Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2021 i Your Home

Many of us have spent the last year making our homes and gardens look and feel extra special – we have spent so much time in them, after all! Our bedrooms have felt especially important – a sanctuary away from the rest of our hectic houses. This month’s bedroom makeovers (from p26) show what can be done on a tight budget, and they are full of clever, creative ideas. I am super impressed with Claire Douglas’ mindful wall mural, which she painted herself! I love the round-up of summer switches we have for you on page 40 – with buys under £10, £20 and £30, there are loads of finds for every room and scheme. For more summertime style, take a look at the Trend Alert: California Cool (p20) –…

Garden oasis I have been a subscriber to Your Home for many years, and I love decorating, crafting and home improvements. My husband painted the exterior of our home, so I decided to spruce up the bare, white wall with some trellis and a mirror. I then added some faux ivy and dragonfly solar lights. I’m really pleased with the results – it feels quite magical when I look out into the garden. Ann Hollis, by email Your Home says: Ann, we love what you’ve done with your garden wall. The intricate trellis and faux ivy are a winning combination! Totally tropical I completed my downstairs bathroom during furlough on a tight budget, and I’m extremely pleased with the result. It brings my love for plants and nature indoors, and…

Salter three-tier steamer, £31.99 , Amazon With three removable tiers, including a rice bowl, a large water reservoir and a 60-minute timer, this steamer is an easy and efficient way to cook a family meal without needing to turn on the hobs. You can cook meat or fish, fresh veg and rice all at the same time – however, as the top tier cooks a little slower than the lowest one, it may take a bit of practice to get the meal timings right. Judge Essentials three-tier glass lid steamer set, £67.50 , Horwood With three good-sized, stackable pans, this steamer is ideal for large families, especially for a Sunday roast! You can steam all of your veggies and potatoes at the same time using just one hob,…

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THE DETAILS FLOOR PAINT £30 PAINT £70 PANELLING £80 FURNITURE £467 LIGHTING £45 ACCESSORIES £401 TOTAL £1,093 SHOPPING LIST Walls painted in DCO26 (Dark Grey), DCO295 (Dusky Pink), DCO286 (Pale Grey), £25 for tester pots; woodwork painted in DCO228 (Pale Grey) and DCO295 (Dusky Pink), £45 per 2.5L; floors painted in DCO228 (Pale Grey), £30 per 2.5L, all Colour Match by Decorating Centre Online. Black four-poster double bed, £365, Wayfair. Hanging pegs, £9; pipe shelf brackets, £12.99; both Amazon. Bedside table, £34; bookshelf, £68, both Vasagle. Bamboo blind, £12, B&Q. Sigmund two-tier mesh pendant shade in Matt Black, £40, Iconic Lights. Marseille duvet set, £80; large Enchant candle, £24, Dusk. Ornate mirror, £125, Hoopers. Pink vase, £6; clear round vase, £15; Roscoe rug, £6; small matt Grey ceramic vase, £8;…

WHO LIVES HERE? Cherelle Farrell, 32, a volunteer co-ordinator for a homeless charity, @thejoyofstayingin on Instagram. She lives with her partner, Jack Horsfield, 31, a retail supervisor, in a four-bedroom, Victorian end-of-terrace house in Colne, Lancashire. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE ROOM? My favourite thing is the secret boiler cupboard. Jack’s dad made a hidden door in the corner that disappears into the panelling and has slatted shelves inside for storing toiletries. It also saved us from moving the boiler elsewhere. WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM? I had a ton of Pinterest boards and love looking on Instagram. I normally like dark interiors but it’s such a light room in the morning that I kept the colour tones lighter with soft pinks and greys accented with…

BEAN BAG TOSS SHOPPING LIST ✔ 3mm felt sheets in multiple colours ✔ Glue gun ✔ Rectangular cardboard box ✔ Solid colour wrapping paper ✔ Glue stick ✔ Dried beans ✔ Scissors ✔ Washi tape 1 Glue gun two 9 x 13cm pieces of felt together along the two long sides and one short side to make a pocket. Fill the pocket three quarters full with dried beans and then hot glue the final edge closed. Repeat this step to make as many bean bags as you need. 2 Open the top of the cardboard box and cut down the corners on one end. Score a diagonal line from the top of the uncut side to the opposite corner on both long sides. Cut a line 3cm above the score…

When Meg and Sam started looking for a home together, they imagined moving to a flat in central Bristol. But, having experienced lockdown with no outdoor space, the couple decided to reassess their priorities. ‘We discovered that if we changed our search area and looked further out of the city, we could afford a house with a garden,’ Meg explains. ‘We still wanted to be able to eat out and have holidays, so we didn’t want to stretch ourselves too much financially.’ ‘There’s always a way to get things done, but it’s about discovering the difficulties and then finding solutions.’ Although they agreed their priorities were a garden, walking distance to a pub, and a log burner, the couple had different ideas about what style the property should be. Sam…

