Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2022 i Your Home

Welcome to the annual money-saving issue of Your Home ! Inside this special edition, you’ll find hundreds of bargains, plus décor tips from experts and readers alike that are big on style, low on cost. Start with some shopping inspiration on 32 page 46, where we round up 50 thrifty updates for under £50 – these buys will breathe fresh life into your home from as little as £4. Elsewhere, we tell you how to cut the cost of your weekly shop (p9), affordable ways to brighten up your bathroom (p60) and delicious, hearty recipes to feed your family for less than £1 per serving (p100). If a big home improvement project is on the cards, then take note of where best to invest your renovation cash (p117) – it’s…

Painted to perfection I inherited this pedestal cabinet and I absolutely love the style, but not its formerly dark wood. So, I sanded down the top, which lightened it a little and applied a few coats of clear varnish. I then applied two coats of Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch spray paint in Dark Grey. It has pride of place in my living room now and gets lots of admiring comments. Sasha Davidson, Berkshire Tom, Section Editor, says: This is such a brilliant upcycling project, Sasha – you’ve given this cabinet a new lease of life so it fits in your home! Fabulous florals I made a hoop floral wreath from the October 2021 issue of Your Home. Instead of dried flowers I used felt stems, as I make these as part…

Window & Glass Cleaning Spray, 80p, Tesco For those doing a spring clean on a budget, this spray should do the trick. It goes onto the glass easily, so no wrestling with the bottle. It has a slight vinegary smell, but that’s the key ingredient working its magic and it doesn’t linger for long. You need a bit of elbow grease to make sure all smears are buffed out – but it’s worth the extra effort as it gets rid of some particularly stubborn grease marks. It also now comes in refill tabs. Glass Cleaner Starter Kit, £5 (£1.50 refills), OceanSaver This eco-friendly glass cleaner has a gentle, fresh scent, and does a great job of removing grime from windows and mirrors, with only a few smears remaining after a…

Will a credit card improve my score? Yes, definitely, but only if you use it responsibly and pay bills when they are due if not before. It demonstrates to lenders that you can handle having credit. Try to pay the balance off each month so that you’re not charged interest. What affects my credit score? There are various things that can have a negative or positive impact. Your payment history is the big one, so always pay bills and loans on time. Missing a payment can stay on your report for up to seven years! Other things include how much you owe any lenders, how long you’ve held various accounts – the longer the better – as well as having different types of credit, such as a mortgage, car loan…

Sophia Hardy and her husband Tom say of their four-bedroom terrace in Lichfield, ‘We always wanted a house that would be a bit of a project, and we’re not afraid of hard work. So, it was a dream come true when we finally got the keys in October 2015.’ They certainly had a job on their hands as the house hadn’t been decorated since the 1980s. ‘A lot of the electrics and pipework were almost retro, and the walls were in bad condition, so every room needed a full makeover!’ explains Sophia. The nursery was the first room they tackled, as Sophia was pregnant with Wilf. ‘Now, he’s grown out of the room, so we moved him into a bigger one, which meant the box room needed turning back into…

THE DETAILS PAINT £24 BED £60 WOOD £40 RUG £40 BEDLINEN £130 CURTAINS £12 LIGHTS £95 TOTAL £401 SHOPPING LIST For a similar bed try Versailles daybed, £244; Hartley’s woven under bed storage box, £27.99, Amazon. Teresai sheer curtains, £7, IKEA. Oatmeal stripe linen duvet cover, £130; pillowcases, £36 for two, both Piglet in Bed. Walls painted in estate emulsion in Shaded White and Card Room Green, £52 per 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Face lamp, £25, La Redoute. Round jute rug, £39.99; cushions, from £9.99 each, both H&M. Wall prints Set 201, £45 for two, Musée Home. The Cotswolds stool, £78, The Interiors Yard. Bamboo Bindslev ladder, £19.99, JYSK. co.uk. Light shade, £70, Lighting Direct.…

