Innehållsförteckning för January 2021 från Your Home

After we’ve taken down the fairy lights, wrapped up the baubles and popped the decorations back in the loft, our homes can tend to feel a bit flat, but we’ve all the ideas you need to make your place as uplifting as ever this January. First of all, start with a good declutter – the eco-friendly way – to give yourself a blank canvas to work from (p11). Then turn to page 36 for clever décor tricks that will brighten your home. If one of the things you love about decking the halls is how charming and cosy the place feels, then try out the tips in 8 ways to add character to your home on page 124 – with some savvy DIY and a few well-chosen additions, even a…

How to… start the year with an eco-friendly clear out Once the decorations come down, it often feels like a good time to clear the clutter – after all, a new year deserves a fresh start. But how to detox your home without affecting the environment? Follow these top tips to make your clear out as green as possible… Charity shops are the perfect solution for unwanted clothes, books, furniture and home accessories. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people to continue to donate to its 730 shops across the UK. As long as the item is in good condition and one that you think someone would want to buy, the BHF would love to receive it. If you don’t feel comfortable enough heading to your local high street just…

We all want to keep our homes and what’s inside them as safe as possible. With a combination of common sense and a few additional measures, you should be able to rest assured that you’ve done everything you can. You can splash out on high-spec security systems but there are also much cheaper ways of keeping unwanted guests at bay. Here’s how… EXTRA MEASURES As well as all the basics, there are lots of things you can do to boost your home security: • Fit deadlocks or multiple locks on doors.• Get a security chain for the front door.• Install outdoor security lighting and lay crunchy gravel on paths and driveways around your property, which makes a noise when tread on.• A camera or camera doorbell will help deter thieves.•…

The hallway and landing in this 1930s, four-bedroom, semi-detached home in Hampton, Middlesex, had long been on Alison Horn’s to-do list. ‘It was the last space in the house to be decorated and it just didn’t fit in with the rest of the rooms, which was frustrating, but there was a good reason for waiting.’ Alison, an art teacher, and her husband, Erik, an import/export manager, bought the house 18 years ago, just before their children, Eleanor, 17, Amelia, 14, and Edward, ten, came along, knowing there was an awful lot to do. They did what all builders advise, working their way down the house from top to bottom, renovating every room in turn and saving up for a project every few years, starting with the loft conversion. ‘The one…

Reflect where you live by buying cushions and accessories that tie in. Sabrina and David love watching the birds in their garden and see pheasants roaming around outside in the fields. It can be easy for hallway surfaces to end up cluttered with bits and bobs, so choose storage with lots of cupboard and drawer space to keep the top free for decorative pieces. If you can’t find the shade and style of soft furnishings you like, think about changing them yourself. Sabrina bought a length of white lace curtain and dyed it a warmer cream by immersing it in a tea solution for a vintage feel.…

SHOPPING LIST Walls painted in Oval Room Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 per 2.5L; Woodwork painted in Wimborne White and Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 per 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Lockeridge Flint wool carpet from the Avebury collection, £44.99 per sq m, Cormar Carpets. Chest of drawers, £250; Chair, £200; Charcoal grey lampshade, £10; Metal folding table, £10, all Graham & Green. Mirror, £60 (on sale), Oliver Bonas. White bookshelf wallpaper, £72 per sheet, Mineheart. Caprice bronze chandelier, £99.95, Daisy West. Star glass, £95, Middlesex Glass. Essential Oatmeal blind with thermal lining, £80, Tuiss. Traditional column radiator, £190, Radiating Style. Love letters, £12 for four, Squires Garden Centre. Butterfly cushion, £7, Asda. Blue tealights, £6 each, Homebase. Ceramic tealights, £4 each, Attic. Grey vase, £15, Marks & Spencer.…

There are lots of well-known interior design tricks for making small spaces look larger – from huge mirrors on the walls to using paints and wallpaper to create optical illusions. Then there is lighting; a simple addition with game-changing effects. Use downlights in your kitchen or hallway to highlight dark corners and open up small spaces. By installing downlights, you can draw attention to feature elements that may be hidden in the shadows of overhanging cabinets or other kitchen appliances, plus they will open up a space and make it feel much larger and brighter. There are also clever ways to include LED strips along the top of walls or underneath overhead cabinets, which will throw light onto your ceiling or walls – this will reduce shadows and make the…

