Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i Your Home

The news might not be cheerful at the moment, but that doesn’t mean your home can’t be – spring is nearly here so it’s time to refresh and renew! Flip to page 20 for the season’s most uplifting colour trend and then page 38 to learn how to bring vibrant pieces into any scheme. I know that many of you have children in the house to keep busy at the moment – if they love baking then we’ve a round-up of stand mixers (p46) that will take most of the mess out of fairy cakes, and you’ll find some fab kits to help them unleash their creativity (plus burn off some energy!) in Craft Stash Must-Haves (p72). If you’ve not been into the office for almost a year now, then…

CUT-OUT COUTURE Lockdown brought out the paint and brushes in my home, and I thought I would be adventurous and try stencilling. The front door area was my first effort followed by our tiny hall... not too bad for a pensioner with two knee replacements. Linda Allred, by email Your Home says What a transformation, Linda! Your intricate stencilling looks incredible – an entranceway that’ll be the envy of all your neighbours. ★ Linda’s letter has won her a bottle of Mermaid Gin worth £40!…

SAVE MONEY WHEN working from home Claim tax relief for expenses If you’re required to work from home, and your employer isn’t covering your expenses, you may be entitled to claim tax relief on £6 a week. Apply online through HMRC’s dedicated microservice, and 2020/21 tax year’s relief will be applied via your tax code if you’re eligible. Review your bills Use comparison websites to make sure your current energy and internet tariffs provide the best value, particularly if you haven’t reviewed them since before you started working from home. Switching your internet provider alone could save you up to £69 a year, says thinkmoney. Don’t leave tech on standby According to Energy Saving Trust, it’s estimated that the average UK household spends £30 per year leaving devices on standby,…

‘I like the quirkiness of upside-down living’ ‘The amazing brick feature wall was what sold this house to us,’ recalls Emma Rogers, a part-time teacher and macramé artist, @macrame.emma on Instagram, who is based in Bristol. ‘The large windows cast a lovely light on the bricks and although we’d seen numerous places, this room was a game changer.’ But Emma and her husband, Mark, a glazier, spent all their money buying the place, so renovations had to wait. ‘We sat on a lilo for six months before we could afford sofas and our table was a piece of MDF on an old tyre,’ laughs Emma, ‘but as the children, Annabelle, now nine, and Alana, six, came along, we began to think about improving the room.’ The couple knew it would…

SHOPPING LIST Classic radiator in Volcanic finish, £1,100, Bisque. Natalia chair in Dusky Blue, £299, Dunelm. Pink armchair, West Elm return, £350; Swoon Herning sideboard return, £400, both eBay. Marble coffee table, £540, Maisons du Monde. Carrara marble side table, £185, Onske. Distressed medallion pouffe, £90, John Lewis & Partners. Art Deco brass swan door handles, £40; Eiffel Tower lamp and shade, £149, both Rockett St George. Dexter Sputnik pendant lights, £199 each, Marks & Spencer. Sphere and Stem floor lamp, £299; grey velvet cushion, £65; pink round velvet cushion, £30, all West Elm. Walls painted in Pink Ground estate emulsion, £49.50 per 2.5L; woodwork in Downpipe estate eggshell, £64 per 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Vintage Berber cushion, £68, Yonder Living. Mirror, £300; leopard print cushion, £70, both Susan…

When your commute is a short walk down the hallway in your own abode, maintaining a work-life balance starts with a home office that’s not only distinct from where you relax, but is filled with colour and personality to keep you motivated, too. So, whether you have a dedicated room or a multi-use space, create a practical office scheme that isn’t all work and no play with these useful must-haves and fun flourishes. Colour tip ‘Deep shades of violet stimulate the imagination and soothe the mind, while intense blues and greens create a sense of balance and serenity to help you concentrate on the task at hand. Along with abundant riches and success, gold tones represent wisdom and positivity.’ Experts at Dulux Find money-saving WFH tips on p12 and advice…

New neutrals As more of us look to create a space that encourages mindfulness and relaxation at home, neutrals are making quite the comeback. Whether you prefer cosy beiges or sleek, sophisticated greys, Magnet has introduced a brand-new selection of neutral kitchen colourways. Pebble, a warm matt beige, exudes farmhouse charm and pairs beautifully with rattan accessories for a country chic look. If it’s a more industrial, minimalist design you’re after, Dove Grey is a muted pale grey that looks stunning with metallic hardware and mosaic tiles. Magnet kitchens start from £2,068, visit magnet.co.uk to view the full range. FANCY FEET Inject some fun-loving flair into your bathroom with these quirky motif bath mats. Ideal for the luxe décor lovers, the gold and white designs will look particularly special in…

