Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2022 i Style At Home

If the sun’s shining it’s pretty much a given that you’ll find me in the garden. I’ll be in the sunniest corner, basking in the warmth! We had a studio installed in our garden back in November, which I can’t wait to make the most of over the summer. It’ll mean I can enjoy the fresh air with the doors open, even if (or more likely when!) the British sun isn’t playing ball. Joanna’s garden office on page 82, is so inviting and full of personality, and it’s inspired me to make a bit more effort when styling up my own space. We’ve got some great advice on page 86 if you’re looking to add your own garden room. And if such a retreat isn’t on your agenda, there are…

The trend for gingham is still going strong. Perhaps because it’s reminiscent of childhood, the desirable design creates a nostalgic feel. Choose pastel shades for a feminine feel, but stop it from being too cutesy by teaming it with bolder accents.…

ABOUT ME I’m Lauren Winter, a teacher, and I also run Brier and Bud, a floristry styling business with my friend Grace (brierandbud.co.uk). I live with my husband, Freddie, a financial advisor, and our daughter Flora Wren, one, and chihuahua/ Boston terrier cross, Winnie. MY HOME A four-bed Victorian semi in Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire, bought in October 2016. WHEN WE MOVED IN Every room needed plastering and the kitchen-diner looked out onto a dark patio. AND NOW We have an extension for our dream kitchen and new family bathroom. We updated the loft bedroom, living room and hallway. STYLE TIP Future-proof as much as possible and have a pot of money for nasty surprises, like the Victorian cistern we found doing the extension!…

1 Lauren is a big fan of panelling and has decorated most rooms in her house with it. Inexpensive and easy to do, panelling adds texture and character to rooms and works well in most period-style homes. 2 Prepare and sand down the wall first – you can use battening to secure the panels to the wall. Measure the tongue and groove according to the sizes you need for your wall area. 3 Next, cut the panels using a handsaw. Stick them to the wall using adhesive and a sealant gun. 4 Paint the panels in your chosen colour scheme, ensuring you use the correct moisture-resistant paint if decorating your kitchen or bathroom.…

Buying our Edwardian house was a big move as we were relocating from a London flat to Surrey for Andrew’s job,’ Madelaine recalls. ‘I’d always wanted to live in a period property with a modern extension on the back and we loved that this house had potential for us to be able to do that. The two rooms on each of the three floors were all a good size and each had a fireplace – even the bathroom, which was unusual – and we loved the Edwardian character of the property. However, the lower-ground floor was damp and gloomy, with a staircase separating the kitchen and dining room. Plus, the only way out into the garden was through a side door and along a passageway, which was inconvenient. Making plans…

It’s easy to customise pendant cable lighting when you buy the components separately. Choose from multiple flex colours and patterns, lamp holder profiles and finishes, and also a range of bulbs. Filament bulbs work best for this look, with the filament coming in a variety of shapes as well as the bulb itself. They’re available in clear glass, a golden tint and half-finishes in copper, silver and gold. A galvanised steel tube (or key clamp) is usually used to make handrails but it is also a cheap, industrial-look solution for hanging the lights, at around £5m. Wrap the flexes around the tube and position bulbs at the exact height and spacing you need in the room.…

Decide on the height and length you’d like your storage seat to be. You may need to remove skirting boards to fit the bench flush to the wall. 2 Next, cut your wood for the frame (4x2 timber is ideal) to size using a mitre or circular saw. Attach the longest piece (for the length of the bench) to your wall using a drill and screws. Starting with the end pieces, continue to attach the rest of the wood to build your bench frame. 3 Use MDF for the front and sides. Cut the pieces to size and attach them to the front and sides of the frame using wood glue, before securing with a nail gun or screws. For the seat/top, attach hinges to the frame and MDF so…

IF YOU’RE PAINTING STAIRS IN DIFFERENT COLOURS OR PAINTING A RUNNER, MARK OUT YOUR DESIGN USING DECORATOR’S TAPE If you want to create a good first impression in your home, there’s no better place to start than in the hallway. As the first room you see on entering a house, this space is always worthy of a refresh. A fresh lick of paint on the stairs is a simple update. Make a start Begin early or when the rest of the household doesn’t need access. Factor in time to ensure the paint is fully dry before anyone walks on it. Paint in order, so begin at the top and work your way down – or vice versa depending on where you want to finish. You don’t want to get stuck…

