Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Your Home

It’s a strange world we’re living in at the moment, isn’t it? How are you coping with the ‘new normal’? I know being at home has prompted many of you to tackle those decorating and DIY jobs you’ve been putting off for ages. If that sounds like you, we’ve got plenty of affordable ideas to inspire you in this month’s issue. In these stressful times, it’s good to have a sanctuary where you can get away from it all. On page 34 we’ve got some great ideas to make your home a more calm and relaxing place to be. While over page 38 we take a look at the latest vegan homewares. You’ll discover that choosing products that are kind to the planet doesn’t mean you have to compromise on…

ICE CREAM MAKER, £14.99 , CLAS OHLSON If your priority is ease of use, this affordable, manual machine is a great option as the ice cream can be made and served in the same bowl. The bowl needs to be frozen for 12 hours before adding your ingredients. The mixer paddle then does all the hard work. We made a mint choc chip flavour that took about 15 minutes of churning – it was very tasty although a little on the soft side. MAGIMIX 1.1L LE GLACIER ICE CREAM MAKER, £39.99 , ARGOS We attempted to make fruity sorbet in this well-priced machine with great results after around 30 minutes of churning. There’s no built-in freezer, so the bowl needs to be frozen ahead of time, but then…

Mini trend: Gingham Gingham has been around for centuries, but this year its classic checkered look is enjoying a resurgence. From vibrant sunshine shades to calm blush tones, you can incorporate this timeless pattern into your interior with an array of summer furnishings, such as rugs, tablecloths, cushions and bedspreads. Shades of summer Homebase has recently released a huge new range of paints, which are perfect for anyone looking to give their walls a summer makeover. The collection features 60 colours that reflect the latest interior trends and are available in both silk and matt emulsion finishes, starting from £12 a pot. The paints are not only on trend in terms of colour options but also sustainability too – the pots are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic. Plus,…

When Jessica West, 32, and her husband, Mitchell, 34, heard the news that their first baby was due in November 2019, one of the first thoughts that popped into Jessica’s head was that she’d get to decorate the nursery. Jessica and Mitchell bought their four-bedroom home in Bury St Edmonds in 2016, but it was almost a year before they finally moved in as it needed a full renovation. ‘It was completely reconfigured and extended, and we were lucky enough to create four bedrooms,’ says Jessica. ‘We decorated most of the bedrooms, but left the smallest one quite plain, with the intention that one day it would make the perfect nursery,’ she explains. ‘After our midway scan we discovered that we were having a boy. Knowing everything had gone well…

SHOPPING LIST Haru small sofa bed in vintage pink velvet, £329, Made.com. Black knitted footstool, £39.99, Homescapes, is similar. A4 leopard print gold foil rainbow art print by Susie Cutie Designs, £18, Not on the High Street, is similar. GALphabet flash cards, £12.95, Boss Babs. VFENG 3ft x 8ft gold metallic tinsel foil fringe curtains, £5.99, Amazon. Rainbow feather boa, £2.99, One Fancy Dress on eBay. Flamingo garden ornament, £18, Dunelm, is similar. Ziggy doll, £39; bespoke children’s name signs, from £60; fierce tiger A4 print, £18, all Suzy Broome. Rainbow and gold tassel garland, £4 for 1.5m, Hobbycraft. Crochet baby blankets, from £12, eBay are similar. Vintage wooden fruit crates, £6.49 each, Silvershadow63 on Etsy. Elegant brass peacock door handles, £40 for two, Rockett St George. Green patchwork shopping…

A safe space where you can relax and unwind is something we all need right now, so this is the perfect time to turn your home into a tranquil refuge from the world outside. You can do this in a number of ways: bringing the outside in with purifying plants; incorporating mood-boosting lights; adding scents to soothe the soul; or decorating the walls with positive prints. To help you find the approach that suits you, we’ve curated a selection of furnishings, accessories and colours to keep you feeling calm and optimistic.…

Colour splash If you’re in the market for a new kitchen and fancy a bold colour choice, check out the Midsomer range from Crown Imperial, which is now available in three brand new painted shades: Lavender, Rose and Sky. These gorgeous pink tones are ideal for creating your own personalised colour combination, and you can add flexible storage, such as larder pantries, display cabinets and interior solutions. Not sure if you’re brave enough to take the plunge? Take a look at the online colour explorer to see which shades could work in your kitchen. Prices for the Midsomer Oak Shaker kitchen, shown here in Lavender and Rose, start at around £290 for a 600mm base unit. Visit www.crown-imperial.co.uk to find out more. TAP INTO A TREND Monochrome bathrooms are a…

