Innehållsförteckning för May 2023 från Your Home

EDITOR'S LETTER With three bank holidays to look forward to this month, we can't help but get excited about all the extra time we have for DIY projects and décor updates! We've packed this issue with hundreds of ways to transform your home in the days off, but if you won't get to take advantage of the holidays then don't worry – we've plenty of quick-fix tricks too. For DIY inspiration, start on page 40, where we round up time-savvy projects that take an afternoon, a regular weekend, and some that need the full three days. Or, if a shopping trip is on the cards, don't miss our edit of what's hot in stores (p8) and, before you head to a flea or vintage market, read our tips for buying…

TROPICAL PARADISE B&M's spring/summer 2023 Eden Life collection is bursting with greenery and nature-inspired ornaments to adorn your home. Its plant sprayers are stylish enough to display – so you'll actually remember to spritz those houseplants. If you aren't blessed with green fingers, fake it ’til you make it with some faux options.…

Sitting comfortably I picked up two chair frames from an auction centre, convinced I could do something with them. I made back supports (as they were missing) and padded them. After sourcing some fabric and matching paint, the results are really comfortable. Sarah Oakley, Nottinghamshire Beth, Deputy Art Editor, says: Great job, Sarah – we love an upcycle, and this chair looks as good as new! Brilliant bathroom In our bathroom I only had a small space for a towel holder, so I decided to make my own from an old table. My husband put some wood at the back to make a ladder and I painted it grey. I absolutely love it and it fits perfectly in the space! Margaret Chamberlain, Leicestershire Nina, Section Editor, says: This is such…

Slumberdown Memory Plus firmer pillow, £19 Surprisingly soft and lightweight despite its firmness, this pillow is a good option for those who want to try the support of memory foam without it feeling too heavy. Its small size allows it to fit easily into a regular-sized pillowcase without straining the seams (ideal for picture-perfect set-ups). It's comfortable, but doesn't feel too dissimilar to a regular pillow, and isn't quite as springy as we would have liked. 7/10 Coolmax Contour extra-firm memory foam pillow, £39.50, Marks & Spencer Thanks to its three-height, contoured design, this pillow is ideal for side, back and front sleepers, so is a great option if you like to change your sleeping position during the night. Although described as ‘extra firm’, it feels more ‘medium-soft’, with a…

STEP INSIDE… BEFORE WHO LIVES HERE? Antonia Richards (@all_things_interior_), 39, an occupational therapist, my husband, Carl Curtis, 39, a physiotherapist, and our two children, Isaac, 17, and Georgia, 12. Our home is a 1950s, threebedroom, detached house in Heald Green, Greater Manchester, and we bought it in August 2021. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We knocked through two rooms for more space, and added a large shower and compact bath. WHY THE CHANGE? The toilet was in a separate room, and the shower was above the bath, whereas we wanted a separate shower. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? After the wall was knocked down the work took two weeks, as the room was taken back to brick and rebuilt. TOTAL COST £3,237 After a long property search, Antonia Richards and her husband…

KITCHEN IDEAS Whether you're planning a complete kitchen re-fit or just want to accessorise your existing space in a new way, take inspiration from the French with their easy, yet elegant, style. Imagine a breakfast of fresh croissants in your own café-style kitchen, complete with a cosy bistro table. Or a relaxed meal with friends, perched on chic bar stools around a softly lit island. Glossy tiles, copper accessories and glass globe lights will all add a touch of Parisian elegance, while rustic accessories like linen tea towels and enamelware keep the look down to earth. There are lots of ways to get this style on a budget, too, from homemade curtains to stencilled tile flooring, so get creative and give your kitchen a little je ne sais quoi. YH…