WE ARE Alimah Sitta, 32, who works in financial crime compliance, Abi, 40, an accountant, and our children, Amaal, three, and Adam, who is three months old. OUR HOME IS A 1950s, three-bedroom terraced house in East London. MY TOP TIP IS Don’t limit your style! I love trying different ideas and sharing them on Instagram at @fourcornersinteriors. SHOPS I LOVE ARE H&M Home, Homesense, IKEA, Next and Dunelm. I BOUGHT THIS HOUSE BECAUSE It had original features and bags of potential.…

Tempeh satay skewer YOU WILL NEED ✔ 300g tempeh, cut into cubes ✔ 4 small wooden skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour For the tempeh marinade ✔ 30ml olive oil ✔ 10g ginger, peeled ✔ 10g soft brown sugar ✔ 2 garlic cloves ✔ 1 red chilli, seeds removed ✔ 1 lime, juice and zest ✔ ½ banana shallot, peeled and chopped ✔ ½ tsp coriander seeds ✔ Pinch of smoked salt For the satay sauce ✔ 200ml coconut milk ✔ 150g smooth peanut butter ✔ 15g ginger, peeled and finely grated ✔ 1 lime, juice and zest ✔ ½ red chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped ✔ ½ tsp ground coriander ✔ ½ tbsp tamari ✔ Pinch of smoked salt For the cucumber and radish slaw ✔ 25ml olive…

Although we’re living in a digital age, we seem to have acquired more stuff than ever. The pandemic hasn’t helped, and sales of everything from cleaning products and gaming gear to home office and gym equipment soared while we were stuck indoors virtually 24/7. So it’s hardly surprising that many of us are fighting a losing battle with storage and our cupboards and wardrobes are bursting at the seams. The long-term solution isn’t simply to buy more furniture to pack your possessions into but to utilise wasted areas to create as much storage as possible. With careful planning it’s relatively easy to get organised and discover storage space you never knew you had, often hidden in plain sight. 1 FILL IN THE EAVES The obvious place to stash stuff you…

With the sun shining and the temperature rising outside, it’s only natural to start looking at ways you can liven up your outdoor spaces. But not all of us have the luxury of a large garden, which means we need to get a little more creative and careful with our outside planning. If you’re looking to grow your own kitchen garden of fruit and vegetables, gardening expert and ‘Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange’ podcast host Sarah Raven suggests splitting the space up into concise sections. ‘Even a small patch can be divided into four areas, ideally four quadrants with a cross of paths and a small, round central bed in which you could grow a tepee of sweet peas,’ suggests Sarah. ‘The four beds are then allocated to different plant groups:…

A Abstract House 020 8099 9243 abstracthouse.com ad&i 07985 412277 adandishop.co.uk AIM Studio Co. aimstudio.co Amazon 0800 279 7234 amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Antipodream 07391514622 antipodream.co.uk AO.com 0161 470 1200 ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Artisan Living Company artisanlivingcompany.com Athena 08458 386 886 athenaart.com Avenue Floors avenuefloors.co.uk B B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Bathroom Mountain 01782 405047 bathroommountain.co.uk Bathroom Planet 0333 444 9444 bathroomplanet.com Bathroom Republic 0330 010 1379 bathroomrepublic.co.uk Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 88 99 bathroomstolove.co.uk Bathstore 0333 241 2701 bathstore.com Bazaar Group 01670 594137 bazaar-group.uk Beaumonde 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Bensons for Beds 0333 222 6800 bensonsforbeds.co.uk Berkeley 01932 868 555 berkeleygroup.co.uk Berry Alloc berryalloc.com BHS 0333 005 0070…

Summer is here and, all being well, we’ve got an ease in restrictions too, which means not only garden parties, but even get-togethers indoors! So we’ve pulled together lots of quick and clever ways to help you feel house and garden proud as the guests trickle in! For affordable must-haves, turn to page 4 to discover the Your Home team’s essential buys for summertime – from citrus scents to tropical textiles – before reading 20 sunny updates for inside and out on page 14. These accessories are just what you need for laid-back living, so swing the patio doors open and let the outdoors in! Do you have an old conservatory that overheats in the sun? Or maybe a shed that’s in desparate need of an upgrade? Our experts answer…