Dining room Run a length of wallpaper from the floor, right over the ceiling and back down the other wall – it's a design statement and a true talking point over dinner. Continue the paper over cornicing and even skirting boards for added impact. Give it a twist Try the same idea by running a strip horizontally around the room, at picture rail height. Kitchen island Wallpaper the back of a kitchen island to bring a touch of pattern to a pared-back scheme, then add a clear varnish to seal and protect it. Give it a twist Cover in a sheet of coloured perspex for a more modern twist, or try sheet metal (copper or zinc would work well) for a more industrial feel. Chest of drawers Revive a bland…

Having worked out of our boxroom for years, I was really feeling the need to create more of a boundary between work and home,’ says Joanna. ‘I’d longed for a garden cabin to use as a home office for years, but always ruled it out due to cost. However, after speaking to some friends, we realised we might be able to find an off-the-shelf garden log cabin kit that met our requirements, for a fraction of the cost and without the disruption of hiring builders and going bespoke. All in the plans We wanted to make the most of our small footprint, so we chose the largest cabin we could find to fit the spot, while still allowing a sliver of space between its sides and neighbouring fences for maintenance…

1 Source some pretty wallpaper or thick gift wrap, then cut out the motifs you want to use with sharp scissors (if there are any fiddly bits, use a scalpel and cutting board). 2 Temporarily stick your motifs into position using Blu Tack, until you’re happy with the overall look. 3 Water down some PVA glue by 50% in a bowl. Working one motif at a time, remove the Blu Tack and brush glue across sticking it back into position. Continue with the other motifs. 4 Once everything is dry, take a scalpel to neaten up any edges which overlap the edge of the drawers. 5 For durability, use a decorator’s brush to paint more PVA glue mix over both the motifs and the bare wood, ensuring any loose corners…

Transform brown Kraft paper into pretty polka-dot gift wrap. Unroll the paper flat on a table and hold down with paperweights. Choose the pattern, such as geometric, random or staggered for an ombre effect. If you want to follow a guide, use a ruler and faint pencil lines to map out the pattern. Dip the rubber end of a pencil into a coloured inkpad and carefully press down onto the paper. Leave to dry for up to 1 hour, then get wrapping!…

With the cost of living on the rise, buying brand new furniture may not be in your budget right now. If that’s the case, why not give a pre-loved piece a new look instead? If you’re moving home or just fancy a room refresh, then upcycling existing pieces is the perfect thrifty way to save money and prevent items ending up in landfill. This chic ombré sideboard project is a great solution for sprucing up a tired cabinet and adding a splash of colour to your decor. You could use leftover paint from another project or buy smaller tester pots to cover each section. What’s more, this super-easy update can easily be done in a day! YOU WILL NEED Sideboard Screwdriver Sandpaper Masking tape Paint in four different shades Paintbrush…

BEST VALUE RUSSELL HOBBS INSPIRE TYPE Standalone CAPACITY 17 litres POWER 700W FEATURES Three colour options, five power levels, defrost setting, mirror door finish, easy clean exterior, non-slip feet DIMENSIONS H26.2xW45.2xD35.5cm PRICE £89.99 You can expect the best microwave for under £100 to be lacking the latest combination features, but we loved how easy the Russell Hobbs Inspire was to use when we put it to the test. It has six settings – low, defrost, medium low, medium, medium high and high – and it is also surprisingly compact for a larger capacity option. The timer goes up to half an hour, which is especially convenient for the defrost mode, and the non-slip feet meant it stayed securely in place through testing. We docked this oven half a star because…

A tumble dryer is a lifeline if you do multiple loads of washing every week and have limited drying space. Depending on the model, a dryer can be expensive to use, especially if it is working overtime to keep on top of the household’s laundry. ‘Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive devices in the home, so it’s worth avoiding using them during the warmer months,’ says Justina Miltienyte, energy expert at Uswitch.com. ‘Drying three loads a week in your tumble dryer will cost you about £223 a year, whereas putting it on the washing line is free.’ Are there different types? There are three types of tumble dryer – vented, condenser and heat pump. Vented machines are often perceived as using more energy, although the newer models include…

If you switch accounts, you may also take advantage of a cash incentive from the bank you move to. However, make sure the bank suits your needs, and you'll have to close the existing account. Use the Current Account Switch Service (currentaccountswitch.co.uk ) where banks do all the leg work within seven working days. If all you want to do is borrow money short-term, loans or credit cards will be cheaper. You could even apply for a 0% interest card. Ask the provider for a ‘soft search’ to make sure you are accepted for such a deal.…

