Innehållsförteckning för February 2024 från Your Home

EDITOR’S LETTER Each February, we cram the issue with hundreds of savvy ideas to save you money, but this year we’ve really outdone ourselves! Whether you need to reduce your bills, decorate on a budget or maybe even earn some extra cash, we’ve got all the advice and inspiration you need… Growing your own veg is a smart way to spend less at the supermarket – find out how to get started on page 13. Our freezer-friendly recipes (p105) will also help! And, on page 46, we show you how to create a kitchen that will actually cut your bills! For style updates that won’t break the bank, see how to get the year’s top trends for less on page 32 and discover budget-friendly bathroom updates on page 50. If…

HOW TO… Plan your own veg patch There are so many benefits of looking after a veggie garden, from saving money on the weekly shop to improving your diet and keeping you healthy in body and mind. If you want to grow your own but aren’t sure where to start, check out our top tips… • Find a space for growing. Whether it’s a balcony, a small garden, or a much larger outdoor space, measure the area you have to work with. You might be surprised by how little room you actually need – if your plot is on the small side or you’re restricted to a balcony, you can still grow veg in pots, raised beds and wall-hung planters. • If you don’t have a garden, consider renting. To…

After living in London for 13 years, Bekki and Andy Gregory felt the time was right to move back to the north east after their daughter, Elodie, was born. Having bought their first home in their early twenties, a one-bed new-build in Bow, east London, the couple had been able to move up the ladder to a three-bedroom Victorian terrace in the same area. This gave them a healthy budget to buy a bigger place near family in Stockton-on-Tees. ‘We wanted a period property with four or more bedrooms, decent outside space and off-road parking, which we didn’t have in London,’ says Bekki. ‘Our search area was confined to a two-road radius because we wanted to be within walking distance of the train station.’ The pair instantly fell for a…

HOW TO DECORATE TO MAXIMISE INTEREST IN YOUR PROPERTY Even in a subdued property market, a tastefully decorated, beautifully presented home has the edge over one that looks unloved. It’s far more attractive to prospective buyers, giving you the best possible chance of achieving the highest price and selling quickly. Here are our top tips… ● Tackle small repair jobs: fill cracks and holes, fix leaky taps, refresh kitchen and bathroom grout, and replace broken lightbulbs. ● Give walls and woodwork a fresh coat of paint. This is not the time for bold colour – instead, go for pale, neutral tones that appeal to the greatest number of people. That means off-whites, creams, muted greys and greens. ● Make small rooms appear bigger by hanging mirrors opposite or next to…

FOR STOCKISTS SEE p112 HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET B&M Sleep soundly with the Natural Sanctuary collection from B&M. This range of serene home accessories and soft furnishings is full of fluid shapes, soft colours and irresistible textures. There’s a focus on natural materials too, with mango wood bowls and water hyacinth baskets stealing the show. Just a couple of pieces is all you need to add a sense of tranquillity to your home. Sunny delight What could be better to start your day than a warm cuppa in the new Emma Bridgewater ½ pint mug? This beautiful design features the David Austin rose, Bring Me Sunshine, named after Morecambe and Wise’s cheery signature tune. Proceeds from each purchase will go to the National Garden Scheme. BACK TO NATURE Keen…

BEST FOR EASY SET-UP The set-up of this smart plug was quick and easy, and there’s no hub required either – simply pair it with your Google Home or Amazon Alexa device. It reacted instantly when we used the app to turn a table light on and off, but we had trouble trying to connect it to our Alexa, so weren’t able to test out the voicecontrol option. Functions include Smart Scenarios, which allows you to control several devices or lights at the same time, and Tapto-Run, which lets you control multiple wi-fi devices. Based on the number of functions available, however, we felt it offered only fair value for money. BEST GUARANTEE This smart plug lets you transform any light, even one in which you can’t use a Hue…

