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9 9 . 1 £ Recipes to savour the new season’s flavours
HUNDREDS OF GREAT-VALUE IDEAS FOR EVERY ROOM MARCH 2019
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H to
How to... 3 Find the best mortgage deal 3 Repair damaged walls yourself 3 Add value to your property
Affordable design ideas to transform every room
Stunning
Beautiful craft projects to cheer up your home
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reader homes
with lots o f ideas to steal
funky family bungalow k chic victorian terrace k cool converted chapel k stylish seventies semi k
Refresh your home for spring 3 Discover this season’s new interior trends 3 Get your garden looking gorgeous again 3 Update your kitchen with sleek styling 3 Give your bathroom a spa-style makeover
Quality bathrooms without splashing out
Photo Lizzie Orme
Welcome
Editor’s letter
Spring is finally in the air and the last of the winter homewares have left the shops to make room for this season’s fresh new looks. We always get excited here in the Your Home office when the spring/summer trends are launched. On page 38 you’ll find our pick of the key looks for the months ahead. You’re sure to find one you love. Emma, our Style Editor, has had a sneak peek of all the latest high-street trends for Pastels are going to be a strong new this spring/summer. Find them all on p.38 . look for interiors this year. But if you have bad memories of sugary sweet pastels from the 80s, then think again. The new millennial pastels are cool and edgy and I think you’re going to like them (p.22). Spring is often a key time to think about starting major decorating projects (especially with some lovely bank holidays on the horizon next month). In this issue we take a look at how to create a streamlined modern look in the kitchen using sleek, handleless units (p.54). Meanwhile, if your bathroom is in need of a revamp, take a look at our ideas for turning it into the spa-style space of your dreams (p.48). ne Dulux Creative Director Marian nitymu com ir the March is the ideal time to get back Shillingford tells us about Treat yourself or a loved one e (p.128). out in the garden. Find out what jobs focused paint recycling schem this month with our amazing you need to tackle now to make it subscriber offer. See page 86 look its best again over the months ahead (p.114). for more details. Finally, this month sees our last column from architect and TV presenter (and genuinely lovely guy) George Clarke (p.111). In his final feature he www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk explains just why he fell in love with facebook.com/yourhomemag architecture and looks at why it is @Your_Home such an important part instagram.com/yourhomemagazine of all our lives. Enjoy! pinterest.com/yourhomemag
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Editor-in-Chief Anna-Lisa De’Ath Associate Editor Lisa Hibberd Executive Editor Lara Berry Acting Deputy Editor Laura Higgins Features Editor Alice Butler Craft Editor Sophie Tarrant Style Editor Emma Thompson Editorial Assistant Matilda Bourne Designers Jo Higgs, Amanda Botragyi Advertising Manager Simon Daniel Classified Sales Executive Natasha Jackson Production Director Reg French Marketing and Circulation Rachel Hicks Back issues Hilary King Financial Controller Lesley Shard Managing Director Luke Patten Contact Your Home at Hubert Burda Media UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU. Tel: 01206 851117; Fax: 01206 849078 Subscriptions Tel: 01206 849077; Editorial email: yourhome@burdamagazines.co.uk Advertising Sales Tel: 01206 851117; Classified Sales Tel: 01206 851117 Burda Community Network Germany Julia Mund T. +49 89 92 50 31 97 Julia.Mund@burda.com, Michael Neuwirth T. +49 89 9250 3629 michael.neuwirth@ burda.com Switzerland Goran Vukota T. +41 44 81 02 146 goran.vukota@burda.com France/Luxembourg Marion Badolle-Feick T. +33 1 72 71 25 24 marion. badolle-feick@burda.com Austria Christina Bresler T. +43 1 230 60 30 50 Christina.Bresler@burda.com USA/Canada/Mexico Salvatore Zammuto T. +1 212 884 48 24 salvatore.zammuto@burda.com Prices and availability were checked at time of going to press, but we cannot be held responsible for any changes. No part of Your Home may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher. The publisher, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. We can’t guarantee that colours reproduced will be an accurate representation due to the printing process. Neither the Editor nor publishing company accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. Competition rules apply to all competitions/giveaways in Your Home. Employees of Hubert Burda Media UK and associated companies are not eligible. There is no cash alternative to prizes. Should the prize become unavailable Your Home has the right to offer an alternative prize. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Your Home is distributed by Marketforce Tel: (020) 3148 3300.
