Innehållsförteckning för May 2022 från Style At Home

I’ve shared my tendency for impatience when decorating here before – for example I love a bit of painting, but loathe the prep and clean-up. I’m working hard to slow down and take my time this year (in all aspects of my life), so when I tackle the jobs on our to-do list for the bank holiday weekend, I am making a promise to be less slap-dash! This issue is packed to bursting with ideas for all your decorating projects over the bank holiday weekend. From fab ways to add wallpaper to the bedroom on page 56 (some that’ll need less than one roll!), to easy DIY jobs (I’ll be having a go at the chest of drawers upcycle on page 74). Or for the more green-fingered, there are garden…

1. Choose rustic tableware Build up an eclectic mix of tableware, choosing natural coloured earthenware. Look out for hand-thrown styles, and team with green-tinted glassware to lift the look. 2. Mix up varieties of wood Mid- and light-toned woods feature heavily here. Combine olive chopping boards and lighter pebble-smooth pale oak furniture for a welcoming feel. 3. Echo the outside Pick up on the colours and textures that naturally occur outside. Calming olive and sage greens, beautiful neutrals and tactile materials such as jute rugs and natural earthenware. Nail the style OLIVE GROVES TOTAL £209…

H&M HOME Affordable and trend-led high-street chain. Brilliant for simply styled basics – cushions, throws and rugs – to pep up any room. THE WHITE COMPANY For all things crisp and white, from bedlinen to homeware, furniture, home fragrances, candles, gifts and clothing. LA REDOUTE Wide variety of French-style homeware, soft furnishings and fashion made easily available online. CABBAGES & ROSES Vintage-inspired and British made, using a mix of traditional printing and digital printing methods to produce fashion, printed fabrics, wallpapers and lifestyle goods for the home. BURLEIGH POTTERY Handmade ceramics decorated with stunning floral patterns and the home of Laura’s favourite tableware design, Pink Asiatic Pheasants.…

We live in a lovely village and had just renovated our old house, so weren’t really looking to move,’ says Kate. ‘But like many others, I have property alerts set up on my phone, and when this detached house pinged up we decided to take a look. Homes don’t come up very often near us and they are usually already done up, which increases the price drastically. But I knew, if we did move, I’d want something that wasn’t finished as I like to put my own stamp on our homes, and this property was literally ripe for renovating. Although the interior was dated, the rooms were really good sizes and there was an annex already built on so we wouldn’t need to do massive building works, which was a…

1 Get your materials together. You will need a wooden circle made out of single plywood, size is dependent on how large you want your sun to be, but 10in is a good start; and a pack of dried wheat, both available from Hobbycraft, Amazon, eBay or Etsy; a glue gun and glue sticks; scissors; sandpaper; command strips. 2 Cut your circle in half using a small hacksaw, then lightly sand around all the edges. 3 Cut your wheat into two different lengths; this is a matter of taste, so try with a couple of spare fronds to see how large you want your sun. 4 Superglue your wheat onto the back of the curved edge of the half circle, alternating between the long and the short fronds, and let…

1 GREY WITH BRIGHTS This choice is practical for a family room – dark enough to not show too many stains but light enough for a relaxed, busy environment. Add a sense of fun to a grey sofa with colourful cushions and throws. 2 BLEND WITH TONALS Choose a sofa colour that echoes the tone used on walls, to create a harmonious scheme – where nothing interrupts the flow of the room. Using the same shade of grey makes the room feel serene and restful. 3 PAINT A BACKDROP Give a mellow grey sofa that extra wow factor. As this black painted wall proves, taking the colour only halfway up the wall acts as a block colour backdrop to show off the sofa in style. 4 MID-CENTURY STYLE Sofas with…

Thin architrave wood that can flex to any imperfections in your wall is best. Draw the position of each panel in pencil on the wall then cut the wood to size. You’ll need a mitre saw for the corners. Using a spirit level, start with the top piece, then attach side pieces loosely with glue. Wiggle them into place, before finishing with the bottom piece. Once you’re happy, use a nail gun to fix securely. Wood filler can be used on any small gaps before painting.…

SPLURGE Blow the budget with these top picks STEAL Grab a style bargain with these budget buys…

