Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2020 i Style At Home

It feels like change is in the air! And I’m not just talking about the seasons. There’s nothing like spending summer at home to truly stress-test your space and show you the bits that need improvement, or coming back from a trip away to see your home with completely fresh eyes. That’s why this issue focuses on solutions: from the functional ones you need to declutter and reorganise your space to the new style ideas that will update your decorating schemes. Don’t miss our pick of safari-style wallpapers on p85 – they’re wild but wonderful! And if you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of ideas to get stuck into, from easy midweek dishes to cook to cute makes and upcyling ideas. Just don’t forget to share the results with us…

It could be designer! We’d expect to see this happy-chic design in a high-end interior design shop, so we were pleased to spot Made’s version of the Bobble table lamp, £69, in its fun but functional Curator range. The playful shape takes texture to another level, and teamed with the neutral ceramic finish and sensible shade, it has a cool, contemporary vibe. TIMELESS BEDDING FOR KIDS Following the success of her clothing range with George, The Mummy Diaries reality TV star Billie Faiers has brought out a nursery range with George Home. Along with teddy ear towels, there’s bedding for tots featuring classic prints – think The White Company but a little easier on the bank balance! SHOP BRANDS AT H&M HOME We’re already spoilt for choice when it comes…

The previous house we lived in was a 1960s Span house, designed by architect Eric Lyons,’ says Lindsay. ‘He had a particular vision of communal living and set his houses on small estates, with plenty of trees, in attractive areas. We were thrilled to live in one as they don’t come up often, and it worked well when our daughter Luella was little. We renovated it from top to bottom, but it was quite small, only 782 square metres in total. As soon as I became pregnant with Lorea, we could see it would be a tight fit, so we looked for something bigger, where we could spread out and zone the spaces. Making plans The house that caught our eye was something we hadn’t really considered before: an off-plan…

1 Measure the width of the rug, add 4cm and use this measurement to cut a length of wooden dowel (at least 23mm in diameter) to size. 2 Lay the rug flat, with the back facing up, and place the dowel just below the top edge. Fold the top edge over the dowel and sew in place using an upholstery needle and heavy cotton thread. Go over it a couple of times to make sure it is secure. 3 Tie a length of heavy twine around each protruding end of the dowel, then hang at the centre of the twine from a nail or hook on the wall.…

Prettify a plastic chair with floral paper. Protect the seat with newspaper and spray the legs with several coats of copper spray paint. Once dry, tear decoupage paper into small pieces and stick to the seat using PVA glue. When covered, apply a coat of varnish to seal.…

1 Measure out the colour block area that you want to create and carefully apply decorator’s tape around the edges. 2 Paint within the tape and repeat with a second coat, if needed. Once the paint is fully dry, remove the tape. 3 Paint your shelves and brackets in the same shade. When dry, fix to the wall inside your colour block. 4 Cut shapes out of scrap wallpaper – you could cut around a flower design, or go for simple shapes such as triangles or hexagons. 5 Set out the shapes around the edge of your block, using Blu-Tack or masking tape to get your arrangement right. 6 Apply wallpaper adhesive generously to the back of the paper shapes, then stick to the wall, pressing into place. Leave to…

After renovating our previous home and learning lots of skills and lessons along the way, my husband Stuart and I wanted another challenge,’ says Lara. ‘We came across this property – an unloved, Victorian end-of-terrace in really sad shape – and, in spite of its condition, we could see endless potential. The mortgage company, however, didn’t have quite the same vision that we did. It was a real battle securing the money to proceed with the house, as it had so many structural issues to sort out. It needed support work, a new roof and a damp proof course. Having, eventually, completed the external work and satisfied the mortgage company that the house wouldn’t likely be falling to the ground anytime soon, we were finally able to begin updating the…

