Style At Home June 2020

If you’re wondering why I made no reference to how our lives have changed in my last letter, I should explain that because we work a long way ahead, COVID-19 was a far-off problem in China back then. And now, we’re hunkered down at home waiting for the storm to pass. The team and I send best wishes to you and yours. We’re still beavering away to bring you ideas, but you might have to scrapbook some for later as it’s possible we’ve featured things you can’t get hold of right now. We’re doing our best to keep up! If cooking is your lockdown comfort, check out our recipes (from p110). They’ve come from our professional Test Kitchen – when you see this logo, every recipe and product has been…

Bring some punchy pattern to the table with the eclectic and energising new Cook and Dine range at Debenhams. Designed by artist Lucy Tiffney, the collection boasts beautiful botanicals and fun jungle prints on everything from teapots to biscuit tins. 3 of the best… CAKE STANDS…

SAINSBURY’S HOME Scandi loft Create a modern apartment look in monochrome and yellow JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS Lively shapes Style a fun scheme using abstract shapes and popping shades GEORGE HOME Safari discovery Combine tribal patterns and woven textures with mustard accents ARGOS Rustic coastal Team tranquil blues and greys with pale wood and inviting textures…

STARSTRUCK BEDDING What is it with prime-time TV personalities and bedding? They’re all getting involved! This Morning’s Holly Willoughby has a pretty collection at Dunelm and both Strictly’s Tess Daly and The Masked Singer panellist and pop star Rita Ora have stylish ranges at Next Home. Explore your creativity Along with their mega Instagram following and numerous collaborations, the interior designers at 2LG Studio now have a book. Making Living Lovely by Russell Whitehead and Jordan Cluroe (£19.95, Thames & Hudson) helps to unleash your inner designer by tapping into practical and personal needs. IT COULD BE DESIGNER! This wallpaper is all kinds of extra and we love it! Part of the New Eclectics range at John Lewis & Partners, the Seoni design was inspired by Frida Kahlo and her…

1. Put on the glitz Reflective surfaces like mercury glass lamps or vases and mirrored bedside tables will all add extra sparkle and glamour. Polished brass in place of chrome will add some warmth instead. 2. Try an oriental motif Evoke the jazz age with an Eastern decorative influence such as gingko, cherry blossom, cranes or hummingbirds on wall art and accessories. 3. Add something truly opulent Pile on the luxe textiles. Think silk-effect curtains, shimmering or high-pile rugs, and smooth cotton bed linen with velvet and quilted silk finishes. 4. Go for blush pink accents Rather than strong tones such as sapphire or emerald, aim for a soft and warm colour palette of pink and champagne. Combine with white for a restful finish that’s high in the style stakes.…

Once our second son, Arlo, had arrived, Peter and I knew we’d simply outgrown our two-bedroom flat,’ says Lydia. ‘We were keen to put down roots somewhere, so we wouldn’t need to move again in a few years, and we were hoping to find a brand-new house with a garden. Our flat was a new build, too, which we’d bought off-plan, so we weren’t worried about choosing a property we’d never actually seen. Also, a house that didn’t need repairs or alterations, and where everything would be pristine, was very appealing to us. New build dreams There is plenty of new housing going up in this area, but you have to reserve your property before it’s actually built. We only had floorplans and dimensions to go on, so I really…