Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2020 i Your Home

This time of year is often overlooked – after all, it’s too early to start looking forward to Christmas – but I think there’s a magic to it. It’s the perfect time to hunker down in our beautiful homes, and indulge in a bit of Scandinavian hygge. And this issue is all about just that! First up, transform your bedroom into a snug sanctuary from page 36, then learn how to make the most of the daylight with mirrors great and small from page 42. In Home Improvement Extra, we reveal the best portable heaters and flue stoves to keep you toasty – since I’ve started working from home more, I definitely feel the need for one of these! And, of course, there’s Your Essential Guide to Cosy Living –…

Forget the January sales – savvy shoppers will be bagging bargains in this month’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Originating in the US, Black Friday is the shopping day after Thanksgiving and is so-called because so much trade is done that retailers’ accounts often go from being in the red to the black. With Friday the day for hitting the high street, Cyber Monday is for shopping online. Everything from laptops to tablets and TVs to kitchen appliances will be available at knockdown prices. Here’s how to shop sensibly and not get carried away… GET ONLINE FOR CYBER MONDAY You’ll find plenty of bargains online on Monday 30 November ■ This is a great time to buy electricals so make a list and check price histories. ■ Download a…

When Liz and Jay Nagle had their first child, they were keen to sell their two-up two-down in Stockport and find a forever home. It wasn’t long before they found a three-bedroom Victorian semi nearby with a cellar where Liz could keep stock for her online interiors shop, Echo Designs. Now that the couple have two children, Isla, eight, and Teddy, five, they’re glad the previous owners enlarged the bathroom with a side extension, even though the décor wasn’t exactly to their taste. ‘The day we moved in we ripped out the carpet and pink stripy wallpaper,’ says Liz. ‘And, to make it more liveable, we re-painted the wood panelling, added grey trellis wallpaper and put down wood-effect lino. It suited us for a few years while we renovated the…

£29 from Boutique Camping Add a vintage touch to your bathroom with this wooden stool. Its black and cream woven details would complement a monochrome scheme beautifully. £89 from The Find Store Scandi interior enthusiasts will love this minimalist wooden stool. A subtle way to bring some natural warmth to the home. £150 from Garden Trading Crafted from honey-hued teak, the St Mawes stool looks at home in farmhouse and mid-century modern spaces alike.…

THE DETAILS SHOWER & ENCLOSURE £1,668 VANITIES & TAPS £1,856 W/C £406 PAINT £117 PANELLING £143 TILES £124 HEATING £190 LIGHTING £314 PRIVACY FILM £34 TOTAL £4,852 SHOPPING LIST 1000mm framed wet room screen, £338; 800mm framed wet room screen, £311; 1400 x 800 walk-in shower tray, £365; Victorian Grand rigid riser shower kit, £654; Coast white wall-hung 500mm cabinets with basin, £787 each; Willow mono basin mixer taps, £141 each; Luna wall-hung pan and seat, £406, all Hudson Reed. Panelling in Hopper Green intelligent eggshell, from £32 per litre, and walls in Shirting intelligent matt emulsion, 26 per litre, Little Greene. Melia Charcoal patterned ceramic floor tiles, £28 per sq m; white ceramic wall tiles, £5.75 per sq m; 2.4 x 1.2m MDF sheets, from £4.54 per sq m;…

‘Think about what feel you want to create in your bedroom: calming and pared back, warm and cosy or something with more of a sense of opulence? Whatever it is, centre your lighting around that. In general, keep bulbs shaded with material as opposed to glass, unless you want to use the light source for reading. If you’re a book lover, directional wall or desk lights are more effective than lamps and lampshades, although they’re not as good at generating a warm, ambient light.’ Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky…

