Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2020 i Style At Home

This issue is a celebration of the little things – because it’s the small changes that can have the biggest impact on your home. From my proudly DIYed super-wide bifold door curtains (I stitched seven sale-bargain linen curtains together), to my unapologetically yellow living room walls and chalk-painted bedside tables, these things make me smile more than the spendy, functional stuff. If it’s the spendy, functional stuff you’re interested in, there’s plenty of that, too (check out our inspiring kitchen and bathroom makeovers, for example). But, if you’re in the market for some quick, fun projects to ring the changes, you’ll find a feast of ideas for your Pinterest boards. Don’t forget to share the results – you might make our wall of fame (p122)! SEND US YOUR STYLING SNAPS…

Determined to save up a decent deposit so I could buy my first home with my fiancé Chris, I was the last of my friends to leave home,’ says Jade. ‘Our family and friends are all local, so we knew we wanted to stay in the area, and because we are both fairly handy we were happy to wait for the perfect doer-upper to come along. Once we’d saved up enough, it took us four months to find this place. It was a bit of a wreck when we first saw it, but we could see straight away that it had potential. The decor was really old-fashioned, with floral carpets and brightly painted walls in every room, but there was lots of space, which for us was the most important…

1 First, decide what height you’d like the panelling to reach up the wall – halfway, three quarters or floor-to-ceiling. Panelling up to dado-rail height is often the most popular choice. 2 Fix horizontal battens to the wall to nail your panels to. You’ll need three battens for dado-height panelling – one at floor level, one level with the top of the panelling and one mid way. 3 Secure one panel at a time, using a spirit level to ensure it’s straight. For a neat finish, hammer nails in at an angle through the tongue into the batten behind, before adding your next panel. That will ensure all the nails are hidden in the grooves. 4 Once all your panels are fitted, add a length of trim across the top…

Tim and I moved house for a bigger garden and to be closer to the sea,’ says Emma. ‘We had our hearts set on Ballyholme, as it’s a lovely area with a good school and many of our friends live here. We were previously living in a new-build, three-bed terrace, but we desperately wanted an older property with period features that we could put our own stamp on. Introducing colour The first thing I did when we moved in was to paint all the walls in the house light blue. I think I was a little bit overexcited about having moved to the seaside and wanted to reflect this in the decor! But unfortunately, such a pale shade meant the walls got grubby really quickly, and the blue made the…

1 Work out the highest point of the mural. Using a long straight edge, draw the first mountain shape in pencil. Once you are happy, arrange and draw out the mountain peaks either side of the tallest. 2 Position thin decorator’s tape along the outline. Don’t forget to mask off any skirting to protect that from paint, too. 3 Paint within the tape, using a contrasting colour. Repeat with a second coat if needed. Once fully dry, remove the tape that masks off the mountain peak. 4 Then choose an alternative colour to paint the peak – you can do this free-hand with a fine brush, or mask off with tape and paint as before. 5 When the paint is dry remove all the tape. Use a fine paintbrush to…

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 (living 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…

A row of three is good for halls and landings or above a bed. This suits a series of pictures in identical frames. Try hanging from a peg rail or picture rail. For a grid like Kate’s, use identical frames and matching artwork, like black and white photography or a series of botanical prints. Plan it out by sticking paper templates to the wall with masking tape. To get the spacing right, aim for a 2cm gap both vertically and horizontally between each frame. Create a relaxed formation that can be added to over time. Start with a rectangular frame in the centre and work outwards. This style is more forgiving for a mix of frames and pictures and is ideal for adding accents such as mirrors, clocks and wall…

the STYLE RULES GO FOR A RETRO VIBE Take influence from mid-century style with unique modular bathroom furniture in fresh white and oak. Pick a range where you can mix and match units to fit your space, including wall-mounted and floor-standing options. ADD SUBTLE PATTERN WITH GEOMETRIC SHAPES Pick hexagonal wall tiles with a slight texture to contrast against the simplicity of a white suite. Choose a basin and loo with sleek curved lines to soften the look. ENHANCE STRUCTURAL FEATURES Incorporate a walk-in shower enclosure into a sloping roof with frameless glass doors. INTRODUCE A HINT OF ON-TREND COLOUR Add colour to the space with a blush pink bathrobe and towels and team with simple stoneware accessories.…