Top tip Make a fun centrepiece or cake topper using extra pom poms. Insert a bamboo food skewer into the centre of each pom pom and arrange in a vase or pop into a cake for decoration PARTY GARLAND SHOPPING LIST Makes two 1.5m garlands ✓ crêpe paper streamer rolls in red, white, and blue ✓ 2 × 1.5m lengths of thin ribbon or string ✓ Aleene's Tacky Glue ✓ DK yarn in red, white and blue ✓ pom pom maker tool (or make your own from cardboard) ✓ scissors I Cut the crêpe paper streamers into lengths measuring 60-100cm. Starting 25cm from the end of the string/ribbon, take pieces of white streamer and fold them in half over the string. Secure the crêpe paper with a dab of glue.…

WE ARE Sharon Parnell, 54, a learning support assistant. I live with my husband, Daniel, 45, a car salesman, our youngest son, Oscar, 12, and our dog, Redmund. OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom new-build in Hayle, Cornwall, which we bought in July 2018 as the first owners. I share my renovation journey on Instagram @cornish_homebird. MY BEST BARGAIN I source most of my pictures, furniture and accessories from charity shops and car boot sales, where I hunt for unique pieces that complement my cottagcore style. MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE Trying to inject the period character I love into a brand-new house that has no history or unique features. WHAT I LEARNED That accessories and paint can be transformative, and that you can add charm and character to a new-build – you…

Julie and Allan bought their new-build home in 2014. ‘We were initially looking at flats in the city and period properties not far from here,’ says Julie, ‘but the newbuild offered so much more, including a good school nearby.’ The amount of space in a new-build was also a big plus for the couple. ‘I worked as a knitwear designer at the time, so needed a studio space, and since lockdown Allan has been working from home, so it was definitely the right decision to move here.’ One plus for buying a new-build was the fact they could part-exchange their old property but, on the downside, Julie and Allan were too late to specify the kitchen and bathroom fixtures and fittings. ‘This was very disappointing,’ Julie recalls. ‘The house was…

CUT OUT & KEEP! South Indian-style potato curry ■ PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes ■ COOKING TIME 40 minutes ■ SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✓ 2 tbsp vegetable oil ✓ 1 onion, thinly sliced ✓ 3cm piece ginger, peeled and finely grated ✓ 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed ✓ 1-2 green chillies, finely chopped ✓ 2 tsp ground turmeric ✓ 2 tsp mustard seeds ✓ 2 tsp garam masala ✓ 1 tsp ground cumin ✓ 1 tsp ground coriander ✓ a few large tomatoes, roughly chopped ✓ 400ml coconut milk ✓ 1 tbsp white wine vinegar ✓ 1 tsp caster sugar ✓ salt and pepper ✓ 500g Cornish new potatoes, halved ✓ 200g green beans, trimmed and halved ✓ 350g prawns ✓ 200g spinach ✓ 1 lime, juiced DIRECTIONS…

There's nothing like heading out into your own back garden to make the most of the warm weather. Whether it's to have a spot of lunch, relax with a good book or catch up with family and friends, it's all the more appealing if you have a private space that can't be seen by the neighbours. Don't worry if your garden isn't quite the secluded retreat you'd like it to be, though, as there are plenty of tricks you can use to keep prying eyes out. Here's our guide to creating the perfect private outdoor space. 1 CREATE A LIVING SCREEN When you want something natural to act as a screen between you and your neighbours, consider planting tall plants and grasses in pots. As well as enhancing your privacy, a…

Stamp your own style on your garden by repurposing used tin cans into plant pot containers. Thoroughly wash the empty cans and sand away any sharp edges first, then make holes in the base for drainage. If you want to hang them, add holes on either side at the top to thread ribbon or string through. Paint the outside with colours and patterns that complement your garden furnishings. Add a layer of varnish when the paint is dry and fill them with colourful bedding plants, hardy succulents, a single strawberry plant or herbs.…

For sunshine shades and bold prints, check out Habitat's Global Artisan spring/summer 2023 collection. With pieces for dining, living and sleeping, you can transform your home into a bohemian-inspired retreat. Add burnt ochre and terracotta hues using soft textiles and pair with mid-toned wood and golden metallics.…

