Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Style At Home

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…

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…

ABOUT ME I’m Lydia Elder, 30, a marketing manager. I live with my husband Peter, 29, an account manager, and our sons, Teddy, five, and Arlo, three. OUR HOME A four-bedroom, detached new build in Ebbsfleet, Kent. We moved here in July 2018. WHEN WE MOVED IN The kitchen and bathrooms were lovely, but the whole house felt stark. AND NOW I’ve overlaid the whites and greys with vibrant greens, blues and dusky pinks to warm things up. We’ve also added interest with modern panelling, artwork, wallpaper and leafy prints. STYLE TIP Use the same handful of colours and print styles all through your home to create calm and a sense of continuity.…

1 Choose your colour scheme and pick out some tester pots. 2 Work out the highest point of the mural. Using a long straight edge, draw the first mountain shape in pencil. Once you are happy, draw the mountain peaks either side of it. 3 Use decorator’s tape to mark out the edges, plus any details that you don’t want to paint. 4 Paint within the tape, using a contrasting colour to the outer wall paint. Apply a second coat. 5 Once dry, remove the tape and use a fine brush for touch-ups.…

From the moment we stepped inside we knew we had to have this house,’ says Amanda. ‘We fell in love with its character, history and charm. I first spotted the cottage for sale online, in 2015. ‘It had been on the market for a while, and we booked a viewing, even though our own house wasn’t up for sale yet. It was the only house we’ve ever walked into and been sold on straight away. The cottage is a landmark in the village and is said to be the oldest one here – it was owned by a couple in their 90s who had lived in it for thirty years. We knew we really wanted it, even though there was lots to do to it, so we put our house…

Transform an old panel of wood into a piece of wall art by adding a favourite slogan or short quote. Start by finding your wood first. You could use an old cupboard door, the backing from an old picture frame or a discarded piece of panelling. Give your wood a couple of coats of thinned-down white emulsion paint. The finish doesn’t have to be too perfect, you want the wood to have a slightly worn, weathered feel. Once dry, use a pencil and ruler to work out the placement of your wording, marking it lightly with the pencil. Use black hobby paint and a fine brush to paint on your wording. If you’re fairly confident with a brush, paint it free-hand, or alternatively try printing out your lettering first from…

Duncan and I had been trying to find a bigger Victorian property with elegant period features we could renovate,' says Katy. ‘We were looking in West Bridgford, a lovely part of Nottingham with great schools, a pretty high street, and brilliant connections into the city and the surrounding countryside. Annabel, our first child, had just turned one, and I was expecting again, so it was the right time for us to make the move. This house ticked all the boxes and seemed like the perfect project. A Victorian semi-detached, it had been converted into seven student flats years before and needed a heap of work to turn it back into a family home, but it was within our budget, so we put in a cheeky offer that was accepted.’ Sizing…

1 Sand the surface, removing any flaky paint or varnish. 2 Fill any holes with wood filler and sand smooth once dry. 3 Apply a wood primer to seal it and help the new paint adhere. 4 Once dry, apply your paint. For flat surfaces a use a small foam roller, switching to a paintbrush for mouldings or panels. 5 Be aware of thick drips settling on the frame edges and smooth these as you go. 6 Once dry, lightly sand the surface again, brush clean and apply a second coat of paint.…

the STYLE RULES ADD TROPICAL VIBES Bring an uplifting feel to a living room with a mix of holiday hues and washed-out pastel shades. Turquoise painted walls give the feeling of a tranquil Caribbean sea. PICK WATERCOLOUR PRINTS Dress a simple upholstered armchair and sofa with painterly print cushions and throws in gelato colours. Team with a coordinating lampshade and art. FOCUS ON COMFORT On the floors, a neutral loop pile carpet will feel cosy underfoot. Give it a lift with a soft ombre rug. KEEP IT MODERN Pick furniture with simple lines, in luxe materials such as marble and brushed gold. DRESS WINDOWS Voile curtains are an airy solution for overlooked rooms as they let light through so won’t leave the room too dark if they’re closed…

the STYLE RULES GO FOR A CLASSIC COLOUR COMBO Blue and white is a timeless combination, often associated with coastal schemes. However, using it on a bold floral wallpaper takes it in a more contemporary direction. CHOOSE TEXTURED PLAINS A sleek white dining table and benches along with smart upholstered chairs in textured indigo linen have a modern look. Use leftover fabric to make coordinating bench cushions. LET LIGHT IN Simple white voile curtains are perfect for patio doors, as they allow light while still providing some privacy in an overlooked room. PICK PRACTICAL FLOORING A light vinyl floor is a great choice in a kitchen-diner. Make it feel cosier with a tonal striped rug to zone a dining space.…