Contents
30
74
Katie created an upbeat scheme with bright colours
100
Go bold with patterned armchairs
Cook with fresh spring produce
20
Perk up your look with pastels
38
March at home 5
Pg 5
This month we love Our favourite things to buy, see and do in March
11 Household hints Follow our helpful tips and see our best buys this month 15 Consumer news We focus on finding the best mortgage, plus ways to cut your driving spend 18 The latest wearable fitness tech Monitor your workout with our pick of trackers and smart watches
Decorating
Pg 21
22 Trend alert: Pastels Put a modern spin on this popular palette 38 Fresh spring schemes In need of décor inspiration? These are the three hottest decorating trends for 2019 44 Seven ways to create a calmer living space Ideas to help you turn your home into a sanctuary
Discover this year’s hot new trends
Makeovers
Pg 26
26
It’s a bright and sunny room all year round Jane breathed new life into her living room with fresh white walls and a dramatic dark ceiling
30
I wanted to add colour and style A textured metallic wallpaper is the perfect foil for a bold yellow sofa in Kathryn’s living room refresh
34
My living room is bursting with personality Pastel-pink paint makes the perfect backdrop for Martha’s vintage collections
Kitchens & bathrooms Pg47 48 So near so spa Turn your bathroom into a pampering haven to unwind in at the end of the day 52
Our bright new kitchen is the heart of our home Jane Glover knocked two rooms into one to create a sociable kitchen-diner
54
Streamline your space with a handleless kitchen Choose from the latest finishes to give your hub a slick modern update
Reader homes
Pg 73
74
I want my house to be cheerful Sunny colours, clashing patterns and Mexican-style accessories help Katie Cotton’s bungalow ooze character
80
I’m a maximalist and love rooms that make an impact Emma and Lee used a bold colour scheme in their characterful chapel
88
I put in an offer before my husband had seen it With a baby on the way, time was of the essence for Abigail to prepare her fixer-upper
Have you missed an issue? Call 01206 851117 to order back copies
PLUASGE!
12-P PULL-OUT GUIDE
Make it easy! Pg 59
Our practical guide is full of easy step-by-step projects to help you learn new skills Create cute springtime decorations
60
62 Upcycle a play kitchen
92 We imprinted our style onto our ex-rental Nicola stretched her budget with space-saving tricks
Food & entertaining
Pg 99
100 Fresh and flavoursome Recipes for spring meals with family and friends
Home improvement Pg 105 106 The pros and cons of living in a listed home Our low-down on listed properties and protected zones 111 Property know-how with George Clarke This month George’s signs off after 10 years with a fond farewell
Gardening
Pg 113
114 In your garden this month… Our guide to the tasks to tackle in your veg plot, fruit and flower gardens
Don’t miss out! 9
Your letters We take a look at some of your news, views and photographs
86
Subscribe to Your Home Take out a subscription this month for your chance to win two Charitable Bookings Signature Dish cookbooks
Stitch a cleaning caddy
64
110 Win! This month we’ve teamed up with the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council to offer you a chance to win a modern gas fire worth £1,600 118 Giveaways This month’s amazing prizes include tickets to the Creative Craft Show, a Vileda cleaning bundle and a luxury illuminated hot tub 120 Shopping guide Find out where to buy everything in this issue 128 Eco news Discover the latest ideas and top buys for a greener lifestyle
Plus, check out... 66 DIY masterclass How to patch up and smooth plaster walls like a pro 68 Ask the experts We answer your DIY and maintenance questions with some help from the pros 70 Craft stash The latest crafting news, workshops and buys
Catch a drift
Feature Matilda Bourne
It’s one of the most picturesque times of the year – snowdrop season! Laying a fresh white blanket of delicate flowers across the most beautiful Cheshire countryside, Rode Hall is just one of the many locations offering outstanding snowdrop walks this March. Meander through its idyllic grounds and take in over 70 different varieties of the flower lacing their way through the mile-long walk; you can even buy 11 of the hall’s most coveted snowdrop varieties, including the Lady Beatrix Stanley, Straffan, Blonde Inge and Mrs Macnamara! Admission to the grounds costs just £5, with concession tickets also available from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit www.rodehall.co.uk.
This month we love...