We're reading… The Handbook of Home Design: An Architect's Blueprint for Shaping Your Home Planning a reno? Whether it's big or small, we recommend picking up Laura Jane Clark's book. The architect guides you through the whole process, from drawing a flat plan and cracking common design problems to creating a moodboard. We're following… @my_littlewood_home Kate's new-build home is full of boho touches, plants and earthy tones. She says, ‘I like my space to transform from light and airy during the day, to warm and cosy in the evening, so there are plenty of candles and low lighting dotted about.’ Betty, her Cavapoo, is also a show-stealer! We're watching… Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr Alan is again joined by interiors guru Michelle Ogundehin for series four of the TV…

FIND OUT MORE… Visit yourhomestyle.uk to discover cleaning hacks, how-to guides and tried-and-tested reviews Buy it once Prevent potted fresh herbs from drying out with this self-watering pot set. Each herb pot features a a hydro felt-mat watering system, so the plant can absorb water whenever it's needed – simply pop each potted herb in its own white holder. Priced at £32 from A Place For Everything. YourHome HACK We love displaying blooms (see page 46 for lots of styling ideas), but glass vases can be tricky to keep clean and will quickly start to get murky. Luckily, we have a top tip to get them sparkling again! Simply add some warm water and some uncooked rice to the vase, then swirl it around to get any grime off. Pour…

SECOND-HAND shopping guide Learn how to spot red flags and avoid hidden costs when you're shopping for second-hand home décor, as well as where to find the best bargains… 1 THE PERFECT FIND Buying second-hand can save you money, but without a clear idea of what you need it could lead to frustration, as it's all too easy to end up with something that doesn't quite fit the space or your style. To avoid this, start by assessing what you want and create a list of must-haves, including maximum measurements, personal style and colour preferences, to guide your shopping. 2 SHOPPING IN PERSON Local market fairs, charity shops and car boot sales are treasure troves for second-hand bargains. Shopping in person givesiyou the best possible impression of the piece so…

After a long day, imagine returning home to a nourishing and rejuvenating space where you can escape the stresses of modern life – a nature-filled place you can relax and recharge in. While the full benefits of forest bathing (an ancient Japanese practice of spending time in woodland, to reap its therapeutic benefits, known as shinrin-yoku) can't be entirely reconstructed indoors, you can evoke the feeling of being outside through décor. Achieve a lush forest feel by incorporating lots of houseplants, wooden furniture and accessories in varying natural shades, with pops of sky blue and sunset hues to enhance the theme. Start your décor adventure trail at B&M and Habitat to find forestscaping essentials. £10 AND UNDER Get the look for less with these quick updates…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? Katy Boon, 36, an operations director, my husband Nick, 41, an account director, our cavapoo, Lola, and our British Blue cat, Teddy. I share our home on Instagram @awesomestower. OUR HOME IS a four-bedroom Victorian terrace in Walthamstow, which Nick bought in 2014, and I moved into in 2017. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We took the wall back to original brick and added a teardrop bath, Crittallstyle shower, and patterned tiles. WHY THE CHANGE? The water pressure was terrible, we had to step up into the shower, and the décor was dated and badly done. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? About five months because we stripped the old bathroom out ourselves. TOTAL COST £4,880 Katy and Nick's bathroom was a fairly big space, ‘probably converted…

SHOP LOCALLY. Support local florists and grocers by heading out to your nearest high street to get your flower fix. Not only will you avoid paying the delivery costs you get when you buy online, it also means you can pick out the best bunch. GRAB END-OF-DAY BARGAINS. Many florists and supermarkets will sell cut-price bouquets at the end of the day, so pop in after work to bag a bargain. While these may not last quite as long as fresher, fullprice ones, there are many ways to help keep them looking their best for longer – see Angela's tips on the previous page. BUY IN SEASON. Research which flowers are in season and look out for these when shopping for blooms, as these will generally be cheaper than out-of-season…

