Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2020 i Your Home

After the dark, dreary days of winter, spring is finally here and with it comes a whole host of exciting new interior trends. On page 38 we’ve picked our favourite new looks from the high street for spring summer 2020. With so much to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find a look you love. With flexible working on the increase, many more of us are working from home, but trying to work at the kitchen table with family life going on around you isn’t always the easiest option. So on page 44, we’ve got some smart solutions to help you create a stylish home office where you can work uninterrupted. The kitchen has become the heart of our homes, but how do you make it work as a kitchen-diner where…

Your Letters, Your Home magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST or email Yourhome@immediate.co.uk. Letters may be edited. We apologise but photos cannot be returned. Courtesy of Sistema, this issue’s letter of the month will receive a healthy eating on-the-go bundle, including a Tritan active bottle, stainless steel bottle, salad to go box, soup mug and a snack capsule worth £45. Three runners-up will each receive a stainless steel bottle plus a snack capsule worth £25. Please note, colours will vary and prize winners must be UK based.…

Air pollution is not exclusive to the outdoors; the air inside your home could be just as polluted and in need of cleansing. That’s where Blueair’s purifiers come in, an effective gadget that removes up to 99 per cent of airborne particles including viruses, mould and smoke. Blueair offer a variety of models depending on the size of the room you wish to use it in. Our favourite is the Blue Pure 411, a small and compact purifier that also brings a pop of colour. Prices from £135, www.blueair.com/gb.…

Whether you’re a first-timer or you’re thinking about upgrading your existing car, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to getting a new motor. For many, long-term leasing is a more achievable goal while for others, buying a new car makes more financial sense. We’ve got the low-down on what the implications are for both and how to get the best deal. BENEFITS OF BUYING There are advantages to buying rather than leasing a new car ■ You’ll pay less in the long-term, especially if you have all the money upfront. ■ As you’re the owner, you can sell it or part exchange when you want to change for something different. ■ There’s no limit on the mileage you can do. ■ It means less…

‘We are living in time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable hue we can always rely on. Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A boundless colour evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.’ Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute…

Whether you’re assembling a new piece of furniture, sanding a vintage find or getting stuck into a more involved build, using the right power tools will make things easier and quicker, especially if you go cordless. Battery-powered options offer great flexibility, as there’s no need to worry about being close to a plug socket or finding the right extension lead. Our eight must-have cordless tools will see you through a variety of DIY projects, with no cables to hold you back. Just charge them up and get started! Multipurpose tool For detailed DIY jobs, a multi-tool like this one by Dremel is a great investment. A compact all-rounder with a powerful 7.2v motor and variable speed, it can carve, engrave, rout, cut, sand, grind, sharpen, polish and clean and is…

Midnight blue isn’t set to fade anytime soon, especially in the kitchen. Part of B&Q’s first new range in over 10 years is the Artemisia Matt Midnight Blue Shaker, from £1,298 for an eight-unit kitchen. The colour looks great in all size rooms and now more of us can hop on the trend thanks to B&Q’s affordable GoodHome range. The doors come in a matt finish and pair perfectly with marble worktops. For more information, visit diy. com, or book a free kitchen planning appointment.…

Where do you start with a complex project like this? Nicci Aplin, a qualified interior designer with a specialism and expertise in kitchen design at Nicci Aplin Interiors (nicciaplin.com), takes you through how to get it right. ‘For a cohesive look, think about it as a single space with two parts from the very start,’ she says. ‘This way, it’ll turn out as a single space with two parts, not two rooms that you then try to fuse together.’ STAGE ONE: Plan your space. Think about how you use your current room and list the pros and cons. Can’t see the kids while you’re preparing dinner? Trip over each other when you’re cooking with your partner? Love how you can get from the fridge to the cooker in two steps?…

Bespoke kitchen units (including sink, tap and worktops), £5,700, Stuart Cox Joinery. For similar, try solid oak 3m worktop, £125, Wickes. Lunar Fusion splashback tiles, £162.74 per sq m, Topps Tiles. Castle travertine cream satin stone-effect ceramic floor tiles, £17 per sq m, B&Q. For similar, try Smeg graded Alba stainless steel double bowl undermount sink, £109, Appliance Depot. For similar, try Ben sink pull out single lever monobloc tap by Belfry Kitchen, £103.99, Wayfair. For similar, try Neff five-ring gas hob, £382; Neff built-in single oven, £479, both John Lewis. Neff 90cm chimney hood, £570, Marks Electrical, is similar. Neff integrated fridge freezer, £609, AO, is similar. Try Urban vertical radiator in Anthracite, £159.95, Victorian Plumbing. Try Aveiro round dining table, £349; Thelma bar stool, £99, both MADE.com. Flamingo…

With spring comes a need to refresh the house with some home-made updates, and we have a selection of new makes to help you do just that! To get you started with your spring clean, we’ve got a geometric pegboard to give you a place for those all-important letters and notes. We’ve also got a useful recipe cushion to keep your go-to cookbook stain-free, a set of home-sewn mesh bags so you can wash your delicates and keep them intact, plus so much more! Turn the page for your first project...…