For stockists see page 120
Make the most of March with the best things to do, see and buy this month
Hidden gem: Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread, Cumbria
Budding bookworms
Established in 1854 by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson, the Grasmere Gingerbread shop is nestled in the land of the Lake Poets, just a few minutes from William Wordsworth’s famous home, Dove Cottage. Now run by third-generation owners Joanne and Andrew Hunter, Sarah Nelson’s original gingerbread recipe is baked fresh every single day and sold within its petite twoperson-wide shop to visitors from all over the globe. With Sarah’s original handwritten parchment recipe safely stored away in a secure bank safe, Andrew is the only person alive who knows this iconic recipe! Head to www. grasmeregingerbread.co.uk or visit the shop at Church Cottage, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9SW to find out why the likes of Tom Cruise and Jamie Oliver go mad for this delicious treat.
Created by Emily Bright and Sarah Campbell, Parrot Street Book Club aims to allow kids to fall in love with reading through its fun subscription service. Each exciting monthly letterbox-friendly delivery includes a carefully selected chapter book, set of book-club-style questions, an activity pack containing games, puzzles, fun facts and crafts, a small gift, and access to exclusive competitions! Plus, you can tailor your subscription to your child’s reading ability with either a Parakeet (ages five to eight) or Cockatoo (ages eight to 11) package. Subscriptions start from £39.95 for three months. To find out more, visit www. parrotstreet.com.
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
March 2019
5
GREAT IDEAS FOR...
Red Nose Day
Get fundraising on 15th March 2019!
t
Enjoy a cuppa from one of these Red Nose Day mugs Comic Relief slogan mugs, £3 each, Sainsbury’s
It’s time to get brewing readers, because Dementia UK is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Time for a Cuppa campaign. Taking place from 1st to 8th March 2019, this fantastic event allows you to catch up, reminisce and indulge with your family, friends and colleagues, all over a simple cup of char, while raising money for the charity’s specialist dementia nurses. What are you waiting for? Simply head to www.dementiauk.org to register for your free Time for a Cuppa pack and get raising that dollar!
t
Even Goofy loves a red nose!
Defeating dementia
Pretty as a picture
Comic Relief Goofy T-shirt, £9.99, TK Maxx
t
This travel mug is perfect for a Comic Relief commute Comic Relief travel mug, £6, Sainsbury’s
t
Which nose will you choose?
With spring being the most popular season for homeowners to sell up, it’s time to get ready for all those housewarming presents and find one that your friends or family will truly cherish. We love this personalised house line drawing by Molly Moo Designs from Not On The High Street. Drawn in minimalistic black and white colours, each print showcases the property’s ultra-fine details and surroundings, including a smart font for your chosen house name or number. Priced at just £29, this A4-sized contemporary print will make a thoughtful gift for any new homeowner. Find out more at www.notonthehighstreet.com.
Keep calm and cook on
Comic Relief red noses, £1.25 each, Sainsbury’s
t
Sport a Red Nose Day apron for your bake sale!
It’s time to don those pinnies and carry on cooking, because the Imperial War Museum shop has launched a brand-new cookbook, bringing you a huge range of nostalgic wartime dishes. Victory in the Kitchen Wartime Recipes features genuine ration-friendly recipes, from an eggless fruit cake to steak, kidney and butter bean or egg and bacon pies. Pick up a copy today for just £6.99 and find out just what a wartime diet looked and tasted like! Head to www.iwmshop.org.uk to find out more.
Comic Relief Minnie Mouse apron, £12.99, exclusively from HomeSense
6
March 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Reader treat
We have two copies of Victory in the Kitchen to give away to two lucky readers. To enter, send your name, address, and contact details to Your Home, Victory in the Kitchen Giveaway, HBM UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, CO4 9HU by 31st March 2019.
ACR YOUR HOME WYCHWOOD full page 290mm x 215mm 0119 04/01/2019 11:31 Page 1
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British designed stoves
Your Home needs you!
get in touch
H
We love to hear what you’ve been up to, so send us your letters, tips, projects and photos and this month you could win a free 12-month or six-month subscription to Your Home.
H
H letter of H the month H H
Pull up a chair “I’ve been putting off upcycling this chair for months – it’s been in the corner of our lounge with a throw over it. But when the Christmas tree had to go up, I had to get on with it! Hope you think it’s an improvement.” Loraine Stansfield, via Twitter
Before
Your Home says What a fantastic makeover, Loraine! The new fabric has really transformed the chair into a contemporary piece that looks great against your funky rug. We’re really impressed with the finish you’ve created, and the upholstery studs are the perfect finishing touch. Congratulations!