1 Using a paintbrush, apply metal leaf adhesive to your chosen surface (we suggest starting with something flat and smooth if you’re new to the game) in the areas you wish to gild. 2 Leave the adhesive to get tacky, then gently apply the gold leaf sheets (you may wish to use tweezers to make it easier). 3 Once finished, use a gilding brush to buff the gilding in small, gentle circular motions to remove excess gold leaf. You can collect and store what’s left for future projects.…

the STYLE RULES RETHINK NEUTRALS As an alternative to whites and creams on walls, try using a very pale blue paint as a cool neutral. If you’re feeling brave, offset with a deeper turquoise or add dimension with panelling or panel-effect wallpaper. MAKE PATTERNS POP Clash oranges, pinks and yellows against a plain backdrop and introduce small-scale geometric prints on upholstery, textiles and accessories. JUXTAPOSE FLOORING A concrete-effect floor has a modern industrial feel. Layer with a colourful postmodern-style rug. CHOOSE AESTHETIC PIECES Pick furniture with smooth and simple lines in contemporary oak. Accessorise with statement lighting and vases featuring abstract forms and geo designs. Abstract BRIGHTS Add period character with panelling Mix bold colours with geometric shapes the STYLE RULES Pick a modern copper…

1 Choose a bed with built-in storage If space is too tight for bedside tables, a storage bed is a great idea for keeping magazines, books and clothing neatly organised. This bed has shelving, a deep storage drawer for spare bedding and space for storage cubes at the end, too. 2 UTILISE EVERY INCH OF SPACE IN THE BEDROOM Build a storage headboard by stacking Ikea’s Trones shoe cabinets, £22 for two, and fixing to the wall behind your bed. 3 Create an understairs hang-out Give little ones their own space to daydream and play by turning the space under the stairs into a cosy, colourful nook. Use a trio of paint shades to create a fun, geometric pattern on the wall. 4 GO SUPER-SIZED WITH ARTWORK To make a…

Ambient lighting should be your main source along with the kitchen’s natural light, and can be a mix of recessed ceiling lights and overhead pendants. For task-orientated islands used for food preparation or cooking, try a mix of recessed downlighters and pendants focused on work areas. If it’s an island used as a breakfast bar, choose non-glare pendants positioned so they don’t block the eye line. Accentuate favourite elements of your kitchen with well-positioned lighting, such as in-cabinet lighting or plinth and under-cabinet strips.…

PLANNING ADVICE Visit planningportal.co.uk for a handy visual guide to single-storey extensions. Most local councils also publish detailed design guides, which give an indication of what they will and won’t accept. TEMPLATE LETTERS If you need to serve a Party Wall Notice on a neighbour, free template letters are available from PWS Surveyors at partywallnotices.co.uk ESSENTIAL READING Home Extension Design by Julian Owen (£30, RIBA Publishing) features inspirational case studies and lots of practical advice.…

ABOUT ME I’m Leanne Smith, 31, an audiologist and keen Instagrammer (@edwardiangold home). I bought my three-bedroom Edwardian house in Plymouth in August 2018. MY CHALLENGE The bathroom was small and there was no space for a shower. I needed to update the space on a budget as I had already spent a lot of money on the rest of the property. MY WISHLIST I really wanted a large shower, one that meant I wouldn’t bash my elbows while washing my hair. I also wanted the space to be big and bright with a mirror over the sink. Lastly, it was my dream to have gold taps.…

‘IF YOU HAVE THE SPACE, A TUB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM WILL CREATE THE ULTIMATE CENTREPIECE’GEORGE HOLLAND, INTERIORS EXPERT, VICTORIAN PLUMBING If you like long leisurely soaks in the tub or you’re looking for a bath to be the centrepiece of your bathroom refurb, then opt for the luxury of a free-standing bath. Built-in or free-standing – what’s the difference? Baths described as built-in are fitted against the wall (usually in a corner) with side and end panels added to hide pipework; they’re neat and easy to clean. Freestanding baths can be positioned in the centre of the room to create a focal point. Plus they come in a wider range of styles, shapes and sizes. Do I need a large room? If space is tight, a built-in…

THIS MONTH’S Do it Create a handy shoe cleaning kit, including a firm brush for knocking dry mud off and a ‘wax on, wax off' set of brushes for leather shoes. Don't forget a wax polish to match your shoe colours and choose a wire brush for suede items to complete your kit.…