We tend to spend more time at home during the chillier months, so at this time of year purifying the air to keep general house dust, unwanted bacteria and pollution at bay is more important than ever. Air purifiers are useful for a multitude of other reasons, too; aside from clearing dust particles and mould spores from the air, they can also help those who suffer from hay fever, allergies and asthma. Here, we take you through the different models and functions, from quiet modes to smart app systems. With the amazing ability to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, this purifier is more than capable of cleansing the air in your home. Plus, it has five handy speed functions, a timer that can be set from one to…

For a truly unique kitchen packed with personality, go for a multi-coloured design that can be as subtle or as daring as you desire. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary or classic, industrial or eclectic style, a colourful palette lends itself to many tastes. From a few statement pieces such as decorative flooring, a contrasting island or a brightly finished fridge to a full-on burst of boldness with cabinets in tones of pink, blue or green, the choice is endless. So, embrace your creative side, pick a palette and make your kitchen space sing.…

As your bathroom’s focal point and one of its most important elements, the tub has to tick a lot of boxes. It needs to fit the room’s size and shape and complement its style, as well as being comfortable and practical to use. Whether you’re buying a new bath as part of a refit or want to replace a dated model with a statement piece, start by measuring up, then take your pick from classic free-standing tubs, sleek corner baths and more. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY ‘Don’t be scared to test the bath out in the showroom. You wouldn’t buy a mattress without laying on it, so it would be crazy not to get into the bath and see how comfortable it is. Each will offer a completely different bathing…

Bring a splash of colour to your home with this speedy upcycling project. Unleash your creativity with this vase revamp and transform a lacklustre piece of homeware into a statement accessory that will brighten up whatever space you put it in. All you need is a dash of paint, some masking tape and a simple design to get started. YOU WILL NEED * Vase * Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch in Lemon, Light Grey, Gold and Black * Paint brushes * Masking tape 1 Begin by taping a large triangle shape onto the vase. Create a clean line by smoothing the tape down, ensuring you have no gaps. Paint the first colour within the taped section. The colour used is Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch in Lemon. 2 If needed, apply a second coat.…

WE ARE Jade Severs, 36, Home Design Stylist at John Lewis & Partners, husband Jon, 37, and children Finley, seven, Eliot, five, and twins Eva and Mae, four OUR HOME IS A four-bedroom semidetached Edwardian property in Hampshire. We’ve lived here for four and a half years. MY TOP TIP IS To prioritise storage – it’s so important in a family home. Think carefully where you’ll keep every item if you don’t like the idea of clutter and plan accordingly. FOR STYLE INSPIRATION I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful interior design inspiration at work, but I also like to scroll Instagram for ideas. I share snaps of my own home on @jade.lisa.home.…

3 ways with… Parsnips Bring some sweetness to your savoury dishes * For mouth-watering honey-roast parsnips, peel, top and tail 500g parsnips. Cut lengthways, then put them in a pan of boiling water. Cook for 5 mins, then drain and tip them into a roasting tin. Sprinkle them with 1 tbsp each of flour and honey, then toss to coat. Pour over 2 tbsp sunflower oil, 2 tbsp butter and season, then place them in a 200°C oven for 35 mins or until golden. * Use leftover roast parsnips to make a delicious soup. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan then add 2 chopped cloves of garlic and 1 chopped onion, and fry for 2 mins. Stir in 500g roast parsnips and 800ml vegetable stock and simmer for 5…

Fireside dwelling Now’s the time to start making your home cosy for winter and nothing says ‘cosy’ more than a wood-burning stove. If you love the way their flickering flames create a homely vibe, but are concerned about their efficiency or impact on air quality, take a look at Arada’s Farringdon range. Each stove comes with the ‘EcoDesign Ready’ label, indicating that they exceed European regulations for heat efficiency and emissions when burning wood. Choose from seven elegant colours including a statement red, although we adore the classic matte black. Visit aradastoves.com to see the full collection. Find out more about the ‘EcoDesign Ready’ label in the Your Essential Guide to Cosy Living supplement (free with this issue). Made to last In busy households, it’s always best to opt for…