Q One of my New Year’s resolutions is to try and make more eco-friendly choices in my home. What are some of the best steps I can take? Rosie Smyth, Cambridge A Matthew Currington, technical director of The Lighting Superstore, has the  following suggestions… There are lots of ways you can make your home more ecofriendly. For example, look for furniture and accessories made from natural materials such as wood, wool and organic cotton. Also, shop with independent retailers and local craftspeople, as their carbon footprint  will be smaller and items may be handmade. If your budget allows, invest in a connected home with smart meters and lighting, which help reduce energy consumption. If you can’t go smart, be savvy about energy usage. Adjust timers to switch on when you’re…

WE ARE Linda Duffy, a blogger at Make Do and DIY, my husband Gavin, an analytical chemist, and children Emilia, seven years old, four-year-old Max and two-year-old Cora. OUR HOME is a four-bedroom semidetached house on the outskirts of Limerick. I LEARNT not to be afraid of colour, but to embrace and experiment with it. MY ADVICE IS to pick out what’s going into the room first, particularly large pieces of furniture, such as sofas, then work the rest of the space around that.…

WE ARE Sophie Kreyer-Peake and Joe Janney, both management consultants, and we have a cockapoo named Willow. OUR HOME is a purpose-built Victorian two-bedroom garden flat in South London. MY FAVOURITE FEATURES are the high ceilings and cornicing, which you would never get in a new-build property. I’M MOST PROUD OF the customised IKEA Billy bookcases either side of the sitting room fireplace. They look built-in, something we could never afford! THE ITEM I LOVE is the hall console table. I saved up for it, so it was a special purchase.…

A STATEMENT COLOUR, SUCH AS THE PINK USED IN BOTH THE UTILITY ROOM AND KITCHEN, IS A CLEVER WAY TO TIE TWO ROOMS TOGETHER. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX – BY PAINTING ONE ON THE WALL! A CONTRAST, SCALLOP-EDGE SQUARE MAKES A GREAT FOCAL POINT AND IS SIMPLE TO DO. CONTINUE THE WALL PAINT SHADE ACROSS THE DOORS FOR A UNIQUE LOOK, AS WITH BRONAGH’S PAINTED STRIPES IN HER GUEST ROOM. MAKE THE MOST OF A SMALL ROOM BY ADDING OPEN SHELVES. USE WOOD THAT CONTRASTS WITH THE REST OF THE BATHROOM SCHEME FOR EXTRA DETAIL AND COLOUR.…

3 ways with... rhubarb * For a simple dessert, cut 600g rhubarb into bitesize pieces. Add them to a large pan along with 50ml water, the juice and zest of 1 orange and 100g caster sugar. Bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes until the rhubarb is soft. Serve with ice cream. * Use the stewed rhubarb recipe above as the base for a fruity crumble. Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4. Make the topping by combining 100g plain flour and 75g butter with your fingers, then stir in 50g oats and 75g light brown sugar. Sprinkle the topping over the rhubarb in an ovenproof dish and bake for 30 minutes or until golden. * Add a touch of sweetness to savoury dishes with this…

Conscious construction With sustainability being a hot topic at the moment, and rightly so, Sell House Fast has conducted research into the eco-friendly building materials set to rise in popularity in 2020. It found that the majority of property professionals (74 per cent) believe that bamboo is the material on the rise for 2020, with straw bales trailing closely behind with 69 per cent. Clearly, the property industry is taking note and realising the importance of sustainable building practises. For more information, visit www.sellhousefast.uk. Dis-cover these Have you got an outdated radiator that causes a bit of an eyesore in your home? Walldex’s collection of radiator covers may be the solution to your problem. Available in a range of stylish metals, sizes and digitally-printed finishes, there’s an option for everybody.…

When Philip and Verity Brierley were ready to sell a newly refurbished three-bedroom house in Staining near Blackpool, they chose hybrid agent Yopa, and were delighted with the experience of selling their property online, as Philip explains. ‘Having used different estate agents over the past 15 years after moving home several times, I decided to get other valuations to see how they compared. I called David Rothwell from Yopa’s North West team as I knew him from around the local area and the first thing I noticed was the difference in fees. The majority of agents I had used previously charged around 1.5 per cent plus VAT. David’s quote of £889 including VAT had already given me a saving of over £2,000. From the initial meeting to valuing the property,…

CROCUS ‘ORANGE MONARCH’ A clump of this vibrant little crocus is hard to miss, and, being a little less common than its purple, yellow and white cousins, demand closer inspection when their orange blooms first appear. The outside of the petals is striped with purplish-black lines and inside amber stamens tempt insects to taste their pollen, which is invaluable for early foraging bees at this time of the year. Left to their own devices in grass, they will multiply freely over the years. Just allow the foliage to die down naturally before mowing the lawn. ILLICIUM SIMONSII A shrub of rare beauty which chooses February and March to produce its exquisite buttermilk, lightly fragranced blooms set against dark, shiny evergreen foliage. Over time it will grow into an upright pyramid-shaped…