‘Integrate curved silhouettes with ice cream hues to channel this sweet style. Choose dandelion yellow to enliven your scheme and pair sorbet shades with tactile textiles for a finish that’s as sweet as candyfloss.’ Nadia McCowan Hill, Resident Style Advisor at Wayfair ‘Keeping an uncluttered and airy look brings out the best in a kitchen. A soft grey palette is a superb backdrop for colourful accessories or left on its own for pared-back drama.’ Mark Mills, Managing Director at Mereway Group…

Create an outdoor room ‘Outdoor rugs can create the feel of an outdoor room, and you can easily accessorise around them by bringing in lots of cushions, candles, canopies and flowers.’ Tasha Green, Director of Weaver Green Host with the most ‘Use lighting to create an atmosphere when dining al fresco. Add tea lights to the table and position lanterns around the garden to create an inviting glow, replicating the cosy lighting of your favourite restaurant.’ Wil Law, Partner & Home Design Stylist at John Lewis & Partners Scents of summer ‘Fragrance has the power to uplift your mood and even transport you somewhere else. Revamp your space for summer by bringing in the scent of the outdoors. Look for a fragrance that is inspired by nature and captures the…

The sun is shining, summer 2021 is in full swing and, fingers crossed, it’s finally time to use your outdoor space for social gatherings. It won’t take much to get your garden ready for hosting; perhaps your existing space could be brightened up with a collection of potted plants, the seats made extra comfy with an array of cushions and your patio lit up with atmospheric festoon lighting ready for when the sun sets. If you want to invest in new seating, look out for sofas and benches made from natural materials. A garden table can be made party-ready with the addition of a linen tablecloth and you can easily bring a fresh feel to the space with seasonal flowers arranged in vases to add interest, colour and scent to…

HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET Poundland If you love cheap and cheerful homewares (we certainly do), you’re in luck! Poundland has relaunched its Pep & Co Home range, offering on-trend rattan and stylish accessories in calming pastel hues at a super affordable price point. Go on, treat yourself! MAIN IMAGE Pink tassel cushion, £5; Faux orchid, £5; Wild berry candle, small, £2, large, £3; Succulent in pot, £1 each; Polka plant pot in Pink, £3; Beige tassel cushion, £5, all Pep & Co Set the table For picnic or party, Humphries & Begg’s new table linen range is the most joyful finishing touch. Made from hand-spun Indian cotton, the fabrics are made to stand out. Think bold geometrics and lively hues. Hiccup print square table cloth, £32; napkin in Yellow…

SAVE MONEY on a wildlife-friendly garden Affordable bee-friendly plants There are plenty of plants that attract bees to your garden, and you don’t need to break the bank to fill up your flowerbeds. ‘For a super effective, low cost and maintenance free “bee nectar filling station,” I’d opt for either catmint or perennial wallflowers,’ recommends Sean McMenemy, Director at Ark Wildlife. ‘They can be planted in pots or directly in the ground, and they’ll flower continuously from spring until autumn for many years.’ Make your own compost Reduce your wastage and garden spending by using your own compost, as Adam Johannes, known as The Compost Guy, advises. ‘Pop uncooked food chopped into small pieces into a kitchen caddy so it decomposes quicker. You can even add plastic-free tea bags and…

MINI TREND: Seashells Take on a new twist to the classic coastal look without having to scour the shores yourself. Instead, incorporate shell motifs and patterns throughout your home in a subtle way this summer – whether it be through wallpaper and bedding or smaller details such as lamp bases and vases. To bring this season’s trend into your home tastefully, take inspiration from the beach by keeping tones natural and neutral, with pops of sea blue for a splash of colour. The YH team loves this ruffled shell throw from Cox & Cox – its flounced, fanned shell design will add stylish interest to your bed. SUNSHINE STATE With playful rainbows hand-painted in a palette of warm sunset hues, these sweet planters from Sass & Belle’s Earth Rainbow collection…

THE DETAILS PAINT £40 WALLPAPER £75 LIGHTING £79 ACCESSORIES £70 FURNITURE £736 TOTAL £1,000 SHOPPING LIST Walls painted in White Mist matt emulsion, £18.99 for 2.5L, Dulux. For similar wicker-effect wallpaper, try Bamboo wallcovering by Galerie, £31.95 per roll, Wallpaper Direct. Kingsdown Sleep To Live bed, £1,199; Walnut bedside tables, £249 each; chest of drawers, £599; mirror, £199, all Benson for Beds. Headboard, £299, Silentnight. Sleepdown Simple and Classy waffle White duvet cover, £18.99, Amazon. Blenheim Chandelier pendant fitting, £49, Dunelm. Mustard blanket, £42.99, Artisan Living Company. Klipsk tray, £8.50; Gurli cushion cover, £1.75; Hugad curtain pole, £4; Teresia curtains, £7; Tillsyn hourglass, £7; Årstid table lamps, £15 each, all IKEA. Plant stands, £12, Matalan. Yellow vase, £5, TK Maxx. Evoke candle, £20; reed diffuser, £20, both Soul Candles.…