1 Paint your front door pink A door – whether interior or exterior – is the perfect place to introduce a shot of bold colour to a neutral scheme. Use an eggshell finish for a classic look, and pair with a stand-out light fitting or wall mirror to complete your hallway transformation. 2 BRING ORDER TO YOUR HALLWAY WITH SHELVING Curb the clutter a little with some wall shelves to house your knick-knacks and provide a dedicated spot to keep keys. 3 Add colour to your bathroom with floor tiles Depending on the size of your space and the layout, you could either tile the whole floor in the same tile, or if you have a larger floor space, tile just the centre section, leaving the rest plain. 4 STORE…

1 Tongue-and-groove panels can transform the look of a wall and are easy to create. For full-height tongue and groove, aim for five battens at even points across the wall, starting with one at floor level and one at ceiling height. 2 Make sure the battens are level, then mark the positions on the wall. Mark drill points, then drill the holes, plug and screw in place. 3 Starting on the left, fix the first plank in place by nailing a panel pin through the batten. Use a spirit level to check the plank is vertical before fixing to the other battens. Continue fixing the planks across the width. 4 Finish with capping at the top and skirting at the bottom.…

INSTALLATION Classy Cookers has a huge stock of pre-owned ranges. It will dismantle the range in its current home and reassemble it in your kitchen. PEACE OF MIND Twyford Cookers is an authorized AGA specialist that has a limited stock of reconditioned models. Cookers come with a five-year warranty and the option of interest-free credit THE PERFECT COLOUR Independent Blake & Bull converts, re-enamels and refurbishes AGA range cookers. It offers more than 30 shades, from aubergine to light grey.…

Herringbone is an on-trend option for laying metro tiles and delivers an upmarket, designer look, even when using plain, inexpensive tiles. Cover a large area, such as above a bath or in a shower cubicle. For something a little different, try laying the tiles vertically rather than in the traditional horizontal brickwork pattern. This design helps to visually heighten a space, making it a great option for rooms with low ceilings. Stack ’em up. While you may be used to seeing a brickwork-style offset pattern, nail the minimalist look by stacking the tiles in neat formation. Choose a contrasting grout to highlight the grid pattern.…

APRICOT AND VANILLA TARTLETS TAKES 35 MINS MAKES 6 200g ready-rolled puff pastry 400g tin apricot halves in syrup, drained (syrup reserved) 1 vanilla pod, halved Crème fraîche, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 200C/Gas 6. Unroll the pastry, cut into 6 rectangles measuring 12x8.5cm and place on a non-stick baking sheet. 2 Arrange 3 apricot halves, cut-side up, on each rectangle and brush with a little syrup. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 mins, until puffed up and golden. 3 Meanwhile, scrape out the seeds of the vanilla pod and place in a saucepan along with the pod. Pour over the remaining syrup and warm on a high heat for 10 mins, until reduced, glossy and thickened. 4 Before serving, brush vanilla syrup over tarts,…

Space savvy workstation Finding room for a workstation in a small space might seem impossible, but Urbansize has the solution. This compact floating desk has a sleek Scandi design and contains two drawers for added storage. What’s more, it can even be fitted above a radiator and doesn’t take up any floor space. The collection also includes a clever hallway shelf, which comes complete with hooks and a single drawer, and the hallway tidy that includes a full-length mirror. Fixings are included, so you can fit it to the wall just like a shelf and get to work straight away. Bring your tiles to life According to Topps Tiles, it’s time to be courageous with colour. Glossy pink harmonises well with charcoal and marble for a striking look when teamed…

KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT BUGS AND INSECTS YOU WANT TO ENCOURAGE MEANS THAT YOU CAN TAILOR THE HOTEL FOR THEM SPECIFICALLY Encourage bugs and wildlife into your garden by building a bug hotel. It’s the perfect project for getting the kids involved in, too, and watching the creepy-crawlies scurry into the holes and cracks is sure to capture their imaginations. YOU WILL NEED Bricks Pallets Broken pots Soil Tiles Dead wood Stones Tubes 1 DECIDE ON A SPOT The best location for the hotel depends on the type of insects you want to attract. Some prefer cooler, damper conditions, while others, such as bees, prefer the sun. 2 BUILD YOUR HOTEL Lay bricks on the ground to create a sturdy base, but make sure you leave gaps between them so the…

Utter so-fishstication We were so impressed with the quality of Bleiker’s Smokehouse smoked salmon, and at £3 a pack it’s very much an affordable luxury. Save for a special brunch and enjoy with poached eggs, toasted muffins and hollandaise sauce to make a fancy eggs royale. We love the flavour of the Yorkshire peat smoked, but those with more adventurous tastes will enjoy the gin, juniper and dill marinated version. CHEAT’S EATS! Forget the faff, put away the deep-fat fryer. You can store these battered cod fillets in the freezer and whip 'em out for a quick meal. Serve simply with petit pois and oven chips for the ultimate everything-from-the-freezer meal, or for an indulgent sandwich try a cod fillet in a bap with tartare sauce. The latest lighter version…

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…

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.…

1 Choose the size and depth of stripwood depending on how far you want the design to stand out from the surface. Plan your pattern out on paper first, then use a stripwood length to sketch it directly onto the wall in pencil. 2 Keep your design simple so it doesn’t look too busy. To make cutting the edges straightforward, stick to 90-degree or 45-degree angles wherever two pieces of wood meet. Then, from the finished design sketch, you can work out how much wood you will need. 3 Cut each batten and attach to the wall with a strong, multi-use adhesive (No More Nails would work). Hold each strip of wood in place for up to 10 minutes to ensure it sticks. Then, fill any gaps and joins along…

VALUE LIGHTS Huge selection of contemporary indoor and outdoor lighting at fantastic prices. DESENIO Art prints of all shapes, styles and sizes, plus a choice of frames and guidelines for creating your own gallery wall. MADE Well-priced modern furniture, including stylish, jewel-coloured velvet and textured upholstery pieces. I LOVE WALLPAPER Masses of well-priced, contemporary branded wallpapers. Shop the paint and decorating tool selection, too, for a one-stop online decorating shop. ARISTA LIVING Range of great-value, design-it-yourself upholstered beds in all sizes, with or without built-in storage.…

ABOUT ME I’m Amanda Burnside, a school pastoral support officer. I live here with my husband Niall, a university reader, and our three children, Ellen, 24, Ross, 21, and Fergus, 17, plus our two huskies Max and Ruby. OUR HOME A Grade II-listed four-bed medieval cottage, in East Sussex. We moved here in 2015. WHEN WE MOVED IN Lots needed doing, including replacing the roof, adding a water tank and installing a new kitchen and bathrooms. AND NOW It’s been a real labour of love – we took pleasure in doing everything properly. It’s a very easy house to live in. STYLE TIP Decorate in a way that’s in keeping with the age and character of the house.…

IKEA Simple Scandi style at affordable prices. Brilliant for basics, from beds and bookcases to rugs and textiles. DUNELM Well-made and on-trend furniture, plus great value-for-money cushions, throws, rugs and accessories. THE RANGE Bargain buys, from affordable artwork and ornaments to soft furnishings, rugs and bedding. GUMTREE A treasure trove of second-hand furniture, one-off buys, plus find local tradespeople. RUSTOLEUM Paint specialists and a great source for the DIYer, with everything from furniture paint to spray paint, metallic, glitter and chalkboard finishes. DFS Good-value larger furniture items, such as sofas, armchairs and bedroom and dining room furniture, as well as cushions and accessories.…

ABOUT ME I’m Katy Emmerson, 45, and I run a company, Rattle & Roll Performance. I live with my husband Duncan, 45, and children Annabel, 13, Alice, 11, and Patrick, eight. MY HOME A five-bed Victorian semi in West Bridgford, Nottingham. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT The house had been converted into student flats and was in an awful state. It had to be completely reconfigured to make it work for us as a family. AND NOW The kitchen, dining and living rooms have been reinstated, the kitchen and bathrooms were replaced, and the upstairs rooms turned back into bedrooms. STYLE TIP Look at what you already have and be creative – can they be moved, adapted or painted to give them a whole new twist?…