If you’ve decided it’s time to update your kitchen or bathroom this year we’re here to help. We understand that they are often the projects that are most expensive and cause the most upheaval for your family, so we’ve filled this special magazine with lots of ideas and expert advice to help you smoothly through the process. If you want a whole new look, but don’t know exactly which style to go for, we’ve put together our pick of the latest kitchen and bathroom trends to showcase the best new designs to suit every taste and budget (p.4 and p.20). But if you don’t fancy replacing your kitchen cabinetry or bathroom suite, there are lots of easy ways you can still create a fresh new look. A new floor, for…

Functionality Think carefully about your household’s needs before you choose your new oven. For example, if you do very little cooking, it could be a waste of money to splash out on an expensive, all-singing, all-dancing model with more functions that you need. Cleaning If donning the Marigolds to clean the oven is one of your least favourite chores, consider a design which has catalytic or pyrolytic cleaning technology, which will make this task much quicker and easier. Location If you’re simply taking out an oven and replacing it with another, then make sure that the dimensions are the same so that it can simply slot in. On the other hand, if you’re buying a new oven as part of a complete kitchen refit, you may want to change the…

With so many paints on the market, it’s easy to get confused about what you should be using and where. Kitchens and bathrooms are the busiest rooms in the house, tackling grease, mould, moisture and steam on a daily basis, so it’s important to arm the walls with the best defences possible. These specific paints boast properties that can deal with these elements head-on so you don’t have to worry about redecorating each season. Check out these eye-catching colours, clever schemes and impressive paints to help you keep your kitchen and bathroom looking at their best for longer. ‘The way we decorate our kitchens and bathrooms has changed over the years to suit the needs of the modern home. Perfect for decorating your kitchen or bathroom, our Modern range has…

David Snazel, Buyer for Hard Flooring at Carpetright, offer this handy checklist on what to consider when choosing flooring: Kitchens usually see a lot of traffic, so always opt for a slip-resistant, durable flooring that is low maintenance, easy to clean and will stand the test of time. Laminate flooring is a durable, practical and affordable option for kitchens. The effects laminates can create, such as wood, slate and stone, are incredibly realistic. Many laminates are ideal for DIY installation. Carpetright laminate flooring is installed using a click system, meaning installation is easy and there is no need for adhesive. Bear in mind that not all laminates are suitable for use in a kitchen or bathroom as moisture can cause them to warp. Prioritising safety in the bathroom is essential,…

Often the smallest room in the house, our bathrooms have to work hard for all the family, so it’s no wonder that they can become chaotic and messy. This month, spend a little time considering the different solutions that can help your bathroom routine go from unruly to dreamy in no time, from free-standing solutions and wall-mounted cabinets, to colourful baskets and handy caddies. It’s also a great opportunity to have an overhaul of the items you store in this hard-working room. Throw out old, half-used products that you haven’t touched in months, and store your daily essentials together in an easy-reach solution. Move less frequently used items to a cabinet and store cleaning products neatly out of sight too. It’s amazing the potential you’ll unlock after a great sort…

WHAT WE CONSIDERED ● Does it smell pleasant? ● Does it work effectively? ● Is it as efficient as non-eco cleaners? BATHROOM CLEANER, £2.85, BIO-D Made from sustainable, plant-based ingredients, including detergents extracted from coconut oil, this bathroom cleaner is robust and reliable. It’s effective at tackling acute levels of limescale, although an above-average amount of product was needed to do so. Reasonably priced with a light citrus scent and none of the nasties or toxins that are found in regular, noneco bathroom cleaners. BATHROOM SURFACE CLEANER, £3, METHOD Made with non-toxic plant-based powergreen technology, this bathroom cleaner is versatile and effectively dissolves soap scum and hard water stains. You may have to leave the product for five minutes or so before wiping for complete effectiveness.…

Mini trend: Florals for spring We know it’s a cliché, but we like to think of this theme as a classic. After all, what better time can there be to bring the outdoors in than spring? This year’s florals are more refined than they’ve been in recent years, with delicate and ditsy patterns creating a restful, contemplative atmosphere. Make it personal Join stylist Jessica Bellef as she visits the eclectic, real-life homes of families across Australia with photographer Sue Stubbs. Jessica’s warm, informative writing style combined with Sue’s engaging portraits create an inspiring read that aims to build confidence when embracing personal style and breaking the rules of traditional interior decoration. The story of each home is followed by Jessica’s hints and tips for creating a personalised space, with relatable…

When Laura Ashman, 48, and her husband, Paul, bought their two-bedroom home in South London they were happy to trade a less-than-perfect layout for location. ‘Like many Victorian terraces, two small receptions had been knocked through, creating a long, narrow space, complete with stairs and almost immediate access to the street, save for a tiny porch,’ says Laura. She therefore planned to not only refresh the dated décor, but also help cosy things up and improve the proportion and flow by creating dedicated relaxing and dining areas – whilst still allowing for easy access to the kitchen beyond. STEP ONE As Laura had always wanted a wood-burner, it soon became her top priority once work began. ‘The old fire looked great but was extremely inefficient, and we needed a reliable…

