Innehållsförteckning för August 2023 från Your Home

EDITOR'S LETTER Whether you're just back from a holiday or dreaming of your next one, chances are you wouldn't mind recreating a little of that je ne sais quoi at home! From styling ideas to help you capture the magic of vacation style (p40), to Medinspired recipes bursting with sunshine flavours (p88), we're here to help you relive that R&R! If you're going away, we have handy hints to help you prep your garden (p11 & p106) or, if you're staying home, get heatwave-ready (p102). And why not treat yourself to some summer bargains? Shop our edit of the best home buys under £30 on page 44. This month's house tours (from p59) and bedroom makeovers (from p28), are bursting with creative ideas. Tour interior stylist Réli's fab Edwardian home…

HOW TO… keep your plants watered Long days of socialising and holidays are all part of the fun of the warmer months, but it's also the time of year when your plants are most susceptible to hot, dry conditions with little watering – and no one wants to come home to dead plants! Beat the heat and ensure leafy greenery by following these top tips… • If you move houseplants away from windows and direct sun, they will lose water less quickly through evaporation. A thorough watering should keep most happy for around a week if you're going away. For thirstier plants, use self-watering stakes, which you fill up with water and simply stick into the soil. • It may be worth buying self-watering pots if you regularly forget to…

STYLE FILE SPOTLIGHT ON You may have heard whispers of the term ‘quiet luxury’ from the fashion world – if not, allow us to introduce you to this affordable and sustainable theme. The idea is to invest in pieces that look luxurious, but that don't shout about it, hence: quiet luxury. Marble radiates timelessness, so is an ideal starting point. While slabs of authentic marble can be costly, carved candlesticks or marble-topped tables offer affordable opulence. With its wide variety of colours, you can reflect your personal taste. Polish off a neutral scheme with white marble, or create a softer, more lived-in feel by merging rich green with dark wood. Leave no stone unturned in your search for modest grandeur; discover impressive marble replicas full of sparkly lustre at Amazon, B&M,…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? Laurie Davidson (@lifeofaninteriorstylist), 47, an interior stylist and content creator, my boyfriend Wayne, 49, an IT technician, and our two cats, Chas and Dave. We live in a 1930s, semidetached house in Ewell, Surrey. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We gave our master bedroom a brand-new look, with a feature panelled wall and new furniture. WHY THE CHANGE? After having a dormer extension, our main bedroom needed redecorating as we'd had part of the space taken to accommodate an upstairs hallway. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? We were without a bedroom for a while, as the extension was being worked on, but once we could get cracking on the room it took around a month to complete. TOTAL COST £3,497 Having finally bitten the bullet and…

PRETTY pastels Fluted finishes remain popular this year, and the Align bathroom furniture collection from Bathrooms to Love combines this detailing with a chic shade of soft green – with the textured design running along the front and each side of the wall-hung cabinets. The cabinets have a sleek, handleless look and are soft-close to avoid any clattering, and feature plenty of storage space to hide away clutter. It's also available in two other finishes: Matt Mineral Grey and Matt Cotton. CAN YOU HANDLE IT? If you want to update your kitchen cabinets, without blowing the budget, simply swap out the handles. Plank Hardware's latest range is made from mottled aluminium, which will add an organic, textured effect – and look particularly good with wooden cabinets. The Scoop pull handle…

Every room of this Edwardian property needed a revamp, but that certainly didn't put off interior designer and stylist Aurélien Farjon (known as Réli) – in fact, he relished the opportunity to put his unique mark on it. Starting with the living room, Réli and his husband ripped out the tired old furnishings and filled every space with mood-boosting colour, creative hacks, and one-off finds. ‘When we moved in, there was an ugly 1960s gas fireplace in the front room – I couldn't have it removed fast enough!’ says Réli. Once it was gone, it revealed the original tiled hearth, with pretty brick-shaped tiles in navy tones, ‘and they were nearly all intact! This was one of the happiest discoveries of the entire renovation. I cleaned them up, re-grouted them,…