Ready, steady, sort! ORGANISE YOUR PAPERWORK Sift through the growing pile and group into ‘action’, ‘file’ and ‘shred’. CLEAR YOUR CLUTTER POTS See those pots or boxes full of random stuff that doesn’t have a home? Empty as much out of these as you can, keep useful items and bin the rest. AUDIT YOUR HOME LIBRARY Donate any books you don’t fancy reading again or ones the kids have grown out of to charity. SPACE SAVER No room for a side table and lamp? No worries – this beauty does both! Shelf floor lamp, £195, Habitat COUNTER CLEARER Keep kitchen surfaces clutter free with a few of these neat storage shelves. Assam shelf, from £14.99, Dowsing & Reynolds PERFECT PERCH Cute storage boxes, picture frames, fave books – store them…

Macramé made modern For those looking for a creative hobby to get lost in, macramé is the ideal craft. The slow-paced technique of knotting aids being mindful while making beautiful items for your home, which author Isabella Strambio expertly demonstrates in her book, Macramé for the Modern Home (£12.99, Search Press). There are 16 projects to try, suitable for beginners and those with more experience. Take time to learn the basic knots, before embarking on string-tastic makes, including this elegant wall hanging. TRY YOUR HAND AT… SCRAPBOOKING In a digital world, we are all guilty of taking photos on our smart phones, only to give them their five minutes of fame on social media before losing them to the ‘cloud’. Luckily, scrapbooking is officially cool again and what better way…

AAbigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com Abstract House abstracthouse.com Albert & Moo 07789 768265 albertandmoo.com Alice in Scandiland shop.aliceinscandiland.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon.co.uk Anthony Burrill anthonyburrill.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com AO.com 0161 470 1100 Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com BB&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Bean Bag Bazaar 0800 988 1286 beanbagbazaar.co.uk Beaumonde 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk Bert & May 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com Black by Design 01889 502716 black-by-design.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 01143 217000 bobbyrabbit.co.uk Bohemia Design 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk Brintons 0800 505055 brintons.co.uk BTB Construction btbconstructionltd.com CCambridge Imprint 07732 131135 cambridgeimprint.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Chalk & Moss chalkandmoss.com Clara Shade Sails clarashadesails.co.uk Clarke & Clarke 01706 242010 clarke-clarke.com…

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Pop some dried palm leaves and tall, wispy stems in a vase for a simple display Drift off to sleep dreaming of far-flung destinations with the new Kyoto range from Debenhams. Choose bedding depicting tropical scenes, simple storage in a chic, neutral palette and artwork that transports you to Eastern hideaways you've yet to explore. 3 of the best…  ORIENTAL-INSPIRED BUYS…

ABOUT ME I’m Lindsay Campbell-Crafts, 35, a freelance marketing consultant, and I live with my husband, Nicholas, 35, an assistant school principal, and daughters Luella, three, and Lorea, one. OUR HOME A brand-new off-plan three bedroom semi in Addlestone, Surrey. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT Although we’d had some say over the kitchen and flooring, the house was very neutral and lacking in character. AND NOW We’ve added colour and personality with retro pieces and Americana, along with contemporary buys and original artwork, to make it feel like ours. STYLE TIP If you see something you love when you’re abroad, buy it; you’ll never find it back home.…

WEST ELM I love its mid-century looks. I buy one large expensive piece and use it as the focal point in a room. LA REDOUTE For rugs and rattan furniture. It has a modern boho vibe which I think suits contemporary houses. FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE If you’re persistent, you can find some treasures here. It’s always my first go-to before I shop anywhere else. H&M HOME This is great for accessories. I have a number of its peg racks, vases and picture frames. ALICE IN SCANDILAND SHOP Alice sells beautiful contemporary Scandi and vintage homewares. I always want to buy everything!…

This house was meant to be a stop gap,’ says Kate Lovejoy. ‘Our daughter Nancy was coming up to one and I was pregnant with James, when my soon-to-be-husband Christian and I began to think about moving from our London flat to a larger family home. The idea was to find a modest house with a garden, near the city. We’d originally planned to stay there for about four years and then move on to something more substantial. Imagining the future I soon realised that the areas I liked were pretty expensive so we’d be looking at small, modern homes. And this house, situated on an estate near Maidenhead, struck a chord with me. As a child, I’d grown up in a gorgeous old Victorian schoolhouse with half an acre…