In the pipeline C’est magnifique “I recently visited my friend in France and while exploring a gorgeous antiques shop, I spotted a basket of old liquor labels. The shop owner said I could have one of each design for 10 euros, so I picked my favourites and made a collage. I stuck the labels onto a blank canvas using PVA glue and then added water to the glue to make a craft varnish to secure the labels and add shine. I then gently rubbed a damp tea bag along the sides of the canvas to create a grainy, old look. It’s a great souvenir of my visit!” Sarah Shaw, via email Your Home says We love an antiques shop, they’re such treasure troves! It looks like you found a real gem here, Sarah. The aged finish you’ve given the canvas with the tea bag really works. What a fab way to remember an amazing trip.
Top tips “Every winter all my neighbours and work colleagues rush inside to get warm water when their car doors are frozen. But hand sanitiser works just as well! I keep a handy bottle of it in my coat pocket and squirt some on to my car key before I place it in and out of the car lock – it works every time.” Lisa McCrakan, via email
Your Home says Well done Pat and Peter! We love the little woodland creatures and baubles that you’ve hung from the pipes – it must have looked fantastic at Christmas. Congratulations from the whole team.
Your Home says Well, this is one we’ll definitely have to try. It’ll certainly save a lot of trips back and forth to the tap! Thanks for sharing your tip, Lisa.
Get online
h This month’s letter of the month winner will receive a free 12-month subscription to Your Home! Send us photos of your latest projects and you could be next month’s winner.
Tweet us your pictures and comments @your_home or like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/yourhomemag
Send your tips, photos and letters to: Letters Editor, Your Home, Hubert Burda Media UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU or email yourhome@burdamagazines.co.uk l Letters
“My husband, Peter, promised to make the copper stag head from your December issue for me. We got the materials from the local plumber and it now has pride of place at our son and daughter-in-law’s Bridal Barn Boutique in Lathom. It only cost £24 to make and took just three hours! It was a lovely project for a rainy afternoon.” Pat McGee, via email
may have to be edited. We apologise but photos cannot be returned
This month’s prizes include four free subscriptions to Your Home. The letter of the month will receive one complimentary 12-month subsciption, including 12 fantastic issues full of the latest trends and interiors news. Plus, three runners-up will each receive a six-month subscription. To stay updated with all the latest Your Home news, head to www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk.
PREMIUM 2 IN 1
INDOOR AIRER • 18m line length • Detachable wing for radiator
www.vileda.com
Follow us on:
• Extra thick wires to help reduce creasing • Convenient holder for drying small items
Stay on top of it all with our favourite buys and tips
HOW TO... clean in 15 Let’s face it, not many of us have time for a thorough spring clean, so we’ve rounded up the best tools to help you zip through your routine in just 15 minutes or under… dusters are a fantastic time-saver. The Oxo Long Reach Dusting ✓ Telescopic System, £40, will help you to reach up high, down low, and behind furniture, with tools for cleaning at every angle. It will enable you to dust skirting boards without bending down, brush on top of bookcases and cupboards without standing on a step, as well as wipe ceiling fans without having to climb a ladder. Using the right tools for the job will shave minutes off cleaning time – try Marigold Squeaky Clean cloths, £1.99 each, for a streak-free shine when it comes to wiping down shower screens and taps, as well as other shiny or glossy surfaces that are in need of a buff. Mopping floors can be a time-consuming task. Make it easier by using a microfibre mop that has an integrated spray, such as the Vileda 1-2 Spray mop, £21.99 – enabling you to zoom round the floors in a flash. Freshen up paintwork without having to get out the brushes with Magic Eraser stain remover blocks, £4.99 for three, Lakeland. Test on an inconspicuous area first, then use to gently rub away stains, such as tea splashes and crayon marks. Save time cleaning windows with the Karcher WV 5 Premium Window Vac, £84.99. Start with the included microfibre spray bottle, then vacuum away the water for a clean, shiny finish, without spending time polishing. It’s also great for a streak-free finish on shower screens, tiles and splashbacks.
✓ ✓ ✓
Feature Laura Higgins Main image Dunelm
✓
Laura’s choice… ‘Kit out your utility room with these stylish storage baskets from The Little House Shop. The online store is packed with beautifully simple, functional utility storage items, all with a Quaker feel.’