The magic of marble For a neutral, timeless look, marble is the material to go for. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the real deal, though, there are plenty of marble-effect finishes available for your bathroom. The Perla Marble furniture range by Bathrooms to Love will transform your bathroom into a soothing, spa-like fantasy. The wall-hung cabinets feature handleless, push-to-open drawers for that luxe, modern feel, enhanced by sleek silver hardware. Thanks to the minimalist colour scheme, you can be as bold or understated as you like with your tile choice. For a subtle statement inspired by nature, choose a contrasting tile in an earthy shade such as Forest Green. To make life that little bit easier, opt for the integrated lighting and motion sensor – it’ll automatically switch…

A move to South Croydon marked the start of Dace and Jurgis’ new life in the UK – they’re from Latvia and have lived in Canada, Singapore and the USA. The couple found a house they liked in 2015, which needed redecorating from top to bottom. The kitchen was the hardest challenge, with the original coal room at the back taking up valuable space. Dace’s goal was to make the kitchen as big and open as possible. ‘We’d enjoyed open-plan living in the USA but we couldn’t extend here because of the sloping garden,’ she says. ‘We decided to take down the wall to open the kitchen to the lounge, and get rid of the coal room. However, we later discovered we had to keep the disused chimney for structural…

If you love the idea of soaking or showering in an indulgent, top-end bathroom but don’t have the budget to match, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to transform your existing scheme into a sumptuous sanctuary without breaking the bank. From replacing tired accessories and refreshing the décor to rethinking your storage or giving the room a complete overhaul, with these brilliant buys, easy updates and clever cheats you can create a luxurious look for minimal outlay. SPA STYLE ‘With luxury, less is quite often so much more – choose a simple aesthetic to lower the cost of decorating and create a modern minimalist feel. Buying fewer items means you can concentrate on higher quality bathroom pieces. Co-ordination and planning are key, plus they’re free!’ Susan…

We love the look of sleek marble combined with minimalist wood and pastel shades – but real marble décor can be expensive to buy. So, we made use of a clever paint technique to create our own instead, for a fraction of the price. YOU WILL NEED * Wooden plate, tray or board * Pencil * Ruler * Gimlet tool * Electric drill * Clean cloth * Sandpaper (optional) * Frogtape * Rust-Oleum All Surface Paint in White and Rose * Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Furniture Paint in Anthracite * Paintbrushes * Feather * Kitchen roll * Leather strap or an old belt * Nuts and bolts * DIY clock mechanism kit * Screwdriver 1 Begin by finding and marking the centre of the wooden plate with a pencil and ruler.…

Q My dishwasher has had a lot of use over the past couple of months and now it doesn’t seem to be getting the dishes as sparkling clean as it used to. Do you have any tips on how to keep it working at its best? Katie Nugent, Staffordshire A Lauren Clark, Large Appliance Expert at AO.com, says… Dishwasher salt is what makes your pots sparkle as it prevents limescale buildup in the appliance. The salt compartment is on the base of the unit – we’d recommend checking your manual for salt measurements before adding it to the dishwasher. Make sure you use rinse aid as it will help with drying and ensuring there’s no water left behind on the dishes, especially in hard water areas. The rinse aid compartment…

WE ARE Lynn Ferrari, 32, a creative director for an American publishing company, her husband, Dan, their daughter, Farrah, aged eight months, and dog, Otis. OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom semidetached property from the 1950s in Waterford, Ireland. We bought it in May 2018 and moved in five months later. MY TOP TIP IS When painting a room, be conscious of whether it is north- or south-facing as it will affect the tone of the paint. For example, if you’re painting a north-facing room grey, you’ll need to go for a hue with red undertones to balance it out.…

WE ARE Sabrina McIntosh, a maths teacher, 33, her boyfriend, Ben Watson, a computer programmer, 35, and their cat, Jerry. OUR HOME Is a two-bedroom terraced house built in 1901 in north Birmingham. MY TOP TIP Is to try your hand at upcyling. Charity shops are full of inexpensive furniture. I share my projects on Instagram at @hours of devizes. I LOVE SHOPPING AT H&M Home, and Dunelm is always a winner. I‘m a huge fan of British Heart Foundation charity shops for bargain finds, too. MY BEST IDEA WAS To upcycle a sideboard into a mini bar, and create tables out of drawers.…

