Innehållsförteckning för September 2020 från Your Home

September is one of my favourite times of the year as we get to reveal the autumn/winter trends! We’ve picked the top three looks and there’s something for everyone, from those of you who like the simple things to those who love a little bit of luxury in your home. Turn to page 34 to see our selection and to find out how you can bring the trends into your scheme. Keen cooks should take note of the 9 must-have ingredients for a chef’s paradise (p46) – we spoke to the professionals to find out exactly what it is that makes a kitchen work seamlessly. And keep reading to steal ideas from a dreamy kitchen makeover (p50), completed by a homeowner who really knows her food! If you’re itching to…

Set the benchmark high I wanted to share photos of the little haven I’ve just created in my garden. In the morning when the Sun is shining, I sit here peacefully with a coffee – always a great way to start the day! I spotted this pretty bench in a local store, reduced from £200 to £100 (I did try to knock them down again, but had no luck). It was a little rusty, so I set about upcycling it and I’m so happy with the results. Helen Barker, by email Your Home says Helen, your garden seating area is idyllic. The bench is as good as new and the perfect place to relax with a cuppa! Prize drawer These drawers belonged to my Nan who was downsizing. They were…

How to… Keep your clothes and fabrics from fading in the wash Wouldn’t it be amazing if your black jeans actually stayed black for longer than three months? It’s a real nuisance when colour fades or bleeds from your favourite garments, so follow these steps to keep your clothes in tip-top shape for as long as possible… Always check washing symbol labels first. Look for warnings such as ‘wash cold’ or ‘hand wash’ as these often indicate that the dyes used in the clothes are likely to bleed in the washing machine. If the label doesn’t have these warnings, the item is likely to be colour-fast and safe to wash without any extra precautions. Pre-treat stains before washing with a small amount of detergent or a natural alternative, such as…

Mini trend: Iridescence Iridescence may seem as if it belongs to the world of party décor and futuristic fancy dress outfits, but there are subtle ways to bring the trend into your home. Iridescent glass in the form of tealight holders, table lamp stands and vases can be found in abundance in your favourite high street shops. These pieces will give a gentle nod to the trend, but if you’re keen to go all-out, then opt for the gleaming mosaic bathroom tiles pictured left. Handcrafted style Textile designer Ruth Holly creates beautiful patterns inspired by natural surfaces for an array of homewares, including cushions, table linens, tea towels, coasters, wall art and placemats. Her recent collection, called Nomad, is a melting pot of vibrant and earthy pigments, including baked ochre,…

Walls in Dark Lead Colour and French Grey absolute matt emulsion, £47 per 2.5l each; cupboard in Dark Lead Colour intelligent eggshell, £32 per litre, all Little Greene. Bohemia x40 EcoDesign multi-fuel stove, from £839, Westcombes. Brazilian Black Slate hearth, from £98.95, Mrs Stone Store. Compact Cotton White Matt oak plank flooring, £52.99 per sq m, Quick-Step. Ercol rocker, £80; wooden corbels, £12 each, both eBay. Freestanding cupboard, £40, British Heart Foundation Charity Shop. Dylan floor lamp, £155; Kura small paper pendant shade, £20; for similar corner sofa, try Hyde, £895, all Habitat. Curtains in Aina linen fabric, £8 per m; for similar rug, try Vindum, from £80, both IKEA.…

‘After spending more time at home this year, it’s natural that our interiors take on an even greater importance. A desire to feel connected and closer to nature is becoming evident as people try to strike a balance between well-being and productivity. There’s also a tendency towards biophilia and bringing the outside world into the everyday; people are introducing dried plants into their homes and combining these with flora and fauna motifs on wood and wool. Organic, undyed shades can be paired with an autumnal colour palette to create snug sanctuaries that feel full of life.’ Jemma Dayman, Junior Buyer at Carpetright ‘If you’re colour confident, then this autumn is the time to take the plunge and redecorate at least one room in a rich hue. My favourite way to achieve…

A good freezer should last for years, so finding a model that will stand the test of time as well as meet your food storage needs is of paramount importance. But with a dizzying number of freezers available, it can be tricky to find one that has all of the qualities you’re after. So, we’ve checked out a varied selection of freezers to help you find the one that’s best for you. Smeg CVB20LP1 freezer, £1,342, B&Q Dimensions 60 x 73.2 x 153.5cm Compartments Three drawers and two flap-front sections Energy rating A+ Type Free-standing, upright This model isn’t just an aesthetic treat with its 1950s-inspired retro style, it also has three roomy drawers, two spacious flap-front compartments and handy features, such as a fast-freeze function and a temperate alarm.…

