Indholdsfortegnelse for Mar-22 i Your Home

With longer days and warmer weather to look forward to, it’s time to freshen up our homes before spring has sprung – and we’ve all the tips and tricks you need this month. From clearing out your loft (p13) to spring cleaning for less (p17), once everything is tidy, you can turn your attention to quick and easy updates for the new season… Brighten up your living spaces by switching velvet curtains for voile drapes (find plenty of window dressing ideas on page 46). Add a pop of pastel here and there to embrace the latest trend that’s perfect for springtime – we tell you how to get the look with finds from just £1.50 on page 24. And for more quick fixes that will have instant impact, flip to…

Beat the budget When we moved into our new home, we thought the bathroom would need replacing but decided to give it a mini makeover so we could focus on the rest of the house. The herringbone floor was a vinyl off-cut from our local flooring shop and the pictures were from a charity shop for £1 each! For less than £200, we’ve saved ourselves thousands on a new bathroom that we’ll be happy with for a few years to come. Casey Haynes @ secondchaptersemi_ on Instagram Mel, Editor says: Wow, Casey – your bathroom makeover looks fab. Thanks so much for the flooring tip, too. Top brass I was going to replace this chest of drawers but I’m so pleased I decided to upcycle it instead. I’m delighted with…

Essential oil electric aroma diffuser, £45, Oliver Bonas Adorned with delicate climbing white leaves this powder blue diffuser looks adorably pretty and is perfect as a bedroom accessory. The tank sits under the ceramic casing which slides off and is easy to fill. A steady, visible stream of mist is emitted with no delay, and you can choose from time settings ranging from half an hour to up to three hours of mist. You can also select a colour of your choice: green, blue, purple or yellow. This diffuser happily bubbles away as it mists creating a lovely, calming sound. Wellbeing pod mini essential oil diffuser, £50, NEOM Unlike many electric diffusers, this one doesn’t have a water tank – instead, simply insert the essential oil bottle straight into the…

How do video doorbells work? These allow you to see who’s at the door via your smartphone. When the doorbell rings or the sensor detects movement, you’ll be notified via the app. This enables you to see who’s there and speak to them, even if you’re out. They’re either battery-powered or hard-wired into an existing set-up and can live-stream footage, and save it too. What about smart security cameras? Placed around the home, inside and out, smart cameras connect via your wi-fi. Using the camera’s app on your smartphone, they allow you to watch a live feed, will send alerts if they detect movement while you’re out and some can record footage. While all should be able to capture images in darkness to some degree, if you want high-quality footage…

When Tilly first came to view this house it had very little character but, ‘it looked pristine, so I thought an initial lick of paint would suffice until I got around to thinking about the long-term décor’ she says. Problems surfaced quickly, however. The plumbing and electrics needed updating, and Tilly was told not to turn on the gas fire under any circumstances, as it hadn’t been fitted correctly and was dangerous. ‘As the kids were little, I wanted to make a nice space for us to relax in while I decorated the rest of the house, so because of the issues raised, it made sense to start work in the living room,’ says Tilly. THE PROJECT First on Tilly’s list was, of course, sorting out the dangerous gas fire,…

THE DETAILS FURNITURE £2,794 JUJU HATS £500 ACCESSORIES £390 HEARTH £200 TOTAL £3,884 SHOPPING LIST Scott 4-seater chaise end corner sofa, £1,899, MADE.com. For similar loveseat try Beige velvet Payton loveseat, £369.97, Furniture123. Hearth, £200, from a selection at Bristol Marble and Granite. For a similar cabinet try the Kaleidoscope Deco hand-painted Dark Wood drinks cabinet, £575, Freemans. Angus arched floor lamp in brushed steel, £115, John Lewis. Bali rattan bamboo coffee table with glass top, £250, Where Saints Go. For similar Juju hats try Ivory White Cameroonian Bamileke hat, from £116, Juju Hat Company on Etsy. The Frame Art Mode TV, from £379, Samsung. River Flow tufted Blue/White rug, £154.99, Wayfair. For similar tripod lamp, try Habitat Lansbury wooden floor lamp base, £65, Argos. For similar cushions try embroidered…