OUR HOME IS A three-bed 1930s terrace in Didcot, Oxfordshire. We have lived here since May 2016. WE ARE: Ruth van den Broek, 31, my husband, David, 30, and Elsa, our English Cocker Spaniel. MY TOP TIP IS To decorate at a pace that suits you. You might be a person who needs to do things slowly, or you might prefer to get everything done at once. Either way, go at your own speed – you’ll be much happier and calmer that way! FOR STYLE INSPIRATION I get a lot of ideas from Instagram, but nothing compares to flicking through home interiors magazines.…

Smoky bean stew PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ Olive oil, for frying ✔ 3 shallots, finely chopped ✔ 1 jalapeño chilli, finely chopped ✔ 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ✔ 1 x 400g tin aduki beans, rinsed and drained ✔ 1 x 198g tin sweetcorn, drained ✔ 1 tsp chilli paste ✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika ✔ 1 tbsp garlic purée ✔ Pinch of black pepper ✔ 300g passata ✔ Juice of ½ lemon or lime To serve ✔ 1 avocado ✔ 4 tbsp plant-based yogurt ✔ 2 handfuls spinach leaves ✔ Small bunch of coriander DIRECTIONS ■ Heat some olive oil in a pan, then add the shallots, chilli and garlic and cook over a medium heat until softened. ■…

‘I love listed houses. Wood panelling often takes centre stage in these properties, but for those that might have inherited lacklustre woodwork apply a water-based, natural eggshell paint to transform them without damaging the wood. Paint skirtings, doors, architraves, door and window frames to get a uniform look that isn’t overpowering. Rich colours have historic appeal or, for a neutral look, off-whites and greys will still have a transformative effect.’ Linda Barker, interior designer and TV presenter…

Listening to tinny Spotify music through your phone’s speaker just isn’t the same as hearing your favourite tunes played through a top-quality system. But before you splash the cash on a high-end model, allow us to enlighten you on what to look out for when buying star-rated, budget-friendly speakers. Start by considering how much space you have for a hi-fi system. If you have plenty of room to play with then a stack of speakers might be the way to go, or a surround-sound home-cinema system could be worthwhile, especially if you want to hook it up to the TV for a movie-theatre experience at home. If you’re limited on space, then a one-box audio unit, like a bookshelf speaker or a high-quality soundbar, is a more feasible option. To…

BLANKET STATEMENT Continue the cosiness into the new year and beyond with these Scandinavian 100 per cent lambswool blankets from Lisa Comfort Home. Sourced from a Swedish, family-run business which uses fleece from New Zealand sheep, there are no synthetic nasties in these completely natural blankets. To introduce a splash of colour to a neutral living room, drape one of these over an armchair or, for an extra layer of warmth, spread across the end of your bed. Available in a range of colours including aqua, blush and mustard, these blankets are sure to put a smile on your face throughout the winter months. Priced at £50, lisacomforthome.com. Instagram inspiration If you’re looking to create a rainbow-coloured home filled with pretty patterns and oh-so fabulous shelfies, follow@ambershomestyle. Inspired by 1960s…

THINGS WE CONSIDERED • Did it keep the liquid warm?• Was it leakproof?• Was it easy to hold and use? VACUUM BOTTLE 0.5L, £22.95 , PRIMUS This medium-sized bottle comes in an array of pretty colours so there’s one for every member of the family. Its powder coated outer surface gives it good grip and it also offers a nifty click-close stopper for easy sipping. The lid doubles up as a cup and, although small, it’s a great size for short pit stops during leisurely walks. The double-wall design ensures that liquid stayed nicely warm throughout the day. FOOD FLASK, £29.95 , BLACK + BLUM This sustainable flask is small but handy if you’re often on the go. It lacks a cup but the lovely addition of a…

Mini trend: Pampas grass We don’t know if you’ve noticed but pampas grass is everywhere at the moment – and there’s a good reason for it. This wheat-like plant is popular because its neutral colour complements numerous interior schemes, plus it’s a simple way to bring texture, warmth and a stylish statement to your home. Go bold with a tall floor vase and long stems or create a subtler nod to the trend with a pampas grass print instead. Eco living Primark is proving that sustainable homeware doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The store has expanded its eco-friendly collection with a number of pieces that have been made from recycled materials, including the likes of plastic bottles, nylon and cotton. These eco-conscious products range from woven…

