Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2016 i Style At Home

I’m always really excited about the new year and, for me, 2016 is set to be the best yet. I’m planning a house move and looking forward to a fresh start. That’s the great thing about January – it’s a time for turning over a new leaf and trying something different. For our homes, whether moving house or staying put, the possibilities for change are endless, and to help you along, we’ve filled this issue with plenty to inspire. Flick to our nine-page mini makeover special (p51) and give our ideas a try. There’s something for every room in your home – it’ll get a refresh from top to bottom in no time! This month’s Style School (p63) is all about upholstery and is jam-packed with expert, how-to advice. I…

All loved up On Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one without busting the budget. Whether you’re planning to cook a meal, or make a handmade gift, we’ve got lots of ideas to sweep them off their feet. See our Valentine’s Pinterest board for crafty ideas and tasty treats at pinterest.com/styleathomemag TRY IT YOURSELF Calling all crafters! Annie Sloan has launched a brand-new Mini Project Pack that includes everything you’ll need to create a quick upcycling project, such as a chair or bedside table. The pack contains two small pots of Chalk Paint, two tins of wax, a pure bristle brush, as well as handy tips on how to create your own masterpiece. Costing just £29.95, the pack is available online and from Annie Sloan stockists. Visit anniesloan.com for more information.…

COVER STORY Create a chic dining area with linen chair covers. Try the French Country linen-covered chairs, £175 each from Notonthehighstreet.com, or simply revamp your existing ones with covers from Ikea, which cost £20 each. LOVE HEARTS Fill your home with hearts, to create a warm feel. The Rustic Heart chalkboard, £21, from Dibor, is perfect for a homely country look. GOLD RUSH Glam up your bedroom with gold cushions such as Next’s elegant shimmer cushions, £14 each, for a touch of luxe. NEW FLAME Add old-fashioned charm to your living room with a woodburner, and enjoy warm, cosy evenings. The Valor Brunswick multi-fuel cast-iron stove, £499, is a simple, compact model. TICK LIST Refined French Ticking fabric, from Vanessa Arbuthnott’s Bohemian collection, evokes a contemporary rustic feel and costs…

Don’t ditch your metal tea caddies or boxes; give them a new lease of life by using them as indoor planters. This simple project takes next to no time and would make a lovely housewarming gift idea. Why not make a mismatched set using several containers and display on your windowsill for a homely addition to your kitchen? HOW TO TAKES 30MINS COST £3.50 Old metal container Drill & small drill bit Soil Herbs or indoor plants of your choice Small trowel Wired butterflies, £3.50 for six, Hobbycraft Drain pan to fit beneath your container 1 Clean the outside of the container to remove any dirt. Use a drill and small bit to carefully make several holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the container with soil using a trowel…

DECORATE IN MONOCHROME Copy Katherine’s bold black-and-white scheme with an Audrey Hepburn cushion, £9.99, Dunelm. ADD STORAGE Keep knickknacks and books neat and tidy, just like Katherine has done in her living room, by displaying them on Lombok’s Baxter metal and wooden narrow shelves, £525. BE STYLISH Invest in a chic button-backed bed for a luxurious look. We recommend John Lewis’s Button bedstead from its House collection, £499 for a king-size. PERSONALISE IT Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous do a ‘Love Story’ personalised canvas that can be created to celebrate a special moment, like a birthday or wedding. GO TRADITIONAL For a vintage yet up-to-date look, Flora Furniture have a stunning cream grandmother clock that comes with a French shabby chic-style finish, £228.95.…

Get a luxury look for less by making your very own sunburst mirror using budget-friendly paper straws. Whether you go for metallic silver or gold, or try out a colourful design, this statement mirror is sure to add instant character to your room and won’t break the bank in the process. Try experimenting with the configuration of the straws for a different effect, or you can always mix and match more than one colour for added interest. HOW TO TAKES 3HRS COST £26.32 Silver metallic paper straws, £12.99 for 144, eBay Ruler & scissors 30cm round mirror plate, £4.95, Amazon Hot-glue gun 2 x packs of four large picture hanging strips, £4.19 each, 3M Direct 1 Start by cutting the paper straws to size. You will need 16 x full-length…

SPACE SAVER If you live in a one-bed flat but often have guests, go for a sofa bed. Ikea’s Friheten sofa, £375, is similar to Caroline’s. PRINTS CHARMING Update your bedroom in an instant with a stylish printed bedding set. Check out the wide range at Zara Home. MATCH IT Create a coordinating design in your kitchen by using an accent colour. The Premier Housewares kettle in blue, £29.99, Argos, will tie in with a teal scheme. BARGAIN HUNTING Look around boot sales and in charity shops for items you can upcycle, like Caroline’s hall table. RustOleum furniture paint will give it a new lease of life. FEATURE WALL Be inspired by Caroline’s focal-point wall. We love Crown Paint’s Genuine emulsion paint, £22.67 per 2.5ltr, B&Q.…