SHOPPING LIST ✔ Angled sanding block ✔ Assorted sandpaper sheets ✔ Clamps ✔ Dustpan and brush ✔ Paintbrushes ✔ Paint roller ✔ Palm sander ✔ Pencil ✔ Pliers ✔ Retractable knife ✔ Spray bottle ✔ Tape measure ✔ Universal saw ✔ Workbench ✔ Furniture paint ✔ Interior wood varnish ✔ Mitre adhesive ✔ Paint tester pots ✔ Panel pins (25mm) ✔ PVA glue ✔ Ultra-grip primer ✔ Non-structural hardwood plywood (for the panels) ✔ Dust sheet, gloves, goggles and a dust mask We love a thrifty project, and this cabinet upcycle is money-saving in more ways than one – not only are you giving an unloved piece of furniture a new, on-trend lease of life, but you can use leftover paint and materials to do it. We replaced our cabinet’s…

Q I’m currently redecorating my home office and I’m not sure what to do with the lights – what are the key considerations when lighting a workspace? Caroline Williamson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne A Matthew Currington, Technical Director of The Lighting Superstore, says… Poor lighting can not only affect your productivity, but it can also cause headaches and eyestrain as well as neck, back and shoulder strain. It’s essential your home office space is illuminated correctly throughout the working day, especially during the dark winter months. Where possible, angle your desk towards a window – even better if it’s east-facing – so that you can maximise the number of working hours in daylight. Scientific research suggests that morning people work better and are more productive, so optimising this already favourable time could…

Having rented for two years while saving money towards their own property, Sadiyya and Ryan Quader were very careful when it came to choosing a house. ‘We were renting in Dulwich after we got married, and we had an offer accepted on a tiny two-bedroom place there, which unfortunately fell through when the sellers pulled out. Our rental place was about to be sold so we decided to widen the search.’ ‘We wanted a traditional kitchen in painted wood, with oak flooring and lots of light.’ Both the couple’s families are based in north London, where they went to school, and they met when Sadiyya was sixteen. So, when they started to look further afield in south London and Surrey eight years ago to get better value for their money,…

3 ways with... Rosemary Make the most of this versatile herb with sweet and savoury dishes * To make a delicious rosemary focaccia, put 300g strong white bread flour, 7g sachet fast-action yeast, 3 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp sea salt in a bowl. Add 175ml water and mix to a sticky dough. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth. Tip into an oiled bowl and prove for 1 hour. Knead briefly and place on an oiled rectangular baking sheet. Leave to rise for 30 mins. Make dimples in the dough, drizzle with 4 tbsp oil and sprinkle with rosemary sprigs and sea salt. Bake for 20 minutes. * For a simple midweek dinner, marinate 8 lamb cutlets in 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 crushed garlic clove and 4 chopped…

Wood you look at this If you’re looking to bring the outdoors into your home, choose natural materials for a style that’s timeless. Swift Direct Blinds’ range of real wood Venetian blinds have that natural touch, and will enhance not only the appearance of your home but also its privacy. For a rustic farmhouse look, choose the deep brown Amazon Taped Fired Walnut blinds (pictured) or for the ultimate Scandi-inspired look, keep things clean and minimal with the Nile Taped Contrast blinds in white and grey. The blinds are made-to-measure, and prices start from £9.60. Getting hot out here When lockdown ends and we can consider open-air socialising again, this Copper Lantern Patio Heater from Kettler will come in handy. It’ll elevate a drab, neglected garden to a snug and…

Moving to a 17th-century stone farmhouse in the heart of the Somerset countryside was a dream for retired teacher Charmian Cowper. ‘I’d always fancied the idea of country living,’ she explains, ‘and of being self-sufficient with a vegetable patch and a few chickens.’ The dream came true with the purchase of Home Farm close to Wells eight years ago. Built in 1648 and originally with a thatched roof, it was ‘structurally sound but had suffered somewhat from the previous owner’s attempts at DIY.’ Putting things right has taken Charmian and her partner, Jules, who is also a teacher, several years. ‘We just do jobs as needed,’ explains Charmian, and they’re both hands on, tackling everything from decorating to plastering and even putting up a stud wall. The original house has…