Q&A How can I clean children’s bath toys? You would think that toys that are regularly dunked in warm soapy water would stay pretty clean, but bath toys can harbour germs and quickly turn mouldy. Once a week, soak them in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and hot water, then use an old toothbrush to scrub any crevices. If toys that are just made from plastic, with no batteries, need a really deep clean, they can be spritzed on a low setting in the top drawer of the dishwasher.
Wire storage basket, £17.50, The Little House Shop
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk Month 2018
11
Great buy
A fantastic multi-purpose container, use a Stasher bag to store food in the fridge, carry your lunch to work or school, cook in the microwave, or even use for sous vide cooking – the possibilities are endless ▲
What to look out for
This month
If you’re still going strong with your healthy eating resolutions, it might be worth rewarding yourself with a new appliance to help make life a bit easier. The Beko soup maker is not only fantastic for creating hot or cold soups, it can also crush ice and whip up smoothies and sauces, meaning you can create meals packed with nutritious fruit and veg and control how much salt and sugar you are adding to your diet. It makes thin or thick soup, keeping it hot for up to 30 minutes. The auto-clean function will even give you a hand when it comes to the washing up.
Stasher large storage bag, £12.99, John lewis
Putting its leftovers to good use, Lock and Lock has developed a range of storage boxes made using waste from its factories. Recycling plastic in this way keeps it out of our oceans and means we use less resources. Each product is a different colour due to the tiny pieces of plastic used to make them
▲
Beko Soup Maker, £99, available from www.beko.com and www.ao.com
▲ Made from heat-resistant glass borosilicate, these Kilner storage containers can be used in the oven and microwave, as well as to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer thanks to the clip-top lids. The perfect way to keep food fresh while using less plastic Kilner Fresh storage, from £10
We test... eco cleaning products We tried out a selection of green bathroom cleaners, here’s what we found… Ecover bathroom cleaner, £2.30 This subtle smelling, sensitive-skin friendly spray was easy to use on a range of surfaces – we simply sprayed it on, left it to work for a minute and wiped away. It left the sink gleaming and removed all traces of soap scum and water marks from a glass screen door without harsh chemicals, or leaving a slippery residue on the shower tray and bath. As a bonus, it’s cruelty free and the bottle is made from sugarcane waste rather than plastic!
Method anti-bac bathroom cleaner, £3 The naturally derived lactic acid formula in this product makes light work of stubborn soap and limescale. We sprayed it on, left it for five minutes to let it do its work, then wiped it away. The refreshing mint-water fragrance kept the bathroom smelling fresh for some time. This spray is anti-bacterial, killing 99.9 per cent of bugs without the use of bleach, meaning it’s kinder on skin, as well as the environment.
9/ 10
March 2019
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Paper sandwich and snack bags, £3.99 for 48, Lakeland
Things we considered l Did it remove soap scum and water marks? l Did it leave surfaces slippery? l How did it smell?
Alkimi bathroom cleaner, £3 This household cleaner proved handy not only in the bathroom but the kitchen, too – it made light work of soap scum and watermarks and left our surfaces sparkling and fresh. The eucalyptus extract and clove oil naturally help to break down dirt and inhibit the growth of bacteria, as well as deodorising and leaving a long-lasting, pleasant scent. It dried quickly, without leaving a residue or staining.
8/ 10
8/ 10
12
Pack up your sarnies and snacks in these traditional brown paper bags, created from renewable, sustainable resources. Made from food-safe, unbleached greaseproof paper, they are a great alternative to single-use plastic wrap
▲
Lock & Lock Eco, from £2.25, available nationwide including Lakeland, Ocado and Fenwick
Power & Gentle ECOlogical bathroom cleaner, £3.49, Lakeland This spray worked just as hard as a chemical cleaner at shifting soap scum around the sink and shower tray as well as water marks on the shower screen without any over-powering fumes. It wiped away easily without leaving surfaces slippery and freshened with its naturally derived subtle basil fragrance. The plant-based formula is biodegradable which gave us even more confidence in this product.
8/ 10
Hints and tips from Marigold
Marigold, the name synonymous with rubber gloves, has introduced a new range of innovative cleaning cloths and scourers – here are some insider hacks for getting the best from your annual spring clean…
A
shocking 51 per cent of Brits stress about the cleanliness of their home* but that won’t be necessary if you take heed of these dirt-busting tips to make your spring cleaning season easier.
