Innehållsförteckning för August 2024 från Style At Home

The start of the summer holidays always puts me in a good mood. I think it’s a throwback to school days and the excitement of the six-week break stretching ahead, planning days out with best friends, plus family holidays at the seaside with my sisters and cousins. This issue has a relaxed, sunny vibe that makes it the perfect summer read. From destination interiors to recreate at home (page 52), outdoor entertaining ideas (page 68) and easy garden glow-ups (page 60) should you be enjoying a staycation this summer. And closer to home, check out our fun Pet of the Month spot (below), devoted to our favourite furry friends. We’d love to see your pics. Enjoy the holidays! Style at Home’s PET OF THE MONTH Meet Luna! This fluffy cloud…

SUNNY SHADES Set the scene for outdoor entertaining with a vibrant table filled with colourful blooms and crockery. This pure linen tablecloth with place mats and napkins in shades of warm turmeric, terracotta and soft-pink clay add a luxurious look and a splash of sunshine. Prize-winning bold blooms Winner of BBC’s Interior Design Masters series five, Roisin Quinn has launched her new interiors collection for La Redoute. Her trademark joyful blooms appear on everything from cushions and table linens to wall art. 3 of the best CHERRY PICKED CREATE AI ART Picture specialists Desenio has taken personalised art to the next level with its new Imaginator feature – an online tool that utilises AI technology. Simply key in a description of what you want to create and let AI…

When Simon retired, we made the move from Surrey to our weekend retreat in Queenborough Harbour, which is where Simon’s grandparents (Grandad Nobby and Lillian, who reached the grand age of 101!) lived,’ says Sandra. ‘Grandad converted Thames barges into house boats, working in the boat shed here, and Simon was born in the back bedroom, which is now our bathroom. When Simon’s grandmother passed away, the house lay empty for 10 years until we bought it from family eight years ago to use as a holiday home before planning a major renovation. Remaking history The renovation works involved the demolition of the existing conservatory and downstairs bathroom, to create a bright open-plan extension with renewed joists, skylight windows and bifold doors opening onto the harbour-side terrace. Simon’s grandad’s old…

5 Malindi wallpaper, £50 a roll, Lime Lace…

DIY a garden canopy Create a full-coverage shade for a seating or dining area with landscaping poles (try a timber yard or Total Poles). Fit each one into a parasol base and screw in a hook near the top to support horizontal dowels, over which you can drape a length of fabric. Give it a twist… Swap light white voile for a weatherproof fabric. Make a candlelight centrepiece Any deep planter or bowl can do double duty as a candle holder. Simply fill it with play sand and poke in beeswax tapers, ready to light when dusk falls. If you dislike the look of sand, cover it with florist’s moss. Give it a twist… Up the impact by using multiple identical bowls and line them up along a long table.…

TIME AT HOME Holiday season is here! And whether you’re jetting off abroad, heading to the coast or enjoying days out nearer to home, there’s plenty you can do to make sure you’re organised and vaycay ready. TV’s Style Sisters share their secrets to packing your suitcase more efficiently or follow our top tips on how to keep cool at night, whether home or away. And if the warm weather sees you dealing with unwelcome visitors, find out speedy ways to get rid of ants. Clean and refresh picnicware If you have family days out planned, organise essentials in advance so you can grab and go. Make sure cool bags are clean inside and out. Use a little antibacterial spray on a cloth or if the bags are stained, mix…

Growing plants in containers is an easy way to brighten up an outdoor space, but large planters can be pricey, especially if you require a few. Cut costs by upcycling large containers such as steel oil drums or barrels after use with a coat of paint and a cheery design. Taller drums make brilliant raised planters that are perfect for growing herbs or summer vegetables in, or simply fill with colourful flowering plants to create an uplifting display. YOU WILL NEED * Three clean oil drums * Paintbrushes – one large, one flat artist’s brush * Base coat: Protek Royal Exterior paint in Stone Grey * Protek Royal Exterior paint in a mix of colours * Protek Royal Metallic paint in Silver * Pencil * Eraser 1 CLEAN OUT THE…

STICKY BBQ SHORT RIBS AND SLAW MAKES 8 TAKES 3 HR 30 MINS PLUS MARINATING * 8 beef short ribs (about 2kg) * 500ml dark stout-style beer * 100ml maple syrup * 60ml apple cider vinegar * 60ml mushroom ketchup * * 200ml smoky barbecue sauce * 2tbsp bourbon whisky (optional) * * FOR THE RUB * 3tbsp dark brown sugar * 1tbsp each ground cumin, coriander, mustard powder, garlic powder, sweet smoked paprika * 2tbsp fine sea salt * FOR THE SLAW * 1tbsp caraway seeds, lightly toasted * 2tbsp apple cider vinegar * 2tbsp Americ* an mustard * 1tbsp maple syrup * ½ small white cabbage, finely shredded * ½ small red cabbage, finely shredded * 1 small red onion, finely sliced * 1 green apple, cored, finely…