ESCAPE to the sun Transport yourself to far-flung shores with Simon Bajada's Malta: Flavours of the Mediterranean (£26, Hardie Grant). Full of beautiful photography and insights capturing Maltese life, the book is an ode to island living. The recipes within will also help to bring that holiday feeling home, with dishes including stuffed marrows, tuna and tomato dip, and vermicelli and Parmesan pie (pictured). To try one of the sweet recipes from this must-have summer book, turn to page 88. SUMMER CITRUS Inspired by the classic Tom Collins cocktail, Bombay Sapphire has launched its latest ready-to-drink cocktail: the Bombay Pressé Citrus Collins. Whether you're heading to a picnic in the park, or perhaps an outdoor sporting or music event this summer, pick up a can to go. Available in Tesco…

How to make ■ PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes ■ SERVES 6 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 small pineapple, fresh ✔ 400ml light coconut milk ✔ 1 bottle Asda Coconut Bay (70cl) ✔ 200ml Asda Fruity & Tangy Pineapple Juice ✔ 6 maraschino cherries, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Peel and roughly chop ¾ of the pineapple, reserving the last quarter for garnish. ■ Blend the peeled pineapple with the light coconut milk until smooth. ■ Pour into a tall jug along with the Coconut Bay and pineapple juice, then stir to mix. ■ Add a few ice cubes to tall glasses, before pouring over the Coconut Bay mix. ■ Garnish each glass with a wedge of pineapple and a cherry, to serve. This delicious drink was created by the food team…

Lars Dunberger Blueair Technology Manager blueair.com Holly Male Duux Brand Manager duux.co.uk Greig Millar OVO Energy Expert ovoenergy.com Chris Tattersall Woolroom MD & sleep expert thewoolroom.com Q Can an air purifier help reduce my hay fever symptoms? We chatted to Lars Dunberger, Technology Manager for Blueair, to get his insight… Pollen clings to your clothing, shoes, hair and even your pet, so it's important to remove these pollen particles from the air as quickly as possible when you're indoors. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways to minimise allergy symptoms caused by pollen. Blueair air purifiers are tested to quickly and quietly remove pollen from the air to help provide relief from pollen allergies and prevent exposure to allergens. Blueair's Blue air purifiers have been tested to remove 99.99% of pollen…

Secateurs come in different styles, including anvil, bypass and ratchet – pick your perfect pair according to your hand size, strength and purpose. Bypass are best for general snipping of green growth, you'll need anvil for thicker stems, and choose ratchet if you lack strength. 1. Okatsune 103 With blades made from the same steel as Samurai swords, these are simple, sharp and strong. They have a red handle for daytime visibility and white for night – the colours of happiness in Japan. There are also models for smaller and larger hands. £49.84, okatsune.co.uk 2. Gardena Black Anvil A non-stick upper anvil blade is perfect for cutting woody growth up to 23mm, while ergonomic handles ensure comfortable use. Includes a one-handed safety lock to close easily, and a 25-year warranty. £25, diy.com…

Wild Card Brewery ‘We're an award-winning craft microbrewery and run two taprooms in East London’ Jaega Wise shop.wildcardbrewery.co.uk CROSSIP ‘Regardless of the reason for choosing alcohol-free, we prioritise a bold taste experience’ Carl Anthony Brown crossipdrinks.com Brighton Gin ‘We epitomise the spirit of Brighton: fun-loving, openminded, fiercely independent and ethically conscious’ Kathy Caton brightongin.com; 01273 448092…

FOR STOCKISTS SEE p111 HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET Next Bring some sunshine into your home with Next's AW23 Optimism collection, which will continue to add a joyful feel through summer and beyond. Soothing sorbet shades and pale wood is contrasted with punchy hues of yellow and blue for an uplifting look. Give the scheme dimension by adding different textures such as bouclé, fauxconcrete and rattan. Dreaming in colour DFS has teamed up with Dulux and The Sleep Care Company to launch a curated range of bedroom furniture. ‘The Colour of Sleep’ collection is divided into ‘Morning’ and ‘Night’ palettes: ‘Morning’ is perfect for early birds with a coral-led colour scheme, whereas ‘Night’ (pictured) features calming shades for night owls. Sweet dreams! SAVVY STYLE Head to Poundland to pick up…