Laura Saruseviene, 40, a personal trainer and owner of lauruxfitness.com, who lives in a four-bedroom house in Loughton with her husband, Evaldas, 43, and two daughters, Meida, 21, and Ema, 11, realised it was finally time to rejig the upstairs of her house. ‘My old bedroom was in the loft, which we decided to turn into a fitness studio, so instead I turned the spare bedroom into ours,’ she explains. The room felt very cramped, but Evaldas suggested removing the chimney breast and old fitted wardrobes in the room to create more space and make their own bespoke bed frame and wardrobe to fit perfectly in the room. Because the room was quite small, Laura wanted to keep it feeling warm and bright with a sunny ochre scheme. STEP ONE…

Kitchen-diners are a great asset to any home, as they allow all the family to be in one space while cooking, eating, working, relaxing or entertaining. But creating your own doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether it’s adding a couple of stools underneath a worktop overhang or making zoned areas with shelving units or painting walls in different shades, there are plenty of budget buys and interior design solutions that can transform your kitchen into a warm and welcoming eatery. PROJECT PLANNER ‘It’s sometimes possible to create a kitchen-diner without an extension, whether it’s re-organising a kitchen layout more effectively or taking an internal wall down between two rooms to open up the space.’ Ashleigh Hanwell, Senior Designer at Second Nature Kitchens MULTIFUCTIONAL FURNITURE ‘Design your kitchen-diner around how…

Panelling painted in Peignoir Estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Similar Monochrome Decor porcelain floor tiles, £45.37 per sq m, Mandarin Stone. Cappella matt Carrara marble-effect wall tiles, £17.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors. Preston traditional concealed shower set, £209.99, Bathroom Republic on Ebay. Similar Arezzo Grey tinted glass shower screen, £189.95, Victorian Plumbing. Similar BTL Richmond freestanding bath, £345.24, Bathroom Planet. Similar Hudson traditional toilet, £139.99, Bathroom Mountain. Similar Burlington Edwardian basin and pedestal with towel rail, £233.89, Cast Iron Bath. Similar Premier Viscount traditional bath tap and shower attachment, £92.16, Ergonomic Designs. Similar Frihult wall lamp, £25; Frihult ceiling lamp, £19, both IKEA. Tam Tam black stool, £18, Habitat. Umbra Vala mirror and clothing valet, £142.26, Amazon. Similar Elements bamboo extendable bath rack, £25; similar…

Summer afternoons in the garden aren’t complete without refreshments, so serve them in style on this crate drinks stand with a co-ordinating caddy, featuring sections for bottles and glasses. Either source plain crates and paint them in bright colours, or look out for a mix of branded crates for a quirky, mismatched stand. SHOPPING LIST ✔ Clawhammer or crowbar ✔ Wooden pallet ✔ Measuring tape ✔ Handsaw with a 45-degree set square ✔ 120-grit sandpaper or electric sander ✔ Colron refined beeswax in Jacobean Dark Oak or wax or varnish to match the crate wood ✔ Paintbrushes ✔ Work bench or flat surface ✔ Pencil ✔ Electric drill ✔ 6mm drill-bit ✔ Gorilla wood glue ✔ 4 x 6mm dowels ✔ Phillips screwdriver-bit ✔ 24 x 40mm screws with Phillips…

Q How do I prepare my wooden fence before painting? Sally Gregory, Cambridge A Jimmy Englezos, Project Manager at Ronseal, says… Plan your project for a warm day when the weather forecast is dry for the whole day. If it’s been raining, allow the fence to dry thoroughly before starting (unless you’re using Ronseal FenceLife Plus, then you can get going five hours after rain as it sticks to damp wood). Use a stiff brush to remove any dirt or debris from the fence. If there is any loose, flaky paint, use a brush or sandpaper to remove it. Cover any plants with a dust sheet and tape off any areas you don’t want to get paint on. Thoroughly stir the paint you’re using until the colour is consistent throughout,…

Use large-scale rugs to help zone different areas within an open-plan layout, as Stephanie has done in her dining and living spaces. ! ‘I use a mixture of different house plant species to create a lush, indoor jungle vibe for a tropical feel.’ Wooden or wood-effect worktops are a great way to balance out dark-coloured kitchen units if you want to add an element of warmth to the design. Fabric or chalk paint can be used to paint upholstery, like Stephanie has done on her headboard, to help it fit in with the main bedroom scheme.…