the STYLE RULES EMBRACE OPULENT SHADES Choose on-trend scallop-shaped tiles in deep teal or midnight blue to zone a shower enclosure. Try laying them horizontally for a unique design that makes a statement. SPOIL YOURSELF Marble tiles bring a luxury aesthetic to any bathroom. Keep costs down with marble-effect porcelain or ceramic designs and team with gold accessories for a glam hotel vibe. GO FOR GEOMETRIC SHAPES Convert a dark wooden mid-century style cabinet into a vanity unit with round countertop basins to mirror the geometric shape of the tiles. A gold-framed circular mirror completes the look. RAMP UP THE GLAMOUR A roll-top bath is an elegant investment piece. Up the style stakes with luxe gold or brass taps for a stand-out tub. Why it works…

1 Replace chairs with a bench Rather than going for just dining chairs around your table, swap a couple out and choose a bench instead. It will give your table a bit more space to breathe without feeling too cluttered and will allow more people to be seated at dinner parties. 2 TIDY TOYS INTO SECRET STORAGE The lid of this fabric stool can be removed to reveal generous storage space, ideal for keeping the living room clutter-free. 3 Upcycle a table in the bathroom Finding the right vanity unit for a bathroom can be tricky, but actually almost any piece of furniture can be upcycled to house your basin. Here, an old school desk has had a hole cut in it to make space for the plumbing and pipes.…

Plan a way to cook and keep food and drinks chilled when your kitchen is out of action. Look into buying an inexpensive mini fridge for essentials like milk, while a microwave and kettle can be plugged in anywhere for pared-back food prep while your kitchen is out of bounds. If a new floor is being fitted or the waste pipe is being relocated and you don’t have another one, it might be best to decamp to a friend’s house. Minimise the inevitable mess. Cover hallway floors with old sheets to protect them while products are being taken through the house. Ask for any cutting of tiles and plasterboard to be done outside to minimise dust, and seal off the doors to other rooms.…

Search for a material that works with your overall look – this could mean mirroring the worktop or creating a dramatic contrast. Always take a sample home and look at it in different lights. Set a budget and make sure it includes fitting costs, underlays, fixatives and grouts. Consider durability and maintenance. Porous stone and hardwood will need regular treating or resealing, whereas slate, ceramic, vinyl and laminate are all fairly low-maintenance. Use plain (often cheaper) tiles to create interesting patterns – lay them in a herringbone or brick formation, or try hexagonal tiles.…

VALUE BUYS Wickes’ timber worktops start at £110 for a 3m length for Scandi-style light beech or oak. For a luxe look, go for the darker and thicker worktops in walnut and ash, from £560 for a 3m length. GREAT CHOICE Worktop Express supply an extensive range of timbers at competitive prices, including more unusual varieties such as iroko, wenge and zebrano. Try before you buy with its sample service. BESPOKE OPTIONS Bordercraft offers worktops in a choice of thicknesses from 30-80mm with every order made unique to specification. Details such as knife slots, contrast inlays and upstands are available.…

ABOUT ME I’m Helen Brookes, an instagrammer (@40plusnot givingupyet), 44. I live with my husband Robin, a project manager, 45, our daughters Lola, 11 and Poppy, 10, and my nephew, George, 15, in a four-bed, detached 1950s house near Haywards Heath. We moved here in June 2014. THE CHALLENGE The bathroom was a great size but the layout wasn’t working hard enough. We wanted to add a walk-in shower and lots of organised storage. MY WISH LIST We’re all tall, so we wanted the biggest possible shower area as well as a large, freestanding bath. I love colour so it was really important to me that the room was bright and happy.…

Taking on a bathroom refurb? Whether you enjoy a leisurely soak in the tub or you’re looking for a statement centrepiece, the luxury of a free-standing bath might be just for you. From ‘baby’ options to elegant slipper designs, there’s something for everyone. How does free-standing differ from built-in? Built-in baths are fitted flush against the wall, with panels to hide the pipework, so are space-efficient. Free-standing baths are self-supporting, so can be positioned anywhere, and are great if you want to create a focal point. Plus, they come in a wider range of styles, shapes and sizes. Have I got enough space? If your bathroom is small, compact free-standing tubs are available (measuring less than the standard 170cm length) and some designs are straight-edged, so they can be fitted…

