Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2021 i Your Home

I don’t know about you, but I love a bargain! And even more so if it looks like it cost a fortune. So when I saw our Luxe vs Less decorating feature (p40), I had to stop myself reaching for my purse and snapping everything up! We are always on the hunt for budget-friendly ideas and this issue we also show you affordable ways to bring the Serene Summer trend (p22) into your home; how to get a taste of the good life and cut your bills (p106); and lots of tricks to save money in the garden – from our Smarter Shopper guide (p15) to thrifty upcycling projects (p64). For more outdoors inspiration, turn to our three beautiful garden room makeovers (I am particularly jealous of Maya Sen’s colourful,…

Revamp my fire I love your magazine – it inspired me to transform my fireplace! I made the candle holders with cement and spray paint. I also made the heart decoration out of twigs and reused an old basket for wood storage. My room looks so fresh now and I’ve saved money in the process by upcycling. Stacy Chapman, by email Your Home says: Stacy, your fireplace looks gorgeous! We love the silver accents, especially your homemade candle holders. Step up While sorting out my dad’s shed l came across my grandad’s old stepladder and some of my dad’s old ceramic plant pots. Using some paint I already had in my cupboard, I decided to upcycle the ladder into a colourful plant stand for the garden. This is the result;…

Gardening is a great way to get out in the sunshine and add colour to your outdoor area, and it needn’t be an expensive hobby – enjoy a flourishing garden on a budget with these easy ideas that’ll do good for the environment, too. Repurpose boxes and containers. Rather than buying seed trays and pots, use recycled packaging instead. ‘Toilet roll tubes are biodegradable and can be used as a container for seedlings,’ says Gena Lorainne, Gardening Expert at Fantastic Services. ‘And cardboard can even be used instead of weed killer. Trim the grass to the ground level, lay down the cardboard and soak well with a hose. Cover with rocks and, after a few months, there will be no weeds in that area.’ Recycle your grass clippings. After mowing…

MINI TREND Hot pink With summer heating up, so is our decorating mood board. This month we can’t help but be drawn to rich, saturated pink tones to brighten up our homes. Intense and vibrant, hot pink hues work well with a clean fresh white backdrop or pair with emerald green for an opulent look. As for the finer details, this Curvarella chair in rich velvet from Audenza adds a sense of luxury while Lust Home’s wallpaper will have you have you feeling like you’ve been transported to a Caribbean climate in an instant. ALL THAT GLIMMERS Give your interior scheme a dramatic look with Craig & Rose’s Artisan Decorative Effect paint in the latest metallic finishes. To get this dappled brushstroke effect on a feature wall, drag a dry…

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Becky Weaver, 38, and I work as a teacher. I moved into my two-bedroom home in Rayleigh, Essex, in December 2020. WHAT WAS UPDATED? I redecorated my conservatory, which is part of an open-plan kitchen. During the lockdowns and working from home, I realised I wanted to have a conservatory that I could just chill in. WHY THE CHANGE? It was immaculate when I moved in, but the space was very neutral, with lots of beige and pale green. I wanted to add lots of colour and personality without spending too much of my budget. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? I have done it gradually, adding new upcycles and high street buys to it over the last six months. TOTAL COST…

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Claire Orchard, 50, I own a dog grooming business and I live in a 1930s bungalow in Kent with my husband, Guy, 51. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We repaired a dilapidated studio at the bottom of our garden – it needed a complete renovation to be usable. WHY THE CHANGE? I love crafting and gardening, so I wanted a studio room that I could be creative in, as well as an extra space for socialising in the summer. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The project took nine months on and off, with us mostly working on it during weekends. TOTAL COST £2,618…

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Maya Sen, 54, a local government advisor, and I live in a 1930s four-bedroom house in Barnes, south-west London, with my husband, James, 55, our two sons, Edward, 14, and Lucas, 12, and our dog, Alfie, a miniature schnauzer. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We added a multipurpose room to an unused space at the bottom of our garden. WHY THE CHANGE? We needed extra living space but didn’t want to lose our patio by building an extension onto the house, so adding a garden room was the ideal solution. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The build took five weeks in total, then we spent another couple of weeks decorating and finishing the space. TOTAL COST £5,073…