BATHROOM IDEAS Bathroom flooring needs to tick a lot of boxes. As well as enhancing the room's overall style, it has to be able to cope with humidity and withstand splashes, spills and puddles, all while being safe, hygienic and easy to clean. Always opt for a slip-resistant finish and think about who'll be using the space; for example, a floor in a family bathroom needs to be durable enough to take regular batterings by small children in its stride. From DIY options to vinyls, laminates and tiles, be inspired by these affordable, good-looking and functional flooring ideas… Before After ADVANCE PLANES ’Measure everything and use floorplans to avoid over- or under-spending on materials. And give yourself a budget with an extra 10 percent allowance to cover any issues that…

What better way to enjoy the sunny weather than to relax under a canopy of blooms? In under an hour, you can make a unique floral chandelier to display wherever you need a focal point or to complement existing dér. Cheer up indoor spaces such as the living room or kitchen, or add instant wow-factor by putting it on show near a swing chair or garden patio. SHOPPING LIST ✓ 5m of 1mm thick crafting wire ✓ wire cutter ✓ 31cm metal flower ring (square or circular) ✓ 4 or 5 small glass bottles (about 200ml volume), cleaned and dried ✓ silver keyring ✓flowers 1 Cut four lengths of wire, approximately 40cm each. If you are using a square ring, attach the wire lengths to the corners by wrapping 3cm…

See your home here! Have you just finished decorating your home? If so, we'd love to see your photos and, who knows, it may even be featured in a future issue. You can share them on Instagram using #YHlovemyhome and #YourHomemagazine PLUS IDEAS TO STEAL…

Dagmara and Artan Lenja were keen to find a renovation project they could really sink their teeth into. ‘We wanted somewhere with potential, which we could turn into the sort of family home we dreamed of,’ recalls Dagmara. ‘We'd started off in a one-bedroom flat and gradually worked our way up size-wise, renovating each property along the way. When the children came along, it was time to think bigger.’ Having lived mainly in the Catford area of south-east London, the couple were happy to stay local. ‘We like it around here because there are lots of green spaces, good schools, excellent transport links and a real sense of community,’ Dagmara says. ‘House prices here are better than in most areas of London, but anything already done up would have been…

WE ARE Julie and Allan McAleavy. I am a textile designer and Allan works in IT. We have two little boys, Arlo, six, and Axel, three. You can find me on Instagram @fromcity2suburb. OUR HOME IS a detached, new-build townhouse near Glasgow, built in 2014. MY BEST BARGAIN is the corner sofa in the garden. I had admired a similar one from MADE, but shopped around and discovered one from Studio for a frasson of the price. OUR BIGGEST MISTAKE was the tradesman we chose for the garage conversion. In hindsight, if we were ever to do this again, we would certainly take on board more references before choosing the right person for the job. NEXT TO DO The garden still needs a bit of work and I would like…

FOOD & DRINK Peanut pork noodles QUICK AND EASY YOU WILL NEED ✓ 250g dried medium egg noodles ✓ 2 tbsp sunflower oil ✓ 400g boneless pork loins, fat removed and cut into thin strips ✓ 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced ✓ 2 green peppers, deseeded and thinly sliced ✓ 150g baby sweetcorn, cut in half lengthways ✓ 50g roasted peanuts, finely chopped ✓ 4 spring onions, sliced into 1cm pieces For the peanut sauce ✓ 150g smooth peanut butter ✓ 6 tbsp soy sauce ✓ 2 limes, juiced ✓ 2 tbsp runny honey ✓ 100ml just-boiled water DIRECTIONS ■ Put the noodles into a large heatproof bowl and cover with just-boiled water from a kettle, stir, then set aside until softened. ■ Meanwhile, mix the peanut butter with…

@ thediyist.com thediyist @ thediyist How can I use wallpaper as a feature wall? Mad About the House founder, Kate Watson-Smyth, talks us through it… If you're worried thatftour wallpaper may feel fflrerwhelming around the whole room, you can choose to put it on a single wallas a feature. Statement walls have cmne in for bad press in recent years, but that's usually because not enough care has been taken to integrate the feature wall with the rest of the room. Papering a single wall and leaving the others white makes it look like the uninvited guest at the party – no-one is quite sure what it's doing there. Instead, you must invite this wall in, introduce it to the others and see what they have in common. Do this by…

