Innehållsförteckning för April 2025 från Your Home

We have filled this issue with hundreds of ways to make the most of your bank holiday – whether you are looking for easy springtime switches, DIY projects to sink your teeth into or jobs to bring your garden to life, you've picked up the right magazine. Start on page 21, where you'll find 31 fab ideas for a long weekend! Our real homes and makeovers are also bursting with inspiration for you. I am amazed by our cover star Sally's gorgeous open-plan room (p44), as well as the before and after of Jaisie's contemporary garden (p112) – both of these homeowners have cleverly zoned their multi-purpose spaces, one with paint, the other with plants. And don't miss Carol's cottagecore terrace (p78) – she sacrificed a bedroom for an upstairs bathroom,…

We're reading… Reset Your Home, Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, £16.99, Bloomsbury Professional organisers Lesley and Ingrid are on a mission to tackle clutter in your homes. Their room-byroom guide will help you understand the emotional connection to items before then getting rid of them. We're going to… Tulip Festival, 21st April – 5th May, Hampton Court Palace Make the most of the spring sunshine and enjoy a day out at Hampton Court Palace, where you can soak in the beauty of one of the UK's biggest tulip displays with over 100,000 tulips bulbs in bloom! We're listening to… The Ins & Outs podcast with Jojo Barr and Pollyanna Wilkinson Dream team duo, interior design expert Jojo Barr and garden and landscape design guru Pollyanna Wilkinson, offer weekly episodes full…

Best ON TEST Summit Kamado E6 charcoal barbecue, £1,399, Weber I was impressed by this barbecue – the great quality, how it looks and how it cooks. It arrived well-packaged, though it was too heavy to move so I had to unbox it and move the parts. Putting it together was straightforward, with clear instructions – only one step required extra help. After curing it for 30 minutes, I added coals and a firelighter, and it reached temperature in 20 minutes. I then used the vents to control the heat. I cooked burgers, sausages and sweetcorn, with room for more. There's space to move food to keep warm. Following the indirect cooking instructions, I slow-cooked a whole chicken; it was simple and tasted great. Cleaning was easy, as it has…

There's no better time than a bank holiday weekend to dive into some DIY and tackle those time-heavy tasks you've been putting off! With an extra day to play with, you can pace yourself, enjoy the tea breaks, and still make great progress. Why not head into the garden to create an inviting outdoor space, get to grips with your unruly office, or experiment with fresh design ideas and give your home a whole new vibe, maybe with a splash of colour or a fun upgrade? We've got some fantastic suggestions from the experts to get you inspired and help you start planning your projects today! 1 Upholster a headboard ‘Headboards don't have to be rectangular, so start by considering the shape you want to make. Straight lines are of…

Bags of style Show off a handbag collection by hanging them on carefully positioned hooks in your hallway or bedroom. Choose a couple of your favourite pieces and roughly arrange them on the floor in a group, lying them down as if they were on the wall. When you're happy with how they look on the floor, transfer the measurements onto the wall. These won't give you a perfectly accurate guide for positioning as gravity will affect the bags in different ways – but it's the best way to get started. Hang the lowest bags first so that you have plenty of space above them for the rest of your display. Create a seamless look by using clear, heavyduty adhesive hooks or, paint the hooks to match your decor. We…

Worktops are one of the hardest-working elements of your kitchen, so they need to be durable and strong. Their colour and pattern can also give your space a fresh new look, so it's important to take your time when considering which material and design to choose. There are many options out there, from laminate and solid wood to porcelain, solid surface, granite, marble and concrete. Quartz has recently hit the headlines due to the silica content potentially being harmful to the workers who manufacture these surfaces, so we've rounded up alternative options, as well as splashbacks, to complement or contrast. EASY DOES IT ‘Opt for solid wood for timeless elegance and sustainability, laminate for affordability and ease or on-trend marble-effect finishes in laminate or a thinner compact laminate for a…

‘The key to achieving a more spacious feel in your bathroom is having layered light that creates the illusion of space and airiness. Mixing ambient, task and accent lighting is key here, especially in bathrooms with limited natural light. A centrally positioned overhead light, or dispersed recessed spotlights, will provide even and bright illumination. Cool white bulbs of about 4,000-5,000 kelvin should mimic the brightness of natural light without being too blinding, increasing the overall sense of space and creating a fresh and clean aesthetic. Flexibility is important, and wall-mounted fixtures will allow you to change and enhance the ambience with calming warm light (anything starting at 2,700 kelvin). When placed on either side of a mirror or across the room, their reflection will amplify the cosy lighting, creating a…