Don’t have the space to accommodate a freestanding island? A peninsula can sit in the same space but simply connects to a wall – so what would have been a walkway becomes additional workspace instead. A peninsula doesn’t have to be overly long, but just a metre or two will provide valuable extra prep space. Gain extra storage as it can include cupboards, drawers and shelving both sides. Leaving an overhang on one side of a peninsula will give space for high stools to create a breakfast bar or dining space. It can act as a half-wall between the kitchen and living space in an open-plan room, zoning the areas without completely separating them.…

Go for a walk in ‘A walk-in shower increases the sense of space in a small room, but it does take some planning,’ says Jo Aynsley, design director at Jeffreys Interiors. ‘We’re often asked if clients should ditch the bath for a larger showering space,’ continues Jo. ‘It’s down to personal preference – a bath can be integrated beautifully into a wet room and epitomises luxury; however there’s something fabulous about an expansive walk-in shower!’ Forgo traditional chrome hardware ‘I LOVE TO SEE A NICHE IN A SHOWER; SOMEWHERE TO POP THINGS YOU NEED IS A MUST’JO AYNSLEY, design director, Jeffreys Interiors While chrome taps, showers and radiators were once en vogue, the biggest trend in bathrooms right now is to choose black hardware. And why stop there? Go the…

Start by taking down curtains and blinds. Use a dry brush or dusting attachment on your vacuum to remove any dust or cobwebs from around the corners of the windows and the windowsills. 2 Fill a bucket with a solution of washing-up liquid and warm water, but avoid creating too many soap suds as these will leave marks if allowed to dry. 3 Using a non-abrasive sponge, start by washing the window frames first, so you don’t drip dirty water on clean panes. Dip a sponge or the foam part of a squeegee into the water, squeeze out the excess, then rub the glass gently working in an S-shape. 4 Snake a squeegee down the window in a reverse ‘S’ pattern from a top corner. At the end of each…

MAY Spinach Treat as a cut-and -come-again crop, using medium leaves as needed. Asparagus Tender, new spears are ready to cut. JUNE Broad beans Once picked, keep in a paper bag in a cool cupboard. They’re at their best picked young, then remove skin before cooking. Strawberries Nothing beats the joy of delicious British strawberries eaten straight after picking – well, it’s a gardener’s prerogative! Garlic Pick when leaves are yellow, then hang to dry out stems. Kept in the dark, it will last months. Gooseberries In June, pick and cook alternate fruits to thin out the crop. Next month’s fruit will then be larger and sweeter.…

HARISSA PULLED CHICKEN TAKES 2 HRS SERVES 8 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 3tbsp rose harissa paste 640g chicken thighs 227g can of chopped tomatoes FOR THE FETA YOGURT SLAW 100g feta 100g Greek yogurt Juice of ½ lemon 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into half moons 1 large carrot, cut into thin strips ½ white cabbage, thinly sliced TO SERVE Flatbreads or wraps 3tbsp chopped coriander 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Mix the oil and harissa. Coat the chicken and marinate for 20 mins or overnight. 2 Transfer chicken to an ovenproof dish with a lid, pour in the tomatoes and mix until well combined. 3 Cook, covered, for 1hr. Increase the oven temperature to 200C/Gas 6, remove the lid and cook for a…

JAMMY COCONUT SQUARES TAKES 1 HR 5 MINS MAKES 18 250g potatoes, peeled and chopped 1tbsp milk 250g butter, at room temperature 250g golden caster sugar 3 eggs 1tbsp vanilla extract 250g gluten-free self-raising flour 6tbsp strawberry jam 2tbsp desiccated coconut 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Boil the potatoes in a saucepan until tender. Drain them thoroughly, add the milk and mash until smooth. 2 Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Fold in the flour and mashed potato. Spoon into a greased and lined 18x28cm baking tin and bake for 45 min, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 3 Spread the jam over the top of the warm sponge and sprinkle with…

THIS MONTH’S Love it! Brighten up your daily soak with George Home's spring-ready collection, featuring sunny motifs, retro florals and even the occasional ladybird thrown in for good measure – all in uplifting shades to start your day with a smile!…

Inspired by shell shapes, pretty scalloped edges have hit the high street in a big way – from fashion to interiors. The undulating shape can be found in shell-style vases and ornaments, creating curves on furniture and even giving kitchenware a new lease of life.…