‘In recent years, there have been many developments in design and styles that mean the effects vinyl can create, such as traditional tiles or wood, are incredibly realistic. For the floors of modern wet rooms and showers specifically, it’s worth investing in specialist flooring with the highest grade of anti-slip.’ David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright ‘For a traditional bathroom, paired wall lights work really well. This could mean placing them either side of a bathroom mirror or to frame a bathtub. Choose curved, delicate detailing and antique brass designs to complete the look. For modern décor, try using chrome finishes and sleek, cleaner designs.’ Rohan Blacker, Pooky founder…

For a speedy upcycle, there’s nothing like a lick of chalk paint! It’s one of the simplest ways to refresh much-loved old furniture or bargain second-hand finds. If you’ve got a few painted projects under your belt, it’s time to take your skills up a notch and try this dresser design with a pearlescent leaf motif inspired by traditional inlay. Be warned, though – once you’ve finished, you might just be tempted to paint the wardrobe to match as well! YOU WILL NEED * A dresser or chest of drawers * Chalk Paint in Graphite and Old White * Large flat detail brush * Small flat detail brush * Large round detail brush * Pearlescent Glaze * Clear Chalk Paint Wax * Lint-free cloth * Paint stirrer * Tape measure…

Q Since I’ve been spending more time gardening, I’m using more water. How can I preserve water, but also keep my plants and flowers looking fresh? Vanessa Day, Dundee A Marcus Eyles, who is Horticultural Director at Dobbies Garden Centres, has this advice… There are many ways you can use less water and still keep your garden looking great. They’re all really easy and you’ll quickly find that you’re using much less water from the tap, which reduces your usage and saves on water bills. One great way to save water is to reuse boiled kitchen water from cooking or steaming. Instead of draining it through the colander and pouring it away, pop a bowl underneath the colander so you can transfer it to your watering can, once you’ve finished…

WE ARE Kirstie McCormick, 39, a full-time carer and stay-at-home mum, my partner David McGill, 41, and our sons Oscar, nine, and Teddy, seven. My elder daughter, Esme, has moved out. OUR HOME Is a four-bedroom 1930s semi-detached property in Redcar, Cleveland. It was a three-bedroom property when we moved in, but we extended it to add another bedroom and bathroom. MY TOP TIP IS Don’t worry about how long a job will take, just get on with it. I have delayed so many projects because I felt overwhelmed by them, only to find they were actually really quick.…

WE ARE Elaine Murphy Byrne, 41, an adult education teacher, Shane Byrne, 45, an electrician and maker of bespoke light fittings, and our daughter Lola, three. OUR HOME IS A four-bedroom, self-built house in Co Monaghan, built in 2009. I LEARNT That you need to go beyond your comfort zone and experiment a little to create an interior that’s really your own style. Staying with ‘safe’ choices won’t do it! I’M MOST PROUD OF All the things that Shane’s built: the island, the climbing wall, all the light fittings. I’m very proud of my husband! THE NEXT THING TO DO IS The sitting room. We have a sitting room on the other side of the house, which is filled with junk. We’ll make it into a room for reading, with…

WE ARE Sharon Hyatt-Mailes, 51, illustrator at thehouseportrait.co.uk and Instagrammer (@overatno_43), my husband David, 53, a taxi driver, and our children India, 23, and Zak, 19, and our dogs, Coco and Honey. OUR HOME IS A four-bedroomed semidetached Victorian villa dating back to 1892. MY TOP TIP You can find lots of bargain pieces of furniture in junk yards that are ideal for upcycling. I’M MOST PROUD OF All the DIY work we did in our living room. We installed the dado and picture rails, added the panelling under the window and put down new flooring. Lots of very hard work went into this room.…

Moroccan lamb meatball and basmati bake PREP TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 40 minutes SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 300g basmati rice ✔ 400g can chopped tomatoes ✔ 500ml hot chicken stock ✔ 1 tsp rose harissa paste ✔ 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half ✔ 1 pack 24 lamb meatballs ✔ 25g fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6. Place the basmati rice in a casserole dish. ■ Stir together the tomatoes, chicken stock and harissa paste. Pour them over the rice, add the cinnamon stick halves and mix well. ■ Sit the meatballs on top then cover and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the lid, stir and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until the rice…

