Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Your Home

Do you have a signature colour palette? Hues that you find yourself drawn to decorate with time and again? This month, our homeowners certainly do. From Joanne’s joyful yellow kitchen (p46) to the rainbow schemes all through cover star Rosalind’s Victorian home (p68), and even Gemma’s sophisticated garden with black accents (p96), they know exactly how to use colour to create a space that feels like home. Follow their tips and tricks, and you’ll be inspired to pick up a paintbrush! Elsewhere, I absolutely love the designer dupes in Get the look for less (p12) – we’ve scoured the market to find the best budget-friendly versions of high-end pieces, so you can have a gorgeous home without breaking the bank. Of the yellow lamps top left, one is £204, the…

PERFECT PARTNERS Escape into a fantasy world with the new paint range from Emma J Shipley. This collection of 65 shades has been created to coordinate with Emma’s magical maximalist designs. Match your paint shade to the hero tone in your favourite pattern – Dragon’s Tail teal in this bedding – for a high impact look. Or, if you prefer a more subtle effect, pick out a less obvious colour – like the soft Botticelli pink pictured here. If you need a bit of help matching at home, wallpaper and paint guides are free to download from Emma’s website, emmajshipley.com.…

STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Dee Phenna, a full-time mum, @maric_living. I live with my husband, Jo, a company director, and our three children, Harry, 12, Ollie, 11, and Jake, nine. Our home is a 1950s remodelled Art Deco-style detached house in Colwyn Bay, Conwy, and we moved here in August 2016. WHAT HAS BEEN CHANGED? We attached modern panelling to the back wall, and transformed IKEA flatpack furniture into stylish pieces. WHY THE CHANGE? It looked like a large magnolia box, so I wanted to throw colour and personality at it. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The bookshelves only took a week, in between priming them and waiting for the paint to dry; but the rest of the room took about a year to finally get right. TOTAL…

Scarlett Ward first visited Oxford 10 years ago, and she had no idea then that one day it would become home. ‘It was a spontaneous trip,’ recalls Scarlett, ‘and one of those magical summer days. I had the best time wandering around in the sunshine, admiring the beautiful historic buildings. There was live music, and people were punting on the river, and I remember thinking, I could live here!’ Fast forward to 2022, and Scarlett was living in a flat in Putney with her partner, Sam. Ready to put down roots and buy their first property together, Scarlett floated the idea of moving to Oxford. ‘As we were moving out of London, we wanted somewhere with good energy and a bit of buzz, but that also gave us space to…

SHOPPING LIST ● floor sander (optional) ● vacuum cleaner ● mop ● pencil ● tape measure ● vinyl tile sample or cardboard square ● masking tape ● white floor paint ● small foam paint roller and tray ● utility knife ● artist’s brush ● clear floor varnish HOW TO… 1 Begin by moving all the furniture out of the room. If you are starting from scratch with old wooden floorboards, you’ll need to sand away any existing finish using a floor sander. These can be hired by the day or weekend from plant hire stores. Once the floor is sanded, vacuum the surface to ensure there’s no dust or debris on it. Mop with a mild solution of floor cleaner to remove any remaining dust, then allow it to dry…

If you’re thinking about relocating to the seaside, you’re spoilt for choice. With more than 11,000 miles of coastline, the UK offers something for everyone, ranging from remote outposts and secluded villages to lively, long-established resorts. Consider the type of setting you’d prefer and how far you’re prepared to be from loved ones and, once you’ve compiled a shortlist of potential locations, research local property prices and amenities, plus schools, job opportunities, and commuting distance to work if relevant. Whether you’re moving as a family, downsizing or retiring, our guide guarantees you’ll get it right. THE PROS 1 An enhanced wellbeing Being in, or close to, blue spaces -such as the sea, rivers and lakes -is proven to be very good for our mental and physical health. A government report published…

Gary Lockwood CEO 24/7 Fitness Alison Banks Interior designer & co founder Onyx Anastasiia Kudashova Lead design manager Quick-Step Victoria Robinson Product manager Hillarys Q I have a small corner of my garage for working out – what equipment do I need to get started? Personal trainer Gary Lockwood is CEO of 24/7 Fitness, and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. He says… ‘If space and budget allow, the ideal starting point for a home gym is a treadmill. It’s a versatile piece of equipment that caters to all fitness levels – perfect for beginners aiming to hit their daily 10,000 steps, yet also capable of delivering a challenging workout by increasing the speed or incline. For strength training, a set of adjustable dumbbells is a smart…