Jackie and Peter Kirvan moved to Devon with their two young daughters over 20 years ago. The family home suited them well when the girls were growing up, but fast forward to 2020 and, now that the girls are both married with young children, the house is frequently pushed for space when the whole family gets together. ‘We had four bedrooms, but one was just big enough for bunk beds and the fourth was a poky room tucked under the eaves with only a steep and slightly unsafe staircase for access,’ explains Jackie. Two years ago, when the old slate roof of the 18th-century coastguard’s cottage needed replacing, the Kirvans took the opportunity to re-model the upstairs accommodation at the same time. Their plan, to convert the existing loft room…

FAN These are ideal if you have a small room to heat up. They work by using an electric coil to create heat, which is circulated around the room with a fan. These portable heaters are one of the most economical ways to warm up a small space, but the heat won’t last long if there’s a draught. OIL-FILLED Another fairly inexpensive way to heat up a small room is with an oil-filled heater; this uses oil with an electric current to generate heat. The downside is that they can take a while to warm up – around 20 to 30 minutes in most cases – however, the oil doesn’t need to be replaced, which is a mess-free bonus. CONVECTOR These portable heaters are ideal for distributing heat evenly throughout…

I’ll admit, it was a good while ago that I swapped out my summer duvet for one with a hefty tog count (much to the delight of my cat, who has eschewed the cool tiles that she dozed on through August in favour of the plump eiderdown). Chilly nights – we’re ready for you! There are many practical things we can do to make our homes warmer and more inviting at this time of year – discover stylish, efficient heating solutions on page 8, and read advice from the experts on page 12. What I love most though is looking at ways to cosy up our interiors while simultaneously upping the style stakes. If you’re short on time, flick straight to page 4 where there are 20 quick and chic…

CHICKEN AND BARLEY STEW PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 2 A traditional style one-pot dish that’s packed with flavour and makes a great winter warmer YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 vegetable stock cube to make 400ml stock ✔ 1 dried bay leaf ✔ 20g dried pearl barley, washed ✔ 1 celery stick, chopped ✔ 1 medium carrot, chopped ✔ 1 medium leek, trimmed and chopped ✔ 120g skinless chicken breast, grilled ✔ 1 tsp fresh chives DIRECTIONS ■ Put the stock and bay leaf in a lidded pan and bring to the boil. Add the pearl barley, bring back to the boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the vegetables, return to the boil, then cover and simmer for a further 15 minutes or until…

Hidden Gem: PRIOR , Bristol For sustainable pieces with special stories behind them, take a trip to PRIOR in Bristol’s Old Market. Forget frivolous purchases and throwaway culture, the co-op shop prides itself on stocking products that are made to last. PRIOR showcases work from 28 local makers, all of whom offer bespoke commissions so there’s plenty of choice, from geometric pots (right), to boho macramé wall hangings. As well as homewares, there’s also organic, vegan skincare on offer, and handmade jewellery you won’t see on anybody else. Visit the shop at 58 West Street, St Phillips, Bristol, BS2 0BL or online at priorshop.uk Go all out Are you a fan of bold colours, in-your-face patterns and all things clashing? If the answer is yes, then this book is for…

THINGS WE CONSIDERED ● Does it cook food well? ● How simple is it to set up? ● How easy is it to clean? SWAN RETRO 1.5 LITRE SLOW COOKER £25 AO.COM Effective at cooking meat, fish and veg dishes, this slow cooker is a great all-rounder. Its small size is ideal if you’re only cooking for one or two, and it can be stored easily in bijoux kitchens. It’s easy to use, thanks to a simple dial system and the removable pot makes cleaning a breeze. The retro design looks gorgeous in neutral and colourful kitchens alike (we’re big fans of the baby blue). JUDGE ELECTRICALS 1.5 LITRE SLOW COOKER £23 HORWOOD This compact cooker couldn’t be easier to use – simply plug it…

