Innehållsförteckning för July 2025 från Your Home

As my dog zips past me in the meadow near my house, bouncing through bright buttercups, mauve clover and feathery green grasses, I find myself thinking about how to bring fresh life into my home, both indoors and out. Brilliantly, this issue is full of inspiration for exactly that! I've been studying How to add colour to your garden (p100), taking notes on how Rachel turned a drab lawn into a dreamy wildlife haven (p104), and added one or two of the top drought-proof plants (p96) to my wishlist. Of course, bringing colour and joy into your space doesn't stop at the garden gate. For a summertime shake-up inside, we show you how to recreate holiday decor on a budget (p15) and reveal a new and zesty trend (p22). As ever,…

ON A ROLL Taking its fabric patterns to the walls, Clarke & Clarke has partnered with Wallpaper Direct to create an eclectic and vibrant collection. Together, they have translated popular fabric designs – including florals, tropical scenes and geometric – into wallpapers. Fan favourites, such as Passiflora, Labyrinth and Fiore, also feature in new refreshed hues for a unique look. The whole edit comprises 54 wallpapers in 16 designs – plenty to choose from. Have a glance yourself at wallpaperdirect.com.…

There are so many ways to upcycle old porcelain plates, whether you've inherited your old family crockery or found some great pieces at the local car boot sale. We show you how, with the right pens, you can create your own stylish wall art from a few preloved plates. Available in 15 beautiful colours, the ink in edding porcelain brush pens has a creamy consistency and allows even colour distribution. What's more, if you make a mistake or just aren't happy with your design, you can simply wipe off the ink and start again. SHOPPING LIST ✔ porcelain plate ✔ cleaning cloth ✔ methylated spirit ✔ edding 4200 porcelain brush pens ✔ damp cloth ✔ cotton buds ✔ preheated oven ✔ adhesive plate hangers ✔ nails 1 For this project,…

Keep it classic, like Rachel, or add some fun to your kitchen counter with a novelty option Editor's choice…

WHITE SHADES ‘Off-white paint colours change the mood and feel of the space from one that can be too clinical to a sophisticated, relaxing and inviting space. There are plenty of colour options to choose from depending on what feel you want. An off-white with a hue of yellow, orange or beige undertones will enrich the room making it feel warmer, whereas cooler off-white colours with blues and greys such as our Greymond can make a bathroom look elegant’ Caroline Thornborough, director of design, Thorndown While bathroom decor has taken on many different aesthetics over the years – from maximalism to minimalism, spathrooms to wet rooms – an enduring shade for furniture, tiles and sanitaryware is bright white. Though it may seem simple, a white bathroom is timeless, meaning you…

SHOPPING LIST ● scallop-edged lampshade frame (new or repurposed) ● tape measure ● pencil ● scissors ● fabric ● double-sided tape ● glue gun and glue sticks ● string ● sticky tape ● fringed braid trim HOW TO… 1 Measure the circumference of the lampshade frame and add 1.5cm. Next, measure the height of the lampshade at its tallest point and add 3cm. Use these measurements to cut an oblong of fabric for the lampshade cover. If you're using an old lampshade, carefully remove the old fabric and clean the frame. 2 Apply a length of double-sided tape to each of the upright struts of the lampshade frame. Then, stick lengths of double-sided tape along both the top and bottom edges of the frame. 3 Place your fabric right side…

SHOPPING LIST ● tape measure ● mitre saw ● 2.5 x 5cm timber battens ● pencil ● clamps ● wood glue ● speed square ● nail gun ● nails ● cove moulding trim ● wood filler ● sandpaper ● paint ● paintbrush ● scissors ● self-adhesive Velcro HOW TO… 1 Measure the height and width of your TV and add 3mm to each dimension. 2 Adjust a mitre saw to a 45-degree angle then place the 2.5 x 5cm batten on edge on the saw and mitre the end. Measure, mark with pencil and cut the remaining pieces to make the four sides of the frame, so the inside dimensions are that of your TV, plus the 3mm of width and height. 3 Lay the cut lengths of batten on…

