Innehållsförteckning för April 2020 från Your Home

As Easter falls in April this year, that means we get a lovely long bank holiday weekend to enjoy this month. If you’re planning on using your time off for a spot of decorating, then I’m sure you’re going to find lots to inspire you in this issue. As spring is in full flow, you might want to give your rooms a verdant update to reflect the fresh greenery outside. If that’s the case, then check out this month’s trend alert on page 22 and be inspired by the Japanese tradition of ‘forest bathing’ to give your scheme a green and serene update. And with the longer, lighter days we’re having, now is the perfect time to switch up your window treatments and swap heavy curtains for lighter voiles and…

THINGS WE CONSIDERED ● How easy was it to use? ● How effective was it? ● How noisy was it? HALO CAPSULE, £249.99 With a similar capacity to that of a regular, corded vacuum, the Capsule model will last the longest out of the bunch with charging only needed very infrequently. The design is sleek and it was very effective on hard flooring, however a little bit of effort is required for thicker surfaces such as rugs. It is quite heavy so may be difficult to manoeuvre at times, but noise levels are moderate so as not to cause too much disturbance. SHARK DUO CLEAN CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER, £379.99 We found this vacuum the most effective, leaving no crumbs on surfaces whether hard or soft. It is very…

Mini trend: Ovals It’s said that all trends are cyclical, and this one is particularly round. We’re seeing elegant, Art Deco-inspired ovals everywhere at the moment, adding a touch of class wherever they go. A quick way to incorporate this timeless trend into your décor is by adding a graceful new mirror, or a classic oval rug, but if you want to really embrace the theme, you can’t go wrong with bit of statement lighting. Bolt from the blue You can’t go wrong with a timeless blue hue, especially one from heritage paint manufacturer, Mylands. The latest collection has explored the wide versatility of the colour with a spectrum of blues, from a cool off-white to a shining electric shade. Choose from Walpole No.42, a gentle white with a tint…

SHOPPING LIST Walls in Harley Green and Shallows intelligent emulsion, £50 per 2.5l; units in Harley Green intelligent eggshell, £31 per litre, all Little Greene. Farmhouse 60E electric free-standing range cooker in Silver, £599, Belling. Kendal Bianco matt glazed porcelain wall tiles, £20 per sq m, Verona. White marble matt solid laminate worktop, from £325 per 3m; upstand, £70 per 3m, Worktop Express. Hiendure® antique brass finished tap with swivel spout, £70; Natuce vintage-style kitchen cabinet door knobs, £7.99 for a set of 12; Half Moon vintage-style cupped pull handles, £7.99 for a set of 10, all Amazon. Sundown Pine Pulse Click vinyl plank flooring, £39.99 per sq m, Quick-Step. Sufa brass pendant light, £89.95; Tuba brass spotlight, £99.95, Nkuku. 1000w Nova Live R Black electric panel heater, £99, NWT…

Senior product manager at Hillarys, Yvonne Keal, helps you distinguish between different types of curtains and decide which ones are right for you LAYER UP To ensure you have a set that will last throughout the year, it’s a good idea to choose a layered option, so that you can create a cosy feel during the colder months but can also strip them back to a single panel in spring and summer. GO SHEER Voiles underneath curtains are a great way to add an extra layer of warmth in winter and leave the room feeling fresh and airy in spring; these are fitted behind the curtain and are usually sheer. They’re also ideal for creating shade, ensuring privacy and preventing draughts. INVEST WISELY Curtains can be a big investment and…

‘Pleated blinds are good for creating privacy and ensuring light control, while Roman ones are classic and can potentially provide a base for your window dressing, giving you the option to add curtains or voiles on top. A statement patterned Roman blind can update any room, and Hillarys has some beautiful geometric fabrics in its Mercury collection which are bang on-trend. The roller version, on the other hand, is a fantastic choice as we head into the warmer months and they’re cost-effective too.’ Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys…

