Innehållsförteckning för August 2020 från Your Home

Summer is well under way and with any luck we’ll be blessed with blue skies and balmy evenings for many weeks to come. If you have a garden room – or perhaps just a spot where the sunlight streams in through a window – then throw those curtains wide, slide open that patio door and welcome the outdoors in. From page 22, we have three inspiring summer living space makeovers to get your creative juices flowing… Kitchens are always the busiest of rooms and that’s especially true if you have kids! Flip to page 46 for some simple ways to make your kitchen family friendly. And don’t forget you can always encourage the little ones to get some fresh air outside – see our delicious al fresco recipes and a…

I recently decorated my hallway, but struggled to find a wallpaper I really liked for under the stairs. I had a collection of 100 flower postcards from the Royal Horticultural Society, so I arranged them to cover the wall. I used PVA glue as adhesive and clear varnish to protect the postcards. I’m really pleased with the result – they make me smile every time I see them! Sarah Crabb, by email Your Home says We love quirky ideas and this is such an inventive way to decorate your hallway, Sarah. The floral postcards bring a fab dose of colour and vibrancy! ★ Sarah’s letter has won her a selection of lunchboxes worth £45!…

Great Buy Splosh is just one of the growing list of brands proving that effective cleaning doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. Its cleaning products are delivered to your door in recyclable pouches of concentrate. All you need to do is decant the detergents into bottles (which you can buy from Splosh) then mix them with water and you’re ready to go. Between kitchen cleaner, washing up liquid and laundry detergent, all of your household needs are covered. By using Splosh you’ll reduce your plastic waste and save money. Bottles start at £1.75 and refill pouches at £3.95. Splosh also provides freepost returns for the refill pouches. Find out more at splosh.com.…

SHOPPING LIST Window frames prepared in Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 primer-sealer, £16.99 for 1l, Screwfix. Walls and window frames painted in paint mixed to resemble Farrow & Ball Down Pipe, £45 per 5l, Brewers. Iona solid pine 10-seater table in grey, £599; Iona extra-large bench, £279, both Made.com. Radiators, £122.50 each, KB Star on eBay. Grey herringbone throw, £19.50, Marks & Spencer. Scandi Boho blanket, £23, Sass & Belle. Yellow and grey cushion, £15, Sainsbury’s. Krallig basket, £10, IKEA. ‘See You Next Tuesday’ print, £17, Punk Haus. Bike clock, £39.95, Elephant Monkey. For similar dining chairs, try Alston dining chairs, £99 each, Oak World. Also similar, Hix dining chair, £99, Barker & Stonehouse. For a similar sofa, try Jarrod two-seater sofa in outback tan leather, £1,299, Made.com. For similar cushion,…

Club tropicana Whether you’re inspired by the beaches of Tahiti or the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, carnival-esque colours, brushed-gold accessories, velvet fabrics and exotic bird prints are the best ways to bring the tropical theme into your home. This scheme is both uplifting and relaxing, so bring in clashing colours and a mix of palm tree and pineapple prints to create a cheerful vibe. Mix these with plenty of soft textures and accessories, as well as comfy and contemporary furniture to give the room a chilled-out feel. The best thing about this interior is that you can be daring with colour and prints. Mix sunshine and mellow yellows to energise the space while also maintaining a calm, beach-like quality. You can blend these tones with bright splashes of green,…

Bladed Classic bladed fans work well at close range and blow air in a specific direction. They’re good for targeting the spot where you’re sitting, so they’re worth considering if you find yourself working from home. Bladed fans are more affordable than the high-tech bladeless models and, generally speaking, are more portable as they’re smaller and lighter. If you’re a light sleeper, then the noise from the whirring blades can be a problem when you’re trying to get some shut eye. Another downfall of bladed fans is that the air temperature can’t be controlled and once they’re switched off the room won’t stay cool for long. Bladeless To maintain a long-lasting, cool air temperature that can be adjusted easily and covers a wide area, then a bladeless fan is your…

‘Kitchens are now often multi-purpose rooms, such as a dining, home media and even an office space. This means clever storage solutions that maximise space and create a smooth workflow are more important than ever. Consider investing in a kitchen island to effectively partition areas of the room, while adding an on-trend feature that comes with the benefit of increasing preparation space.’ Andrew Story, Head of Product Development at Roux Kitchens ‘Hide appliances behind a cupboard door to ensure the kitchen stays looking stylish. This applies to small appliances such as food processors, blenders and coffee machines too – all of which should be switched off and put away after use so they’re out of the reach of children.’ Lauren Clark, large appliance expert at AO.com…