TAKE YOUR TIME. Live in a space for a while to get a feel for how you use it before deciding on a scheme, and collect finishing touches like ornaments, cushions and prints over time to make it personal to you. BRING THE OUTSIDE IN. Plants, be they real or faux, will bring life and character to a room. Go for a mix of greenery and dried grasses for texture. You can also add botanical details subtly with printed textiles and artwork. ADD CREATIVITY. Framed prints are a great way to personalise a space – I’ve chosen abstract designs that reflect my love of nature – and can be easily swapped to switch up the look of a room as your taste changes.…

For a similar bath try Affine Montbel free-standing bath 1,700mm, £1,349, Plumbworld. Crosswater Simpsons 1,600 x 800 x 25mm stone resin shower tray, £336; for a similar shower head try Crosswater Fusion 250mm, £52.45; for a similar toilet try Nuie Solace back-to-wall toilet, £189.95; Geberit Sigma01 Gloss Chrome dual flush plate, £65, all Victorian Plumbing. Aquadart shower screen, £165, UK Bathroom Store. Countertop Trieste basin value range, 45 x 36cm, £249, ClickBasin. Gladstone wall-mounted bath mixer, £72; Gladstone wall-mounted basin mixer, £52, both Platinum Taps and Bathrooms. Hexagonal matt white tiles, 32 x 28cm, £3.29 per sheet; Metro brick gloss white, £10 per sq m, both Tiles Direct. The Heating Co Santa Fe traditional radiator, 952 x 659mm, £159, Victoria Plum. Moduleo Midland Oak flooring, £40 per sq m, Best4Flooring.…

Take the sustainable route when it comes to sourcing the centrepiece item for your room. Whether it’s a well-used dresser or charity shop dining table, if you love the bones of the piece then you can rescue it with a thorough scrub, lick of paint and new hardware. Claire Manton, Creative Director of Claire’s CraftHouse (@clairescrafthouse), shows you how to take a cabinet destined for the tip to pride of place in your living space. SHOPPING LIST ✔ Dixie Belle White Lightning cleaner ✔ Dixie Belle Mud wood filler ✔ Dixie Belle BOSS primer ✔ Dixie Belle chalk paint in Amethyst and Cobalt Blue ✔ Clear Glaze Fusion mineral paint mixed with Coal Black ✔ White Gold Prima Art Alchemy gilding wax ✔ Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin sealer ✔…

WE ARE Sera Bailey, 36, a midwife. I share my decorating progress on Instagram@wisteria.house_. I live with my husband, Simon, 40, a head of department, and our two children, Evie, 12, and Seth, nine. OUR HOME IS an Edwardian, three-bedroom, semi-detached house located in New Milton. MY TOP TIP is to teach yourself how to do simple home repairs rather than paying to have them done. This has saved us so much money. MY FAVOURITE THING about this house is its location right on the seaside and by the beach – and we have the New Forest on our doorstep. MY BEST DIY was boxing in the extractor fan in the kitchen to hide it from view.…

Asian fish parcels PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 30 minutes SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 320g pack edamame and vegetable stir-fry mix ✔ 2 pak choi, leaves separated and halved lengthways ✔ 4 frozen hake fillets ✔ 8 tbsp Tesco Finest soy, chilli and ginger dressing ✔ 2 packs of microwaveable wholegrain rice DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/ Gas Mark 6. Lay four large squares of foil on a work surface and top with four squares of baking paper. Divide the pack of stir-fry mix between each square. ■ Add the pak choi on top and sprinkle each square with 1 tbsp water. Top with the frozen hake fillets and drizzle 1 tbsp Tesco Finest soy, chilli and ginger dressing over each square. ■ Wrap…

Over the past couple of years, we’ve demanded more from our homes than ever before – and become acutely aware of their shortcomings. So much so, that a study by mortgage broker Boon Brokers found that 69 per cent of us are planning home improvements this year, with decorating, fitting new flooring and revamping the bathroom at the top of the list. There’s no need to worry if you don’t have much time to set aside for DIY or an extensive collection of decorating tools though, as these easy upgrades can be tackled in 60 minutes or under. Stopwatches at the ready! 1 PAINT A BRIGHT FEATURE WALL Treat a wall to a lick of paint to completely alter the look and feel of a room. Create a focal point…