Mini trend: Retro graphics You’ll be stepping into the 1970s with this mini trend. The decade was all about a riot of colour and bold geometric patterns covering pretty much every surface. We’re not suggesting you should go quite as far as decorating your floors, walls and furniture with a retro eruption, but adding a splash of warm colour and funky pattern here and there with an Orla Kiely-esque design or two is an excellent way to update the bygone look. Autumn glow Who says wreaths are just for Christmas? Use this string of LED lights from Annabel James to brighten up your front door and bring an inviting autumnal touch to your home. The leaves come in seasonal hues including russet, orange and yellow, and the battery-operated LEDs can…

THE DETAILS PAINT £100 BATHROOM SUITE £1,410 TAPS £845 WALL TILES £360 FLOORING £100 LIGHT £160 TOTAL £2,975 SHOPPING LIST Costa oval countertop basin, £59.95; Arezzo 1700x800 grid wet room with screen, side panel and tray, £499.95; Arezzo round thermostatic shower pack with head and handset, £289.95; Nova 1750 modern double-ended slipper bath, £600.95; Arezzo freestanding bath tap with shower mixer, £349.95, is similar; Keswick cast iron column radiator, £179.95, is similar; Mileto brick white ceramic wall tiles, £35.47 per sq m, all Victorian Plumbing. Rustic chunky bathroom unit, £250, Bespoke Rustic Furniture on eBay. Lusso Giro single lever mixer basin tap, £145, Lusso Stone, is similar. Walls painted in Setting Plaster, £47.95 per 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Woodwork painted in Lamp Black Intelligent Satinwood, £73.50 per 2.5l, Little Greene.…

THE DETAILS PAINT £51 TILES £364 UNITS & WORKTOPS £1,613 SANITARYWARE £197 BATH & PANELS £565 TAPS £300 SHOWERS & ENCLOSURE £1,924 FLOORING £198 HEATING £270 TOTAL £5,482 SHOPPING LIST Walls in Loft White Intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 per 2.5L, Little Greene. Portfolio Classic fitted bathroom furniture in Thistle with solid surface worktops, £1,612.80; Portfolio Classic bath panels, from £170; Thermostatic deck-mounted dual-function bath and shower valve, £190; Metro shower handset kits, £75 each; Piano 250 round shower head with wall arm, £120; Round thermostatic three outlet shower valve, £290; Madeira single-ended straight bath, from £145; 1,400 x 900 Everstone shower tray, £320; Glasshouse shower door, £645; side panel, £395; Soho back-to-wall toilet, £150; Portfolio aluminium mirror, £150; Scuro radiator in Grey, from £120; Summer heating kit, from £50, all…

As the nights draw in, our bedrooms become more important as a place to retreat to and snuggle up in. But the building blocks of a beautiful bedroom go beyond wall colours and duvet covers; creating a restful atmosphere requires mood lighting, fluffy throws, soft rugs, comfy pillows and soothing scents, all blended together with a touch of style. So, whether it’s a luxurious boutique chamber you dream of or a calm and comfortable haven, we’ve got a gallery of bedroom inspiration to help you transform your sleeping space.…

Not just a functional necessity, mirrors are a key element in a decorator’s box of tricks, used to create the illusion of more space and light. Narrow hallways, gloomy corners and small spaces can all be transformed with the clever addition of a looking glass – think an oversized mirror positioned at the top of a staircase, or a decorative one placed opposite a window to reflect light. Whatever the room size, shape and light level you’re working with, here’s how to use reflections to enhance your home. GLASSY ACCENTS…

Small Appliances Expert at AO.com, Victoria Miller, reveals exactly how air purifiers can help in your home and what to look out for when choosing the one that’s right for you… Air purifiers are brilliant for keeping allergies at bay within the home. While restricting particles in the air using a HEPA filtration system, they also release cleaner, cooler air back into the room like a fan. Certain models also feature an ioniser, which reduces allergens floating around, making them easier to dust or vacuum away. This is great for removing pollen, dust, mould, pet dander and pollution, which makes it a useful appliance in your home all year round. When purchasing an air purifier, look at the size of the room you want the product to reside in and…