1 Laura chose Karndean’s luxury vinyl tile flooring Moduleo Blackjack oak herringbone from Ever After Flooring for her new kitchen. The chevron wood-effect pattern adds interest and a modern contrast against the dark beams on the ceiling. 2 Vinyl is a practical and hard-wearing option for high-traffic areas, especially kitchens. As it’s water-resistant and slip-resistant it can be used in rooms that are prone to moisture, so is also a good choice for bathrooms and laundry rooms. It’s easy to maintain, being scuff and scratch resistant, and is cost-effective and compatible with underfloor heating too. 3 Vinyl tile flooring comes in a wide range of colours and designs, from wood-effect or tile-effect to patterns and plain finishes and there are various options to make it fit in with any new…

ABOUT ME I’m Kate Hewitt, 37, and I live here with my husband Tom, 37, and we run a Flood and Fire Restoration company. We have two children, Greyson, who’s nine, and Charlie, five. Our renovation journey is on Instagram at @our_bears_home MY HOME A four-bedroom detached house built in the 1970s which we bought in March 2020. WHEN WE MOVED IN There was a bathroom and bedroom downstairs, and the small kitchen was in the middle of the house so it was gloomy. AND NOW We’ve rejigged the floor plan and given the whole house a makeover using white and wood. STYLE TIP For a white home you need to add detail in other places such as panelling and soft furnishings. Then pull in colours and designs from every…

B&Q Everything for the home DIYer, including sheets of MDF, perfect for panelling projects. GRAHAM AND GREEN Stylish accessories that are bang on trend, often with a unique twist. HABITAT Classic British designs with a cool edge, ranging from functional furniture to whimsical accessories. NAKED KITCHENS Whatever you’re after, from Shaker styles through to exposed timber, every door is tailor-made in the UK. THE RATTAN COMPANY Sustainably-sourced materials used to create quality retro and vintage-style rattan furniture.…

We didn’t intend to buy a do-er upper until we came across this three-bedroom 1930s semi in Durham,’ says Aylsa. ‘Having outgrown our new-build house in nearby Crook, we wanted a bigger place nearer to schools for our daughters Isla and Camila. This was the last of four houses we viewed on the same day, and we totally fell in love with it. We loved the high ceilings and it felt so homely with the log burner on and the apple tree in the garden. Having sold our house before we’d even started viewing properties, we moved in with Martin’s parents for two months until the sale went through in September 2015. It wasn’t until we finally moved in that we realised how much work needed doing though. Every ceiling…

SMALL SPACES CAN FEEL BIGGER WHEN YOU USE A BOLD AND DARING COLOUR,ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU INCLUDE THE CEILING,TOO Ceilings are an integral part of our decorating schemes that can affect light, atmosphere and the overall professional finish of the room. So if you’re planning to decorate, learning how to paint a ceiling properly will make all the difference. Make sure you tackle the ceiling first to prevent drips on newly painted walls. Prepare the room Remove furniture from the room or away from the walls and cover the floor with dust sheets. Remove lampshades and any light fittings so you can get right into the edges easily. Mask the edges Using decorator’s tape, mask off the edges. You might want to paint the coving at the same time, in which…

Use a kitchen trolley as a bathroom caddy This compact trolley fits into the smallest of spaces, perfect for housing all your bathroom items and toiletries in one portable unit. Give it a twist This unit can be easily transformed with a can of spray paint, to colour-match with any scheme. Turn a spice rack into a toilet roll holder Clever use of an inexpensive Ikea spice rack, a couple of leather handles hung from cup hooks and a length of dowel creates this ingenious toilet roll holder. Give it a twist Hang the spice rack upside down and use as a shelf and towel rail instead. Mount wire baskets onto a door Keep your bathroom surfaces clutter free and store toiletries, towels and even a houseplant or two. Give…

Disjointed and chaotic was our first impression!’ says Isobel, recalling when she and her husband Mark first saw the kitchen of their 1880s Wiltshire cottage. ‘Units and appliances had been crammed into the room, which resulted in the kitchen looking a bit of a muddle. One unit really jutted out, so you had to walk around it – it looked pretty horrible and made the whole space feel quite disorganised. Added to that, a few of the cupboard doors were off and everything seemed to be falling apart. We hated it and knew we had to replace it. Finding a solution Storage was another issue – or rather lack of it. I had to put a dresser into the breakfast room next door, so I had somewhere to store china…

