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I really love this time of year; it’s full of new beginnings and the anticipation of good times ahead. If you’re planning on tackling a few decorating projects in your home over the coming season, then we’ve got lots of great ideas in this issue to inspire you! On page 76 we take a look at the latest decorating trends influenced by the natural world, from delicate meadow grasses to cute woodland wildlife – you’re sure to find a look you love. Also, our decorator’s moodboards this issue (p.63) focus on the abundance of florals there are to choose from and we show you how to make them work in your home. If you’re keen to introduce pattern into your scheme but feel unsure about which ones work well…

• How to practise patience. We could have rushed ahead and got more done sooner, but living here as it is has really taught us how we live as a family and what we really need to get out of our home space. It has also meant we can be really considered in our design choices. • Not to get too hung up. Of course, if you’ve made a very expensive mistake then that’s upsetting, but the wonderful thing about most interior decisions is that you can easily change them without too much trouble. • Don’t buy for the sake of it. I’d much rather own less but love every single thing than own many things I feel indifferent towards.…

A bit about me I’m Saoirse Findlay. I live with my partner, Jordan, and our son, Ezra, who’s three. Where I live Our home is a three-bedroom property in Cork, Ireland, and was built in 2006. We have lived in this house for two years. What I wanted to change I wanted to get rid of the many magnolia rooms and, further down the line, knock down the wall between the kitchen and living room, which we’re still yet to do. How I made it my own Slowly but surely, we’ve replaced the bland, vanilla schemes with a spectrum of colours and filled rooms with sentimental furnishings. My favourite part I love how cosy our home is. It’s really warm and welcoming; we’ve managed to make it into a happy…

You will need * Wooden chairs * Sandpaper * Cloth * Masking tape * Furniture paint * Paintbrush 1 Lightly sand the seats and the backs of the chairs, then clean with a damp cloth. Leave to dry. 2 Turn the chairs over and apply masking tape around the tops of the legs. 3 Take the first chair and stand it upright. Apply a thin coat of furniture paint to the seat and back and allow to touch dry. Repeat with a second coat of paint. Use this technique with the other chairs, with a different-coloured paint for each one. 4 Remove the masking tape from the legs then leave the chairs to dry completely for 24 hours before using. Top Tip Mix and match different…

How to convert a loft space Make the most of your extra space with these tips • Visit the site often as the work progresses so you can envisage the space and make sure it’s making the most of your plans. With an L-shaped dormer extension, Sodia has created two bedrooms and a bathroom. • While extra bedrooms add value, not every family needs them, so consider other uses for your new space; a home office, dressing room, studio or den. Include a stylish sofa bed for maximum versatility. • Look for every opportunity to introduce light, such as adding additional windows to light the stairwell and, if opting for double doors onto a Juliet balcony, consider additional glass side panels. • Lofts can look quite plain in a period…

• Preparation is key when decorating or making something for the home, so be sure to check you have all of the tools and equipment you need before starting a job. The process will be so much smoother and much more enjoyable. • Keep up communication with your partner or family members throughout. Share opinions honestly and make decisions together so you will all love the end result. • Try to enjoy it. Of course, renovating and redecorating can be really stressful, but it can also be really fun if you reduce the self-imposed pressure and treat it as a playful experiment.…

Shop the moodboard (Clockwise from left) Dandelion mobile wallpaper in Sunflower Yellow, £74 per roll, Miss Print. Luggage label painted in Retro Yellow matt emulsion, £12 for 2.5L, Wilko. Flower Power fabric in Tangerine, £22 per m, ILIV. Spectrum fabric in Djjon, £20 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Luggage label painted in Incandescent premium blend V700 walls and ceilings emulsion, £29 for 2.5L, Valspar. Spring fabric in Cobalt, from £25.56 per m, ILIV. Dewdrops wallpaper in Yellow, £69 per roll, Miss Print. Luggage label painted in Teal matt emulsion, £18 for 2.5L, Crown. Dune fabric in Pumpkin, £37.50 per m, Romo. Dee Hardwick Larkspur vinyl tile, £47.35 per sq m, Harvey Maria. WHY YOU’LL love this look • If you love the mid-century modern look, these wallpapers will work particularly…