Spread some much-needed positivity with the uplifting Rainbow Toast collection by Emma Bridgewater. Colourful messages of love, kindness and inclusivity adorn handmade earthenware plates and mugs, making them thoughtful gifts.…

Clean and sand down the bath before painting with eggshell paint, which is highly durable and scratch resistant, plus it makes scuffs and marks harder to spot. After sanding, use a duster to wipe away dust and debris. Then use a clean cloth and sugar soap solution or mild detergent to clean the bath. Make sure the surface is smooth, for an even finish when you apply the paint. Use a small paint brush or roller to apply a primer, choosing a shade to match your top coat. Once the primer has dried, start applying the eggshell paint. As before, use a paintbrush or small roller. Wait for it to dry before applying a second coat.…

IF THE PIPEWORK HAS ALREADY BEEN INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED PLUMBER,IT’S RELATIVELY EASY TO UPGRADE AN OLD SHOWER While we love a long hot bath, most of us enjoy an invigorating shower, too. But it’s not always possible to have a separate bath and shower. However, there are plenty of shower-bath ideas that allow you to combine the two. What is a shower bath? Shower baths combine the luxury of a bath with the functionality of a shower, great for smaller bathrooms. Of course, you can install a shower over most types of bath. However, new shower bath models are slightly wider at the shower end, generally P-shaped or L-shaped, giving more room to manoeuvre. Is it a good idea? Yes, particularly in smaller bathrooms. Bath/shower mixers can be deck-mounted…

ABOUT ME I’m Madelaine Maddock, 43, a freelance editor, and I live here with my husband, Andrew, 42, a software developer, and our children, Élodie, six, and Noah, four. MY HOME A three-bed, semidetached Edwardian house over three floors in Earlswood, Surrey, which we bought in September 2014. WHEN WE MOVED IN It wasn’t to our taste and we quickly found it inconvenient having the kitchen on a different floor to the living room and no access to the garden. AND NOW Opening-up and extending downstairs means we have a family space and gained a guest bedroom/home office in the process. STYLE TIP Buy furniture right first time. We invested in pieces to last and bought affordable accessories that we might update in the future.…

IKEA Scandi-style accessories for a steal, with Ribba picture frames being one of Madelaine’s bargain buys. KING & MCGAW An inspiring range of poster prints, including gorgeous photographic art available in large sizes that, when they’re framed, look like original art. H&M HOME Head here for affordable homewares, with cushion covers plant pots top Madelaine’s shopping list. THE STONE TILE EMPORIUM A local independent where Madelaine was delighted to find the hexagonal bathroom mosaics and tiles. COX & COX Stylish furniture and homewares, and a favourite for splash-out investment purchases, such as Madelaine’s table and bench.…

Our house originally belonged to my parents, who had run it as student accommodation for 15 years,’ says Franky. They were planning to sell it at the time Jack and I were looking to move from our apartment into somewhere bigger, so it made sense for us to buy it from them and keep it in the family. It was the perfect property to renovate and as an interior architect, I couldn’t wait to use my skills in our own home. Changing rooms When we bought the house it had two double bedrooms and one small bedroom on the first floor, with the family bathroom on the ground floor. From the front it’s a beautiful property, but at the back there was an unsightly extension, which we wanted to change.…

Ask yourself if you really need the item – will it have a use and a place within your home? Is it something that you’re likely to tire of before too long? If you’re looking for a piece to fit a specific area, then you’ll need to measure in advance – and always go shopping armed with a measuring tape, too. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions, whether about the era, colours, shape or condition and previous life of the item. If you’re buying online, factor in any shipping and delivery costs. What you thought was a bargain might not be such a steal once these prices are added on.…

1 Paint your house number on plant pots The ideal front garden addition, your house number painted onto plant pots is a thoroughly charming way to make your house instantly identifiable. It costs next to nothing, especially if you already have a plant pot in mind and a tester pot of paint. Get creative and paint the design of your choice – here, simple flowers are created freehand. To paint the numbers neatly we recommend using either a wraparound stencil or marking them precisely with masking tape. Finish with a coat of clear varnish to make them weatherproof. 2 MAKE YOUR OWN POTTING TABLE Convert an old freestanding kitchen unit into a place to repot plants with a few easy modifications. Start with a lick of paint, and maybe look…