Your garden is an extension of your home, so why not decorate it to reflect your interior décor? Just a few simple updates can transform a plain existing patio or decking area into a summer sanctuary that’s just as comfy and inviting as your living room – think piles of cushions in practical fabrics, solar or battery-powered mood lighting, durable outdoor rugs, and even a painted feature wall. Try these ideas to style it just as you would any other room in the house, starting with the practical, must-have pieces and finishing it off with plenty of pattern, colour and personality. 1 Choose a versatile furniture set Create a sociable scheme by arranging furniture in a living room-style layout around a coffee table, whether you’re lucky enough to have space…

With a stripped-back simplicity that lends itself to open-plan, airy spaces, industrial interiors are very much the mode with restaurants and cafés. If you’re looking for a way to bring a modern edge and luxury feel to your kitchen, industrial style is the way to go. You don’t need to go all out – a subtle nod to the trend will suffice. Think mellow shades of blue and grey, stainless steel accents and impressive pendant lighting. And don’t forget about reclaimed wood surfaces and exposed brick – both are hallmarks of this look, and easy to maintain, too. Raw materials ‘The key to making an industrial look a success is very much in the mix of textures you choose. Combining ‘new’ with ‘natural’ will help to create the weathered look…

With working from home now the new norm, many of us have set up office in communal spaces, such as the dining room. A designated office room is very much a luxury, so make the most of the space you do have with a Scandi-style room divider. It’ll allow you to easily separate work from home life, while also providing handy storage space. Even if you don’t work from home, it’s a simple way to divide up larger open-plan rooms without obstructing light or making the space feel small. While room dividers are quite readily available now, they can be rather pricey so making your own is the way to go. You can be as creative as you like – try decorating with some wood paint in pretty pastel hues!…

‘The colours work in harmony with the age of our home and they subtly change tones at different times of the day.’ After her daughter was born, Abby and her fiancé, Chris, started house-hunting as they needed more space for their growing family, and knew exactly where they wanted to live. ‘We have always lived in the Leicestershire area and know lots of the little villages inside out,’ explains Abby. ‘We had outgrown our old home and needed somewhere bigger with living space. So, in July 2019 we moved into this period cottage.’ It dates back to the 1820s, and the back of the property was once used as horse stables before being converted into rooms for the cottage. ‘The gardens used to be an apple orchard many years ago…

Jess and Sam Jones bought their 1950s bungalow in the small Oxfordshire village of Cassington eight years ago, as they liked the plot and saw the potential for it to be a wonderful family home – once they worked their creative magic on its less-than-perfect interior. ‘We loved the area, which was near good schools, and with two toddlers and another on the way this was really important to us,’ Jess says. ‘The house was very dated when we bought it, though, as nothing had been changed since it was built by the previous owners in the 1950s. It came complete with a free-standing retro kitchen, beige wood chip and flocked wallpaper, Artex ceilings and patterned carpets – it was really quite grim!’ she adds. ‘Most of our furniture is…

Seafood stew YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil ✔ 1 large onion, finely sliced ✔ 1 garlic clove, finely chopped ✔ 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika ✔ 400g tin chopped tomatoes ✔ 600ml chicken stock ✔ 450g skinless white fish fillets, such as cod or haddock, chopped into large chunks ✔ 175g raw peeled king prawns ✔ 200g mussels, cleaned and debearded ✔ Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves roughly chopped ✔ Crusty bread and butter, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan with a lid. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and paprika, cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the tomatoes and stock. Season. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer…

In an age where we know how important it is to live more sustainably, taking care to choose and buy products for the home that help to conserve energy and water, there are always further steps that can be taken. For most of us it’s not practical to go the whole way with a smallholding, but there are different elements that can be introduced in order to help you become more self-reliant. If you can produce some of your own food, electricity and even water, you will not only be helping the planet by conserving its valuable resources but you can also save money, too. 1 INSTALL SOLAR PANELS Generate your own electricity by installing solar panels on the roof. With prices starting at around £4,800, the most popular are…

With staycations being the best way to catch a break this summer, camping is on the cards for seasoned campers and newbies alike. But before you begin packing up everything bar the kitchen sink, it’s worth assessing what you really need for a few days sleeping under the stars. Top of the list should be a tent, but what type comes down to who will be spending time in it. ‘We often get feedback from customers that wish they’d bought bigger,’ says Paul Trepte, Managing Director of independent outdoor retailer Trekitt. ‘I’d recommend getting a tent with a porch as a good halfway house – you get a larger footprint for less weight,’ he adds. Somewhere comfortable to rest your head should be a high priority too, as you don’t…

HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET Dunelm — The Edited Life collection Take a considered approach to your décor with Dunelm’s The Edited Life collection. Centred around the budding desire to live simpler lives, the range hones in on sustainable style. Think excellent craftsmanship, quality materials and timeless designs that’ll outlast trends. Tread gently Whether you have hardwood flooring or stone tiles, these bohemian-style rugs will bring warmth and pattern to your space. Made from 100 per cent woven cotton, the bold geometric design is sure to brighten up a dull day! Mandala rug in Black and White and Black and Gold, £19.99 each, Homescapes JUST BECAUSE Born from a burst of lockdown creativity, anydaymade is a gift box service designed to bring a sprinkle of magic to the every day.…

HOW TO... make your house a pollen-free zone Hay fever can be a real nuisance during the warmer months. If you’re a sufferer, follow our top tips to keep your home free of pollen and other airborne allergens… • As tempting as it is to open all your doors to let in a breeze, we’d recommend that you keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible during hay fever season. If you really need to open them, avoid the morning and evening as this is when the pollen count is highest. Instead, you could invest in an air conditioner. Max Wiseberg, Airborne Allergens Expert at HayMax, recommends choosing one ‘with a HEPA filter to capture the pollen particles, cool and circulate the air.’ • Put your vacuum into…

Frequently asked questions... When can I claim my pension? You can usually start taking money from your pension at 55, well before you receive the state pension at 66 (as of April 2021). You will be able to draw a tax-free sum, but schemes vary so do check. Taking some money out at 55 allows you to top up a salary, work fewer hours or retire early. How much should I be paying in? The advice from Money Saving Expert is to take the age you start your pension and halve it – then put this as a percentage of your pre-tax salary into a pension every year until you retire. So a 32-year-old should be saving 16 per cent of their wages every month. What happens if I stop…

We may like to welcome the heat and sunshine outdoors during the summer, but our interiors are often the place we want to retreat to and cool down at this time of year. As well as more practical additions such as shuttered windows and fans dotted about the place, our home décor can also help to create a calm haven indoors when we need it. Palm-prints and coastal motifs will make your space feel in-season, but pair with pale, earthy shades for a more refined look. ‘Bringing a sense of peace, soft tones such as plaster pink, sun-baked terracotta and olive green have a restful effect that will add an elegant and comforting touch to bedrooms and dining areas,’ explains Kathryn Lloyd, Crown Paints Colour Consultant. ‘While an individual shade…

SHOPPING LIST Charley Yellow sofa, £249, MADE.com. Walls painted in Petal Grove Valspar Blend V500 walls and ceiling paint, £26 per 2.5L, B&Q. Jungle rug, £50; for a similar mirror, try Habitat Olivia Art Deco mirror, £50, both Argos. Bamboo coffee table, £11, eBay. Clam Shell bar stools in Blush, £89.99 each, The Range. Buskbo plant stand, £20; Buskbo magazine rack, £17, both IKEA. Jungle Leaf cushions, £14 each; Bee cushion, £12; cane table lamp, £35; cane basket, £35; tumblers, £3.50 each, all Dunelm. Tufted throw, £40; Malvern tray, £14, both Next. Plants, from a selection, George Home.…

SHOPPING LIST French doors painted in Windmill Lane Tom’s oil eggshell, £37 per 1L; walls and woodwork in Slaked Lime intelligent matt emulsion, £53 per 2.5L and intelligent eggshell, £33 per 1L, all Little Greene. Vintage daybed, £99, Laura Ashley. Isaac three-arm ceiling light, £80; vintage bookcase, £25; iron shelf brackets, £16.95 for two; bird brackets, £6.99 each; wooden chairs, £10 for four, all eBay. Dresser, £50; trestle tabletop and legs, £25; bench, £15; stools, £10 for two, all Facebook Marketplace. Dresser painted in Old White, Chicago Grey and Duck Egg chalk paint, from £5.95 per 120ml, all Annie Sloan. Chairs painted in Duck Egg, Laurel Green, Bramwell and Flint chalky finish furniture paint; bench painted in Antique White chalky finish furniture paint, from £3.99 per 125ml, all Rust-Oleum. Curtains…