Q Do I need to have a survey done when buying a new-build property? Rumi Begum, Leeds A Daniel Copley, Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla, says… Although it’s not a legal requirement to carry out a survey on a property you’re purchasing, and most new-build homes come with a 10-year warranty, it’s always worth considering a Homebuyer Report to cover any defects that may have occurred during construction and give you extra peace of mind. For new-build properties, you could also consider a snagging survey. Although a snagging survey is not as in-depth as a Homebuyer Report, it’s usually cheaper and it can also identify any snags caused by poor or sloppy workmanship, or small defects, such as cracks. To ensure you’re using a reputable surveyor, choose someone who is a…

As they mature, clump-forming perennials make new productive growth on the outside edges of the plant, leaving the middle section to die off. Loosen the clump all the way around with a fork until it can be lifted out of the ground. Use two forks, back to back in the centre, to prise it apart into new useable sections. Use a garden knife or spade if the clump is too solid for forks to penetrate. Lift and plant the new divisions into revitalised soil incorporated with organic matter.…

HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET George Home If you like bright, bold colours and kitsch prints, take inspiration from George Home’s Hippiecurian spring/ summer 2022 collection. Think pick-n-mix textiles and rose-tinted tableware for hazy summer evenings – even your bathroom can be updated with fun towels, bath mats and tumblers. Pair them with natural materials, such as rattan and glass, and contrast block colours with detailed prints to nail the look. A fresh coat COAT Paints has teamed up with furniture designer Heal’s to create a collection of six paint shades. Try Dodie for a blue-tinged charcoal, Ambrose for a warm greige shade, or The Four-Poster for a vibrant teal blue. See all six at coatpaints.com. EASY AS ABC Add a splash of colour to a child’s bedroom with these…

My tired TV unit seemed like the perfect upcycling project. First, I made sure all the sides of the unit were the same thickness by adding thin MDF. Then I sanded everything, before adding some interest by using wooden half beads. Once the new round feet were added and the unit was painted red, I placed some marble vinyl on the top to balance out the light fabric baskets. I love how it turned out and I really enjoyed creating something unique out of an old piece of furniture. Tatjana Pahaluev @thats.tats on Instagram Michelle, Features Editor says: What a transformation, Tats! It looks like a completely different piece of furniture!…

SAVE ON the spring clean Embrace the freshness of lighter days and bring it into your home with a deep clean of your floors, furnishings and countertops. Instead of shelling out on a whole cupboard’s worth of products, follow our low-cost tips for a home that’s as clean as a whistle. Stock up on the basics. White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, olive oil, lemon juice and soda crystals have a wide range of uses throughout the home, from tackling grimy grout to deodorising an oven. You can pick them up as part of your supermarket shop, plus they don’t contain any nasty chemicals. See the light. Get your windows sparkling clean by washing them with a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to nine parts water. Use an old…

MINI TREND Very Peri Combining violet-red with deep blue, Very Peri – Pantone’s 2022 Colour of the Year – is a dynamic shade that sparks creativity. Reminiscent of bluebells, this shade contrasts well with fresh greens and linen for a nature-inspired scheme, or take a futuristic step with metallic accents and mid-grey soft furnishings. BREAKFAST IS SERVED Cheer up your table this spring with the new additions to the Bake Bread and Marmalade collections from Emma Bridgewater. New for 2022 are the orange-print half-pint mug, side plate and jam jar. Plate up toast, eggs and pastries on these zesty designs, which will glow next to the milk jug, plates and new half-pint mug in the Bake Bread range. Prices start at £16 for a half-pint mug. Royal touch Add an…

WHO LIVES HERE? Tilly Hughes, 33 (on Instagram @heneddyhouse), my son Henry, five, and daughter, Teddy, three. We’ve lived in this four-bedroom 1930s semi in Cheltenham since 2017. WHAT WAS UPDATED? Everything in the living room except the floor! I painted the walls, installed fitted shelving and a new log burner and fire surround, and then gradually started adding colour. WHY THE CHANGE? The room had no personality, the walls were a cold ice-blue and the gas fire wasn’t installed properly. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? I had the shelves fitted and the fireplace changed within two months of moving in, but the room has evolved constantly over the past couple of years. TOTAL COST £3,000…