Freshen things up With warmer weather approaching, you’ll be wanting to spend more time outside. So, why not revitalise any tables and chairs in your outdoor space with Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Garden Furniture Paint? It comes in eight shades and won’t crack or peel for years. You can buy a 750ml tin for £18.99 from very.co.uk NIFTY UPCYCLING Cintia Gonzalez-Pell, the bright spark behind the My Poppet Makes blog, showcases a range of tutorials on how to repurpose vintage and second-hand finds to make all sorts of things, including this charming plant pot. For step-by-step tutorials, visit mypoppet.com.au Get a handle on things An easy way to revamp old furniture is to add some pretty hand-painted knobs, such as these beautiful ceramic ones from The Forest & Co. For just…

Going on egg hunts, making cards, eating chocolate bunnies – why should kids have all the fun? This spring, you can take part in the celebration too by doing what you love best – finding brand-new bargains to spruce up your home for the season! To help, we’ve gathered a collection of the best Easter-inspired buys from your favourite shops. CHARMING DECS Add an adorable finish to your Easter tree with these sweet decorations. Pastel wood Easter decorations, £5 for a box of nine, The Contemporary Home SEASONAL STYLE Large farmyard ceramic jug, £16.50; small ceramic farmyard jug, £7.50; wool mix cow and sheep decorations, £9.75 each; wool mix goose decoration, £6; acrylic daffodil bulb in glass jar, £7.50; Lily of the Valley flowers, £3.60 each; woven palm fibre round…

Look out for junk shop finds Almost all the furniture in Maxine’s bedroom was bought at junk shops, flea markets or in charity shops. By upcycling, she gave them a new lease of life, either by reupholstering or painting them. Add a hidden feature wall Maxine wanted to add a warmer colour to her bedroom to tie all the shades together. Rather than paint all the walls pink, she chose to just paint the wall behind her wardrobe and broke up the block of colour with a gallery wall of vintage artwork. Reuse period features The antique Art Deco fireplace was salvaged from Maxine’s dining room and was installed by her plasterer, creating a beautiful focal point in her bedroom. She then painted the metal hearth white to help it…

Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, damaged walls are something that can affect any home. There are a number of issues that can occur and being able to spot the warning signs is the first step in dealing with damaged walls. We take a look at some of the most common problems and show you how to identify them, as well as the best methods for repair and prevention. CRUMBLING PLASTER Damaged plaster is likely the result of external issues, such as damp or impact, which, over time, can cause the plaster to become detached from the wall beneath. The warning signs include cracks and bulges, loose plaster, sagging ceilings, stained patches and plaster that sounds hollow when it’s tapped. You might first notice a fine white powder on…

A bit about me I’m Emma Fishman, an interior stylist @emma fishman_stylist. I live with my husband, David and our three children, Lottie, 20, Izzy, 16 and Sadie, 11. My problem room My dining room was just too dull and lacked character. I love to cook and entertain, so I wanted the room to feel much more intimate with an extra splash of drama too. How I made it work I decided on a dark green colour scheme to make the room feel cosy and added lots of coppery accent details. I love plants – real and artificial – because they really elevate a space. Getting rid of the furniture wasn’t an option so it all had a splash of paint instead. I also updated the chair pads by covering…

‘If you love the look of neon but don’t have the budget, choose a print’ STYLE ADVICE Set the tone Create a chic, night-time atmosphere with the use of dark colours like green or even black on your walls. Dot neon accessories around the room for bright pops of colour; the dark walls will really make them stand out. Bring on the botanicals Plenty of greenery will give your room an exotic atmosphere. Use a variety of sizes and styles, such as hanging planters and dinky succulents, to make your own intricate, indoor jungle. Meet you by the bar A dining room wouldn’t be complete without a drinks cabinet. But why hide the drinks away? Display chic glassware on a bar or table, and they’ll become interesting ornaments in themselves.…