SHOPPING LIST Bell twist carpet in Smoke, £39.99 per sq m, Brintons. Church pew, £100, eBay. Cushion foam, £20, B&M Latex Sales. Dandelion Clocks fabric, £49 per m, Sanderson. Radiator cabinet RO25, £152.47, Jali. Painted in Trumpet intelligent eggshell, £32 per 1L, Little Greene. Walls painted in Hardwick White and James White modern emulsion, £49.95 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Picture frames, £5 each, Paperchase. Painted in Trumpet and Mischief tester pots, £4.75 each, Little Greene. Lampshade, £15; blue hall runner, £28, both Sainsbury’s. Mirror, £18, Attic. Grey cushion, £25, John Lewis & Partners. Cloakroom basin, taps and toilet, £305, Hampton Bathrooms. Brick tiles in Cream, £25 per m, Eurotiles & Stone. Vase, £20, Sunbury Antiques Market, Kempton Park.…

SHOPPING LIST Moiety floor tiles, £25.95 per sq m, Walls & Floors. Cabinet, £80, Newark Collectors Fair. Cabinet painted in Autumn Beech satinwood, £24.99 per 2.5L, Valspar. Bench, £65, Screwfix. Bench painted in Green Orchid, £20 per 2.5L, Cuprinol at B&Q. Sofa, £139.97, Furniture 123. Artemis Black wallpaper, £125 per roll, House of Hackney. Front door painted in Smoked Lox exterior wood and metal, £15.99 per litre, Valspar. Interior doors painted in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Boarding painted in Pure Brilliant White satinwood, £24 per 2.5L, Dulux. Wall lights, £90 for two; lace curtain, £30 for 2m; small key box, £14, all eBay. Curtain pole, £60; Nellie hook, £18, both Anthropologie. Art Nouveau round dolly light switch, £109, Broughtons. Stool, £22, antiques market. Flowered…

Are you in need of a way to avoid the January blues? Start by brightening up the dark spaces in your home with our fool-proof tricks. While knocking down walls or installing windows will let more light in, they’re – thankfully – not the only options when it comes to enlivening your space. From glossy paint to colourful accessories, we give you our no-renovation-needed advice on how to welcome more light into your home. 1. Bring in metallics Shimmery silver and gold accessories will transform your room from a dark lair into a shining space. Metallic mirrors, light fittings and decorative pieces will reflect light around the room, which will make the area feel bigger, brighter and more luxurious. 2. Create contrasts  A low-lit room can feature a couple of…

• A new sofa should be seen as an investment, as it will likely be used every day. Avoid impulse buying based purely on sales and promotions – a sofa should be a considered purchase. • Don’t compromise on craftsmanship and materials – choosing durable, hard-wearing fabrics that will withstand everyday wear and tear will increase your sofa’s longevity. • A sofa should be a purchase you will love for years to come, so consider shapes, colours and patterns carefully to ensure you opt for a style that will work not only with your current scheme, but will also transfer seamlessly to a new look. If in doubt, opt for a neutral design where you can add patterns, colours and textures as and when trends change.…

When planning a new kitchen, one of the first things to think about is the cabinets. Do you like the classic look of a Shaker style or a modern, high-gloss, handleless design? Or do you want to go dark and dramatic, add a pop of bright colour or bring the natural beauty of wood into the room? There are so many options in terms of style, material and colour, not to mention the handles, the internal storage solutions and statement features. So, we’ve given you a head start with our handy guide on how to create different looks.…

Begin the new year with a fresh batch of crafty projects to get stuck into. Start off by making a set of photo holders ready to display all your favourite snaps, then try your hand at sewing a trio of storage hampers. Next, give an old wooden tray a creative update by transforming it into a clock, and finally, save £££ on your next tiling project with our floor stencil tutorial.…

Pep up light fixtures with velvet, tasselled shades Spruce up surfaces with glam, gold candle holders, like Lynn has Add a rustic edge with quirky faux animal skull ornaments Metallic tones can make a kitchen appear more elegant and high-end Wall art adds charisma and helps to define the room’s personality Open-framed coffee tables help to increase the feeling of space…

Fill your walls with botanical art like this cool zebra print Mix and match patterned vases for an eclectic shelf display Go for a tonal look in your bedroom in sunset hues with this cosy throw Put your feet up on this velvet footstool in a botanical print Nesting tables are a handy addition to any living room. Pop a plant on top to copy Sabrina’s styling Keep clutter at bay with a set of woven pink baskets…

Metro tiles are versatile and budget-friendly Add extra texture with pastel accessories Simple, modern light fixtures make a scheme look more sleek Pep up plain walls with abstract art prints, like Ruth’s Ruth’s wooden dining table has plenty of character Velvet will add an elegant air to your scheme…