BE BOLD WITH PAINT I wasn’t sure about the idea of a statement wall at first, but it brings this room to life. If you’re unsure, get samples of a few shades before taking the plunge. GET MULTI-USE FURNITURE This room works so well for us because a lot of the furniture has two uses, with the sofa doubling up as a bed, and the coffee table providing extra storage. PLAN YOUR LOOK I had already decided exactly where I wanted everything to go before I started adding the final touches. Doing this will ensure your scheme looks coordinated and well put-together.…

THE HOMEOWNER Sarah Purchase, 39, co-owner of Borrowed Light Floral Studio, a florist and plant shop (borrowedlightflorals.com and @borrowedlightflorals), who lives with daughters, Hazel and Ailsa, and partner, Alex. THE HOUSE A four-bedroom Victorian house in South Woodford, East London. THE PROBLEM The kitchen was awkward, dark, and lacked storage – but we didn’t have the option to extend. THE SOLUTION By opening up the entrance, and adding a glass door looking out onto the garden, the room feels so much bigger.…

HEART-SHAPED PHOTO HOLDER SHOPPING LIST ✔ Sculpd Pottery Kit ✔ Acrylic paint ✔ Paint brushes ✔ Paper ✔ Water 1 Roll a small handful of clay into two balls the size of ping pong balls and one ball the size of a small marble. Form one larger ball into a triangle and then cut into the top edge to form the heart shape. Smooth out the surface and then repeat with the other large ball. 2 Take the small ball and form into a rectangle. Score up one side of this piece and line it up with one of the straight edges of the heart, press together and then smooth out the join. Then repeat for the other side and remaining heart shape. Place a roll of paper in the…

Part magical concoction, part chemistry experiment, epoxy resin is an exciting craft – once you’ve had a go, you’ll see why it’s become so popular! You simply mix resin and a hardening liquid together, pour it into any mould you like, and it will set solid. From coasters to cake stands, plant pots to paperweights, if there’s a mould out there for it, you can create it with resin. And you can make every item truly unique too, by creating a bespoke resin mix each time with different colourings, glitter, or even dried flowers to sit suspended in the resin. We’ve added gilding flakes to some of the gems on this jewellery hanger to give them a bit of shine. It’s just the project you need to get to grips…

WE ARE Sam Dale, 33, a marketing manager, my husband, Stu, 34, a Senior Electrical Technician for Formula 1, our 14-month-old daughter, Ottie, and our two cats, Mini and Jess. OUR HOME IS a four-bedroom, detached new-build in Harwell, Oxfordshire, and we’ve lived here since September 2018. MY BEST BARGAIN was the kitchen makeover. We saved thousands by simply tiling and painting the room, rather than changing all the cabinets and it’s created a whole new vibe that I love. NEXT TO DO I would love to install a fake chimney breast and some alcove shelving in the living room, as one of the big problems with a new-build is a lack of storage and character. MY FAVOURITE ROOM is Ottie’s. I really enjoyed designing and styling this space because…

3 WAYS WITH… purple sprouting broccoli This super winter veg is a more tender version of broccoli, and is bursting with folic acid and vitamins A and C To create a side dish to serve with roast dinner, steam 500g broccoli for 3 minutes, until just tender. Meanwhile, melt 50g butter, then juice and zest of ½ lemon. Drain the broccoli and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with the butter and lemon juice and zest. Season and sprinkle over 75g toasted flaked almonds. For a twist on eggs Florentine, boil 125g broccoli until tender. Drain and keep warm. Melt 100g butter in a pan. Meanwhile, crack an egg into the blender and add ½ tsp mustard, ½ tbsp lemon juice and chilli powder, to taste. Switch on a blender…

HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET Next For a touch of old-school glamour, look out for Next’s Dazzling Blue spring/summer 2022 collection, which combines royal blue with luxe gold accents. Dial up the drama with statement furniture, art deco finishes and layered textures – all without the big Hollywood price tag. Timeless style Sofology has exclusively collaborated with architect and TV presenter George Clarke to create two new sofa designs. George says, ‘Each piece has been meticulously considered to ensure they stand the test of time, resulting in furniture that is exceptionally comfortable and luxuriously stylish.’ PRETTY PRINTS Freshen up a plain corner with Desenio’s wall collage kits. Choose from several colour schemes, including chic neutrals and fun pink shades - simply secure with washi tape or glue dots. £24.95 for…