SMART STORAGE Look for a design that doubles up as handy storage. Tables with a lid and internal space are great for hiding away toys, throws or magazines. A folding tray table that can be stashed away when not in use is a clever idea. MEASURE UP Measure the area for your new table to make sure it will fit with existing furniture. If you’re looking for a coffee or side table, check the height against the sofa to make sure it will look right proportionally. STYLISH ADDITIONS Complete the look by accessorising your new table with coordinating pieces. Pop a pretty lamp on a side table or a vase of faux flowers on a coffee table to finish off your scheme and add a homely touch.…

Smart space If you're installing a brand-new kitchen, it's the perfect opportunity to create a scheme that totally fits your needs and lifestyle. Experiment with the layout and how you can make the most of the space. For example, consider placing the hob facing into the centre of an open-plan area so you can still socialise with guests while cooking, and think about clever cupboard solutions to maximise storage. Hands-on style Complete an industrial-inspired scheme with a statement accessory such as a distressed wall clock or some funky wall art. Have fun choosing the final touches, and make sure it all ties together. Bright idea Replace existing light fittings with something to suit your new look. Low-hanging pendants are ideal for illuminating a breakfast bar, or go for sleek spotlights.…

OFF THE WALL Curate your own art gallery by clustering frames together on a wall. If you don’t want to buy new prints, frame postcards or pieces of pretty giftwrap. Play with frame positions on the floor first. DRAB TO FAB If you want a big change on a small budget, try reupholstering your sofa. Make this the focal point of the room with statement cushions and a colourful throw, to give the illusion of a fuller makeover. BRIGHT IDEA New lighting solutions can change the mood and feel of a space in an instant. Pick up a new pendant or lamps to give you more control over lighting your room. Consider large carnival-style letters to light up a feature wall or to sit on the floor.…

Storage solutions Make sure your new bathroom is both pretty and practical by incorporating clever storage. Choose a smart basin with storage underneath or fit a tallboy unit into a slim gap to keep cleaning products and bottles out of sight. Make the most of wall space and hang wall-mounted shelves to stack towels for a colourful display. Deep soak Put your stamp on the space with finishing touches and accessories. Use towels, shower curtains and bath mats to work as a coordinating colour scheme so everything fits in with the overall look. Space savvy Start planning your new bathroom by deciding on the style you want and the configuration of the different elements. To keep costs down, keep plumbed features in a similar position to the original layout where…

In order to be able to work well, you need to have the correct tools, fabrics and know-how. Gather everything together before you begin and start with something simple. This way, you’ll learn as you work, and have fun without getting overwhelmed. Once you know what you want to upholster, assess what needs to be done. Old fabrics will need to be removed, and any problems fixed to create a sturdy frame – there’s no point going to all the trouble of recovering something if it continues to have a wobbly leg! Re-cover a seat pad A good first project is to re-cover a dining chair seat pad as this can be done in a few hours and doesn’t require lots of fabric. Start by taking the seat out of…

Q When it comes to choosing a pattern, how should I come to a decision? Pattern can be either bold and striking, or slightly more delicate, but both will add interest to a room scheme and help catch the eye. My designs are generally inspired by nature and the colours I use are very carefully mixed and researched so that they work well together, from the soft muted palette to more contemporary and bright, vivid tones. Q Can I use one or more pieces of fabric on the same item, and how brave should I be with colour? Yes, absolutely! Using different fabrics can look wonderful. Pair samples together to see what combinations work and don’t be afraid to mix patterns. I used both spots and stripes on this sofa…

LEAF CUSHION Embellish a plain cushion cover with scraps of fabric TAKES 1HR COST £7 Gurli cushion cover, £2, Ikea Meadow Craft fat quarters £5 for a pack of six, Hobbycraft Bondaweb scraps White embroidery thread Tailor’s chalk & paper 1 Lay the cushion cover flat and use tailor’s chalk to draw the branch design. Cut a leaf template from paper and iron a piece of Bondaweb (larger than the design) to the back of the patterned fat quarters. Draw round the template to make nine leaves and cut out. 2 Peel off the backing paper, lay leaves on cushion cover and iron in place. Stitch a stem between each leaf. TRUNK COFFEE TABLE Add some botanical charm to your room TAKES 3HRS COST £18 Sturdy travellers trunk 6 x…

Sometimes a small change really can make all the difference. As for your bedroom, where the bed is the dominant piece, why not get inventive and design yourself a brand new headboard to completely revitalise the style of your room. Here are a few ideas to get you started on ‘Project Headboard’ – some are as simple as hanging a few pictures over your bed, others will take a bit more time, but all of them will produce great results for an achievable bedroom revamp. Try tiles Make a headboard from decorative tiles or wooden fretwork panels. Look out for salvaged ceiling tiles or reproduction ones for a similar style. Mount the tiles on a large piece of MDF board. Once dry and in place, slot the tiled panel in…