Elderflower pressé YOU WILL NEED ✔ 50ml Everleaf ✔ 30ml elderflower cordial ✔ 20ml fresh lemon soda ✔ Soda ✔ Lemon zest ✔ Thyme sprig, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Add the Everleaf, cordial and lemon soda to a highball glass. ■ Add ice cubes and stir, then top with soda. ■ Garnish with lemon zest and a long thyme sprig. Recipe and image courtesy of@shaman.coffee, shaman-coffee.com Pomegranate and blackberry nojito YOU WILL NEED ✔ ½ lime, halved ✔ 4-5 mint leaves ✔ 4 blackberries ✔ 170ml pomegranate juice ✔ 80ml lemonade ✔ Fresh mint sprig, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Add the lime and mint to a tall glass and bash with the back of a spoon to release the flavours. Then, add the blackberries and top the glass up with…

Divisions, divisions If you’re set to work from home for the foreseeable future, creating a designated workspace is probably high on your agenda. B&Q’s new Alara range, a collection of modular dividers, allows you to segment your room into a multi-purpose space. Partition off a small section of the lounge to create a distraction-free zone for your home office, or alternatively split a shared bedroom into two personalised spaces for squabbling siblings. You’ll save on the cost of building a permanent wall and, as the dividers are easily removable, it’s a renter-friendly option. Whoever said you can’t find the right balance between work and play? The full range is available to shop at selected stores and online at diy.com. Prices start at £11.25 for a small panel. Eco-friendly fire The…

• Find out if a property is listed by visiting historicengland.org.uk. • Download relevant application forms for any major works at planningportal.gov.uk. • Look for professional trades with conservation accreditation at aabc-register. co.uk (Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation), rics.org/uk (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors), ihbc.org.uk (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) or istructe.org (The Institution of Structural Engineers). • Expert conservators can be found at conservationregister.com. • For help and advice from others in the same position, visit The Listed Property Owners Club at lpoc.co.uk.…

Whether you’re a smart-tech newbie or a hi-fi aficionado, you may not be clued up on all of the technical terms you come across when looking for a new speaker. Here are some tips to help. Hi-fi This stands for ‘high fidelity’, which is the term used to refer to a high-quality reproduction of sound. Bookshelf speakers Usually sold as a stereo pair or home-theatre package, they are a compact size and are intended to be placed on a raised surface, like a bookshelf or dresser. Subwoofer If you love the sound of hard-hitting bass, then a speaker with a subwoofer is the way to go. It’s a loudspeaker designed to reproduce dramatic, low-pitched audio frequencies known as bass and sub-bass. If you have a small bookshelf speaker that doesn’t…

A Abstract House 020 8099 9243 abstracthouse.com Addis 0800 515 300 addis.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon 0800 279 7234 amazon.co.uk And so to Shop andsotoshop.com Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 713 089 anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com/en-gb AO.com 0161 470 1200 ao.com Apollo Blinds apollo-blinds.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Attic 020 8943 9626 discoverattic.com B B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Baa Stool 01824 790882 baastool.co.uk Barista & Co. 01202 619500 baristaandco.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 8899 bathroomstolove.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Better Bathrooms 0871 244 0935 betterbathrooms.com Betsy Benn Designs 01242 255646 betsybenn.com Big Bathroom Shop bigbathroomshop.co.uk Black + Blum 020 7633 0022 black-blum.com Boh Home bohhome.co.uk Brett Martin 028 9084 9999 brettmartin.com…

1. ‘I love these stoneware pots as they always bring a smile to our customers’ faces. They’re also really versatile, and can be used as a cheery plant pot, or even a pen, teaspoon or utensil holder.’ Ferm Living Mus pot, from £19 2. ‘This is my very own first print product! It’s a line drawing of Edinburgh’s architectural skyline in collaboration with Studio Romuu and is based on my own photography.’ Edinburgh old town skyline print, £39 3. ‘I adore the new sculptural knot candles from Honey Flamingo in Korea – we’re one of the only stores to stock them in the UK.’ Knot candles, £42…