Our bedroom was the first room that we renovated and, after having our walls replastered, I wanted to add pattern without wallpaper, so I decided to stencil a headboard onto the wall. Using a stencil from Dizzy Duck Designs, I practised on the old door before attempting the wall stencil. My top tip would be to put as little paint on your roller as possible and build up the layers… oh, and it doesn’t need to be perfect! Keeley Usher, @northern_key_interiors on Instagram Sophie, Editorial Assistant, says: Wow – we love this dramatic DIY project, Keeley! The finish looks excellent – thanks for the tip.…

Trade in, trade up Rather than heading straight to the tip, try these ideas for trading in your old furniture and appliances to get money or vouchers that you can put towards buying something new. Use IKEA’s buy back scheme If you have an unwanted piece of IKEA furniture that’s still in good condition, IKEA will buy it back at up to 50 per cent of its original value, given as a voucher to use in store. Only certain items are eligible, though, and you’ll need to bring the item into the store fully assembled – visit the IKEA website for the terms and conditions, and to get a buy-back estimate for your furniture. Sell your old kitchen New kitchens can be costly, so, rather than throwing them away, why…

MINI TREND Buttercup yellow Welcome the gentle warmth of early spring to your home with the joy of buttercup yellow. Symbolising happiness and hope, this sunny shade works well as the signature colour for a mellow bedroom, or will pop as an accent colour against darker blues and woods. It also complements the current Seventies revival in home décor, seen here with the cheery Layla Faye Daisy Chain wallpaper in Yellow Mellow. PATTERN POWER Unleash a wave of colourful prints throughout your home with the vibrant wallpapers in the Oh So Daisy x Lust Home collaboration. There are six designs available in two colourways, from ditsy florals to lively underwater scenes, which you can fill a feature wall with, or tailor the brightness by limiting the paper to a trio…

First-time buyer, Katy Stevens, snapped up the last available flat in an appealing new-build block, taking a leap of faith when she bought off-plan. One of the key attractions were the dimensions of the second bedroom – a double, and ideal for Katy’s flatmate. ‘Lockdown restrictions prevented any viewings, so the first time I saw my new home was the day I moved in,’ says Katy. ‘I came inside and was delighted with the big windows, light and views across London.’ Katy was relieved that the second bedroom didn’t disappoint, positioned on the opposite of the flat to her own for space and privacy. ‘The room was about 12 square metres, bigger than my main bedroom, which has an en-suite so my flatmate could have her own bathroom, too,’ she…

THE DETAILS PAINT £105 SOFA BED £450 OTTOMAN £110 BOOKSHELVES £50 HIGHBOARD £250 RUG £59 LAMPSHADE £13 TOTAL £1,037 SHOPPING LIST Walls painted in flat matt in Below Deck and Mindful, £42 per 2.5L, Coat. Traditional futon sofa in Prime Slate Grey, £450, Sit and Sleep. Kvell Trae ottoman in Light Grey, £110, John Lewis & Partners. Pavia highboard, £249, MADE.com. Asymmetric mirror, £34.99; round jute cushion, £34.99; for a similar cushion try fringed cushion cover, £17.99; tasselled cushion cover, £19.99; curved ceramic candlestick, £12.99; twill seat cushion, £3.99, all H&M Home. Billy bookcase, 202 x 40cm, £25 each; Vilto storage stool, £25; Torared lampshade, £13; Hemnes chest of drawers, £110; for a similar wardrobe try Brimnes wardrobe, £150; Melholt rug, £59; Vangsta table, £79, all IKEA. For a similar…

DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX PRINTS as it can make your room look more expensive. As long as the different patterns are all in the same colour palette, they’ll harmonise together. WALLPAPER ONE WALL if you’ve chosen a bold or dark print so it doesn’t overwhelm the room – you can pick out its colours and motifs in accessories to carry the look through. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL if you want to achieve a luxury hotel look, as this is all about the finishing touches. Think velvet cushions, faux fur throws and travel-themed accessories.…