SHOPPING LIST ● 2m fabric ● pencil ● ruler ● sewing machine ● thread ● 50-55cm invisible zip ● scissors ● pins ● 100L bean bag filling HOW TO… 1 Iron the fabric to remove any creases, then lay it on your work surface right side (RS) facing down. Use a pencil and ruler to mark two squares (A and C) for the top and bottom of the pouffe, each measuring 60cm x 60cm. Next, mark four 60cm x 32cm side panels (B, D, E and F). Use a pencil to lightly label each piece with the corresponding letter, then cut out these six fabric pieces. 2 Lay out the cut pieces RS down on your worktop. Take one square (A) and one side piece (B) and place them RS…

When was the last time you thought about how secure your home is? If the answer is never, or a long while ago, now's the time to update and upgrade everything, from window and door locks to outdoor lighting and security cameras. You don't have to go all-in, just pick and choose what works for you. For instance, if you have expensive bikes in the garage, make sure they are securely locked away. It's especially important if you're going away – investing in smart lighting, window dressings and cameras could give you real peace of mind while your home is empty. 1 Updated locks It's easy to move into a place and never even think about door locks, but the front door is one of the most common forms of entry…

Minimising the contrast between wall surfaces is an easy way to create a more spacious look. Painting walls and ceilings – plus any trims – the same colour will create an uninterrupted expanse that tricks the eye. You can then add your accent colours in the form of accessories. Using mirrors to help reflect natural light around a room is a must, but this trick can also work with other reflective surfaces, such as wallpapers with metallic hints and high-gloss or glass accessories. Keeping flooring consistent throughout your home will help to create flow from room to room, as well as eliminating dividers such as threshold bars, which can make a space look smaller. Using natural light to elevate your room may seem obvious, but don't forget to consider this…

MY GARDEN PLAN WHO LIVES HERE? I'm Rachel Constable, 49, head of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) for a builders’ merchant, and I live here with my husband, Daniel, 48, who runs an interiors website (onlynicethings.co.uk), and our children, George, 16, and Libby, 14. I share my home on Instagram @here_at_hillcroft. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We redesigned the garden, adding a patio, pergola, summerhouse, water feature and planted borders. WHY THE CHANGE? The space was flat, patchy, and uninspiring, and left in disarray after house renovations. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? We tackled it bit by bit over two years, fitting work in around busy family life and spreading the cost. TOTAL COST £4,765 Rachel and Daniel Constable bought their 1930s bungalow in East Yorkshire from Daniel's grandmother, and the garden…

Cheesy vegetable quiche YOU WILL NEED ✔ 500g (17½oz) shortcrust pastry ✔ 100g (3½oz) Belton Farm Red Fox cheese For the filling ✔ 500g (17½oz) asparagus ✔ 300g (10½oz) peas ✔ 15g (½oz) salted butter ✔ 1 banana shallot, chopped ✔ 1 garlic clove, chopped ✔ 1 whole egg and 3 egg yolks ✔ 200ml (7fl oz) double cream ✔ 200g (7oz) Belton Farm Red Fox cheese, grated ✔ 30g (1oz) dill ✔ 30g (1oz) parsley, leaves torn ✔ 30g (1oz) mint, leaves torn ✔ sea salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS ■ Roll out the pastry thinly on a lightly floured surface; grate over 100g cheese and fold inwards to form a rough rectangle. Roll out again to a 25cm (10in) circle, about 3mm (¼in) thick. ■ Place…

BEST FOR ORGANiSED SHELVES Fresh Storage jars, from £9.90 for 160ml, Kilner I tested the range from the 160ml spice jars up to the 3.5L jar. These Kilner jars are made from BPA-free borosilicate glass, which is non-toxic and doesn't absorb smells or colours. They also have a silicone valve to create an airtight seal, which is simple to use but I wasn't sure how tight it was as there were no cues. They can't be used for liquids though, so you could be limited. But for kitchen storage, they are excellent – their curved corners mean they are easy to store and pour from, plus they stack, so no more tumbling plastic boxes! I will use them in my kitchen and could use the 0.5L and 1L to transport…