SHOPPING LIST Trufit Duette blinds in Denim, £1,200, Luxaflex. Caixa Yellow rug, £125; Fletcher three-seater sofa bed, £1,299; Bow floor lamp, £139, all MADE.com. Bottlebrush plant, £49.99 each; Blue plant pot, £25.99, both Northfields Nursery. Yellow velvet cushions, £25 each, John Lewis & Partners. Matt emulsion in Blue Pearl and Lead III, £51 for 2.5L, both Paint & Paper Library. Almestica armchair, £135.99, Wayfair. Dalby cushion, £14; Miami velvet cushion, £25; Tulsa throw, £21; artificial trailing pot, £16; pompom cushion, £14, all Next. Mustard crochet knitted pouffe, £39.99; artificial sago palm, £24.99, both Homescapes. Form Rigga photo shelves, £8 each; water hyacinth basket, £17; Nova coffee table, £35; Saba side table, £19; Cocoon pouffe, £22, all B&Q. Minimal Matisse print in oak frame, £52; In Bloom print in oak frame,…

● When planning the design of an outdoor space, try to take the same approach as you would with your interior, honing cushions and garden rugs add texture and help to create that indoor-outdoor vibe. ● A garden bar is this year’s must-have outdoor trend. Perfect for enjoying tipples al fresco, creating your own watering hole is an ideal way to add a focal feature to your garden and entertain guests in style. Opt for a tiki finish for a bar that’s bang on-trend [turn to p121 for our guide to achieving this look]. ● Who said fireplaces were just for interiors? Installing an outdoor mantelpiece will add a dash of quirk to your exterior. The best news is that it will make the perfect plinth for a stylish showcase…

INSIDER INFO WHO LIVES HERE? Flo Cooper, 26, and her partner, Phil Coe, 28. Together they run an interior design and build service called FloCoe. They built their contemporary timber-frame, two-bedroom home in 2017 on the site of an old agricultural shed in Phil’s parents’ garden. WHAT DID YOU WANT FROM YOUR KITCHEN? We wanted the kitchen to have its own identity, yet still be part of the open-plan living area on the ground floor. It had to be modern and minimal to match the rest of the space, while at the same time be imaginative and stylish. HOW DID YOU MEET THE CHALLENGES? We built a walk-in pantry and floor-to-ceiling wall cupboards to hide the clutter and then painted these units matt pink for visual impact. We added an…

If you’re looking for affordable ways to upgrade your garden, then look no further! Let us show you how to take tired household items and car-boot sale cast-offs and turn them into rustic features with these clever hacks. Once you’ve created these three projects, you’ll be looking around your house for other unloved vessels that could have a whole new life in the garden… Pallet planter Repurpose a pallet and you have a bargain mini, bespoke vertical garden. After washing it down and painting it, wedge suitably sized plants in their existing containers between the slats. A mix of spare bedding plugs, leafy herbs and young salad plants makes a pretty and productive high-summer combo. HOW TO MAKE IT We spray-painted our pallet blue, but if you come by a…

Q My little girl is just about to start crawling, and I’m suddenly aware of hazards everywhere! What can I do to child-proof my home? Jemima Michaels, Stoke-on-Trent A Lucy Askew, from the team at Hillarys.co.uk, says… It’s amazing to see your child learn to crawl or walk, but it can also be exhausting and scary! There are lots of things you can do to ensure your home is safe for your child’s little adventures. Think about the big hazards in your home and fix these first. Focus on anything they could burn themselves on, plug sockets and any tall flights of stairs. A stairgate is a must for parents with toddlers who like to climb! Make sure to put away anything sharp or any objects that could be…

WE ARE Jess Jones, 40, an art teacher, my husband, Sam, 40, a deputy headteacher, and our three children, Cadi, 11, Osian, nine, and Ffion, seven. OUR HOME IS A four-bedroom extended bungalow in Cassington, Oxfordshire. MY FAVOURITE ROOM Is the blue sitting room. I enjoy relaxing here after a full-on day of teaching A-level students. FOR INSPIRATION I look at other artists’ work for ideas, and am inspired by colour schemes of beautiful coastal homes that I see on Instagram and Pinterest. SHOPS I LOVE Are Anthropologie and Graham & Green for decorative items, but I mainly shop in second-hand and charity shops, and also support a lot of small independent shops and artisans.…