CINNAMON BUNS TAKES 1 HR 10 MINS, PLUS COOLING AND PROVING MAKES 12-14 275ml milk 75g butter 550g strong bread flour 3tbsp caster sugar 1tsp salt 1 sachet fast-action yeast 1tsp cardamom, pods discarded and seeds ground Zest of 1 lemon 1 egg, beaten Milk, for brushing FOR THE FILLING: 180g butter, softened 75g light brown sugar 2tbsp cinnamon 1tbsp vanilla paste 1 For the dough, heat the milk and butter in a pan until the butter has melted. Leave to cool until lukewarm. 2 Mix the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cardamom seeds and zest in a bowl. Pour in the milk mixture and egg, mix with a dough hook to form a sticky dough. Knead for 10-15 mins until it's soft and elastic. Cover with cling film and leave…

Squeaky clean! Join the eco revolution and craft your own natural sudsy treasures from Making Soap by Kathrin Landmann (£8.99, Search Press). Get to grips with the principles of soap boiling, including the science of combining chemicals and fats, adding colours and essential oils, plus using moulds to create fun shapes. There are 18 projects to try, including laundry soap and shaving foam recipes. Plus, handmade soaps make thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts! GREATEST SHOW The Creative Craft Show is back from 19 to 22 March at the NEC Birmingham. It's a haven for crafting enthusiasts, whether you're a keen papercrafter or nutty about knitting. You'll find aisle upon aisle of the very latest supplies, ideas and innovations, along with advice from industry experts. When you're all shopped out, attend one…

SPICY MEATBALL PASTA BAKE TAKES 1 HR SERVES 4 6 spring onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 red chillies, deseeded and chopped 250g minced pork 250g minced chicken 1tsp dried mixed herbs 1tbsp olive oil 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 1tsp brown sugar 300g fusilli pasta 4tbsp Parmesan, grated 1 Combine the spring onion, garlic, chillies, pork, chicken and herbs. Season, then shape into 24 balls. 2 Heat the oil in a pan and cook the meatballs for 2-3 mins, until golden. Add the tomatoes and sugar. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 20 mins. Season. 3 Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Cook the pasta to pack instructions and drain. 4 Stir the pasta through the meatball sauce and transfer to a heatproof dish. Top with…

@melaniejadedesign shows us why green and pink is our current favourite combo A lesson in perfect shelf styling, care of @the.girl.with.the.yellow.coat The cutest set of shelfies we ever did spy in @_the.wests.nests_ nursery That panelling. That shade of pink. We’re in bedroom heaven @theonebespoke @maisieviolet_rees reminds us why we should be bold with our colour choices @step_into_no.17 shows us how to display baskets in style This nursery is like stepping into a fairy tale @justices_nest Loving the idea of displaying blooms in a basket, thanks @domesticgoddes! @thediydads’s compact bathroom comes up trumps in the style stakes…

Turn a frown upside down with Dunelm's colourful new Elements range. Pick up plush velvet pieces, as well as tassel detailing, face motifs and textured rugs. Blush pinks, ochre and copper and brass hints give the range a luxe feel, while whimsical accessories keep it grounded. 3 of the best… FACE-PRINT BUYS…

ABOUT ME I’m Jade Hutton, 28, a make-up artist, and I live with my fiancé, Christian Watkins, 28, a building surveyor and carpenter, and Hector, our Italian greyhound. I have an interiors Instagram account @no14hectorshouse. OUR HOME A three-bed Edwardian end-of-terrace near Huddersfield, which we bought in August 2016. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT The layout needed a complete rethink, a new bathroom and kitchen were a must, and it required redecorating. AND NOW We’ve knocked down walls, added an extension at the back to give us a large kitchen and decorated throughout with a modern-country look. STYLE TIP Choose one neutral paint colour for the walls and use it throughout your home. It makes decorating so much easier and creates calming cohesion.…