A bit about me I’m Beckie Batchelor, a designer and upholsterer who also makes bespoke blinds. I live with my husband, Pete, and twin daughters, Mae and Evie, both 13. We also have a cockapoo, Margot. My problem kitchen While I’ve been able to redo a lot of the house myself, the biggest hurdle was the kitchen, which previously was not a sociable or practical space due to the layout and shape. To create a more open area, we knocked down the two small recess walls between the original kitchen and dining room area and created one room with a peninsular. We also fitted floor-to-ceiling cupboards as well as new flooring and lighting, and added a new sink and tap. How I made it work The room is north-east-facing and…

‘Storage doesn’t have to look dull – go for a wire basket or pick out colourful tins’ STYLE ADVICE A white canvas When it comes to your walls and surfaces, choose a single shade of white to boost light levels and to let your colourful accessories and furnishings do the talking. The rule of three Stick to three colours for your room’s palette. Green, red and yellow are a great combination for a country kitchen as they evoke nature, cosiness and warmth. Bring the outside in Maintain the country cottage vibe with flowers and plants. Grow some herbs on your windowsill and fill a statement jug with cut flowers fresh from the garden.…

Eclectic elegance This was the first house we looked at when we began our search and it turned out to be our forever home. I would say we’ve given it an eclectic style that’s characterised by a variety of fabrics, patterns and art. Our bedroom is the perfect example of the things that I love most: bold colours, quirky accessories and a mixture of textures. This has created an unconventional, calming space and made it my favourite room to relax in. @anonymously_me_x Pretty in pink Prior to living here, my house was a rental property that lacked character and colour. As soon as I moved in, I was desperate to make it homely. The first thing I decided to do was open up the chimney and make a fire surround,…

Strawberry and hazelnut meringue cake Prep and cook time 1HR 5 MINS Serves 10 Ingredients * 100g blanched hazelnuts * sunflower oil, for greasing * 150g caster sugar, plus an extra 2 tbsp * 3 British Blacktail free-range large egg whites * ½ tsp white wine vinegar * 170ml double cream * ½ tsp vanilla bean paste * 170g Greek-style natural yogurt * 400g pack Waitrose & Partners strawberries, hulled and sliced into rounds Method 1 Preheat the oven to 180ºC/160ºC Fan/Gas Mark 4. Put the hazelnuts on a small baking tray and roast for 8 mins or until golden, then set aside to cool. Meanwhile, grease and line the base and sides of two loose-bottomed 18cm sandwich cake tins with the sunflower oil. Put the cooled hazelnuts and 1…

A Albert & Moo albertandmoo.com Amara amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com Argos argos.co.uk Atrafloor atrafloor.com Audenza audenza.com Axminster Carpets axminster-carpets.co.uk B 247 Blinds 247blinds.co.uk B&Q diy.com Barker and Stonehouse barkerandstone house.co.uk Beldi Maison beldimaisoninteriors.com Bemz bemz.com Best Heating bestheating.com BHS bhs.com Blinds 2go blinds-2go.co.uk BMS Kitchens & Bedrooms bmskitchens.co.uk Bobby Rabbit bobbyrabbit.co.uk Bombay Duck bombayduck.com Boots boots.com British Asparagus britishasparagus.com Broste Copenhagen brostecopenhagen.com C Cambridge Imprint cambridgeimprint.co.uk Caple caple.co.uk Carpetright carpetright.co.uk Clarissa Hulse clarissahulse.com Clarke & Clarke clarke-clarke.com Cloudberry Living cloudberryliving.co.uk Comfort Works comfort-works.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Crocus crocus.co.uk Crown French Furniture crownfrench furniture.co.uk Crown Paints crownpaints.co.uk Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com Curtains 2go curtains-2go.co.uk D Daisy Park daisypark.co.uk Debenhams debenhams.com Decorative Mirrors decorativemirrorsonline.co.uk Desenio desenio.co.uk DFS dfs.co.uk Dizzy Duck Designs dizzyduckdesigns.com Dowsing & Reynolds…