Floor tiles Tiling grout/adhesive Trowel or spreader Tile spacers Tile cutter/trimmer Heavy-duty gloves Cleaning products and cloth 1 Start with your key floor tile, which needs to be laid in the centre of the room. The rest of the tiles are then laid outwards towards the wall from this tile to form a balanced design. 2 Pour out enough grout/ adhesive to cover a square metre of the floor and spread evenly using an etched trowel or spreader. The ribbed pattern ensures that the tiles stick to the floor. Place the key tile in position and twist it slightly in order to bed it into the grout/adhesive. Place plastic spacers around the tile to ensure they are all evenly separated and continue with the rest of the tiles outwards towards…

With the new year in full swing, it’s the perfect time to update your home. Take inspiration from springtime and use florals to create a stylish scheme. Freshen up The new Springtime Bloom homewares collection from Sainsbury’s has a real feel of luxury. Combine soothing light pinks and purples with fresh creams and lace textures for a truly romantic interior. Mix and match cushions in soft pastels and add botanical details for an on-trend delicate look ready for spring. So, what’s stopping you? Update your home with this fab new range. ESSENTIAL INFO How to get a fab-looking home for the New Year BE INSPIRED by Sainsbury’s great-value homewares and accessories in store and check out the other stunning ranges. TAKE A LOOK online at sainsburyshome.co.uk to discover the new…

For a relaxed kitchen design with heaps of personality, why not try the freestanding look. Unlike a fitted kitchen, this style is quite versatile and can include standalone cupboards and pieces, such as dressers, butchers blocks and shelving. Old and new furniture styles are often combined, and different colours and materials mixed and matched, creating a laid-back and informal feel. Buying a new kitchen is a big expense and can therefore be quite a daunting experience. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to keep the overall look and design simple and get creative with your styling. Lust-have looks Adding a classic freestanding unit, such as this gorgeous larder, will be a great addition to any kitchen. Designed with a utilitarian purpose in mind, it features shelves, box drawers,…

SALMON CURRY TAKES 20MINS SERVES 3 Sprinkle 350g cubed salmon fillets with 1/4tsp each of salt, turmeric and cayenne pepper. Mix1/4tsp each of salt, turmeric and cayenne pepper with 1tbsp mustard powder and 1tsp water to form a paste. Put 150g basmati rice in a pan with 400ml salted water. Cover, bring to the boil, simmer for 10 mins. Turn off the heat, leave for 5 mins until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Heat 2tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan, add 1tbsp black mustard seeds and 1/2tsp cumin seeds. When they start to pop stir in the paste and 2 whole green chillies. Add the fish, 200g green beans and 100ml water. Simmer gently for 5 mins until cooked through. Serve with rice and mini poppadoms. FISHCAKES…

RASPBERRY, PISTACHIO & WHITE CHOCOLATE TART TAKES 1HR 30MINS SERVES 12 FOR THE PASTRY 215g plain flour 30g icing sugar 120g unsalted butter, cubed 2 egg yolks 2tbsp cold water FOR THE FILLING 100g white chocolate, chopped 200ml double cream 300g mascarpone 2tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs 250g raspberries 1/2 pomegranate 100g pistachios, chopped 1 Preheat oven to 190°C/Gas 6. Put all the dry pastry ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse. Add the butter and pulse until it resembles breadcrumbs. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and water. Bring together with your hands and knead a couple of times until smooth. 2 Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to 3mm thick. Grease a 26cm fluted tart tin and line it with the pastry.…

CLING ON The Oxo Microfiber delicate duster traps and holds dust. When finished, the duster pops off and can be cleaned in the washing machine. £7, John Lewis TRIPLE TIME Slatted blinds gather a lot of dust, but this brush cleans three slats at a time, so it’s swift and quick. Natural blind brush, £9.99, Lakeland EASY CLEAN We love these large-size Microfibre cloths perfect for dusting, cleaning, and polishing without chemicals. £2.58 each, Lakeland…

1 Use a 1.5” wide brush loaded with paint to go round the top. Use a long sweep with the bristles up to the crease and have a wet cloth to hand for any paint that creeps onto the ceiling. 2 Continue round the sides and to the skirting board, plus any light switches or sockets – apply painter’s tape beforehand. The lines should be at least 5cm wide. 3 Load a roller with paint and fill in the space. Go over each area in several directions and use a pole for areas that are high up. Allow to dry before applying a second coat.…

A07743 A Farmer 675303 ’s Daughter , afarmersdaughter.co.uk Amara amara.com Annie Sloan 01865 713089, anniesloan.com Argos 0345 640 3030, argos.co.uk Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644, atlanticshopping.co.uk Ayers and Graces 01582 536760, ayersandgraces.com BBarker B&Q 0333 & Stonehouse 014 3357, diy 0330 .com 134 7041, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathrooms at Source Online 020 8870 0066, bathrooms atsourceonline.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200, bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Bhs bhs.co.uk Black By Design 01889 502716, black-by-design.co.uk Blue Suntree 0116 267 0267, bluesuntree.co.uk Bramble & Rose 07949 295605, brambleandrose.co.uk British Ceramic Tile 01626 834774, britishceramictile.com C321332 Cable and , cableandcotton Cotton 01273 .co.uk Cecilymae Handmade cecilymae.com Cloudberry Living 0330 123 3301, cloudberryliving.co.uk Contemporary Home (The) 0845 130 8229, tch.net Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Creative Tops 01536 207710, creative-tops.com Crown Paints crownpaint.co.uk Crucial Trading 01562 743747, crucial-trading.com Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960, cultfurniture.com Ddassie Dassie .co Artisan .uk 01290 211147, Dibor 0800 408 0660, dibor.co.uk Do South Shop 020 8771 0500, dosouthshop.com Dotcomgiftshop…