DUNELM Has hundreds of good-value decor items, ranging from rugs and lighting to mirrors and duvet covers. NEST HOMELY INTERIORS For beautiful faux flowers, pretty vases and willow lanterns and baskets. MELODY MAISON Selling painted furniture, home furnishings and gifts sourced from all over the globe, this is a one-stop shop offering all things country with a touch of glam. ICONIC LIGHTS Discover a wide selection of cutting edge designer lighting plus high quality reproductions of iconic lighting designs to suit every room at affordable prices. WOOD AND TWINE AT ETSY Find artisan wooden signs, handmade in Yorkshire. Jade has many of its fun and quirky rustic-looking signs dotted around her home – both bespoke commissions and off-the-shelf designs that work with her style.…

ABOUT ME I’m Emma Bryans, 40, a primary school teacher, with a serious Instagram habit. I live here with my husband Tim, 41, an animator, and our three sons, Beau, 10, Sonny, seven, and Louie, three. MY HOME A four-bedroom 1930s house in the seaside town of Ballyholme in Bangor, Northern Ireland, bought in October 2014. WHEN I MOVED IN The kitchen extension had already been completed, but the decor was very dark and dated. It included a lot of red and dark green. AND NOW I have chosen a neutral backdrop in warm greys to best show off my ever-growing art collection. My gallery walls are a real talking point with friends and family. STYLE TIP Framed prints introduce brilliant pops of colour to any room and can be…

FIREFLY HOME For beautifully crafted cushions in gorgeous colours and on-trend patterns. WHAT PHIL SEES A creative studio run by Phil Christer. Phil’s love of graphic design and typography come together to create a studio which focuses on producing limited-edition wall art. THE RANGE An Aladdin’s cave full of quirky knick-knacks and treasures at bargain prices, that can be cleverly upcycled. HOUSEOLOGY Amazing designer choices that are perfect for the occasional dazzling accent, in an otherwise budget interior scheme. LA REDOUTE One-stop shop for fabulous French homeware and colourful fun products.…

Having focused our property search on this part of London for quite some time, we couldn’t believe our luck when this house near Richmond came on the market in one of our favourite streets,’ says Kate. ‘It’s down the road from a fantastic primary school, which was a top priority for us, and the house offered the space we needed for our growing family. Modern makeover Structurally, the house didn’t need a lot of work at all and we could instead concentrate our time and budget on putting our stamp on the interior. The only major work we carried out was opening up the downstairs layout to create a more fluid and practical space that linked the living room, dining room and kitchen. We knew open-plan was best suited to…

1 Unscrew the old handles. Then measure the distance between the two threaded ‘legs’ or holes on the handles. This is your fixing centre and is usually standard size. 2 If you can’t find the exact match for the old handle, use a back plate or choose a handle with a larger fixing centre distance. 3 If the old holes will be visible, fill them using wood putty. Allow this to dry, then sand and smooth. Paint the cabinet before drilling the new holes, then screw the handles in place.…

the STYLE RULES MAKE IT LIGHT AND BRIGHT Paint walls in brilliant white to make even the smallest bathroom feel roomier. Team with red brick slips or wallpaper (suitable for bathrooms) to give the scheme a modern country vibe. UPDATE A FREESTANDING BATH Paint the sides of your bath in contemporary dark grey. Several coats of quality paint will help to make it a focal point in the room. GIVE THE ILLUSION OF SPACE Go for an understated square wall-mounted basin to save on space and bounce light with a large vintage-style mirror above. BE CLEVER WITH STORAGE Slim wooden stools and ladder shelves make versatile storage for towels and accessories and can be moved wherever needed. Pop a bath caddy over the bath for showcasing favourite toiletries.…

the STYLE RULES CONTRAST A VARIETY OF MATERIALS AND TEXTURES Juxtapose industrial surfaces such as concrete, brick and untreated wood with lashings of greenery for an urban jungle ambience. ZONE A WALK-IN SHOWER Create a contemporary look with large format stone tiles and a black metal frame. Contrast with a rustic wood vanity unit and a smooth marble basin. BRING AN URBAN FLAVOUR Hang faux brick-effect wallpaper that’s suitable for bathroom use. A vinyl or vinyl-coated wallpaper is best, but avoid direct contact with water. Lift the look with light wood-effect vinyl flooring. GO BIG ON GREENERY Introduce splashes of colour with tropical houseplants. Mix and match tall potted varieties with trailing types in macramé planters.…