Whether it’s to wake up in the morning or wind down in the evening, there’s nothing like indulging in a warming shower to make you feel fresh and revitalised. From hotel-style walk-ins and wet rooms to frameless enclosures and space-saving quadrants, find the perfect one to fit your room and lifestyle for the ultimate shower experience. ‘Measuring the space correctly and ensuring that the room is both waterproof and has sufficient water drainage is key for wet rooms. Consumers should consider the installation and waste requirements to ensure that the flow rate is not restricted.’Barry Hoyne, Commercial Director at Merlyn ‘Always choose paint for bathrooms that’s been designed to stand up to a warm, steamy atmosphere. Dulux EasyCare Bathroom paint comes in hundreds of shades and will draw admiring glances…

STORAGE BASKET Fold and weave paper (yes, really!) to make a handy basket SHOPPING LIST Roll of brown paper A4 piece of thick card Pair of compasses Strong double-sided sticky tape 1 Cut out a 20cm-diameter circle from a piece of thick card, then, using a pencil and ruler, draw 16 equally spaced lines through the centre of the card circle. 2 Cut out a 12 x 16cm piece of brown paper and lay it flat on the work surface. Fold both long edges in towards the centre, so they meet, then repeat. Fold again, this time along the length through the centre so the two sides meet. Stick the sides together with double-sided sticky tape on the inside of the fold. Repeat this until you have 16 strips of…

The weather is warming up now, so it’s time to get out into the garden. But if yours is looking less than lovely, why not build a deck? A deck is a great way to update your garden – it’s low maintenance, hard-wearing and gives you somewhere to sit and relax or enjoy alfresco eating. It’s the perfect solution for covering up an ugly patio or any awkward areas where grass won’t grow. YOU WILL NEED Essential Tape measure Deck boards Drill and drill bits Spirit level and set square Exterior-grade joist 47 x 150mm x 3m Adjustable decking risers 150mm and 100mm timber drive screws 50mm joist hangers 30mm exterior-grade screws 64mm decking screws Useful Spade Heavy-duty landscape fabric Gravel 10mm Safety glasses Dust mask Gloves Wood preserver AFTERCARE…

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 FIND MORE INTERIORS TO INSPIRE YOU AT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK…

Featuring rose copper handles on either side, this handmade ice bucket can be easily carried from the kitchen to the party. Pewter hammered ice bucket, £35.00, Dibor A modern shower is still a must in a vintage-style scheme. Deck-mounted shower in Chrome, £583, The Albion Bath Company For the ultimate look, hang cage pendant lamps to diffuse the light and cast atmospheric shadows. 11-inch wire cage pendant, £45.00, Industville Vintage jars double as storage on Sarajane’s dressing table. Lene Bjerre Miya jar, £30, Sweetpea & Willow The tiles throughout most of the ground floor fit the Gothic look of Sarajane’s home. Grande Grey porcelain tiles, £80 per sq m, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse This armchair makes a striking statement piece for any room. French oak oatmeal armchair, £299.99, Le Brun…

A pair of metal pendant lights illuminate Michaela’s kitchen table. Metal shade in Dove Grey, £10, Argos Home Vintage enamel jugs add a classic element to Michaela’s country kitchen. Vintage enamel water jug, £19.95, Rex London Statement mirrors add interest above the mantelpiece. Woven octagon mirror, £45.50, Oliver Bonas Love houseplants but lack green-fingers? Go faux! Faux monstera potted plant, £68, Audenza Log baskets always add a great look to a rustic interior. Round rope-handled log basket, £55, Amara A chunky throw gives a cosy feel to Michaela’s living room. Chunky knit throw, £70, Marks & Spencer FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 108…

Fill an empty corner and relax in your kitchen with this grey rocking chair. Chair, £149.99, HomeSense This large-scale floral print mirrors all the drama in Claire’s bedroom. Dark Flowers No 2 poster, £7.95, Desenio A flamingo lamp will add a fabulous touch of stylish fun to any room. Flo Flamingo Table Lamp, £50, Matalan Inspired by Claire’s love of insect motifs? Bring one into your home with this cute bee cushion. Cushion, £5, George Home If you love Claire’s star-motif stickers, try these star tiles, which come in blue and black. Heritage star tiles, £29.40 per sq m, Porcelain Superstore FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 108…

