three-bedroom terraced house on the same development had come back on the market after another sale…

1 Remove drawers and unscrew any handles if necessary. Lightly sand the surface. 2 Wipe off any dust and apply a multi-purpose primer using a small foam roller or paint brush. 3 Once dry, apply your top coat – eggshell or satin wood paint will give a low-sheen finish. Leave to dry, lightly sand and repeat. 4 To paint a pattern, reinsert the drawers to make sure the design lines up. Mark out your scheme either freehand or use masking tape for a neat finish. 5 Remove the drawers to paint the design for easier access. When dry, finish with an optional top coat of clear sealant or wax to protect the paintwork.…

Your home is an extension of your own unique style – a place to be creative and express yourself through decor. Colour, especially, is an exciting way to set the tone and bring a look to life. However, not everyone is confident when it comes to choosing paint. But Crown’s Breatheasy® matt and silk emulsion range makes it easy, offering cool classics and soothing, muted tones, alongside vibrant hues, to liven up your living space. Breath of fresh air What’s more, with many of us focusing on wellbeing in our homes and taking steps to eliminate toxins and allergens, it’s good to know that Crown’s unique Breatheasy® formulation in the matt and silk emulsion range is 99% solvent free. Each stunning shade is now certified asthma & allergy friendly® by…

1 Sweep the floor thoroughly and check the general condition of the boards in case any need to be replaced. If so, try reclaimed boards. 2 Check each board is firmly fixed – any protruding nails need to be hammered below the surface. Prep the space by sealing any doors to stop dust escaping and make sure you have a dust mask plus clothes, eye and ear protection. 3 Using a professional sander, follow instructions for safety. Start by moving the sander diagonally across the boards. Then work up and down, going along the grain. Finally, use an edging sander to go over the edges of the room, and then a corner sander for any hard to reach nooks. 4 Sweep the floor, then repeat step three if required. Sand…

Keeping to a relaxed palette of taupe, white and grey creates a sense of continuity throughout the house and gives Martin a neutral backdrop that’s easy to personalise for a bespoke look. Statement furniture and dark wood flooring give the living area a luxe feel, while upstairs, the bedroom is inspired by a boutique hotel and the landing has been incorporated into a chill-out zone.…

It’s all very well saying, “if it ain’t broke...”, but what do you do if you just don’t like it and you’ve got a big wish list and a small budget?’ says Laura. ‘That’s the conundrum David and I faced when we inherited the original kitchen in this house. It didn’t feel like a space we wanted to spend much time in and, even though it’s a great size, it didn’t deliver on the multi-functional space we were after. There was only a tiny oven and no space for a dishwasher. The units were good quality but their wood-effect finish just wasn’t to our taste and its red and brown tile scheme left me cold! It also felt very narrow due to the wall cupboards which lined the room. Even…

Kitchen units painted in cabinet enamel (colour-matched to Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White), £45 for 2.5L, Valspar. Milano mixer tap, £69, The Big Bathroom Shop, is similar. Induction electric range cooker, for similar try Stoves Sterling S1000Ei S, £2,199.99, John Lewis & Partners. Beech worktop, £115 for 2.62m, The Chippy Shop. Walls painted in Hague Blue emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Ceiling light, £15.99, Amazon. Light oak dining table, £649, The Cotswold Company, is similar. DSW chair, £44.99, Lakeland Furniture, is a good match. Oliver Bonas drinks trolley, for similar try their Luxe marble and glass trolley, £395. Natural Living seagrass rug, £84.95, The Rug Seller, is similar. Metro flat white gloss wall tiles, £18.50sq m, Tons of Tiles. Bench cushions, £6.99 each, H&M Home. Work table legs,…

Keen to stay close to both our families, my husband Daniel and I had focused our house hunt on several villages within close proximity to York that were more affordable than living in the city itself’, says Lucy. ‘I was set on finding something with lots of character and we were happy to take on a project, so when this Victorian semi came on the market, in need of a little TLC, we jumped at the chance. Planning the project The existing bathroom, although dated, functioned fine for day-to-day life and so Daniel and I decided to spend time living with it as it was, so we could carefully consider exactly what we wanted from the new space and not rush into anything. Fast forward three years – a little…