WE ARE Meg Brackpool, 28, a personal assistant at Bristol University, and Sam Copson, 31, a doctor. OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom, Victorian mid-terrace in Bristol. We moved here in December 2020. MY STYLE IS Old-fashioned and eclectic, with mismatched pieces and vintage finds. Sam prefers a more polished, modern look, but we’ve managed to combine both our tastes and love sharing décor ideas on Instagram, @littlebristolterrace. I LOVE SHOPPING At reclamation centres – I find unique pieces that add personality to our home while saving money.…

Accessories are a great way to add an accent colour to a room Add a glamorous look to your bedroom with mirrored furniture Make an attractive display with white vases in unusual shapes Add a splash of greenery with a jumbo faux palm A floral wreath is a playful addition to a child’s room Cosy up on a velvet sofa in an on-trend emerald shade…

Jacket sweet potatoes with watercress, tahini sauce and roasted chickpeas YOU WILL NEED ✔ 4 sweet potatoes ✔ 400g tin chickpeas ✔ 2 tsp smoked paprika ✔ 30ml olive oil ✔ Salt and pepper ✔ 85g watercress ✔ 1 lemon, zest and juice ✔ 60g Greek yogurt ✔ 2 tbsp tahini ✔ 1 pomegranate, seeds DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4. Wrap each potato in foil and place onto a large baking sheet. Bake for roughly 45 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes, checking that the centre is soft. ■ While the potatoes are cooking, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Tip into a baking tray and sprinkle with the smoked paprika and a pinch of salt. Drizzle with olive oil and place into the oven…

‘When furnishing a loft room, the most common challenge is the sloping ceiling. Fill one whole wall area with a fitted wardrobe for maximum storage, leaving lots of space for the bed and freestanding furniture. Behind these wardrobe doors can be smart storage solutions as well – opt for internal configurations that go beyond hanging rails and drawers, by incorporating bespoke shoe and bag storage. Angled wardrobes can be tailored to fit almost any shape or size, custom built to a room’s exact specifications and expertly installed to ensure they fit each slope and angle perfectly.’ Megan Baker, Head of Design at My Fitted Bedroom…

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, shares his tips on where to plant up in a small space this summer • Living walls grow in popularity every year, as people are keen to increase their growing spaces. Great for cool, calm foliage like hardy ferns and ivies or create splashes of colour with a patchwork of bedding plants. They can also be productive with grow your own produce like tomatoes, lettuce, thyme, parsley and basil. • For patios, planting in pots has become such a passion with a lot of people as it is so easy to change your garden as the seasons develop. Choose bigger pots as they are better for the plants to grow and make sure you are using the right compost to suit each plant. Combine…

PRODUCTION EDITOR Tom’s picks ‘When I think of summer, my mind rushes to bright prints and soaking up the sun on holiday. With travelling to distant shores probably still off the cards, I’m going to introduce some boutique hotel vibes to my bedroom with tropical-print bedding in verdant greens and punchy yellows.’ Editorial assistant Ella’s picks ‘I love hosting dinner parties and this year they’re more precious than ever, so colourful, in-your-face tableware is top of my wish list. I’m swooning over the intricate patterns at Anthropologie, but also plan to bring in some block colours for balance – these tapas bowls from Wilko are a steal!’ FEATURES EDITOR Michelle’s picks ‘Although throws might seem like more of a winter essential, they’re a must-have for me in the warmer months…

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Cottagecore has its roots very much in the past, brimming with rural charm and nostalgic memories. Think of a romantic country cottage, its garden overspilling with rambling roses, foxgloves and blowsy blooms. Don’t worry if your home isn’t in a chocolate-box village though, you can achieve this look anywhere. Choose rustic planters for cottage-style flowers such as cosmos and sweetpeas, dress tables with relaxed linens and use woven baskets to carry fresh produce into the home. JUST ADD COLOUR Give your outside space an instant lift with the addition of vibrant, uplifting colours. High summer plants and flowers such as dahlias, sunflowers and marigolds blend perfectly with their sunny yellows, flashes of orange and pops of pink. Get the look by introducing a colourful furniture set…

QI’ve only got a tiny courtyard garden but I love all the outdoor living rooms I keep seeing in magazines. How can I create somewhere for lounging and eating without spending too much, and what materials are best for outdoor furniture? I want something low maintenance as I don’t have anywhere to store it during winter months. Beth Walters, Exeter A Rona Olds, Head of Product, Home and Furniture at Habitat, has the solution… There are simple ways to create an al fresco living room look, such as using small, easy-to-store accessories to layer up your outdoor space. Lightweight rugs and cushions made from durable water-resistant fabrics are specifically designed for outdoor use and are great for breaking up and adding texture to outdoor spaces. Solar lanterns and festoon lighting…