£15 & UNDER For an über frugal finishing touch, these affordable picks pack a style punch £30 & UNDER Get the high-end look without the price tag with luxe materials, rich hues and metallics £50 & UNDER Statement buys that’ll elevate your décor – think classic designs and stand-out pieces…

Big or small, no matter what size of kitchen you have, keeping the clutter at bay will make it a much more enjoyable room to work and entertain in. Creating extra workspace for food prep, having easy access to all your ingredients beforehand and keeping crockery, utensils and other items neatly tidied away will also make the room feel larger. Make the most of every inch of your space with clever kits for cabinet interiors, fuss-free streamlined solutions and two-in-one appliances that take up less room. It also makes the kitchen easier to clean, so it’s a win-win! Cupboard love ‘One of the best ways to create more storage space in your kitchen is to utilise the corners by adding custom-made cabinets, cupboards and units that fit your space.’ Graeme…

Handleless kitchen units in super-matt Graphite Grey, £6,340; Carrara square edge laminate worktop, £815; Caple Cubit overmount sink, £331; Caple Robo dual control tap, £138, all Any Kitchen Ltd. Marble fruit bowl, £25; Blue coffee cup, £20 for two; Blue cafetiere, £30; Blue casserole pot, £28; round tray, £26; polka dot vase, £6; black handle vase, £28, all Next. Faux fern leaves, £2.99, Hobbycraft. Teal canister, £5; ochre canister, £5; Elements Skandi mugs, £12 for four; artificial string of pearls, £7; artificial fern in pot, £8; frosted potted fern, £10; Elements Skandi teal towels, £6 for a set of three; Elements Skandi double oven glove, £6; Elements Skandi cereal bowl, £2.50; Elements Skandi side plate, £2.50, all Dunelm. Mr Clarke wall clock in Green, £79, Newgate. Plants from a selection…

Take your shelfie styling to the next level with this chic yet simple A-frame bookcase, which you can fill with your favourite hardbacks, ornaments and potted plants. Crafted from a pallet and lengths of scaffolding board, this project can be completed in an afternoon. We’ve kept the wood grain on the scaffolding board for contrast to the white frame, but you could paint the whole bookcase in a matching shade to your room or in bright primary colours for a child’s mini library. SHOPPING LIST ✔ Pallet (at least 120cm long) ✔ Scaffolding board ✔ Hammer ✔ Crowbar ✔ 120-grit sandpaper ✔ Measuring tape ✔ Pencil ✔ Handsaw ✔ Work bench and clamps ✔ Drill and drill bits (larger and smaller than the screwhead) ✔ 28 x 6-8cm screws ✔…

Workshop GLASS CLASS Try your hand at glass fusing on a taster workshop at the Stopped Clock studio in Balderton, Nottinghamshire. The session introduces basic cutting and fusing techniques to create a 10x10cm glass coaster or suncatcher, using sheet glass, frit, copper foil and inks. The two-hour session is £35 for one person, £60 for two people, or £75 for three, and there are multiple times and dates available throughout February – visit stoppedclockglass.com for more information. The price includes materials and refreshments. All-day workshops are also available. Your kiln-fired work will be ready to collect from the studio a few days after the workshop, or can be posted to you for a small charge. A CLEAR HEAD Practice mindfulness while creating beautiful items for your home, with Becci Mai…

WE ARE Sushma Samonini, 38, a data storage consultant, and Shaun Samonini, 35, a musician and nutritionist. We have a little boy, Avery, three, and we are currently expecting our second child. OUR HOME IS A four-bedroom, 1930s semi-detached property in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. OUR BEST IDEA Was to turn the upstairs loo into a utility room. It’s so convenient having the washing machine and dryer tucked away upstairs. OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE Was living through the upstairs renovation with a two-year-old while sleeping in the living room. It was hard living in such a limited space with dust everywhere. But worth it!…

Pesto brunch eggs PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 4 potatoes, chopped into 2cm dice, left unpeeled ✔ 4 tbsp shop-bought pesto ✔ 8 eggs ✔ 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered ✔ A few handfuls of spinach ✔ A handful of Parmesan, or hard Italian cheese, grated ✔ Olive oil ✔ Salt and pepper DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat your oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/ Gas Mark 4. ■ Spread out the diced potato on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt. Roast for 20 minutes, or until cooked. Remove from the oven and set aside. ■ Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add the pesto and a glug of olive oil. Break in the eggs…