Q My bath panel has broken and I can’t find a new one that suits anywhere. As an alternative, I’d like to try wood panelling, but I don’t know what type I need. Can you advise? Mrs K Haines, via email A George Holland, junior marketing executive at Victorian Plumbing, has this advice… Although it’s not as straightforward as simply replacing an old PVC panel, you can create your own wooden bath panel using tongue and groove cladding. These clever strips of wood slot neatly together and can be painted to seamlessly blend in with your bathroom’s colour scheme.  Usually used outside to improve the look of a home’s exterior, they’re quite capable of being used in the wet and warm environment of the bathroom. You’ll find cladding in many…

WE ARE Eniko and Michael Kirkwood. I am Hungarian and work as an interpreter, and Michael is a civil servant. We have three rescue dogs, Penny, Alfie and Hugo. OUR HOME IS a three-bedroom cottage on the outskirts of Belfast, built in the late 19th century. MY TOP TIP is don’t be afraid to experiment – take a chance! MY ADVICE is to go for something different. If you don’t like how it looks at first, you can always change it. MY DECORATING STYLE is dark, moody, eclectic and evolving. I love sharing my ideas on Instagram at @mydarkhome_…

Keen to get on the property ladder, Elaine Verdon and her sister decided to team up, pool their resources and invest in a property together. Having grown up beside the sea, the sisters set out to find a home where lapping waves would be just a short walk away. The search brought them to a house in an area just north of Dublin, close to their childhood home. But the lure of the coast wasn’t the only appealing aspect. ‘A lot of people we’d grown up with were moving here, so it felt young and buzzy,’ Elaine says. ‘In fact, two of our best friends ended up buying the house next door, so it was quite the party street for a time!’ ‘Our location is the best; I have to…

Big red peanut noodles PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 10 minutes SERVES 2 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 large aubergine ✔ pinch of salt ✔ ¼ red cabbage ✔ handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped ✔ handful of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped ✔ 50g roasted and salted peanuts ✔ 1 lime, halved ✔ 1 red chilli (optional) ✔ 100g flat rice noodles ✔ 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil ✔ 1 garlic clove ✔ thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger For the sauce ✔ 1 lime ✔ 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter ✔ 2 tbsp soy sauce ✔ 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce ✔ 1 tbsp water DIRECTIONS ■ Chop the aubergine into 1.5cm cubes and add to a hot frying pan with a pinch of salt. Dry…

The first thing anyone sees when they approach your home is your front door and a smart, inviting entrance will help make a good first impression. A simple paint job and a few new hardware pieces is often all it takes to freshen up a tired doorway and just before Christmas is the perfect time to do it – so you can be sure it’s in tip-top condition for displaying a wreath and welcoming your nearest and dearest. To help you make your front door dazzle, we’ve put together six of the best ways to embellish your entrance. If a matt black front door isn’t for you, narrow down your colour choice with the help of Sadolin and Sandtex’s Technical Consultant, Matthew Brown… ‘When it comes to front doors, homeowners…

A Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com Abode Living 01273 621116 abodeliving.co.uk ACR Stoves 0121 706 8266 acrheatproducts.com Alusplash alusplash.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon 0800 279 7234 amazon.co.uk Andrew Martin 020 3887 6113 andrewmartin.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 713089 anniesloan.com Annika Reed Studio 07595 182179 annikareed.com Antipodream 07391 514622 antipodream.co.uk AO.com 0161 470 1200 ao.com Arada Stoves 01297 632050 aradastoves.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk ASDA 0800 952 0101 direct.asda.com Atkin and Thyme 01727 227500 atkinandthyme.co.uk A Twist of Somerset 01278 734539 twistofsomerset.co.uk Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com Avenue Floors avenuefloors.co.uk B B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Bamboo Diaries bambooecodiaries.com.au Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 8899 bathroomstolove.co.uk Bathstore 0333 241 2701 bathstore.com BC Designs 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk Bedfolk bedfolk.com Beer52 0131 285 2684…