SET A BUDGET Work out how much you have to spend, what individual elements such as decorating materials, flooring and furniture cost and get a least three estimates for any work you're contracting out. LIST YOUR REQUIREMENTS ‘Make a list of what you need from the room and your must-haves as this will help when it comes to planning the layout too,’ advises Sophie Clemson, director and co-founder of The Living House. ‘This could be how many people you would ideally like to seat and how much storage you need.’ CREATE A MOODBOARD Ali Attenborough, founder of The Style Counsel, advises thinking about how you want the space to feel rather than focusing solely on visual appeal. ‘Identify five to seven keywords that encapsulate the feel and ensure all your…

ROSES OF SUCCESS The most affordable way to buy top-quality roses is while they are dormant in their bare root form – and April is the last month you can take advantage of this, as they are ready to burst into life. David Austin Roses has curated foolproof bundles of its bare root roses – we love the Perfect for Pollinators collection, £60, which includes two shrubs: the peachy ‘The Lark Ascending’ and the orange ‘Lady of Shallot’, as well as a pretty pink climber, ‘The Generous Gardener’. Get them in the ground soon and the local bees will thank you come summer. davidaustinroses.co.uk.…

STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I'm Jaisie Needham, a programme manager for an academy trust. I live here with my husband, Matt, who works in financial services, and our children George, 12, and Freya, nine. See more @no1_on_the_grove. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We extended the patio to create a bigger seating and dining area, built a decked pergola and added hardy plants to bring colour all year round. WHY THE CHANGE? The patio was very basic and more like a small path, while the tiny summerhouse wasn't really practical for us as a family. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The pergola and decking were built in a week. The patio took about six weeks, as the concrete had to dry out and settle for a few weeks before tiles could be…

TRENDING TASTES Has your social media feed been full of creamy tomato vodka pasta sauce cooked by celebs? Maybe you've given the popular recipe a go with some spaghetti or gnocchi, but Co-op have gone one step further – they've put the viral vodka sauce on a pizza. It's topped with two types of cheese – fior di latte balls and mozzarella petals – to create a decadent dinner. Grab this Irresistible Limited-Edition for £5.95 at your local Co-op supermarket. coop.co.uk.…

A A Place for Everything aplaceforeverything.co.uk Abingdon Flooring abingdonflooring.co.uk AluSplash alusplash.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk B B&M bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Bathroom Mountain bathroommountain.co.uk Beaumonde beaumonde.co.uk Beldray beldray.com Benchmarx benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Better Bathrooms betterbathrooms.com Big Bathroom Shop bigbathroomshop.co.uk Big Green Egg biggreenegg.co.uk Big Green Smile biggreensmile.com Bio-D biod.co.uk Bloomsbury bloomsbury.com/uk Bluum bluum.co.uk The Branded Tile Company brandedtilecompany.com Burlington burlingtonbathrooms.com Bushboard bushboard.co.uk C Ca’ Pietra capietra.com Clarissa Hulse clarissahulse.com Clarke & Clarke clarke-clarke.sandersondesigngroup.com Click Style clickstyle.co.uk Cobra cobragarden.co.uk The Cotswold Company 0333 2001725 cotswoldco.com Craig & Rose craigandrose.com Crosswater crosswater.co.uk Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com Currys currys.co.uk D daals daals.co.uk Danetti danetti.com Desenio desenio.co.uk Devon Wick devonwick.com DFS 0800 110 5000 dfs.co.uk Dibor dibor.co.uk Dino Decking 01942 355968 dino.co.uk Dobbies dobbies.com Dowsing & Reynolds dowsingandreynolds.com…

Pastel perfection After getting itchy feet with the plain walls in our builders’ refurb home, I recently updated our downstairs toilet – my first small DIY project! I wanted a beachy feel as we live by the coast and the recent stripes trend has me hooked. The walls were already pastel pink, so I added the stripes with some leftover mint paint, for a stick of rock effect! All I needed to buy was an MDF border. I'm pleased with the outcome and wondering which room to go for next. Jen Hodgson, Whitley Bay Megan, production editor, says: We love the huge difference these small changes have made, Jen -your bathroom looks so much bigger! Best of luck with the rest of your transformations. Star letter Brighten up I thought…