EBAY A wonderful marketplace for sourcing beautiful vintage pieces or items of furniture for bargain prices. OLIVER BONAS For a wide range of home accessories, from lamps and mirrors to candles and picture frames. H&M HOME Love its collection of well-made soft furnishings that are affordable and keep up with current trends. HABITAT A must for those one-off special pieces, especially lighting. Its pieces are always stylish, well made and stand the test of time. GRAHAM AND GREEN Does all the sourcing for you, showcasing unique and interesting pieces from a range of different artisans.…

the STYLE RULES MIX UP A POPPING PALETTE OF BRIGHTS Ensure your more vibrant accessories stand out by painting the walls brilliant white. Picking simple pieces of furniture also in white will create the same effect. GO HALF AND HALF If you want to add some colour to the walls, try installing a picture rail and using a textured-effect wallpaper on the lower half of the wall. For an easy fix, frame some bold wallpaper or fabric as wall art or to use as a noticeboard. COLOUR BLOCK Choose a bright upholstered bed frame and contrasting ottoman, then pile it high with watercolour floral and stripe print bedding. TIE THE LOOK TOGETHER Lay a statement rug on light-hued flooring like a neutral carpet or white wood laminate or…

the STYLE RULES CELEBRATE PATTERN Why choose one pattern when you can incorporate all of them into your scheme? Pick neutral-coloured seating in pared-back Scandi shapes then pack with cushions in all sizes, colours and patterns. DON’T STOP AT FABRIC Paint walls brilliant white to show off a lively gallery wall of your favourite art prints – abstract, illustrative or typographical –anything goes! Mix splashes of neon with monochrome designs to really make the scheme pop. CREATE CONTRAST Balance busy patterns with linear furniture. A black angular coffee table and wire lamp base give the look its contemporary edge. ADD AN INDUSTRIAL FEEL Lay concrete effect floor tiles and an oversized monochrome geometric rug to zone a seating area.…

the STYLE RULES LAYER LUXE TEXTURE Style an opulent boudoir scheme using jewel tones of amethyst, garnet and agate. Keep pattern to a minimum, instead focusing on tactile fabrics such as velvet, silk and chenille. GO BIG ON GLAMOUR Bringing in mirrored furniture and metallic accessories will contribute to the glamorous, glittering feeling of the scheme. ADD DRAMA WITH BLACK Juxtapose jewel tones with black accents within lighting, bedding and an upholstered black leather bed frame. GROUND THE SCHEME Go for luxurious dark velvet curtains and a loop pile carpet in a deep grey. HANG BOTANICAL ART Soften the look with art featuring rows of delicate butterflies in coordinating shades of purple. Why it works STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘Contemporary details such as the leather bed…

After we moved here 13 years ago, the whole house had to be updated and we knocked through a muddle of small rooms to make a bigger kitchen,’ says Donna. ‘As time went on, we found that although the kitchen was long, it wasn’t wide enough, and it felt like we were on top of each other all of the time. I just wanted a relaxing room where we could all hang out. Initially, our planning application to extend the rear was refused because of light issues with neighbours. A different architect suggested we extend three metres to the side. At first I wasn’t convinced but making the room square has made a huge difference – we didn’t need to go out at the back at all. The biggest headache…

Helmsley White shaker units, £3,500, DIY Kitchens. Carrara marble worktop, £3,200, Kitchen Stone Worktop. Rangemaster Elise 110 dual-fuel range cooker is similar, £2,279, Discount Appliance Centre. Electra slimline dishwasher, £179; Electra fridge, £199; Beko freezer, £249, all AO.com. Villeroy & Boch double-bowl Belfast sink, £389; TreMercati Little Venice brass tap, £129, both Tap Warehouse. Kronoswiss Grand Selection flooring in oak tan, £14.95sq m, Best at Flooring. Larder fitted with old Dutch barn doors, £240, Back To The Grain. Arundel dining table, £2,100, Neptune. Fameg’s angled farmhouse chairs, £148 for two, Nisbets. Walls in Dulux Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, £17 for 2.5ltr; try Dafyd Cone Antique copper and smoke wall light, £26, both B&Q. Try Klovan glass pendant light, £12 each; Holmsund corner sofa bed in Grasbo white, £575; Ingolf…