From petite to palatial, greenhouses come in a multitude of shapes, styles and sizes, with options for all budgets. Once installed, any keen gardener will wonder how they ever managed without one… 1.Victorian Walkaround greenhouse This unique, free-standing greenhouse with multiple doors allows the gardener access to their plants without having to actually go inside. All greenhouses are supplied in natural Pressure Treated timber and can be customised with an exterior timber paint of your choice. £559.99, forestgarden.co.uk 2.Growhouse Mini greenhouse Use this compact mini greenhouse to get an early start in the season with seed sowing and propagating plants. The Growhouse is available in natural aluminium or antique cream finish and is fitted with 3mm toughened safety glass. £375, harrodhorticultural.com 3. National Trust Hidcote greenhouse The Hidcote may be…

RETRO REVIVAL We’ve seen a huge mid-century style revival over the past year and that’s not set to end anytime soon. Apartment Living, one of Habitat’s SS21 trends, incorporates geometric designs, vibrant pops of colour and classic wooden furniture for a retro-inspired look. Designed with small spaces in mind, this collection prioritises functionality but that doesn’t mean it lacks in style. Burnt orange, mustard and teal converge with stripped back wooden flooring and sturdy metals for a contemporary take on the hallmarks of mid-century style. Available online at Sainsbury’s Home, Argos and Habitat. Instagram inspiration Polka dot wallpaper? Check. Colour pop furniture? Check. Enviable shelfie style? Also check. For a succinct guide on fun-loving maximalist interiors, head to @homewithsisi on Instagram. Forget low-key and dull, Sisi is all about creating…

HOW TO... wash your curtains It might seem like a tiresome job, but do you know when you last cleaned your curtains? Dust and odours build up over time, so an annual (or more frequent) wash is a good idea. Follow these easy steps that’ll have your curtains looking good as new in no time… • Before you begin, check the washing label to see if your curtains are fully machine washable. Lightweight fabrics, such as cotton, usually are. If that’s the case, continue with the following steps. If not, or you have any concerns about home washing, a dry cleaner might be a better option. • To start, remove all hooks and shake off any dust. Then, pop your curtains in the washing machine with your usual laundry detergent.…

Frequently asked questions... Is it cheaper if I pay monthly? No, it will end up costing you more overall so where possible, always pay an annual sum. If you can’t afford to pay yearly in one go, a credit card with a low interest rate will still work out cheaper than paying your insurer with a monthly payment plan, as their interest rates tend to be pretty high. Shall I bother with protected no-claims and other add-ons? Protecting your no-claims bonus is always worth doing. It may cost a little extra and you usually can’t do it until you’re about four years in but it’s definitely a good thing as you can keep the discount on future insurance policies, even if you’ve had to make a claim. It’s probably cheaper…

Taking on a four-bedroom, terraced 1960s house in Hampton, south-west London, in need of some care and attention nearly 20 years ago was something Lynn and Anthony Hewitt were happy to do. ‘We could see enormous potential and we love the style, the huge windows and the big, open rooms,’ Lynn recalls. Since moving in, the couple have remodelled their way through the house room by room, and had sons, Tom, now 14, and Greg, 11, along the way. Spread over three storeys, with the bedrooms at the top, and a newly created large kitchen-diner on the ground floor level, it was the living room that kept being put to the back of the list. Two years ago, Lynn, a marketing consultant, and Anthony, a theatre development director, transformed the…

SHOPPING LIST Leyland Tradesman white matt emulsion paint, £26 per 1.5L, B&Q. Unfinished engineered oak boards, from £45 per sq m, WyseWood Flooring. Otley Grand four-seater sofa, £1,399, John Lewis. Pachira potted plant, £35; Strandmon wing chair, £199; Dekorera candlesticks, from £9 each, all IKEA. Pink Gabbeh loom Two Lines rug, £434, Rug Vista. Colours Elma flatweave natural rug, £16, B&Q. Rozza patterned oval jute rug, £140, La Redoute. Round handmade jute rug, £111, Etsy. For a similar mirror, try the Yearn framed mirror, £109, Dunelm. Insect prints, from £45, from a selection at Graham and Green. Sideboard, £45, Salvation Army Furniture Charity Shop. Ercol ladder rack coffee table, £75, eBay. Gold flamingo lamp and shade, £10 in a charity shop, originally from Debenhams.…

£29.99 from Very The graduated shade of this fringed throw is reminiscent of hazy summer sunsets. Drape it over a chair for a relaxed, beachy vibe. £20 from Louise Mead Display a piece of art on your sofa with this print cushion based on an original painting in a grey palette that’ll work in many schemes. £108 from där lighting This pink lamp base has been dipped in blues and greens, so each one is unique. Pair with cushions, pots and a throw in similar shade to create a relaxed reading nook.…