Cabinetry, from £580 for spray-painted Shaker-style front-framed 600mm cabinet; Honed Carrara marble worktop, £580m, all Lacy-Hulbert Interiors. Walls painted in Wood Ash absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Villeroy & Boch Ceramic Cisterna C60 ceramic sink, £349.99, tapsuk.com. Perrin & Rowe Phoenix 3 in 1 hot water tap, £936, Just-Perrin. Similar, Samsung American-style fridge freezer, £948, Appliances Direct. Smeg induction range cooker, £1,689, Currys. Similar, Sussex Porcelain Pearl floor tiles, £60sq m, Artisans of Devizes. Bell pendant light, from £130, Old School Electric. Bumble stools, £440 a pair, Loaf. Similar, Westfire wood-burning stove, £1,626, Simply Stoves.…

Practical hallway shoe storage is key no matter the size of a household. Leaving shoes strewn across the hallway is not only a trip hazard, but it turns your hallway into a dumping ground – not the first thing you want to see when you walk in the door! Having storage in a hallway right by the front door solves the problem, helping to keep what is often a compact space tidy. Look for stylish furniture solutions where you have the space or bespoke built-in storage if you have the budget. Bench and storage combination pieces are great, providing both somewhere to sit to put on shoes while the space inside helps to keep hallway clutter at bay. Ensure whatever hallway shoe storage idea you choose doesn’t make your space…

First, remove any handles or knobs from cupboard doors, then clean all the surfaces thoroughly with a degreasing detergent to get rid of any grime. 2 Lightly sand the surfaces, then wipe the dust off with a damp cloth. Allow to dry. 3 Protect the worktops and floors with a dust sheet and run masking tape along the cabinet edges to prevent paint splashes. 4 Start painting, using a brush for the nooks and a roller for the larger surfaces. On laminate cabinets, it’s best to buy a specialist multipurpose paint that is designed for wood, melamine and MDF. Any eggshell or interior wood paint will work on wooden and painted kitchen doors. Chalk paints are suitable for kitchen cupboards but you’ll need to seal the top coat with wax…

DRILL PILOT HOLES INTO THE BOARDS FIRST. THIS STOPS THE WOOD FROM SPLITTING AND MAKES SCREWING A LOT EASIER Raised beds are a popular choice for gardens of all sizes as they help divide growing areas into manageable chunks. It’s a simple way to make vegetable gardening a little less daunting. And, on top of that, they have visual appeal too. The raised soil level means beds drain better and warm up quicker in spring, so you can get growing that little bit earlier. They are easier to cover to protect against pests or the cold; they make gardening more accessible because there’s less distance to bend down; and by designing beds so you can reach the middle from the sides, you’ll never have to step on your soil again.…

BEST ALL-ROUNDER BOSCH MULTITALENT 8 CAPACITY 3.9 litres ATTACHMENTS 1.5 litre blender jug, shredding disk, slicing disk, citrus press, dough tool, whisk tool, carry case PRICE £239.99 This model comes with a decent blender attachment that holds up well when making soups and smoothies, while the insert into the feeding chute can also be used to measure liquids. It has a citrus juicer attachment, as well as a mini chopper attachment that’s perfect for making dressings, chopping garlic and herbs or tackling smaller quantities of ingredients. Cleaning is easy as everything can go in the dishwasher, and we were impressed by the carry case that neatly tucked away all the attachments. REASON TO BUY Multifunctional and great value for money. REASON TO AVOID The attachments take up a lot of…

There are two main types of home insurance: buildings and contents. As a tenant, the only insurance you need is contents – also known as renter’s insurance. Your landlord is responsible for the buildings insurance, which covers the structure of the property that you are renting. Renter’s insurance isn’t compulsory, but it’s a good idea. And, for a relatively small amount of money, you can protect your belongings against a whole list of unfortunate events. What is renter’s insurance? Imagine that you are moving home. Everything that you own and would take with you is considered to be contents – things like your TV, clothes, gadgets and so on. Everything which stays in its place is considered to be part of the building (such as the bathroom fittings or the…

George Home MEADOW FRESH Combine fresh greens and yellow with tactile materials Next PRETTY VINTAGE Create a classic scheme with sugary mauves, lustred finishes and soft velvet Dunelm ABSTRACT MONOCHROME Team black and white with mixed metals and curvy designs Habitat MODERN GLOBAL Style an eclectic look with pops of terracotta, charcoal and mustard…