Gympie white oak-effect flooring, £10sq m; walls in Valspar Petal Pink emulsion, £28 for 2.5L, both B&Q. Bevelled white gloss tiles, £9.95sq m, Walls & Floors. The Bath Co Dulwich roll-top bath, £529; Orchard Eden toilet, £149; Orchard Wye thermostatic bar valve shower, £279, all Victoria Plum. Vanity unit, £295, Kookenhagen. Alicia basins, £54.99 each, Soak. Edmonton mixer taps, £49.95 each; try the Turin black heated towel rail, £89.95, both Victorian Plumbing. Harbour Status black shower panel, £649, Drench. Shower tray, £145, Mira Showers at Amazon. Wall mirror, £95, William Wood Designs at eBay. Vintage stool, £45; bath caddy, £38; vintage floral picture, £15, all Helston Street. White bobble bath mat, £18, Cologne & Cotton…

EVER-SO-EASY EASTER EGG ROCKY ROAD TAKES 20MIN MAKES 16 FOR THE BASE 390g milk chocolate 75g butter 5tbsp golden syrup 200g shortbread 50g chocolate mini eggs 125g fudge 100g pink and white mini marshmallows FOR THE TOPPING 150g milk chocolate 15g butter 50g fudge, chopped 50g chocolate mini eggs 1 Grease and line an 18x28cm tin with baking parchment. Put the chocolate, butter and syrup into a bowl and melt over a pan of simmering water. 2 Meanwhile, put the shortbread into a plastic bag, tie a knot to secure and bash with a rolling pan to crush. Put 50g of the mini eggs in a plastic bag and bash to crush. Cut the fudge into small pieces. 3 Take the chocolate off the heat, add the biscuits, fudge, crushed…

Fake tiles with clever floor paint Get the look of encaustic tiles without the cost and hassle of ripping up your old flooring. Rust-Oleum’s chalky finish floor paint is perfect for updating wood and concrete floors, as it’s hard wearing and designed to resist scratches. First, lightly sand wooden floors or wipe clean concrete. Use a large roller to apply several coats of Chalk White floor paint. Once dry, position a stencil with masking tape, then paint using a darker shade and a small foam roller. Reposition and repeat until the whole floor is covered. Protect your shed from showers With damp days, freezing frosts and strong winds, your shed is bound to have taken a battering over winter. Now’s the time to restore its roof with a Skyguard roof…

Get inspired for all your seasonal craft projects by heading to this spring's Creative Craft Show. Taking place at ExCel London on 4-6 April, it's a must-visit for both keen and budding makers. Update your craft stash with the hottest products and dive into papercraft, sewing and jewellery-making demonstrations, as well as a free programme of talks and workshops. What's more, the industry's top experts will be on hand to share their advice. Visit ichfevents.co.uk to find out more and to book.…

Celebrate the arrival of spring with an Easter tea party for family and friends. George Home's charming range of bunny-themed tabletop buys will help set the perfect scene for a sweet soirée, making it a very ‘Hoppy' Easter indeed! 3 of the best… EASTER BUYS…

Hooray for a Pantone Colour of the Year that we can happily live with (last year’s shade of Ultra Violet was certainly not for the faint-hearted). Evoking a feeling of warmth, comfort and cheerful buoyancy, whether you choose to go bold and embrace the vibrant orange side of coral or play it safer with the slightly more muted shade of peach, welcome this happy hue into your home through artwork, wallpaper and stylish accessories.…

ABOUT ME I’m Gemma Morgan-Smith, 34, a veterinary nurse, and I live here with my husband Kyle, 33, a radiographer, and our dog, Byron. OUR HOME We live in a three-bed mid-terrace new-build property in Southampton. We bought the house in September 2015. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT Everything was shiny and new, which was a big attraction. It was an empty shell that needed lots of work but we could see its fantastic potential. AND NOW Every room is filled with personality and showcases my love for Scandinavian design, mixed with bohemian-style touches. STYLE TIP Only fill your home with things you really love and which make your heart sing!…

IKEA Great for creating a Scandinavian-inspired look like Gemma’s with functional and affordable furniture and accessories. B&Q Use a statement wallpaper to create an impact, just as Gemma has done in her main bedroom. MAISONS DU MONDE The one-stop shop for all things home, from beds and sofas to candle holders and practical storage, with something to suit every style and price point. HOMESENSE For a wide range of quirky and one-off pieces that you didn’t know you needed! FARROW & BALL Recreate Gemma’s guest bedroom look by painting walls dusky pink using Calamine estate emulsion.…