A Addison Ross addisonross.com Adexa adexa.co.uk Agriframes agriframes.co.uk Alhambra Tiles alhambratiles.co.uk Alternative Flooring alternativeflooring.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Anglian Home Improvements anglianhome.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com AO ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk artfables artfables.com Avon Marble avonmarble.co.uk B B&M bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com The Basket Company thebasketcompany.co.uk Bathrooms to Love bathroomstolove.uk Bay Gallery Home baygalleryhome.com Baylis & Harding baylisandharding.com Beliani beliani.co.uk Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Berry Useful berryuseful.co.uk Best4Flooring best4flooring.co.uk BHS bhs.com Blinds 2go blinds-2go.co.uk The Braided Rug Company braided-rug.co.uk Breeze House breezehouse.co.uk Brewers Decorator Centres brewers.co.uk Britannia Rose britanniarose.com C Clarke & Clarke clarke-clarke.sandersondesigngroup.com Claybrook Studio claybrookstudio.co.uk Clement Browne clementbrowne.co.uk COAT coatpaints.com Comparitech comparitech.com Costway costway.co.uk The Cotswold Company cotswoldco.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Craig & Rose craigandrose.com Crown French Furniture crownfrenchfurniture.co.uk Crown Imperial crown-imperial.co.uk Cuprinol cuprinol.co.uk Curtains 2go curtains-2go.co.uk D daals…

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Nod off, 5 Tibia, 8 Lino, 9 Beauty, 10 Utter, 11 Cage, 12 Mechanic, 13 Mostly, 15 Desert, 18 Scribble, 20 Also, 21 Cover, 22 Boiler, 23 Tutu, 24 Lorry, 25 Sparse. DOWN 2 Oregano, 3 Opulent, 4 Fly, 5 Toughie, 6 Baton, 7 Apricot, 12 May, 13 Musical, 14 Liberty, 15 Dye, 16 Stamina, 17 Rashers, 19 River, 22 Bus. SOLUTION OYSTER WORD SCRAMBLE There are 83 words in total – anything over 18 is excellent! SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1. Added lamp shade 2. Picture flipped 3. Missing bottle 4. Jar of jam added 5. Pink icing on cakes 6. Missing fork 7. Edge of placemat colour change Find puzzles on p126! WORD SEARCH Did you find them all? SUDOKU…

The great British summer is a famously unpredictable time, so on the days when we're all basking in the warmth of golden rays, it's tempting to imagine what it would be like if you could live like this all the time. Taking the leap and moving to sunnier climes comes with its own problems, though. Cut out the hassle and instead get your slice of the good life by recreating the style of these dreamy destinations in the comfort of your own home. Spain Look to the past for inspiration when reinventing the Spanish look. Its style is rich in tradition so it's great if you want rooms that feel lived in, but not worn out. Plaster walls and exposed wooden beams are typical of Spanish interiors, and they instantly…

STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I'm Rachel Lovell, @kittiwake.home, 51, a marketing manager, and I live with my husband, Alex, 52, a digital test manager, our daughter Erin, 14, and our cat and dog, Roxy and Willow. Our home is a four-bedroom detached new-build in Portishead, North Somerset, and we moved here in April 2019 as the second owners. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We replaced the adjoining wall with a structural beam to open up the room, allowing for a breakfast bar and a family-sized dining table. We added new cabinets and wallpaper. WHY THE CHANGE? The separate rooms didn't work for family life, or having friends round. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The building work took three months and the decor is ongoing. TOTAL COST £16,260 Rachel Lovell and her…