PREPARE TO BE BEE DAZZLED Harkness Roses has teamed up with the RSPB to launch a gorgeous new variety that’s just as appealing to wildlife as it is to us: the RSPB RazzleBEEdazzle rose. Adrian Thomas, wildlife gardening expert at the RSPB, says: ‘This rose is a stunner, but the fact it is great for wildlife and is grown in an environmentally friendly way makes it an absolute winner.’ Plant this shrub rose in a sunny site and watch the bees, hoverflies and beetles flock to its intense sunset colours, as well as its delicate musky scent.…

MY GARDEN PLAN WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Gemma Mahabeer-Goldsmith, 41, an interiors content creator, @my_midcenturymakeover, my husband, Navin, 41, a global relocation manager, our children, Arlo, 7, and Mabel, 5, plus Frank, our dachshund. Our home is a four-bedroom 1930s detached house in Gerards Cross, Buckinghamshire, that we bought in 2018. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We levelled the garden, built raised beds, and painted the fence black. We also added a decking area and outdoor kitchen with a fitted barbecue. WHY THE CHANGE? The garden wasn’t practical as we had to go up steps. There was an ugly outbuilding, and the patio was unusable. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? Three years, including a year’s break while we saved to do the decking. TOTAL COST £5,136 Gemma and Navin never liked the…

SPICE UP YOUR BBQ The brioche bun is a staple of modern barbecues, adding a bit of French flair to British garden parties. But, this year, St Pierre has a new take ready to spice up your summer. Its Spicy Chilli Brioche Buns strike the perfect balance between sweet and heat, thanks to a subtle paprika and chilli kick. Pair with a rich beef brisket or salty halloumi for a delicious flavour combination. Available at ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado, they cost from £2.50 for four – perfect for a gathering!…

Strawberries and clotted cream shortbread ■ PREPARATION TIME 1 hour ■ COOKING TIME 20 minutes ■ MAKES 10 biscuits YOU WILL NEED For the shortbread ✔ 100g (3½oz) Trewithen Dairy salted butter, softened ✔ 100g (3½oz) Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream ✔ 100g (3½oz) caster sugar, plus extra, to decorate ✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract ✔ 300g (10½oz) plain flour, plus extra, to dust To serve ✔ 100g (3½oz) Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream ✔ 200g (7oz) strawberries DIRECTIONS ■ Cream the butter, clotted cream, sugar and vanilla extract together until pale and fluffy. Sieve in the flour and carefully bring together until it forms a smooth dough, taking care not to overwork the mixture. Wrap with clingfilm and chill for at least 30 minutes. ■ Preheat the oven to 60ºC/140ºC…

BEST FOR VERSATILITY So’Home Riva round aluminium garden parasol in Taupe, £109.99, La Redoute The Riva has quickly become an essential in my garden. At 2.5m in diameter it casts plenty of shade over a dining table, sun lounger or deckchair, and the UV-resistant fabric gave me peace of mind that my skin was protected. It only took a few minutes to unbox and assemble and, weighing around 6kg, I found the parasol easy to carry and place on the base (sold separately). It’s operated using a crank and tension springs, so you just turn a handle to open and close the canopy, which I love! It also features a clever tilt system so you can angle the parasol for maximum shade. Available in three neutral shades – Taupe, Grey…

HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET DUNELM The Modern Nostalgia range brings a fresh, vibrant twist to your home – perfect for a summer refresh with retro colours, glossy finishes and lightreflecting materials. FOR STOCKISTS SEE p120 Country chic Part of DFS’s vibrant new lookbook, Soulful Style, this collection brings together exclusive designs created in collaboration with fashion brand Joules. Expect cosy charm with a playful edge -think classic stripes, pops of red and on-trend bobbin details NATURE, NURTURED Choose your perfect vessel for the plants in your life! Whether you prefer indoor plants, outdoor blooms, cut flowers, or a bit of everything, Ivyline has a gorgeous new selection of pots, vases and more, to help style up your display. Shop our STYLE EDITOR'S wishlist Here’s what our design expert, Hannah,…

Upcycle a standout console A bright, statement piece of furniture is a great way to change up a space. It is especially handy in rented accommodation, where you want to add instant personality but also remove it without a trace when you leave. Try this quick and easy project that you can do in a day. Begin by lightly sanding down the surfaces of a table, then apply two coats of red wood paint. Use a small brush to get into the fiddly nooks and crannies first, then use a roller on the larger surfaces. For a durable finish, use a wax or varnish to protect your work. Nothing’s more satisfying than a style steal, so we’ve scoured the high street for those cheeky dupes of our favourite designer pieces,…