Siobhan and Joe had outgrown their small Leytonstone flat and were excited when they found the perfect house in the same area. Its mid-century build was the selling point as the couple share a love of 1960s and 70s design, but a major renovation was much needed to bring in some modern living comforts. The bathroom was top of their list. As it was dated and dilapidated, the couple were forced to start the project quickly. ‘We moved out within a month of first moving in, staying with friends while the work was done,’ says Siobhan. ‘The original bathroom was far too small for a three-bedroom family house and we didn’t like the toilet being in a separate room. The bath was tiny, there was no shower and it only…

One of the most-used home essentials, your ironing board cover can very quickly start to look shabby, stained and worn – not ideal when you’re pressing newly laundered clothes. Luckily, it’s easy to freshen it up to suit your utility room’s style. Just use the old cover as a template to make an attractive new one from fabric you love. YOU WILL NEED Fabric for the cover: see instructions for sizing Curtain interlining: for padding, see instructions for sizing Bias binding: see instructions for sizing String or narrow cord: see instructions for sizing Paper Tape measure Pencil Scissors Pins Sewing machine and thread 1 Take the old cover off the ironing board and use this as a pattern. Draw around it onto paper and add 4cm all the way around…

Add bold textured cushions to jazz up a neutral sofa or chair. Velvet geo cushion, £7, George Home Stylish stackable tables can be used anywhere and save space when stored away. Finley nesting tables, £60, Argos Home Make the most of storage in tight spots with an over-the-door option. Loft Living over-door storage frame, £12, Sainsbury’s Home A carefully chosen rug can add texture, warmth and comfort to your home scheme. Berber shaggy rug, from £29, Dunelm Mix and match dining chairs for a family fun element. Turquoise dining chair, £34, Cult Furniture FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 122…

Choose sumptuous velvet furniture in rich colours to add an air of opulence. Gallway three-seater Clic-Clac sofa bed, £699, Dreams Get Jo’s safari-style look by covering a feature wall with palm print wallpaper. Palm tropical wallpaper, £15 per roll, Lucie Annabel for I Love Wallpaper Give your kitchen a luxe makeover with a gold cutlery set. Gold cutlery set, £16, George Home Add glamour to any room with this gold-effect drinks trolley. Harper drinks trolley, £129, Dunelm Have fun accessorising with flamingos, starting with this quirky lamp. Wilderness flamingo lamp, £45, Argos FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 122…

For extra hanging space in the bedroom or bathroom, try this rustic-style wooden ladder. Wooden ladder, £50, Betty’s Barn Interiors Add a touch of vintage-style glamour with a tactile cushion. Love Coral velvet cushion cover, £35.95, Audenza Fresh flowers displayed in a jug add a homely finishing touch. Spotted jug, £26, Teasels Interiors Use a glass dome to display your favourite decorative items or as a useful cover in the kitchen. Glass dome, £22.95, and brass dish, £15.95, both The Old Pill Factory Add an extra layer of comfort with this smart check blanket Henley check throw, £19.99, Very Easily change the look of a room with a block-print style cushion Cushion, £42, The French Bedroom Company FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 122…

A-door-able Adding a fresh lick of paint to your front door is an effortless way to freshen up your house’s exterior for spring. Alongside its standard timber-effect finishes, Evolution offers a bespoke colour matching service with over 200 RAL colours to choose from. Whether you want to keep it neutral with a popular grey or catch the eye of passersby with a bold red or blue, you’re spoilt for choice with Evolution. Go one step further and paint the inside of your door a contrasting bright colour for a fun interior update. Sound the alarm We believe everyone should feel safe in their own home, and Minut’s new wireless Smart Home Alarm is the perfect aid. Designed to be discreet on your ceiling, Minut contains five sensors and a siren…

A hemisphere cake pan makes it easy to bake round novelty cakes, like these cute bunnies, no carving necessary Medium hemisphere cake pan, £7.99, Lakeland Gift something a bit longer lasting than chocolate this year. This set has everything a child needs for baking and it can be personalised Personalised children’s bunny baking set, £9.99, Rocket and Fox Forget gingerbread men – use this cutter to make tasty bunny biscuits instead Pink Easter bunny cutter, £2, National Trust Make drying the dishes more appealing with these cute rabbit-print tea towels Pink Easter tea towels, £3.99, TK Maxx Allow the kids to get their creative juices flowing at Easter with this DIY kit Easter tree DIY kit, £35, Biscuiteers…