On the deck If you’ve considered composite decking before but were put off by the price, think again! Designed with those on a budget in mind, Enhance is the latest offering from composite decking experts Trex. The innovative board design features a scalloped underside, which uses less material and makes it more cost-effective, as well as lighter and easier to handle. Unlike traditional wooden decking, Trex won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter, so it lasts a lot longer and requires very little maintenance. Like all Trex decking, Enhance is made from 95-per-cent-recycled materials and is backed by a 25-year fade and stain warranty for total peace of mind. The Enhance Basics range is available in two shades, while the slightly more costly Enhance Naturals range offers a wider choice of…

If you’re new to caring for house plants, Darryl Cheng’s book, The New Plant Parent , will give you the advice and confidence you need to keep them alive and flourishing. In it he teaches you how to understand a plant’s needs and give it a home with the right balance of light, water, and nutrients. It covers all of the basics of growing house plants, from everyday care to containers and recommended species that suit homes. Cheng’s friendly tone, personal stories, and accessible photographs echo the spirit that has made his Instagram account @houseplantjournal a popular source of advice and inspiration for thousands of rookie indoor gardeners. The New Plant Parent , £17.99, published by Abrams & Chronicle…

Hemmings & Wills has an entirely sustainable collection of beautiful home furnishings, including cushions and this gorgeous mustard yellow and grey wool throw, which is made from recycled clothing. The sustainable manufacturing process sees the clothes cleaned and broken down into fibres, then spun into yarn and woven into new fabric. The colour of the material used for the accessories is also eco-friendly as the original shade of the wool fabric is kept the same without adding any extra dyes.…

Plant A Bloomer combines cards, flowers and presents into one memorable gift with its wonderful selection of recycled paper tokens with wildflower seeds embedded inside. The collection includes an array of tokens and cards in various colours and shapes, from beautiful butterflies and posy flowers to cupcakes and hearts. This eco-friendly gift would make the perfect present for a loved one. You can purchase these sweet seeded cards from as little as £4.50 at www.plantabloomer.co.uk.…

Hidden Gem: Reste, Hastings Nestled in Hastings’ Old Town in East Sussex, Reste is the epitome of quality and craftsmanship in the world of independent interior stores. With the wasteful nature of modern throw-away culture in mind, Jacqui Martin founded Reste in 2015 to encourage people to make more sustainable homeware choices, with a particular emphasis on handcrafted items. The carefully curated selection of homewares and accessories are sourced from all around the world, chosen specifically for their artisanal roots and the individual stories they tell. With everything from macramé storage bags to bamboo mirrors and charming clay vases, Reste is your go-to destination for a chic but considerate home update. Find the store at 58 High Street, Hastings, TN34 3EN or visit www.reste.co.uk to browse the current collection Get baking!…

This colourful cake stand is fit for any summer celebration. There’s also a range of matching items available, such as napkins and tablecloths Best of British cake stand, £14, Talking Tables Not only will these tins store your cakes in style, they’ll also look fantastic on a kitchen shelf thanks to Orla’s signature prints Orla Kiely set of three nesting cake tins, £40, Wild & Wolf Let the kids have a go at baking with this starter kit, which includes a mini cupcake tin and silicone cases Kids’ Real Cookware ultimate 48-piece baking gift set, £29.99, Lakeland Finish every cake perfectly with these indulgent sprinkles Rainbow and Zillionaire sprinkles, £1.90 per 70g, Cake Angels Make sure your creations arrive safely at their destination with a dedicated carrier. This one has…

FACT FILE There are over 430 million DIY jobs in the UK that currently need doing, including fixing squeaky doors, bleeding radiators and tightening screws. Source Hillarys YH Fab find Don’t be caught out at the airport with overweight luggage and be forced to pay a big penalty. This neat luggage scale weighs only 90g and is compact, so won’t take up much room in your bag. It can weigh up to 50kg and is easy to read with a digital display. Savvy ways to… Get food for free With everyone trying to cut down on food waste, there are plenty of ways to rustle up a meal without having to pay for it. Here are a few we’ve discovered… ■ Get the app Olio is a free food and…