EBAY Some of Kate’s favourite buys, including the Vogue prints (bought for £10 and framed by her) were from this auction site. CURTAIN FACTORY OUTLET This store has a wide selection, from the eau de Nil vinyl that Kate used to reupholster her kitchen banquette to curtain fabric. MUCK N BRASS The ultimate in ‘luxecycling’, this is where Kate found her art deco cabinet. KATE LOVEJOY INTERIORS Whether for making curtains, cushions and lampshades or painting and reupholstering eBay furniture finds, Kate’s own interior design style and creativity defines the look of her home.…

ABOUT ME I’m Lara Bezzina, 38, a housing technical officer at a local authority. I also host workshops in gilding. I live here with my husband, Stuart Bruce, 37, a social care manager and property investor. OUR HOME A three-bedroom Victorian end-of-terrace cottage in Moulton, Northamptonshire. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was like a ’70s time capsule. Original features had been removed and it needed a lot of structural and cosmetic work. AND NOW It’s bright, stylish and bursting with personality. We have crammed it with colour, characterful furnishings and upcycled pieces. STYLE TIP Don’t rush purchases. I wanted to carpet the dining area before our first Christmas and settled for what the supplier had in stock, rather than waiting for what I really wanted.…

ROCKETT ST GEORGE An online boutique selling an eclectic range of luxury interior items. EBAY Among the nation’s favourite haunts for second-hand homeware, eBay is ideal for bagging low-cost furniture and project pieces. GRAHAM AND GREEN From furniture to faux flowers, and everything in between. It’s a one-stop shop for luxe accessories. DOWSING & REYNOLDS With a focus on quality, stylish finishes, it’s your go-to for sleek switches and sockets, lavish lighting and modern hardware.…

Hook it up Willow baskets are great for quick end-of-the-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, iPads and other stuff that tends to lay about. To free up floor space, install decorative wall hooks and hang storage baskets that can be easily taken on and off whenever you need to access the contents. Hideaway office Your living room is already a space for relaxation, entertaining and playtime, so the last thing you need is paperwork littering surfaces if you work from home, too. Choose clever free-standing furniture that hides away all your office essentials at the end of each working day. Ceiling shelf In a box room, fit a shelf above a window alcove to create extra storage without taking up floor space. Make a feature of it by fixing a…

When we first viewed the house it was like walking into a time warp,’ says Philippa. ‘It had last been sold in 1929 and all the rooms looked like they hadn’t been touched since then, particularly the kitchen, with its old fashioned scullery, Belfast sink and cast iron stove built into the chimney breast. We were thrilled to discover such a unique find and moved into a caravan on my parents’ land while it was being renovated. The old kitchen consisted of a series of dark rooms that looked out onto a side return. There was a stench of mould, the plaster was falling off the walls and it was an unusable space. The plan was to create a large open-plan kitchen with space for a seating area looking out…

Glazed doors and windows, approx £10,500, YO1 UPVC and Aluminium Solutions. Walls in Crown Brilliant White emulsion, £14 for 10ltr, Homebase. Carrara Quartz worktops, £478sq m, Mayfair Granite. For similar cabinets, try Harewood bespoke painted, from £299 for an 800mm base unit, DIY Kitchens. Cabinets painted in Hague Blue estate eggshell, £27 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball. For similar knobs, try Thorpe antique brass cabinet knobs, £1.80 each, Ironmongery Direct. Blanco sink, £120, Sinks-Taps.com. Venician tap, £412, Franke. Bosch induction hob, £329, AO.com. Aerial copper brushed metal ceiling lights, £50 each, Habitat. For a similar chimney cooker hood, try AEG DKB5960HM, £350, John Lewis & Partners. KitchenAid Artisan Ice Blue mixer, £449, Harts of Stur. Brunel lean to shelves, from £299, Heal’s. Normann Copenhagen stools, £219 each, Nunido…