FACT FILE The increased awareness around climate change in 2019 has led to three in ten (29%) British homeowners planning on using less energy in 2020. Source Igloo Energy YH Fab find Refill is an app which helps you find local free water refill stations when you’re on the go, meaning there is no need to buy expensive bottled water. Founded by environmental campaigner Natalie Fee, the aim is to reduce plastic waste. There are over 20,000 locations on the app, including many UK airports. Download for free on Google Play or the App Store and visit www.refill.org.uk for more information about the project. Savy ways to… Haggle more and pay less We all love a bargain, but how many of us are willing to haggle a price down? In…

When Sally Hubbard, 45, and her partner Steven, 44, bought this 1930s four-bedroom house in Portslade, East Sussex, the first task on their DIY hit list was to reconfigure the layout of their new home to create a large, open-plan kitchen that they could entertain in. Minimal work had been done to the house by the previous owners, and the kitchen units dated back to the 1980s. The space they had inherited was narrow, with country-style cupboards and red tiles on the walls. The space was an impractical size for this couple, who love to entertain and cook for friends and family. With her years of experience as a letting agent, Sally knew she wanted a kitchen that was fresh, modern, timeless and, most importantly, durable. ‘I’ve seen a lot…

SHOPPING LIST Green 80cm base cabinet, £93 each; white 60cm wall cabinet, £63 each; Saljan white laminate worktop, £40 for a piece measuring 3.8cm x 63.5cm x 186cm, all IKEA. Solid oak worktop, £310 for a piece measuring 4cm x 96cm x 300cm; ceramic sink, £155, both Worktop Express. Cooke & Lewis nickel-effect kitchen pin side lever mixer tap, £47, B&Q. Brass drawer handles, £6.50 each, The Foundryman on Etsy. Metro stone-effect marble wall tile, 10cm x 20cm, 17.49 per sq m, Tons of Tiles. Green walls in Dulux Minted Glory 1, £28.99 per 2.5l, Paint Direct. Belling range cooker, £200, Gumtree. De’Longhi Argento Flora four-slice toaster, £40, eBay. Thomas Franks Canberra opaque glass shaped pendant, £35 each, Homebase. Lotus luxury vinyl tiles in Conker, £15.99 per sq m, Direct…

EYELET These have metal rings at the top so that a rod can pass through; this allows the curtain to drape easily without any creasing. It’s also a no-fuss design which is good for a minimalist room. TAB TOP This type is similar to the eyelet, except the metal parts are replaced with fabric loops at the head so that the pole can be pushed through. The style is easy to hang and suitable for all kind of fabric weights. PLEATED There are numerous sorts of pleated curtains, including pencil pleat, a common type where the top of the curtain is bunched all the way along the top, as well as single, double and triple pinch pleat. Another is box pleat; a tailored, formal heading with rectangular shapes lining up…

Hillarys senior product manager, Yvonne Keal, gives you the lowdown on what to look out for when choosing your dream shutters PERSONAL TASTE Classic white shutters are perfect all year round, but if you’re feeling bold, then opt for a coloured set to totally update your home. THE CHOICE IS YOURS There are many shutter options, including café, tier-on-tier and solid ones, all of which will give your home a completely unique look. Hillarys has a range of these shutters for many different window types; the tracked ones are perfect for bi-fold doors and, as all of them are made to measure, they are able to fit onto windows which are an irregular shape. MEASURE UP If shutters are measured incorrectly, even by a few millimetres, this can be a…