COASTAL PRINTS Love it! Bring the holiday feels home this summer with this cool collection of coastal artwork from Poster Store. Pick from a mix of dreamy beachside locations or catchy slogan prints in soft blues and sandy tones that sit together perfectly.…

After spending eight years living in our two-up, two-down in Staines, Surrey, my partner Colin and I decided it was time to pool resources and buy a home together,’ says Jane. ‘We were keen to invest in a place that we both loved and could make our own. There were a few must-haves when we began our search – the property needed to be near our workplaces, as neither of us wanted a long commute. Colin, as a keen gardener, wanted outside space and we both agreed we’d like to buy a house that needed modernising but was in a good enough condition that we could move in straight away and renovate at leisure. Successful search Luckily for us, the stars aligned and we found a perfect detached house in…

1 START A COLLECTION If you live near the sea or have a fondness for the ocean, then coastal style is the perfect fit if you like a relaxed, laid-back look. Use a display cabinet or shelves to show off a collection of finds and favourite keepsakes. Displaying groups of things en-masse creates greater impact than individual items dotted around a room randomly and linking displays by colour or style brings visual unity. 2 ARRANGE A VIGNETTE If space is tight or you want to showcase a smaller arrangement of treasures, look to surfaces, such as tabletops and shelves, to set up a mini display. A small vignette of items can add a welcome pop of colour to any room and is easily arranged. Go for an odd number of…

1 INCREASE KITCHEN SIZE Period properties often feature a side return or yard that runs alongside the ground floor of the property. Long and narrow, it can be a tricky space to find a use for as the area tends to be quite dark too. Extending out to the side and adding a glass roof or roof lights can be a great way of maximising light and increasing the size and layout of an existing kitchen. 2 DOUBLE UP ON DINING SPACE A long, narrow layout often dictates that the kitchen will be situated at the rear of a period property or terraced house, with a galley kitchen the most common set up. Extending out to the side of a property and creating one large open-plan space can solve two…

1 Make an easy table runner If your garden table is looking a little weather-worn and not at its best for summer activities, then cover it up with a colourful cloth or paper runner. For an inexpensive alternative to a shop-bought runner, make your own using a roll of wallpaper leftover from a DIY project. Simply roll out a length to cover the table and once your meal or party is over, simply dispose of it – with no worry about spills and stains. Alternatively, use a roll of plain drawing paper and provide crayons or pens for little ones to sketch on and decorate the runner as they sit – a great way to keep them entertained during a meal. 2 HANG UP RIBBON STREAMERS Glam up a plain outdoor chandelier…

When it comes to decorating with blue, inky navy has had the monopoly on our homes for a long time. But as much as we love this moody shade, it’s time for navy to step aside and make way for its vibrant cousin – cerulean blue. Described by artists as the perfect sky blue, cerulean is uplifting, optimistic, energetic and playful and will dazzle against soft neutrals or pop as a backdrop for red, pink or gold.…

Weigh up the options Kitchen islands have become a mainstay in our homes in recent years – offering a spot to cook, dine, socialise and host as well as a fab focal point feature that sits at the heart of a kitchen. Whether you are planning a full kitchen refit or are considering adding an island to an existing scheme, there’s plenty to think about including size, space and layout, as well as utilities and lighting. Consider a peninsular design If kitchen space is tight or you want to divide an open-plan space, then a peninsula unit is worth considering. A peninsula island is attached to the wall and is accessed from three sides (unlike a standard island’s four) but it still offers ample worktop and acts as a room…

PIMM’S AND CUCUMBER SANDWICHES FOR THE PIMM’S SERVES 6 TAKES 10 MINS, PLUS FREEZING * Small bunch mint, leaves picked from the stem * ½ cucumber, peeled and sliced thinly lengthwise * 5 strawberries, sliced and frozen * 150g raspberries, frozen * 1 peach, sliced and frozen 150ml Pimm’s * 150ml gin * Soda water * Ice 1 Divide the mint leaves, cucumber, strawberries, raspberries and peach slices between 6 tumblers. 2 Pour 25ml Pimm’s and 25ml gin into each glass. Top up with soda water and ice. FOR THE SANDWICHES MAKES 12 TAKES 10 MINS, PLUS SALTING * ½ cucumber, sliced thinly lengthwise * 120g cream cheese * 10g dill, chopped Zest * 1 lemon * 4 slices white medium-sliced bread 1 Lay the cucumber on kitchen paper. Sprinkle with…