Getting together with my partner Mark four years ago meant that we had to decide whose house we were going to live in with our blended family of six,’ says Sheelagh. ‘We decided in the end to sell my home and put the money into extending Mark’s house and making it somewhere we both wanted to live. In 2018, we undertook a major rear and loft extension, as well as a complete renovation, adding another bedroom plus an en suite, so that each of our four girls had their own bedroom. However, that left the main bathroom looking dated, dull and definitely in need of some attention. We needed a style that would grow with the girls – three of whom are teenagers – and that would suit the house’s…

Walls in Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, £9.99 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. Bateau double bath, £779.35; Claremont Deck bath taps, £590; stand pipes, £350; Eden thermos shower, £638; toilet, £248; Edwardian basin with stand, £537; Claremont basin taps, £139, all Burlington Bathrooms. Verona Aquaglass Velar 1200mm walk-in shower panel with support bar and 8mm glass, £407.95, Yates Building Contractors. Shower tray, £150, Hampton Plumbing. Victorian Black and White chequered floor tiles, £75.95sq m; Victorian Black and White border tiles, £9.55 each; Metro White wall tiles, £19.50sq m, all Topps Tiles. Linen basket, £19.99, Squires. Radiator, £159.97, Soak. Yellow hand towel, £6, Tesco. Hammam towels, £18 each, Drift Linens. Metal mirror with shelf, £125, Cox & Cox. Black and white basket, £19.95, Sass and Belle. Fejka pots, £6 each, Ikea. Cattle poster,…

Clear the garden clutter with a new shed If your understairs cupboard is overflowing with tools and the kids’ bikes, and other bits are cluttering up your garden, it’s high time you invested in a new shed. The neat and compact Darwin wood-look shed from Keter is made from all-weather resin, features double wall panels for greater rigidity, and a heavy-duty floor panel to prevent rainwater leaking in. What’s more, it’s fully assembled from flat-pack in under two hours and comes with a 15-year guarantee. Keter Darwin shed (H205xW125.8x D184.5cm), £280, Argos INVEST IN A GARDEN HOSE FOR LIFE Most people will plump for a cheap and cheerful option when buying a garden hose and usually find that they have to replace it within a year or two. Hozelock’s latest…

Mindful making Brighten your home with zakka sewing, a Japanese term meaning handmade items that make you feel good. In Zakka From the Heart (£20.99, C&T Publishing), designer Minki Kim shows how to make 16 charming projects, with techniques for every skill level, from quilting and wool applique to embroidery. This sweet strawberry book cover made using offcuts of felt is sure to prettify any desk. SEW ALONG While attending workshops might be off the cards for the time being, that doesn't mean we can't seek our sewing inspo elsewhere. Lisa Comfort of Sew Over It has taken to her YouTube channel to provide regular live sew-alongs, so stitchers can follow patterns live, learn new techniques and still feel part of the crafting community. With videos covering everything from dressmaking…

BAKED GREEK SALAD TAKES 25 MINS SERVES 2 200g feta cheese 1tsp each dried mint and oregano ½ red chilli, deseeded and diced 2tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, thinly sliced Juice of 1 lemon 1tsp salt 1tbsp honey 1tsp sherry vinegar 300g mixed tomatoes, sliced 6cm cucumber, deseeded and sliced 2tbsp black olives 1tbsp each fresh mint and oregano leaves 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Slice the feta in half horizontally and put each half onto a foil-lined baking tray, sprinkle over the dried herbs, chilli and 1tbsp olive oil. Roast for 10-12 mins until softened and lightly golden. Meanwhile, toss the sliced onion with the lemon juice and 1tsp salt, set aside for 10 mins to lightly pickle and soften. 2 To make the dressing, whisk…