ABOUT ME I’m Joanna Thornhill, 41, I’m a freelance interiors stylist and writer (joannathornhill.co.uk). I’ve lived in our small Victorian terrace in Walthamstow, northeast London, with my partner Paul Hughes, 42, a TV development executive, and our little rescue dog, Stella, since May 2012. MY CHALLENGE I wanted to create a home office that felt separate from the rest of the house, but we couldn’t afford an extension or custom-built garden construction. MY WISHLIST As well as a dedicated desk space, I was keen to include a small seating area so I can look out over the garden during breaks. I also needed lots of storage for paperwork and styling props, yet without making the space feel cramped.…

MORE PEOPLE CHOOSE A GARDEN ROOM RATHER THAN A CONSERVATORY,AS THEIR SOLID ROOF MAKES THEM SUITABLE FOR YEAR-ROUND LIVING Over the past few years, possibly no addition to a home has been as desirable as a garden room. Offering a place to work or relax, this space will give your house more possibilities, and is less intrusive and more affordable than an extension. What is a garden room? By definition, it’s a glazed extension with a tiled roof, but could also be a simple summerhouse or log cabin. These are usually supplied in prefabricated panels and, if you’re a skilled DIYer, you could put one up yourself. Designs with sliding glass doors or a deck, for example, need to be built on site by a specialist. How can I use…

Clever storage solutions are key when it comes to bathrooms and a storage cabinet is an essential piece of kit for keeping your everyday clutter to a minimum – after all, the aim should be to create a room that oozes tranquillity, both for setting you up for your day ahead and for helping you unwind and relax as the day draws to a close. And while practicality is crucial, making sure you have enough space to store all your toiletries, towels, toilet paper and more, you should never have to compromise on style when it comes to bathroom storage. See it as an opportunity to express your personality – bring in a touch of glamour with a metallic surface if that reflects the style of your bathroom. Alternatively, if…

Look out for scarlet lily beetles and their revolting black larvae. Remove by hand or treat severe attacks with insecticide, which is more effective on larvae than adults. You may wish to use an organic treatment based on pyrethrins, such as Bug Clear Gun for fruit or Defenders Bug Killer (containing fatty acids). Never spray directly onto open flowers. Container plants can be vulnerable to attack by vine weevil. Adult beetles make notches in the leaves while the grubs cause serious damage to plants’ roots. Apply a chemical control or biological remedy any time between now and the end of August to halt their advance.…

PANSY, PEACH AND ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR MERINGUE TAKES 2 HRS, PLUS COOLING SERVES 8 6 organic free-range egg whites 350g caster sugar 1tsp white wine vinegar 2 level tsp cornflour 1tsp vanilla paste or extract FOR THE TOPPING 4 peaches or nectarines, sliced into segments 1tbsp caster sugar 500ml double cream 60g icing sugar, sifted 4tbsp elderflower liqueur Handful of pansies or other edible flowers, to decorate 1 Heat the oven to 140C/Gas 1 and line a large baking tray with parchment. For the meringue, in a large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. Whisk in the sugar, 1tbsp at a time, until glossy and mix forms stiff peaks; whisk in the vinegar, cornflour and vanilla paste. 2 Spoon the meringue onto the tray and spread it out with a…

Microwave power is measured in watts – the higher the figure, the faster it should heat food. The average is 800-900W. However, as technology has improved, the most powerful model isn’t necessarily the best performer. Combi microwaves offer a host of other functions. If you have a small kitchen or a tight budget, a microwave-only may be best, but otherwise a combi is well worth it. It doubles as a grill and/or oven, giving you extra cooking space. If space is an issue, new small microwave-only models are surprisingly compact. Some can be wall-mounted under a cabinet, while an oven with a curved back will fit into a corner. You could also consider an integrated model. The latest high-end combis often come with accessories such as a grill rack, oven…

1 SENSOR DRYING Many tumble dryers – even vented models – now feature sensor drying, which works out how long your clothes need to dry and stops when they’re ready. 2 DRYING LEVELS Select a dryness level. When sensors identify that the clothes have dried to the level required, the dryer automatically finishes. 3 LOWER TEMPERATURES Many heat-pump machines use lower temperatures to both protect your clothes and use less energy. Some also have drum movements to prevent clumping so warm air can circulate efficiently. 4 AUTOCLEANING This feature uses water collected during the drying phase to clean fluff from the condenser at the end of each cycle.…