Mustard Vintage ‘We love the process of transforming each piece and giving it a new lease of life It's incredibly rewarding!’ Gemma and Simon Jones mustardvintage.com; 07888 379027 NEXT MONTH Shop our savy! upcycling picks Albie & Pearl ‘With my background in fashion, colour and trends I curate joyful collections of vintage and antique tableware, lighting and art’ Marie Pontefract albieandpearl.com S&T Decorative Antiques ‘We have a focus on antique art and objects with a faded, rustic elegance’ Sam Hansard and Tamara Broido stdecorativeantiques.com…

Now that the days are getting longer (and warmer), it's the perfect time to clear out your shed and get it ready for all the time you'll be spending tending to the garden. Here's how… • Hopefully your shed isn't in too bad a condition but if it needs freshening up, soak a large sponge with warm water and washing up liquid to give it a clean. Do this on a dry, sunny day. • Check for any loose boards underfoot, or for any that are damp. Replace them as soon as possible as this sort of damage can quickly spread. • Test that the door hinges move freely and haven't seized up. If they're a bit stiff, apply some WD40. • Check the nails that hold down the roof…

CONSUMER NEWS Frequently asked questions… Why is greenwashing harmful? Greenwashing can be misleading and deceitful for you as a consumer. If you are buying items or services because of their purported eco credentials, you want to trust that those eco credentials really exist and that you're not being persuaded to part with your cash under false pretences. Why do companies do it? In a nutshell, it's to promote their products or services to consumers who make choices on an environmental basis. They want your money and some will do whatever it takes to get it. So, before you buy, stop and consider what is important to you and if the product is aligned with your values. Look for evidence and facts to support any slogans or statements, not just vague…

STEP INSIDE… BEFORE WHO LIVES HERE? Anna McGee, 39, a legal administrator, my husband Graham, 45, an IT manager, and our two children, Matthew, seven, and Alex, five. We live in an Edwardian, semi-detached house in Chingford, East London. WHAT WAS UPDATED? The extra space in the loft was transformed into a luxurious bathroom with a free-standing bath, walk-in shower, and double basin. WHY THE CHANGE? The loft was extended to create a new bedroom for us, and there was space left over for a luxurious bathroom, too. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The entire loft space took about four months to complete. The work all went smoothly, and we were really pleased with both the architect and builders. TOTAL COST £2,832 INVEST IN DESIGN Invest in an architect to…

When it comes to any makeover, the first thing you need to budget for is time. Having enough time to complete your project or ensuring you're working quickly enough to avoid materials drying out, is key to making sure you enjoy the process. After all, makeovers are meant to be fun! These ideas are grouped to help you choose what you'd like to tackle, whether you have a couple of hours, a couple of days, or a long weekend. YH 1 Shape up Brighten your outlook by creating cheerful murals. Start by painting onto large pieces of paper, then cut simple shapes out of the painted paper. Draw around side plates to get perfect circles or draw simple floral shapes. Then play around with the positioning of the paper shapes and…

SHAKE it up Magnet's new Wardley design embraces a traditional Shaker style, with deep centre panels and crisp detailing on a painted timber finish. Combining simplicity with modern styling, the range is available in the deep shades of Midnight or Charcoals, as well as the neutral Pebble & Nordic Craft. Pair with plenty of natural materials and bold metallic finishes. An eight-unit kitchen starts from £6,685. TOTALLY TROPICAL Turn your home into a jungle-inspired paradise with the Lush Mix patterned tile, £54 per sq m, from Porcelain Superstore. There are 40 patterns in total, with varying designs of palm leaves and fronds, so you can create a unique scheme. They're strong enough to use on floors, or why not create an eye-catching splashback behind a sink? STORE AND ORDER Keep…