How did it all begin? I started in magazines, straight from college, writing and styling for lots of leading interior titles. I love the buzz of the publishing world and although it has changed so much since then, I will always enjoy working in such a creative industry. When I left to go freelance three years ago, it was a big step, but the beauty of working for myself is that now I can write and style for a variety of publications, websites and brands. Describe a typical day There is no typical day! Some weeks I’ll be writing from home, others I’ll have meetings with PRs to find out what interior trends are coming up for the season ahead, and there are also the weeks when I’m on set,…

HOW TO style the look 1 Go for bold, bright colours – this is no time for wishy-washy shades. Pack a punch with accessories in sunshine yellow, zesty green and tangerine orange. Keeping to a neutral background will keep the look from being too much. 2 Display citrus fruit in a colourful bowl or place a vase of yellow flowers on the table. It’s a quick and easy way to tap into the trend and will complement the look as a whole. Wilko CITRUS STYLE Let the accessories do the talking against a predominantly neutral palette Matalan MOODY MAGIC Use touches of metallic to make darker interiors pop HOW TO style the look 1 Hanging plants are having a moment. Jump on board the trend by filling…

A bit about me I’m Katie Rowe, and I live with my husband, Charlie, and our children, Ted, seven, and Sophie-May, five. Where I live We live in a three-bedroom terrace in south-east London. What I wanted to change We wanted to reconfigure the rooms to allow more light in, and to give the place a personal and affordable makeover prior to renovating it further down the line. How I made it my own We are still planning structural changes, but for now we have made the house happy and homely with sentimental furnishings and accessories and upcycled items for added flair. My favourite part The house holds so many memories. It’s the first family home we have owned. It’s just so special to us.…

You will need * Cactus template * Paper * Roll of light green felt * Pen * Bright green wool * Embroidery needle * Small tassels * Needle and cotton thread * Polyester stuffing * Scissors 1 Go to homestylemag.co.uk and enlarge the cactus template to your desired size. Print the template and cut it out. You may need to enlarge it in two halves and stick pieces of paper together for a larger-sized cushion. 2 Place and pin the template on top of two layers of green felt and draw around it with a pen. Cut out so you have two cacti pieces and set one piece aside. 3 Using an embroidery needle and green wool, sew a line of running stitches along the length of the…

How to create a reading corner Style a nook that’s strictly for reading and relaxing • First, choose your spot. You’ll want a space that’s quiet and, if possible, away from distractions, such as dishes that need washing. Somewhere that you can escape reality in. Maybe it’s the corner of a bedroom, like in Ezra’s room (see page 33), or perhaps it’s in a conservatory or lesser-used dining room. • Next, consider your comfiest reading position and choose a chair to accommodate your many reading sessions to come. You could choose an armchair or sofa, a hammock, swing chair or floor cushions. • Finally, add the finishing touches. This might include shelves to stash books, a light source for late-night reading, somewhere to prop your coffee mug and decorative touches…

• When you’re viewing a property, don’t be put off by the condition or dodgy décor – they might help you to bag a bargain. Instead, pay attention to the structure, proportions and layout. • Save money on furniture by upcycling second-hand pieces, including street finds, Gumtree giveaways and eBay bargains. Use leftover paint to keep the costs down further. Search the internet for hacks to turn IKEA’s affordable, functional furniture into something more bespoke. • Add kerb appeal to period homes by reinstating a traditional tiled path. I opted for Topps Tiles’ Victorian-style chequered mosaic tiles, which come on a mesh so are easier and quicker to lay. They are also anti-slip, which is an added bonus with our British weather.…