Metro, Moroccan, marble – classic tiles are here to stay, but not as we know them! Traditional tiles will give a bathroom longevity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them too. Cover walls and floors with familiar designs in new colours and fresh patterns for a forward-thinking scheme. MODERN MOROCCAN Moroccan-inspired décor has made its way into every part of our homes – think woven rugs, raffia textures and ornate lanterns – so it’s no surprise that this timeless style is a top choice for bathrooms too. Pick a graphic monochrome palette or a quirky scallop patchwork design, or create a statement focal point for a 2020 take on this classic look. DARK DRAMA Dark hues may not be the obvious choice for one of the smallest…

LATCH HOOK MAT Say ‘hello’ to a new craft and try your hand at latch hooking SHOPPING LIST Bobbiny 3mm cotton rope, 100 per cent cotton, 100m per 300g, five spools in Peach (Yarn A) and one spool in Charcoal Grey (Yarn B) Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran, 100 per cent acrylic, 184m per 100g, one ball in Slate Grey (Yarn C) 1m x 50cm latch hook canvas Latch hook Black marker pen Long scissors Darning needle Hot glue gun 1 Use graph paper to mark out your word or slogan. On the canvas, mark the outline for the mat with the pen, 85 squares by 50 squares centrally on the canvas. Add and mark a two square border allowance all the way around. Cut all of Yarns A and B…

Short of storage and cash? Then why not make your own bookshelf? This design can be made to fit, such as in an alcove or beside of a chimney breast, and be freestanding or wall-mounted, it’s your choice. YOU WILL NEED Essential * Hand saw * Set square * Knife * Chisel * Tape measure * Drill * Drill bits – 3mm and 8mm * Hand plane * Masking tape * Wood (oak or similar) – 5m of 275 x 25mm, 1m of 300 x 25mm, 1.5m of 25 x 50mm * 8mm dowel * 45mm screws * Wood glue * Sandpaper Useful * Chop or rotary saw * Double-edged flush cutting saw * Stanley knife * Danish oil 1 Make your marks Mark out and cut two 1m lengths…

‘I’ve decorated most rooms three times since moving in. It’s only now that I’m finally happy.’ When Vikki Savage wants to switch off and relax, she picks up a paintbrush and starts decorating! ‘All my spare time is spent painting rooms, upcycling furniture or thinking about interiors,’ she says. ‘It starts whenever I buy a piece of second-hand furniture and then, before I know it, I’ve painted the walls a different shade to match my new find.’ When Vikki and her husband Will bought their three-bedroom semi around six years ago, it was in dire need of love and attention. Every inch of their new home was covered in layers of cream paint. Vikki particularly remembers the fussy curtains that blocked out precious daylight, but all of the original features…

The unspoiled West Somerset coast is a favourite spot for Susan Juggins and her partner Brett Bates. As a child, Brett holidayed here regularly with his family. In 2015, the couple arrived to visit Brett’s parents, who were enjoying a break in one of the traditional wooden beach huts, clustered between a freshwater lake and the shore. ‘It’s an incredibly peaceful place, with real charm,’ says Susan. ‘When we spotted one of the huts for sale on the site, Brett and I just couldn’t say ‘no’. We weren’t looking for a project at that stage, but we decided to put what we had into something we would both really appreciate.’ The hut the couple bought had been standing empty for some time and was damp, bare and decrepit. But the…

Halloumi and asparagus kebabs PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 10 minutes SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 packs halloumi ✔ 1 pack asparagus tips ✔ 1 lime, juiced ✔ 3 tbsp olive oil ✔ ½ red chilli DIRECTIONS ■ Soak some kebab skewers in water to prevent burning. Drain the halloumi then slice it into finger-sized pieces. ■ Cut the asparagus tips in half. Carefully thread the halloumi and asparagus onto the skewers. ■ Whisk together 1 tbsp lime juice and the olive oil. Thinly slice the chilli and add it to the oil and lime dressing. Season to taste. ■ Brush the dressing over the kebabs and cook them on the barbecue, turning and basting until they’re golden brown. Recipe and image aldi.co.uk Avocado, strawberry and halloumi…