We’re reading… Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms by Melanie Turner Live out your luxury interior dreams through this inspirational book that spans all styles, from stripped back minimalism to beachy boho. We’re following… @athomewiththeraines For laid-back cool with quirky touches, follow @athomewiththeraines on Instagram. Georgina combines a muted palette of pale pink and earthy green with dazzling motifs for a fun but grounded look. She’s also a huge advocate of upcycling furniture to add that unique finish to a space! We’re listening to… How to Decorate Learn everything you need to know about decorating with the help of these experts from Ballard Designs. Each episode, they pick the brains of industry insiders, including Cath Kidston and Jonathan Adler.…

HOW TO... organise your fridge It may be hidden behind a closed door, but a well-organised fridge can make cooking a whole lot easier. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps to prevent the spread of unhealthy bacteria and minimises food waste. Here are our top tips to help you keep your fridge in order going forward… • Start by taking everything out. Fridges can easily become overcrowded, so dispose of anything you’re not going to eat and all of those jars that have been lurking on the shelves for far too long. A decluttered fridge will also help to improve energy efficiency. • Reserve the bottom drawers for your veggies, salads and any fruit you want to keep in the fridge. As the coolest part, it’ll keep…

Frequently asked questions... Will I lose internet while I’m upgrading and will an engineer need to visit? If it’s simply a swap to a better hub and you are keeping the same phone line then you’ll only be offline for as long as it takes to set the new hub up. If you are changing providers or getting a different type of broadband then you may be off-grid for a few hours or days. Unless you require a new line or a fibre optic installation, there’s no need for an engineer to visit. You’ll get the new hub in the post so you’ll just need to plug it in and off you go. Remember to update the wi-fi password on your devices to the new one! Do I have to…

While we might not be able to get the soft sands of California’s coastline between our toes this summer, we can bring elements of the American state’s laid-back bohemian style into our homes. Modern Californian interiors take influence from their surroundings – with the sun always shining, think light and airy tones, pops of colour in a muted palette and plenty of natural woods such as pale oak and maple. You can run with this trend as far as you like – give your home a complete overhaul by stripping back clutter for airiness, replacing key pieces with natural cottons, rattan and pebbles and let in the natural light with sheer floaty curtains. Alternatively, for a more subtle approach, pick a key few items to uplift your space such as…

After spending so much time at home in 2020, Claire Douglas, 37, a project manager, her husband, Spencer, 39, an illustrator, and their two children – Oscar, seven, and Milo, three – were feeling the effects of lockdown living. ‘I was starting to get cabin fever and was desperate to shake things up at home. I was bored of staring at the same walls all day, every day,’ says Claire. ‘This was exacerbated by the fact that we had a tiny, dull and uninspiring bedroom.’ Claire decided to completely revamp her bedroom to turn it into a calm, relaxing and romantic sanctuary. ‘I wanted to capture our imagination with the bedroom décor. I had the idea of choosing a mural that would give you the impression of being on an…

THE DETAILS PAINT £159 SCAFFOLD BOARDS £766 BLIND £97 LIGHTING £71 CARPET £324 BEDDING £74 MATTRESS £799 TOTAL £2,290 SHOPPING LIST Cormo carpet in Sand, £35.99 per sq m, Telenzo Carpets. Claypaint in Humpty Dumpty, £47 for 2.5L; eggshell in Freckle, £65 for 2.5L, Earthborn Paints. Paleo Linen Roman blind in Mustard, £96.64, Blinds 2go. Trailing plant in ceramic pot, £10; bamboo lantern, £18; woven basket with plant, £14; Restore Jasmine and Tea scented candle, £8; Wellness Energise scented candle, £8, all Matalan. Cepe art print with oak frame, £65; Boredom Black and White print by Julia Hariri with oak frame, £38; Winky Face art print by Mambo with oak frame, £35, both Fy!. Reclaimed scaffold boards, £566, Rugged London. Hindås round mirror, £25; Torared pendant shade, £13; Gabbig baskets,…

1 Pick harmonious tones. The first piece of key advice I would give when choosing contrasting colours is that the strength of the tones for both hues must match each other. This can be achieved by selecting colours on opposing sides of the colour wheel – for example, green and red. 2 Match a trio of colours. I’d recommend going with three contrast colours for a triadic scheme – this is made up of three colours that are equidistant from each other on the colour wheel, which produces a high-contrast effect while preserving balance. Such a composition looks vibrant even when you use pale and unsaturated hues. 3 Work out the ratios. Schemes work best when the amounts of the colours used in the design are not equal, as a…