Washing machines are a workhorse appliance, constantly on the go cleaning everything from duvets and delicates to jeans and workwear. An essential for busy family life, you’ll want to find a high-quality, reliable model that suits your household’s washing needs and can be used for many years to come. Whether you’re after a WiFi-enabled smart machine, allergy-friendly features, crease-proof washing or speedy cycles, read on for our guide to machines that’ll make laundry day less of a chore. Easy to use Samsung WW80K5413UW, £419, AO Capacity 8kg Size (cm) 85H x 60W x 55D Energy rating A+++ Spin speed 1,400rpm Maximum noise level 53dB (wash), 74dB (spin) Annual energy consumption 116kWh Annual water consumption 8,100L If you always seem to find a stray sock you meant to add to the…

WHO LIVES HERE? Siobhan Burke, 33, a project manager, lives in a three-bedroom, 1960s ex-council house in Leytonstone, North East London. She lives here with her husband, Joe, 34, an architect, and their cat, Marco. They have lived here since August 2017. WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE OLD BATHROOM? ‘It was the worst room in the house, with a substandard separate WC and tiny bathroom, and with only a small bath and basin and no shower.’ WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW ROOM? ‘I love the separate shower and freestanding bath – it gives a luxurious feel.’ WHAT DID YOU LEARN DURING THIS PROJECT? ‘It is important to stick to budget! We overspent on one fitting then reduced the budget elsewhere to stay on track.’…

PRESSED FLOWER BAUBLES Create a lasting floral Easter display with these beautiful pressed flower baubles SHOPPING LIST Egg-shaped glass baubles, £10.40 for a pack of 10, Amazon Small flowers PVA glue Paintbrush Ribbon Blotting paper Iron 1 Gather a selection of flowers ready to press. It’s best to choose ones that are quite flat in shape, as these will have a better result when pressed. Place the flowers on a sheet of blotting paper, ensuring they are spaced well apart. Place another sheet of blotting paper on top, so the flowers are sandwiched between the two, and press down. Use a book to add weight to make sure the flowers are fully pressed down. 2 Next, remove the book and press an iron on each section of the blotting paper…

Are your white goods looking a bit worse for wear? Are you bored of your plain fridge and fancy a pop of colour in the kitchen? If your budget is tight, then avoid buying new appliances and consider transforming them with a coat of paint instead. It only takes a day or so and you’ll save a lot of money. Plus, you can choose exactly the colour you want to fit with your interior style! Hot pink washing machine, anyone? YOU WILL NEEED Essential Dust sheets Sponge Rubber gloves Ammonia-based cleaner, such as glass cleaner Lint-free cloth Steel wool scourer Medium and fine sandpaper Clean paintbrush Masking tape Rust-Oleum Mode Primer Rust-Oleum Mode Spray Paint IT’S ALL IN THE PREP ■ First, cover the area underneath and around the appliance…

Putting down roots as a military family can prove difficult when you are frequently on the move, and this was the dilemma Jo and John Dickson found themselves in when they decided to purchase their first property. ‘It can sometimes be hard to make a conscious decision to settle down and buy a property,’ says Jo. ‘John and I have been so lucky to have been posted to some fantastic locations during his career, including Scotland, Lincolnshire, Germany, Oxfordshire and London to name a few, and we have made the absolute most of each and every one, but there came a time when we had to settle in one place for the sake of our daughters’ education.’ When the couple moved from Germany to Oxfordshire, the girls were enrolled into…

3 ways with... asparagus For a lighter alternative to regular chips, try these moreish asparagus fries. You’ll need three bowls and around 20 spears of asparagus. Add flour to one bowl, a beaten egg to the second and three tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs to the other. In the same order, dip the asparagus into the bowls, then lay them on a baking tray. Bake in a 200°C oven for around 20 minutes until crisp. To make a tasty dip, dice a bunch of cooked asparagus and combine with 100g grated parmesan and 100g mayonnaise. Place in a small ovenproof dish, sprinkle with cheese and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until golden on top. Serve with pitta chips. This green soup is an easy and tasty way to pack in…

It can be frustrating when you want to wear a just-washed item only to see the ‘do not tumble dry’ label. Well, be frustrated no longer. Grundig’s new Heat Pump AirTouch Tumble Dryer, £549.99, allows you to dry even the most delicate of items due to its flat bed with no drum rotation. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Grundig’s gentle technology will hopefully help to combat the throwaway fashion culture that sees items thrown out after just one wear. For more information go to www. grundig.co.uk.…