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Aimee Baker, 36, on Instagram @feather_that_nest, and I live with my husband, Russell, 40, and our two children, Leo, two, and Ruby, four months old. We’re both mortgage brokers and have lived in this four-bedroom, 1930s detached house in Bristol since July 2020. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We sanded and finished the floorboards; took the walls back to plaster; stripped the woodwork and coving, and painted everything white. WHY THE CHANGE? The room was really tired with decades of yellowing paint. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It took around two months. We did it all ourselves – childcare from grandparents at the weekends meant we could blitz jobs. TOTAL COST £3,884…

THE DETAILS PAINT £174FURNITURE £2,500RUG £400WINDOW TREATMENTS £2,000LIGHTING £390ARTWORK £200CUSHIONS £108 TOTAL £5,772 SHOPPING LIST Estate emulsion in Faded Terracotta, £52 per 2.5L; estate eggshell in Faded Terracotta, £70 per 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. White full-height shutters, £1,000, Hillarys. Satori Sheers curtains, £707.10, Villa Nova. Allure curtain pole in Classic Matt Black, £303; extension bracket, £50, Poles Direct. For a similar lampshade try bamboo pendant lampshade, £35, Maisons du Monde. Viva floor lamp, £129, MADE.com. Le Paysage print, £39, PSTR Studio. Large Dash cushion, £40.99; Caramel cushion, £47, both Meggy & Me. Brondby large corner fabric sofa, £2,295, Furniture Village. Large Cream vase, £20; glass vase, £29; for a similar sideboard try rattan-door cabinet, £229.99; rattan-seat bench, £119, all H&M. Philippe Starck for Kartell Prince Aha side table/stool in…

This two-bedroom terrace is Nicola and Shaun’s first home together. They had plans to open up the downstairs layout as soon as they moved in, but wanted to change the dated upstairs bathroom too. ‘We loved the space, but the main problem was the access through the guest bedroom at the back of the house,’ Nicola explains. ‘The suite also looked really tired, but fortunately it was functional, so we didn’t rush to make this project a priority.’ Nicola and Shaun lived with the bathroom for four years while they renovated the rest of the house. During this time, Shaun worked out they could afford to lose some space in the spare bedroom to create a corridor leading to the bathroom. He built the stud walls and then, towards the…

The layout and compact size of many British bathrooms makes them far from ideal for family members with reduced mobility. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can adapt the room to make it easier, safer and more comfortable for everyone to use. There’s also a wide range of products that promote independence without scrimping on good taste. From fitting flush trays and adjustable showers to hands-free taps and slip-resistant flooring, these buys and adjustments will create a zen experience for everyone to enjoy. Safe showering ‘Wet rooms with step-free access work particularly well in accessible bathrooms. Consider shower fittings with additional safety features, such as technology that allows you to set a fixed limit for your water temperature.’ Adam Chard, Content Manager at Victoria Plum Helping hand ‘Grab rails…

As well as adding softness underfoot, rugs are a hero item that can really pull a room together – or give you a stylish starting point to build a scheme around. So, rather than searching for the perfect design, why not make your own with our simple step-by-step project? It’s made with fabric strips braided together and sewn into a spiral to form a circle; the braiding gives it a lovely cosy, textured finish. The best bit? You can make it any size you want, in any colours you want, for a truly bespoke piece. SHOPPING LIST ✔ 3m of fabric (see instructions for details) ✔ Thread ✔ Sewing machine ✔ Scissors ✔ Washi tape 1 The rug is made with strips of fabric plaited together to make a braid.…

‘I knew this would be our next home as soon as I saw it,’ says Caroline Cumiskey. ‘I got “the feeling” straight away.’ Even the fact that it was in a real state didn’t deter her. ‘It needed a complete re-wire, as the previous owner had done the electrical work himself, so it was all a bit dodgy, and the kitchen had cheap, 1970s wooden units that were literally falling apart.’ Caroline and her husband, Ian, have a can-do attitude so weren’t daunted. However, on their first night in the house, the carpets were so full of dust that Caroline had an asthma attack, so she and their daughter, Kennedy, went to stay with Caroline’s mum in Bristol while Ian project-managed the initial works. Caroline stayed in Bristol for about…