Your April to-dos Rejuvenate old towels by putting them through a hot machine wash with white vinegar, then another with bicarbonate of soda. This will help boost their absorbency and softness. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're working properly, and replace the batteries. Clear out the bathroom cabinet or drawers. Dispose of any old or unwanted products, wipe surfaces clean, then replace everything, adding dividers to help keep things organised. Tidy up your magazine stash. Streamline your hoard of Your Home mags, donating any older ones to a GP surgery, dentist or nursing home. For those you are keeping, make space in a magazine rack and order them by date. Power-wash your driveway, patio, shed and house exterior to remove dirt, mould and moss that may…

It's time to grow into a new look, whether you're after a full room refresh or a few, subtle updates. This beautiful leafy trend has style and sophistication in abundance. Mix gentle, natural greens with crisp white, or even soft creams, for a clean and fresh effect. Elevate the scheme with silver and metallic details and get hotel vibes in an instant. Introduce delicate glass details and luxurious fabrics with foliage designs as an understated way to achieve the look, or transform your space with an elegant wallpaper to set the tone. Laura Ashley and M&S have got must-have buys that reflect this scheme, and we also noticed a beautiful floral design at Primark that's ideal for mealtimes. Embrace the season and bring the outside in this month. £10 AND…

EDiTOR'S CHOiCE…

A dding colour to bathrooms can mean different things to different homeowners. Whether it's a simple pop of an accent colour; a feature hue alongside monochromatic fixtures; or a fully colour-drenched look, there are so many ways to redecorate a washspace – and the smaller the space, the more fun you can have. Follow our guide to create a colourful cloakroom, electric en-suite or bold bathroom… HOUSE OF FUN ‘Playful nostalgia, like these gorgeous pink strawberry sundae kit kat style tiles, is a big trend which appeals to those looking for a touch of fun into a small bathroom space. Incorporating retro-inspired patterns, bold colours, and curved designs is becoming a BIG thing. Playful nostalgia and retro colours represent an interesting evolution in interior design and consumers are embracing them…

Having bought her first home over 20 years ago, Carol Haigh's tastes have drastically changed since she first moved in. ‘Back then it was all black and cream,’ she says. ‘We basically went with what we could afford at the time, buying a cheap kitchen and bathroom from MFI.’ Having grown up in the area, Carol was keen to move in with her now husband, Mick, and soon found a property in the town of Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham. ‘I had my own place, and Mick was living with his parents so we were quite happy with whatever we could afford, as we just wanted to live together,’ she remembers. ‘This house was really dark and rundown with a downstairs bathroom off the kitchen, but the views at the back…

‘A bi has always loved the area her and her family live in but when her eldest, Henry, was four and she was pregnant with daughter Millie, they needed a bigger family home. ‘We spotted this place; it was close to town, but with amazing views across the fields. On our first viewing, with soft light pouring through the windows, we instantly knew it was the one,’ says Abi. While the house needed a cosmetic update, it had been well looked after, meaning Abi and her growing family could move straight in and start on making quick and easy style swaps. ‘There was a lot of grey in the walls and carpets,’ Abi remembers ‘which made the rooms feel cold and I'm all about adding warmth so the first thing…

CLICK INTO PLACE Luxury flooring manufacturer Harvey Maria has launched its very first luxury vinyl click flooring in a new Easy-click series. Artisan Oak+ Cork is a collection of rigid core ESPC vinyl click with sound insulating cork backing. There are six different designs that all have a super-matte, natural wood texture for that Scandi look – and that's why they're all named after Scandinavian cities, like Bergen, pictured here. They are priced at £64.99 per sq m and the range is available to see at harveymaria.com. Our expert says… ‘Interior design used to be reserved for the rich, but digital solutions have completely transformed the industry from an elite service to an accessible creative pursuit. Digital tools work best when combined with traditional design principles. The most successful amateur…

JUICY GOSSIP Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit with hints of mandarin and lime. Its juice is a great match for all types of fish and is lovely drizzled over salads and noodles. If you can't get hold of yuzu juice, try using lime mixed with a few drops of orange juice for a similar flavour PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 10 minutes SERVES 2 Spicy yuzu miso ramen with prawns YOU WILL NEED ✔ 100g buckwheat soba noodles ✔ 1 tsp toasted sesame oil ✔ 2 tbsp gluten-free white miso paste ✔ 150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced ✔ 2 spring onions, white and green parts separated and chopped ✔ 1 pak choi, stem shredded, leaves left ✔ 150g raw king prawns ✔ 1 tsp Waitrose Cooks’ Ingredients yuzu juice…

HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET Shabby Chic x Next Queen of romantic decor Rachel Ashwell has teamed up with Next to create a dreamy new homeware collab with her Shabby Chic brand. Add ruffled bed linen in delicate pinks for a sophisticated bedroom update, then dot ditsy print cushions, flower-filled jugs and heirloomworthy candle holders and lamps in every room to bring a cohesive, elegant and serene atmosphere to your whole home. Fall head over heels for the range at next.co.uk. FOR STOCKISTS SEE p128 A sense of calm It's easy to curate a calming, effortless living space with The Pure Edit's sustainable range of patterns. Zena, Dari, Ipak, Fergana, Sadira and Sima are the six new soulful fabrics and wallpapers, featuring distinctive ikat patterns inspired by Persian and Asian…

BEST DESiGN Kamado BBQ ceramic grill in Matte Green, £699, Harbour Lifestyle This barbecue comes with clear instructions for assembly and all the tools are included. It is very heavy and requires two people to lift and assemble. After curing, we fired it up – it took about 30 minutes to get up to temperature. The vents allow for good heat control, although the top vent can get warm, so some caution is needed. There was plenty of space, easily large enough for a family or friends – the temperature dial was useful to control the heat. It is self-cleaning by burning off any food residue, and you can remove ash from the bottom vent. This barbecue is a fantastic choice – I really liked the green colour, plus it…

WILD BEAUTY Get inspired by the wonders of the natural world with the Rewilding upholstery fabric collection from ILIV. This brand-new range features hand-painted prints, small scale motifs, tactile weaves and detailed embroideries, available in six soothing colourways. Many of the fabrics have been made with recycled and organic fibres too. ‘Rewilding is a celebration of wild landscapes and the quiet drama they hold’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager, ILIV. Prices from £28.60 per sq m for Wild Garden Linen fabric, iliv.co.uk.…

STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I'm Sally Parson, an interior designer, sallyparsoninteriors.com. I live with my husband, Mark, sons, Felix, 12, and Hugo, nine, daughter, Amber, seven, and our three cats. Our home is a four-bedroom 1920s detached house in Maidenhead, Berkshire. I document my ideas on Instagram @sallyparsoninteriors. WHAT WAS UPDATED? Structural work and a new kitchen has made the space a lot more open-plan. Cosmetic updates have included new furniture, paint, and accessories. WHY THE CHANGE? Initially it was to bring in more light, but I wanted to showcase my eclectic style. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It has been done gradually over the course of eight years. TOTAL COST: £1,587 Taking on a house in need of some care and attention eight years ago, Sally Parson had…

BUTTER ME UP Creators of the iconic stand mixer, KitchenAid has launched its Colour of the Year for 2025, Butter. This soft, energising yellow with a creamy, satin finish spreads warmth throughout the kitchen. The Artisan tilt-head 4.7L stand mixer comes with a 4.7L stainless-steel bowl, a flex edge beater, dough hook, wire whisk, pastry beater and an extra 3L stainless-steel bowl, as standard – perfect for all your baking and cooking needs. Available at kitchenaid.co.uk for £699.…

What's the minimum amount of space I need to squeeze in an extra loo? Property expert and TV favourite Phil Spencer is founder of the property advice website Move iQ. He says… ‘Adding an extra loo could potentially boost the value of your home by up to 5%, but the primary reason most people do so is convenience. If the main bathroom is upstairs, adding a downstairs toilet will make life easier for everyone. Modern toilets can be quite compact so you don't need a huge amount of space. It might be possible to create a WC under the staircase, but don't forget the layout needs to be practical – you need room to use the loo and sink comfortably. To maximise space, fit a combined toilet and sink, and…

SHOPPING LIST ● Ottoman ● screwdriver ● tape measure ● pencil ● scissors ● 1.2cm deep, 39H upholstery foam ● heavy-duty upholstery spray adhesive ● Dacron wadding ● upholstery fabric (for similar, try Sara Miller London Birds of Paradise velvet in Fuschia) ● dressmaker's scissors ● sewing machine ● matching thread ● pins ● 5cm deep, 39H upholstery foam HOW TO… 1 Remove the ottoman lid and keep the fixings in a safe place. Remove any old fabric and foam. 2 Measure the two side and end panels and add 2cm to each edge. Cut pieces of 1.2 cm deep 39H upholstery foam to match these measurements. Working one side at a time, apply upholstery adhesive to the ottoman and foam, attach and press firmly. Use sharp scissors to cut…