A NEW LEGEND Porcelain Superstore has launched a brand-new collection called Myth. Available in three colourways, including this Aqua hue, each extra-long subway tile has a textured surface and a reflective glaze for a luxurious feel. Abbas Youssefi, co-founder of Porcelain Superstore, says of the collection, ‘It has a real depth of colour, while its elongated shape will draw the eye and make any room feel more expansive. Plus, its glossy finish will glisten in the light.’ You can use these ceramic tiles on kitchen and bathroom walls, or even on a fire surround. View all the colours at porcelainsuperstore.co.uk.…

SHOPPING LIST ● punch needle frame blank 20.3cm x 25.5cm, £10.50, Hobbycraft ● scissors ● fabric pen with eraser ● selection of yarn ● adjustable 5mm punch needle ● wool needle HOW TO… 1 Begin by drawing your design onto the framed fabric using an erasable fabric pen. You could copy Joanne’s cherry motif or create your own design. 2 To thread your punch needle, insert the yarn threader into the punch needle from the tip. Push it through until the metal loop pokes out of the other side. Place your yarn into the metal loop, then pull the threader back out of the needle. The yarn will follow and the tail of the yarn will pop out. Now you can remove the yarn threader. Push the yarn tail back…

SHOPPING LIST ● bombe chest of drawers ● sandpaper and sanding block or palm sander ● two shades of eggshell or multi-surface cupboard paint ● paintbrush ● tape measure ● pencil ● flexible low-tack masking tape ● laser level HOW TO… 1 Start by removing the knobs from the chest, then sand the surface to remove any old paint or varnish and to create a key for the paint to adhere to. Wipe away any dust and debris with a damp cloth. 2 Apply two coats of your base colour paint to the whole chest, allowing it to dry thoroughly between coats. 3 Use a tape measure and pencil to measure and mark the desired width and placement for your stripes on the top of the chest. Apply masking tape…

Start by considering why you’re downsizing, as this will help you decide where to live. If you have a mortgage, is it your priority to pay it off and buy somewhere outright, or do you want to free up equity – perhaps to travel or help children onto the housing ladder? Are you keen to move closer to family, and would you prefer a flat or a house? You’ll inevitably need to declutter, but this doesn’t have to be overwhelming, provided you focus on the positives and don’t rush. ‘Take your time and find a decluttering technique that suits you,’ advises Chantelle Parish, sales director at Audley and Mayfield Villages. ‘The four boxes technique is popular: label boxes ‘keep’, ‘sell’, ‘donate’, ‘throw away’, and sort accordingly. Once you’ve filled each…

• Resistance bands are great for beginners looking to tone their core and burn calories. Use them in core-focused circuits that include standing oblique twists, band-resisted mountain climbers, and seated crunches. These movements help target the midsection, while increasing your overall heart rate, making them effective for reducing belly fat. • Adjustable dumbbells allow you to progress your strength training at home. Start with basic compound movements like squats, deadlifts, chest presses, and shoulder presses. These exercises work multiple muscle groups and help lay the foundation for endurance. • A TRX suspension trainer is a total body gym that allows you to focus on strengthening your whole body while always working your core muscles. With a TRX you can train for fitness, power and mobility, with the same equipment. •…

For many, August is the month to take a break from work and make the most of the summer weather. This may entail going on holiday, which might mean leaving your garden to fend for itself, or staying at home and enjoying lazy days in your own green sanctuary. If a helpful neighbour isn’t on hand to water while you are away, move pots out of the sun, group them together in the shade and give them a thorough soaking. Solar-powered irrigation systems are another option if moving your containers is impractical. Keep the colour going by deadheading repeat-flowering plants; this encourages them to form new flowering buds rather than putting their energy into seed production. Be aware that some flowering plants such as peonies and flag irises only have…