1 To remove rust from the bath, use sandpaper and a rust remover product, available from most DIY stores. Clean thoroughly. 2 Degrease the surface using sugar soap. Sugar soap can be harsh on your skin so wear gloves. Next, sanding is key as it helps the paint to stick. Sand by hand using emery paper or with an electric sander (use 80 grit emery paper) for a polished finish. Use a rag dipped in white spirit to remove all the dust and allow to dry before applying a metal primer. 3 Next, apply a coat of oil-based undercoat using a soft brush to make sure the undercoat is as smooth as possible. When dry, lightly sand with 120 grit emery paper before painting in your chosen colour. To get…

1 ADD A FLASH OF COLOUR ‘We predict braver colours, such as blue and zesty orange, this year,’ says Melissa Klink of Harvey Jones. A neutral base of white or wood will balance bold shades for a scheme to last beyond trends. 2 INCLUDE OPEN STORAGE This classic rustic look is also stylish and practical. Display favourite pieces – perhaps pretty china or your best mugs – and have standard cupboard units for the rest of your kitchen storage. 3 CREATE A FOCAL POINT There’s renewed love for classic, apron-front sink designs. Look out for interesting materials and unusual shapes, such as fluted edges or brass options, to add wow to your washing-up area. 4 CHOOSE GREEN If trend forecasters are to be believed, green kitchens, from mint to dark…

Use architectural details such as panelling, cornicing and even radiators to add interest to plain walls; the shadow play will also enhance the look. Combine accents of black and white with warm wood and textured rattan or wicker for a softer take on a monochrome scheme. Plants, throws, cushions and rugs are all easy ways to add shape and texture without having to commit to permanent features. Incorporate pattern and colour to soften the potentially sterile scheme, but choose muted colours and tones for a relaxed look. Add personality with splashes of bright colour, but don’t overdo it: an upholstered chair, or a few accent cushions will be enough. Add warmth to a white kitchen with worktops that have fine grain, such as quartz with grey veins; it won’t overpower…

A SLIDING BARN DOOR IS THE PERFECT WAY TO SEPARATE OFF AN AREA. TONGUE-AND-GROOVE PANELLED DOORS PAINTED IN SOFT BLUE KEEPS THE SPACE FEELING LIGHT AND AIRY When space is tight or when an outward- or inward-opening hinged door is inconvenient, a sliding pocket door makes a sleek solution. It is a great go-to if you are trying to squeeze in an en suite, or creating a cloakroom or home office under the stairs. What is a pocket door? The door slides into a cavity (or ‘pocket’) in the adjacent wall, disappearing from view when the entrance way is open. The wall needs to be deep and wide enough to accommodate the width of the door. There are 10 standard sizes of door in the UK, with 762x1981mm a popular…

ABOUT ME I’m Aylsa Hopps, 36, a content creator/dried flower business owner (@hoppsandblooms). I live here with my husband Martin, 35, a police chief inspector, and our children Isla, 12, and Camila, five. MY HOME A 1930s semi in Durham, Tyne and Wear, bought in September 2015 (@hoppshouse). WHEN WE MOVED IN It was very beige with wallpaper on every wall and ceiling; the narrow kitchen had torn vinyl and felt hemmed in. AND NOW We’ve replaced the kitchen, added bifold doors off the dining room and put a bath in our bedroom. Reclaimed flooring, bold colours and exposed brickwork give it a modern industrial edge. STYLE TIP Cover wood flooring with big rugs to create a homely space.…

1 USE RECLAIMED WOOD A simple reclaimed beam is a rustic alternative to a traditional mantelpiece, while still nodding to the age of a period property. In this cosy cottage, a wood burner adds to the country vibe. 2 MAKE YOUR MANTEL POP Not sure what to do with that tired old wooden fireplace surround? Painting it a bright colour will make it sing – just pick out accents, such as cushions and rugs, in the same colour for a more cohesive look. 3 CREATE A FOCAL POINT If your fireplace is not in use, light up the hearth with a novelty LED letter light as an extra highlight. Paired with exposed brick it demands attention, adds texture and gives a nod to the industrial trend. 4 STYLE FOR THE…

1 Change your cabinet handles Give a tired sideboard or chest of drawers a brand new look by replacing the handles with a new set. If your cabinet has a vintage feel, channel an eclectic style, by going for mismatched knobs and handles – scour charity shops or second-hand stores for one-off pieces. Or if it’s a simple contemporary design, then these Osternas leather handles, £12 for two at Ikea, will give it a modern refresh, without breaking the bank. Choose a design contrasting with the colour of the cabinets for a statement look – an easy job you can get done in a matter of minutes! 2 UPCYCLE A CHEST OF DRAWERS We love this brilliant idea for breathing new life into an unloved piece of furniture by filling…