SHOPPING LIST Sebra Juno Cot bed in Wood, £699; Liewood music mobile Angela Panda, £33.95, both Scandiborn. Dot Gold Sand canopy, £99.95, Cam Cam Copenhagen. Walls painted in colour-matched premium matt emulsion, from £29 for 2.5l, Valspar. Reva changing basket, £69, Olli Ella. Bekväm spice racks (used as shelves), £3.50 each, IKEA. Larsen wide chest of drawers, £199; Yen pendant lampshade, £49, both Made.com. Arrow decals in Gold, £20.22 for 80, Etsy. Fatouh Berber rug, from £99, Le Redoute. Mirror, £40, HomeSense. Wire words, £26.80, @Handmadebyannabel on Etsy. Zebra print, £7.99, @Rudibearandfriends on Etsy. Feathers on Hoop, £35, @Knotsandbells on Instagram. Beaded garland, from £8 @Jka_handmade_crafts on Instagram. Giraffe soft toy, £24.99; cushions, from £15; voile, from £22, all H&M Home.…

You may not be consciously aware of this, but bodies and minds have spontaneous reactions to colours. Bright, bold shades tend to stimulate the brain and energise you, whereas more gentle tones will keep you feeling calm and provide stress-relief. So, if relaxation is your goal, then these are the colours you should consider when decorating your home. Blue This is a timeless colour that many people turn to for decorating, especially when it comes to the bedroom – and there’s a reason for it. Soft blue is arguably the most soothing shade. It can help to calm a busy mind and send you off to sleep. Pale violet is also a popular choice as it has a blue base tone that helps you relax. Grey Grey may not be…

The demand for vegan and eco-conscious products has started to move beyond food and fashion into the world of interiors, as more people want to do their bit to take pressure off the planet. If you haven’t yet delved into the vegan trend before, you may be surprised at the variety of materials the interiors industry has to offer – faux leather, organic cotton, bamboo, reclaimed wood, soy and recycled plastic are just a few of the choices available to those wanting to make animal-friendly purchases. To help set you on the right track, we’ve rounded-up a selection of the latest vegan and eco buys that – in every sense – won’t cost the earth. If you’re looking to create a feature wall with sustainable style in mind then start…

WHO LIVES HERE? Keeley Wilson, 41, a hair and make-up artist, lives in a three-bedroom 1930s semi in Hampton, south-west London. She lives with her husband, Alan McKenna, 47, an actor, son Archie, 11, and daughter, Violet, seven, as well as their dog, Harper. WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE OLD BATHROOM? ‘It was tiny with an old beige sink and toilet, and no window. There was no storage and it was dark and dingy.’ WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW BATHROOM? ‘The fact that it’s so colourful and vibrant. The wallpaper was the starting point for the whole scheme. I bought it before any work started and I still love it.’ WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS? ‘Spend money where it’s important – the shower, toilet, basin and tiles…

‘A level-access tray fitted flush to the floor eliminates the need to step up into the shower, and provides a seamless and sleek finish to the enclosure that creates that spa-like look. Opt for textured surfaces, such as our Truestone shower trays, for a non-slip choice that naturally blends practicality with organic styling.’ Barry Hoyne, Commercial Director at Merlyn ‘Bathrooms and wet rooms don’t often give you the chance to use paint on the walls, but when they do, you have to make it count. Coloured grout, especially pink is becoming a big trend so use the same colour, or a deeper shade, on the walls and ceiling. Try Dulux Easycare Bathroom in Ballerina Dance, Blush Pink or Sorbet.’ Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux…

Q Our conservatory gets really hot in the summer but cold in the winter. What can we do to create a conservatory we can use comfortably all year round? Marianne King, Cirencester A Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys Blinds has this advice… Many people struggle with the temperature in conservatories. With so much glass, it can be difficult to retain heat in the winter, but in the summer heat is absorbed and the room becomes unbearably hot. It’s important to deal with the roof first, as this is where lots of heat tends to escape. Pleated roof blinds have a special coating that helps prevent heat loss in winter and reflect sunlight to keep the conservatory cool in summer. Transition blinds are made using two fabrics to form…

3 ways with… Strawberries 4 Treat yourself to a frozen strawberry dacquiri! Put 200g of strawberries, hulled and halved; 75ml of white rum; 2 of tbsp lime juice and 1 mugful of ice cubes in a powerful blender and blitz until smooth. Makes enough for two glasses. 4 For a strawberry mousse, clean and slice 350g of strawberries, then put them in a food processor or blender with 100g of granulated sugar and purée. In a cold bowl, put 238g of whipping cream and beat it until stiff peaks form. Fold in the purée gently. Divide the mixture between four small bowls and refrigerate for an hour. 4 Try strawberries in a salad. Place 350g of strawberries, hulled and quartered; 400g of watermelon, diced; 150g of cherry tomatoes, quartered and…