Now that we are back at home so much, it’s time to brush off the recipe books and refresh our sourdough and banana bread baking skills! If you are a keen cook, then perhaps it’s the perfect time to invest in a stand mixer, or upgrade the one you already have. It will make life in the kitchen much easier. These mixers often come with multiple attachments, including a whisk for cream, a beater for eggs and a dough hook for bread. A stand mixer is more powerful than a hand-held version, and can cope with a larger quantity of ingredients. Generally, they also create less mess than a hand-held blender too, as they come with large stainless-steel bowls that should keep all of the ingredients contained during mixing. Before…

New basin and bath taps add polish to the bathroom while improving functionality, and there are plenty of options for every budget. To find the right fit, you’ll need to consider the water pressure as some types are only suitable for high pressure systems, and the number of tap holes or whether they’ll be mounted on a wall, countertop or, in the case of baths, on stand pipes. Finishes range from shiny or brushed chrome and gold to matt black and white, and for a completely coordinated look, why not swap your shower head at the same time? SHOWER POWER ‘When shopping for a fixed shower, first and foremost consider the height of your ceiling. Ideally this should be at least 2.4m to get the full effects of a rain…

We show you how to bring spirited style to your space with a home-sewn pouffe. This project is super easy to stitch, so newbie crafters won’t be left behind, plus its patchwork sides are a great way to use up leftover material from other makes or a wardrobe clearout. SHOPPING LIST ✔ 1m each of faux suede in 5 colours ✔ High-density foam, 40 x 60cm diameter ✔ Sewing machine ✔ Sewing needle ✔ Matching threads ✔ Metallic gold piping tape ✔ Scissors ✔ Pins ✔ Pressing iron ✔ Tailor’s chalk ✔ Super glue (optional) 1 Trace around one end of the high-density foam with tailor’s chalk to get an accurate circle on the wrong side of the lightest-coloured suede fabric. You will need to add a 1cm seam allowance…

WE ARE Lara Hall, a home organiser and owner of Lara’s Maison Amour (@lara. maison.amour), my husband, Shaun, a HGV driver, our three daughters, Ava, nine, Macy, six, and Ivy, three, plus our chihuahuas, Ralph and Rex, and our house rabbit, Boris. OUR HOME Is a detached new-build in Coalville, Leicester, that was built in 2018 and has four bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen and dining space. BEST BIT ABOUT LIVING HERE Is the rural setting and all the lovely countryside. I’M MOST PROUD Of my bargain buys. I don’t think you need to spend a lot of money to make a home beautiful. SHOPS I LOVE ARE HomeSense, Wilko and IKEA – oh, and I love a car-boot sale!…

Rather than stick to one colour when choosing chairs, go for a mix of colours like Sadiyya to give you lots of accessorising options. To copy Sadiyya’s blue kitchen, paint your existing cabinets and add new gold handles for a purse-friendly update. Choose crockery to echo your colour scheme, like Sadiyya has with her pastel bowls and plates. Go for a light colour scheme to lift any darker original features in a period property. A reversible rug means you can easily switch up the look of a room and change the accent colours. Use contrast tiles to create a unique border in an otherwise simple monochrome bathroom.…

Chilli glazed salmon skewers PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 15 minutes SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 tbsp Thai chilli jam ✔ 400ml tinned coconut milk, shaken well before opening ✔ 1 tsp tamarind paste ✔ 1 tbsp lime juice ✔ 1 tbsp fish sauce ✔ 1 kaffir lime leaf, thinly sliced ✔ 4 x 200g skinless salmon fillets, pin boned and cut into 3cm cubes ✔ 1 tbsp sunflower oil DIRECTIONS ■ In a small saucepan over a medium heat, bring the chilli jam and coconut milk to a simmer. Add the tamarind paste, lime juice, fish sauce and kaffir lime leaf then simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. ■ Preheat a griddle pan or barbecue to a medium heat. Thread the salmon cubes onto…

A warm welcome Help to care for the little critters that frequent your outdoor space with the Garden Wildlife Range, a collaboration between the National Trust and CJ Wildlife. Designed to encourage communities to play their part in protecting their local environment, the collection includes homes for hedgehogs and insects, wildlife foods, bird feeders and more. With quality and sustainability at the heart of this collaboration, you can rest assured that you’re doing the best you can for the wildlife visiting your garden. Prices start from £2.49, available at CJ Wildlife and National Trust Shop. Picnic perfect Why not entertain the kids with a garden picnic this spring? Create a cosy and relaxing ambience with Lights4fun’s Outdoor TruGlow Candle Trio, £26.99, waterproof, LED candles that’ll transform your space. As they…