By the end of this year, all energy suppliers must aim to install smart meters in every home in England, Wales and Scotland. You’ve probably either already got one or you’ve been contacted by your energy supplier who has offered to come and install one for you. According to Ofgem, more than 16 million have already been fitted and the rollout is designed to help you see how much energy you’re using and what it’s costing so you can cut back where needed. So, what are the benefits and are there any disadvantages? SWITCHING SUPPLIER Even if you have a smart meter, you can still shop around for the best tariffs from different suppliers. ■ Those with first-generation models may find that a new supplier can’t operate the meter in…

SHOPPING LIST Burford kitchen units in Grey, £2,000; Concreto quartz worktop, £2,300; range oven, £900, all Howdens. Liebherr under-counter drawer fridge, £799, Appliance City. Pendant lights (over island), £70 each; tiles (behind oven), £22.23 per 60x60cm tile, both Andy Thornton. Cohen pendant lights (over chairs), £100 each, Heal’s. Vintage fireside chairs upholstered in Bute Ramshead fabrics, £1,000, try L’Atelier Vintage. Flame resistant paint, £18 per 2.5l, Valspar. Magnetic chalkboard wallpaper, £50, Not On The High Street…

GET TO GRIPS WITH CURTAINS TRANQUIL TROPICS If you want to invite the Colour of the Year, Tranquil Dawn, into your home, then look no further than this on-trend pair of curtains. These easy-to-hang eyelet dressings feature a soft sage colourway and tropical fern pattern printed on 100% cotton sateen DRESS TO IMPRESS These light-filtering curtains featuring soaring swifts and swallows are the perfect style solution when it comes to adding an enchanting touch to your home. You can even choose what sort of lining you’d like on them, whether it be blackout or thermal ET VOILE To welcome an airy atmosphere into your room, these voile curtains are a brilliant choice. The sheer fabric encourages plenty of light to flood through, while the fresh colour creates an uplifting space.…

VERTICAL This has individual slats which run along a track at the top and bottom. They’re fabulous for floor-to-ceiling windows and garden patio doors. ROMAN These traditional blinds are usually made from fabric and fold in on themselves when raised, which is similar to a Venetian blind. ROLLER This shade is made from fabric that wraps around a roll at the top of the window, which can be moved up and down to your desired height. These blinds have the added benefit of thermal or blackout lining options too, making them perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms. VENETIAN Featuring horizontal slats tied together with string or strips of cloth, Venetian blinds are a popular choice for smaller windows. They raise upwards, with the bottom slat pressing against the one above. PLEATED…

BATHROOM BLISS An evening bath is a luxury most of us crave after a long day at work. So, why not pull out all the stops with Dunelm’s natural bamboo bath rack, £10? It’s the ideal surface solution for all those bathtime bits and bobs. This pared-back rack makes it easier than ever to enjoy a soak without any hassle, whether you like to light a scented candle and enjoy a glass of red or prefer to watch a movie with a warming cup of tea. Constructed from durable bamboo, you can either opt for a natural wood finish or a lick of paint, with four neutral shades to choose from. THE HOT SPOT As a nod to the indulgent spirit of Mardi Gras, treat yourself to a bathroom flooring…

Measure the space to determine what size washing machine your kitchen or utility room will be able to accommodate. The standard height for a free-standing washing machine is 84cm, whereas integrated models are 82cm so they can fit into kitchen units. Decide on whether you prefer free-standing or built-in appliances. Integrated models can offer a smart look, and free-standing ones provide greater capacity and come in a range of colours to match interiors. Free-standing machines do not require fitting to kitchen units, so they can be placed anywhere, as long as there is access to power and drainage. Always account for the space the piping will take up behind the washing machine when choosing a model. The inlet and waste water pipes are a vital part of the washing machine’s…