A  A Place for Everything 01244 680 501 aplaceforeverything.co.uk Abode Living 01273 621116 abodeliving.co.uk Abstract House abstracthouse.com Aga 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Andrew Martin 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168 anniesloan.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com AO.com 0161 4701100 Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Arista Living aristaliving.com Atkin and Thyme 020 3768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Back To The Grain 01273 480866 backtothegrain.co.uk Best at Flooring 0113 537 7146 bestatflooring.co.uk Blake & Bull 01225 541006 blakeandbull.co.uk Bluebellgray 0808 164 0130 bluebellgray.com Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000 bombayduck.com Boots 0345 609 0055 boots.com Brabantia 01275 819119 brabantia.com Burlington Bathrooms 0845 539 0055 burlingtonbathrooms.com C  C&T Publishing ctpub.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk…

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…

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…

STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘The blush wall softens the kitchen-diner, making it feel more relaxed.’ STEPHANIE DURRANT Senior Features Editor ‘Lydia’s choice of wallpaper is spot on, as it blends strong colour with lighter areas so as not to overpower the room. It’s the perfect bridge between the pale neutrals and that gorgeous emerald.’ STYLE EDITOR Michela Colling ‘Swapping emerald for a palette of softer tones of green works well to create a calmer, more gentle mood in the bedrooms.’ FEATURES EDITOR Holly Walsh ‘A striking wallpaper is a clever way to bring an otherwise overlooked space to life’ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vanessa Richmond…

If the floor has too many coats of paint on already, you may want to strip them back first. If so, use a chemical paint stripper, a heat gun and scraper or hire a floor sander. Once smooth, vacuum and wash the boards with soapy water. When completely dry, coat with floor paint using a wide, good-quality brush or roller. Cover the full length of no more than two boards at a time, starting with the board furthest from the door. Once dry, lightly sand and vacuum, then apply a second coat if needed. Allow to dry for at least 48 hours to avoid scuffs or dents.…

Pick the right paint finish. Gloss might add the glam factor, but it shows up every imperfection – matt or eggshell is kinder. Work with the right accent shades. For impact, go for split complementary colours such as zingy orange and yellow or bright fuchsia; for warmer accents, deep reds and ochre offer a toned-down look, and for freshness, use pastel shades like blush pink and lighter blue shades. Neutral surfaces, such as a crisp white ceiling and pale wood floor, also act as a foil for dark colours. Don’t dismiss deep shades if your room is small – dark walls can also add drama and height. Dark hues can also help striking art prints to stand out, so are a great option for a feature wall behind a collection…

the STYLE RULES FEED THE SENSES Go for furniture in elegant, design-led shapes and in a mix of finishes, from smooth marble and brushed metal to tactile velvet upholstery. CLASH PATTERNS Be guided by patterns you love and that make you happy, from colour-popping ikat designs and tribal embroideries to dramatic animal prints and sumptuous plains in luxe, tactile fabrics. TAKE RISKS WITH COLOUR Don’t hold back on the wall colour for this look. A bold grass green is the perfect backdrop for a collection of retro abstract posters in vibrant primary colours. Tie a gallery wall together using black frames. OVERDOSE ON PATTERN Collect accessories in striking shapes such as textured glass vases and add further interest underfoot with a chevron pattern wooden floor.…

the STYLE RULES SPICE IT UP Be inspired by the souks of Marrakesh to create a warming palette of paprika orange and turmeric yellow. Soften with lighter tones of sage green and plaster pink. GO DARK ON THE WALLS Paint a moody backdrop of midnight blue and frame some samples of coordinating wallpapers in clip frames, leaving white borders for contrast and freshness. GIVE THE LOOK AN URBAN FLAVOUR Source sleek reclaimed wood and natural rattan furniture featuring modern metal hairpin legs. Team with dark polished wood flooring. EMBRACE A LAID-BACK FEEL Dress a dining table with crumpled linen in rusty orange along with elegant tableware including wooden bowls, glass carafes and artisan ceramics. Why it works STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘Combining Moroccan-inspired shades with rich,…

the STYLE RULES EMBRACE TWENTIES STYLE Create an upbeat scheme, using popping candy shades and elegant Art Deco-inspired shapes, including a scalloped chair and brass globe floor lamp. ADD INTEREST ON WALLS Paneling installed halfway up the wall lends a glamorous hotel feel. Colour in on-trend neo mint and complement by painting the upper half of the wall in blush pink. PLAY WITH PATTERN Accessorise the room with a rug and cushions featuring bold geometric patterns and tropical motifs. SELECT OPULENT MATERIALS Luxurious velvet upholstery and shimmering gold metallic furniture and lighting contribute to the glamour of this scheme. For a Miami Beach hotel vibe, introduce real or faux tropical greenery such as palms and monstera leaves.…