Pork Tacos with Guacamole YOU WILL NEED For the cabbage pickle ✔ ¼ small red cabbage ✔ White wine vinegar ✔ 1 tbsp salt ✔ 1 tbsp sugar For the roast pork ✔ 500g roast pork ✔ 50g organic butter ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil ✔ 1 orange, juiced For the jalapeño yogurt ✔ ½ jar of pickled jalapeños ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil ✔ 1 tsp salt ✔ ½ small pack of coriander stalks ✔ Organic yogurt For the guacamole ✔ 2 avocados ✔ 1 lime, juice and zest ✔ 100g ripe tomatoes ✔ Handful of coriander leaves For the taco shells ✔ 1 pack tortilla wraps DIRECTIONS ■ Thinly slice the red cabbage and cover with white wine vinegar. Add a large splash of water, salt and sugar.…

• Find out if solar energy is right for your home and find the Solar Energy Calculator at energysavingtrust.org.uk. • Watch video tutorials on how to grow your own with advice on sowing, planting, nurturing and harvesting your crops at rhs.org.uk. • Learn how to become a beekeeper by taking a course with the British Beekeepers Association. For information and your local group, visit bbka.org.uk. • For a starter guide to keeping hens, head to the British Hen Welfare Trust at bhwt.org.uk. • Get more information on water tanks at ecosure.co.uk.…

Ridge tent The original-style tent, with a pole at each end and a cross pole. While they’re very stable, these tents don’t offer much head height so are best for one or two people. Dome tent A popular style with flexible poles that bend into semi-circles for a dome-like shape. Their shape provides more space inside, though the poles are less flexible the larger the tent. Geodesic tent The most stable design thanks to poles that cross over one another. Ideal for windy conditions or temperamental weather, though more complicated to set up. Tepee Much like a bell tent, this boho style is on-trend though not the most practical unless set up semi-permanently for glamping.…

A Aldi 0800 042 0800 aldi.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon 0800 279 7234 amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Anthropologie 08081 968599 anthropologie.com/en-gb Anydaymade anydaymade.com AO.com 0161 470 1200 ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Around the House Furniture aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk Atkin and Thyme 01727 227500 atkinandthyme.co.uk Audenza 0116 2986393 audenza.com Abstract House 020 8099 9243 abstracthouse.com Acquabella acquabella.com B  B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Baking Mad bakingmad.com Basalt & Dune basaltdune.co.uk Bathroom Mountain 01782 405047 bathroommountain.co.uk Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 8899 bathroomstolove.uk Bauwerk Colour bauwerkcolour.co.uk Belgravia Stone 01347 811924 belgraviastone.com Benchmarx benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benuta 0161 850 8538 benuta.co.uk Best 4 Flooring 0800 170 7123 best4flooring.co.uk Big Bathroom Shop 0345 122 7569 bigbathroomshop.co.uk Bosch 0344 892 8979 bosch-home.co.uk…

We’re reading… The Art of Simple Living by Sam Lacey, £8.99 The perfect antidote to a hectic life, this guide is all you need to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures. We’re following… @casa_de_modelei Boasting a whopping 90 plants, Leila and Fleur’s home is a botanical paradise. Lovers of pastel colours and mid-century furniture, the couple achieve a harmonious blend of old and new. Plus, their space is rented – just goes to show what you can achieve when you pour your heart into it! We’re listening to… HOSTEing Laura Jackson Get your wining and dining skills down to a tee with TV presenter Laura Jackson. Passionate about the art of entertaining, Laura chats food, travel and interiors with a host of guests (sorry, we couldn’t resist!).…

Swan Nordic two-slice toaster in Blue, £40 , AO.com This is a toaster you’ll want to put in prime position on your worktop! With its simple Scandi style, blue hue (also available in Green, Grey and White) and the fact that it toasts wonderfully, it’s a real winner. It has six timer settings and the usual defrost function, but we particularly love its ‘reheat’ setting – very handy for forgotten slices – and its satisfying push-release crumb tray, which is easy to empty to keep the toaster clean. Two-slice toaster in Vintage Rose, £60 , Cuisinart The kitchen embodiment of ‘pretty in pink’, this toaster is definitely the most stylish of the bunch. Combining gleaming stainless steel with a metallic rose shade, this toaster not only…

•The Pensions Advisory Service is a government-backed organisation that offers free guidance over the phone and online. Visit pensionsadvisoryservice. org.uk or call 0800 011 3797. • For advice on pensions for the self-employed, head to moneyadvice service.org.uk. • Search for an FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) authorised financial advisor at register.fca.org.uk. • The Pensions Regulator has plenty of valuable information and advice on workplace pension law at thepensionsregulator.gov.uk.…