Display statement tableware on shelves. Splatter jug, £12.50, M&S Hang industrial lighting above a kitchen island. Vieste copper pendant light, £75, Housecosy Add texture with practical accessories. Wood chopping board, £40, Amara Go for traditional-style fixtures. Cooke & Lewis Apsley polished chrome-effect tap, £68, B&Q Contrast man-made elements with lush greenery. Artificial fern in pot, £30, Next Home Invest in an iconic design classic. Alessi Juicy Salif citrus squeezer, £49.95, Black by Design Source slim storage furniture. Rustic ladder shelves, £385, Vincent and Barn Embrace Eastern-style pieces. Line two-piece cast iron tea set, £17.99, Wayfair Gather the family together at mealtimes. Larsson beech wood kitchen stool in Grey, £129, Lagoon…

Walls painted in All White estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr; furniture painted in Sulking Room Pink estate eggshell, £27 for 750ml, both Farrow & Ball. Shower wall panels, £309.70, Wholesale Domestic. Shower frame, £279.20; try The Bath Co. Dalston back-to-wall freestanding bath, £459, both Victoria Plum. Heritage Ryde bath shower mixer, £214.61; Burlington Edwardian basin, £397.80; Heritage Dawlish basin taps, £179.95; shower fixture, £594.19; shower tray, £116.95; loo, £199.94; loo seat, £67.54, all Victorian Plumbing. Maison bath tray, £98, Anthropologie. Gold mirror, £205, William Wood Mirrors. Cupboard, £65; ladder shelf, £35, both Wayfair. Laminate flooring, £15.99sq m, Carpetright. Drawer knobs, £5 each; door hooks, £7 each, all Sass and Belle. Gold wire lantern (on shelf), £14; large Botanical floating frame fern print, £30; Botanical floating frame fern prints, £25 set…

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 lustred pewter. FINISHING TOUCHES Find bargain hardware to set off your tub at Sinks-Taps, from freestanding floor taps and wall- and deck-mounted fillers to wastes, plugs and fittings. ONLINE ADVICE If you’re worried about going over budget and fancy saving some money by doing it yourself, check out B&Q’s step-by-step videos. Learn how to install and seal a standard acrylic bath, and also how to fit a bath screen.…

Update your patio Create a contemporary chill-out zone without hiring a costly landscape gardener with help from Primeur’s rubber deck tiles. Swap dirty concrete slabs for easy to install clip-and-lock tiles made from recycled tyres, meaning they won’t rot, fade over time or stain. They have drainage holes to stop water from pooling and can even be installed over existing hard paving without the need for tools – so even DIY novices can prettify their patios before summer ends. Recycled rubber deck tiles, £28.99 for six, Primeur Decorate to support the NHS As a token of appreciation to our hard-working NHS workers, Lick has launched a bold new multi-surface paint shade, Blue 111, perfect for creating an uplifting feature wall. All profits from its sale go to NHS charities, plus…

HOT DOG PITTA TAKES 30 MINS SERVES 4 2 onions, sliced 1tbsp vegetable oil 8 hot dogs ¼ red cabbage, sliced 2 carrots, grated or spiralised 2tbsp salad cream 1tbsp cider vinegar 4tbsp light mayonnaise 4tsp American mustard 4 pitta breads, toasted Salad to serve, optional 1 Fry the onions in oil for 10 mins until lightly browned. 2 Grill the hot dogs for 10 mins, turning often, until evenly golden. 3 Combine the cabbage, carrots, salad cream and cider vinegar for the coleslaw. Mix together the mayonnaise and mustard. 4 Spoon the coleslaw into the pitta, top with the hotdogs and onions, and serve with the mustard mayonnaise and salad. PILCHARD FISH CAKES TAKES 30 MINS SERVES 4 450g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 400g can pilchards in…

Big props to @thenorthernhome_ for that perfect balance of classic and modern These plant babies are living their best lives over at @living_atnumberone’s place The epitome of modern-country style @raineysresidence Rich colours and bold patterns make @ourlayeredhome’s house so inviting Now that’s a desk we’d be happy to be stuck at @visitnumber7 Colour scheme love, @thehousethatgrew! Sage green and pink partner perfectly That’s it, we’re off to paint all our woodwork pink @theinterioreditor Love the pretty star stencils on this bench makeover by @little_savage_life @enchanted._.whispers is seeing out the summer in style with her outdoor bar…

Matalan EXOTIC GLAMOUR For an opulent look, combine jungle motifs with luxe velvets and gold accents Tesco Home COUNTRY WALK Team hand-drawn wildlife prints with delicate florals in grey and yellow JD Williams MODERN NATURE Create a serene scheme with fluid lines, soft shades and natural materials…

