Innehållsförteckning för May 2020 från Your Home

In these difficult times it’s easy to get bored staring at the same four walls day in, day out. If you’ve decided to give your home a revamp, then you’ve come to the right place. In this issue we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you turn your home from drab to fab. On page 40 you’ll find a host of quick and easy decorating ideas that can transform your home in just a weekend, while over on page 36 we’ve got lots of affordable solutions to help you switch up your décor for a lighter, brighter summer look. Now that trips to the spa are a distant memory, maybe you fancy recreating the experience at home. Turn to page 54 to find all the inspiration you need to create…

THINGS WE CONSIDERED ● How well did it clean? ● Did it require much effort? ● What was the fragrance like? BARBECUE CLEANER, £2.99 , JEYES This odourless cleaner sprayed on easily and the fast-acting formula removed most burnt-on food and grease without too much effort, after being left for the recommended one to two minutes. It’s suitable for all types of barbecues, as well as utensils, and the trigger spray bottle makes it easy to apply. It claims to kill bacteria such as salmonella, listeria and E. coli, so it’s good for keeping your grill hygienically clean. BARBECUE CLEANING WIPES, £5.99 , LANDMANN We were wary of these wipes’ strong fragrance, but they had an immediate effect on stubborn grease and dirt. The super-tough wipes didn’t disintegrate,…

It’s not something anyone likes to think about, but making a will is an important step towards securing your family’s future. There’s no need to wait until you’re older and it’s especially vital if you have a spouse, children and any valuable assets such as property. Having all your wishes written down in such a way will ensure that your family and friends are taken care of, as well as detailing any arrangements for what happens to your remains. Here’s how to go about it and the essential things you need to consider… WHY WRITE A WILL There are many reasons for making a will: ■ A will is a legally binding document that allows you to decide how your estate (your money, possessions and property) will be distributed after…

Infinity Plus units and shelving in Italian concrete matt, £782.85, Wren Kitchens. Doorknobs, £8 for two, Nikky Home on eBay. Palio Clic Arezzo flooring, £39.95 per sq m, Karndean Design Flooring. Florika wallpaper, £185, House of Hackney. Walls painted in Smokestone 1, £19.99 for 2.5l, Johnstone’s Paint. Mirrored glass, £290, Knights Glass. Catania Green wall tiles, £40.44 per sq m; Timeless Neutrals wall tiles in White Gloss, £26.78 per sq m; Carrara Brick Marble Mosaics, £14.99 per tile, all Topps Tiles. Platinum Dual Central Fed shower, £788.22; Flight Safe rectangular 1400 x 900mm shower tray, £306.48; Ascend Hinged Door Alcove, £840, all Mira Showers. Salvia radiator in Anthracite, £259.99; Oval vessel basin, £79.94; Tec single-lever basin mixer, £62.95; Luna back-to-wall toilet, £145.95, all Hudson Reed. Woven cotton hemp baskets, £16…

How do they work? Robotic mowers automatically cut the lawn to give you more time to enjoy your garden. When the cutting schedule has been set up, they automatically come out and cut the lawn. They mow following a random pattern to ensure that every inch within an area defined by a boundary wire is perfectly cut, then they return to a charging station once they’ve finished. Most models will drop the tiny grass trimmings onto the lawn as they go along so they can be used as a natural fertiliser. What features should I look for? Make sure you select one that works for your lifestyle and is safe and secure. A PIN protection function features lift, tilt and collision sensors that will provide you with peace of mind…

Rattan chairs are a huge home trend right now – and the good news is there are plenty to be found second-hand so it shouldn’t be too difficult to bag a bargain. But don’t stop there, make your vintage treasure unique by adding bright woven details and tassels for a wow-worthy piece your guests are sure to admire. YOU WILL NEED * Hooked Zpagetti, 95% cotton, 5% synthetic, 49m per 380g, one cone each in Coral Watermelon (Yarn A) and Superb Yellow (Yarn B) * Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky, 50% wool, 50% acrylic, 55m per 100g, one ball in Peach Orange (954) (Yarn C) * Katia Peru, 40% wool, 40% acrylic, 20% alpaca, 106m per 100g, one ball in 34 (Yarn D) * Tapestry needle * Rattan chair…