Sweet chilli salmon chopped salad YOU WILL NEED For the dressing ✔ 2 tsp soy sauce ✔ 2 tsp olive oil ✔ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar ✔ ½ tsp clear honey ✔ 1 tsp toasted sesame oil ✔ 1 clove garlic, finely grated (optional) For the salad ✔ 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded ✔ 1 small avocado, finely chopped ✔ 200g (7oz) cucumber, halved and finely sliced ✔ ½ red onion, finely sliced ✔ 250g (8¾oz) pack cooked red & white quinoa ✔ 1 handful coriander leaves, chopped (optional) ✔ 2 x Waitrose hot smoked salmon fillets with sweet chilli DIRECTIONS ■ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients, including garlic, if using. ■ Add the lettuce, avocado, cucumber, red onion, quinoa and coriander (if using) to…

Your August to-dos Deep-clean shower curtains and bath mats to freshen up your bathroom, using stain remover if necessary. Put them on a hot wash then hang them up to air-dry. Lift dirt and shift odours from the fibres of your rugs. With a leave-in foam cleaner, you don’t even need to vacuum after – simply shake, spray and sponge. Wipe down kitchen cabinets and handles. Grime builds up faster than you think, so give cabinets, knobs and handles a good clean to keep your kitchen fresh. Organise books and magazines, donating or selling any unwanted ones and tidying up the rest for a more streamlined home. Clean the kitchen plughole, removing any built-up food that could attract insects during summer, then pour in baking soda and vinegar for a…

A AGA agaliving.com Aloco Kitchens alocokitchens.ie Alternative Flooring alternativeflooring.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Amos Lighting + Home amoslighting.co.uk Andy Thornton andythornton.com Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com Argos argos.co.uk ARRAN arran.com Atkin & Thyme atkinandthyme.co.uk B B&M bmstores.co.uk B&Q diy.com Baa Stool baastool.co.uk Bathroom Mountain bathroommountain.co.uk Bathrooms to Love bathroomstolove.uk Beach House Art beachhouseart.co.uk Beliani beliani.co.uk Benuta benuta.co.uk BeSpace bespace.ie Better Bathrooms betterbathrooms.com Black By Design black-by-design.co.uk The Braided Rug Company braided-rug.co.uk Brown and Ginger brownandginger.com Button & Sprung buttonandsprung.com C Casa by JJ casabyjj.com Cass Art cassart.co.uk Cast Iron Radiator Centre castironradiatorcentre.co.uk CFS choicefurniture superstore.co.uk Choice Handles choicehandles.co.uk Clarke & Clarke clarke-clarke. sandersondesigngroup.com Click Style clickstyle.co.uk CO2 YOU co2you.com COAT coatpaints.com Cobra cobragarden.co.uk The Cotswold Company cotswoldco.com Cotswold Trading cotswoldtrading.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Crisis crisis.org.uk Crown Imperial crown-imperial.co.uk D daals daals.co.uk där…

We're reading… The Handmade Home, Mark and Sally Bailey, £25, Ryland, Peters & Small Mark and Sally Bailey draw on their backgrounds in architecture, design and furniture-making for this fresh, updated edition of their popular book – a joyful tribute to craftsmanship. We're visiting… Worcestershire Open Studios This special event celebrates 10 creative years this August (16th-25th) – with 167 artists across 105 venues, it’s your chance to explore studios, meet makers, and discover art of all kinds. Plan your route now at worcestershireopenstudios.org. We're going to… Garden Futures: Designing with Nature, V&A Dundee Featuring the work of trailblazers such as Derek Jarman and William Morris, this sensory exhibition (until 25th Jan 2026) will leave you eager to grow a green haven. vam.ac.uk/dundee…

Unleash your inner artist and get your creative energy flowing by indulging in the trend for interiors that are rich in playful personality. This theme is all about the human touch, with handmade elements like embroidery, rattan and tactile ceramics setting the tone for perfectly imperfect spaces. Tastemaking brands including Glassette and Collagerie are all over this look, so it’s set to hit the high street in a big way next season. The combination of quietly luxurious pieces and achingly cool items means your look will always feel lived-in and loved. £5 AND UNDER Get the look for less with these quick updates…

EDITOR’S CHOICE…

Morning and evening routines can make a difference to your entire day -chartered health psychologist Dr Ravi Gill (smartmindhealth.co.uk) and women’s health and wellness expert Alison Bladh (alisonbladh.com), tell us the whys and hows… ‘A routine is critically important for wellbeing; it creates structure, which makes it easier to incorporate healthy behaviours that reinforce themselves over time. Your brain spends less energy on decision making and more on doing, giving a sense of stability and control,’ shares Dr Ravi Gill. ‘Routines act as cues, triggering biological processes that prepare the body for rest, or ready the mind for action,’ adds Alison Bladh. ‘Choose ‘anchor points’ in your day to build around,’ advises Dr Ravi. ‘These add structure, even if the rest of the day shifts. Consistency at the beginning and…