Although incorrectly advertised by the estate agents as a “well-presented property” (it couldn’t have been further from the truth), we were still charmed,’ says Agi. ‘And despite a builder friend advising us to walk away, we were so excited, or, if we’re honest, desperate, to buy our first house that we went for it anyway. It was generous in size, particularly compared to others we’d viewed within our budget, and we could see endless potential for it to become a happy family home. We weren’t ignorant to the fact that it’d take a long time – not to mention a lot of work and money – to whip it into shape and make it work for us, but we gladly accepted the challenge. Decor refresh When we moved in, the…

Get two tickets for the price of one with this special offer for Style at Home readers. CALL 0844 858 6763 ONLINE idealhomeshow.co.uk and quote IH241 Terms and conditions* Ticket valid 22 March to 7 April 2019. Book tickets before 7 April 2019. 2-for-1 tickets offer applies to the adult on-the-door price only (£20 weekday/£22 weekend). Calls cost 7p a minute plus your company’s access charge. £1.70 transaction fee applies. Children aged 15 and under go FREE when accompanied by an adult (maximum two children). Tickets include free entry to Eat & Drink Festival.…

ABOUT ME I’m Martin Holland, 33. I live here with my partner Mark Walters, 40. We run an interior design company. MY HOME A three-bed semi in Nottingham, built in 1900. We moved here in August 2009. WHEN WE MOVED IN The house had a nice, newish bathroom, but the rest was just neutral with very few period features. Downstairs there were mismatched floors and an old, damp kitchen. AND NOW We’ve installed a sleek, white kitchen, knocked through the living and dining rooms, and turned the smallest bedroom into extra living space upstairs. STYLE TIP Think about lighting at an early stage, so you can plan for different moods.…

CULT FURNITURE Go-to online store for fabulous but affordable, design-led furniture. DREAMS Upholstered beds with built-in storage and padded headboards for that hotel-chic effect at a lower price. MADE.COM Stylish furniture, plus lighting, mirrors and clean-cut chrome and gold accessories, for every room in the house. DUNELM Great for large, shaggy rugs to warm a wooden floor. HOMEBASE One-stop shop for competitively-priced DIY bits and bobs, paint, woodstain and great value fitted kitchens.…

the STYLE RULES Be playful with colourful prints and patterns For a modern take, combine retro style bright shades with a clean, white backdrop. HAVE FUN WITH SCALE Tie different-sized floral motifs together using matching colours. Select a statement armchair in an oversized print to complement the wallpaper. GO BOLD ON WALLS Choose bold repeat wallpaper and team with white door frames and skirtings to keep the look fresh. INTRODUCE RETRO SHAPES For a nod to mid-century style, add sleek white furniture such as a curved floor lamp and geometric coffee table. the STYLE RULES Fall head over heels for soft hues and poetic motifs Recreate the romance of a French chateau with illustrative pattern, elaborate shapes and tactile fabrics to dress the space. SET A…

ABOUT ME I’m Laura Higham, 39, and I live with my husband David, 41, Jack, eight, Sophie, five, and our cat Poppy in a four-bed detached house in Crowborough, East Sussex. I am an interiors blogger (@the_indigo_house and theindigohouse.net) and David’s a police sergeant. We moved here in August 2016 and the kitchen is the first room we tackled. MY CHALLENGE We needed a multi-functional room which could operate as a family space, too. MY WISH LIST I wanted to open up the room so that it didn’t feel narrow and to maximise storage.…

The smooth surface makes it look like a standard ceramic hob, but an induction hob works very differently. How does it work? An induction hob has a circular coil under each zone that generates a magnetic field. When you place a ferrous-metal pan onto the surface and effectively complete the circuit, heat induces through the coil and into the pan itself. What are the benefits? It’s very fast – two pints of water take just over a minute to boil on an induction hob with a boost function, as opposed to nine minutes on gas and 11 minutes on a ceramic hob. It’s also very efficient – it’s only using energy when the pan is on the hob, which means savings on your bills. Is it easy to clean? There…

ABOUT ME I’m Lucy Scarah, 30, and I run interiors business Helston Street. I live with my husband, Daniel, 30, in a Yorkshire two-bedroom Victorian semi, which we bought in August 2015. MY CHALLENGE The bathroom was poorly laid out, with wasted space. The walls were covered in a dated blue paper and the fixtures were falling apart. The vinyl floor had begun to warp, and the beige mosaic wall tiles weren’t our taste. MY WISH LIST We had a generous amount of space to work with, so my aim was to rework the layout to fit in a freestanding bath and a walk-in shower. I wanted metro tiles to feature, and wanted the room to become a peaceful retreat.…