1. Blend a work space To blur the boundaries between a workstation and bedroom, go for trestle legs and a stylish chair. Scaffold shelving and wire organisers bring an industrial edge. 2. Add height with plants Greenery can introduce visual interest – pick a planter on legs for a shelving display to add even more height to a tall plant, while a pedestal pot is perfect to lift trailing varieties. 3. Make black the key accent Charcoal adds a fresh spin on trad country blues and green, so bedding with a wide, black stripe brings a relaxed refresh to the classic pinstripe. Go for matt black accessories to add definition. 4. Layer on rustic materials Soften black and white with natural tones and textures. A chunky jute rug and seagrass…

Paint the walls with a light or soft-white shade throughout to create a neutral backdrop for your furniture and accessories. Use large pieces of furniture to help to zone the different areas within the space. For example, an open-shelving unit or the back or side of a sofa can act as a neat room divider. Maintain a flow by keeping the same flooring throughout. Lighter colours will create the illusion of even more space. If you do want to introduce a different type of flooring, the best place to switch styles is between the kitchen and dining area. Add mood lighting, such as table and floor lamps, or hang low pendant lights over a dining table to create a cosy atmosphere.…

ABOUT ME I’m Kate Lovejoy, an interior designer. I live with my children, Nancy, 16 and James, 14. OUR HOME A four-bedroom detached house built in the 1970s in Maidenhead, Berkshire. We moved here in July 2004. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was dull, uninspiring and functional, but that was fine by me. At that point, it was never meant to be a forever house. AND NOW After two fairly radical extension projects, the house has matured with the family. It suits us down to the ground. STYLE TIP Don’t forget your ceilings: either paint them the same colour as the walls to create the illusion that the ceilings are higher. Or use a striking wallpaper on the ceiling to create a real statement.…

Kate hasn’t shied away from using bold patterns or rich, sumptuous shades on the walls – from deep earthy greens and browns to shimmering gold and vibrant teal. Accents of chic, blush pink, turquoise and coral balance out this dramatic colour scheme. Neutral, Scandi-style furniture also helps to lift the darker walls, while polished brass lights add another, gleaming contrast against the intense tones.…

1 Decide what height you’d like the panels to reach – halfway, three quarters or floor to ceiling. 2 Create panels by using MDF strips, which can be cut to size at a DIY store, with the depth no greater than your skirting board (either remove your skirting, or sit the MDF on top). Use these strips to create your chosen panel shape – you can also adjust the panels to go around features like windows. 3 Secure the boards to the wall with strong glue and panel pins. Ensure there are no pipes or electrics behind when pinning. 4 Finish the top panel edge with wooden beading, then paint the MDF and wall in the same colour to look like panelling.…

THIS MONTH’S Make it Jazz up papier-mâché boxes to create stylish storage. Paint the outside of the box in a bright shade and the inside with metallic paint, allowing it to dry between each coat. Draw around the base onto patterned paper and cut out. Glue in place.…

ABOUT ME I’m Philippa Beaumont, a marketing manager. I live here with my husband James, a videographer, in a four-bedroom Edwardian terraced house in York. We moved here in 2014. The work was part of a whole house renovation which took us 18 months. THE CHALLENGE The original kitchen was an old-fashioned scullery that had been untouched since the 1930s and looked out onto a side return. The layout was dark, narrow and poky. MY WISH LIST To create a light and spacious open-plan kitchen with a more user-friendly layout, plus space for a seating area overlooking the garden. A kitchen island was a must-have if space allowed.…

‘PLANNING ISSUES USUALLY RELATE TO BLOCKING A NEIGHBOUR’S LIGHT OR TOO-HIGH BOUNDARY WALLS’SIMON GRAHAM, YARD ARCHITECTS Side-return extensions are a tried-and-tested way of reworking little-used outdoor space to create a bigger, more light-filled kitchen. Even just a couple of metres can make a big difference to the layout. Do I need planning permission? Since permitted development (PD) allows a single-storey structure up to 4m high, with a width of up to half the original house, many side-return extensions won’t require planning permission. However, if the extension is within 2m of the boundary, the eaves height will need to be under 3m. Even if PD does apply, it’s sensible to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. Are there exceptions? If you live in a flat, conservation area, national park or area…