PLANNING PERMISSION MADE EASY If you’ve ever had any major work done on your property, you’ll know all about the complex nature of applying for planning permission. But the good news is that help is on hand. Planning Portal has launched a new Planning Guidance Service to help homeowners access specialist advice. For £72, you’ll be able to book a 30-minute phone call with a planning expert who will be able to offer tailored advice for your project. Visit planningportal.co.uk for more information and to book an appointment. Our expert says… ‘Coastal erosion is increasing, so it’s worth investigating flood-risk maps and local authority flood-management plans, before deciding to press ahead with any purchase. The result could negatively impact the cost of your house insurance. Seasonal changes are also worth…

Folkestone, Kent Average property price £307,120 A fashionable resort in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Folkestone is being regenerated and has its own creative quarter. This summer’s Triennial sees the town transformed into an open-air gallery. ‘It has a buzzing cultural scene, amazing foodie hotspots and world-leading art,’ says Doug Acton, sales and marketing director at Shoreline. For sale New beachfront flats and houses, from £395,000 for a one-bed, Shoreline Felixstowe, Suffolk Average property price £304,224 Another beneficiary of regeneration, with Blue Flag beaches and a pier, and far more affordable than nearby Aldeburgh or Southwold. ‘People can live close to the sea while enjoying the vibrant community and easy access to the amenities in Ipswich,’ says Carrie Claxton, sales director for Bloor Homes’ eastern region. For sale Three- and…

The beauty of raised beds is in the versatility of their shape and size. Many can be custom-made to the space that is available in your plot. If you have an irregular shape with an awkward corner that sees sun for at least part of the day, installing a raised bed could make this space more useable. 1 Stack 'em high At just 80cm x 120cm, this stackable raised bed can be combined with larger models from the B&Q modular range to create your own unique growing area. Three lots of 50L bags of peat-free growing medium are needed to fill each bed. 2 Editor's choice As well as making it more accessible for wheelchair users, the clever V shape of this raised bed allows you to grow plants that need…

ECO CHOICE…

In very hot weather, your body has to work harder to carry out everyday activities. You’ll sweat more, losing fluids and salt, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Water is the obvious choice, but diluted squash and milk are also good options. You may naturally reach for the ice cubes to keep your water chilled, but registered nutritionist Dr Lucy Williamson (lwnutrition.co.uk) says that ‘the nearer water is to our body temperature, the quicker it can be absorbed.’ Dr Williamson advises increasing fluid intake to about 3 litres daily (instead of 1½-2 litres). ‘It’s best to try and drink a bit more in the morning so that sleep patterns aren’t interrupted further,’ she says. There’s no need to cut out the hot drinks, either. ‘Herbal teas are another great way…

Full of beans I have just retired and am looking forward to using some of your ideas around the house. I love coffee, so when my local café was giving away their coffee sacks, I couldn’t resist sewing some garden cushions. The leaf fabric on the reverse is a remnant from my local fabric shop and it only cost £3 for all four. Galgan the dog was happy to pose with them, too! Angie Hesketh, Lancashire Trish, creative design lead, says: We love your creative use of leftover fabric, Angie – and Galgan clearly approves! Bar-illiant revamp I recently revamped my drab – but much loved – IKEA outdoor furniture with Protek paint. I used Rose Taupe, Iris Blue and Clouded Yellow, and I was able to do the bar…

Find puzzles on p118! CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Arrivals, 5 Flea, 8 Beneath, 9 Treat, 11 Mess, 12 Impartial, 15 Adventure, 16 Oars, 19 Utter, 21 Attempt, 22 Tool, 23 Lavender. DOWN 1 Aunt, 2 Receipt, 3 Victoria, 4 Seek, 6 Lease, 7 Adhesive, 10 Sieve, 12 Ignorant, 13 Language, 14 Mustard, 17 Ratio, 18 Opal, 20 Roar. SOLUTION VANILLA WORD SCRAMBLE There are 75 words in total -anything over 20 is excellent! SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1. Drinks are now orange 2. A plant is missing 3. A plant is longer 4. Pouffe is larger 5. There’s an extra shrub 6. A watering can has been added 7. The cushion pattern is different 8. Crisps have been added to the side table WORD SEARCH Did you find them all? SUDOKU…