As the weather turns colder and the nights draw in, we’re all looking to hunker down in the evenings with a good book or the latest TV box set! Good lighting is key to creating a cosy, warm atmosphere in your home, and whether you’re looking for a beautiful lampshade to diffuse an overhead light, a quirky table lamp to add some character, or a string of twinkling fairy lights for the ultimate atmospheric finish, we’ve tracked down some of the prettiest options from the high street. Plus, we’ve picked the brain of an industry expert for their top lighting tips to give you something to start with. Read on, it’s time to shine! 5 OF THE BEST…

From abstract and geometric to floral and fluffy, rugs come in a variety of styles, shapes, colours and patterns. And they can all be used to refresh rooms, hide flooring you’ve fallen out of love with and be that perfect finishing touch to your décor scheme. But there’s so much more to consider than just popping one down in front of the sofa. In a bold and warming interior, choose one to carry the rich tones to the floor, enhancing the dramatic colour palette. Where schemes are more neutral, consider layering two rugs –one with a subtle pattern and another plain, but both in complementing hues, to add extra interest and design focus. The possibilities don’t end there, read on for more inspiration on using rugs in your home...…

ART ATTACK All the rooms in our new build are white so I felt I needed to add a bit of life to them. I decided to do something a little different and make a feature of the walls in the downstairs toilet. I painted the wildflowers freehand using various tester pots – I love how they’ve turned out! Hannah Rollinson, by email Your Home says Your bathroom looks stunning, Hannah! This is such a creative idea and your painting skills are incredible. ★ Hannah’s letter has won her a bespoke ARRAN gift box, worth £75! Shelfie goals I got this shelving for my birthday, and I decided to upcycle it with a bit of colour as we already had a lot of wood in our kitchen. I drink a…

FACT FILE In a survey of 2,000 homeowners, 40% said they were looking for more eco-friendly ways to carry out home improvements, with over a third buying pre-owned home goods for environmental reasons. Source Used Kitchen Exchange Savvy ways to… Subscribe to food and drink If you are stuck in a cooking rut, then a food or drink subscription box might be just what you need to shake up suppertime. It’s a great way to get top-quality fare delivered to your door, and most offer introductory deals for new customers. From seasonal fruit and veg to speedy recipe kits, there are boxes for most lifestyles and budgets – which one will suit you? ■ Best for fresh fruit and veg: mix things up in the kitchen with a varied veg…

When you think of neutral colours your mind probably jumps to beige and magnolia – shades that might have left you cold in the past. But it’s time to change the way you see these hues, as Dulux’s colour of the year 2021 – Brave Ground – proves, these new neutrals are here to stay! In this edit, we focus on the warmer tones: russet orange, soft blush, butter biscuit, spicy cinnamon and copper auburn. It is a palette that works well with gentle bronze and gold accents in the form of plant pots, lamps, mirrors and tiles. Not only does this scheme blend comfort and luxury in terms of colour, it combines them with texture, too. Think cosy blankets, wood flooring, faux fur rugs and snuggly cushions alongside plush…

When Lisa and Derek Bennett, and their children Oscar and Scarlett, moved into their three-bedroom London home, they inherited a run-down bathroom. As well as an ageing turquoise suite and unsightly décor, the bathroom was also on the small side for a family so the couple were understandably desperate to renovate it. But rather than try and squeeze updated fittings in to the space, Lisa wanted the key feature of the room to be a modern, spacious showering area. STEP ONE Despite their plumber’s attempts to persuade the couple to upgrade to an over-bath shower, Lisa was adamant that the tub had to go. ‘Being a family of shower fans meant it was too much of a compromise and I was also convinced that removing the bath would help open…