After living elsewhere for a few years, Sharon and Daniel Parnell, along with their youngest son Oscar, decided to return to Sharon's hometown of Hayle, in Cornwall. To get the best house for their budget, they started looking at new-builds. ‘I've never been a lover of modern houses, if I'm honest,’ says Sharon, ‘but there simply weren't any older properties on the market that we could afford, and we needed the help-to-buy scheme to be able to move locally, which meant looking at new-builds.’ SHADES OF GREY Daniel suggested viewing this house as it was close to Oscar's school and their workplaces. The downside was that they wouldn't be able to choose the fixtures and fittings, as you usually would with a new-build, as a previous buyer had pulled out…

WE ARE Dagmara Lenja, 42, an interior designer, @shexadotdesigns, her husband, Artan, 48, who works in construction, plus our children, Irene, eight, and Francis, six. OUR HOME IS a four-bedroom Edwardian terrace in south-east London, which we moved into in June 2018. TO RELAX I sit in my hanging seat. It was only supposed to be temporary, but it looks like it will stay forever. I also love planting bulbs and then checking every day on their progress. MY FAVOURITE ROOM IS both the kids' rooms. They were the last to be done. I really feel like the rooms represent their personalities and interests so well. I just love tucking them into their beds every night. GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR…

FAST food After the success of his first book, which celebrated the slow cooker, Nathan Anthony's second cookbook is all about making the most of your air fryer. Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Air Fryer Book (£18.99, Ebury Press) is full of quick, healthy and delicious recipes that prove an air fryer isn't just for cooking chips. Fish tacos, harissa chicken gyros (right) and honey feta cubes are being added to our meal plans ASAP! GERT LUSH Fermented foods producer, Eaten Alive, has teamed up with Cornish pasty maker Ann's Pasties for a twist on the classic. Choose between the cheese and kimchi pasty or vegan kimchi pasty – both baked in Cornwall, before next-day shipping nationwide. Simply pop it in the oven for 30 minutes for a taste of…

TEXTURED AND EMBOSSED Papers like Anaglypta and Lincrusta are a great option for bringing in period charm and subtle texture and can be painted to your preference. ‘Textured’ can also refer to flocked and damask patterns, plus naturally textured finishes, such as grasscloth. VINYL Composed of a coated layer over a printed design, this hardwearing paper is good for durability (especially in steamy or humid rooms), but its finish can look a little synthetic. NON-WOVEN A breathable product, non-woven paper comprises both synthetic and natural fibres, resulting in a strong paper that's generally easier to apply and remove than its vinyl counterparts (and it tends to look more natural, too). PEEL-AND-STICK Great for renters, this ready-to-go paper is removable but it can be tricky to hang and is usually more…

A A Place For Everything 01244 680501 aplaceforeverything.co.uk Abingdon Flooring 01274 655694 abingdonflooring.co.uk Al Murad Tiles al-murad.co.uk Albie & Pearl albieandpearl.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com/en-gb/ Appliances Direct 0871 984 4416 appliancesdirect.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Bath Lab 01276 786028 bathlab.co.uk Bathroom Mountain 01782 405047 bathroommountain.co.uk Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Better Bathrooms betterbathrooms.com Billyoh 01909 768933 billyoh.com Biscuiteers biscuiteers.com Bloom & Wild bloomandwild.com Bobbi Beck bobbibeck.com Brabantia brabantia.com/uk/ Brand Alley brandalley.co.uk Brayer Design 020 8397 1111 brayerdesign.co.uk Cambridge Imprint cambridgeimprint.co.uk Caribbean Blinds 0344 800 1947 cbsolarshading.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Cecilia Rosslee ceciliarosslee.etsy.com Cherith Harrison cherithharrison.com CJ Wildlife 0800 731 2820 birdfood.co.uk Clean Living cleanlivingint.com COAT Paints coatpaints.com Cornishware 01749 880992 cornishware.co.uk…