Nothing creates that lush, holiday vibe quite like a tropical palm tree and if you want to bring your very own piece of paradise home, then this fabulous offer from YouGarden is just what you need. Exotic, striking and guaranteed to add ‘wow’, palms are ideal for UK patios and gardens and will continue to add lush colour for years to come. PHOENIX CANARIENSIS ‘CANARY ISLAND DATE PALM’ This tropical architectural beauty has spectacular fan-shaped foliage and is an eye-catching feature for any patio or garden. Despite its tropical origins, the Phoenix palm thrives in the UK to -6C. It loves a sunny position and will be perfect in a patio pot. When mature, the trunk is formed by removing dead leaves. Offer is supplied as established plants, 60-80cm tall…

Dunelm TROPICAL HEAT Add spice to your scheme with botanical prints and neon brights Habitat URBAN GARDEN Combine abstract and geometric designs with cool curves John Lewis & Partners MEDITERRANEAN MOOD Take inspiration from patterned tiles for relaxed dining George Home CORAL REEF Choose beachy shades of coral, sand and sky blue…

1 PARTNER WITH PANELLING Wall-to-wall wallpaper can make a room feel overwhelming, but by limiting the amount you use, you can still bring pattern in. Try teaming a bold wallpaper with a plainer area of wall, such as painted panelling. Pick out a complementary colour from within your wallpaper design for the paintwork to help tie your look together. Baltimore Green sofa, £549.99, Furniture and Choice 2 DIVERT ATTENTION A little patterned wallpaper can go a long way, especially in smaller rooms or awkwardly shaped spaces. In a room with sloping ceilings, use a vibrant pattern on the walls to draw attention away from the room’s lack of height. Pair with an accent paint colour on the ceiling which helps to blur the edges of the room. Aquarium Teal wallpaper,…

Finding a renovation project in our local area of south-east London was the most important factor for us in our search for a new family home,’ says Isobel. ‘We were living in a three-bed flat in a Victorian mansion block at the time, but we were ready for a new challenge and were keen to buy a bigger property with a garden that we could do up in our own style, rather than buy somewhere at an inflated cost, that had already been updated. We wanted to find somewhere in the same area as we love this little pocket of London where we live – it has lots of green spaces and parks, a lovely high street, and good connections to the city. However, finding a property we felt a…

‘LAYER NEUTRALS FOR AN EFFORTLESSLY CHIC LOOK, ADDING FINER DETAIL WITH SUBTLE SPECKLE AND STRIPE PATTERNS’ SPLURGE Blow the budget with these top picks STEAL Grab a style bargain with these budget buys…

GARDEN MAKEOVER Revamping the back garden was way down the agenda when we moved here,’ says Mel, ‘as we were a busy family with some ambitious renovation plans for the house. We had a lawn in the front garden with space for the children to play, and we could eat outside there too, so the back garden wasn’t a priority. It was mostly tatty concrete paving, plus some mature trees and shrubs, and lots of weeds. Apart from a bit of cutting back, we hardly ever went out there. Even so, we knew it definitely had potential, and we talked about making more of it one day. Work on the house took several years, so by then I’d developed some really clear ideas for the back garden. I visualised a…

While it’s tempting to throw away old household items and scrap materials once they’ve been discarded, why not see if you can salvage unwanted pieces before taking them to the tip? There are plenty of creative ideas that can be put to good use in the garden, from upcycling pallet timber to make outdoor furniture, to repurposing old stepladders to make shelving… all it takes is some imagination. Start small if you’re looking for easy projects to tackle. Spruce up an unused desk or table with a coat of exterior paint to make a handy potting bench. Or stack together a couple of wooden wine crates or old drawers to make storage cubbies for outdoor bits and bobs. FIX A TRELLIS TO DISPL AY OBJECTS Leftover trellis panels lurking in…

NINJA WOODFIRE OUTDOOR OVEN PIZZA SIZE 12 inchFUEL TYPE ElectricHEAT UP TIME 16 minutes during our testMAX TEMPERATURE 370CDIMENSIONS H41xW57xD51cmWEIGHT 18kgPRICE £349.99 Designed to live outside despite being an electric oven, this is a seriously capable multifunctional buy, with eight different settings to allow you to make pizza, smoke meats, bake, roast, dehydrate, warm and much more. Crucially, it’s also really easy to use, so you won’t have to struggle with nearly-there pizzas, and can start enjoying using this buy from the offset. Add to that the versatility to roast joints of meat and even bake or smoke foods, and this really is an excellent buy with endless cooking possibilities, if that’s what you’re looking for. REASON TO BUY A multifunctional oven that produces excellent pizza|REASON TO AVOID Expensive with…