Q I’ve just moved into a rental flat and hate the tiles in my kitchen. What can I do? Maria Alton, Birmingham A Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair's resident style advisor, says… While you should be wary of making changes that affect the structure of a rental property, less-than-lovely features, such as ugly kitchen tiles, can be pimped up and made pretty. At wayfair.co.uk you’ll find a broad range of easy-to-apply, stick-on wall tiles that will turn even the dreariest scheme into something beautiful. Marrakech-style mosaics in bright bohemian colours will  add instant character, while a scalloped fish-scale design in on-trend aquamarine is sure to make a splash (see below). For a classic look, opt for a timeless metro-style tile with a veined marble patina. The trick to installing stick-on tiles successfully…

‘Ever since I was a small child, I’ve loved Hansel and Gretel-style cottages,’ says Haley Curran. ‘My father would always look out for tiny, old cottages with diamond-paned windows and half-doors on his travels and on a Sunday, he would say, ‘I’ve found a lovely window (or door, or gate) Haley,’ and we’d go off on a little adventure to see it.’ ‘We have no iron, toaster, electric kettle, microwave or tumble dryer. The Aga does all of those things for us.’ In 2006, Haley and her husband Eugene O’Reilly were living in an apartment in Navan, Ireland, and looking out for a house to buy. ‘We were both brought up in the country and have always had horses, so we wanted a country home with some land,’ says Haley.…

3 ways with… artichokes * For a summery salad, combine 6 sliced artichoke hearts from a jar, 2 courgettes (cut into ribbons), 100g fresh peas and some rocket leaves. Make a pesto by whizzing 2 tbsp toasted pistachios, a bunch of basil leaves, 1 garlic clove and the zest and juice of one lemon in a blender. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, season and loosen with lemon juice or water. Pour the pesto over the salad and toss it all together. * To make chargrilled artichokes, first remove the outer leaves with a sharp knife, trim the stalks to about 5cm and cut the heads into quarters. Scoop out the inedible purple/pink inner leaves. Steam for 45 minutes or until tender. Drain, season and drizzle with olive oil, then place…

Make an entrance There are so many improvements that can make a difference to the exterior of your home, but not all have such a big impact as adding a porch. We love The English Porch Company’s range of kits, which includes the Cliveden design. This timber canopy porch is ideal for front, side or even back door positions, offering not only a stunning feature over your door, but shelter from the elements in bad weather. It’s available in 1,200mm and 1,500mm widths, and the angle of the roof can be changed to match the roof of your house. Special sizes are available on request. Cliveden canopy porch kit, from £1,375 plus delivery, www.theenglishporchcompany.co.uk Take a stand Are you planning to undertake DIY and decorating projects this year? If so,…

The old summerhouse at the bottom of the garden was by no means a major selling point when Gaelle and Will Collins bought their two-bedroom terraced home five years ago. But now they wouldn’t have a house without one. ‘We had no idea how useful it would be,’ admits Gaelle, ‘but as we’re really stretched for space indoors, it’s turned into a valuable asset we use all year long.’ Installed by the previous owner on a solid concrete base, it fills the width of the garden, providing some privacy as well as useful extra living space. ‘It had been used as a home office so had full electrics, reasonable insulation and sound laminate floor covering,’ says Gaelle. As a part-time journalist, who often works from home, she had originally planned…

A Aldi 0800 042 0800 www.aldi.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 www.amara.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 www.anniesloan.com Any Kitchens 01438 230010 www.anykitchenltd.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk Arket 020 3868 9990 www.arket.com Artisanne 07780 956935 www.artisanne.co.uk Atrafloor 0151 305 7376 www.atrafloor.com A Wood Idea 0191 448 7422 www.awoodidea.co.uk B B&Q 0333 014 3357 www.diy.com Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 www.blinds-2go.co.uk Brewers 0845 504 5040 www.brewers.co.uk Broste Copenhagen www.brostecopenhagen.com Burgon and Ball 0114 233 8262 www.burgonandball.com C Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk Charnwood 01983 537777 www.charnwood.com Chesapeake Mill 01329 834078 www.thechesapeakemill.com Clarke & Clarke 01706 242010 www.clarke-clarke.com Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055 www.clarissahulse.com Claybrook Studio 020 7052 1555 www.claybrookstudio.co.uk Crown www.crown-imperial.co.uk Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 www.cultfurniture.com Curtains 2go 0800 862 0463 www.curtains-2go.co.uk D Där Lighting 01295 672200 www.darlighting.co.uk Desenio…