INSTAGRAM @styleathomemag #sahstylists FACEBOOK facebook.com/styleathomemag PINTEREST pinterest.com/styleathomemag EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work very hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html ) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email the Editor at styleathome@futurenet.com or write to The Editor, Style at Home, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.…

Joe Browns ELEGANT CHINOISERIE Combine blushing pinks, hints of gold and jet black with Eastern-inspired designs La Redoute BLUE HUES Layer various tones for a calming yet eye-catching scheme John Lewis & Partners GEO BRIGHTS Team bold blocks of yellow and pink with subtle blues and geometric prints Primark SOFT MONOCHROME Create a gentle scheme with light neutrals and hits of black accents…

When we discovered this house, one of the things I loved the most about it was the loft conversion – I knew in time and with plenty of hard work it could look amazing!’ says Lauren. ‘We were moving from London back to Leicestershire where we could afford to buy a home and be closer to both our families. We viewed several properties, but it was this one we fell in love with. The previous owners hadn’t done much to it for at least 20 years and although it was modernised, it was tired and needed some TLC. At first it seemed like all we had to do was make a few cosmetic changes, however, soon after moving in, we realised that things hadn’t been done to a high standard…

H&M HOME Brilliant for simply styled basics, such as cushions, throws and rugs. Available on the high street and online. THE WHITE COMPANY For all things classic, crisp and white, from bedlinen to homeware, furniture, home fragrances, candles, gifts and clothing. LA REDOUTE A wide variety of French-style homewares, soft furnishings and fashion, all made easily available online. EMMAUS This charity works towards ending homelessness and poverty, and its shops are stocked full of wonderful decor, vintage kitchenalia and upcycled vintage furniture. SUSIE WATSON DESIGNS Browse homemade china, pottery and original artwork, plus textiles and upholstered furniture in a mix of textures, patterns and colours. All of which combine to create a cosy and inviting look.…

1 Buy new scaffolding boards from a DIY shop with metal end bands that are date-stamped. 2 Cut the boards to size but reattach the metal ends to add a more characterful look. 3 Sand the boards to remove any rough edges and rub the surface with transparent matt wax. 4 Choose chunky black metal wall brackets that are deep enough to rest the boards safely on. 5 Using a spirit level, mark the top of the brackets and mark the screw holes with a pencil, setting the height of the shelves according to the items you want to display. Drill the holes, push in wall plugs and screw the brackets to the wall. 6 Lay the scaffolding boards over the wall brackets and screw firmly down into place.…

IF YOU HAVE LITTLE ONES RUNNING AROUND, REQUEST FINGER- SAFE GASKETS TO PREVENT DOORS SLAMMING SHUT ON TINY HANDS Bifold doors neatly stack together when opened, leaving a wide uninterrupted opening out onto a garden. ‘They help fill your home with natural light and increase the sense of space,’ explains Jordan Vincent, Architectural Project Manager at Schüco. What are the benefits? ‘Bifold doors instantly transform a living space in a way that no other home improvement can,’ explains Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin. ‘They change the functionality of spaces, increasing natural light, and creating a seamless transition from inside to outside.’ Consider having a single opening traffic door, to avoid opening up the whole set (ideal for children or pets that want to access the garden). To enhance the seamless…

ABOUT ME I’m Franky Ridgeon, an interiors architect, and I live with my partner Jack Mayhew, owner of a sustainable meat products company, and two-year-old son Max. MY HOME A three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Greenwich, southeast London, which we bought in 2019. WHEN WE MOVED IN The house had been student accommodation for 15 years and it had an awkward layout, with lots of small rooms and an unsightly extension. AND NOW We’ve renovated it, reconfigured the layout and added a loft conversion. It’s now cheerful and welcoming – a feelgood house. STYLE TIP I used strong blocks of colour to define the different living areas in the open-plan space.…

VINTAGE FAIRS Franky loves to source vintage pieces and bought her dining table, chairs and bench from Kempton Park market. RECLAIMED ANTIQUE FLOORING Keep a look out for high-quality wood floors to add a warm and cosy atmosphere. SHUTTERLY FABULOUS Franky got her window shutters from here – there’s a huge choice of colours. BERT & MAY From skinny metro to hexagonal patterned tiles – you’re guaranteed to find a standout design here. LITTLE GREENE For a good range of paint colours; Pea Green is similar to the one Franky used. LA REDOUTE Franky’s large living room rug is from here – look out for seasonal discounts, too.…