ABOUT ME I’m Isobel Spandler, a garden designer. I live here with my husband Mark, a director, and our children, Jasper, 18, and Anna, 13, in a three-bedroom semi-detached 1880s farm worker’s cottage in Wiltshire. We bought the cottage in May 2008. wiltshiregarden design.com; @isobelspandler MY CHALLENGE The kitchen felt quite dated, the layout was clunky and there was a lack of storage. It was a bit of a mish-mash to be honest. MY WISH LIST Reorganising the layout was our priority. We wanted to make space for a separate utility room, open up the dining area – and I was hoping we could work an island into the new layout too.…

Sitting at the heart of spring, May is bookended by bank holidays – hooray! With fingers crossed for mild days and a splash of sun, it’s a great opportunity to make the most of the extra light and get those windows gleaming. If you’re feeling creative, why not complete the look by whipping up a dainty cafe curtain? However, if your focus is set on the hub of the home, try sprucing up kitchen cabinets with a lick of paint or show your houseplants some love with a gentle clean. Utilise door space Use over-the-door hooks, a key organiser and a kitchen rail to keep your favourite accessories organised. You could even consider adding a magnifying mirror to the mix. S-hooks can hold anything from shoes and bags to scarves…

POT UP TOMATOES It’s too late to grow tomatoes from seed, but garden centres are full of plants to pot on outside in late May/ early June. Bush varieties like Red Alert or Tornado are good as they don’t need staking; just feed regularly. SUMMER SALAD PLANT OUT LESS-HARDY HERBS IN POTS. BASIL, CORIANDER AND PARSLEY WILL ALL THRIVE IN A SUNNY SPOT Sow mixed salad leaf seeds into containers of compost in mid-May to ensure you have trugs of healthy baby salad leaves to hand for the next few months. The aim is to get baby leaves you can cut regularly, so sow seeds around a finger’s width apart – tighter than you would if growing full-size plants. Try spinach and rocket and any cut-and-come-again leaf mixes. Keep sowing…

Right now, it seems you can’t scroll on Pinterest or Instagram without spotting wall panelling. This nostalgic style is making a comeback thanks to hit Netflix series Bridgerton – think grand drawing rooms with ornate wooden alcoves. This thrifty 3D feature wall is a modern take on the panelling trend and will transform your home’s interior. It’s made using PVC gutters, that you can pick up at your local DIY store, which have been cut to size and mounted onto a backboard. It’s super dramatic, adds an amazing texture to any space and can be painted to match your scheme. All you need is a little bit of DIY know-how and a spare weekend. Here we show you how… YOU WILL NEED MDF (or other board for the backing) Wood…

Food processors vary greatly in price and amount of accessories, so how much you spend will depend on how much you plan to use it and what it needs to be able to do. A basic machine can cost as little as £40, while food processors with built-in scales, timers and heating features can be priced from £500 upwards. Size matters. Check the height of the machine as not all food processors are low enough to fit under kitchen wall cabinets. If you plan to store it in a cupboard, check how much it weighs. You may be put off using it if it’s too heavy or bulky to get out for smaller jobs. One of the defining features of modern food processors is how much kit they can potentially…

1 THINK ABOUT YOUR EXCESS The ‘excess’ on a policy is the amount the policyholder has to pay in the event of a claim before the insurance pays out. The higher the excess, the lower the premium. 2 SHOP AROUND FOR COVER Compare different policies and premiums before making a decision. Don’t just buy the cheapest – make sure its right for you. Check price comparison sites such as Gocompare.com, CompareTheMarket.com and MoneySupermarket.com. 3 PAY ANNUALLY, NOT MONTHLY Premiums are quoted as an annual price – but you can opt to pay monthly. This will work out more expensive, as interest is added. So, it’s cheaper to pay for your annual cover upfront.…

Need help with your budget? Take a look at the budgeting tool on the government’s MoneyHelper site, moneyhelper.org.uk, under Everyday Money tab. Do you have credit card debt? Apply for a 0% interest balance transfer account to save on interest charges. For example, you could get 29 months interest free with Sainsbury’s Bank**. Overdrafts can cost up to 40% in interest. Use a bank that gives you a buffer, such as First Direct or M&S Bank, which offer interest-free overdrafts of up to £250**.…