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE I’ve recently renovated my children’s bedroom and would like to share the finished look. I wanted a bold patterned wallpaper but was looking to avoid an accent wall as I never know what colour to paint the surrounding spaces. The paper I chose was too much for the whole room, so I paired it with panelling. I’m really happy with how the room’s turned out, and hope it helps someone else in a similar position. Katrina McGuigan, by email Your Home says Wow, Katrina! What a lovely room. The safari-themed wallpaper contrasted with the white panelling makes a real statement. New lease of life My 13-year-old daughter, Madaleine, and I love upcycling. She has her own social media page (managed by me) where she shares…

Moving into a period property in the Hertfordshire countryside after living in London was a big change for Sabrina Hannan and her husband, David Giles, and they were determined to do the house justice. ‘We’d been in a 1920s place before, with a much more modern feel, but that just wouldn’t have been right for this house as it’s 400 years old with beamed ceilings.’ Sabrina, a medical rep, and David, a photographer, moved into the house in the summer of 2019, but took their time getting the décor just right. ‘There’d been some renovating done in recent years, but it was all very plain and beige and not really our taste. We decided to go dark and dramatic in most of the rooms, and the hallway was no exception.’…

Since moving into their detached Edwardian home in Hampton, southwest London, 12 years ago, Debs Cutting and her husband, David, have been on a mission to renovate. ‘We’ve done a major kitchen extension to turn it into a kitchen-diner with space for relaxing, and we’ve done up our living room as well. We put folding doors in between the two rooms to separate them, or they can be opened up to make one big party room. We’ve also put a wet room in under the stairs, turned the garage into a home office and redecorated the bedrooms.’ Debs, a finance director, and David, an airline load controller, realised the dated hallway and stairs was letting the house down, and even their son, Ross, 21, and daughter, Ali, 16, noticed. ‘We…

Although there has been a move towards bold colours, beige and neutral flooring remain at the heart of most homes. Using these tones in a small, dark room can help make the most of its natural light, ensuring the room feels airy and spacious while also adding elegance and sophistication. You should keep the overall look of your space simple with a considered blend of soft shades alongside a few pops of colour. The natural brightness offered by a white scheme can also help to evoke a sense of calm, which will last throughout the year. To achieve this effortlessly cool look, start with a plain base on walls and floors, then layer textures and shapes to add interest and warmth. David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright…

COTTON This natural fibre is soft and breathable, but it can be a little more expensive than other options. To keep it looking fresh, make sure you opt for removable cushion covers so you can wash them. WOOL Another natural material, wool usually comes in a broad range of colours and patterns and, due to its pile, will add cosiness to your living room. You may find that it’s sometimes blended with synthetic fabrics, but it will look just as good as the real deal for a fraction of the price. LINEN More durable than cotton, linen is a better choice in homes with children and pets. This material will give your sofa a lived-in look with creases that will soften over time, plus it’s breathable, so you won’t struggle…

‘Choosing contrasting colours that have a natural synergy with one another works really well. Whether it’s a contrast between both colours and styles, try to embrace the nuances in natural, tactile and textural elements.’ Mark Mills, Managing Director at Mereway ‘Wood is a beautiful option, as it’s tactile and strong. Each piece is different, so it seems to have a character that always makes a room feel more honest.’ Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL ‘Minimalist designs excel in compact spaces, as they have a sleek, unfussy profile. That said, they can look outstanding in open-plan spaces, especially when combined with a striking metallic profile.’ Darren Watts, Showroom Development and Design Director at Wren ‘Colourful gloss cabinets are a very contemporary style statement. Handleless doors ensure an ultra-sleek finish while…

Santini kitchen cabinets in Anthracite (22 units), £4,100; Cooke & Lewis Galvani Black Composite Quartz 1.5 bowl sink and drainer, £198; Cooke & Lewis Ithaca Black kitchen twin lever mixer tap, £150; GoodHome Annatto copper-effect steel bar cabinet handle (L) 220mm, £8 for two, all B&Q. Prime Oak worktop 40mm thick, £1,024, Worktop Express. Hotpoint FFU4D.1X_SS fridge freezer, £569, AO.com. Bosch HBF113BR0B Serie 2 built-in electric single oven is similar, £299; Bosch HMT75M451 microwave is similar, £129; Bosch PKE611D17E ceramic hob black, £319; Hotpoint HFC3C32FWUK 14-place extra efficient freestanding dishwasher is similar, £359; ElectriQ 60cm sloping black glass chimney cooker hood is similar, £80, all Appliances Direct. Moroccan Mix Hex floor tiles, £35 per sq m, The Porcelain Superstore. Brick slips, £40 per sq m, eBay. Clear 660x1050mm 4mm-thick glass…