15 LUCKY WINNERS Win one of 15 honey gift boxes Buzzy Blends is an independent, family-owned business based in the UK that was created to bring honey to the table with a tasty twist. The unique range of handmade honey is seriously big on flavour and doesn’t compromise on quality, and bees are at the heart of everything Buzzy Blends do. The honey is collected by ethical beekeepers who care for and protect the bees, and the blends are made with no additives or preservatives, just 100 per cent natural ingredients that deliver nutritious goodness. There’s a mix of flavours such as peppermint, chocolate, lemon, ginger and cranberry, and each one has been mixed with nature’s finest ingredients and Buzzy Blends’ incredible natural raw honey. Your Home has teamed up…

1. ‘My favourite candle is A Quiet Moment in Green Tea, Jasmine and Amber. It’s a sweet and calming scent – perfect for when you need some downtime.’ A Quiet Moment in Green Tea, Jasmine and Amber, £20 2. ‘I absolutely love our open-weave raffia rug; it’s really versatile as it can be used as both a rug or a statement wall hanging.’ Open weave raffia rug, £55 3. ‘We use our placemats every day as they add gorgeous texture to our dining table.’ Handwoven raffia placemats £25…

CLOTHES STEAMERS We considered: Did it de-crease garments? Was it simple to use? Was it a good size? Tefal handheld garment steamer, £149 , AO.com This speedy steamer has a handy support panel, plus a hanger to grip your garments while they’re being steamed. After a fiddly initial set up, it’s quick and easy to use and, with three levels of steaming, you can choose the best intensity to ensure a crease-less finish. For those living in hard water areas, this steamer features technology to prevent limescale from building up over time. The pole collapses down after use, but you’ll still need a bit of space to store it, as it’s not that small. Fridja handheld travel clothes steamer, £79.99 , Lakeland This steamer is the…

Mini trend: Refined rattan Spring 2021 sees a resurgence in rattan furnishings, but not as we know them. This new wave of rattan homeware features clean lines and smooth curves so you can weave a sophisticated mid-century modern air into your living space. Thanks to these modern shapes and polished finishes, this formerly retro trend has been revived with a contemporary twist that will strike the perfect balance between refined chic and up-to-date style. Sustainable sofa Meet the Pioneer sofa – the new couch that has been made with style, comfort and the future of the planet in mind. The sofa has been created with recyclable springs and yarns as well as sustainably sourced timber to enable you to invest in an eco-friendly piece of furniture. Additionally, the sumptuous seat…

THE DETAILS CARPET £662 WALLPAPER £300 FURNITURE £160 PAINT £286 FABRIC £340 LIGHTS £176 MIRROR £40 ACCESSORIES £220 TOTAL £2,184 SHOPPING LIST Lavaliers Low Wave wallpaper, £75 a roll; walls painted in Juniper Ash and Clockface intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 per 2.5L; woodwork painted in Juniper Ash and Clockface intelligent eggshell, £66 per 2.5L, all Little Greene. Dimensions Heathers carpet in Silver Chalice, £26.49 per sq m, Brockway. Ashby fabric for window seat in Indigo, £85 per m, Zoffany at Style Library. Astro glass and gold metallic wall lights, £88 each, Maisons du Monde. Cream Geometric Foil cushions on window seat, £10 each; Ochre leaf effect vase, £14; Ochre leaf pattern tea light holders, £2 each; Fifth Avenue gold vase, £14; Bamboo plant in white pot, £22, all Dunelm. Harlequin…

In need of more space for their family of five, plus Mollie the dog, Rachel Bloomfield was thrilled to close the deal on a Victorian semi, located just up the road from their previous property in Hither Green in south-east London, two and a half years ago. Rachel, a television producer, and her husband, Mark Burgin, a building company owner, had done everything they possibly could to their previous terraced home, and it was time for a move with their daughter Ella, 19, and sons Sam, 13, and Bruno, 11. ‘Mark and I are a great combination, as I’ve got all the interiors ideas, and Mark is the practical side, telling me what is actually possible and carrying out a lot of the work himself, so we can keep the…