All you can heat The days may be getting shorter and cooler, but there’s no need to call time on our barbecue suppers yet. Morsø’s cast-iron outdoor heating collection will keep al fresco diners content into the autumn. The Kamino outdoor fireplace, £999, is a sophisticated and sensible addition for a patio or terrace – combine it with the Tuscan Grill, £89, and the Kamino converts into a barbecue to cook up delicious dishes. For a more budget-friendly option, try the Ignis Firepit, £199, a heater and grill that’ll warm up smaller spaces. A new lease of life There are many ways to upcycle worn out furniture and a lick of paint is a cheap and cheerful way to do it. Introduce some colour and personality with Valspar’s new range…

A walk on the wild seed Flood your lawn with colourful blooms using the Annuals Wildflower Mix from The Grass People. The mix contains cornflowers, corn marigolds and corn poppies, so you can expect a vibrant blend of red, yellow and blue. Sow the mix into a flower bed, border, generous pot or lawn and the seeds will bloom within months to create a mini wild meadow of your own! A 100g bag costs £20.40, thegrasspeople.com. Cut it short Mowing the lawn is a chore that many of us dread. But Ryobi’s Brushless Cordless 37cm Lawnmower Starter Kit takes some of the hassle out of the task. With no cords to trip over and a multiple-position handle, you can cut the grass comfortably and conveniently. The EasyEdge feature draws grass…

A Abode Living 01273 621116 abodeliving.co.uk Albert & Moo 020 8088 8280 albertandmoo.com Alice in Scandiland shop.aliceinscandiland.com Aliwood Roof Lanterns 01245 967107 aliwood.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon 0800 279 7234 amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 713089 anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com/en-gb AO.com 0161 470 1200 ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Armatile armatile.com Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Astro 01279 427001 astrolighting.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com Avenue Floors avenuefloors.co.uk Avoca avoca.com B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Baker Estates 01626 241404 bakerestatesltd.co.uk Beautify beautify.co.uk Beechcroft 01491 818474 beechcroft.co.uk Benchmarx benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk BHS 0333 005 0070 bhs.com Big Bathroom Shop 0345 122 7569 bigbathroomshop.co.uk Black + Blum 020 7633 0022 black-blum.com Blinds 2go blinds-2go.co.uk Block Design blockdesign.co.uk Bohemia…

Berry smoothie Prep and cook time 10 MINS Serves 2 Ingredients ⚹ ¾ cup Ocean Spray Cranberry Original with no added sugar ⚹ ¾ cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) ⚹ 170g low fat berry-flavoured yogurt ⚹ ½ banana, cut into slices Method 1 Combine all of the above ingredients in a blender or food processor. 2 Blend for a few seconds on high speed until everything is thoroughly combined. 3 Pour into a large glass and drink straight away or use a transportable bottle so you can enjoy your smoothie on-the-go. Green frittata muffins Prep and cook time 30 MINS Serves 3 (MAKES 6) Ingredients ⚹ 2 tsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing ⚹ 1 garlic clove, crushed ⚹ ½ large courgette,…

As a front-line nurse, the last few months have been very unsettling. But when I get some downtime, it’s lovely to sit quietly and indulge in Your Home magazine. I’ve been keeping my children as busy and crafty as possible in between going to work and school. Recently, after raiding our craft box, I made a gorgeous summer wreath out of some old moss and faux flowers. We’ve hung it up on the front door for all to see – it makes me smile every time I see it. Hannah Schofield, by email Your Home says Your summer wreath looks so beautiful, Hannah. Such a vibrant way to jazz up your door while keeping the children entertained!…

Great Buy The Quiet Glass by LittleSolves consists of a soft silicone base and toughened glass. Unlike a standard tumbler, it’s quiet to put down and difficult to knock over, so it’s perfectly designed for the bedside table, or for clumsier younger hands at the dinner table. We also love the vibrant colours. Choose from eight eye-catching shades, including jade, mustard and hot pink – a simple way to remember whose drink is whose. The Quiet Glass retails for £9.99 and is available now on Amazon.…

The Echo Auto is Amazon’s latest smart assistant offering and brings the power of Alexa to your car. It lets you play music, check the news, make calls, manage your calendar and set reminders just by using your voice. The device uses eight microphones to allow Alexa to hear you speaking over any music that’s playing as well as the air conditioning and other driving noises. Simply plug the Echo Auto into your car’s 12V power outlet or USB port and connect to the Alexa app via your smartphone to get the features you enjoy at home.…