There are many benefits to smart home tech. From being able to control your heating, lighting and window blinds via an app on your smartphone to remotely monitoring who’s ringing the doorbell – installing wirelessly controlled devices can improve productivity, increase home safety and save energy and money all at once. Whether you choose whole home automation or just a few key pieces to suit your lifestyle, the latest smart products will make life simpler now and in the future, and there are gadgets to suit every budget. 1 TAKE CONTROL OF THE HEATING Many people now have smart thermostats that enable you to control your heating and hot water any time, from anywhere via your smartphone or tablet. They work by connecting the heating system to the internet, so…

Whether you’re looking to put your own stamp on a property or hoping to maximise its value to sell, knowing where to best place your allocated budget could not only reduce your overall spend, but also save you time and a lot of unnecessary hassle. From larger renovations to smaller hacks for a more edited makeover, there are lots of ways to up your kerb appeal, increase the sense of space and add plenty of character to your home and all for much less than you might think… 1 LAY NEW FLOORING ‘When it comes to improving your home, one of the most valuable places to invest is in new flooring. Laying the same flooring throughout your home will make your space appear much larger while creating a cohesive feel.…

A  Aberno 020 4524 5664 aberno.co.uk Abode 01226 283434 pronteau.co.uk Abstract House 020 8099 9243 abstracthouse.com Airthings airthings.com Aldi 0800 042 0800 aldi.co.uk Amazon amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Any Kitchen Ltd 01438 230010 anykitchenltd.co.uk AO 0161 470 1200 ao.com Argos argos.co.uk Asda asda.com Asiatic London 020 8800 2000 asiatic.co.uk Atkin & Thyme 0172 722 7500 atkinandthyme.co.uk Avenue Floors avenuefloors.co.uk B  B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Beaumonde 0117 330 3495 beaumonde.co.uk Beautiful Gifts and Things 0740196 3399 beautifulgiftsandthings.com Beliani 020 3318 8222 beliani.co.uk Better Bathrooms 0871 244 0935 betterbathrooms.com Betty Cassie Django bettycassiedjango.etsy.com Big Bathroom Shop bigbathroomshop.co.uk Blinds by Post blindsbypost.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Blueair 0808 280 8009 blueair.com Borrowed Light Florals 07966 123451 borrowedlightflorals.com Bramble & Velvet brambleandvelvet.co.uk Breville breville.co.uk…

1. ‘Lola’s series of candles is inspired by different smells of different cities within Africa, and they last a really long time.’ Young Mary’s candles, from £10 2. ‘This handmade cork lampshade is subtle when switched off, but brings some fun when illuminated.’ Claire Cartwright Studio halo cork drum lampshade, £59 3. ‘Handmade in the Priormade studio from sustainable plywood this comes with a recycled metal insert for plants.’ Priormade geo vessel, £33…

We’re reading… Wonder Walls , £18.99 Embrace all things maximalism with this DIY beginner’s guide to wall painting techniques from Pandr Design Co. Learn lettering, marbling, sponging and much more. We’re following… @prosecco_lifestyle Jamila and Michael find comfort in dark spaces as they always feel cosier and inviting – but love to inject rich colours and textures that reflect nature. They particularly love rust tones, dark woods and mustard yellows, which always reminds them of autumnal beauty. We’re listening to… Ask Martin Lewis The Money Saving Expert cuts through the jargon of mortgages and more in this podcast, plus he answers common money questions.…

HOW TO... reduce your grocery bill With a few savvy swaps and some planning, you can significantly cut down your shopping expenses. Just follow these top tips… • Meal planning is the most well-known tip, but it really does slash pounds off your shop! If you don’t plan beforehand, you often won’t buy full meals and might throw away unused food. Extra items in your basket quickly add up, so make a list and stick to it! • Prioritise leftovers when cooking, especially when it comes to lunch ideas and snacks. These can easily be combined with store-cupboard items for a heartier meal – try Love Food Hate Waste’s calculator at lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes. Search for a couple of ingredients at once to maximise your savings. • Try the Downshift Challenge. During…