Jess Foster ABOUT ME I’m 29 and I live with my husband Stuart and our cat Morrissey in a three-bed 1930s house in Lincolnshire. WHAT’S YOUR BEST HOME STYLE TIP? Choose things you love. My husband and I think of our home as our sanctuary and we have an eclectic mix of items that make us smile. Rebekah Ashley ABOUT ME I’m 39 and I live with my husband Matt, and our children Connor, 14, and Reuben, 8, in a three-bed 1970s bungalow in Worcestershire. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM? The kitchen. We recently changed all the cupboards to a shabby chic style with fabric doors, a bit like a French country cottage. Clare Farrington ABOUT ME I’m 34 and I live with my husband Nick, 31, and our children…

STICKY SITUATION Try using 3M Command strips to affix wall-mounted signs if you live in a rental property or want to avoid damaging your walls. Make sure you check the maximum weight allowance before hanging. MATCHMAKER Choose a design that fits in with your existing style and decor. A distressed wooden sign is perfect for a country cottage look, whereas a funky light-up message will look the part in a chic, modern scheme. PERFECT PIECE If you’re after a more personal message, why not consider a custom-made option? Try Notonthehighstreet.com or Etsy for a wide range of signs that you can have personalised with a message of your choice. This is a great alternative if you’re shopping for a gift or a special piece to commemorate an occasion.…

TEST RUN Get hold of a sample of your chosen wallpaper. Cut a large piece of the design and test it out on the wall you want to decorate to make sure you’re happy with the colour and scale of the pattern. Look at it at different times of the day as the colour can vary depending on the light in the room. SMART CHOICES If you plan on creating a feature wall, make sure you think about the best surface to decorate. Steer clear of awkward elements such as windowsills or radiators if you’re not confident doing it yourself, or call in the experts. ON A ROLL Before buying your wallpaper, carefully calculate how many rolls you will need to cover the area. Don’t forget to take doors and…

Style at Home has teamed up with Sofaworks to offer you the chance to win a beautiful sofa worth up to £2,000. Get involved and you could be treating yourself and your living room to a stylish and comfy new couch. The winner will enjoy Sofaworks’ unique hassle-free Sofology shopping experience, where they will browse the collection at their leisure, with a team of Sofologists on hand to offer expert advice to ensure they find a sofa to suit their lifestyle. The winner will also get a limited edition Sofology Neal cuddly toy. Stylish selection There are hundreds of exclusive designs to choose from at Sofaworks. Whether it’s a leather corner sofa, a fabric love seat or a statement piece, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Each sofa is hand-made by…

The seven lucky women whose homes we've featured in this issue are all members of our Stylists at Home club, and you could be part of it, too. Love Style at Home magazine? Got lots of styling ideas to share with other readers? Dream of having your home featured? Want to help create fantastic features? If you answered yes, then we want to hear from you! So sign up now and help us to make Style at Home the best magazine ever. It's totally free to join and you'll receive our weekly newsletter, bonus offers and other special treats. All you need to do is email your interest to the below address and we'll get straight back to you. stylistsathome@timeinc.com…

With a vast range of styles, designs and colours available, it’s no wonder wall stickers are so popular. Not only are they a fun way to add style, they also lend personality to your scheme. Being quite affordable, and with interior trends moving so fast, it’s no biggie if you change your mind in a few seasons’ time – just update your current sticker for a different one, as they are so easy to apply and leave no marks when removed. 1 The writing’s on the wall Say it with words and add a heartfelt quote that’s personal to you. Lovely words and sayings are popular because they have a ‘make-yousmile’ style that we all love. For a range of quotes and messages, try Etsy.com and Notonthehighstreet.com 2 Light filter…

NEW LOOK Transform kitchen cupboards with new drawer pulls for an inexpensive mini makeover. Try a contemporary design such as a bar handle for a modern finish, or add character with colourful quirky handles. SHOW OFF Display your favourite pieces on open shelving and rotate items frequently to keep the look feeling fresh. Stack pretty crockery or line up fun containers that you don’t want to hide away in a cupboard. DIY STYLE Use self-adhesive wall tiles to refresh your kitchen splashback without the need for re-tiling or grouting. These clever designs simply stick over existing tiles, or any smooth surface, to give your room a whole new look in next to no time. Try Stick and Go for a wide range of designs.…