If summer has you hot and bothered, then check out these kitchen buys that'll make things feel a bit more chilled. Whether you're partial to a lolly, an ice cream or a glass of white wine (or indeed all three), we've got the gadgets to keep you cool throughout the warmer months. 1. Sunny days deserve homemade ice cream and, once prepped, this machine can whip some up in just 40 minutes! Digital ice cream maker 1.8L, £49.99, Lakeland 2. Treat the kids to slushies, or whizz up cocktails and iced coffees for yourself using this retro-style ice crusher with built-in jug Neo Deluxe ice crusher slush machine, £39.99, Robert Dyas 3. In stainless steel, this dual-walled cooler keeps wine or bubbles cold without ice Sommelier 1.8L matt wine cooler,…

CONSUMER NEWS Frequently asked questions… How do I know if I'm eligible? There are plenty of online tools to check your credit card eligibility. Head to moneysavingexpert.com, moneysuper market.com or comparethemarket.com for a ‘soft search’. You'll get a good idea instantly of whether you'd be accepted without having to actually apply, which could affect your credit report. Should I use my credit card when I'm on holiday overseas? Yes, absolutely. They are really handy when you're abroad, and you can use them to withdraw cash at an ATM or to get local currency. If your card is stolen or lost while away, report it as soon as you realise as it can then be suspended and replaced without you losing any money. Check any fees and restrictions before you head…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? Stacey Hawkes, a program manager, my husband Chris, a branch manager, our son, Henry, three, and my children Isabelle, 17, and George, 15. Our home is a Victorian, semi-detached house in Cardiff. WHAT WAS UPDATED? After gutting the room, we replastered the walls, stripped and repainted the woodwork, and installed a new fireplace and fitted wardrobes, before decorating the space. You can see our journey on Instagram @thehawkes_victorianrenovation. WHY THE CHANGE? We wanted the master bedroom to be a refuge to return to during the chaos of the rest of the renovation. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? About three weeks, including reinstating the fireplace – the messiest part! TOTAL COST £2,048 Having just completed a four-year-long renovation of their previous home, and with their…

SHOPPING LIST ● masking tape ● Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White, Florence and Giverny ● 3 x small paint pot or tray ● 4 x round naturalbristle brush ● small hard-bristle brush or toothbrush ● Annie Sloan clear wax ● wax brush or lint-free cloth ● fine sandpaper and primer (optional) HOW TO… 1 Clean your furniture piece with a damp cloth. Remove any hardware before taping off drawers, doors, or edges with masking tape. We used Annie Sloan chalk paint, which doesn't require sanding or priming, but do check preparation requirements for the paint you choose and follow the instructions. 2 Think of your design in fifths: the blue and the green sections are two-fifths each and the white section equals one fifth. Pour some paint from…

SHOPPING LIST ● Metal or willow wreath ring, 30cm (or larger) ● 30 stems of cream pampas grass (you can use real or faux stems) ● scissors ● natural twine, approx 2m HOW TO… 1 Tie one end of the twine to the wreath ring, leaving a 5cm ‘tail’. You will start here, attaching the pampas stems all the way around until eventually using the short ‘tail’ to secure the two twine ends together. 2 Gather three stems of pampas together, fanning them out slightly into a ‘W’ shape. Tie them to the wreath ring, with the flower heads pointing slightly left and upwards. Wrap the long end of twine around the stems a few times to secure, keeping the original ‘W’ shape in place as best you can. 3…

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 40 minutes SERVES 4 Tomatoes and baked orzo YOU WILL NEED ✔ 500g orzo ✔ 2 echalion shallots ✔ 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped ✔ 1 bunch of dill ✔ juice and zest of 1 lemon ✔ 1 tbsp dried mint ✔ 50g capers ✔ 1L of vegetable stock ✔ 200g feta ✔ 300g cherry tomatoes on the vine ✔ salt and pepper ✔ olive oil DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/ Gas Mark 6. ■ Put the dry orzo into a large, ovenproof dish. Chop the shallots into slices and add to the dish with the garlic. Next, add some roughly torn dill, the juice of ¼ lemon, the dried mint and capers. ■ Pour the stock over…