WE ARE Joanna and Paul Kerr, both 42. Joanna is the owner of homeware brand, Mauve & Mocha (mauveandmocha. co.uk), and Paul is co-director of Haig Kitchens (haigkitchens.com), They have three daughters, Olivia, 12, Mya, nine, and Valentina, four, and a cockapoo called Ruby. OUR HOME IS a five-bedroom detached bungalow built in 1989, located in Livingstone, just outside of Edinburgh. It was a self-build by the first owners. MY FAVOURITE ROOM is the kitchen with the view of the woodland. It feels like being in a forest in Norway living here. MT STYLE IS colourful. I love pops of colour, whereas Paul loves Scandinavian minimalism, so we try and make this mix work.…

Blueberry and lemon curd loaf PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 65-75 minutes MAKES 1 loaf YOU WILL NEED For the cake ✔ 175g softened butter ✔ 175g golden caster sugar ✔ 2-3 tbsp lemon curd ✔ 200g self-raising flour ✔ 100g Greek yogurt, plus extra to serve ✔ 3 eggs ✔ 1 lemon, zested ✔ 90g blueberries, plus extra to serve To decorate ✔ 140g icing sugar, sifted ✔ 1 lemon juice ✔ Edible flowers to decorate, such as Dianthus or Violas DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 150°C/Fan 130°C/ Gas Mark 2. Line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment, leaving extra on the sides to help remove the cake. Place the butter, sugar, lemon curd, flour, yogurt, eggs and three-quarters of the lemon zest into a mixing…

‘For an instant update, why not do something dramatic on the wall behind the bed? Something as simple as a bold colour like charcoal, deep berry or yellow is an easy way to achieve this. Alternatively, create a patchwork of overlapping stencils to add an unusual feature. As a visual link, introduce one piece of furniture or accessory, like a single chair or oversized bowl in the same colour as the wall. You don’t need a huge amount of paint.’ Justyna Korczynska, Colour Consultant at Crown…

Create a low-cost, sustainable source of nutrition for your garden by investing in a compost bin. Making your own compost is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of garden and kitchen waste. 1.Subpod Mini Worm Farm The Subpod Mini Worm Farm is an odourless, composting system that’s buried below ground with just the lid proud of the surface. Holes on all sides of the Subpod allow the worms that live inside to come and go freely. £161.99, with worms, twowests.co.uk 2. Hazel Compost Bin 900L by Lacewing The sturdy woven construction of this rustic styled compost bin will blend seamlessly into the natural setting of your garden. Use it to make garden compost or fill solely with leaves in autumn to make leaf mould, an invaluable soil conditioner. £72.99, primrose.co.uk…

1. ‘The rainbows are a product influenced by my daughter, so I will always have a soft spot for them.’ Custom big rainbow, £16 2. ‘My BLM collection uses my craft to create homewares that spark intuitive conversations and act as a daily reminder that black is beautiful.’ BLM round Jesmonite coaster, £14; BLM terrazzo oval tray, £18; BLM mini rainbow, £6 3. ‘I’m beginning to explore larger homewares, and the contrasting surface pattern and harmonious form of this holder complements any candle used.’ Marble halo candle holder, £32…

We’re reading… Feng Shui Modern, £12.99 If you want to learn about feng shui but don’t know where to begin, Cliff Tan’s accessible guide is a great start. The social media star covers how to use it in different rooms, including styling. We’re following… @weeleithcolony Hannah and Alex don’t believe in taking life too seriously and their colony flat in Leith reflects that. They love unusual colour combinations inspired by the vibrant beach huts and houses of Brighton where they met and are always looking for fun ways to transform spaces on a tight budget. We’re going to… Homebuilding and Renovating Show, 24th-27th March Whether you’re in the middle of a project or starting to plan the dream build, you’ll find plenty of ideas at the event in Birmingham’s NEC.…