Deck the walls Give your bedroom a total refresh with a statement feature wall to frame your bed. Choose a wallpaper with a bold pattern for a stylish focal point, or why not play with paint techniques to add character. Muted tones like greens, lilacs or soft greys will create a relaxed vibe, whereas reds, oranges or yellows make a bolder statement. Deciding on decor Invest in new bedroom furniture to transform the look of your space. Whether you buy new or try upcycling something preloved, try to find pieces that fit in with your decor while offering a practical solution. Consider bespoke furniture if you have awkward spaces. Finishing touches Have fun choosing accessories for your new bedroom scheme. Pick out pretty vases and ornaments for bedside tables or…

CLEAN WINNER Hang a new shower curtain to instantly refresh your bathroom decor. Choose a bold colour or pattern to make it a focal point of the room, or consider applying a frosted film to your shower screen for a sophisticated finish (try The Window Film Company for a variety of decorative designs). BRIGHT WHITE Use a grout pen to brighten and revive discoloured grout lines on your bathroom tiles. Start by removing any unsightly mould or dirt then simply draw over the lines with the pen to leave a crisp white line. SPA SERENITY For an inexpensive idea that gives an instant uplift, replace your old worn-out towels with fluffy new ones and keep on display in the bathroom. Classic white is perfect for recreating a spa-inspired sanctuary, or…

CUTTING EDGE Invest in good scissors, treat them well and they’ll last for years. Dressmaking scissors, £23.99, Fiskars PIN IT DOWN Keep pins handy and safe in style. Vintage crafts red apple pin cushion, £3.95, Dotcomgiftshop HOLD IT TOGETHER A good stapler is a necessity – it will make jobs super easy. General duty staple gun, £18.99, Hobbycraft PACK IN Choose a storage box with a handle so you can carry it around. Sewing box, £12, Hobbycraft MEASURE UP Always have a tape measure to hand – you’ll constantly be using it! £1.80, Hobbycraft…

GET READY Lay the headboard flat on your floor, or pull the bed into the middle of the room and remove the mattress for easy access. SIZE IT Cut a piece of foam to cover the front of the headboard and secure in place with spray glue. LAYER UP Wrap two layers of wadding over the foam to soften the edges, then wrap calico to cover the headboard neatly. Pull taut and staple on the back. ADD YOUR FABRIC Lay your fabric on the front, making sure to centre any pattern. SECURE IN PLACE Anchor the fabric on the back using a staple gun. Make sure the fabric stays smooth and taut. Take care to be extra neat in the corners for a high-end finish.…

Never miss a Style School! Our last guide was on painting – if you missed it, download it free from cushienumber.co.uk. Next month, all you need to know about using colour!…

Have you found something that would make the perfect paint shade for your home? With Valspar you can have just that. Simply take your inspiration, whether it's a favourite jumper, a mug or even a memorable photograph, to the Valspar colour mixing desk at your local B&Q store to have it scanned, matched and mixed into your very own unique paint colour in minutes. Valspar can match to 2.2 million colours, but fear not, if you haven't found that perfect colour, there are 2,000 preselected shades to choose from. Valspar Premium Paint & Primer in One is touch dry in an hour making transforming your home quick and easy. Choose from a range of finishes such as matt, mid-sheen and silk for your walls and ceilings, and complete the look…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Caryn Coyle, 49, and I live with my husband Simon, 49, and our 16-year-old twins, Erin and Daniel, in a 1915 four-bedroom terraced house, in northwest London. MY CHALLENGE The twins’ bathroom, also our guest bathroom, didn’t have a shower, which was a necessity for teenage children. We had a large cast-iron bath that was an effort to fill, the taps were leaking and the coloured panels and dado rails felt outdated. MY WISH LIST A good-size shower and as much storage as possible, plus contemporary styling to complement the look of our home. The objective of this project was to create a shower, as we’d fitted the old bathroom, which had just a bath, when we moved into our house, before our twins Erin…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Sheona Harley, 37, a childminder. I live with my husband Ron, 41, a painter and decorator, and our children Frankie, 9, Evie, 7, and Ronnie, 4. We moved into our 1930s three-bedroom house in Ewell five years ago and completely transformed it – we put in new heating, replaced the electrics and gutted each room. MY CHALLENGE The dining room was the last room we decorated, and it hadn’t been updated since the 1930s, so was in a pretty bad way. The grim carpet and patterned walls made our eyes hurt! MY WISH LIST I wanted to it to be a sociable family space, and to make a striking feature on the walls using my favourite shades of white and grey, with a slightly industrial…

MY ROOM... ABOUT ME I’m Jackie Winward, 56, a teaching assistant, and I live with my younger son, Ben, 18, and two cats, Rocky and Nellie, in a three-bedroom 1930s terraced house in Isleworth, Middlesex. We moved here in March 2014. MY CHALLENGE I had to find a way to significantly change the look of my kitchen on a tight budget. It had black units and black wall tiles, which were very urban, dark and moody, but I wanted something softer and lighter with a more modern country feel. MY WISH LIST I’d have cream-painted units with a light blue tiled splashback and plenty of rustic touches in wood. Plus attractive accessories in matching colours made of metal, glass and ceramics. Downsizing and finding a house that wasn’t too far…