Ideal as a Father’s Day gift or just a helpful accessory to have in your DIY kit, this magnetic bracelet keeps nails and screws close at hand while you’re working. It’s especially useful when you’re working in a tricky place, such as up a ladder. The two magnetic strips hold metal items securely while washers, rawlplugs and any other bits and pieces can be stored in the handy pockets or tucked under the elastic strap. It’s adjustable to fit wrists big and small, so it’s a great buy for any avid DIYer.…

A bigger-than-average plot was one of the many plus points of Angela Hyams’s detached house in Stoke Mandeville, which she and her husband bought as a new-build. But they weren’t enamoured with the L-shaped layout as it meant that the garden could hardly be seen from the lounge. ‘We wanted to link the house to the outside without compromising on any light coming in,’ she says. ‘Our previous home had a conservatory that had served us well, so it seemed like the perfect solution here.’ They chose a Wintergarden conservatory from ODC Glass that now fills the dead space in the side return and flows from the lounge through to the patio. With a narrow aluminium frame, large expanses of glass in the sides and roof, and full-width bifold doors,…

A Abode Living 01273 621116 www.abodeliving.co.uk Alex and Alexa 0870 068 8659 www.alexandalexa.com Alice Acreman Silks www.aliceacremansilks.com Amazon 0800 279 7234 www.amazon.co.uk And So To Shop www.andsotoshop.com Annabel James 0345 548 0210 www.annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 247296 www.anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476 www.anthropologie.com/en-gb AO.com 0161 470 1100 www.ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk Audenza 0116 2986393 www.audenza.com B B&Q 0333 014 3357 www.diy.com Beau & Elliot www.beauandelliot.com BHS 0333 005 0070 www.bhs.com Big Bathroom Shop 0345 122 7569 www.bigbathroomshop.co.uk Biggie Best www.biggiebest.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 0114 321 7000 www.bobbyrabbit.co.uk Booths 0800 221 8086 www.booths.co.uk Boss Babs www.bossbabs.com Brabantia www.brabantia.com/uk Brand Alley 01206 226410 www.brandalley.co.uk Burbidge www.burbidge.co.uk C Cake Angels 01295 981071 www.cake-angels.co.uk Cam Cam Copenhagen www.camcamcopenhagen.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk Clas Ohlson 020 8247 9300 www.clasohlson.com Cox & Cox 0330…

CRAFTY CLOSET I always feel inspired after reading Your Home magazine and love to see people’s solutions to storage ideas. So I decided to have a go at my own project for my craft room! I set about looking for a pine dresser and found one in my local charity shop for £50. After hours of sanding, priming and finding a soft blue/ grey paint in the sales, I’m pretty pleased with the outcome. It keeps all my craft stash close at hand and looks so much better than the plastic storage boxes it was all in before. Debbie Fitzhugh, by email Your Home says This is a gorgeous dresser, Debbie! We especially love the colour. We can’t help thinking we’d do more craft projects if we had a beautifully…

Packed lunches and picnics may not be things everyone can enjoy at the moment but how about some smart new containers for when they’re back on the menu? We love the new On-the-Go range from OXO, which includes this handy lunchbox. It has two compartments, so you can keep your sandwiches separate from your fruit salad. Plus, its 1.2 litre capacity means you can fit in enough to keep you going all day. The locking tabs seal everything inside securely so your food stays fresh and all parts are dishwasher and microwave safe.…

If you’re planning a getaway when the current crisis is over, it’s important to get your travel insurance sorted at the same time. Cheapest isn’t always best and there are different policies available, so make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Otherwise you may not be able to claim when you really need to. Shop around online on comparison sites as well as the Post Office, your bank and credit card company to find out what they offer. Here are some things to consider… WHAT’S THE COST? It all depends on where you’re travelling to and for how long, and insurance policies will differ between providers: ■ The older you are, the more it tends to cost. ■ Any adventurous activities will add to the policy price.…