MODERN MODULAR Bathrooms to Love has introduced a new range to its modular furniture family, Kuba. This wall-hung collection is a gorgeous blend of modern design, with its vertical fluting, and natural texture, in its rich oak finish. Plus, it has curved edges and a streamlined handleless design, making it ideal for various sizes of washspace. Here, it's paired with brushed bronze brassware and accessories to add a warm copper undertone for a sophisticated look. The range also comes with a five-year guarantee for peace of mind. Go to bathroomstolove.uk to see the collection with augmented reality (AR) in your own space, or to find a local stockist.…

Butter yellow The shade of spring/summer 2025, this pale, soft colour is comforting and evokes positivity. Get this sense of warmth in your washspace by adding a new piece of wall art in a classic William Morris print Mint green Controversial ice cream choice, but gorgeous accent colour, mint green is trending. Its cool hue and blue undertone offer a relaxing feel – ideal for a bathroom. Try switching up your candles to get on trend Cherry red Cherries aren't only in-season at the supermarket – cherry red is one of the key shades of summer decor too. This rich, deep shade is vibrant and bold, evoking a sense of luxury. Choose a new reed diffuser for an easy bathroom update…

HOLIDAY HOME If you're heading abroad this summer, especially to the Med, look for tiles, ceramics or even postcards you can bring home for that vacation vibe all year round…

HOT TO POT! If you've run out of space in your flowerbeds, or there's an empty corner in your patio that's crying out for some new blooms, it's time to invest in stylish containers. These classic Edwardian crackle glaze pots from Dobbies will look the part in most traditional or cottage gardens. When planting larger containers, remember the golden rule for success: you need one thriller, one filler and one spiller – something showy like hydrangea; something bushy, like heuchera; and something to trail over the side of the container, like ivy. Head to dobbies.com.…

Apple, watermelon and mint cooler ■ PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes ■ SERVES 3-4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 Jazz apples, cored and chopped into pieces ✔ ½ small watermelon, peeled ✔ small handful mint leaves, plus extra to serve ✔ 1 lime, juice, plus extra to serve ✔ ice, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Place all the ingredients into a blender and blitz until fairly smooth. ■ Using a muslin cloth, or very fine sieve, strain the juice into a large bowl. You can skip this step if you prefer a chunkier texture. ■ Transfer it to a jug and add ice. Garnish with mint leaves and a few slices of lime. Serve immediately. Recipe and image courtesy of JAZZ Apples, jazzapple.com TOP TIP Take this summery drink from mocktail to…

BEST FOR VERSATiLiTY GoodGrips Twist & Stack containers, from £19 for 2 12oz (355ml), OXO These containers come in pairs in three sizes – 355ml, 592ml and 946ml. I gave the full set a rigorous test and these storage stars passed with flying colours. A trip in my bag and no liquid escaped, and my salad stayed crisp. For the ultimate leak test, I filled them with water and shook vigorously – no leaks. Used in the fridge, raspberries were still fresh three days after their use-by date! Twist & Stack also lives up to its name – a tower of six containers is confidently steady. Plus, they're stain-proof and freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe. Great for in the pantry, the fridge and on-the-go, these are well worth the price!…

We're reading… Cocoon, Ali Heath, £30, Hachette Turn your space into a sanctuary with the inspirational homes and thought-provoking design ideas featured in Ali's third book. We're following… @littlehouseinlondon Amy's perfect pastel home is a tranquil spot of harmony on our feed. We love her honesty and we're always impressed by her design choices. ‘I'm inspired daily by nature's colours and joy’ says Amy. ‘I believe in living with what you love – your home should hug you at the door.’ We're going to… Crafting Live, 12th-13th July, Doncaster Racecourse Pack your weekend full of creativity with the live demonstrations and make-and-take sessions at this bumper crafting event. Tickets from £8, book online at ichfevents.co.uk.…

Summer is here so there's no better time to introduce a sunshine vibe into your home. Whether it's oranges, lemons or limes, we're seeing citrus-themed decor everywhere. Our go-to high street stores, like George Home and M&S, are bursting at the seams with orange and lemon motifs – but this trend is about more than just the fruit. Think vibrant colours, rustic surfaces and intricately patterned tiles. Blur the boundaries between inside and out, with natural materials and houseplants aplenty. This look is all about celebrating everything summer. £ AND UNDER Don't break the bank with these budget-friendly updates…