Crystal clear without a smear When cleaning windows with a standard cloth, always remember to wipe with horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical strokes on the outside – that way if you see a streak you know which side it is on. Better still, the new Marigold Crystal Clear Window Cloth is so effective that it polishes without leaving streaks so you can enjoy the sun shining through sparkling windows while you sit back and enjoy your cup of tea!
Fight the fuzz
With the Marigold Squeaky Clean Cloth, there’s no need to buff shiny work surfaces with a dry cloth – this next-generation microfibre material has been designed to lock in liquids, leaving a streak-free glossy finish.
get the best from your cloth Fold your cloth in half and in half again and use each side to wipe down surfaces, unfolding to a clean part as you go. You’ll have eight clean sides to use and will save time on going back and forth to the sink to rinse out the cloth!
Cupboard conundrums
Unit doors near the cooker and hob can get sticky with greasy residue if not cleaned regularly. If you find a build-up of dirt and grime, simply dip a microfibre cloth in warm water with a squeeze of lemon and wipe the surfaces for a quick but effective clean. Microfibre cloths are made from thousands of miniscule fibres that cleverly help lift muck and stains. The lemon will help degrease as well as giving a natural fresh smell to your kitchen.
Give your microwave a new zest for life
Crystal Clear Window Cloth, £1.99; Squeaky Clean Microfibre Cloth, £1.99; Extra-Life Kitchen Gloves, £2.50
So your microwave has accumulated splatters and splodges of food and needs a good wipe down? To make this easier, place a couple of lemon wedges in a bowl of water and microwave on high for a few minutes. Leave to stand for 10 minutes, keeping the door closed. The hot citrus steam will loosen the dried-on dirt making
*Survey conducted for Vileda via Facebook of 1134 people
no marks to be seen
When life gives you lemons… use them to deep clean the kitchen!
the interior much easier and quicker to clean, leaving the surface as good as new and lemony fresh.
Wanting to put the sparkle back into your dull glass shower doors? Rub your shower doors with half a lemon before wiping down with a special glass cleaning cloth such as the Marigold Crystal Clear Window Cloth to remove stubborn water marks.
l For stockists and more information on the full range visit www.marigold.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
13
YH PROMOTION
‘Pass me the Marigolds!’ Did you know, one of the best ways to remove pet hair from upholstery is to don a pair of rubber gloves and wipe the furniture in a circular motion? Within seconds you will start to see the results and your furniture will be fuzz-free!
The Neville Johnson Sale* means renovating your staircase into an exquisite feature is much easier and less costly than you’d imagine. In just 1-2 days and with no building work, we will transform the heart of your home, and add value to your property with a stunning, handcrafted staircase. All in a style to suit you and your budget. GLASS, STEEL & TIMBER DESIGNS NO STAIRCASE TOO LARGE OR SMALL BRITISH DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP NO BUILDING WORK TYPICALLY INSTALLED IN 1-2 DAYS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE
*Sale discount applies to orders placed between 26/12/18 and 25/2/19. Minimum order value £2,000 +VAT. **Buy now pay in 12 months is available with an upfront 30% deposit. Finance is subject to status.
TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING STAIRCASE WITH NO MESS, NO FUSS AND BEST OF ALL NO BUILDING WORK
BUY NOW PAY IN 12 MONTHS**
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visit nevillejohnson.co.uk for our latest brochure or call 0161 873 8333 QUOTE CODE Y-YH71
Feb_YourHome_Y-YH71.indd 1
19/12/2018 15:11
THE LATEST CONSUMER NEWS
xxxxxx
Savvy ways to...
cut the cost of driving
FACT FILE
61% of Brits can’t work their home appliances: 21% are fazed by the temperature dial on the fridge; 27% stick to one cycle on the washing machine. Source: Appliances Direct
Feature Alice Butler Image iStock
YH fab find
If you’re looking to bring a vibrant new décor to your interior you’ll love this sumptuous book by trend forecaster Anna Starmer. Having worked with brands including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Gap, Anna is a pro at showing you how to be comfortable with colour, walking you through the rainbow of shades and helping you choose the right ones to set off your home. Chapters are dedicated to each hue alongside beautiful visuals revealing how to contrast and complement the tones. Love Colour: Choosing Colours to Live With by Anna Starmer (£25, Ivy Press).