A bit about me I’m Ewan Marshall, and I live here with my fiancé, Joe Barnsley, and our three dogs, Dylan, Merlin and Monty. Where I live We live in a 1970s house in Desford, Leicestershire. It had three bedrooms but, after an extension in the 90s, it now has four. I’ve always lived here, but Joe moved in two years ago. What I wanted to change The décor hadn’t been updated in a while and was very bland. I wanted to overhaul the look and the layout to make the space work for us both. How I made it my own We have used colour and lots of creativity to change this house from my parents’ space, to mine and Joe’s home. My favourite part I love the location…

You will need * Length of narrow timber * Measuring tape * Saw * Pencil * Drill * Sandpaper * Cloth * Furniture paint * Paintbrush * Sisal string * Scissors * Self-adhesive hooks 1 Cut the timber into three pieces, 2 measuring 40cm each in length. Measure and mark equally-spaced holes at the corners of each piece. Drill holes at these marks using a suitably-sized drill bit for the width of the string. 3 Sand any rough edges and clean the shelves with a damp cloth, then leave to dry. Apply a coat of furniture paint to the shelves and leave to dry. 4 Cut four pieces of string, each measuring 80cm in length. Thread the ends of each length through the holes in the…

Shop the moodboard (Clockwise from left) Callista Filix wallpaper in Emerald, £56 per roll, Harlequin at The Style Library. Dune fabric in Emerald, £37.50 per m, Romo. Atlantis fabric in Holly; Atlantis fabric in Majoram, both £46 per m, Villa Nova. Wooden feathers from Hobbycraft painted in (from left to right) Lime Sorbet matt emulsion, £12 for 2.5L, Wilko. Pixie Green matt emulsion, £9 for 2.5L, B&Q. Dream Weaver Premium Blend V700 walls and ceilings emulsion, £29 for 2.5L, Valspar. Calathea Eden fabric, £40 per m; Calvia Ivy fabric, £46 per m, both Villa Nova. Botanica fabric in Willow, £27 per m, ILIV. Callista Angeliki wallpaper in emerald/gold, £71 per roll, Clarissa Hulse. WHY YOU’LL love this look • It’s revitalising and the various shades of greens used in the…

The cold, dark days are now behind us as we step into the season of budding blooms, April showers and new life – and what better way to celebrate this time of year than by refreshing your home décor? Spring brings with it an array of Scandi-chic colour palettes, line-drawn floral fabrics, and ditsy-print furnishings and accessories inspired by the British countryside. So, let’s take a peek at what spring 2020 has to offer… Work the look • This season, keep an eye out for delicate florals, faux flower wreaths and muted shades to bring the outdoors in. • The botanical trend is still big news, but keep it pared back with subtle designs to channel the elegance of the season. • You’ll find spring wildlife on all kinds of…

Walls painted in Blackened and Middleton Pink modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Devonia Plain carpet in French Grey, £49 per sq m, Axminster Carpets. Blinds, from £120 each, Hillarys. Milano Windsor traditional white radiator, £239, Best Heating. Ranarp wall light, £19; grey sheepskin throw, £29, both IKEA. Lizzy blush blanket, £30, Laura Ashley. Duvet set, from £55.99; continental pillow cases, £17.99 each, both Zara Home. Linen bolster cushions, £22 each, MagicLinen. Pompom cushion; peach fringed cushion, £14.99 each, both HomeSense. Ghost chair, £89, Cult Furniture. Eos light fitting, £99, Umage. Lady bust, £12; Vermont dove grey pencil pleat curtains, £80, both Dunelm. Elisia Champagne beaded mirror, £167, Decorative Mirrors Online.…

‘Sometimes, moisture can cause bubbles in the paint. A little tip which sometimes works before reaching for the scraper – as crazy as it sounds – is to use a normal household iron to try and flatten the bubbles. Hold the hot iron against the wall for around 30 seconds. A damp seal or a stain blocker should then be applied. Tempting as it is to skip this step, doing so could lead to ugly stains seeping through the emulsion. Once complete, the area can be repainted with the same paint as used elsewhere in the room.’ Debbie Hall, store manager at Leyland SDM London Bridge ‘Walls can be damaged if moisture is trapped within them, frequently caused by plastic-based paints, which seal the wall. Eventually this would cause paint…