Once the weather warms up, there's nothing quite like extending your kitchen into your outdoor space, whether that's by flinging open the bifolds or creating a cooking and dining zone on the patio or decking. Blurring the boundaries between inside and out extends your scope for entertaining, as well as making meals with the family more laid-back and relaxing. So, when the sun comes out, unleash the barbecue, dress the garden table with layered linens, add outdoor cushions to seating and make your kitchen a part of it all too, with natural materials, plenty of sunlight and plates of simple salads and sides. Let's start with how to embrace outside style in your kitchen… Bring the outdoors in INSIDE INFO ‘The trend of ‘bringing the outside in’ is on the…

Jules Axtell-Powell and her husband Daniel decided it was time for their four daughters to each have their own bedroom, and they knew it meant starting over. The only way they could afford that was by finding a house with potential to extend. ‘We'd been living happily in a nearby town, the girls were all settled at school, and we knew moving locally wouldn't cause a huge upheaval for them,’ explains Jules. ‘So, when we spotted this house in a village we loved – with a friendly local pub, a great sense of community and just five minutes from a mainline station – it felt like it could work, despite how the property looked!’ At the time, the house was far from pretty. It was a plain, boxy structure with…

HELLO, HUE! Notes of jasmine and honeysuckle hang on the breeze, your hanging baskets are bursting with pep-me-up blooms, your windows are sparkling, but what about your front door? If it's letting the side down, give it a fresh lick of paint to instantly ramp up your kerb appeal. While blue, pink and green are trending, it's important to consider your home's individual character, says Victoria Yardley, founder of eco paint brand Victory Colours. Choosing timeless shades like black or cream will keep the look chic and classic. Victory Colours has over 120 paint shades to choose from. Discover more at victorycolours.co.uk Our expert says… ‘To deter intruders while you're away, make your home look secure and occupied. Use visible deterrents like CCTV, sirens, or wi-fi cameras to show your…

Robert Tyndall Visual merchandising manager futoncompany.co.uk Charlie Snape Interior design specialist hammonds-uk.com Laura Bradbury Head of eCommerce vonhaus.com Michael Downton Sales manager wallbeds.co.uk Q We've always struggled with having enough storage in the living room – how can I keep my space tidy? Robert Tyndall is visual merchandising manager at Futon Company and has plenty of experience in solving space issues. He says… ‘The living room can easily become a dumping ground for daily items, especially in a busy household. As it often serves multiple purposes – playroom, study or relaxation space – keeping it organised is essential. To maximise space, consider vertical storage solutions, like wall-mounted shelves or freestanding units, which help to keep the floor clear. Leaning ladder shelves, for example, offer a practical and space-saving way to display…

CHEERS TO THAT! Fancy a little drink while out picnicking, but don't want to take a whole bottle of wine with you? Then try these new cans of Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc from Villa Maria. This delicious wine has notes of citrus and fresh herbs, which make it perfect for pairing with salads, fish or chicken. But it also tastes pretty good on its own as a chilled aperitif. So, grab your friends and a picnic blanket, go to your local Sainsbury's, Morrisons or Tesco, pick up some cans for £3.75 each, and head to the park. Then relax and enjoy!…

Your July to-dos Check your indoor plants to see if they look cramped or if roots are poking out. If so, it might be time to give them a boost with fresh soil and a slightly bigger pot. Make a homemade fridge deodoriser using a glass jar with a metal lid. Simply fill the jar with baking soda, punch some holes in the lid, and place the jar on a shelf to help absorb unpleasant smells. Switch up your lighting, adding solar lights to paths, patios and plant pots for ambient evening vibes. Indoors, check lightbulbs and consider switching to cooler-toned LEDs for a summer glow. Deep-clean your mattress. Even with sheets and protectors, mattresses collect dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat and allergens over time. A yearly deep-clean helps…