‘Bedside tables are practical, functional and help to add character and charm to a space. Arranging a table on either side of the bed will create a symmetrical and balanced style. When it comes to accessorising a bedside table, less is more so choose a few personal pieces, such as photographs and jewellery holders. If you see clutter building up, opt for a bedside table with storage to allow you to hide items without sacrificing easy access.’ Suzy McMahon, Buying Director at Sofology…

‘Use larger mirrors in small rooms to give the illusion of more space, or place a mirror perpendicular to, or opposite, a window. This will bounce natural light around the room, creating a much brighter and more spacious feel, reducing the need for artificial lighting.’ Laura O’Connell, Interior Expert and Product Manager for Hillarys ‘In terms of placement, think about what you want to reflect. By using a mirror you can spot your favourite artwork from an unforeseen corner of the room, bring the outside in by hanging one opposite a window, or place in a passageway as a keyhole for what the next room has in store. Bigger is always better to instil more light and space in a room. Spend more on a mirror as it can make…

Go for gloss Bring a dose of classic elegance to your kitchen or bathroom with the new Zellica tiles from Topps Tiles. The jewel tones and high-gloss finish are inspired by 18th-century majolica pottery. Each tile is fired at a specific temperature and slower speed to imitate the rustic charm of relics from times gone by, so you can create a traditional feel without the antique price tag. Natural variations in colour and texture enhance this sense of a handcrafted finish. Choose from six rich colours, including liquorice, ochre and bronze, an opulent metallic that blends beautifully with forest green. DRESS TO IMPRESS Storage solutions shouldn’t be purely functional. If you choose wisely, they can double up as pretty display shelves for your favourite kitchen finery. The Canterbury Dresser and…

WHO LIVES HERE? Morgen, 33, is a senior manager at a local estate agent and lives in a two-bedroom cottage in Long Melford with her husband Pete, 40, their daughter Mable, five, and their two Labradors, Franklyn and Fynn. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW ROOM? ‘The open-plan kitchen works so well with our family life – it’s such a light and social space. But, most of all, I love all the small details we’ve been able to add, such as the faux living walls. It’s been so much fun to really push the design boundaries.’ WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS? ‘Go for it! Anything that you love or that brings a smile to your face, buy it, make it, add it, paint it. Don’t be afraid to…

RUSTIC SIGN Upcycle bright scraps of seasonal fabrics and transform an offcut of wood to make this festive greeting SHOPPING LIST Old piece of wood or an old floorboard Chalk paint in white Brush Cloth or kitchen towel Fabric scraps (the size of a fat quarter) Papier-mâché letters in J, O and Y PVA glue Strong glue 1 Before you begin, protect your worktop and the area you’re working in. Clean the floorboard with a dry paintbrush to remove any dirt and dust. Apply paint to the floorboard with light strokes. To get the effect, you should only have a little paint on the brush, so if it’s overloaded with paint sweep it over kitchen roll a few times to remove the excess. 2 Once you’ve applied the paint, use…

It’s easier than you might think to tile a kitchen splashback. The key is taking time to plan in advance. When you plan where you want your tiles to go, you will see where your tiles end up sitting around windows, sockets and where your worktop ends. You can change the pattern, or possibly even the shape, to avoid the trickiest areas – you can also avoid being left with any tricky 5mm cuts, for instance. This splashback uses a running bond (bricklaying pattern) with sleek metro tiles – the result is neat, stylish, and no one will ever believe it was a DIY job! YOU WILL NEED * Metro white ceramic tiles * Tile adhesive * Tile adhesive trowel * Spirit level * 2mm tile spacers * BAL primer…

‘You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a beautiful home.’ With a creeping suspicion that they were starting to outgrow the property the were living in, Jade and Jon Severs decided it was time to find a new home with a little more space. They wanted a bigger garden for their two boys, Finley and Eliot, to play in, plus a bit of breathing room for everyone. During a routine perusal of the latest properties on Rightmove, Jon came across a house that more than met their needs when it came to space – both inside and outside – and suggested they take a look. ‘Having never owned a period property before, I was hesitant,’ says Jade. ‘I was convinced it would be cold and damp.…