The period features first attracted Tessa Bird and her partner Robbie Henderson to what became their family home in Addlestone, Surrey. They decided to buy the three-bedroom 1930s semi when they first saw it just over three years ago, despite the fact it needed a lot of work. ‘It had a real Arts and Crafts feel, with beautiful wooden panelling and lovely solid floors. We wanted to preserve as much as we could, but we knew there was plenty of work ahead too.’ Tessa (@photographybylittlebird), a family photographer, and Robbie, a marketing manager, only had Mya, now five, at the time, but have since had Thea, now two. ‘Initially we concentrated on the things that desperately needed doing, like the bedrooms, and then put in a decent bathroom, as it…

Edelweiss desk in Walnut and Black, £249; Margot Accent chair in Antique Gold velvet, £399; Sweep Arc floor lamp, £99, all Made. com. Liatorp sideboard, £229; black picture frames, £8 each; white pots with cacti, £7 each, all IKEA. Winston sofa in Fern velvet, £1,799, Swoon Editions. Teatro wallpaper by Cole & Son, £144 per roll, Designer Wallpapers. Harmony Ribbon pendant light, £135; nest of three tables, £150; shelf, £50, all John Lewis & Partners. Seletti Monkey light, £150, Made in Design. Yellow and blue glass vases, £16 each, Debenhams. Walls painted in Polished Pebble matt emulsion, £17 per 2.5l, Dulux. Grey carpet, £16 per m, SCS Carpets. Footstool in Sanderson’s Anthos fabric, £134, Serrina Interiors. Roman blind in Sanderson’s Zagora fabric, £125, Gail Annand Curtains & Blinds. Fornasetti cushion…

Stylish storage…

It’s important to think about the size, specific features and whether you want an integrated or free-standing model. The classic option is a free-standing design that can be easily installed and moved, whereas integrated models sit behind a cupboard door and add a polished look to a kitchen. There are also three main types to consider when purchasing a freezer: UPRIGHT These are popular choices for family homes. Upright freezers are manufactured in both free-standing and integrated models, so they can be enclosed behind cabinets. Upright models also offer a large amount of space for frozen food and, for anyone with limited kitchen space, there are slimline options available. UNDER-COUNTER If you have a small kitchen or you need a second appliance because you’re short on storage in your main…

Celebrity chef and Hoover Brand Ambassador Simon Rimmer reveals his professional kitchen essentials • A kitchen isn’t complete without an oven, as it opens the door to so many more dishes, so investing in a high-quality cooker is a top priority for any enthusiastic home chefs. • A professional set of knives is another kitchen must-have. It makes preparing food much easier by giving you better control over precise chopping and slicing. • Whether you prefer cooking on gas or induction hobs, non-stick pans are absolutely vital. Not only do they require less fat to prevent the ingredients from sticking, they’re a lot easier to clean afterwards.…

Laxarby unit, £210 for a 600mm unit; Ekbacken concrete effect worktop, £40 for 186 x 2.8cm; Fagleboda handles, £6 for a pack of two; Domsjo sink and Ringskar tap, £205; Fiskbo frames, £5 each, all IKEA. Range, £618, Kenwood. Cumbrian Stone floor tiles, ST14, Knight Tile Collection, £18.99 per sq m, Karndean. Pendant light, £225, from Original BTC. Kitchen tiles (mismatched leftovers), £200 in total, Marlborough Tiles. Bespoke shelves, £300 by David Bressington. Kitchen walls painted in Strong White, £49.95 per 2.5l; skirting boards painted in Cornforth white, £49.95 per 2.5l, both Farrow & Ball. Kitchen table: for similar, try Farmhouse dining table, from £355, Made in the Cellar. Kitchen chairs: for similar, try Windsor Fern dining chair in natural, £89 each, Cult Furniture. Yellow chair: for similar, try French…

Add a tropical touch with a palm lamp, like Kirstie’s. Exotic Leaf Table Lamp, £55, Joe Browns. Patterned rugs are more forgiving where dust and spills are concerned, so are ideal in a kitchen setting. Antique Style Persian Rug in Old Green, £389, Cuckooland. Make a style statement with a geometric mirror. Large gold wall mirror, £16.99, TK Maxx. Spruce up your sofa with exotic animal print cushion covers. Tiger cushion, £20, House by John Lewis. Recreate Kirstie’s glam jungle look with dark and metallic palm print wallpaper. Tropical Palm Tree pattern wallpaper, £15.99 per roll, Cult Furniture.…