RETRO REVIVAL LAMPS…

Two weeks after moving into a house with no garden and very steep stairs, Suzy Broome discovered she was expecting twins. ‘The house was totally impractical for starting a family and we were desperate for more space, but we managed with a bunk-cot for the boys until they were three,’ says Suzy, 35, a speech therapist and designer-maker (www.suzybroome.com). In 2015, Suzy and her husband, Iain, 39, a writer, found a three-storey, four-bedroom Victorian home in the bohemian Meersbrook area of Sheffield, which had been fixed up by a developer. ‘It was so bright and open compared to our tiny little house and had views towards the Peak District,’ says Suzy. As the couple wanted their twin boys’ shared bedroom to be ready quickly, they stayed up all night decorating,…

SHOPPING LIST Mydal bunk bed (customised), £115; Langsted low-pile rug (170 x 240cm), £55, is similar; Skurup ceiling track light, £19; Praktklocka grey striped curtains, £17, are similar, all IKEA. Walls painted in Vintage Chandelier, £29.16 per 2.5l, Dulux. Wardrobe and drawers painted in Jack Black, £66 per 2.5l, Little Greene. Leaning ladder desk, £59.99, Sue Ryder online shop, is similar. Hiba metal bedside table, £110, La Redoute. Iso 180 x 130cm bedspread, £39, is similar; Cohen bedside table lamp, £39, both Made.com. Kontsmide warm white LED cherry string lights (80), £19.99, Lighting Direct, is similar. Clip-on white spotlight lamp, £24, Iconic Lights, is similar. Copper 16-light mini peg string lights, £5, Dunelm, is similar. Balloon dog light, £26, Red Candy. Cloud 9 wallpaper, £14 per roll, Graham and Brown.…

We all love a feast in the great outdoors – the smoky aroma, the chilled drinks, the seared meat and the veggie skewers. But cooking up a great alfresco meal requires the right barbecue, which is why we’ve rounded up some of the best examples of the current crop. But if burgers, bangers and kebabs aren’t you’re preferred outdoor dining options, we’ve picked out a trio of budget-friendly pizza ovens too! Tepro Toronto gas three-burner BBQ, £225, Homebase With three stainless-steel burners that can all be individually controlled and separate grill inserts that allow you to prepare pizzas and other dishes simultaneously, this BBQ really does have it all. To help you make sure your meat is never under-seasoned and your utensils and clean plates are always close by, it…

‘Open shelving not only allows easy access to items, but it’s also great for showing off stylish crockery, utensils and ceramics. Glass-front cabinets will also make spaces look brighter and more open. Add pendant lighting above a breakfast bar or island to create a focal point and essential task lighting.’ Sarah Baulch, Category Director for Kitchens & Bathrooms, Tiles and Flooring at Wickes ‘We’ve been spending more time in the kitchen than ever before and colours that connect us with the great outdoors add much-needed tranquillity. Choose soft greens such as Tranquil Dawn and Fresh Artichoke and chalky blues like Borrowed Blue and Atmosphere for the walls and ceiling. Then add pops of stronger colours on painted furniture – dining chairs and table legs, for example.’ Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director…

Lumin8 Inswing shower enclosure, £929.05; square tray, 800mm x 800mm, £184.58, both Roman Showers. Platinum dual ceiling-fed shower, £552, Mira Showers. Vessel square basin, £183; Tec single lever wall-mounted basin mixer, £108; Grace rimless wall-hung WC, £579; Revive radiator in anthracite, £309, all Hudson Reed. Lampas Peacock wall tiles, £59.56 per sq m; Timeless Neutrals in white gloss floor tiles, £40.17 per sq m, both Topps Tiles. Units painted in Leather Traditional Oil Gloss, £33 per litre, Little Greene. Walls painted in Pure Brilliant White, £9.99 for 2.5l, Dulux. Oak blind, £23; artificial flower sprays, £3 each, both Dunelm. Hammam towels, £18 each, Drift Linens. Gold mirror, £20; yellow bulldog, £8; birds, £3 each; blue bucket, £10; hand towels, £5 each, all TK Maxx. Hook rack, £18, Flying Tiger TOTAL…

Garden furniture in need of an upgrade? There’s no need to rush out and buy a new set. If you’ve got an old deckchair hidden away at the back of the shed or garage, getting it summer-ready again is easier than you might think! It’ll look good as new with a handmade cover in durable canvas, printed with a simple flower motif that you’ve drawn yourself. YOU WILL NEED Deckchair frame Canvas fabric to fit Tracing paper 1 pot each of red and yellow fabric paints Acrylic block Glue stick Hobby foam sheet Car wash sponge Scissors/craft knife Overhead projector pen Water-erasable marker Sewing thread Sewing machine 1 Wash, dry and iron your fabric before you begin, as this will prevent shrinkage later on and will also make the fabric…