Make a statement on your walls Emma wanted to create a gallery wall to add impact and personalise the room. ‘I wanted to buy a neon wall light but to keep costs down I chose a print of one instead from Desenio, which I think looks just as good at a fraction of the cost.’ Emma also updated an old lamp base with a bold stripy shade. ‘I love mixing the old with the new.’ Update your fireplace ‘The previous owners had ripped out all the chimney breasts, so I’ve made do with an electric fire,’ says Emma. Geometric-style tiles around the fire surround and a dark green for the mantlepiece has transformed the fireplace. ‘It’s now unrecognisable,’ she says. Revamp chairs The old, solid-oak dining chairs were too good…

Go for hardworking cupboards What’s particularly great about the IKEA carcass is that they give you so much more room inside than standard cupboards. These cupboards add invaluable space to the kitchen and are 40cm deep, which is the perfect depth for crockery, glasses and tableware – as well as offering handy larder ‘overflow’ space. Treat floors with care Our engineered oak boards are oiled rather than varnished, which is much easier to maintain. If an area needs to be treated, you just need to sand back and oil the affected area rather than redoing the whole floor. The oil also gives a more natural appearance. Tailor furniture to suit the space The chair stools were purchased for a song from an antique shed nearby. Originally, they were shiny silver,…

Monday Herby lemon chicken and rocket wraps Prep and cook time 1HR 45 MINS OR 15 MINS IF USING LEFTOVER CHICKEN Serves 6 Ingredients * 40g soft butter * 1 lemon * 1 garlic clove, crushed * 4-5 thyme sprigs * 2-3 sage sprigs, leaves finely chopped * 2 tbsp olive oil * 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard * 2 tbsp red wine vinegar * 1 whole chicken (approx 1.7kg) * 6 spring onions * 1 bag Fresh & Naked rocket, washed and drained * 1 carrot, grated * 6 wraps Method 1 Heat the oven to 190ºC/170ºC Fan/Gas Mark 5. Beat together the butter, lemon zest, garlic, thyme and sage. 2 Use your hands to ease away the skin over the chicken breast and spread the butter mixture…

Best buy If you’ve got the munchies, but want something a bit healthier, then give Gato’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream range a go. These plant-based and gluten-free cookies come in a range of tempting flavours, all priced £1.59 exclusively at Boots. QUICK FIX Boost your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients with just a spoonful of Linwoods Milled Flaxseed mixes. High in Omega-3, flaxseed can easily be sprinkled on cereals and yoghurts. Available from all major supermarkets, priced from £2.99. Fresh find Looking for a gluten-free and vegan breakfast? Doves Farm’s freee range has four vegan-certified cereals, priced from £2.75. And the Gluten-Free Organic Porridge Oats are the perfect solution when baking too. CIDER WITH SASS It doesn’t get much classier than Sassy Cider. Handmade from 100% pure apple and pear…

LATEST RELEASE If sustainable, eco-conscious homeware is your thing, look no further than Weaver Green. Their bohemian-style accessories do not skimp on colour or pattern and are guaranteed to become lusted-after elements in your home. Whether you want a fringed, patterned rug for your kitchen-diner or an eclectic mix of cushions for your living room, Weaver Green has you covered. But most importantly, all their products are handmade from 100% recycled plastic bottles, which are used to create woven fibres that are as soft as wool. Prices start at £15. Visit weavergreen.com to see the full collection. SWAP TIMELESS FOR FUTURISTIC New for 2020 comes Space Hotel, a modern, out-of-this-world range of timepieces from classic clock-makers, Newgate. Inspired by the solar system, the new clocks are a luxe take on…