This light fitting has a similar look to the ones Shane makes. Quinn Pipe Bar 5 Bulb Diner Pendant Light, £80, Matalan. Soften the look in any high-traffic room with a Persian rug. Dutchbone Bid Antique Style Persian Rug in Old Red, £279, Cuckooland. Wicker and rattan baskets stand out beautifully against dark walls. Black chevron woven basket, £14.99, M&Co Faux plants are maintenance free and always look good. Trailing House Faux Plant, £8, Argos Home Nothing says country kitchen better than a classic cast-iron casserole dish. Cast-iron casserole dish, £35, Sainsbury’s Home…

Make a statement in your kitchen with attention-grabbing appliances. Smeg baby blue fridge, £899, AO.com Paint a feature wall with this subtle yet warming colour. Lilac Spring 5 egg shell, £29.16 for 2.5 litres, Dulux Create the impression of movement with alternating geometric patterns. Alter wallpaper, £30, Limelace Add an extra dimension to art displays by mixing in ceramic collectibles. Ceramic heart, from £4, Daisy Park Simple, understated and chic – a metal-framed bed matches almost any look. New York metal double bed, £199, Cuckooland Turn decanted food into display items. Elements glass storage jars, from £7, Dunelm…

Concrete and rainbow colours aren’t two things you’d usually think to combine. But that’s exactly what Studio Emma did, and the results are spectacular. Its range of bold vessels, homewares and art objects are all made from concrete and experiment with free-form patterns and unique textures. The Circle Clock, £50, painted in a beautiful blend of pink, orange and yellow, will brighten up a dull office wall, while the sage and lilac square planter, £40, would make a wonderful marbled home for a small houseplant or stationery. Move over ceramic, concrete is our new go-to for all-things homeware. Available to buy from Curious Makers, curiousmakers.co.uk. Find more of Studio Emma’s concrete housewares at curiousmakers.co.uk…

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. We apologise but photos cannot be returned. Courtesy of Sassy Shop Wax, this issue’s letter of the month will receive a selection of wax melt goodies worth £49. The three runners-up will each receive a selection of wax melt goodies worth £28.25. Find out more about Sassy Shop Wax products at sassyshopwax.com.…

THINGS WE CONSIDERED ● Was there a difference in taste? ● Did it fit easily in the fridge door? ● Was it good value for money? LIFESTRAW HOME WATER FILTER CARAFE JUG £54.99 LAKELAND This is definitely the best-looking water filter we’ve ever used – one you won’t want to keep hidden away in the fridge! The filter is designed to remove bacteria, parasites and microplastics, as well as to reduce chemicals and heavy metals. Although it was quite heavy to pour, the jug has a 1.7-litre capacity and the water tasted pure. ZEROWATER 12-CUP FILTER £39.99 ZEROWATER.CO.UK This jug’s large 2.8-litre capacity and practical design make it the perfect option for families. Although the water filters through relatively slowly, the five-stage filter system results…

While open-plan layouts are a must for many, Christine Leech, 45, was actually keen to add a wall when she moved into her two-bedroom Georgian terrace in South London. ‘The living room and hallway had been knocked into one, and walking straight from the street into the living room meant the space felt exposed and impersonal, not to mention draughty,’ says Christine. So, when it came to re-designing the room, her plan was to restore the original layout and inject some much-needed character. STEP ONE Luckily for Christine, several of the neighbouring houses still had their original ground-floor layouts and she was able to check out the dimensions before committing to the wall. ‘I also constructed a makeshift divide from dustsheets so I could live with the space for a…

Kensington Premium White window shutters, £189.99; French door shutters, £359.99, both Tuiss. HX306 Triple Column radiator, £623, Hudson Reed. Walls painted in Dove Tale and Skimming Stone estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5l, both Farrow & Ball. Suitcase chests, from £20; tall candlesticks, £20 each; yellow mohair throw, £20; grey and white cushions, £15 each; giraffe cushion, £15; faux fur throw, £40; butterfly dishes, £9.99 for a set of four, all TK Maxx. Second-hand leather sofa, £450; chair, £300; cowhide rug, £150; cage lights, £12 each, all eBay. Ammunition boxes, £15 each, car boot sale. Faux-fur cushions, £9.99 each; Live the Life picture, £20, both Dunelm. Chest beside sofa, £50, Gumtree. Multi photo frame, £30, Sass & Belle.…