HOW TO... organise your attic An attic is often the most-neglected part of the house, and it can quickly become a dumping ground. Committing to tackle it is probably the hardest part, but these top tips will make the job feel a lot easier… • Firstly, make an inventory of what’s in your attic – and check inside boxes as labels don’t always match their contents. • When you know what’s in there, sort items into ‘keep’ and ‘remove’ piles. Donate any furniture that you don’t need to charity – some, such as the British Heart Foundation, offer free home collection of saleable furniture and some electrical items (any fire safety labels must still be attached). Or, if you’re feeling creative, why not try upcycling furniture? Match it to your…

HOW TO... pick a home alarm system A visible alarm on the exterior of your property will help to deter unwanted visitors and it can also potentially lower your insurance premiums. The best alarm for your needs will depend on your budget, location, property and the level of protection that you’re looking for. • There are various options when it comes to alarm systems and prices start from as little as under £100 and go up to £1,000 with a regular subscription. • Bells-only alarms comprise of a box installed on the outside wall with an alarm sounder and sensors placed in key locations, such as near windows and doors. The fixed panel or key fobs (that come with the box) control the alarm, which sound when triggered. • Dialler…

Cast the gentle glow of a spring dawn through your home with powder pinks, sunrise yellows and soothing greens to boost you and your home’s mood. A fresh take on the pastel staple, we are seeing this trend pop up across our favourite stores, from Dunelm to H&M. Cheer up a neutral living room with a hint of gentle colour across your soft furnishings, wall art and tableware, or transform a dated bathroom or kitchen into a radiant space with sorbet-hued tiles, unit doors and light fittings. The pairing of green and pink has been growing in popularity, and is a beautiful take on this trend. Use it in bedding and throws that you can layer together and look to shops such as The Range and Lust Home for pink-and-green…

THE DETAILS FURNITURE £175 TILES £500 FITTED SHELVING £1,470 LOG BURNER £855 TOTAL £3,000 SHOPPING LIST For a similar sofa try the Anderson 2-seater velvet sofa bed in Navy Blue, £999, Cult Furniture. For a similar Moroccan rug try handmade Moroccan polka dot rug, from £292.70, 1000Souls on Etsy. Parkray Aspect 5 ECO log burner, £855, West Country Fires. For similar yellow velvet chair try The Occasional Chair in Ochre, £70, Homebase. Frankie curtains, from £140, Bluebellgrey. Original neon painting, POA, Anette Talstad Art…

PICK A HERO ITEM Choose one piece to build your scheme around, like I did with my gorgeous green sofa. I made it a centrepiece of the room by pairing it with neutrals and greys so it stands out. CREATE A FOCAL POINT I didn’t want the focus of the room to be the TV, so I decided to do something special with the wall behind the sofa and made a feature for it out of Juju hats. HINT AT PERIOD STYLE Nod to the age of a period property while still creating a contemporary feel by adding subtle but glam touches, like my art deco-inspired marble hearth.…

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Rukmini Patel, an interior designer (@rukminipatelinteriordesign). I live here with my husband, Craig Bird, who works in finance. We bought our detached new-build in Northamptonshire in 2015. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We painted the walls, added a Berber rug, white linen curtains, framed artworks, books and natural finds. WHY THE CHANGE? The room is north facing, so the stark, white décor felt cold. I also wanted to distinguish this corner from the rest of the open-plan space, which includes the kitchen, dining room and garden room. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It took six months to tackle this room. I completed it in my spare time, in between client projects. TOTAL COST £5,772…

Unroll a world of decorating possibilities with wallpaper. From removable peel-and-stick to paste-the-paper and paste-the-wall varieties, there are multiple options to suit your decorating ability. Keep it restrained with panels or above tiles in the bathroom or go large with a bold print in the hallway or a feature wall. Whichever design you choose, preparation is key if taking on the papering yourself. Clean the walls with sugar soap; double check your measurements; use a sharp blade to avoid tears; and always keep your roller to hand. You’ll get the hang of it in no time! POP IT IN PANELS For an edited take on the feature wall, crop your wallpaper into a panel, or trio of panels. Use existing dado or picture rails to frame the design, or stick…