With property prices in Manchester shooting up, Cherelle and Jack sought better value for money in Jack’s hometown of Colne, Lancashire. ‘We left our rented flat and moved in with Jack’s parents for three years while saving for a deposit,’ explains Cherelle. ‘It meant we could afford a bigger house where our friends and family could stay over.’ After viewing over 20 houses, they fell for a four-bedroom, end-of-terrace property. ‘We thought we’d just be stripping wallpaper and changing the bathroom and kitchen, but the first year was spent correcting shoddy wiring and replacing internal doors,’ reveals Cherelle. ‘I was a bit naive about the extent of renovation work that would be involved.’ As the previous elderly owner had lived mostly downstairs, where there was an outside toilet, the upstairs…

If you love to fill your home with vintage finds, you’ll want a bathroom that’s designed to reflect the past, with classic fixtures and fittings. A major benefit of opting for a traditional look is that it doesn’t date, and will still suit the room five or ten years from now. The basics are a roll-top tub – either new or an original, though it may need work – a pedestal basin or washstand, and a WC, radiator and brassware that are in keeping with the rest of the room. Surface style ‘To achieve a vintage bathroom look, paint the walls with heritage colours and rich tones and combine with dark wall panelling to create a timeless backdrop for statement pieces like a roll-top bath. For the floors, instead of…

Planning on hosting a garden party this summer? Impress guests with your very own handmade tablecloth, matching napkins and bunting without letting any material go to waste. This project is suitable for all abilities, so pick out your favourite fabric pattern, plus a colourful pompom trim, and have fun with this creative design! SHOPPING LIST ✔ 1m plain fabric ✔ 0.5m patterned fabric ✔ Ruler and measuring tape ✔ Scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat ✔ Iron ✔ Fabric marker ✔ Co-ordinating thread ✔ Sewing machine ✔ Point turner ✔ Pins or clips ✔ 5m pompom trim ✔ 2.1m bias binding in co-ordinating colour TABLECLOTH AND NAPKINS The steps for creating the mitred corners on the tablecloth and the napkins are the same. For the napkins you will need…

Workshop FEELING FREE Enjoy sewing? Experiment with new techniques by learning how to have fun with appliqué and free machine embroidery. The Craft Studio at 60 Derby Road, Nottingham, is running an in-person workshop on Sunday 4th July from 10am to 2pm, teaching you new ways to decorate fabrics. All the tools and equipment are provided, and by the end of the session you’ll be able to add your chosen appliqué design to a small ready-made bag with your new skills. £45 per person. TO DYE FOR If you haven’t dipped your toe into the world of tie-dye yet, then now’s the time to do so. The DIY Guide to Tie Dye Style by Liz Welker and Sam Spendlove takes you through the basics and beyond, showing you just how…

WE ARE Stephanie Emmerson, 41, co-owner of The Fern House plant store, thefernhouse.co.uk, my husband, Simon, 41, an IT consultant, and our son, Archer, four. OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Folkestone, Kent. MY FAVOURITE ROOM In the house is the kitchen seating area, particularly on a summer’s day when we can throw open the bi-fold doors to the garden. MY BEST IDEA Was to create a panel for the kitchen island with a rust-effect paint finish; it adds a lovely texture to the room. MY BEST BUY For the house was a limited edition print by Mark Petty, which takes centre stage in our dining room. I love his contemporary style and we have invested in a few of his pieces.…

After renting in Stratford, Alimah and her husband, Abi, were looking to buy their first home. She was desperate to work her decorating magic on her own place. ‘I’ve always had an interest in interiors. As a child, I’d watch episodes of the TV show, Changing Rooms ,’ she says, ‘so couldn’t wait to transform each and every room.’ The couple had been renting for a year after they got married. ‘We were saving as much as possible so we could buy the most spacious house we could afford but still be in the capital,’ she says. In 2017 they started house hunting, looking in an area of East London with good transport links to the City and close to their friends. ‘We needed to live near a tube as…

3 WAYS WITH... cherries Sweet yet sharp, cherries are the ultimate summer fruit For Black Forest cupcakes, preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a muffin tin with 12 cases. Beat together 125g butter and 175g caster sugar. Beat in 2 eggs. Sift in 200g self-raising flour and 2 tbsp cocoa powder. Mix well. Fold in 100ml milk and 100g melted dark chocolate. Spoon into cases and bake for 20 minutes. Leave to cool. Drain the liquid from a 360g jar of cherries in kirsch into a bowl. Pierce the cakes with a skewer and pour 1 tsp kirsch over each. Top with whipped cream and cherries. To make a cherry crumble, preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix together 1kg pitted cherries, 50g sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch…