When looking to move at the end of 2020, Becky Weaver knew she wanted somewhere bigger than her previous home. Although not her usual type of property, she took a chance on seeing this relatively new build and was taken aback by how much she liked it. ‘I loved the house as soon as I viewed it, which took me by surprise as I’d always lived in older properties, and this had a neat, clean, tidy finish,’ she explains. ‘I was totally blown away by the space and amount of light and fell in love with the conservatory, which really sold it for me.’ The basics were all there, but it was in need of some colour and character. STEP ONE Becky wanted to use her creativity to make the…

The typical British bathroom has an area of around six square metres, while en suites, cloakrooms and shower rooms are even more compact. But bijou doesn’t have to be boring, and the smallest room can also be the most stylish. When refitting, measure up carefully, taking into account the position of doors, windows, sloping ceilings and awkward angles, and choose slimline sanitaryware that provides sufficient circulation space (approx one metre in front of the bath and 700mm for the basin and WC), plus adequate storage. Ramp up the wow factor by introducing bold colour or pattern.…

Enjoy an al fresco lunch in style with this classic striped picnic blanket, featuring a layer of soft wadding and a waterproof backing for comfort. It rolls up neatly, leaving you plenty of room in the car for other picnic goodies, and has a matching webbing handle for easy carrying to your chosen spot. There are lots of ways you could personalise it – try adding a longer shoulder strap, a fancy trim or even an appliqué slogan. SHOPPING LIST ✔ 1.5m Karting Pink Striped cotton fabric, £29.50 per metre, The Stripes Company ✔ 1.5m Karting Pink Striped water-repellent fabric, £30 per metre, The Stripes Company ✔ 1.5m 270g wadding, £6 per metre, Dunelm ✔ Fabric scissors ✔ Tape measure ✔ Dressmaker’s pins or clips ✔ Sewing machine ✔ Knitting…

WE ARE Yooni, 27, a cancer research clinical trial manager, my husband, Khai, a banker, our one-year-old son, Leo, and Tofu and Sesame, our cream British Shorthair cats. OUR HOME IS A four-bedroom, detached new-build from David Wilson Homes – the Cadleigh style – built in 2019 and located in Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent. MY BEST BARGAIN WAS Turning the IKEA Ivar cabinets and Ivar shelving rattan doors into a sideboard. I found the high street price for a rattan sideboard extortionate, so decided to make my own. I SAVED SPACE BY Combining some room’s main functions. For instance, our sunroom is also a playroom, and my walk-in wardrobe also houses my home office.…

3 WAYS WITH… Nectarines A gloriously sweet fruit that lends itself to savoury salads For a fruity summer salad, halve 2 nectarines and remove the stones. Whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Add the nectarines and leave to marinate for 30 minutes. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, reserving the dressing. Put 60g rocket in a large bowl and drizzle over the dressing. Toast 2 tbsp pine nuts in a dry pan. Scatter over the salad. Cut the nectarines into thin slices and add to the salad. Crumble over 50g goat’s cheese and serve. To make a light dessert, preheat the oven to 190°C. Put 4 halved and pitted nectarines in a bowl with 125g soft brown sugar, 4 tbsp maple…

Becoming a full-time gardener and homesteader meant a huge lifestyle change for Liz Zorab when she gave up her job to move to rural Wales. Prompted by a health crisis, Liz and her husband, who everyone calls Mr. J, were forced to re-evaluate the way they live. ‘I needed to do something to work around how well I felt,’ explains Liz. ‘I thought, if I could grow and raise as much of our food as possible, I could contribute to the family income and work at my own pace.’ The house the couple purchased in 2015 needed little or no work, whereas the 0.8 acre plot was another story. ‘The soil was lifeless, so the first thing I did was build a compost heap,’ explains Liz, who has always loved…

1. ‘These will make a real statement on your table. The colour combinations are stunning – pink and blue, or green and blue!’ Splatterware mugs and jugs, from £16 2. ’Great for summer picnics or garden parties, these bamboo plates are beautifully decorated with watercolour flowers.’ Bamboo Floral plates, £10 each 3. ’Made in Denmark, these taper candles are ideal for adding a pop of colour to your home – pick one colour or mix and match the shades.’ Cidex bundle of five candles, £8.50…