SHOPPING LIST Walls painted in Basalt and French Grey in Absolute Matt Emulsion, £45 per 2.5l; woodwork painted in French Grey in Intelligent Eggshell, £31 per litre, all Little Greene. Brooklyn Pebble Herringbone oak flooring, £69.99 per sq m, Direct Wood Flooring. Sorrento six-arm ceiling pendant, £215, Laura Ashley. Made-to-measure bookcase, £596, Jali. French writing desk, £199; butler’s tray, £29, both Scumble Goosie. Raleigh side table, £81, Perch & Parrow. Curtains in Amore Ink fabric, £68.50 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Brookyn rug, £119.95, The Rug Seller. Ladder, £89, Nordic House. Wicker basket, £13.99, Fine Nordic. Castors (for log basket), £6.25 each, Ironmongery Direct. Strimsporre cushion cover, £3.50; Sånglärka cushion, £9; Vårkrage throw, £4, Härliga glass dome, £15, Pepparkorn vase, £12; Entusiasm patterned mugs, £8 for a set of four,…

SHOPPING LIST Oak Parquet Millrun OWNO/600 flooring, £69 per sq m, The Natural Wood Floor Company. Downton large chandelier, £895, Graham and Green. Walls painted in Shadow White and Pigeon; photo frames painted in Sudbury Yellow; coffee table painted in Hardwick White estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5L, all Farrow & Ball. Blind fabric in Kiku print, £89 per m; Manipur cushion fabric, £98 per m, both Designers Guild. Artichoke lamp, £221, Pooky. Circular mirror, £125 (for similar); wall hanging, £95 (for similar), both Mrs Robinson. Yuzu Cream 280 x 200cm rug by Louis De Poortere, £720; metallic vases, £30 each; Acorn Cup cushion, £45, all John Lewis & Partners.…

More of us are working at home than ever, be it full-time or as an after-hours side hustle, but where we live isn’t always the easiest place to tick off a to-do list. With all the distractions of home life to interrupt your work flow, it’s important to have an office that’s designed to help you get in the zone, with modular furniture, smart storage, functional lighting and inspiring hues for peak productivity. WALL TO WALL Make good use of wall space to keep the rest of the room clear so you can focus on the task at hand. Choose a variety of shelving styles with a mix of drawers and open boxes to create storage that’s unique to you. Combining different units that are all the same colour will…

Although lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can cost twice as much or more than nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries do, they’re worth it. They’re small and lightweight, run at top power for longer, are good for two to three times more charge cycles than NiCads, and they can sit for months without losing charge. You can make your Li-ion batteries last longer by charging them frequently – it’s best not to let them drop below around 20 per cent capacity – and at the right temperature (5-29°C is optimum). Charge them indoors or out of direct sunlight, and use your batteries frequently. The battery will degrade more rapidly if it’s not used at least every couple of months. If you have two batteries, be sure to use them both. If you plan on extending…

Hankering after a kitchen-diner, but not sure where to start – or even if you have room for one? You’d be surprised at what you can achieve in a relatively small space thanks to clever planning, plus the latest units, accessories and everything in between. Read on and be inspired to create the perfect multifunctional room for cooking and dining. Banquette seating helps divide the kitchen and dining area and creates a cosy nook. Paired with a narrow table, it can make great use of space Vinyl flooring can give you the look of tiles or wood without the cost and maintenance issues. Plus, it’s warm underfoot and easy to install. We also love the wooden room divider in this space that breaks up the zones but keeps a spacious…

It’s no secret that water is one of the most precious resources on Earth. Population growth, climate change and urbanisation have turned it into a valuable commodity that we need to protect. Not only will saving water in our bathrooms have a positive impact on water preservation, but it will also have a noticeable effect on our energy bills. In fact, 25 per cent of our domestic utility bills are associated with heating up the water that we use in our homes. With a few small changes and a bit of clever purchasing, however, you can make big changes to the amount of water you save and the energy you use. SHOWER POWER Here’s another stat for you – 22 per cent of water used in the bathroom is in…

ROPE BASKET Keep smaller bits and bobs organised in a painted rope basket SHOPPING LIST Cotton rope, 1cm x 5m Hot glue gun Clear glue sticks Large bowl Acrylic paints Paint brush Heatproof mat Cutting mat Scissors 1 Heat up the glue gun, then coil the end of the rope. Squeeze a few blobs of glue onto one side to secure the first coil, being careful not to touch the glue, and hold in place for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Continue to coil the rope around, gluing 10cm sections at a time and holding them in place while the glue sets. Carry on until you have a flat base which is the same diameter as the bowl. 2 Place the base coil onto the heatproof mat.…

Practise sewing on scrap oilcloth fabric to test the settings on your sewing machine before you start the main project. Pinning oilcloth will leave permanent holes in the fabric, so pin within the seam allowance or use clips to hold the pieces together. To help the fabric glide through the sewing machine and prevent it from slipping, use a Teflon or roller sewing machine foot, or put masking tape on a standard presser foot. Stabilise the fabric by sewing the pieces together with a layer of tissue paper, then tear it away once you’ve finished sewing.…