A deck ahead of the rest For beautiful decking that doesn’t come at the expense of the environment, turn to Composite Prime. It produces eco-friendly composite decking and has recycled 300 million plastic bottle tops in the process. The decking is made from a mix of recycled plastic and timber flour, a by-product of the wood-manufacturing process that’s 100 per cent sustainable. The accolades don’t stop there: the decking is also anti-fungal, slip-resistant and won’t deteriorate in the way regular wooden decking can. The HD Deck Dual is our top pick – its natural wood grain looks just like real timber and, as the boards are dual-sided with a different colour on each, you can create your own bespoke pattern. It’s available in two colourways: walnut and oak or antique…

Tucked away on a Northumbrian hillside, High Tipalt was built in the 1850s and incorporates stone that was once part of nearby Hadrian’s Wall. But despite is age, it’s a thoroughly modern off-grid property, as it runs almost entirely on renewable energy systems installed by owner Mary Almond. ‘In 2004 we bought a nearby farm along with High Tipalt – a dilapidated wreck that was hidden beneath a foot of poultry dung and had no services at all,’ she remembers. ‘As it’s inside the Northumbrian National Park we had to get planning permission for the renovation work, but were only allowed to turn it into a holiday cottage, so it couldn’t be used as a permanent home, Mary explains. ‘We started by putting in a road up to the building,…

A  Aldi 0800 042 0800 aldi.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon 0800 279 7234 amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com Antipodream 07391 514622 antipodream.co.uk AO.com 0161 470 1200 ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Audenza 0116 2986393 audenza.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bean Bag Bazaar 0800 988 1286 beanbagbazaar.co.uk Beaumonde 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000 bombayduck.com Boutique Camping 0203 319 1315 boutiquecamping.com Braided Rug Company 01654 767 248 braided-rug.co.uk C  Cabbages and Roses 0203 696 1310 cabbagesandroses.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Central Living 01865 311141 centralliving.co.uk Charlton Island 0203 9510 169 charltonisland.com Chasing Threads wearechasingthreads.com Composite Prime 0113 426 2770 composite-prime.com Cox & Cox 0330 333…

BEDROOMS FOR BUGS Looking for a way to bring more life into your garden but don’t want the hassle of looking after plants and flowerbeds? Tool manufacturer RYOBI has the solution: build a bug hotel. You can use almost anything to put one together but RYOBI is encouraging you to use nothing but natural materials. If you’re unsure about how to go about it there’s a simple step-by-step guide to constructing five-star lodgings for six-legged critters on the RYOBI website (uk.ryobitools.eu). Once you’ve built your hotel, take a photo and tag @RyobiToolsUK using #MyRobi to show off your creation. Cut down on plastic Do your bit for the environment with the brand-new range of dishwasher-friendly, plastic-free Slice chopping boards from Smidge. The boards come in three colourways – wood and…

A print of joy For a complete guide to block printing, including inspiration and step-by-step techniques, look for Molly Mahon’s House of Print. Molly is a self-taught textile designer and uses her book to share her expertise on block-printed textiles. In its pages you’ll find answers to questions such as how to find the right colour palette, how to print your own fabrics and how to style them in your home. Follow her trusted tips and you’ll be able to create up to five simple homeware projects. Whether you fancy some nifty napkins for the dinner table or an impressive lampshade to brighten your living room, House of Print will inspire you to embrace all the pretty patterns. House of Print by Molly Mahon is out now, published by Pavilion…

yourhome@immediate.co.uk. Letters can be posted to Your letters, Your Home magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST, but please note that we may not see them for some time as we are currently working remotely. Letters may be edited 10 . We apologise yourhomestyle but photos .uk cannot be returned. Courtesy of Smidge, this issue’s letter of the month will receive a selection of 100% natural lunchboxes worth around £45. The three runners-up will each receive lunchboxes worth around £25. Find out more about Smidge’s products which are kinder to the environment at wearesmidge.com.…

THINGS WE CONSIDERED ● Was it practical and easy to carry? ● Did it keep food cool? ● What accessories did it come with? SANDBANKS WILLOW PICNIC HAMPER FOR TWO, £59.99 , WAYFAIR This hamper is the largest of the bunch so it’s ideal for couples with a bigger appetites. Its larger size makes it slightly more difficult to carry, but the extra effort is worth it for more food, right? The blue and white striped interior is classic and pairs beautifully with the brown leather straps. It comes complete with all the essentials, including cute china teacups! TYBURN LUXURY PICNIC HAMPER FOR TWO, £68 , DIBOR This picnic hamper is compact and comfortable to carry. Woven from natural willow wicker and lined with an elegant checked design,…