‘If an outdoor socket is a luxury you currently lack, fear not – it’s not as expensive or tricky as you think to get one installed. If you have a socket on the inside wall, it’s quite a straightforward job for a qualified electrician to drill through to the outside and fit an external one with a weatherproof cover. Then, it’s simple to light up your garden and achieve a wonderful sparkle from just one plug. ‘IP44 is the minimum legal UK rating requirement for electrical products intended for outdoor use, which includes mains-, battery- and solar-powered items. It means products without this rating are not weatherproof. Always check the safety rating before you buy if you plan to use the lights outside. ‘Be careful about the size of plug…

With summer just around the corner, your thoughts will naturally turn to ways of spending time in your outdoor space. And what better way to do that than in your own relaxing retreat? A small cosy corner in which you can enjoy the sun by yourself or share the shade with guests on hotter days. Maintenance-free aluminium and decorative iron are popular choices for open pergolas, gazebos and arbours. But when it comes to she-sheds, summerhouses and covered structures, timber reigns supreme. Ask about FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification to ensure the wood comes from sustainable sources and look for a guarantee of at least 10 years, plus anti-rot treatments. Once you’ve picked and positioned, your ideal refuge, all that’s left is to sit back and enjoy the summer sun.…

Ideal for an alfresco feast, these melamine plates prove that you don’t need to sacrifice style for practicality. We love the contemporary designs in crisp white and dark blue Royal Doulton Pacific melamine salad plates, £18 for four, John Lewis Create a talking point at your table with one of these quirky bottle openers. The only issue is deciding which one to choose Lobster bottle opener, £18, Paperchase. Palm tree bottle opener, £4, Matalan. Bird bottle opener, £19.50, Oliver Bonas Keep the drinks flowing with this stylish dispenser – its wide neck opening means it’s easy to pack with plenty of ice and fruit. So it’s perfect for punch! Kilner 5L vintage drinks dispenser, £18.50, Amazon Gather your condiments and cutlery in one place with this handy organiser. It also…

Bring a touch of gold to your home with these opulent, easy-fit pendants from där lighting. Handmade in India, these Apiary (above) and Kiki (left) pendants feature intricately woven metal in a swirl and loop design. There’s no need for an electrical installation, simply attach them to your ceiling lamp holders for an instant glow. The Apiary pendant measures H36cm x W36cm and costs £47.40 while the Kiki pendant is H20cm x W50cm and £46.80. Both are available from www.darlighting.co.uk.…

Mini trend: Purple Reign Spring is a fantastic time to think about using pastels in your decorating schemes. Their soft tones will lift your spirits and brighten up your rooms. We’ve seen the popularity of blush pink explode over the last few seasons, but its sugary tones don’t work for everyone. If you feel like you need something more modern, lilac is a great alternative. Its balance of blue and red undertones creates a soothing colour that will work anywhere, just as effectively as pink. It also works beautifully as a fresh update on grey. Choose a dusky hue and bring life back to your walls. Spring Greens The lyrical names of Fenwick & Tilbrook’s paint collection, Shades of Spring, bring to mind all the best things about this season.…

Bayswater bath-shower mixer, £327.69; Crosswater Belgravia handset and hose, £218.75; Bayswater basin mixer, £181.01; Burlington basin stand, £185.75; Burlington Classic basin, £250.25; Burlington cistern, £57.75; Burlington rimless WC, £121.92; Scudo Bathrooms i8 wetroom panels, £284.36; Crosswater Stone resin tray, £284.82, all Loughton Bathrooms. Hudson Reed Farringdon bath, £1,347.98; Hudson Reed Brampton heated towel rail, £350.96, both Victorian Plumbing. Kruger fabric by Emma J Shipley, £40 per m; Kruger wallpaper by Emma J Shipley, £51 per roll, both Clarke & Clarke. Ivar cabinet, £45, IKEA. Aquanova Thymo mirror, £98, Amara. Tabula Chocolate floor tiles, £36.50 per sq m; Diamante Blue wall tiles, £39.57 per sq m, both Topps Tiles. Tabitha chandelier by Endon Lighting, £122.99, Wayfair. Walls painted in Wevet estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Duck board, £14;…