n Shrink your insurance For the best deal, visit price comparison sites and check individual insurers whose products might not be advertised. If you’ve already got a policy, loyalty doesn’t always guarantee the best deal. If your renewal jumps up in price, contact your insurer to offer you a lower quote or switch to another company. Younger drivers often have to pay high premiums, so find ways to save at Money Saving Expert’s Young Drivers Insurance Guide (www.moneysavingexpert.com). n Manage your MOT For the best chance of passing and to avoid Del Boy-style garages charging a fortune for unnecessary test-passing repairs, use a council-run centre. However, only take your car to one of these venues if it’s unlikely to need major work as they don’t do repairs. To find your nearest one, contact your local council. n Trim your fuel spend Cut petrol or diesel costs by 30 per cent by driving more efficiently: accelerate gradually without over-revving, Leaving your computer on standby every staying under 3,000 revs; drive in the highest night can cost up to £62.82 a year – even gear possible and, instead of braking sharply, with the screensaver on, according to E.On’s let your car slow using its stored momentum. Green Guru Mike Feely. For a similar spend When it comes to filling up, search for pumps you could snap offering a discount as cutting 5p a litre up the cordless could save the average driver around £100 Alexa-enabled a year. Lastly, avoid premium fuels unless Ellipsis smart you’ve been advised to use them by the car speaker – manufacturer. To find the cheapest petrol, perfect for diesel and LPG station near you, check the decluttering free website www.petrolprices.com. kitchen n Share a lift If you depend on your car for worktops. your commute why not consider sharing with
Smart savings
colleagues and reducing your carbon footprint at the same time? If nobody at your work lives near you, find a ride via a website such as Liftshare, www.liftshare.com/uk.
i-Box Ellipsis smart speaker, £59.99, Amazon
tech news Make your kitchen the smart hub of your home with the new Amazon Echo Show display (£219, Amazon). The upgraded model has a 10in high-definition touchscreen that enables you to watch TV, stream videos, sing along to your favourite tracks with the on-screen lyrics and control your smart home devices via voice or touch. Plus, it’s handy for video calls to friends and family via Skype and taking snaps with the five megapixel camera. Our favourite feature? It makes cooking a cinch: simply select a recipe and ask Alexa to walk you through the steps without you having to touch the screen with wet or food-covered hands.
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
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Save £££s every month by shopping around for the best mortgage deal
W
hether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to sign up for a new fixed-rate, choosing the right mortgage can save you hundreds of pounds each month. However, with so many banks and building societies offering packages with different terms and interest rates, finding the right product can be a daunting process. Here’s how to get started and find a cost-effective solution for your needs.
RATE OF INTEREST
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
The first step is to consider the type of mortgage you want: n There are two mortgages to choose from – repayment or interest only. If you go for interest only, you will need a separate plan to pay off the debt, as your mortgage payments will only cover the interest. A repayment mortgage tends to be more popular, as although the monthly payments will be higher, at the end you will have settled the entire loan. n Next, think about whether you prefer a fixed or variable rate. The advantage of a fixed deal is that you’ll know exactly what your monthly payments will be for however long your deal is arranged (two to five years is the norm). n Variable rates will do just that; they can vary depending on the Bank of England base rate and your mortgage provider’s T&Cs so your payments can go up as well as down.
MORTGAGE BROKERS
Once you’ve found the best deal, see if a mortgage broker can do better: Whichever type of mortgage you go for, 3Their job is to find you the best deal, help you you’ll need to look at the interest rate: secure it and offer advice on Help to Buy schemes, l Lenders will have a range of mortgage shared ownership and self-employment. products with different rates of interest. These 3There are independent mortgage brokers as will depend on the size of your deposit, the well as those offered by your estate agent. Ask value of the property and friends or family for recommendations and your circumstances. make sure your broker can source any l Many people start UK mortgage and is not limited to with their own bank Make sure you have a small number of lenders. or building society to 3Ask if they charge a fee. Most some money put by to get an idea of what work on a commission paid by they can get. cover the fees associated the mortgage company but l There are so many with taking out a mortgage some will charge you directly. No deals, so it’s a good – stamp duty, solicitor, reputable broker should charge idea to check out valuation, survey, as well more than around one per cent of Money Saving Expert’s as a mortgage fee. the mortgage value. Avoid any that Mortgage Best Buys to charge fees upfront and check they see what else is available. are fully qualified with CeMAP.
Feature Hayley Gilbert Image iStock
Top tip
Q A
I’m self-employed – will it be difficult for me to get a mortgage? Daisy Stewart, Guildford
It’s harder than it used to be – but possible! You just need more information to hand to prove your income. Any lender will want to see at least two years’ worth of accounts or tax returns – the more, the better. Some lenders prefer you to have an accountant who must be certified or chartered, and they’ll want to see a track record of regular work, a good-sized deposit and good credit history.