Fully renovated homes normally have plenty of cupboards and wardrobes, but Vicki Saunders’ new house was an exception. The refurbishment, carried out by the previous owners, was to a high standard and entirely to her taste, but there was a distinct lack of storage – something Vicki was keen to resolve quickly. ‘When we moved in there were no wardrobes at all in the master bedroom, so we just used clothes rails,’ she says. ‘Our priorities were for storage to be fully integrated into the room, and needed a lot of shelving for my husband’s T-shirts and sweatshirts!’ After doing some research, she obtained quotes from two companies, and chose The Heritage Wardrobe Company, which she had come across on Instagram, to design and install custom-built furniture. ‘The other company…

Win a laundry bundle from Brabantia, worth £531 For most of us, laundry is a bit of a chore. But when the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than the smell of fresh laundry, straight off the line. We’ve teamed up with Brabantia to offer one lucky winner a laundry bundle worth over £500. The prize includes the new Bo Laundry Bin Hi, which blends effortlessly into any décor thanks to its sleek finish. It also boasts two 45-litre compartments, so you can separate your whites from your colours with ease. When the weather is dry, you can then hang your washing out on the Rotary Dryer Lift-O-Matic Advance, which can be adjusted to your ideal height. For those grey days, Brabantia’s 23m drying rack tower is the perfect inside…

1. ‘A plant wearing animal print, you say! Why not? This is a great statement plant that instantly transforms your living area into an urban jungle.’ Alocasia zebrina plant, from £22 2. ‘This rare plant turns a head or two. It’s also super easy to care for if you have a nice sunny spot!’ Euphorbia ‘Ghost’ plant, £76 3. ‘Alongside the coloured stripes, the speckled yarn adds depth and texture to these cotton plant pots. My favourite is the Mustard stripe variation, but there are lots of colours to choose from!’ Freckles plant pot, £40…

MIAMI VIBE Introduce a touch of Miami cool with a colourful look that celebrates bright shades. Keep an eye out for statement lighting, colourful artwork and curvy shapes to help ring the changes. Choose a pastel palette grounded with hints of a bolder shade to keep the look cool and current. A brilliant white base will ensure your colour choices pop to complete that chic Miami style. LEAF PRINTS Plants and foliage in the home have been a big focus in 2021. However, if you’re not green-fingered enough to have the real deal blooming in every corner, look for large leafy prints on everything from bed linen and cushions to tableware, artwork and rugs. Whether in a palette of natural greens or more bold and vibrant, tropical-inspired designs, it’s never…

Q How can I keep my house cool during the summer months and what is the best window treatment for this, blinds or curtains? Also, how can I reduce sun glare in my home office so that it doesn’t reflect off my laptop screen? Emma Griffin, Kent A Harry Cole, Founder at Loom & Last, on keeping the house cool… If you want to ensure your window treatments are keeping your home cool throughout the summer months, consider the fabrics you choose rather than the type of window dressing itself. Opt for styles with a blackout lining, as this lightweight fabric helps curtains or blinds hang effortlessly while blocking out 100% of direct sunlight. Great for all seasons, but especially the warmer months as the lining keeps the room cooler…

‘One of the most appealing things about cottagecore gardens is that they are built around nourishment. A great cottagecore garden enriches the senses with blooms, provides food for pollinators, and a harvest for the kitchen, too. They provide a generous amount!’ Ramona Jones, author of Escape into Cottagecore ‘My clients are not only interested in how their garden will look, but are also increasingly concerned about how their gardens impact the wider environment. Encouragingly, I am seeing more people wanting to produce a garden in a sustainable way, whether that be in terms of reusing materials or sourcing more locally. I’m also seeing a greater commitment to introducing wildlife-friendly elements, most notably for pollinators, insects and birds.’ Pollyanna Wilkinson,…

Now that summer’s underway and restrictions have eased, it’s the perfect time to get family and friends together and pop a few bangers on the barbie. If you’re looking for a BBQ upgrade or are buying your first, there are a few things to consider, as Lucy Rees, Partner and Assistant Buyer for Outdoor Living at John Lewis & Partners, explains, ‘If you’re planning on cooking and entertaining regularly then invest in a sturdy model. We also have options for the occasional barbecue that are lighter, more compact and ideal for smaller outdoor spaces. Most also come on wheels, which makes for easy storage.’ When it comes to fuel, there are three options to choose from: charcoal for that authentic chargrilled taste, which takes longer to heat up and is…