HEART HANGER We love how easy this hanger is to make! SHOPPING LIST 30cm x 6mm dowel rod Acrylic or emulsion paint Paintbrush Pencil 2m waxed cotton cord Coloured paper (including one glitter/metallic) White card Scissors Strong clear craft glue Glue stick Sticky tape Three 2p coins Mini pegs 1 Paint the dowel rod in your chosen colour to match your scheme. Leave to dry. Using a pencil, lightly mark three points along the dowel at 3cm, 15cm and 27cm. 2 Tie a 50cm length of cord around each point on the dowel rod in a double knot. Secure each knot in position with a small amount of glue. Tie a knot at the end of each of the cords – this will help to secure the cord to the…

If you’re looking for a quick, easy and cost-effective way to spruce up your kitchen, hallway or bathroom floor, then stencilling might just be the answer. You can use this technique on wooden and concrete floors – as long as they are properly prepped then it doesn’t matter if they have old paint and varnish on them. And with a different paint, and a stencil of the right size, you can also work this magic on old plain tiles to transform your walls! Whether you choose a timeless sophisticated pattern or something more fun, you can accomplish this entire project in a weekend. YOU WILL NEED * Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Floor Paint (two colours) * Small foam roller and tray * Large roller and tray * Paintbrush * Sander *…

Lynn Ferrari first set eyes on this house during a routine online search for dream properties that, realistically, she didn’t expect to be buying anytime soon. Comfortably renting with her husband, Dan, the couple had plans of home-ownership in the future, but weren’t actively looking to make the leap just yet. ‘Dan and I hadn’t planned on buying a property when I came across this house,’ Lynn says. ‘However, it offered everything we wanted from our first home. It was in a location we loved, had a lot of character and looked to be a bit of a renovation project, which interested us both.’ Situated on a quiet road within walking distance of Waterford city and boasting a big back garden, this unexpected find checked too many boxes for Lynn…

3 ways with... Leeks Enjoy the trusty leek with these subtly sweet winter dishes * For a cheesy leek and bacon pasta, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan with 250g leeks and 2 tbsp water. Cook for 10 minutes until soft, then add 6 chopped rashers of bacon and fry until cooked. Meanwhile, cook 300g pasta according to packet instructions, drain and reserve a mug of cooking water. Spoon 75g herb and garlic soft cheese into the leek mix along with the reserved water. Toss through the cooked pasta and season. * To make a vegetarian leek and goat’s cheese tart, cook 2 sliced leeks in 1 tbsp butter until soft. Stir through 2 tbsp chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Set aside. Unroll a…

Whether you’re lucky enough to already live in a listed property or you dream of finding your perfect protected pad, listed buildings aren’t straightforward when it comes to decorating and DIY. Many buyers long for a listed home as they look so attractive with their original features such as wooden beams, open fireplaces and stone mullion windows – it’s easy to see why so many of us fall in love at first sight. Every listed property is also unique, which appeals to those who don’t want an identikit new-build design. However, in order to bag a bargain, it may be that you have to take on a bit of a project. In which case, you need to know the dos and don’ts of renovating and restoring a listed property to…

The Grade II-listed Greystead Old Church was very familiar to Anne Munroe, as she grew up in the old rectory next door. It was also where she married Bill in 1987 and, just over a decade later when the church had been closed and deconsecrated, the couple decided to buy it. ‘It went for a relatively small amount due to a number of restrictive covenants placed on it by the Church of England,’ recalls Anne, ‘it could only be used for storage rather than be converted into a home.’ After several years of negotiations, some of these covenants were lifted and the couple were able to convert the church into a holiday let. ‘We live in a national park where the rules relating to redundant buildings meant the conversion was…

There are plenty of perks to living in a newer property – they’re more energy efficient, have fewer maintenance issues and you can reap the benefits of brand spanking new fixtures and fittings. However, if you long for the grandeur of a Georgian townhouse or Victorian terrace, or have your eye on a chocolate-box thatched cottage, a characterless home just won’t cut the mustard. Here, we suggest simple ways to introduce heritage style into your home; whether you’re looking for budget-friendly DIY or larger-scale renovations. 1 PRETTY PANELS Wooden wall panelling is an easy way to bring character to a space, and it can often elongate a room and make a low ceiling feel lofty. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable! Though it’s easy enough to attempt panelling yourself with a few…