SHOPPING LIST ● Screwdriver ● household detergent ● old cloth ● painter's tape ● newspaper ● flat scraper ● wood filler ● sandpaper ● methylated spirits ● primer ● undercoat paint (optional) ● topcoat paint – ideally a gloss or satinwood ● paintbrush HOW TO… 1 Start by unscrewing all the fixtures on your door, including the number and letterbox. Wash the door with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and grime, rinse with clean water and allow to dry. Cover any elements you can't remove with painter's tape to protect them from paint. If you have glass panels in your door, use painter's tape to stick newspaper over the top so you don't accidentally splash paint on them. 2 If you're repainting an old door, you need to…

SHOPPING LIST ● Ceramic or glass lamp base ● bicarbonate of soda ● Grey acrylic or chalk paint ● paintbrush ● stencil brush ● White emulsion paint ● paper towel HOW TO… 1 Begin by cleaning the surface of the lamp base using warm soapy water to remove any traces of grease and grime. Allow to dry. 2 In a bowl, mix together bicarbonate of soda with Grey acrylic or chalk paint, using a 50:50 ratio. 3 Using a paintbrush, apply the first coat of bicarb and paint mixture to your lamp base and let it dry for around 30-40 minutes. Apply a second coat. 4 Continue applying layers of paint until you get the look you want. For maximum texture, use a stencil brush in a stippling motion for…

Professionally designed interiors look put together and polished, boost space and storage, and are completely compatible with your lifestyle. Although hiring an interior designer to plan and oversee a renovation or decorating project reduces stress, saves time and maximises your property's potential, it's a luxury few of us can afford. However, you can cut costs significantly by going down the DIY route and learning to design like a pro – and there are plenty of accessible, budget-friendly resources to guide you. Whether you're revamping a single room or planning a whole house makeover, here's where to go for help. I Colour consultancies There are so many colour choices that finding the right combination can be overwhelming. That's where colour consultants come in as they provide in-depth advice for each room, based…

BLUUM-iNG LOVELY The customisable designs from Bluum can cover all your waste needs – they come with shelves for other recycling boxes and have an angled roof for drainage ROOM FOR MORE Lockable doors and a one-handed lid opening operation, this sleek design is easy to use, and can be extended if needed by attaching another cover EASY DOES IT This cladded, double design has lockable doors, as well as lids with stays, for simple waste disposal. It promises easy assembly with no need for any special tools Top tip Attach a trellis to the side so that climbing plants can grow upwards…

Air fryer orange chicken, avocado and pine nut wrap ■ PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes ■ COOKING TIME 10 minutes ■ SERVES 2 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast ✔ 1 orange, zested and juiced ✔ 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil ✔ salt and freshly ground black pepper ✔ 2 large flour tortilla wraps ✔ 2 tsp toasted pine nuts For the salad ✔ 2 tbsp mayonnaise ✔ salt and pepper ✔ 1 avocado, halved, pitted and sliced ✔ 2 handfuls spinach DIRECTIONS ■ Slice the chicken breast lengthways so it opens out like a book and continue to slice all the way through into 2 pieces. ■ Mix the chicken halves, orange zest, 1 tbsp of the juice, olive oil, salt and a few grinds of…

TOP TIP Impress guests by serving in retro sugar-dipped glasses. Simply wet the rims with syrup or a citrus fruit, then dip into a shallow dish of sugar, swirling until you get an even coating How to make ■ PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes ■ MAKES 1 You will need ✔ 100ml Eisberg Alcohol-Free Rosé ✔ ½ pink grapefruit, juiced ✔ ½ lemon, juiced ✔ elderflower cordial ✔ 1 tsp sugar ✔ rose petals DIRECTIONS ■ Add the alcohol-free rosé to a mixing glass. Add the pink grapefruit and lemon juices, a splash of elderflower cordial and 1 tsp sugar. ■ Stir the mixture well, then strain into a glass and sprinkle with rose petals to add an extra touch of glamour. Recipe and image courtesy of eisberg.co.uk…