ABOUT ME I’m Donna Clitheroe, 42, a make-up artist, and I live with my husband, Dan, 47, who is in property lettings, and our children Oscar, 13, and Willy, eight, in a four-bed Victorian villa in Hove, East Sussex. We moved here in 2007. THE CHALLENGE Our old kitchen was long and narrow with units down one side – when we had a party we got in each other's way. We wanted to extend and update our cream shaker kitchen. MY WISH LIST A sociable room with enough circulation space to cook, eat and relax, defined by an island, large dining table and sofa.…

‘BUYING FROM AN AGAREGISTERED DEALER WILL GUARANTEE THAT YOU LL GET A PURPOSE-BUILT AGA AND NOT BITS AND PIECES OF VARIOUS COOKERS PUT TOGETHER’RUTH CORBETT, HOUSES EDITOR There is something about a range cooker that gives a kitchen personality. The only problem is they’re not cheap, which is why many people buy secondhand. Here, we explain how to find the range of your dreams for a fraction of the cost of a new one. Where do I start? First off, you’ll need to consider what type of cooker you require. Will it be electric, gas or oil powered? An AGA or an Esse? The most popular tend to be electric models like the Dual or Total Control AGA, where you’re able to turn the hobs or ovens on and off…

ABOUT ME I’m Sheelagh McCarthy, 47, a charity fundraising manager, and I live with my partner Mark Clayton, 50, a sales director, and my daughters Nora, 15, and Erin, 13, with Mark’s daughters Rosie, 13, and Holly, 11, living with us for half of the week, in a five-bedroom Edwardian semi-detached house in Surrey. THE CHALLENGE Transforming a dated bathroom that hadn’t been touched for years into a modern, practical but stylish space which would appeal to four teenage girls as well as to us. MY WISH LIST Period reproduction fittings, a lovely big shower, plenty of tiles, a sharp monochrome scheme – and a touch of fun.…

Fallen for steel-framed windows and doors? Why not embrace the look on a smaller scale in a bathroom? Black-framed shower screens look equally at home in modern and period homes, so you can work the trend whatever your style. How do I get a grid look? At entry level, the black lines are screen printed onto glass. It’s pretty convincing but specks of black can flake off. For durability, a digitally-printed grid is the way to go – try Roman’s Liberty range. For realism, go for a real metal frame. Usually made from aluminium or steel, the frame is fixed to one side of the glass. Ensure the framing is on the outside so the interior glass can be squeegeed clean. Can I get the look for less? Prices start…

TREASURE CHEST With two layers for your jewellery or mementos, this fabric-covered box is ideal. Woven jewellery box, £39.50, Oliver Bonas CLEAR WINNERS Every kitchen cupboard needs a set of these space-saving storage jars. Stackable square canisters, £31.50 for four, Brabantia THREE-IN-ONE It’s a table, a tray and a storage basket in one – and it’s a bargain, too! Wire storage table, £12, Wilko MIDAS TOUCH Simple and elegant, this five-hook coat rail is perfect for a compact hallway Dots & Lines wall hooks, £40, Cox & Cox ON A ROLL This is quite simply the smart storage trunk of dreams. BundleBerry by Amanda Holden Storage Chest, £199, QVC STATION MASTER With its shelf, two drawers and a hidden drawer, you can hide away all your make-up. Wilderness dressing table,…

CREATE A LOW-FUSS GARDEN WITH EASY-CARE SURFACES Limit the amount of upkeep your garden will need by cutting back on the grassy areas in favour of paving and planting solutions that need less maintenance than a lawn. 1 LET GO OF THE LAWN The less grass you have to take care of, the lighter your workload will be. Break up large expanses of lawn by adding a sweep of paving slabs or decking planks running across the garden, introducing sections of slate or cobbles to break up lines and creating areas that don’t require a lot of looking after. Choose smooth stones for clean lines, or shingle and pebbles for a rustic look. 2 SHAPE PATHWAYS Extend pathways to reduce the amount of lawn area, and add shingle or gravel…