A hybrid between an open-plan wet room and fully-enclosed shower cubicle, walk-in showers offer easy, low-level access and a luxuriously spacious showering area. The screen helps to contain shower spray, making walk-ins a practical choice in smaller bathrooms and for young families. So, what is a walk-in? A walk-in shower has no door – hence the ‘walk-in’ – but it does include at least one shower screen. There are two main styles: the single entry, like Lucy’s, has access at one end, which is great for a corner or alcove. A double entry or walk-through design can be accessed from either end. Should I go for a tray or tank the floor? Tanking (waterproofing) the floor, and walls, will provide completely level access and is worth considering if you have…

Feast on these post-Easter lunch treats Hands so full making Easter lunch that you don’t have time to whip up dessert? Let Bettys come to the rescue with its delicious array of Easter-themed bakes. The Chocolate Easter Nest Cake features a choc sponge filled with ganache and raspberry jelly, topped with choc curls and Easter eggs. Not keen on chocolate? Bettys Apostle Simnel Cake features the classic combination of fruit cake and toasted marzipan. Delivery costs £3.95. Something different There’s never a dull moment when Heston Blumenthal’s ranges for Waitrose & Partners are concerned, and his Easter offerings certainly don’t disappoint. The Chocolate Scotch Eggs feature a smoked milk choc caramel ganache, wrapped in maple crunch breadcrumbs and filled with mango and yuzu fondant ‘yolks’. While his Mad Hatter-style choc…

A  AEG 0344 561 1611 aeg.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk And So To Shop andsotoshop.com Aqata 01455 896511 aqata.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Arthouse 01706 230077 arthouse.com Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644 atlanticshopping.co.uk Att Pynta attpynta.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com Ayers & Graces 01582 536760 ayersandgraces.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Bathstore 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Bettys 0800 456 1919 bettys.co.uk Big Bathroom Shop 0345 122 7569 bigbathroomshop.co.uk Biscuiteers 0870 458 8358 biscuiteers.com Blinds 2 Go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk C  Candle & Cake 01508 489361 candleandcake.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Cath Kidston cathkidston.com Christy 0845 758 5252 christy.co.uk Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055 clarissahulse.com Cologne & Cotton 0845 262 2212 cologneandcotton.com Co-operative…

JD WILLIAMS Mediterranean escape Take inspiration from intricate tile prints, warm wood and spicy shades IDEAL HOME AT VERY Modern glamour Create a sophisticated scheme with tactile surfaces and luxe fabrics in soft hues DUNELM Tropical luxe Embrace classic elegance with exotic animal prints and metallic details JOHN LEWIS Urban living Lively prints and functional furnishings create a chic, modern space…

1 Source square metal tins such as old tea tins or try Blomning tins, £1.50 each, Ikea, ensuring they’re large enough to fit your potted plant. 2 In a well-ventilated area, lay out newspaper or anything suitable to protect the surface. Wearing a dust mask, spray-paint the first layer over the tins. 3 Allow to fully dry before applying a second coat for full coverage. 4 Using superglue, attach strong magnets to the back of the tins. Either strip magnets or discs will work – try Amazon for options. 5 Insert small succulents or cacti, keeping them in their pots, and pop on the fridge. Remove the plant from the tin for watering.…

ABOUT ME I’m Agnieszka Dmochowska, but everyone calls me Agi. I’m 37, a stay-at-home mum, and I live with my husband, Bart, 37, our daughter, Hanna, six, and our son, Leon, four. MY HOME A three-bedroom Victorian end-of-terrace property. We moved here in May 2010. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The previous owners had been letting it out for a couple of years, so it needed a lot of love. The layout was impractical for family life, and the rooms all felt a little dark. AND NOW It took us eight years, but it’s finally a fun and vibrant home. We went for a white base to make for easily interchangeable schemes, and injected colour with an abundance of accessories.…

Create a feature wall in a muted colour scheme, with metallic wallpaper to add subtle pattern. Go for smart, tailored furniture pieces that add a luxe feel. Materials like velvet and leather work well, and pick smart, button-back designs for chairs and sofas. Symmetry is key, so stack cushions neatly on the sofa, starting with a large square followed by a smaller shape. Choose statement lighting for every room, from a glamorous chandelier to a designer-look contemporary floor lamp.…