• Make your own compost and give your home-grown veggies a boost. Add green matter like fruit and veg scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells and teabags to a compost bin or container, combine with brown matter like fallen leaves, cardboard, newspaper, hay and wood shavings, then mix with water. Turn the compost every two to four weeks, and it should be usable in around two months. • Save your veggie scraps to make stock. Remove the tops and bottoms, skins and stems from any veg and herbs you’re preparing and put them in a zip-lock bag. Pop the bag in the freezer and add to it for up to six months, until it’s full. Put the frozen veg in a pot, add enough water to cover, bring to a boil and…

Head back to nature for inspiration for this cosy and relaxed look. This subtle trend will refresh your home, without revolutionising it. Embrace a palette of gentle colours like sage green and sky blue, while adding in touches of cherry red and sunset yellow for a little subtle warmth. Then, look to natural materials, such as jute, terracotta and raw wood to give your rooms a welcoming, tactile feel. Pick up patterns that include illustrations of bees and butterflies, these will lend your scheme a light, playful atmosphere – it takes a hard heart to resist the charms of a fuzzy bumble bee! Don’t forget to pile up throws and snuggly cushions for the next few weeks, but when you’re ready to peel them away, you’ll have a look that’s…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Angela Clarke, 39 (@the_upside_down_ house), and I’m a claims assessor. I live here with my husband, Stuart, 41, who works in compensation benefits, and our daughters, Olive, eight, and Iris, six. We bought our four-bedroom Dunfermline house, built in the early 2000s, in April 2016. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We decorated Olive’s bedroom, changed the flooring and added colourful furniture, bedding and accessories. WHY THE CHANGE? After I decorated Iris’s bedroom, Olive was keen to have her room updated and painted in her favourite colours, too. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It would have taken about a week in total, but we spread the work out over a few weeks. It’s such a transformation for very little money. TOTAL COST £994 DOUBLE UP For…

SHOPPING LIST ● Black and white mosaic penny tiles, see instructions for details ● Stanley knife ● pencil ● ruler ● tile adhesive ● tile grout ● cleaning cloth ● soft cloth HOW TO… 1 Begin by planning out your design on a piece of paper and working out how many sheets of mosaic tiles you will need for the project. If the area is small, try a life-size plan to make things easier. 2 Mosaic tiles usually come bonded to a mesh backing sheet, so you will need to cut off individual tiles using a Stanley knife to use to create your border pattern and house number. 3 Make sure your floor is level before you begin tiling to ensure a seamless finish, and that it is clean and…

‘I love playful pieces that can easily be moved around from room to room’ SHOPPING LIST ● 1.5 × 1m stretch fabric ● dressmaker’s scissors ● tape measure ● sewing machine ● thread ● pins ● needle ● toy stuffing ● length of dowel HOW TO… 1 Fold the fabric in half and place it on the floor with the 1m side closest to you. Mark four 17cm-wide strips and cut them out to create four strips, each measuring 17cm wide and 1.5m long. 2 Join two strips together at the shortest edges and sew together with a 1cm seam, then repeat with the other two strips, so you have two strips each measuring 3m long. 3 Fold each strip in half lengthwise, pin, then sew all the way along…

SHOPPING LIST ● Digital cutting machine (optional) ● grip mat for digital cutting machine (optional) ● self-adhesive vinyl ● A4 full sheet label with removable adhesive (optional) ● craft knife or small scissors ● weeding tool (optional) ● clear transfer tape (optional) ● plastic scraper or old credit card HOW TO… 1 The easiest way to create vinyl letters is to use a digital cutting machine, such as a Cricut. Using the Cricut software, design your phrase in your desired font. When you’re ready to cut it out, place a sheet of self-adhesive vinyl, liner side down, onto a grip mat. Cut it out using the digital cutting machine, following the manufacturer’s instructions. 2 Take the cut vinyl sheet out of the machine and remove the negative pieces from the…

The most successful improvements are those that not only maximise space and light – making your home more functional, attractive and comfortable for your family – but that also boost its value. According to Rated People, adding value is one of the top three reasons why people want to make changes to their properties, though certain upgrades affect the price far more than others. Whether you’re thinking of putting your home on the market soon or planning for the long term, these are the projects to consider. 1 BUILD AN EXTENSION A recent report by Nationwide revealed that a 10% increase in floor space typically increases a property’s value by 5%, and that an extension can boost it by up to 25%. Depending on the complexity of the job, you should…