RETREAT TO NATURE As leaves transform into an array of colours, the clocks go back, and wildlife begins to prepare for hibernation, autumn signals the time for change. So, as the glow of summer sets and we breeze towards a cooler climate, nature signals the need to cosy up your home for the new season. Retreat to Nature is a favourite theme at Your Home HQ ; it emphasises warm colours and comforting textures to create a calm haven in which you can hunker down for autumn. To capture the seasonal shift, bring in rich, intense hues such as sage, damson, berry, peacock blue, russet and ochre. Mirror the materials and textures found in enchanting forests and rugged British landscapes by blending these characteristic colours with wood, jute, wool and…

1. Use drawers with labels I use little labelled drawer units and try to keep all similar items grouped together in one place so I can easily see what I have at a glance. 2. Use simple jars and candleholders for thrifty storage I often pick up glass jars and pots in charity shops to store small items, such as buttons and pins. Trendy acrylic make-up storage caddies also make great thread holders. 3. Organise your stash by colour - it’s pretty and practical! I find that I am nearly always looking for something based on colour, so I have my supplies arranged that way. I keep my cotton fabrics in chest drawers, again sorted by colour for when I’m pulling fabrics for a project. 4. Create an inspirational pinboard…

Matt magic Are you bored of metallic finishes in your bathroom? Matt black might be the alternative you’re after. Matki’s new range of shower enclosures and bath screens offers a matt black coating that’s corrosion and scratch resistant. Industrial and modern, the velvety finish and dramatic colour add texture and depth to tiled bathrooms, and look sleek alongside natural woods and stone. The range also offers pleasing design-led features, such as soft return handles and hinge systems that allow for wide shower entrances. Beautiful investment pieces, prices start at £883.20 for a Matt Black Bathscreen and £1,584 for a Matt Black Illusion Hinged Shower Enclosure IR800. FLOWER POWER Incorporate eye-catching colours and lively patterns into your bathroom with textiles from the exclusive collaboration between John Lewis and design brand, Orla…

Functionality is just as important as style when creating a professional kitchen in your home, so before you begin planning your layout think about how you’ll use it. Do you often cook for groups of people and need a large preparation area? Or are you a keen baker who requires ample storage for your equipment? Professional kitchens are separated into dedicated preparation, cooking and washing areas so that different tasks can be tackled at the same time. When you consider your kitchen layout, make sure your fridge and hob are both within easy reach of your sink. It’s an old piece of advice which has lasted because it works – think of these areas as points on a triangle and ensure the distance between each isn’t too large but gives…

The bathroom might be one of the smallest spaces in the house, but it can also be one of the biggest investments, particularly when it comes to installing the essential fixtures and fittings. Will you go for the clean, minimalist lines of a modern bathroom or the elegant, timeless appeal of a classic suite – or perhaps even a little bit of each? The good news is, both looks will make for a bathroom you’ll love for years. Here, we’ve rounded up the ultimate in trendy and traditional taps, tiles and more for you to compare, contrast and covet. BATHS There’s nothing quite like a luxurious soak in the bath, whether it’s in an elegant roll-top or a minimalist tub that wouldn’t look out of place at a posh spa.…

PAINTED UTENSILS Get out the spray paints for these colour-block utensils SHOPPING LIST Pack of three wooden utensils Aerosol spray paint in candy blue, pink, white and bright yellow Masking tape Sandpaper Small paintbrushes 1 First, protect your work surface and the area you’re working in. Rub down the wooden utensils with sandpaper until they’re smooth, removing any rough wood. Starting at the tip of the handle, mark where you want the first painted section to end. Wrap tape tightly around this point to make a barrier for the paint and to achieve a clean edge. Paint with your preferred colour, leave to dry, apply a second coat. 2 When the paint is fully dry, remove the tape and repeat the process to create another band. As this is butting…

YOU WILL NEED * Hand saw * Wrecking bar * Hammer * Palm sander * Drill with drill bits * Holesaw bit * Stapler * 3 x pallets * Sandpaper in course, medium and fine grits * 1.5m length of 4 x 32mm steel chain * Rust-Oleum chalkboard spray paint or brush-on chalkboard paint * 1 x Rust-Oleum Metallic copper spray * Solar fairy lights in warm white or amber * 2 x Coach bolts * Screws * Eye hooks * Carabiners If you missed your trips to the pub garden as much as we did during lockdown, then you’ll love the idea of turning your outdoor space into your every own watering hole! This illuminated outdoor bar is a fun spot for you to enjoy the last of the…