HOW TO... increase your credit score Your personal rating is used by banks, lenders and other companies to assess how likely you are to be able to pay back any money you may wish to borrow. It can affect everything from car insurance and credit cards to mobile phone contracts and mortgages so it’s important to build up a good rating as early as possible. The higher your score, the better rates you’ll get, so there’s no time like the present to give yours a boost… • Make sure you’re on the electoral register, as this is proof of your address and it’s always one of the first things checked by lenders. Students need to register too, even if they live at university during term time. • Always pay bills…

Effortlessly chic, uncluttered and refined: a black-and-white interior boasts style without being too ordered. The stark contrast between the two shades is a great base for setting the mood in your space – keep the room bright with white walls and floors and a few black accents, or create a brooding, dramatic scheme by dialling up the noir. ‘It’s easy to assume that you need to use colour to make a statement in your home, but a monochrome scheme can be just as striking,’ advises Abby Hesketh, Colour Specialist at Graham & Brown. ‘The absence of colour in black-and-white interiors takes away the stress of finding colours that complement each other while also guaranteeing a flawless, pulled-together look. Use a bold monochrome pattern for a feature wall with your choice…

MAXIMISE WALL SPACE to keep the floor clutter-free in a box room like mine. I installed a wide shelf running the length of the room, and a narrower shelf above the panelling. BOOST THE STORAGE with baskets under the bed and on shelving. Footstools that can double up as side tables, and ladders for throws and towels, are great space-savers as well. HANG VOILE CURTAINS for a light, breezy look, instead of heavy ones that will overpower the room and make a small space feel even smaller. Combine with a blind so it’s still practical, too.…

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Katy Stevens (@newflatproject), 29, and I work in finance. I bought a two-bedroom flat on the top floor of a new-build block in North West London in September 2020. My boyfriend moved into the flat in October 2021. WHAT WAS UPDATED? My spare room, which I’ve transformed into a guest bedroom and office space. WHY THE CHANGE? I rented the second bedroom to a friend for 11 months. When my flatmate moved out, the empty room looked like a blank, new-build box. My boyfriend moved in, and the space became his office, for storing his clothes, and as a place for guests to stay, so it needed a makeover – I couldn’t wait to get stuck into another interiors project. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It…

THE DETAILS FURNITURE £400 WALLPAPER & PAINT £104 FLOORING £130 ACCESSORIES £100 MIRROR £75 HANGING SHELF £28 BLINDS £258 TOTAL £1,095 SHOPPING LIST Grand Deco Jungle Fever Tropics wallpaper in Navy, £16.95 a roll, Wallpaper Shop. Walls painted in Valspar matt emulsion paint in Release the Hounds, £40, B&Q. Peacock cushion, £16; bee cushion, £10; pineapple foil cushion, £20; Milan fur throw, £60; mirror, £75; Ochre Bertie shaggy rug, £45; Fogerty soft touch duvet cover and pillowcase set in White, £27, all Dunelm. Alyson wall-mounted coat rack, £26.99, Wayfair. Wire shelving, from £5, B&M. Reed diffuser, £25, Next. For a similar bedside table try Mirage mirrored two-drawer chest, £269; Mirage mirrored bedside chest, £149, Very. Artwork from the couple’s holiday abroad, for similar try Desenio. Chestnut faux wooden blinds, from…

While you might not be feeling flush at this time of year, a lack of cash doesn’t have to be a major problem if your bathroom needs some TLC. Whether the tiles are craving attention, the floor’s seen better days or you’re keen to streamline storage or introduce more colour, there are plenty of affordable ways to revitalise the space. From decorating hacks and quick DIY jobs to brilliant bargain buys, here’s how to spruce up your bathroom for spring. Tile STYLE ‘To keep costs down, lay tiles only in the places where they will be splashed with water, such as around the sink and shower, and refresh an existing mirror with a painted frame.’ Dean Davies, Consultant at Fantastic Services Light moves ‘Upgrading lighting is an easy but effective…

