Your Home July 2020

Hello! I’m delighted to be taking over here at Your Home HQ – even though our HQ is still very much virtual. I can’t wait to help you all make your homes everything you want them to be, which feels especially important while we’re spending so much of our lives in them! We’ve packed this issue with ways to make your house a retreat in these unusual times. From how to create a stress-free sanctuary in Trend Alert: Eastern Tranquillity (p18) to crafts you can unwind with in our Make it Easy guide (p57), we’re here to help you through. Our sleep spaces are more crucial than ever, as we look for somewhere ‘different’ to escape to at the end of each day. So this month’s bedroom makeovers (from p22)…

Hidden Gem: Idaho, Altrincham Lovers of quirky, colourful interiors rejoice! IDAHO is the hidden gem for you. Situated in the heart of Altrincham, Greater Manchester, this rainbow-coloured store is brimming with design-led makes. From cards and stationery to skincare and jewellery, IDAHO is a one-stop shop for all your gifting needs… as well as the occasional personal pick-me-up. Everything in the shop has been selected for its originality and quality, and will help turn any room into an inspiring and exciting space. We have our hearts set on the Lady Face Vase, £35 (pictured) – an eye-catching addition to any shelfie. Visit the store at 56 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ to see the full range or head to idahoshop.co.uk for a curated selection of products. Sustainable switch-ups Living sustainably is…

All dressed up I found a shabby, yellow dresser in a local second-hand furniture shop. Despite how run-down it looked, I liked it and saw some potential. Using Rust-Oleum chalk paint in Anthracite and Clotted Cream, plus some new knobs, I completely transformed it into a dresser that gives me joy whenever I look at it! Maureen Raud, by email Your Home says What a wonderful transformation, Maureen! This must look so lovely in your home, and it’s a great storage solution too. A-door-able I wanted to share a photo of our spruced-up PVC front door. It was white originally, but after two coats of specialist paint from B&Q it looks like a new front door! As it’s worked so well, we’re now going to tackle our garage door too.…

For a while, I’d been considering how I could improve the appearance of our old brown kitchen tiles without the mess and expense of removal. I saw this lovely blue and white tile wallpaper and thought I’d give it a go. It was very easy to put it up and within an hour, the kitchen was transformed – and all for just £16 per roll. Phenomenal! Dragana Farrell, by email Your Home says This is such an inventive decorating idea, Dragana. We’re obsessed with that beautiful blue and white colour combination! ★ Dragana’s letter has won her a Bunches bouquet and set of goodies worth £40!…

How to… deep clean your patio or decking Now that summer is here, you’ll be spending a lot more time in your back garden dozing, dining or just relaxing on your decking or patio. But if the paving or planks are in need of a little rejuvenation before you can start taking things easy, follow these top tips to give them a deep clean… If you have patio paving slabs, start by removing any weeds growing up in between them. For a cheap and simple cleaning option, use a hard-bristled brush and a mixture of washing-up liquid and water. Working in stages, pour the mixture onto the patio slabs and work away all ground-in dirt and surface discolouration using the brush. Then, simply rinse the slabs off with clean water…

Great Buy Burnt food stuck to the bottom of a pan is one of our biggest pet peeves. But it could be a thing of the past with GreenPan. The cookware from GreenPan enables you to fry and sauté with little to no oil thanks to its ceramic non-stick coating. Not only is the range non-stick, but it’s also free from toxic chemicals and great at conducting heat for maximum cooking efficiency. Healthy meals have never been so fuss-free. See the full range at greenpan.co.uk.…