With two bank holidays just around the corner, you’ll finally get a chance to spend some extra time on those all-important decorating updates you’ve been dying to sort out for months! To give you a helping hand, we’ve gathered a selection of quick and easy ideas that you can turn into a reality over a three-day weekend. 1 FURNITURE UPDATE Give your handles a style boost with these gorgeous stone knobs… they can be used for everything from drawers to doors. Each one is a true treasure as they’re handmade and use natural agate sourced from the Arabian Sea. 2 STYLE WITH STICKERS If you’re tight on time and money but are looking for a super quick and inexpensive way to tile a wall, then why not have a go…

Relax and unwind There’s nothing to say that a family bathroom can’t double as a relaxing refuge, so why not introduce an element of calm with Dunelm’s mindfulness collection? We’ve fallen head over heels for this range, which includes some gorgeous accessories to help you create your very own spa-throom. Style up your existing scheme with carefully chosen accessories in subtle shades and organic textures. And don’t forget a set of thick, fluffy bath towels to wrap up in when you step out of the tub! SCANDI-STYLE CHIC Gaining top marks for style and functionality, this new microwave from Russell Hobbs is a must-have for any Scandi-inspired scheme. It has a 17-litre capacity and eight auto-cook functions to enhance the microwave and defrost settings. The pre-set functions allow you to…

OUR HOME IS A four-bedroom detached house made up of three 15th-century cottages in the Meon Valley, Hampshire. WE ARE Sarah Guild, 37, a floral designer at www.sarahguildfloraldesign.co.uk, William, 38, an engineer, and their children, Peter, five, and twins Alice and Elizabeth, three. MY TOP TIP IS Choose things for your home that you love. I’m really influenced by the Marie Kondo theory, surrounding yourself with just the things that bring you joy. THE BEST BIT ABOUT LIVING HERE IS The community. We’ve made great friends and have a house where people pop in for tea all the time and we love that. MY FAVOURITE ROOM IS The kitchen, as we’re really into cooking and making things. It can host parties, ad hoc science experiments for the kids, or be…

OUR HOME IS A four-bedroom house in a small village outside of St Andrews, Fife. WE ARE Terian Tilston, 32, an interior designer, and husband Sam, 34, along with their son Harrison, three, and daughter, Iona, five months. MY TOP TIP IS If there’s an item you really want but can’t afford, don’t buy an inferior version. Wait, save and buy pieces you love. FOR STYLE INSPIRATION I look to previous decades, particularly the ’60s, but also my own past and memories. NEXT TO DO IS The kitchen floor, which we will replace soon, and the main bathroom, which suffered a set-back. Eventually, we’d also like to extend over the garage.…

OUR HOME IS A pair of old stone labourers’ cottages, which have been extended and refurbished. WE ARE Haley Curran, interior designer and owner of Ebonyrose Interiors; Eugene O’Reilly, a psychotherapist studying for a Masters in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, both 41; their son Arthur, aged two; and their dogs, Tilly, Sprocket and Comet. MY STYLE IS Eclectic and I only bring things into my home that I truly love. Whether it matches or not, there’s always a way to make it work! BEST BIT ABOUT LIVING HERE The woodland around the house. The trees make sure that you keep in touch with nature and the seasons – you really notice the spring, the summer passing and the autumn colours.…

Rainbow burger with sweet potato fries PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 30 minutes SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED For the fries ✔ 600g sweet potato ✔ 1 tbsp vegetable oil ✔ salt and pepper For the burger ✔ 1 x 400g can butter beans ✔ 40g pine nuts, toasted ✔ 1 small courgette ✔ 200g sweet potato ✔ 150g cooked beetroot ✔ 1 tbsp ground cumin ✔ 2 tbsp chickpea flour ✔ salt and pepper ✔ 1 tbsp coconut oil ✔ 4 vegan burger buns ✔ mixed salad leaves ✔ 1 red onion, sliced ✔ 1/2 cucumber, sliced DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6. Chop the sweet potato into chips about 1cm thick, no need to peel. Place the chips onto a baking tray, drizzle…

This collection of gorgeous grape vases from Truly would make a wonderful centrepiece on your dining table, windowsill or sideboard. Bag them all for a floral display or pick out one to show off on your bedside table or shelf. With spring finally here, now is the time to bring the botanicals indoors! The small vase stands 10cm tall, has a 9.5cm diameter and costs £9; the medium vase is 18cm tall, 11cm in diameter and costs £15; and the large vase is 26cm tall, 13cm wide and £22. All are available from www.truly.co.uk.…