Pompoms can make even the most everyday item stand out – including the humble doorstop! With our pyramid design, made in three bright fabrics with a carry handle and fun pompom embellishment, this functional essential can be a stylish addition to your décor, too. You can weigh it down with weighted beans or even a large pebble, and as it’s made from fabric it won’t hurt your toes if you accidentally bump into it, unlike a wooden doorstop. SHOPPING LIST ✔ 3 x 25cm cotton fabrics, in three different colours/prints ✔ Fabric scrap for the handle ✔ Medium-weight iron-on interfacing ✔ Wool for the pompoms ✔ Cardboard or pompom maker ✔ Soft toy filling ✔ A large pebble or weighted beans ✔ Thread ✔ Iron ✔ Scissors ✔ Sewing machine…

See your home here! Have you just finished decorating your home? If so, we’d love to see your photos and, who knows, it may even be featured in a future issue. You can share them on Instagram using #YHlovemyhome and #YourHomemagazine PLUS IDEAS TO STEAL…

‘We chose a new-build as they are generally cheaper and we could take advantage of the Help to Buy scheme’ When Sam Dale’s husband, Stu, got a new job a few years ago, it meant the couple would have to move from Cumbria down to Oxfordshire. ‘It was exciting as it was daunting,’ admits Sam, ‘as we had no idea what the area was like.’ The couple decided to rent while exploring the area, and they spent the next year driving around villages looking for their new home. ‘To be honest, we would have liked a period property, but we chose a new-build as they are generally cheaper, and also we could take advantage of the Help to Buy scheme,’ Sam says, going on to explain, ‘there’s a massive differential…

WE ARE Ali James, my husband, Gary, and our six children. I’m currently a teaching assistant and training to be a teacher. Gary works in property maintenance. OUR HOME IS A five-bedroom, semidetached cottage in Somerset. I LEARNT THAT Taking time over a project means your style evolves. Living in a space while you renovate can help you understand how you actually use it. MY BEST BARGAIN The big kitchen table was a huge bargain – handmade at just £400 – and it’s perfect for a large family such as ours.…

Rack of lamb with hasselback potatoes PREPARATION TIME 45 minutes COOKING TIME 1 hour SERVES 2 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 rack of lamb, French trimmed ✔ Sea salt ✔ Black pepper ✔ 50g kale ✔ 50g mixed chard ✔ 50g watercress ✔ 300g Charlotte potatoes ✔ 50g butter ✔ Olive oil For the sauce ✔ 3 shallots, sliced ✔ 3 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped ✔ 15g butter ✔ 250ml red wine ✔ 500ml beef stock DIRECTIONS ■ Remove the rack of lamb from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Season and preheat the oven to 190°C/Fan 170°C/Gas Mark 3. ■ Remove the stalks from the kale and trim the leaves. Slice the chard then mix with the watercress and kale in a bowl.…

The contemporary home that Holly Hinton and her partner, Greg Thomas, have created is in an altogether different league from the outdated three-bedroom property they bought 18 months ago. Now fully renovated and extended – a process that took a year due to Covid-related delays – the house in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms and all the smart technology the couple need to make their life easier and to future-proof their home. ‘Smart technology is completely integrated into our day-today life now,’ says Holly, ‘and I’m already researching future options, such as installing an electric car charging point.’ Making the house energy-efficient was a priority for Holly and Greg, so insulation was added to the existing cavity walls, underfloor heating installed on the ground floor and the upstairs…

Q My bathroom needs a refresh, but I want to keep costs low. What can I do? John Barber, Wrexham A Helen Dennett, UK Marketing Communications Manager at Mermaid Panels, says…  Sometimes, bathrooms require a little more than a lick of paint to refresh the space, but this can become costly. Bathroom panels are a cost-effective way to achieve this – they are 100 per cent waterproof and can be used wall-to-wall to transform your bathroom, or simply within splash zones, such as your shower enclosure. Bathroom panels are available in an array of designs, from natural stone effects to marble designs or geometric patterns: the choice is yours. Most panels can be fixed directly onto existing surfaces including plasterboard and tiling, meaning one less job to consider when refreshing…