Mini trend: Bright emroidery Until recently, embroidery was a thing of the past, seen as both old-fashioned and outdated. But not any more. Following the splash it made in the fashion world just a couple of years ago, embroidery is now enjoying a resurgence in the soft furnishings market, with exciting new products that have been reimagined for the contemporary consumer. Seek out thick wool boucle lettering and silk thread floral patterns in bright colours to make the most of this look. Latin flair for your floors Whether it’s in your hallway, conservatory, kitchen or bathroom, patterned floor tiles always make a good impression. But Tile Giant’s new ranges make a real visual impact too. Boasting both geometric and floral patterns in calming and uplifting shades, the new tiles each…

SHOPPING LIST Loft White absolute matt emulsion £47 per 2.5l; Loft White intelligent eggshell, £66 per 2.5l; Loft White intelligent floor paint, £72 per 2.5l; Sky Blue traditional oil gloss, £69 per 2.5l, all Little Greene. Högsten outdoor chair, £65; Krokholmen outdoor metal coffee table, £35; Frode metal folding chair, £22; Sommar 2020 striped rug, £30; Hodde indoor/outdoor rug, £90; Oplev doormat, £6.50; Vippärt chair cushions, £6 each; Gurli dark green cushion cover, £1.75; Ullkaktus green cushion, £3, all IKEA. Pin’Up stool with pine and rubberwood legs, £49.50, Maisons Du Monde. Replacement futon sofa bed cover, £120; futon sofa bed, from £399, Futon Company. Warm White LED Festoon Lights Pro Series, from £30; bamboo battery lanterns, £27.99 each; Lucena tassel solar lanterns, £39.99 set of three, all Lights4Fun. Bohemia leather…

After totally renovating their three-bedroom, Victorian terrace house in London’s East End, Annie Tidyman and her husband, Rich Robinson, turned their attention to the garden. The couple had stretched themselves to buy the property in Clapton five years ago and had just about managed to complete the renovation work before sons, Cooper, three, and baby Woody came along. ‘We love what the house had become, but there was plenty of wasted space in the garden,’ admits Annie, an artist specialising in pressed-flower designs (@columbia_road_press). ‘It’s a long, fairly narrow area and we never used the patio at the back, so we started obsessing about building a garden room.’ Annie and Rich, a music executive, wanted to use the space for a guest suite with a wet room and shower, but…

Don’t make me blush No longer dismissed as twee, pink has made an impressive comeback in recent years. If you want to dip your toe in the world of colourful interiors, pink is a subtle but effective way to ease yourself in. For a soft, sophisticated addition in your kitchen or bathroom, try the Metro Blush Pink tile from Tile Giant. Its bevelled detailing ensures a sleek finish and the pale tone pairs sublimely with white or grey worktops. Offset the beautiful gloss finish with chrome appliances and industrial-style lighting for a contemporary look. The Metro Blush Pink tile (100 x 200m) costs £25 per sqm or 50p each. Find out more at tilegiant.co.uk. Take the stage A lively bath mat is a quick and simple way to bring some…

INSIDER INFO WHO LIVES HERE? Account director Lorna Nicks moved into this two-bedroom terraced house in Colchester in early 2012 with her husband, James, a charity worker. Since then, they have been decorating room by room, with the bathroom being one of the last projects they had to complete. WHAT WAS THE OLD SPACE LIKE? ‘The room was functional but tired, tatty and in need of a refresh. It’s very small at around 6ft square, so it was vital to make the most of the space available and pick items that would make the room feel bigger.’ WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP? ‘Picking a compact vanity-toilet unit combined two of the major aspects of the bathroom in one neat package. It also provided some extra surface space and storage too.’ Lorna…

SLEEK METRO ‘Metro remains the number one searched for keyword on our site and it’s hardly a surprise. When people hear metro, they tend to imagine the classic subway-style white rectangle, but there is so much more choice. With variations on colour, size and finish, designers and interior enthusiasts can really get creative. Our new Somerset range, for instance, has metro-inspired tiles in classic whites and greys, as well as pastel colours which enable you to create softened spaces. Lay them together in geometric patterns and they will make a striking feature – and you can be safe in the knowledge that no one else will have quite the same design as you!’ MOROCCAN BOHO ‘With a unique mix of colours and patterns, Moroccan-inspired tiles will bring a little boho…