Mode Tate floor-standing vanity unit and ceramic sink, £215.20; Mode Tate free-standing bath, £499; Mode Tate WC, £169; Diamond heated towel rail in white, £69.95, all from Victoria Plum. Lusso luxe thermostatic shower set with handheld shower, £495; Lusso luxe monobloc basin mixer, £160, both Lusso Stone. Iker black bath tap, £109.97; rectangular easy plumb shower tray, £167.97, both Soak. Prismatic Collection wall tiles in White and Peach Sorbet, £36 per box of 44 tiles, Johnsons Tiles. Vinyl flooring in Nordic Grey, £29 per sq m, The Colour Flooring Company. Walls painted in Down Pipe, £46.50 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Mirror, £25, eBay. Bespoke shelf, £50, Jon Grant London. Wooden bath bridge, £20, Sainsbury’s. Black toothbrush cup, £10, Host of Leyton. Pompom bath mat, £7, Matalan. Tasselled bat h…

Marble adds instant luxury to any room – and it’s easy to replicate the look on a budget! Self-adhesive paper, gold spray paint and a squeegee are all you need to transform a plain IKEA side table (we used the Lindved design) into an expensive-looking statement piece. YOU WILL NEED IKEA Lindved table Gold spray paint Marble pattern self-adhesive paper Ruler or squeegee Craft knife 1 You’ll find it easiest to complete this DIY as you’re putting the table together. If you’re working with a brand-new IKEA table, just follow the instructions included. If the table is already assembled, check how easy it is to put back together again before taking it apart. If all else fails, gather together newspaper and masking tape so you can section the legs off…

Q With summer on the horizon, I am keen to make sure my lawn is looking lush and healthy. To achieve this, do you have any advice on what I should do when I first cut the lawn? Nicole Matthews, Pembrokeshire A Paul Hicks, product and marketing manager at STIHL GB, says… As the days begin to brighten and we want to make more use of our garden space, it is important to turn our attention to the lawn and how to do the first cut of the year. When cutting the grass for the first time, it’s likely to look a bit unloved and overgrown, so be sure to clear the area of any leaves, sticks and other debris that may interfere with mowing or could cause damage to…

OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom mid-terrace house built in 1890, in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. WE ARE Gemma, a design consultant, 37, her partner Robin, 38, and their two children, Charlie, seven, and Willow, aged four. MY TOP TIP Don’t be scared to give it a go! Since moving in I’ve learned how to install coving, paint, install a fireplace, lay concrete over an old cracked front step, tile a hearth and wallpaper – all from YouTube! MY BIGGEST MISTAKE Was painting the stairwell spotty! I got stencil-happy after doing the bathroom floor and front doorstep, so tried stencilling Dalmatian spots. WE BOUGHT THIS HOUSE BECAUSE We wanted to move out of north London and back to the Midlands, where we’re both originally from. SHOPS I LOVE I like to support…

WE ARE Jo Hughes, an executive PA, and her two grown-up daughters, Kelly and Tilly. OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom 1940s semi-detached house in Leicester. MY TOP TIP Don’t worry or overthink too much. At the end of the day it’s only a bit of paint and a few cushions, so what’s the worst that can happen? MY DECORATING SECRET Be brave! I love monochrome, but mix it with colour so it looks warm and striking, not cold or stark. MY STYLE ADVICE IS Don’t fear the pattern clash, but do choose colours and textures that complement each other. MY FAVOURITE SHOP IS TK Maxx. I love the fact that they have one-off designer finds that you don’t see everywhere else, but at prices affordable for everyone. FOR INSPIRATION I…

WE ARE Jo, an assistant in the English department of a local prep school, and John Dickson, a senior officer in the RAF. They have two daughters Abigail, 24, and Olivia, 22, and a one-year-old Springador dog called Skye. OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom Cotswold cottage built in 1862. We bought the property in 2015. It was originally one of two cottages for the neighbouring farm. I LOVE SHOPPING AT The Burford Garden Company. Even when I don’t need anything, I will go to browse and have coffee in the café with friends. We have some interesting shops to choose from in the surrounding towns, too. Biggie Best in Cirencester and The Old Pill Factory and Soame Interiors in Witney are great for something a little different.…