THE STITCH FESTIVAL From the 27th February to the 1st March, the Business Design Centre in London will be hosting the ultimate spring crafting show, The Stitch Festival. Hundreds of exhibitors will descend upon the capital to show off their latest and greatest products, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to workshops. There’ll be opportunities to try your hand at everything from Indian hand embroidery techniques to rag-rugging for beginners. Our friends at Mollie Makes will be curating a special exhibition, and The Stitch Stage will host talks and demonstrations from the stars of the sewing world. Your Home readers can take £2.50 off standard advance adult tickets and £1 off standard advance concession tickets by using the code YOURHOME20 before 23:59 on 26/02/2020. Book online and…

Illuminate your space with industrial-style pendants arranged in groups, as Linda has done in her home. Use decorative mirrors around your home to add texture, pattern and light to a room. Bring the outside in with some realistic faux alternatives to the real thing. Portable bar stools are perfect for casual dining, and to use as extra seating for guests when entertaining. Go for practical style with on-trend chairs that can be wiped clean.…

Bring the outdoors in and help improve the air quality with a few leafy house plants. Make your garden feel like a second living room with armchair-style outdoor seating. Opt for a deep neutral sofa that you can dress up with cushions and throws for extra cosiness. Add drama to a small bedroom with a striking slimline contemporary four-poster bed. Hide away less attractive toiletries in a wall-hung vanity drawer unit and display the prettier pieces on the wide edges of the sink.…

WE ARE Bronagh Fleming, a 44-year-old interior design blogger at Fox Hollow Style and digital media manager, and Ivan Daly, a 41-year-old landscape artist. We live here with our dog, a Cairn Terrier called Scruffy. OUR HOME IS a two-bedroom bungalow located near Shannon in Co. Clare, Ireland. I’M MOST PROUD OF having fun with colour, trying out DIY ideas and encouraging others to do the same. MY TOP TIP is to check your local free pages for furniture. You will be amazed at what people are getting rid of. On the flip side, offer items you no longer need, as there will always be someone in need of them. THE NEXT BIG THING we’re planning to do is the garden. We want to use the space much more, but…

Breakfast berry brioche PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME 5 MINUTES SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED 100g raspberries ✔ 100g blueberries ✔ 100g strawberries, roughly chopped ✔ ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ✔ 2 tbsp maple syrup ✔ 4 slices brioche ✔ 250g Alpro Simply Plain yoghurt DIRECTIONS ■ Put the fruit in a bowl and sprinkle over the cinnamon. Roughly crush with the back of a fork and drizzle over 1 tbsp of the maple syrup. Set aside for 10 minutes to let the juice run from the fruit. ■ Toast the brioche slices on both sides until golden. Fold the fruit through the Alpro Simply Plain yoghurt and spoon on top of the toasted brioche slices. Drizzle over the remaining maple syrup to serve. Recipe and image courtesy of…

A head for heights This is the ideal time to prune conifers and hedges, but if yours are tall you may be reluctant to climb a ladder to tend to them. However, Henchman’s tripod ladders have been specifically designed to make the job easier and safer. Strong and lightweight, they are available in four different sizes from 6ft-16ft and feature either one or three adjustable legs created for use on uneven or sloping terrain. This three-leg ‘milking stool’ principle makes it impossible to wobble and extremely difficult to topple, while the wide, clawed feet are designed to grab soft ground to prevent slipping or sinking. A 18cm-deep platform rung allows you to tuck your legs in and gain added support against your thighs, without hitting your shins on the rung…

A Abode Living 01273 621116 www.abodeliving.co.uk Adra 01286 831353 www.adrahome.com Aldi 0800 042 0800 www.aldi.co.uk AluSplash www.alusplash.com Amara 0800 587 7645 www.amara.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 www.annabeljames.co.uk AO.com 0344 324 9222 www.ao.com Appliance Depot 0116 298 8436 www.theappliancedepot.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410 www.artisanti.com Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 www.audenza.com B B&Q 0333 014 3357 www.diy.com Banner Carpets 00353 65 684 2111 www.bannercarpets.ie Barista & Co 01202 619 500 www.baristaandco.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200 www.bathroomtakeaway.com Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 88 99 www.bathroomstolove.uk BC Designs 01206 827100 www.bcdesigns.co.uk Beaumonde 01202 707770 www.beaumonde.co.uk Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Bio D 01482 770611 biodegradable.biz Black & Decker www.blackanddecker.co.uk Black by Design 01889 502716…

DEEPLY DARK Embrace dramatic kitchen interiors that are rich in colour and texture. Flexible palettes of navy and grey have been around for a while now, and this season a range of sumptuous shades, including forest green, charcoal black and deep purple, join the mix, alongside Pantone’s 2020 colour of the year, Classic Blue. Pair these rich colours with a few neutral elements, soft burnished metals, crisp white marbles and timber tones for a look that glows with luxurious warmth. TOP TIP 'Accentuate darker kitchen schemes with luxe metallic accents – gold, copper and bronze are all set to be popular choices when it comes to door handles, taps and even sinks.' Paul Jenkinson, LochAnna Kitchens MODERN MINIMALISM If you’re dreaming of a sleek, contemporary kitchen this year, then it…