How to give furnishings a new aesthetic Save cash by sprucing up your belongings • Before donating or – worst of all – scrapping your sofa, consider pepping it up as Katie did. Cushion and seat covers can be purchased online from the likes of Bemz and Comfort Works, as can feet to give couch legs a shiny new look. If your budget won’t stretch to seat covers, shop for cushions and throws you can use to dress the settee in different easy-to-change styles. • Tired of your coffee table? Try revamping it using paint or spray paint for a fast and simple style shift. You could also cover the top of the table in sticky-back vinyl, which you can purchase at Wilko. • No need to shun appliances either,…

• Paint is a surprisingly powerful tool, which has the ability to transform the entire look and feel of a space. I can’t believe the difference a lick of paint has made to some of the rooms in our house. • You can learn practically any skill on YouTube. This came in particularly helpful for tackling DIY jobs; we saved so much money by doing them ourselves. • Patience is crucial. Home renovations aren’t completed overnight. In fact, we’ll be chipping away at ours for years to come. The trick is learning to enjoy the journey.…

A bit about me I’m Sodia and I have my own homeware brand, Beldi Maison. I live with my husband, Larbi, our two children, Zayd, eight and Amani, six, and our cockapoo, Myla. Where I live We live in a five-bedroom Victorian terrace in Brockley, south-east London. We’ve lived here since 2012. What I wanted to change Everything! We reconfigured the existing extension to create a larger kitchen and converted the loft to create two bedrooms and a bathroom. How I made it my own A palette of muted neutrals with pops of colour and lots of bohemian pieces allowed me to put my stamp on the house. My favourite part I love coming home to my Victorian-style path and pink front door.…

You will need * Leaf templates * Paper * Green card in different shades * Pencil * Scissors * Masking tape * Glue * Paintbrush * Glitter * Twine 1 Go to homestylemag.co.uk and print out the three leaf templates on paper and cut them out. Take the sheets of green card and draw around each template on a different shade – three times for each leaf – and cut out. 2 Apply masking tape across the first leaf, leaving a small section visible. Apply a thin layer of glue to this section with a paintbrush, and then remove the tape. Sprinkle glitter over the glue, shake off the excess and leave to dry. Repeat with the other leaves. 3 Cut a 1.5 metre length of twine. Take…

How to make a hanging branch display Use foraged finds to make a feature in your home • Search local wooded areas for a sturdy, dry branch, similar to the one Ewan has hanging in his guest room. Only scour the floor; do not cut branches from the trees. Leave the branch to dry out thoroughly. • Once dry, remove any unwanted twigs. Trim, if necessary, to fit the space, then lightly sand using a low-grit sandpaper until smooth and you achieve the desired effect. • Paint, if you wish, using a wood-friendly spray in the colour of your choice, then leave it to dry. Skip this step if you’re seeking a natural look. • Secure to the ceiling – you could use gardener’s twine, like Ewan and Joe –…

Shop the moodboard (Clockwise from left) Amelie Tearose fabric, £31 per m, ILIV. Onyx deep pink small square tile, £36 for 60cm x 60 cm, Stone and Ceramic Warehouse. Calvia Casa fabric, £46 per m, Villa Nova. Fabric roses from Hobbycraft painted in (from top) Sugar Sweet matt emulsion, £12 for 2.5L, Wilko Coral Flair matt emulsion, £3 for 1.25L, Dulux; Addiction matt emulsion, £14.50 for 1.25L, Crown. GoodHome Bifora purple wallpaper, £16 per roll, B&Q. Pink ribbon, £19 per m, James Hare. Lumina Rose fabric, £36.50 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Imperial Silk fabric in Fuschia, £60 per m, James Hare. Hana Jewel fabric, £36 per m, Villa Nova. Boxall Buddleia wallpaper, £89 per roll, Wallpaper Direct. WHY YOU’LL love this look • It’s ultra-feminine and the colour palettes…