The more prepared you are at the start of a kitchen renovation, the more likely it is to succeed as a space that’s both practical and beautiful. From choosing a layout and including plenty of storage to selecting fixtures and fittings, careful planning will prevent costly mistakes further down the line. Getting the right layout for your space is key to getting your kitchen right. It may look fantastic but if it fails to function as a workspace, it’ll be a huge disappointment. If you’re using a kitchen designer they will be able to advise on a design that looks good and works perfectly. Before thinking about a design, it helps to have an idea of room formations. Every space is different but most suit one of five basic layouts……

Having enjoyed doing up our previous home, we were on the lookout for our next project when we found this Victorian one-bedroom, first-floor flat,’ says Poppy. ‘It was dated and unloved, but we relish a challenge and the flat was such a good price – we knew we could put our own stamp on it and make it work for us. Soon after we moved in, we decided to completely rework the layout. There was a bedroom, bathroom, small kitchen and massive living room, so to maximise the space, we turned the kitchen into a second bedroom and built a brand-new kitchen in the living room. Choosing the kitchen We started by checking that it would be possible to move the gas and water connections from their existing locations into…

Fairford Navy kitchen, £5,800 including appliances; unfinished rustic oak solid wood worktop, £600; Lamona Belfast sink, £210, all Howdens. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr; fire surround and picture rail in Plummett estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr; doors in Sulking Room Pink estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, all Farrow & Ball. Ledbury Slate Grey pattern floor tiles, £34.95sq m, Walls and Floors. Metro White ceramic tiles, £11.99sq m, Wickes. Oak wood parquet flooring, from £35.24sq m, Luxury Flooring and Furnishings. Torc antique brass effect kitchen twin-lever mixer tap, £42, B&Q. Victoria metal bar stools, £89 each, Cult Furniture. Daxon two-seater sofa, £839, Barker and Stonehouse. Afaw Berber-style rug, from £59.40, La Redoute. Try Leverette coffee table, £109.99; ceiling lights, £50 each, both Wayfair. Concrete fruit bowl, £45,…

Hang a smooth glass pendant above a breakfast bar. Ilaria round lampshade in Blush Grey, £39, Made Prepare your morning cuppa in this Kitchen Craft Le’Xpress stainless steel teapot with infuser, £22.48, Amazon Add a little whimsy with fun typographical art. This Kitchen Is For Dancing poster, £3.95 unframed, Desenio Display houseplants in a retro-style planter. Leaf-print pot on wooden legs, £24.99, Very Evoke an industrial look with brushed metal hardware. Belfry double-handle monobloc mixer tap, £89.99, Wayfair Create depth and interest with some colour-pop crockery. Emmie mug, £15, Oliver Bonas Zone an open-plan kitchen-diner with statement floor tiles. Mr Jones Azure Blue tiles, £17.99sq m, Tile Mountain Pick elegant seating with slim metal legs. Victoria bar stool in solid elm and brass, £89, Cult Furniture Contrast dark cabinetry with…

1 Prep the surface by cleaning and drying it thoroughly. 2 Apply a tile paint and primer. Roller a thin layer diagonally across the tiles, using a brush to work the paint into the grout lines. Then finish with brushstrokes in a vertical direction. Allow to dry, adding a second coat if needed. 3 Once completely dry, apply your stencil design. Secure your stencil to the tile with low-tack masking tape. Using a sponge, stippling paint brush or mini roller, apply a thin layer of paint. Once dry, you may need a second coat. 4 Remove the stencil while the paint is still tacky, then allow to dry completely. Once all of your stencils have been painted, apply a coat of clear water-based sealant. 5 For an alternative grout colour,…

GREAT CHOICE Soak offers a wide range of styles, from classic roll-top tubs and contemporary sculptural designs to top-of-the-range French-style bateau baths finished in copper leaf or pewter lustre. FINISHING TOUCHES Find bargain hardware to set off your tub at Sinks-taps, from free-standing floor taps and wall and deck-mounted fillers to wastes, plugs and fittings. BAG A BARGAIN Bathroom Takeaway focuses on providing affordable bathroom products for the average-size house without any gimmicks or never-ending sales. Its free-standing range is great value, starting at £260 for a double-ended tub.…