WE ARE Elaine Verdon, interior designer and stylist at Leo + Cici, my husband, Simon, a salesman and drummer, our son, Arthur, who’s two, and our dog, Daisy. OUR HOME Is a three-bedroom new-build in Dublin, Ireland. It was built in 2007, and I moved in 12 years ago. MY TOP TIP IS Don’t be too proud to hire professionals if it’ll save you time, stress, and result in a higher quality finish. Be sure to get three quotes before committing to tradespeople, though. FOR STYLE INSPIRATION I mainly look to peers, magazines and the fashion world for interior ideas, but I’m generally inspired by everything.…

‘To maximise floor space, tuck cupboards underneath the eaves and invest in a corner unit, which can create a convenient place for storage. Custom-made wardrobes can also be fitted to the entire length of the wall, using every inch of available space. Mix cupboards and drawers with open shelves to have storage moulded to your every need. Another tip is to opt for folding or sliding doors. They tuck away easily and can even be arranged so they slide into the wall.’ Rich Conlin, Managing Director of The Loft Room…

The chilly weather has taken hold outside but that doesn’t mean you should put up with the cold indoors. Keep the freezing forecast out of your home by using a flue fire or portable heater to warm it up. Can’t decide which one is best for you? Not to worry, we’ve got experts on board to help you choose which heater or fire will be best suited to your space. OUR EXPERT SAYS… Before making a purchase, there are a few things that you should consider, such as the cost, space and environment. A wood-burning stove can be pretty costly – up to £1,000 or more depending on installation costs. Portable heating options are much cheaper to buy and the running costs are generally quite low as well. Think about…

TAKE A SEAT AND SAVE THE PLANET If you want to reduce your impact on the planet then, next time you need some new furniture, be sure to choose long-lasting products built from sustainably sourced materials, like those from Made Below. The Manchester-based start-up has just released its first collection of footstools, benches, ottomans and bay-window seats. Each piece is hand-crafted from FSC regulated wood and wool from one of England’s oldest mills. The collection comes in two varieties: Go Solo pieces are upholstered in bright, block-colour fabric while Go Graphic furniture combines colours and bold patterns. Visit madebelow.co.uk to find out more. Old-school pigments For paints that are free from toxic chemicals and made from eco-friendly ingredients, opt for Old Fashioned Milk Paint. There are over 50 colours available…

Although often the main focal point in living spaces, fireplaces can get neglected. But as we move into the cooler months, they become a source of heat, comfort and a place to gather with family and friends, so it’s the ideal time to give them a bit of attention. Whether it’s a coat of paint, a new mirror or artwork to hang above, or a floral display or collection of personal possessions to stand on the mantel, we’ve got some great ideas to help you give your fireplace a fresh new look you’ll love.…

1 The main starting point when purchasing lighting is budget. Anything involving an electrician is going to require more expense, so you need to consider what your electrical options are within the space. For example, where are the plug sockets located? Could you create a lighting scheme using just plug-in lamps or using lampshades on existing light fittings? 2 Think about what the room is used for and the atmosphere you want to create. If you want a cosy, relaxing environment, then dimmer switches combined with warm white light bulbs and diffused lighting – such as opal glass globes and lamp shades – will create soft light. In contrast, for rooms that are working environments, such as the kitchen or office, bright light bulbs and good task lighting – such…

Cranberry & pear sauce Be pre-pear-ed with this delicious make-ahead sauce! Store it in a cool place until Boxing Day, then serve it up with leftovers. Whisky figgy puddings Wrapped in muslin and tied with string, these beautifully boozy mini treats are great for gifting to anyone who likes a sweet treat. Sloe gin This recipe is easy as can be. Keep miniature bottles of the delightful festive tipple on standby for when you need an emergency gift!…