MORAL FIBRE The team at Weaver Green have made it their mission to create gorgeously soft textiles from plastic waste and the results are amazing. They process discarded plastic using heat and fine combs to draw out sturdy fibres. These fibres are stretched and spun together to make a resilient yarn with the texture of wool. The yarn is then coloured with any one of a rainbow of non-toxic dyes and woven using traditional techniques to create stylish rugs and throws. Processing the plastic in this way uses as much as 70 per cent less energy than creating plastic yarn from scratch. At the end of 2019 Weaver Green had recycled their 100 millionth plastic bottle, with many of these bottles having been collected from streams, rivers and the coast.…

Ian Ellis, John Lewis and Partners Outdoor Living Buyer, has these top tips for getting the coastal feel for summer… ‘Coastal design can be one of the most soothing styles for your outdoor space; transporting you to the sunny seaside from the comfort of your own garden. ‘To achieve the coastal look at home, start with a palette of soft, muted shades of ivory, sand and ocean blues. Layer with throws, cushions, garden pots and lanterns in slightly bolder hues of the same colours for a welcoming yet distinctive space. ’In terms of furniture, choosing distressed wood pieces with neutral cushions and pads will be a great foundation to transform your space. Alternatively, opt for rattan or wicker, as these materials will create a versatile, contemporary space and give a…

Let’s be honest, while UK summers can be glorious they’re not always warm enough to extend your alfresco entertaining late into the evening. So why not bring some warmth and atmosphere into your summer soirées with an outdoor log-burner or heater? Whether you’re relaxing with friends, toasting marshmallows or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of your garden in summer time, with one of these crackling away you can enjoy your evenings outside in cosy comfort.…

Matthew Brown, Technical Consultant at Sadolin and Sandtex, the exterior decorating specialists, has this advice: When decorating any material, the first step is to make sure surfaces are clean, dry and sound – a new coating can’t make a poor surface into a good one! Preparation is key to ensure the woodstain or paint will adhere properly and give the desired durability. WOOD Start by sanding down the surface – a very light abrasion ensures there is a textured ‘key’ for the paint to stick to. Using sandpaper, preferably a P180 or P240 grade and abrade in the direction of the grain, rather than across it, to help prevent marks and damage to the wood. The next step is to dust it off. Even if the timber looks clean, use…

It might not be the first place you think of that would harbour germs, but your home office should have a regular deep clean. All those nooks and crannies are ideal hiding places for dust and grime, so why not tackle them with these nifty tools from OXO? Bring some sparkle back to your screen with the microfibre cloth that will wipe away grubby fingerprints and smudges. The loop brush reaches down into the gaps in your keyboard to sweep out any debris and a firm-bristled brush will help to remove any tacky marks without scratching the surface. All three tools attach to a convenient ring so they stay together, and the cloth has its own pouch.…

FACT FILE 64% of Brits state a ‘lack of space’ as the main reason for wanting to move house. Source Insulation Express Savvy ways to… Enjoy days out for less Aaaah, you never forget those special family days out from your childhood. But they can be super expensive if you’re the adult paying! Do your research though, and you could cut the cost considerably. Here are some easy ways to make sure help you treat the family without putting a big dent in your bank balance. ■ Go to the ‘Destinations and events’ page on gwr.com and take advantage of offers including 2 for 1 and discounted entry to various attractions around the UK, when you buy tickets to travel by train. ■ Visit the ‘Offers & promotions’ section at…

Walls in Pearl Colour intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 per 2.5l; panelling and bath in Pearl Colour Dark intelligent eggshell; vanity in Harley Green intelligent eggshell, both £32 per litre, Little Greene. Black Topaz crosshead bath/shower mixer, £632; three-hole wall-mounted basin mixer, £247; Vessel basins, £199 each; Richmond back-to-wall pan, £125; Carlton toilet seat, £146; chrome electric towel rail, £543, all Hudson Reed. Georgian Tall Wide Joint panelling, £23 per 120 x 60cm sheet, English Panelling Company. Made to order zinc cladding, £125, Uniseed Engineering. Jambo jute runner 183 x 67cm, £79.95, Nkuku. Flådis belly basket, £13, IKEA. Monochrome rope basket, £9; paper storage basket, £15; cable knit basket, £8; Ribbed lotion dispenser, £7; tumbler, £5; Grey Ridged resin tray, £7; Eucalyptus Shadow Seafoam towels, from £8; Seafoam and Denim Egyptian…