ADD DRAINAGE TO A METAL BUCKET CONTAINER BY PIERCING SEVERAL HOLES IN THE BASE WITH A DRILL OR NAIL AND HAMMER Using pre-loved dainty teacups, milk jugs and bowls as planters for small spring blooms is a great way to give them a new lease of life. What’s more, they’re a quick and easy Mother’s Day gift that’ll bring joy as the flowers bloom. YOU WILL NEED Metal bucket, teacup or bowl Gravel Compost Tête-à-tête daffodil bulbs Hyacinth bulbs Moss Luggage tag or plant marker and chalk (optional) 1 START WITH A CLEAN CONTAINER Once you have chosen your planter, the first step is to give it a good clean inside and out with warm soapy water, as this will reduce the chance of infection by pests and diseases. Make…

Soup-er healthy & hearty If, when you hear the word ‘broth’, you automatically think of a fairly thin, bland and watery soup, then prepare to be pleasantly surprised by Yorkshire Provender’s new Rustic Vegetable Broth with kale, lentils & quinoa. Naturally low in fat, yet packed with plenty of hearty, flavourful goodness, it’s also gluten-free and vegan. Heat up in the microwave or on the stove, to serve up a warming meal for anyone and everyone. Cheat’s eats! Known for its quick and easy frozen deep-dish style pizzas, Chicago Town has just launched its first fridge-fresh deli-style range. There are three flavours to choose from – the spicy Chicago Hot, which is loaded with chorizo and Roquito chilli peppers; the Cheeeese Fest features a whopping five different types of cheese;…

SAINSBURY’S HOME Serene nature Take inspiration from country walks with wildlife prints and calming pastels JD WILLIAMS Modern naturals Create a laid-back look featuring neutral shades, sketchy prints and soft textures VERY Industrial explorer Black metal, faux leather and copper accents make for a masculine scheme DUNELM Luxe geometrics Combine opulent shades with angular shapes for a Bauhaus-inspired scheme…

Colour and paint expert Dulux has heralded this soft green hue as a reflection of the arrival of a new decade. Both comforting and calming, it will bring a breath of fresh air to your home this year. It’s a versatile shade that can be easily paired with pastels, or used alongside rich, jewel tones. Choose seating, bedding, or home accessories in this hazy pale shade or give walls a new lease of life with a fresh coat of paint.…

1 Gather all your materials: a basket and water-based paint of your choice, newspaper, a plastic tub big enough to dip the basket into, glue gun, enough pom-pom trim to go around the basket, three large pom-poms. The Fladis basket, £13 from Ikea, is perfect for this project. 2 Lay newspaper down to protect your surface and pour the paint into the plastic tub. Dip the basket into the paint up to your desired level. Gently shake off excess paint and hang the basket to dry, keeping the newspaper underneath to catch drips. 3 Once the basket is completely dry, use the glue gun to attach the pom-pom trim around the level of the paint. Then, attach the three large pom-poms to the top of the basket, using glue.…

1 Gather four pieces of wood, such as floor boards or pieces of a pallet. Give them a light sand to remove any splinters or rough edges, then paint, varnish or leave natural, depending on the finish you want. 2 Once dry, arrange them in an open frame formation and secure with No More Nails or with long wood screws (screw from the back if you don’t want the head to show). Depending on the size and weight of your frame, attach one or two hangers to the back of the top piece of the frame. 3 Work out how many rows of photos you can fit into your frame, allowing space above and below. Then measure the height of the frame and divide the rows, marking 1-2cm in from…

ABOUT ME I’m Kate Kozina, 35, co-founder of floral boutique Fine Stems London (finestems.co.uk). I live here with my husband Gregory, 36, and our daughters, Varvara, seven, and Stefania, five. OUR HOME A three-bedroom Victorian terraced house near Richmond, Greater London. We moved here in May 2016. WHEN WE MOVED IN The house offered a good amount of space and was perfectly liveable, but felt tired and dated in its decor. Plus, the layout wasn’t well-suited to modern family living. AND NOW We’ve created a spacious, open-plan layout. Redecorating each room has transformed the bland interior. STYLE TIP Use mood boards to visualise each room before decorating and to see how all of the elements will look together.…