Quail egg arancini with herby mayo and sage PREPARATION TIME 30 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 12 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 400g leftover risotto, cold ✔ 12 Clarence Court quail eggs ✔ 50g plain flour ✔ cayenne pepper ✔ 1 egg, beaten well ✔ 100g dried breadcrumbs ✔ vegetable oil for deep fat frying ✔ 200g good-quality rapeseed mayonnaise ✔ 1 tsp baby capers, rinsed, dried and chopped ✔ 1 small bunch of dill, parsley and basil leaves ✔ 1 small bunch of sage leaves DIRECTIONS ■ Mix the leftover risotto. If it’s very dry, add a little beaten egg. Soft boil the quail eggs – this usually takes about 1½-2 minutes. Plunge into cold water and, when cooled, peel and place to one side. ■ Take three plates.…

After three years mulling over her problem kitchen, a lightning-bolt moment gave Kim Drye the inspiration she needed to improve it. ‘When we moved here 24 years ago, we knocked down a wall to create a kitchen-diner,’ she explains, ‘but the dining area was so narrow, it didn’t really work. Plus, it wasn’t really a sociable space, so I’d find myself alone doing the cooking while the family were all in another room.’ The idea that struck Kim was to remove another wall – this time between the existing kitchen and adjacent living room – to create one big open-plan space across the width of the house. Having committed to the plan, Kim’s husband Phil suggested they go even further by extending it by 1.2 metres into the garden and…

Turning Japanese On 18th and 19th April, Brogdale Collections, Home of the National Fruit Collection, will be celebrating all things Japanese under the stunning blossom of their fruit trees as part of their annual Hanami Festival. Take a picnic and enjoy an immersive experience in the heart of their beautiful ornamental cherry orchards. Go on a tour of the orchard and learn about cherry blossom and the Japanese traditions associated with it. You can also watch a Japanese tea ceremony take place, along with performances from Japanese drummers, traditional dancers and Iaijutsu demonstrations. Day tickets to the Hanami Festival cost from £7.20 for adults and from £4 for children. For more details and to book, visit www.brogdalecollections.org. Potty about pastels There’s no getting away from it, houseplants are having a…

A Aldi 0800 042 0800 www.aldi.co.uk Allen Braithwaite 01282 861241 www.allenbraithwaite.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 www.amara.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Andy Thornton 01422 376000 www.andythornton.com Annie Sloan 01865 770061 www.anniesloan.com AO 0161 470 1100 www.ao.com Appliance City 0115 965 1937 www.appliancecity.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk Audenza 0116 2986393 www.audenza.com B B&M 0330 8389000 www.bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 www.diy.com Bean Bag Bazaar 0800 988 1286 www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk Beaumonde 01202 707770 www.beaumonde.co.uk Beko 0333 207 9710 www.beko.co.uk Belling 0344 815 3746 www.belling.co.uk Best4flooring 0800 170 7123 www.best4flooring.co.uk Betty’s Barn Interiors 0333 5776133 www.bettysbarninteriors.co.uk Biggie Best 0117 9872722 www.biggiebest.co.uk Biscuiteers 0203 954 6650 www.biscuiteers.com Bisque 01276 605800 www.bisque.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 www.blinds-2go.co.uk Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000 www.bombayduck.com Brabantia 012 7581 9119 www.brabantia.com Brayer Design 020 8397 1111 www.brayerdesign.co.uk Brogdale Collections 01795…

Cover story Making the most of your leftovers is a great way to cut down on waste in the kitchen, but storing them can be tricky. Cut down on your use of plastic wrap and boxes with these clever reusable food covers from Smidge. Made from durable silicone, they pop over bowls you already own and create an airtight seal that helps keep your food fresh. They’re freezer safe so they’re great if you want to store those leftovers for a little while longer, and they’re microwave and oven safe up to 240°C too – perfect for preventing splashes and spills when reheating. Pop them into the dishwasher so they’ll be ready to use again. The three-piece set of bowl covers, £12.49, comes in a range of versatile sizes, so…