With the colder weather well and truly upon us, it’s important to make sure we’re giving our homes a helping hand to retain the heat, creating an interior that’s as warm and cosy as possible. Windows and doors are the main culprits for letting the heat out and the chill in, so paying close attention to these is the best place to start. From thermally lined curtains and blinds, to specialist treatments to improve your home’s efficiency, we’ve been checking out the latest ideas to make the most of your heating this winter. How to banish the draughts We all love to snuggle up and get cosy in the evenings, but when blankets and slippers aren’t enough, it’s time to tackle those draughts head-on. The most likely spots for the…

Q How much can I get for renting out a parking space? Brannan Coady, CEO of YourParkingSpace says… Quite simply, a lot – if demand for parking is high in your area! On average, private space owners across the country earn around £2,000 a year. Living near key locations such as train stations, hospitals, airports, or event venues can certainly boost earnings potential. In 2022, for instance, one homeowner made £1,300 in just two weeks during the Wimbledon tennis tournament, renting out her driveway. Another, who lives near Bristol Airport, makes nearly £5,000 a month. However, earning cash from your driveway is not just reserved for those who live near key locations. If you live close to a town centre or an area that has poor parking provision, then you…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Roast beetroot and blood orange salad ■ PREPARATION TIME 25 minutes ■ COOKING TIME 30 minutes ■ SERVES 2-4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 75g pearl barley ✔ 2 tsp sunflower seeds ✔ 4 beetroots ✔ 1 fennel bulb ✔ olive oil ✔ salt and pepper ✔ 3 blood oranges ✔ 100g rocket DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas mark 6. Cook the pearl barley in a pan of boiling water for 25-30 minutes. Toast the sunflower seeds in a pan for 2-3 minutes, until golden. Set aside. ■ Peel and slice the beetroots and fennel thinly using a mandoline or food processor. Place half on a lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season. Roast for 1520 minutes. Place the remaining vegetables…

Feeling fruity! TOP TIP Keep your glasses chilled in the fridge beforehand to keep your drinks as cool as your cocktail-shaker swagger How to make ■ PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes ■ SERVES 2 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 slice fresh root ginger ✔ 30ml sloe gin ✔ 30ml cranberry juice ✔ 40ml pomegranate juice ✔ Juice of ½ a lime ✔ 50ml rosé Champagne DIRECTIONS ■ Mix together the fresh root ginger, sloe gin, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, juice of ½ lime and 50ml rosé Champagne. ■ Strain and divide between 2 cocktail glasses to serve. This recipe is provided by Waitrose. Find lots more great recipes at waitrose.com…

A Amazon UK amazon.co.uk AO 0161 470 1100 ao.com Al-Murad Tiles 0113 322 8075 al-murad.co.uk Amtico 01217 450800 amtico.com Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Architect Your Home 0800 051 5304 architect-yourhome.com Argos argos.co.uk Atkin & Thyme 01727 227 500 atkinandthyme.co.uk B B8 Kitchens and Bathrooms 01642 921920 b8kitchens.co.uk B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Deal bathroomdeal.com Bathroom Mountain 01782 405047 bathroommountain.co.uk Bathroom Supplies Online 01482 795165 bathroomsuppliesonline.com Beautiful Walls beautifulwalls.co.uk Beko 0333 207 9710 beko.co.uk Bella Clara bellaclara.co.uk Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Best Heating bestheating.com Big Bathroom Shop bigbathroomshop.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Blinds Direct 01924 481729 blindsdirect.co.uk Bohemia Design Limited 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk Bobbi Beck bobbibeck.com Boots 0345 609…

Go maximalist! My spare room needed brightening up with a quick makeover. I am a tad obsessed with taking free wallpaper samples when in DIY stores and needed to find something to do with them. Hence I created a jungle themed feature wall for virtually nothing! Sue Toomer, via our newsletter Tricia, Creative Design Lead says: What a clever way to use up those wallpaper samples, Sue. A maximalist look for less! Tickled pink I had a new downstairs loo installed. As it was all white, it seemed a little bland. So, I brought some lovely flamingo wallpaper (which was on sale!) then, I added new blingy accessories. Everyone who visits loves the new look. Kathy McGreal Kilgour, via our newsletter Michelle, Homes Commissioning Editor says: When in doubt, always…