MAISONS DU MONDE Online retailer for furniture, accessories and soft furnishings in a wide range of styles, from country to contemporary. SWOON Mid-century inspired furniture produced as limited-edition designs. MADE Designer-look modern furniture, lighting and accessories at relatively affordable prices. ANTHROPOLOGIE Find artisan-inspired homeware, ranging from furniture to glassware and ornate cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. IKEA For affordable kitchens that can be easily customised to suit your personal style.…

the STYLE RULES PICK CALMING COLOURS Use a palette of warm shades to create a serene space the family will want to unwind in. Blush pink and soft grey is a soothing combo. GO FOR GLOSS Grey gloss bathroom furniture and cabinets have a sleek, contemporary look. For busy families, a vanity unit with several drawers is ideal for hiding away toiletries and cleaning kit. ADD TEXTURE WITH TILES Complement grey furniture with stone effect brick tiles in a shower enclosure and larger scale floor tiles to add dimension. UTILISE WALL SPACE A heated towel rail is an extra luxury to ensure cosy and warm towels after a shower. Take advantage of space above the loo with floating shelves and add a corner cabinet for extra storage.…

the STYLE RULES GO MAD FOR MOSAICS Round mosaic tiles in pretty blush are a modern way to add texture and interest to walls. If they’re a little on the pricey side, just use as a splashback. Finish with white grout for a fresh feel. CREATE A SEAMLESS LOOK Go for an on-trend walk-in wet room with a statement black frame enclosure and monochrome floor tiles to make the space look bigger. COMBINE OLD AND NEW Simple black wall mounted taps and a shower head look smart and modern. Team with a large countertop basin on a reclaimed wooden bench for an industrial twist to this scheme. REMEMBER THE DETAILS Accessorise with rustic additions like upcycled planters, vintage-inspired pendant lights and a natural woven storage basket. Why it…

The working triangle dictates where the three key elements of hob, fridge freezer and sink sit in your kitchen and is an important consideration to reduce the distance you have to walk when cooking. You move between these three features all the time when preparing meals, so they need to be in a practical arrangement and within easy reach of each other. Ideally, the sides of the triangle created by these three points should be no more than 2.7m and no less than 1.2m long.…

ABOUT ME I’m Poppy Marples, 27, and I work in the education department of a theatre as a youth and outreach officer. I live with my partner, Dan Paige, 26, a surveyor, in a two-bed Victorian flat in Hove, West Sussex. We moved here in July 2018. THE CHALLENGE The kitchen was small and poky, and was housed in a tiny room off a large entrance hall. We decided to move the kitchen into the living room to create an open-plan space. MY WISH LIST A dark blue kitchen! Something sociable, stylish and in keeping with the rest of the flat. I also really wanted a butler sink and a nice big breakfast bar.…

Kind on crockery and warm to touch, there’s a lot to love about wooden worktops. Buying sustainably sourced timber – ask for FSC accreditation – also makes wood an eco-friendly option. Which variety of timber should I choose? Hardwood – the most commonly available are oak, ash, walnut, cherry and maple, which all boast good stability and tightly knit grains. Iroko is also widely used in kitchens as it has a high level of natural oil, so is particularly suitable in wet areas. Should I go for multi-stave or full-stave? Wooden worktops are generally sold in multi-stave format, whereby small sections (staves) of solid wood are jointed together to provide extra strength and rigidity. Bigger staves allow you to appreciate more of the timber’s colour and grain. Smaller staves are…

After exhausting both ourselves and our budget on a new kitchen as soon as we moved in, we had to live with the existing ugly mustard and pine bathroom for four years,’ says Helen. ‘It was a really good sized room, but all that was in there was a built-in bath, a pedestal basin and a loo. There was so much wasted space. Planning the layout I was certain that we could create a much better layout that included a separate shower enclosure and a free-standing bath. Our bathroom looks out over fields, so one of our priorities was to have the bath under the window so we could make the most of the views. We managed to squeeze a loo onto the same wall by choosing a compact design,…