Q I want to re-decorate my kitchen and I’d like to use a strong colour for the units but I’m worried it might date quickly. What do you suggest? Elizabeth Craig, Basingstoke A Hayley Simmons, Head of Merchandising for Magnet, has this advice… Choosing a décor scheme for a kitchen that’s practical and stylish but will also stand the test of time is tricky as it’s important to create a space that you’ll love for years to come. Therefore, the main piece of advice I’d give when it comes to incorporating colour in a new kitchen, is to look for something that’s personal and perhaps even emotive to you. Don’t be too led by trends as sometimes it can be hard to tell what will stick around and what won’t.…

‘I’m always on the lookout for interesting bargains and I’ve picked up lots things over the years from charity shops, eBay and house clearances’ A move from London to the countryside was little more than an idea at the back of Pauline Fox’s mind, until she visited a spot in rural Essex and just fell in love with it. ‘I’d always thought I’d move at some point, but it all happened really quickly,’ she says. ‘My own house wasn’t even on the market. I looked around the village and before I knew it, I’d made an offer on a property.’ The home that proved irresistible to Pauline was part of a large Victorian vicarage that had been converted into several residences. The one that caught her eye had its own…

WE ARE Susan Juggins, 55, a retired civil servant, and my partner, Brett Bates, 54, a retired landscape gardener, and two Border Collies, Maverick and Lola. OUR HOME IS An open-plan, wooden beach-hut built in the 1930s, on the West Somerset coast. MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE Was fitting everything in. But there’s a proper bathroom and the kitchen’s got a standard-sized oven, hob, fridge, dishwasher and even a microwave, so we did it! I’M REALLY PLEASED WITH The galvanised metal hinges, hooks and handles. They’re chunky, solid and inexpensive and I like the functional feel. I’M SO GLAD I chose hard flooring. It’s impossible to stop sand getting indoors here, but the laminate is quick and easy to clean. MY TOP TIP Splash out on the things you touch, such as…

Water you think about this? Say goodbye to the watering can with this cordless rainwater pump from Bosch. The GardenPump 18 supplies water from the rain barrel with a spray range of up to 25 metres when coupled with standard garden hoses. Sustainable and economical, it works easily with all styles of rainwater tanks and is also compatible with sprinkling and irrigation systems. With guaranteed powerful flow and a timer function, the GardenPump 18 takes all the hassle out of watering the garden. The kit version (including 2.5Ah battery and charger) is part of the ‘Power for All’ system, which features more than 30 tools that can be operated with the same battery. It costs £155 and is available at Homebase and Robert Dyas. Fancy plants Branch out into the…

Lockdown updates I’d been meaning to update my bathroom for a while and lockdown gave me the perfect opportunity to finally do it! A lick of paint and Moroccan wall art stickers ordered from Amazon were all that was needed. You can see the results below! Eibhlin Cronin, by email Your Home says Your bathroom looks lovely, Eibhlin. Those tile stickers were a great find – they complement the tonal colours beautifully! Blue-tiful I used remnants of fabric to make a Roman blind with navy trim for my bathroom. I loved the navy trim so much that I decided to paint my washstand and bath panel to match. I used Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue and am so happy with the outcome! Colleen Agnew, by email Your Home says We’re…

Leanne Baud was instantly smitten when she walked into the sunroom of this extended 1930s house. With windows on three sides and an overhanging roof to create a veranda, Leanne loved its summery vibe. ‘The veranda reminded me of my mum’s former home in Spain,’ recalls Leanne, who lives here with her husband, Ash, their daughter, Esmé, one, and Leanne’s sons, Oliver, 14, and Mason, 12. ‘I could see us throwing open the doors, having the barbecue going and the sunroom becoming a lovely indoor-outdoor party space.’ STEP ONE The sunroom was crying out for a makeover as everything in it was brown, but the rest of the house needed decorating first. Initially, Leanne thought she’d make do by putting in a sofa, armchair and small dining table she’d had…