A flat heating element ensures fast, efficient boiling when making a brew with this kettle, which is made from 100% bio-based plastics. Boil this kettle to the temperature you need, as opposed to the max temperature, to save energy. With a 2-hour keep-warm function, you can also top up your cuppa without having to reboil. A dual-wall glass design helps this stylish kettle to retain heat, meaning it stays hotter for longer and uses less energy on repeat boils.…

1 Add an architectural detail behind the bed, such as panelling or a picture rail, to provide colour and texture as well as a handy place to display treasured photos and accessories Bright ideas ‘Statement pendant lights not only save surface space on the bedside table, they also act as attractive focal points. Make sure they are dimmable to create a warm and inviting bedroom, and to provide the right light when reading a good book in bed!’ Kris Manolo, design lead at Atkin and Thyme 2 Consider pendant or wall lights either side of your bed to change up the ambience and add a refined feel that will help streamline your bedside, too 3 Revive tired floors and transform your mornings with a new rug that feels supersoft underfoot…

EDiTOR’S CHOiCE…

BATHROOM IDEAS VANITY PROJECT For a striking focal point that doesn’t cost a lot, build a boxy vanity unit out of MDF and mount a counter basin on top, adding tiles for extra wow factor! Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra Updates for under £100 Give your bathroom an instant glow-up with these brilliant bargain buys Updates for under £500 If budget allows, spend a little more to upgrade features and really make an impact Updates for under £1,000 Splash out on larger items to give your bathroom a wow-worthy transformation FRUGAL FLOORING Vinyl is a practical option, which typically comes in at a fraction of the cost of other flooring. It can imitate the look of more expensive styles, while often being easier to install and maintain…

The cane backing on this chair makes the perfect blank canvas for a giant cross stitch design. This technique is a gorgeous way to add colour and personality to a vintage piece without any commitment to a permanent change, as the stitches can be easily removed. A little extra care is needed to make sure that the back is as neat as the front – remember that both sides will be visible. SHOPPING LIST ✔ Bar stool with cane backing ✔ sanding block ✔ graph paper ✔ coloured pencils ✔ yarn ✔ large sewing needle ✔ scissors ✔ paper and pencil (optional) ✔ clear, water-based varnish ✔ paintbrush ✔ painter’s tape (optional) ✔ satinwood paint ✔ artist’s brush 1 Sand back the finish on the chair frame. Either do this…

Taking on a DIY project with no experience can be a daunting prospect – lack of confidence is the reason most don’t get off the starting block. But what if you did give it go? Where could it lead you? If fear is holding you back, read on – these industry experts and influencers all started from scratch, yet have achieved success in their renovation journeys (albeit with some bumps along the way). The one thing they all agree on? They don’t regret taking the DIY plunge. 1 'Seeing the difference we could make gave us motivation' Rachel Verney @the_shoestring_home) tackled tiling for her first attempt at DIY ‘Rather than waiting for my dream period home, I decided to do whatever made us happy in our current home, which started with…

Chicken and chorizo pie YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil ✔ 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces ✔ 1 onion, finely chopped ✔ 1 carrot, finely chopped ✔ 1 celery stick, finely chopped ✔ 200g cooking chorizo, chopped ✔ 2 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped ✔ 2 tsp smoked paprika ✔ 3 thyme sprigs or 2 tsp dried mixed herbs ✔ salt and pepper ✔ 1 × 400g tin chopped tomatoes ✔ 200ml chicken stock ✔ 1 × 320g packet ready-rolled puff pastry ✔ 1 egg, beaten, to glaze DIRECTIONS ■ Heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a frying pan or saucepan over a medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden all over – about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate,…

TOP TIP Can’t find your perfect style? Get a budget-friendly wreath ring and buy faux flowers that you love. Glue or weave them in to create a custom look…