Walls in Pure Brilliant White soft sheen emulsion, £20 for 2.5ltr, B&Q. Stencils, from £35 each, The Print. Stencilling in Leather and Mister David intelligent eggshell, both £64 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene; Striking Cyan and Rock Salt matt emulsion, £20 for 2.5ltr, B&Q. Balance Click classic oak flooring, £31.99sq m, Quick-Step. Roca Virginia bath, £1,197.56; basin tap, £177.49, both Trade Taps. Bath tap, £620.88; basin unit, £281.89; loo, £138; soft-close seat, £92.93; shower column, £466.79, all QS Supplies. Terran Superslim Stonex tray, £554.03, One Stop Bathrooms. Shower panels, £272.92 each; low-level bracing kit, £115.99; deflector panel, £226.58, all Roman. Towel radiator, £98.17, Mr Central Heating. Leccia wall tiles, £6sq m, B&Q. Blue grout, £26.34 for 3kg, Pure Adhesion. Mirror, £180, John Lewis & Partners. Shelf unit, £47, JS Vintage Furniture…

Add a flash of colourful personality with the small Pink bone photo frame, £10.95, Graham and Green Bounce natural light around with a large looking glass. Stockholm mirror, £75, Ikea Pick a planter with character. Cheetah plant pot, £22, Red Candy Try blue accents for a fresh finish. Harbour Housewares Light Blue soap dispenser, £2.99, Rinkit Update plain tiles with these vibrant Arabic tile stickers, £6 for 24, SirFace Graphics at Notonthehighstreet.com Bring in a taste of the tropics with the Green palm leaf towels, from £4 for a hand towel, George Home Mix up prints and patterns. Flatweave geometric bath mat, £10, Matalan Use colourful storage to stash towels. Seagrass basket, £35, Oliver Bonas Make basic pieces more fun. Orange pom-pom mirror, £25, Bohemia Design…

Ready, steady, sort! TIDY YOUR JEWELLERY BOX Untangle necklaces, pair up earrings and pop rings on a ring holder to keep them tidy. Get any broken items repaired. SORT THROUGH STRAY POST Gather up that growing pile of unopened envelopes, separating it into stacks to be binned, saved or actioned. CLEAR THE GARDEN Tidy away any winter debris and dead plants, so you can get ahead on any early spring planting. SHELVING IT This neat unit is perfect for displaying favourite bits and bobs. Madam Stoltz bamboo shelf, £75, W.A. Green HANGING OUT Wave goodbye to damp towels left on the floor thanks to this set of boho hooks. A by Amara cane towel hooks, £30, Amara NEAT IDEA Cute lamp and trinket dish in one – brilliant! House by…

Clean up outdoors After a long winter, and with spring on the way, most outdoor spaces are in need of grime busting. Karcher’s new wet and dry vacuum is just the thing for tackling garage and garden mess, making light work of everything from dust and sand to mud and gravel. There’s even a blower function for dislodging dust and leaves from tricky corners. Perfect for tasks too tough for your indoor vac. Jazz up radiators Radiators aren’t the most attractive feature, but now they can be! Take inspo from blogger Hester van Overbeek and transform yours using Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface paints. Create a fun design using abstract shapes and bold outlines – perfect for kids’ rooms. Allow to cure for a week before turning the radiator back on.…

A  Al-Murad 0113 322 8075 al-murad.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168 anniesloan.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com AO.com 0344 324 9222 Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Ashley & Co shop-uk.ashleyandco.co Ashley Thomas ashleythomasdesign.co.uk Atrafloor 0151 305 7376 atrafloor.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200 bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Beco Bay becobay.com Bhs 0344 411 6000 bhs.co.uk Blackout instagram.com/ blackout_shop_brighton Bohemia Design 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000 bombayduck.com Bordercraft 01981 550251 bordercraft.co.uk C  Ca’Pietra 01380 735886 capietra.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Chickidee chickidee.co.uk Christy 0845 758 5252 christy.co.uk Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055 clarissahulse.com Clean Living cleanlivingint.com Crown 0330 024 0281…