A happy accident helped Kirstie and her partner David find their ideal home. Keen to relocate to a property that could be made accessible for their son, Oscar, who has cerebral palsy, the couple put their family home on the market in 2013 and it was snapped up almost immediately. But with such specific requirements, they struggled to find somewhere with enough space to create the home they wanted for Oscar and his younger brother, Teddy. They almost pulled out of the sale altogether. ‘Try not to overthink things too much. Go with what you like, it can always be changed later.’ ‘We really needed somewhere with a spacious garden that we could extend into, but nothing that we’d seen even came close,’ says Kirstie. The couple were so frustrated…

3 ways with… Aubergines ⚹ To make an aubergine parmigiana the easy way, preheat the oven to 200°C. Grill three sliced aubergines on both sides until lightly charred. In an ovenproof dish, layer up a 350g jar of tomato and basil sauce with the aubergine and a 125g ball of torn mozzarella. Top with some sauce, a sprinkling of Parmesan and 50g of breadcrumbs, then bake in the oven for 30 minutes until golden. ⚹ For a delectable dinner party dip, roast two halved aubergines at 200°C for about 35 minutes until tender throughout. Leave to cool then scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Add two crushed cloves of garlic, the juice of half a lemon, 2 tbsp tahini, 3 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp cumin and mix together…

If you haven’t pre-cooked the cutlets, then try this slightly different mix to make them even better… Marinate 4 skinless chicken cutlets in 1 tbsp of olive oil, 4 chopped garlic cloves, a pinch of salt and pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice and some Italian seasoning. Press the cutlets into 100g flour, then 2 whisked eggs and a mix of 125g panko breadcrumbs and 50g Parmesan. Fry as instructed in the base recipe (p99). If you haven’t pre-cooked the cutlets, follow these steps to add extra flavour… Slice 450g chicken breasts in half lengthways and place into a bowl. Season and coat in honey mustard dressing. Marinate for 15 minutes to 2 hours. Combine 120g panko breadcrumbs and 50g Parmesan in a bowl. Coat the marinated chicken in flour…

Ann-Veronica Scaramanga hadn’t given a thought to downsizing until her son David inadvertently found her future home. ‘He stumbled across this place while out walking his dog close to where he lives,’ she explains. ‘He stopped for a drink at the on-site Greenhouse restaurant, discovered that it was part of a newly built retirement village and thought it would suit me down to the ground.’ At the time Ann-Veronica didn’t feel ready to move, but after suffering a bad winter and realising her present home needed a lot of work, she decided to take the plunge. ‘What impressed me most was the amount of space both inside and out at Wadswick Green,’ she says. ‘Space is really important to me. I’ve been to other places like this and found them…

Monday Grilled lamb rogan josh with chickpea salad and minted yoghurt Prep and cook time 25 MINS Serves 4 Ingredients ⚹ 225g rogan josh sauce ⚹ 4 lamb steaks ⚹ 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed ⚹ 100g watercress, large stalks removed ⚹ 4 spring onions, thinly sliced ⚹ 1 tbsp olive oil ⚹ 2 tsp red wine vinegar ⚹ 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted ⚹ 150g Greek-style natural yoghurt ⚹ 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped ⚹ 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds Method 1 Brush half of the rogan josh sauce over the lamb. Cook it under a pre-heated grill, turning once or twice, then baste with the remaining sauce until nicely browned but still a little pink in the centre. Transfer to a warm plate and leave to rest…

GREEN FINGERS Give your plants a happy home with these sustainable crochet hangers. Each one has been handmade in the UK using recycled cotton and you can purchase your favourite design for only £18 from wearthlondon.com. The holders are suitable for a range of low-maintenance plants such as trailers and cactus, plus they come in five gorgeous colourways including cream mixed with grey, blush, sand, dusky pink and jeans blue. Sleep easy A good night’s rest in a cosy bed is a treat for both your body and your mind. Now you can sleep even more soundly by snuggling up in bedding that has a positive effect on the environment, with the help of Silentnight’s Eco Comfort collection. The range includes mattresses, duvets and pillows that are all made from…