Mark Bannister, Technical Expert at Crown Paints, gives us the low-down on the properties of specialist kitchen and bathroom paint and why it’s a must-buy for these demanding rooms. ‘Crown Paints’ unique Anti-bacterial+ formulation is designed specifically for kitchens. In a high-traffic area with surfaces frequently covered in cooking stains and greasy films, your walls can take a lot of abuse. However our range of hard-wearing paints will ensure your kitchen remains fresher for longer. Made with a formula that can kill 99% of household germs on paint surfaces, it keeps harmful bacteria and smells from lingering on the walls too. It is also extremely durable, meaning surfaces can be wiped down regularly while maintaining the colour and finish. Crown’s range of kitchen paints also comes with the Breatheasy formula…

Lisa Cherry, Bathshop Buyer & Partner at John Lewis & Partners, shares her top advice for ensuring your bathroom is a clear and organised space. ‘With the average UK bathroom size being approximately the size of a double bed, making the most of this space is essential. Investing in storage that works hard for you and your family’s needs will help make the bathroom look and feel organised and uncluttered. Ensure there’s a place for everything with well-organised drawers or cabinets; consider small caddies to help keep toiletries and cleaning products separate and accessible; and opt for shower baskets to keep your everyday toiletries within reach while in the bath or shower. Consider separate drawers or baskets for each family member so they have their own space to keep morning…

Tropical touch I love Your Home magazine as it’s always packed full of inspiration and decorating ideas. I decided that our en suite needed a bit of a lift so I chose a tropical theme. I love it. It always makes me smile on a cold, dark morning. Here’s what it looks like now... Lola Willcox, via email Your Home says This is such a fabulous update to your bathroom, Lola! The tropical print wallpaper is a brilliant find. We really love it. ★ Lola’s letter has won her a healthy eating on-the-go bundle from Sistema. Send us your projects and photos and you could be next month’s winner! D›esser of dreams I love reading through your magazine to get ideas. As I’ve recently moved house, I’ve now been able…

If you’re on the hunt for an eco alternative to toxin-filled laundry products, look no further than this trio of washing detergents. The set contains a ‘signature’ detergent, as well as specific formulas for silk, cashmere and wool Eco laundry set, £35.50, Clothes Doctor Specifically designed to allow easy placement of clothes, and with 15 metres of space, this airer will make drying your laundry a breeze Addis Easi airer, £29.99, Robert Dyas Microfibres, released from clothes during washing, are a major contributor to plastic pollution in our rivers and oceans. This fabric bag will filter out those tiny fibres before they can reach the water Guppyfriend wash bag, £25, National Trust Shop Butter up a loved one with this vibrant peg bag. It’s the prettiest way to store your…

FACT FILE Homeowners spend almost £21,000 over their lifetime replacing their most-used home items. Source Origin YH Fab find Too Good To Go is an app that allows stores and restaurants to offer leftover food to the public at reduced prices. Choose your location, see what’s on offer, pick a venue and purchase a Magic Bag! You’ll never know exactly what’s inside until you pick it up, but that’s part of the fun. Venues give a price and time slot for collection, and there are even ratings from other app users too. Savvy ways to… Recycle unwanted clothes ■ Simply hand in your bag of old clothes at the till at H&M and receive a £5 voucher towards your next purchase of £25 or more, in store or online. H&M…

In an uncertain world, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020 is a comfortingly familiar hue. Classic Blue is a step away from the bright, bold colours we’ve seen Pantone favour in previous years, such as 2019’s Living Coral and Ultra Violet in 2018. This unassuming blue feels as though it’s been around forever. It’s the kind of blue favoured by financial advisors and solicitors, used to convey a sense of stability and trustworthiness. The announcement of such a familiar colour as this year’s star shade is in line with the wider trend for sustainability that we’re seeing across the world of interior design. It encourages us to stop and reflect on what we already own and consider how the addition of Classic Blue can slowly evolve our style, rather…

SHOPPING LIST Walls painted in Ambleside and Aquamarine Pale, chimney breast painted in Aquamarine, all Absolute matt emulsion, £45 per 2.5l, and dining table legs painted in Scree Intelligent Eggshell, £31 per litre, all Little Greene. C-Four wood-burning stove, £1,002, Charnwood. Herron two-seater sofa in Marl Grey, £299, MADE.com. Retro sideboard, £200, and graphic weave kilim cushion, £11, both eBay. Ulriksberg rattan armchair, £90, Stockholm pouffe, £99, Gladom tray table, £15, Angrim chair, £55, Skarreso grey rug, £99, Nodebo green rug, £26, Ludde sheepskin, £29, Skold sheepskin, £50, Ottil cushion cover, £8.50, Windflakt plant pot with stand, £25, Tokabo green glass lamp, £8, Lisverk green vase, £4.50, and Ivrig blue glasses, £5 for a set of four, all IKEA. Luxe Velvet Roman blind, £155, Blinds 2Go. Molecule decorative window film,…