Before I moved from Nottingham to Plymouth, I’d already found a house in a lovely area but ended up in a long chain and had to pull out,’ says Leanne. ‘I knew I wanted a period property and this house is on the same street as the one I’d made an offer on, which was a happy coincidence. Starting work As soon as I moved in I ripped everything out and had the whole house rewired and replastered. This took six months and luckily I was able to stay with friends while this was going on. However, I do wish I hadn’t done everything at once, because I rushed too often into making decisions and I feel like I’m still patching up bits and pieces now. Rejigging the space I…

Laminate is practical and good value with a wealth of designs that look like wood, stone or tiled floors. Cheaper, flat-edged laminates give an impressively smooth finish. Groove-edged laminates cost more but look closer to the real thing, and may be textured to mimic stone or wood grain. Prices vary from £10sq m to £40sq m; a pricier laminate will be thicker. Check if it has a warranty. Look for high durability ratings for busy rooms such as halls and kitchens. For a bathroom, choose a product with a waterproof core. There’s plenty of DIY guidance online but paying for a professional installer will be money well spent.…

Pop on a ceiling hook in a corner. Artificial hanging fern plant, £24.99, Homescapes Upgrade cabinet handles with extra character. Gold bee drawer knob, £5, Albert & Moo Swap plastic for a refillable option. Amber glass bottle dispenser, £11, Kuishi A practical, but punchy, finish. Mardi Gras 599 Sagres vinyl, £15.99sq m, Carpetright Cast a glow at bath time. Large metal candle lantern, £19.99, H&M Home Match brass hardware with coordinating accessories. Gold bath rack, £39.99, Present Time at Wayfair Use to store and display favourite finds. Store Scandinavia White ladder bookcase, £70, Wilko Personalise bathroom storage with Dusky Blush Al Fresco paint, £14.95 for 500ml, Frenchic Liven up plain white walls. Love Leave No2 poster, £12.95 unframed, Desenio…

PIMP UP YOUR PARASOL BASE Part drinks table, part neat storage box, this is the perfect spot to perch your glass of prosecco, ice bucket and all-important snacks. Plus, you can stash your SPF and other sunbathing essentials in the box, keeping them out of sight. Oh, and it will also hide an ugly, blocky parasol base, too. Triple win. Julma square parasol base cover, £120, La Redoute Throw some shade If you’re determined to use your garden for as long as possible this summer before it gets really cold, a shade sail will help shelter you from both the late summer sun and the odd rain shower. Clara Shade Sails are available in a choice of three shapes – triangular, rectangular and square – as well as in three…

TRY MAKING AN OUTDOOR TABLE USING STACKED WOODEN PALLETS AND A PAINTED PLANK OF WOOD AS THE TABLE TOP Staying in is the new going out and what could be better than sharing your favourite movies with the ones you love, all while huddled under the stars? It’s the perfect way to make the most of warm late summer evenings and is sure to keep boredom at bay, whatever your age. Setting up the screen is a breeze, then have fun making it cosy with cushions, lighting and, of course, snacks! YOU WILL NEED Garden paint 6 wooden pegs White sheet Metal eyelets String Blankets, throws and cushions Lanterns Festoon lights Projector 1 PREPARE THE FENCE Give your fence a few coats of fresh garden paint in a light shade,…

Shake up your brekkie A fermented milk drink favoured for its health benefits, kefir is protein rich and brimming with gut-friendly bacteria. Biotiful Dairy has created a range of delicious tasting flavoured cultured kefir drinks, including sweet and refreshing honey and ginger. Enjoy them straight from the bottle, add to smoothies, or even use kefir to jazz up your breakfast bowl. There’s a range of tasty flavours, including morello cherry and forest fruits, all with no added sugar. IT’S A WRAP Tala reusable 100% beeswax wraps are now available at Sainsbury's. Costing from £6, they make a fantastic eco-friendly and reusable alternative to cling film and foil. The wraps are ideal for keeping cut fruit and vegetables fresh, wrapping up sarnies for a picnic, or even for storing cheese. And…