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN CURRY TAKES 35MINS SERVES 4 2tbsp rapeseed oil 3tbsp Thai green curry paste 800g skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2tsp smoked sliced chillies 3tbsp Thai fish sauce 1tbsp sugar 2tsp lemongrass paste 2.5cm fresh ginger, peeled, grated 300ml chicken stock 400ml tin coconut milk 2 sweet potatoes, cut into chunks 1 bunch basil 1 bunch coriander 1 Heat the rapeseed oil in a large pan, add the Thai green curry paste and the chicken thighs. Stir, and then cook for a few mins, turning the chicken pieces over to seal the edges. Add the onion to the pan and cook for a few mins, to soften. Next stir in the garlic, chillies, Thai fish sauce, sugar, lemongrass paste and grated…

#askSAH Q Have you got any tips on how I can make my bedroom look and feel cosier in winter, without breaking the bank or making any major changes? LISA SHORE, LEICESTER The simple answer is, plenty of texture! Pile on those pillows, add some chunky-knit throws and inject some shades of warm colour with soft furnishings. Choose a woodland theme with faux-fur throws to bring a cosy feeling to your space, and don’t forget your electric blanket either – I absolutely can’t go without one in winter! Got a burning styling question? Tweet it to our editor Lizzie @styleathomemag – she’s on hand with all the answers! This month… Like us on Facebook and share all your style tips, makeovers and crafty projects. Here’s one of our latest posts…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Michele Elliott, 48, and I own a gift shop, The House of Elliott, thehouseofelliott.net. I live with my husband Jon, 52, and our daughter, Mia, 11. MY HOME A 17th-century three-bedroom semi-detached cottage in Hertfordshire. Originally two cottages, it was converted into one property in the mid-19th century. We bought it in October 2001. WHEN I BOUGHT IT Although the house was in a good state of repair, the rooms weren’t decorated to our taste and busy wallpaper made it feel dark and dated. The kitchen and bathroom had also seen better days. AND NOW Every room has been redecorated and given a relaxed country look with natural textures to complement the original beams and highlight the cottage’s rustic nature. STYLE TIP Don’t fall into…

There’s nothing quite like period features to create that cosy, welcoming feeling we all crave for our homes. With all their quirks and imperfections, they can offer us a glimpse back to the past, helping us feel connected to the space, and providing a characterful backdrop for more modern furnishings and fittings. However, if yours have ended up being hidden or removed along the way, or you’re in a newer property where they weren’t there to begin with, it can be hard to know how to introduce or authentically recreate them. We’ve shared our tips for uncovering, restoring or adding these precious pieces, plus we’ve found some great places to source brilliant new lookalikes so you can get the style for any budget, whatever your property type. A tale to…

MY HOME...  ABOUT ME I’m Katherine Redshaw, 47, and I own three beauty salons called The White Room, and two Lash & Brow bars. I live here on my own. MY HOME A four-bedroom semidetached new-build in Mansfield. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The house was six years old and was formerly the showhome of the estate. It had been styled in a very luxurious way, but had become tired looking. AND NOW I updated it by decorating everywhere with a pale grey emulsion and added touches on personality in terms of furniture and accessories. STYLE TIP Experiment with different wallpapers and furnishings, while keeping the colour scheme neutral. Wanting a fresh start after my divorce, I was looking to buy a home of my own. I needed to downsize, but…

The best-looking interiors are often the ones where the most heart shines through. Ones in which the owner’s personality and style create something different, resulting in one-off pieces or unusual styles. We show you how to create a showstopping scheme that no one is going to forget in a hurry. 1 Double up Be bold and combine two different wallpapers. Choose a daring pattern such as a floral or motif for the focal area, and then continue the rest of the room in a contrasting design with coordinating colour. 2 Create together Paint a chalkboard wall and get everyone to draw, make notes or doodle on it. It’s a fun way to show off your family’s personalities– and you just wipe off the doodles when you get bored of them.…

MY HOME... ABOUT ME I’m Caroline Clarke, 33, a marketing assistant for a group of gastro-pubs in Surrey. MY HOME I live in a one-bedroom Victorian flat in Guildford. It was originally the site of St Luke’s Hospital, but was transformed into a residential area just under 20 years ago. I bought the flat in July 2013. WHEN I BOUGHT IT Although it had been kept in a reasonable state, the flat was a typical bachelor pad and the decor wasn’t to my taste, but I fell in love with its high ceilings and beautiful period details. AND NOW I’ve transformed it into a light, modern space with bags of personality. It really feels like home. STYLE TIP Find a key item for your room and let your design evolve…