White gloss kitchen units with duo edge, £3,850; Blanco white quartz worktops and upstands, £2,900; Grohe Minta mixer tap, £159; Franke Largo sink, £275, all from Any Kitchens. Uddig tea towel, £2.50 for two; potted plants, from £1.75; Nypon plant pot, £1; Persillade plant pot, £2.50; Kaffeböna plant pot, £6.50; Fejka artificial potted plant, £6; Eklatera lidded jar, £3.50; Intressant spice mill, £9; glass lidded jug, £6; glass lidded jar, £4; Variera bamboo tray, £7; Rundlig serving bowl, £8; Ostbit bamboo tray, £6.50; Urladda tray, £3.50; Entusiasm bowls, £9 for four; Formidabel pink plates, £3; Formidabel blue plates, £4; Tillagd black cutlery, £40 for a 24-piece set, all IKEA. Motel Neon print, £11.95; Neon Heels poster, £11.95; Ramen noodles poster, £7.95; Kinda Care poster, £6.95; New York poster, £11.95; Black…

Perhaps you have a beautifully sunny spot down the end of the garden that’s rarely used, or an old patio or decking that’s seen better days. Maybe you’ve been living with paving that was there when you bought your house, but was never to your taste? Now’s the time to take action and transform your outdoor space so you can enjoy the summer to the utmost. CHOOSE YOUR STYLE ■ First up, work out your budget, then do your research and decide on the style, colour and size of the slabs you’d like. Next, decide the pattern you’d like to lay them in. Check out paving websites such as www.bradstone.com and www.marshalls.co.uk for inspiration. ■ When you know the dimensions of your chosen slab and your patio area, work out…

Cover any surface with a wipe-clean tablecloth. Mini Mackerel Navy oilcloth, £39, Cream Cornwall Instantly cheer up any fireplace or floor with turquoise tiles. Parquet turquoise tiles, £47.35 per sq m, Harvey Maria A metal bucket for kindling is both practical and stylish. Kindling bucket, from £19, Ludlow Stoves Feel like you’re sleeping in a meadow with a floral bedspread. Wildflower quilted bedspread, £120, The French Bedroom Company Pep up your condiments by keeping them in a pair of stylised peacocks. Peacock salt and pepper, £23 a pair, Red Candy Get the look of pressed flowers with these charming prints. Kew botanical prints, £95 for a pair, Sweetpea & Willow…

Spice up simple schemes with abstract wall art. Abstract pink print, £35, Cult Furniture Embrace blue-green hues in your home. Teal The Show emulsion paint, £49.99 for 2.5L, Dowsing & Reynolds Get the upcycled look, minus the work, with this mid-century-meets-modern cabinet. New Boys Murphy Pink mango wood sideboard, £545, Oliver Bonas Utilise textiles and soft furnishings to replicate Terian’s mid-century sitting room scheme. Orla Kiely cushions, from £35 each, John Lewis & Partners Add an element of fun with furnishings in sunshine shades. Sophie dining chair in mustard, £85, Habitat A sleek, matt-black shower provides a spa-like feel. Hannoki rainfall shower in black, £439.99, Dowsing & Reynolds…

Crystal pendants add sparkle over the kitchen table. Kyrie pendant, £144, där Lighting Quirky bedside lamps are fun and look fabulous against the deep-blue wall colour in the master bedroom. Brass flamingo table lamp with ombré shade, £125, Audenza A hydrangea in a nice jug always looks good on a table setting. Antique Purple giant hydrangea stem, £6, The Contemporary Home Haley uses oversized clocks for impact on the chimney breasts in her kitchen and outside dining area. Tosca wall clock, £180, Oak Furnitureland Brightly coloured animal-print cushions transform a space with life and colour. Parrot cushion, £45, Jessica Russell Flint A window mirror in the hall adds interest and depth to the space. Fleura garden wall ornate arched mirror in Antique Ivory, £159.99, John Lewis & Partners…