Have you got a piece of vintage furniture you want to do-up? Take a leaf out of Jen Crider’s book and upcycle your thrifted find. Follow these simple instructions to transform a lacklustre chest of drawers into a bohemian, batik-inspired piece. Takes 1 day You will need * 220-grit sandpaper * Paintbrushes * Primer * Wood filler * Small scraper * Large ruler * Pencil with eraser * Drill * Drill bit * Wood stain * Polyurethane * White paint * Contrasting paint * Paper towels * Furniture wax * Lint-free cloth * Drawer knobs * Safety goggles 1 Make sure you sand down any rough areas of the chest first, then remove the drawers and give them two coats of primer to prevent the paint…

A bit about me I’m Maxine Brady and I live in a two-bed house in Brighton with my Maltese dog, Teddy. My problem bedroom When I moved into my home, my bedroom had a damp problem. The plastered walls were crumbling in places. There was a long, ugly radiator taking up one wall, the beige carpets were worn and the windows were rotting away. Everything in the room needed attention. How I made it work A bulk of my budget went on repairing the rotten sash windows. To save money, my dad and I stripped off all the wallpaper and a builder put in a damp course in the corner of the room. The whole room was plastered smooth, including the ceilings and walls, and a reclaimed fireplace was installed…

Goblin 311 absolute matt emulsion, £47 per 2.5L; Goblin 311 intelligent eggshell, £32 per L, Little Greene. Artificial Sago palm plant, £24.99, Homescapes. Zaire Loft 18-light Sputnik chandelier, £193.99, Wayfair. Regal Cubis matt mosaic tiles in Vanilla Grey, £199.98 per sq m, Topps Tiles. Seat covers in Adisa Charcoal, £66 per m; Prisma Ebony, £51 per m; St James Stripe Noir, £19 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Tablecloth in Sofia black & white fabric, £6 per m; potted areca palm, £22; Fejka artificial potted plant, £6; Utvändig gold candle dish, £15; Lohals rug, £80; Pepparkorn vase, £12; Vindfläkt bowl, £7; Konungslig glass, £2.50; Charmera carafe, £10; Konungslig wine glass, £3; Vindfläkt plant pot, £5, IKEA. Circus Stripe cone lampshade, £70, Love Frankie. Sleek Edison wall light, £29, Industville. Corolla wall…

Metod base cabinet kitchen units, from £104 each, IKEA. Elgin rural oak flooring, from £38.74 per m, Luxury Flooring. Slim white quartz stone worktop, £2,100, Wood For Stone. Mirrored splashback, £130, Kent Blaxill. For similar stainless steel tap, try Jago metering twin lever monobloc tap, £108.99, Wayfair. For a similar sink, try Rangemaster Glendale stainless steel sink, £109.94, Victorian Plumbing. Architects’ matt paint, £56 per 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. Disc lampshades, £24 each, Urban Cottage Industries. Blinds in Japonica Saffron fabric, £25 per m, Vanessa Arbuthnott. Tableware, from a selection, The Mistley Kitchen.…

A GRATE FIND A zest grater may not seem like the most exciting purchase, but a good quality one can make a world of difference in the kitchen. With exceptional standards, Microplane’s Premium Classic Series Zester grater is top of the list for us. Crafted from stainless steel, the tiny blades effortlessly cut through all types of food, which means no shredding or tearing. From citrus fruits to ginger, this grater will leave you wondering how you coped without it! Out of sight Organising household waste can be a laborious task, but Masterclass Kitchens is here to make life easier with its new selection of integrated bins. With the largest storage capacity on the market, the VelaBin will have your kitchen clutter-free and waste perfectly separated in minutes. They are…

Asparagus, sundried tomato and goat’s cheese tart Prep and cook time 30 MINS Serves 4 Ingredients * 375g fresh ready-rolled puff pastry * 120g sundried tomato paste * 1 bunch asparagus, washed and trimmed * 150g soft goat’s cheese * olive oil * fresh basil leaves to serve Method 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/ Gas Mark 5. Unroll the puff pastry and cut into four equal rectangles. Score a 1cm border around the edge. 2 Spread the sundried tomato paste over the centre of the pastry, top with the asparagus spears and dot all over with the goat’s cheese. 3 Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 15 mins or until golden brown. Serve with a few…