Finding a table that’s both pretty and practical can be a challenge, particularly if space is limited. A small coffee table is a good choice for a living room that lacks floor space, or go for a nifty side table if you’re looking to fill an awkward gap. Alternatively, consider opting for a grouped nest of tables that can be stacked away neatly if they’re only going to be used occasionally. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best designs, starting from only £55.…

Fed up of having to prop open your recipe book amid the chaos of cooking? We’ve come up with a simple DIY project to make your very own book stand in less than two hours! Not only is this make ideal for recipe books, but it can also be used to hold a tablet, depending on how you prefer to cook. HOW TO TAKES 1.5HRS COST £9.38 12mm piece of A4-sized MDF, £2.69, eBay 34 x 9mm wood batten, £3.19, local DIY store Wood glue Panel pins & hammer Right-angled wooden triangle (6cm base x 18cm straight edge) Decoart acrylic paint in dark turquoise, £1.50, Hobbycraft 2cm-tall wooden letters, 20p each, eBay UHU glue & paintbrush 1 Cut two pieces of wood batten to the length of your backboard piece,…

Homely touches Pull together your new living room look with furniture, lamps and art. Check out second-hand furniture shops (the British Heart Foundation has more than 170 furniture stores throughout the UK) to bag yourself a bargain, or have a go at upcycling your existing pieces with a lick of paint to keep costs down. Pillow talk Cosy up your sofa with an array of cushions to make the space feel warm and welcoming. Choose accent colours from the rest of your styling and use cushions as fun accessories to inject personality. Paint job Changing your colour palette is a simple and cost-effective way to spruce up your living room in a weekend. Start by creating a moodboard or scrapbook with your initial ideas and then test out various colour…

PRINTS CHARMING Change your bedding for an instant update. Introduce new patterns and colours to give your room a fresh feel and style your bed with throws and cushions for added luxury. Even better – you can change the look as often as you like! SOFT LANDING Choose a statement rug to hide dingy flooring. To keep costs down, avoid a large rug that’ll mostly be hidden under the bed and try two smaller rugs to sit on either side, or to run alongside the foot of the bed. CURTAIN CALL Spruce up your window with a smart new pair of curtains or pretty fabric blind. Go for ready-made designs for a low-cost fix, or look into having a bespoke option if you have a tricky shaped window.…

Taking an old, unloved, perhaps even ugly item of furniture and transforming it into something beautiful is a wonderful thing to do. It breathes new life into a neglected piece and the entire process of reupholstering is very satisfying. It doesn’t have to be difficult nor take weeks, just as long as you finish with something to your taste. Fabrics are available in every colour and pattern imaginable and second-hand furniture can be found at bargain prices, so giving it a try is easy and affordable. Plus, our guide will help you every step along the way, so join the upcycling revolution – you’ll never look back. You will learn About the tools you'll need How to start your project Foam, calico, wadding – we show you what's underneath Fabrics…

DON’T WASTE IT Use the old adage ‘measure twice and cut once’. You’ll have less chance of wasting fabric, as by double-checking the measurement, you’ll have a more accurate figure. MARK IT UP Once you know how much fabric you’ll need, roll it out so that it’s completely flat with the right side facing down. Mark measurements with some chalk and a straight ruler on the reverse of the fabric or draw round templates. Carefully cut the marks using sharp, long-bladed dressmaking scissors. CUT IN MULTIPLES If you need to cut lots of pieces, measure each one, allowing enough to wrap round to the back or the underside as appropriate, as well as for any pattern matching. Draw them to scale on paper to work out a cutting plan to…

When first starting upholstery, choose a well-made piece that feels sturdy and which isn’t too overwhelming – a footstool, linen basket or dining chair is perfect. Antique button-back sofas look wonderful once completed but require traditional techniques and much more time and skill, so they’re best left until you’re more confident. Where to source The internet, auctions, boot sales, junk and charity shops are all places where you can look for the perfect piece. If you like something, buy it because it could be gone if you procrastinate, but if you’re after something specific, keep looking until you find it. Take time to check the item before you pay to ensure it’s in good condition, or if there are any problems that you can fix it. Mid-Century furniture is well…

This month weÕve been inspired by the handy pegboard from John Lewis and decided to have a go at making our own from MDF. Whether youÕre looking for somewhere to stash craft supplies or even hang jewellery, this DIY pegboard makes a stylish storage solution for any room. TAKES 4HRS COST £17.19 56 x 40 x 1.2cm MDF piece, £11.24, B&Q 16 x 9cm & 24 x 9cm pieces of MDF for shelves* Drill & 15mm drill bit Long ruler & pencil Junior Hacksaw 15cm diameter wooden dowel, £3.95, B&Q Paintbrush & masking tape Paint tester pots, £1 each, Wilko Picture hooks 1 Have the pieces of MDF cut at a DIY store (we used B&Q). On the large piece, mark a grid of six holes across and four vertically.…