WE ARE Sarajane Corani, 44, a logistics operation manager for a ski company, and Simon Bowler, 39, a joiner and carpenter. OUR HOME Is a Victorian four-bedroom detached house in a Yorkshire village. MY STYLE IS Eclectic and romantic, with a touch of Gothic and Victorian. I love antiques and rarely buy anything new. WE BOUGHT IT BECAUSE It has a huge garden and enough space for Simon to build his dream man cave and for me to have lots of animals and a veg patch! I’M MOST PLEASED WITH My bathroom, with the silver bath and antique loo. I love the ceiling height and the floor we grafted over for days, both in here and in our large bedroom. MY ADVICE IS Don’t do anything major to a house…

WE ARE Michaela Tinniswood, 45, an interior designer who also runs a bed-and-breakfast from the house, and Richard Tinniswood, 48, a beekeeper and gardener. OUR HOME IS A five-bedroom farmhouse and converted barn near Ardee in Co Louth, built circa 1820. MY BEST BARGAIN IS The fireplace in the living room, which we bought on Done Deal for €20 (£17). When we went to collect it, it wouldn’t fit in the car, so we had to bring it home on the roof. MY ADVICE Always use tester pots, as paint can look very different in different light. I chose a lovely soft grey for the living room, but when Richard had finished painting, it was a lurid lilac! MY STYLE IS Country-casual/Scandi! I love pale colours and natural materials. My…

I AM Claire Williams, 37, an English teacher, and I like to show off my interior style on Instagram @_lucky_11_. MY HOME IS a two-bedroom Edwardian terrace, built circa 1910, in Northampton town centre. I LEARNT To stick to my guns when others question my choices. The professionals don’t always understand the look you’re trying to achieve and sometimes choose convenience over style. NEXT TO DO IS The spare room, which hasn’t had much attention yet, though as I’m still working through my ideas for it.…

Smoked haddock rarebit YOU WILL NEED PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME 40 minutes SERVES 2 ✔ 300g undyed smoked haddock fillets, skinned ✔ 1 bay leaf ✔ 1 garlic clove ✔ 3 sprigs fresh thyme ✔ 100ml whole milk ✔ 25g unsalted butter ✔ 1/2 small leek, thinly sliced (remove dark green top and discard) ✔ 25g plain flour ✔ 50g mature Cheddar cheese, grated ✔ 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard ✔ 1/2 tsp ground white pepper ✔ 2 thick slices sourdough bread To serve ✔ 2 poached eggs ✔ 6 rashers dry-cured streaky bacon, grilled until crisp ✔ 2 plum tomatoes, halved ✔ 30g watercress DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven 190ºC/Fan 170ºC/Gas Mark 5. Put the haddock into a pan, add the bay leaf, garlic and thyme, then cover with the…

Spice things up A spicy little cousin of ginger, lesser galangal makes an attractive evergreen house plant with edible leaves and roots. It boasts attractive structural leaves and showy orchid-like flowers. The leaves taste similar to ginger, with subtle spice and hints of citrus when cooked, whereas the root has a hotter flavour that’s ideal for oriental and Thai cuisine. It can also be used like kaffir lime leaves in many oriental dishes. The leaves can be gathered at any time, but you’ll need to wait a year before you can harvest the roots. To do so, remove the plant from the pot and snap the required root from the main plant (no more than a third of the root). The remaining plant should then be put back in the…

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS With modern style and warm off-white hues, the Tierra range from ReChic is a must-have for your kitchen. Not only is this new collection of serving bowls, bread bins and utensils great for complementing a contemporary kitchen, its accessories are also all made from 100-per-cent recycled plastic, which equates to up to 30 plastic bottles being reused per product.…

Add a metallic, industrial touch to your bathroom sink with this chic copper and concrete dish. Copper and concrete oval soap dish, £10, Red Candy This dish is made from sustainable ash wood that’s been gently baked to make it water resistant and give it its distinctive dark brown finish. Thermowood soap dish, £13, Savon Stories The Wells holder has central ridges to prevent soap from going soggy and it’s made entirely from recycled glass. Wells soap dish, £8.50, Garden Trading…