£35 from Habitat If storage space is limited, these hand-woven stackable baskets are an ideal solution and come in a two-tone palette of orange and grey for added warmth and colour. £49.50 from Oliver Bonas This jumbo seagrass basket ticks the boxes for both durability and style, with its rich teal hue, decorative stitching and sturdy rope handles. £48 from Rose & Grey Go for a twist on classic wicker with a basket duo in two useful sizes, woven with natural and white for a contrast zig-zag design.…

Orris lamp, £138, där lighting Take inspiration from Lucy’s statement lamp with this vintage-look ceramic base. To finish, add your own choice of shade. Cushion, £27, Sophie Allport Sit comfortably on this subtle repeat-print cushion, with a removable outer made in 100 per cent cotton and a luxurious duck feather-filled inner cushion. Old Bowl, £49.95, Emma Bridgewater This bowl with a glossy finish makes a great decorative piece, and is large enough for serving up salads in the summer too.…

1 Try a mood-lifting fragrance. ‘Scents can have a huge impact on our mood, so invest in a subtle diffuser. Lemon verbena in particular is known to aid concentration, while vanilla and cinnamon can help boost creativity.’ Tania Adir, founder and interior designer at www.uncommon.co.uk 2 Keep things light. ‘A bright office space will inspire productivity and help you to stay alert. Placing your desk in front of a window will give you lots of natural light and a view outdoors while working.’ Katie Myers, upcycling expert at www.sarruhome.co.uk 3 Create a personal display. ‘Open shelving on the wall is a cost-effective way to increase storage and is the perfect place to stamp your own personality on the space – use colourful boxes, photo frames, books or speakers.’ Joanne Cross,…

Sumptuous soaking For a hint of bathtime luxury without the hefty price tag, renowned brand BC Designs is offering an affordable collection. The Monreale is a standout piece, a single-skinned, fitted bath with an impressive 205 litre capacity. Produced from high-quality insulating materials, the bath offers a luxurious, hassle-free bathing experience as the water stays warmer for longer. It will also stand the test of time due to the material’s resistance to UV rays, meaning there will be no discolouration to disappoint you after a couple years of use. Priced at £530, visit www.bcdesigns.co.uk for more information. TRIAL AND TEST Try before you buy with Methven’s £1 shower handset trial. There’s no need to commit to a full installation before you’ve tried the product for yourself and are completely satisfied.…

‘Sophisticated dark palettes are on the up. Warm shades (think amber or rust) are also all the rage and go well with blues, greys and golds. Cheerful yellow is the accent colour of the year, while vivid cobalt blue is on-trend too. Stronger pastels and warmer whites will also be hot, as well as greens which combine well with natural materials like wood.’ Nina Bailey, UK Design Manager at Formica Group ‘While natural light is important (think skylights, picture windows and bi-fold doors), we spend a lot of time cooking and entertaining in the evenings. Using separate dimmers in the dining space will provide elegant mood lighting, while keeping the kitchen well-lit for cooking.’ Ben Burbidge, Managing Director at Kitchen Makers ‘In a compact kitchen, half-depth units or shelving above…

WHO LIVES HERE? Sarah Waterworth, 37, a supply chain specialist, lives in a three-bedroom 1960s semi in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, with husband Jon, 36, a cost and estimating coach, and their children Charley, 10, and Maisie, 7. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW SPACE? ‘Everything flows and we have a good working triangle. I can be on one side of the peninsular prepping while Jon can be on the other doing something else.’ WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? ‘I would’ve extended the worktop to create a proper breakfast bar. The light flooring also drives me nuts as it shows up the dirt!’ WHAT WAS THE OLD ROOM LIKE? ‘It was dark, with a distinct lack of storage and worktop space. There was also no gas feed for a hob…

When buying new bathroom products that are water-related, always look out for the Unified Water Label. This can be found on all responsible bathroom products across Europe and it provides valuable information on water and energy usage. It’s very simple to understand with its green to red scale; green is more efficient than red. The label will enable you to make new purchases that not only deliver environmental but also cost-saving benefits, without compromising on performance.…

Part pegboard, magnetic memo board and storage, this versatile, easy-to-make plywood design is the DIY solution to a messy desk. Paint it in your favourite colours and choose the size and shape of each section for a board that’s fully customised to fit your work needs. YOU WILL NEED 61 x 122cm plywood sheet, 12mm or 18mm thick 4mm wood drill piece 18mm paddle drill piece 90cm wooden dowel, 18mm thick 50 x 8cm timber, 1cm thick Magnetic primer (we used Rust-Oleum) Furniture paint in pink, mustard and grey 15 x 16 x 25cm wire basket Washi tape Painter’s tape Saw Sandpaper Paint brushes or rollers Strong thread Metal ruler 1 Using washi tape and the final image as a guide, tape off three triangle shapes – a large one…