SHOPPING LIST Boarding on walls, £68 per sq m, Rugged London. Churchill Chesterfield three seater sofa bed in Duck Egg velvet, £2,364, Love Your Home. Royal Craft Wentworth Hanging Pod, £378; Trio Natural Tripod floor lamp, £109; Marble and copper lamp, £40; sheepskin rug, £35, all Dunelm. Walls painted in French Grey Intelligent Matt Emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5l, Little Greene. Mirror, £75 in sale, Cox & Cox. Jungle wall chart, £79; pink cushion, £60, both Graham and Green. Toilet, £150; grey sink unit, £190, both eBay. Shower screen, £209; bathroom Oracle backlit mirror, £293, both Hudson Reed. Azora electric shower in frosted glass, £285, Mira Showers. Oyster Shell wall tiles, £16.95 per sq m; Oakham Grey Pattern floor tiles, £19.95 per sq m, both Walls and Floors. Towel, £19, Zara…

It’s no surprise the kitchen is known as the hub of the home – it’s where the snacks are, after all! So, a busy household needs a kitchen to match; one that works as both a practical space for prepping meals and as a hang-out area for quality together-time. Make yours work for you with these additions, whether you’re doing a full refurb or switching up an existing scheme to make it more suited to family life. Cool for kids…

Metropolis star tiles in black, 450 x 450mm, £24.64 per sq m; Super Relief bumpy white wall tiles, 250 x 400mm, £9.99 per sq m, both Tile Mountain. Harbour Icon compact 900mm vanity and toilet suite in Avola Grey, £354.98; Butler & Rose Catherine traditional back to wall pan, £94.99, both Tap Warehouse. Hudson Reed 900mm shower screen, £137.95, Heat & Plumb. Blyss 1100 x 500mm towel radiator in black, £42.99; Watersmith Heritage Newlyn thermostatic shower, £103.99; Tunstall mini mono mixer tap, £19.99; all Screwfix. Brushed brass tumbler, £5; brushed brass toilet brush, £12; black matte pedestal mirror, £6; gold diamond hanging mirror, £4; all Dunelm. Hanging gold planter, £6.99; brass planter, £6; DW Home Warm Tobacco Pipe candle, £6.99, all TK Maxx. Grey waffle bath towels, £12.99 each, H&M.…

Woven accessories are everywhere right now, including our own sofas! Nothing brings texture, colour and pattern to a scheme quite like a tactile woven piece, be it a wall hanging, basket or cushion like this one. Made from strips of fabric interlaced in a simple design, once you’ve mastered the technique you can get creative with different colours and weaving patterns. Pair with furniture in natural materials such as rattan and wicker – another of this year’s hot interiors trends – for a modern boho feel. YOU WILL NEED 1m cream cotton fabric 50cm blue cotton fabric 25cm yellow cotton fabric Bias binding maker tool, 2.5cm 15m hemming tape, 2cm wide 25cm double-sided lightweight interfacing Rotary cutter Cutting mat Tailor’s chalk Matching sewing thread Sewing machine Sewing needle Scissors 40…

WE ARE Pauline Fox, 53, a retail manager and crafter (@betsyblairhome) and my grown-up children, Emily 26 and Tom, 23. OUR HOME is a three-bedroomed wing of a converted Victorian vicarage near Saffron Walden, Essex. MY FAVOURITE ITEM Is my Smeg fridge, which came from our old home. It’s in keeping with the country look. I’D LOVE TO CHANGE The modern internal doors for old, reclaimed ones. At some point I’ll put some glass into the front door too, to spread the sunlight around a bit. I’VE LEARNED THAT Light affects how colours look in different parts of a room so tester pots are really worth the money.…

3 ways with… Chickpeas Make the most of this versatile store cupboard essential 4 Make your own hummus. Rinse a 400g tin of chickpeas and tip them into a food processor with 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and blitz until smooth. Add 2 cloves of garlic, 4 tbsp tahini, the juice of ½ lemon and ½ tsp ground cumin, and blitz again for about 5 minutes until smooth. Add about 30ml of water if it’s too thick then season to taste. Chickpeas are also a delicious base for a veggie burger. Combine a 400g tin of chickpeas, a 200g tin of sweetcorn (both drained) and 150g roasted red pepper in a food processor and pulse. Add 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp ground cumin, 3 tbsp flour…

Keep drinks cool with this ice bucket, finished in an iridescent sheen for 1980s neon nostalgia Rainbow ice bucket, £39, John Lewis & Partners…