For more tips on keeping homes cool, turn to p102 JML Chillmax Air, £40, Wilko Ideal for perching on a desk or bedside cabinet, this cooler was quick and easy to set up. Simply soak the air filter in water (though you can pop it in the freezer for an even colder air temperature), replace and switch it on. A run-time of 10 hours means you can set it for a whole day if needed. We found it too small to make a noticeable difference to a large room, but it would be useful for a small space or a campervan. Monzana air cooler humidifier, currently £89.95, Amazon This 4-in-1 air cooler claims to clean, humidify and cool the air. The 5L water tank means you can run it for…

GET THE LOOK Décor that roars Take a walk on the wild side of interiors and unleash your inner jungle explorer. If the call of the wild roars fiercely within you, then this untamed aesthetic of layered prints is your ticket to adventure. Explore the wonders of the animal kingdom when you choose your markings: leopard, zebra, giraffe, tiger – it all works. Mix gold accent pieces with inkyblack walls and you have yourself a midnight safari, but there's no need to rely on deep hues – a sandy backdrop will capture the thrill of the savannah, too. YH LOVES SINK INTO THE PLUSH When it comes to statement cushions, some believe one just isn't enough, while others prefer a more subtle display. But if there's a pile to risk…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I'm Maya James, 18, and I'm a student. I live here with my parents Julia, 50, and Steffan, 49, as well as my brother William, 21, and our two rabbits, Florence and Olive. Our home is a three-bedroom, 1920s detached house in Newton Village, Wales, which my family bought in 2006. WHAT WAS UPDATED? My brandnew bedroom was a blank canvas that I was able to decorate from scratch with fitted wardrobes, wooden furniture, clever storage, and funky accessories. WHY THE CHANGE? My bedroom makeover was part of a larger refurbishment project, undertaken when my parents renovated the rest of the house. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It took around six weeks to finish. TOTAL COST £2,240 Growing up, Maya James always had the…

BATHROOM IDEAS While they may not be common hues to use in a bathroom scheme, tones of yellow and gold are uplifting – and easier to include than you might think. With so many shades in the spectrum – from pale lemon, to golden sands and deep ochre – it's a surprisingly adaptable palette. And, whether you opt for wall-to-wall tiles, or use yellow as an accent shade, there'll be a way to add the Midas touch to your scheme. Read on to discover bright bathroom ideas… Go for gold ‘Brushed brass fixings transform a bathroom into an inviting oasis, with its golden hues adding a touch of luxury and elegance.’ Lee Lovett, founder of The Soho Lighting Company Day and night ‘Yellow is a surprisingly good colour choice for…

COASTAL COOL From classic navy and white to greys, blacks and neutrals, stripes are a timeless way to inject pattern into a pared-back scheme and get that ‘by the sea’ vibe…

PLANTS APLENTY Play around with plants of different heights – tall ones likes this olive tree are great for filling empty corners, while small ones can be used to style up shelves…

Cucumber pickle ■ PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes + salting overnight ■ COOKING TIME 30 minutes ■ MAKES 2-2.5kg YOU WILL NEED ✔ 5 cucumbers, very thinly sliced ✔ 1kg onions, halved and very thinly sliced ✔ around 80g sea salt (or cooking salt) ✔ 500ml distilled malt vinegar ✔ 350g granulated (or soft brown) sugar ✔ 4 tsp mustard seeds ✔ ½ tsp ground cloves (or use a few whole cloves instead) ✔ ½ tsp ground turmeric TOP TIP Serve the pickle with a strong, hard cheese, terrine or cold meats such as ham DIRECTIONS ■ Layer the sliced cucumber and onion in a bowl, sprinkling with the sea salt as you go, then weigh them down with a plate and leave for a few hours or overnight. ■ Drain…

If your current windows have seen better days, now's the time to consider replacing them with something more energy-efficient and eye-catching. It could be that you simply want to change one or two – some bi-fold doors in the kitchen to lead onto the garden, perhaps, or maybe a roof lantern or skylight to let more light flood in. Older properties often have a bay window at the front, which may now need updating, or why not consider a sun tunnel in a dark corridor, stairwell or bathroom? We've got the lowdown on things to keep in mind, as well as the benefits of each. 1 FIT A SUN TUNNEL When a room or area of the home doesn't have any windows, it's still possible to add natural light with a…

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