Gooseberry, mint and prosecco jellies PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 10 minutes plus time to set SERVES 6 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 350g fresh (or frozen) gooseberries, plus extra to decorate ✔ 100g caster sugar ✔ 1 tbsp elderflower cordial ✔ 1.5 x 12g sachets of powdered gelatine ✔ 300ml Prosecco ✔ fresh mint sprigs, to decorate DIRECTIONS ■ Top and tail the gooseberries, then put them in a saucepan with the caster sugar. Cover and cook over a gentle heat for 10 minutes, gently shaking the pan occasionally. Remove them from the heat and stir the elderflower cordial into the mixture. Set it aside to cool for one hour, stirring occasionally. Place a sieve over a mixing bowl and strain the mixture. Mash any fruit left in the…

‘The size of your summerhouse will depend on the intended use – an office can be a compact 3m x 3m. For a gym, you’ll need at least 12 sq m. For maximum versatility, invest in the biggest garden room you can afford. You never know, a craft hobby might become a business, while an office could double as a kids’ hangout. The best-insulated garden rooms can be used all year round and accommodate plenty of extra storage space. Decluttering your home and having a bonus room in the garden to enjoy – now that can add significant value to your property.’ Anna Sippel, marketing manager at Waltons, www. waltons.co.uk…

Tools you can trust Burgon & Ball has teamed up with the National Trust to launch a range of high-quality garden tools at affordable prices. As well as having a classy heritage aesthetic, a percentage of their sales goes towards the vital conservation work the National Trust carries out. The collection consists of a spade, fork, trowel, hand fork, round-tined fork, claw cultivator, patio weeding knife, dibber, lopper, hedge shear, topiary shear, bypass secateur and pocket knife. The tools are crafted from strong high-carbon steel with dark wood and touches of brass to give them a distinctive look. The spade and fork are both specially constructed to make them strong and robust enough for the toughest digging jobs, while their textured powder coatings protects the exposed steel surfaces from corrosion.…

I don’t know about you, but it only takes the briefest hint of sunshine to make me want to get out in the garden. Let’s face it, you’ve got to take it when you can get it with our changeable British weather! No matter whether you have an expansive lawn or just a teeny balcony, there’s no doubt that spending time outside is good for your wellbeing. But don’t be downhearted if your outdoor space is looking a bit lacklustre, we’ve filled this special magazine with lots of ideas to help you breathe new life into it. On page 4 you’ll find our favourite outdoor living trends for this season. Whether you favour tropical brights, relaxed boho vibes, modern urban lines or chilled-out coastal chic, I guarantee you’ll find a…

Summer is finally on its way and what better way to prepare for a season of outdoor entertaining than to get your garden ready? Outdoor lighting is an often overlooked part of garden décor, but the difference it can make to the atmosphere is amazing. Whether you’re looking for pretty fairy lights for a small courtyard garden or balcony, or strings of festoon lights for a large party or event, we’ve sought out some of the best options around, including mains-, battery- and solar-powered designs. Plus, read our expert advice to make sure your outdoor lighting scheme is both safe and successful. 5 OF THE BEST…

PAINT If you’re bringing a splash of colour to your timber summerhouse, shed or furniture, make sure you choose a durable exterior paint formulated to provide protection from the elements as well as a decorative finish. Paints are available in a broad range of colours – just remember to check the product can be applied to all types of European and exotic wood. Before applying, ensure the paint is well mixed and test it on a small or inconspicuous area for colour, compatibility and end result. DECKING PAINT For an easy upgrade (and long-lasting protection against water and UV damage) choose a product that provides stain protection, timber seal and colour. Also, make sure the paint is washable and anti-slip. Apply it with a brush between the grooves and edges…

RED PEPPER AND SWEET POTATO BEAN BURGERS PREPARATION TIME 45 MINUTES COOKING TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 225g sweet potato, peeled and diced ✔ 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely diced ✔ 1 small red onion, chopped ✔ 400g tin borlotti beans, drained and rinsed ✔ 400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ✔ 3 tbsp chilli jam, plus extra to serve ✔ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped ✔ 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying ✔ salt and pepper, to season ✔ 4 burger buns ✔ 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, stoned and mashed ✔ lettuce, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Prepare the barbecue for indirect cooking over a medium-high heat (between 200ºC and 230ºC). Put the sweet potato chunks into a roasting tin, add the olive…