The bathroom can be the first place that needs sprucing up due to wear and tear or changing tastes. One of the easiest, quickest and budget-friendliest ways to do this is to lay new flooring. You can make a real statement by choosing eye-catching tiles. They’re hard-wearing, easy to clean and long-lasting, and also come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and styles, making it easy to be creative with your choices. If you have quite a neutral interior scheme, then consider adding a feature to your floor in the form of mosaic tiles. Offered in various shades, they are available in sheets and can be used to introduce colour, pattern or even pick out particular areas you want to highlight, such as the sink or a freestanding bathtub. Why…

GO DOTTY Make the perfect brew. Kitchen Originals pastel spot traditional kettle, £34.99, Argos RIDE ON TIME Add retro railway-station style. Bayswater wall clock, diameter 40cm, £39, Made HANG TOUGH Catch spills and splashes. Les Sablons blue metro tiles, £32.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors TOO HOT TO HANDLE Mix teal tones with florals. Bertha oven glove in duck egg, £15, Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous GROW YOUR OWN Keep herbs on your windowsill. Decorative lined paper pot, £8, The Orchard ON DISPLAY Show off pretty crockery. Wooden shelf, £100, Sweetpea & Willow OVEN TO TABLE Serve up in a smart casserole dish. Kastrull beige enamelled steel pot with lid, £16, Ikea TAKE A SEAT Add extra comfort to chairs. Dotty grey seat pad, £15, John Lewis PITCHER PERFECT Fill…

PERSIAN-STYLE COUSCOUS & VEGETABLE CASSEROLE TAKES 1HR 15MIN SERVES 6 200g giant couscous 75g dried cranberries 500g celeriac, chopped into 2cm chunks 2tbsp oil 2 carrots, chopped 2 red onions, roughly chopped 2 sticks celery, sliced 2tbsp coriander seeds, crushed 2tsp cumin seeds, crushed 1/2tsp chilli flakes 100g dried apricots, quartered Pinch of saffron (soaked in 750ml boiling water) 1 vegetable stock cube 200g baby aubergines, halved 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2.5cm chunks Juice 1 lemon Small bunch fresh mint 30g toasted flaked almonds 1 Mix the couscous with the dried cranberries. Cover with 750ml boiling water, stir, cover and leave for 20 mins. Drain. 2 In a large pan, fry the celeriac in half the oil for 5 mins, until golden in colour. Transfer to…

CHICKEN PIE TAKES 1HR 20MINS SERVES 6 Preheat oven to 200°C/ Gas 6. Chop 6 rashers bacon and fry until crispy. Put in a bowl. Add 20g butter to the pan and fry 150g sliced mushrooms until browned. Add to the bacon. Melt 40g butter in the pan, stir in 2tbsp flour and mix. Pour in 300ml hot chicken stock to make a sauce. Stir in 4tbsp crème fraiche, 3tbsp torn parsley and season. Mix in the bacon, mushrooms and 500g sliced, cooked chicken. Pour into a pie dish. Unroll 375g pack ready-rolled shortcrust pastry. Brush edge of the dish with water. Top with pastry. Trim excess, brush with beaten egg and bake for 40 mins. CHOCOLATE BREAD AND BUTTER PUD TAKES 40MINS SERVES 6 35g butter, softened 8 slices…

How to organise your wardrobe Make choosing your outfit easy by curbing cupboard chaos WASH BEFORE YOU STORE Sort through clothes and make a pile of items that can be packed away until next season, then wash them so you’re storing clean garments. Fold and put in storage boxes – pop a lavender bag or cedarwood ball in to deter moths. USE LESS SPACE Bulky items such as duvets, coats and wool jumpers take up less space in a vacuum bag. Put them in, then use a hoover to remove the air. The contents are reduced in size so require less space, plus they’re protected from dust and damp. ADD STORAGE If you have shoes in a pile, drawers stuffed with scarves, or a gap below shirts, then you’re not…

ERRANDS TO-DO LIST Free Create folders to organise different areas of your life, such as work, home, errands and even birthdays. Set regular reminders for recurring jobs or one-off alerts, such as buying a card. PACKPOINT PACKING LIST TRAVEL COMPANION Free Enter the destination, time of year, length of stay and whether it’s for business/leisure, plus any activies. A list will appear with everything you need. SHOPSHOP – SHOPPING LIST Free Write your shopping list on your phone, and then tap the item to cross it out as you go round the supermarket. Remember to turn off Auto-Lock so you’re not constantly unlocking your phone.…

Looking to renovate your home or transform an outside space? My Design School at KLC offers a fun and innovative way to learn all the skills you need! Focusing on your own home or garden project, course tutors and guest experts will guide you through the creative process, giving you the know-how, confidence and inspiration to expand your ideas and develop your own design style. Presented entirely online, you can participate any time of the day or night, at home or on the move! Plus, the interactive online community allows you to chat with like-minded people, share sources and discuss trends. TO BOOK Visit klc.co.uk/mds  and quote SHI0116 for Design Your Own Home and SHG0116 for Successful Gardens or call 020 7376 3377 THE COURSES MY DESIGN SCHOOL:…