Colours can instantly cast a certain mood over a space and, as we move into spring, we encourage you to create an upbeat and stimulating atmosphere with vibrant shades in the form of statement décor. Bright tones, such as warm red, serene green, sunny yellow, sky blue and blush pink, will provide an uplifting feel that you can easily replicate in your own home – and we show you how… Spring to life This is the season of new beginnings and, while fresh colours help to bring this soulful sentiment into your home, think about patterns, too. Soft, delicate florals and countryside animals are staples of springtime, so welcome these into your abode by combining cheery shades with seasonal prints. Colour block Bold colour on the walls will give the…

Feeling baffled by all the terminology of stand mixers? Allow us to enlighten you… Tilt-head This type of mixer has a head that raises so you can easily change the attachments, remove the bowl or add ingredients before locking it back into place. Bowl-lift These mixers tend to be taller and the head is fixed. The bowl has clamps on each side that allow it to be raised and lowered by turning the notch on the side so you can add ingredients to the bowl with ease. Pouring shield This fits onto your mixing bowl so you can add ingredients without any spills. It also prevents messier ingredients such as flour dust and icing sugar from spreading over your kitchen. Flat beater or paddle Essentially the equivalent of a wooden…

PAINTED POTS Transform plain terracotta pots into wonderful window sill showpieces SHOPPING LIST ✔ Terracotta pots ✔ Spray paints in a range of colours ✔ Posca paint marker pens 1 Begin by spraying your plant pots with a base colour of spray paint. We’ve chosen pink, white and yellow to cover the outside and inside rims of the pots, but you could create tonal backgrounds by mixing two shades together. Leave to completely dry. 2 Once dry, you can begin decorating the pots with the paint markers. For a simple graphic pattern go for spots or stripes, working around the pot. If you’re not very confident working straight onto the pot, practice your ideas and placement on scrap paper first. 3 You can add abstract shapes to your pot design,…

SHOPPING LIST ✔ Seriously Good double protection dust sheet ✔ Essentials masking tape ✔ Ultimate snap knife or Ultimate chisel knife ✔ Essentials brush ✔ PVA glue ✔ Filler ✔ Ultimate filling knife ✔ Ultimate fine sandpaper ✔ Cork block ✔ Seriously Good microfibre cloth The key to an excellent paint or wallpaper finish is in the preparation. Cracks, which are a common occurrence in properties of all ages, and holes from old picture hooks, fittings or shelves, are easy to fill in yourself and, if you follow our expert advice, you’ll be guaranteed a professional outcome every time. HOW TO FILL A CRACK IN A WALL 1 OPEN IT OUT Before you can fix the crack properly you need to open it out so the filler will have a…

Show off your hard work in Your Home Have you just finished decorating your home? If so, we’d love to see your photos – and, who knows, it may even be featured in a future issue. You can share them on instagram using #YHlovemyhome and #YourHomemagazine, or email yourhome@immediate.co.uk PLUS IDEAS TO STEAL…

When Cara Mills and her husband, Alex, found out they were expecting twins, the clock quickly started ticking for them to find a forever home in which to raise their young family. ‘At the time, we were living in a two-bedroom maisonette in London and knew that it simply didn’t have enough space for four of us,’ recalls Cara. ‘We’d previously renovated the maisonette though and were keen to take on another project, as we knew it would be the best way to allow us to create a home that suited our needs in the long run.’ The couple narrowed down the search area to Surbiton, Surrey, as Alex had grown up there and it offered both a quick commute into London for work, yet plenty of green space to…

WE ARE Sadiyya Quader, 37, a tax director, husband, Ryan, 36, an international audit director, son, Ishaan, nearly two, and Mushu the cat. OUR HOME Is a three-bedroom Victorian semi, which we moved into in May 2013 on the outskirts of Kingston, Surrey. MY TOP TIP Is to do research, research, research! Whether with home magazines, Pinterest or Instagram. The Instagram interiors community is so resourceful, people are really friendly and offer such good advice. IN OUR SPARE TIME WE like to watch a box set in the living room once Ishaan is asleep. On weekends we like to cook curries and bake. In our first son Nivan’s memory, we also raise money for First Touch at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, a charity that supports sick and premature babies and…

‘A porch needs to be sympathetically designed so that it is in keeping with the rest of your home and not be oversized or out of proportion with the overall building. It’s important to consider how you’re going to use it before you start. Porches can be multifunctional spaces used for anything from a smart meet and greet area, a place to store coats and shoes or even somewhere to clean the dog off after a long walk, while keeping out the cold and adding an extra layer of security to the home.’…

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