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

1 Plump for pendants Hang a couple of statement pendant lights above your kitchen table to change the feel of the room and create a more intimate space at mealtimes. If possible, install dimmer switches so you can control the light levels and adjust how cosy or bright you want the room to be. 2 HIDE WHITE GOODS Stash a washing machine or tumble dryer behind a simple pleated curtain. Fold over the top 4cm of your fabric, stitch in place, and thread it onto a length of curtain wire. 3 Love your worktop If your wooden worksurface is looking sad, chipped and tired, give it a good sand and re-stain or oil it. Use sandpaper or an electric sander, and give the surface a quick clean with white spirit…

Create small displays using items in a variety of shapes and sizes, leaving space around them so that the eye is drawn to them. Use the pyramid principle – form a cluster in a triangular shape by staggering the heights of objects. A stack of crockery, glasses or plants can help add texture and varied heights, too. For a smart display match the shelves to the wall colour behind – this makes the items stand out. A contrasting colour to the wall will make the shelves more of a feature. Include artwork – a framed print or photograph propped against the wall will introduce an extra element that smaller items can be placed in front of.…

INNOVATION For serious cooks, AEG’s IKE64471FB induction hob, £650, offers a new PowerSlide feature enabling one zone to operate at three different temperatures. COOKING ON THE GO If you’ve got a smaller kitchen consider a portable one-zone induction hob – try Ikea’s neat Tillreda hob, £35, or Tefal’s Everyday induction hob, £50. EASY CLEAN-UPS Lakeland’s cleaning range includes scrapers for burnt-on bits, £7.99, or its Hob Heaven antibacterial non-scratch hob cleaner, £3.99 for 250ml.…

1 Clean the window you want to cover thoroughly with soapy water, making sure to clean the glass right up to the edges to ensure the film won’t peel away after it’s applied. Remove any excess water with a squeegee and then go over the whole window surface with a lint-free cloth until completely clean. 2 Using a spray bottle full of clean water, spray the window so it’s covered in a thin mist. Remove the backing liner from the window film and spray the sticky side with water as you peel. 3 Place the film onto the window and use the squeegee to remove water from under the film, starting from the centre, working outwards until the film is smooth and free of any air bubbles.…

Prettify your kitchen for spring by planting up enamelware in pastel shades. Fill a colander with different varieties of lush succulents or pot up a selection of mugs with herbs. Just remember to add plenty of drainage.…

SHOW OFF Create a home for all your favourite and most-worn items of bling.MW jewellery stand, £25, Debenhams MORE IS MORE Create extra storage instantly by sliding this under a cupboard, shelf or desk. Hanging shelf storage, £3, Wilko QUIRKY CADDY Bored of your dull tea tin? This top pot will add instant wow to your worktop. & Klevering dotted storage jar, £17, Amara SHELF LIFE The ideal spot to store your daily make-up kit or favourite keepsakes. Mirrored shelves, £22, Tesco SLICK BACK-UP Whip this smart folding tray table out whenever you need an extra surface. Tray table, £32, Sainsbury’s Home BATHROOM BEAUTY Finally! A laundry bag that you won’t want to hide out of sight. Sequin laundry bag, £24, Next Home HALL HERO Perfect for adding instant glamour…

Spring sewing Norwegian designer Tone Finnanger is back with her latest book, Tilda Sunshine Sewing (£12.99, F&W Media). Celebrating her spring and summer fabric collections Lemontree and Sunkiss, each design is inspired by memories of her grandparents’ house in southern Europe. There are 12 cheerful projects to enjoy, including quilts and softies inspired by the seaside. Each project is accompanied by easy step-by-step instructions and full-colour illustrations. That’s your summer stitching sorted. TRY YOUR HAND AT... APPLIQUÉ Appliqué is a fantastic first venture into crafting with textiles. It involves the simple process of layering pieces of fabric to form a picture or pattern and projects can be as easy or intricate as you like. Fabrics such as felt are a great place to start, as they are inexpensive and don’t…

HERB-ROLLED LEG OF LAMB TAKES 2HR 20MIN SERVES 8 2kg butterflied, boneless leg of lamb (ask your butcher to do this for you) 2tbsp olive oil 400ml white wine 400ml lamb or beef stock FOR THE STUFFING 100g pine nuts, lightly toasted Large bunch of fresh mint, leaves picked Grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 75g black pitted olives 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1tsp ground cinnamon 3tbsp olive oil 1 Preheat oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/ Gas 7. Whizz the pine nuts, mint, lemon zest and juice, olives, garlic, cinnamon and 3tbsp of the olive oil in a food processor until coarse. 2 Lay out the lamb, skin-side down, on a chopping board and season. Spread the stuffing over the meat, leaving a 3cm border. Tightly roll up the…

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