SPLURGE Blow the budget with these top picks LAYER PINK TONES IN DIFFERENT FINISHES AND MATERIALS, FOR A RICH AND INDULGENT SCHEME STEAL Grab a style bargain with these budget buys…

Devon log cabin (3.5x2.5m), from £2,375 (this configuration was £4,289), BillyOh. Interior and exterior walls painted in Mercury Grey, floor in Bishop Blue, ceiling in Greymond, beams and window and door frames in Blackdown, all £44 for 2.5ltr (total £176), Thorndown Paints. Ranarp ceiling spotlights, £27, Ivar shelving unit with cabinet, £156, both Ikea. Elstow electric stove heater, £125, Homebase. RugBuddy under-rug heater (100x200cm), £199, BeWarmer. Soft pad low back office chair, £279, Cult Furniture. For similar jute wool rug, try Made. Upcycled vintage Crittall window mirror – for similar new, try Dunelm. Sofa, coffee table, side table, wooden cupboard, filing cabinet and writing bureau, all vintage – try eBay, Narchie or Preloved for similar.…

Ease the traffic flow If your small kitchen is also a major thoroughfare you might want to think about freeing up floorspace so people can easily pass through. One simple idea is to mix in 30cm-deep base units (sometimes called slimline) where you don’t need to have integrated appliances. Factor in an island ‘THE MINIMUM WALKING SPACE WE WOULD RECOMMEND AROUND A FIXED ISLAND IS 90CM, TO ALLOW EASY FLOW THROUGH THE ROOM’ CATHERINE FINKERNAGEL, Director, Finkernagel Ross If you’ve always assumed island units are solely for large open-plan kitchens, think again. Dismissing an island in a small kitchen is a natural response as space is needed more than ever. Even an island as small as 60x60cm would be useful for prep work, with vital storage below. Consider putting the…

With summer in full swing, getting outside into the sunshine is sure to be a priority. But first, bring a bit of brightness indoors and give a plain item a snazzy makeover. Reserve a cloudy but rain-free day for giving your garden fence a fresh lick of paint, then once the sun is out, soak up the rays while transforming a bare wall into a living gallery of hanging pots and planted containers. However, warmer weather comes with its pitfalls. If armies of ants have infiltrated your kitchen, we’ve got some natural deterrents you can try. Plus, if the humidity is making your washing machine whiff, follow our step-by-step on making it sparkling clean and odour-free once more. Add a pop of fluoro Give a simple piece of furniture, like…

USE A MIXTURE OF TRAILING PLANTS, SUCH AS SILVER INCH AND OXALIS MIXED IN WITH SOME SUCCULENTS Upcycling is such a great way to create new pieces for your garden. Pallets are often found lying around abandoned and it’s easy enough to give them a new purpose in life. They can be mounted on walls, creating delightful space-saving displays – especially good for trailing greenery. YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS Wooden pallet Nails Reusable bags (optional) 3 wooden boards the same width as the pallet Clay pebbles (optional) Soil (optional) Sandpaper (optional) Paint (optional) PLANTS A selection of small potted plants that fit in the planter. We recommend building it first so you know exactly how much space you need to fill. EQUIPMENT Hammer Heavy-duty stapler (optional) 1 PROTECT THE WOOD…

Cut out a circle of webbing 5cm larger than the hoop's inner ring. Soak webbing in warm water for an hour, then attach to the ring edge using a staple gun. Flatten the staple legs with flat-nose pliers. Once dry, secure the outer hoop with wood glue.…

FALAFEL BURGER WITH TZATZIKI TAKES 30 MINS SERVES 8 FOR THE BURGERS 800g tinned chickpeas, drained and patted dry 2 garlic cloves, crushed Handful each of parsley and coriander 1 red chilli, deseeded 2tsp ground cumin 2tsp ground coriander 2tbsp wholemeal flour 1tbsp vegetable oil 8 burger buns, halved and toasted Rocket leaves, tomato slices, mayonnaise and ketchup, to serve FOR THE TZATZIKI 100ml Greek yogurt 1tbsp lemon juice 1 garlic clove, crushed ½ cucumber, finely grated 1 Whizz the chickpeas, garlic, herbs, chilli and spices in a food processor until finely chopped. The mixture should be thick and dry – if it’s not, add some of the wholemeal flour until it comes together. Shape into eight burgers. 2 Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry four…