THE HOMEOWNER I’m Nicola Williams, an account manager, 31, and I live here with my partner, Shaun Brennan, a carpenter, 34, and our son, Cavan, 15 months. Our second child is due in April. THE HOUSE A two-bedroom Victorian terrace in Leicester. We moved here in October 2015. I share my renovation updates on Instagram @_backtobrick_ THE PROBLEM Everything was on one side of the room with a basin against the chimney breast, so it felt cramped despite being a big space. The suite was dated and the walls were yellow and had holes in them where the previous owners had hung mirrors and cupboards. THE SOLUTION We reworked the layout to fit a bath in front of the window, inspired by a luxurious freestanding one that I saw on…

PRETTY CANDLE JARS SHOPPING LIST ✔ Soya wax flakes, 1kg bag ✔ Vanilla-scented candle oil ✔ Pre-waxed candle wicks ✔ Natural string or ribbon, all Hobbycraft ✔ Spoon ✔ Pan ✔ Freshly ground pepper ✔ Shallow glass jars ✔ Pink peppercorns ✔ Scissors Makes 8-10 candle jars 1 Tip half the wax flakes into a heat-proof pan. Place the pan on a very low heat. Warm through until the flakes have melted, stirring from time to time. Add 5-8 drops of vanilla-scented oil and approximately ½ tsp of freshly ground pepper to the mix. Carefully stir the ingredients together. 2 Pour a small amount of the melted wax into the bottom of each jar. Place a candle wick centrally inside of each one and push the wick’s base down into…

From plant holders to wall hangings, you may well have a few macramé accessories dotted around your home already. Pieces made using this art of knot-tying have a soft, natural texture, and can help to create a boho vibe or a zen atmosphere. And it’s not only calming to look at – it’s a dream to make, too! For many, the repetitive action of knotting has a meditative effect. It’s a versatile skill, as well. Once you have mastered the two knots in this placemat project, then you will be able to produce any number of pretty patterns. To create a truly mindful moment while working on this project, play some relaxing music, sit in your favourite spot in the garden, or simply enjoy the silence of your home and…

WE ARE Caroline Cumiskey, on Instagram @carries_colourful_casa, 40, my husband Ian, 35, and our two daughters, Kennedy, nine, and Murphy, who is five years old. OUR HOME IS A 1960s, four-bedroom semi in Hatherley in Cheltenham, and we moved here in November 2013. MY BEST BARGAINS were my Facebook Marketplace upcycles, as most of them were free. A quick lick of paint is not only transformative, but it’s given me unique pieces, personal to my home. NEXT TO DO I originally wanted brick slips in the kitchen, but by the time these decisions came, the budget was getting tighter, as our spare funds went on extra supplies during lockdown, so we’ve simply painted the wall for now. MY FAVOURITE ROOM is definitely the kitchen-diner. The colour, design and layout are…

3 WAYS WITH… leeks Rich with a sweet onion flavour that adds depth to dishes For a speedy supper, heat some olive oil in a large pan and fry 8 chicken thighs until browned. Add 2 chopped leeks and fry until the chicken is cooked through. Add 1 tbsp mustard and 4 tbsp single cream and stir. Season and simmer until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle over the juice and zest of 1 lemon and 2 tbsp breadcrumbs. Put the pan under a grill until the crumbs brown a little, then serve with greens. To make a mezze dish, cut 4 leeks into 5cm lengths. Put 40g butter into a heavy-based pan with a lid; add the leeks and 2 tsp honey and stir. Cover and place on a very low…

When Louise Cox, a public relations coach and consultant, moved in with her boyfriend, Munna Ali, in his three-bed, semi-detached house in Bedfordshire two and a half years ago, she knew from the outset that she’d have to make some changes. ‘I didn’t like the main bedroom at all,’ she recalls. ‘It was very plain, lacked warmth and colour and I planned to make it far more homely.’ The pair didn’t need to spend much time or money on the room as the walls and floor were all in good condition, and they realised that transforming it wouldn’t call for hard graft, but for some well-considered buys. ‘We had a conversation about the colour scheme,’ says Louise. ‘Munna went for grey and I chose sunny yellow, so once we’d decided…

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