If you're seeking something durable, easy-to-clean and attractive for your home, then both laminate and engineered wood flooring make the perfect choice. Available in a large variety of styles, there is something for all interiors, from contemporary kitchens to traditional living rooms. And for the home DIYer, the click-together fitting system makes it faster and easier to install than solid wood flooring, with no gluing or screwing. Still, there are certain factors to consider and rules you will need to follow to ensure your floor lasts and performs for years to come. YOU WILL NEED Essential Jigsaw or handsaw Hammer or mallet Tape measure Pencil Pull bar Combination square Spacing wedges Tapping block MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE To understand the total cost of a new floor, the first thing you…

Having outgrown their rental apartment, Linda and Gavin were more than ready to buy their own home – but weren’t so confident about how to decorate it. They started their search on the outskirts of Limerick, where Gavin grew up. ‘We had been renting for some time and were keen to get onto the property ladder. We wanted to be in an area that we knew and that had good schools, with easy access to the city centre,’ says Linda. In 2014, the couple found a house that was the perfect size and in the ideal location, but was also in need of updating, an exciting yet intimidating prospect for the first-time homeowners. ‘As we’d lived in rental accommodation for so long, we had never really done much decorating and…

Enjoy lush greenery all year round with botanic prints. Monstera Palm Leaf art print framed poster, £25, Cult Furniture Drape a soft, fluffy sheepskin rug over the sofa to bring extra colour and warmth to a living room. Luxury mustard Mongolian sheepskin, £102, Audenza Liven up your walls with old-fashioned light-up car signage for a retro look. Holden Garage mountable light-up tin sign, £53.68, Yellow Octopus Introduce both texture and pattern with an eye-catching geometric rug in modern monochrome. Ostara geometric patterned floor rug (120cm x 170cm), £99, Cult Furniture Add soft pastel shades to a bedroom with cushions to create a fresh, calm feel. Regency pink velvet cushions (45x45cm), £50 for a set of two, Habitat…

Asparagus with gnocchi in a sage and lemon butter PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 5 MINUTES SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 80g lightly salted butter ✔ 2 garlic cloves, sliced ✔ 1 small bunch of fresh sage ✔ juice and zest of 1 lemon ✔ salt and cracked black pepper ✔ 500g gnocchi ✔ 2 bundles of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3cm lengths ✔ 50g grated parmesan DIRECTIONS ■ Put a large pan of salted water on to boil, then heat a large frying pan and add the butter. When the butter begins to brown slightly, add the garlic and sage leaves and cook for a minute or until the sage begins to crisp at the edges. Add the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and…

‘The big advantage of selling at auction is that once the hammer goes down, the property is sold. There’s no danger from a property chain collapsing or a buyer backing out. To achieve the most interest, set your guide price carefully, taking advice from the auctioneer – you can always set a reserve price that you won’t sell below. Engage a solicitor from the outset as all the documentation will need to be prepared.’ Sally Smith, director and auctioneer at Loveitts, www.loveitts.co.uk…

Brew hope Barista & Co has reissued three of its most popular products in a striking teal colourway to help support coffee-growing communities across the world. They’ll be donating a percentage of each product sold to Project Waterfall, which brings clean water, sanitation and education to communities in Africa and Southeast Asia. Choose from One Brew, the first cafetière without a press, £21.99; Brew It Stick, which makes coffee in less than five minutes, and can also be used for brewing loose tea leaves, £11.99; and Core Coffee Press, a strong and sturdy plastic-free cafetière, £26.99 for the three cup, £36.99 for the eight cup. All available at baristaandco.com. CLEAR SEAS If you haven’t managed to pick up a reusable bottle yet, this one from Ion8 and Friends of the…

Whether you see yourself as a future Great British Bake Off contestant or just enjoy cooking for friends and family, a new oven will help to ensure that all of your culinary creations will be baked to perfection. There’s plenty of choice available, from top-of-the-range, technologically advanced designs to more affordable yet highly functional models. So, if your oven isn’t working as hard as you’d like it to, read on for some handy information on what to consider when buying one, as well as some of our favourite electric oven buys for every budget. Digital mini oven, Lakeland Price: £149.99 Energy rating: n/a Capacity: 22.5L Dimensions: H35cm x W50.5cm x D41cm If space is at a premium, this freestanding, mini oven could be a good solution. It’s also a handy…

'I’d recommend using an active gel that will cling to vertical surfaces such as oven walls and doors to cut through tough burnt-on food, grease and grime to leave your oven sparkling clean.' 'It is a good idea to wipe the oven door whenever necessary to prevent any spills baking on. Doing this at least once a week will help you keep on top of it and avoid greater elbow grease when it comes to giving the oven a deeper clean.'…

Gone are the days when flooring was just a practical surface in your home – now the latest designs, materials and colours mean that it can play an important part in your décor scheme. From stunning porcelain tiles to wood-effect, water-resistant laminate, there are plenty of options which make it easy to create a real statement in your kitchen or bathroom, without spending a fortune. So, take a look at these great ideas, along with some expert advice to help you make the best choice.…