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additional lenders Keep in mind that there are some mortgage lenders that don’t offer their products through a broker: 3 These include Yorkshire Bank and First Direct. 3 HSBC only offers its deals through a selected number of broker networks. 3 Nationwide and Halifax will offer some deals through brokers and others direct so it’s a good idea to approach some lenders yourself.
Useful contacts
l www.moneysavingexpert.com has information on mortgages and advice on how to find the best deal. l Find a chartered accountant at www.icaew.com. l Check your credit score at www. equifax.co.uk, www.experian. co.uk or www.noodle.co.uk. l Search for a CeMAP mortgage broker at www.libf.ac.uk. l Compare mortgage rates at www.comparethemarket.com.
Elegant Simplicity
Say hello to Hampton A beautiful, silk painted range, available in 25 colour options. H L I N E . Hampton Highland Stone with Farringdon Grey
North
Bakewell 01629 812200 Blackburn 01254 693765 Bury 01204 772870 Cleckheaton 01274 862323 Doncaster 01302 364809 Fleetwood 01253 283786 Grimsby 01472 343853 Harrogate 01423 862286 Leeds 01133 910179 Lytham St Annes 01772 631316 Macclesfield 01625 464955 New Mills 01663 746851 Northallerton 01609 780289 Retford 01777 707656 Sheffield 01246 416642 Wirral 0151 632 1670 York 01904 479792
Midlands
Coleford 01594 809682 Dudley 01384455755 Duffield 01332 842534
Gloucester 01452 310451 Hampton-in-Arden 01675 442705 Henley-in-Arden 01789 488899 Hereford 01432 262820 Leicester North 01530 833960 Leicester South 01455 561200 Ludlow 01584 871960 Northampton 01604 385050 Nottingham 01159 842842 Towcester 01327 358180 Wolverhampton 01902 710545 Worcester 01905 335408
East Anglia
Attleborough 01953 482032 Cambridge 01223 466634 Halesworth 01986 835538 Ipswich 01473 742200 March 01354 662000 Norwich 01603 666161 Royston 01763 271991 Saffron Waldon 01799 583000 Stamford 01780 654321
South
Abingdon 01235 554773 Arundel 01243 696700 Basingstoke 01256 810460 Bideford 01237 423444 Bourne End 01628 528712 Bradford-On-Avon 01225 783118 Brighton East 01273 628618 Bristol 01179 246002 Camberley 01252 522400 Chelmsford 01245 392792 Cheltenham 01242 251113 Chingford 0203 903 1813 Dorchester 01305 520848 Esher 01372 467464 Fareham 01329 223406 Folkestone 01303 647022 Fordingbridge 01425 650235 Fulham 0207 3840511 Godalming 01483 424466 Hazlemere 01494 718585 Helston 01326 565522 Horley 01293 786116
Ingatestone 01277 350800 Ivybridge 01752 897800 London - Perivale 0208 616 2722 Lymington 01590 678767 Purbeck 01929 422345 Ringwood 01425 484731 Romsey 01794 338555 Sailsbury 01722 328777 Seaton 01297 22559 Sherborne 01935 817111 Staines upon Thames 01784 463909 Storrington 01903 741004 Taunton 01823 256369 Tring 01442 827997 Uckfield 01825 766976 Wadebridge 01208 813231 Waterlooville 02392 176380 Whitstable 01843 593069 Winscombe 01934 844144 Witney 01993 704105 Wokingham 0118 978 3393 Worthing 01903 201901
Wales
Abergavenny 01873 850911 Cardiff East 02920 485888 Cardiff West 02920 593969 Dyffryn Ardudwy 01341 242015 Haverfordwest 01437 763623 Hay-on-Wye 01497 821374 Nefyn 01758 721081 Newport 01633 252187 St Asaph 01745 582786 Swansea 01792 790088
Channel Islands & Isle of Man
Guernsey 01481 710500 Isle of Man 01624 623222 Jersey 01534 865750
Order a copy of our brochure at: masterclasskitchens.co.uk
Your-Home-AUG.indd 1
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Keep fit with the latest wearable tech Hit your goals in style with trackers and smart watches
I
f you’re planning to up your activity levels and improve your fitness in 2019 there’s a plethora of wearable tech to keep you motivated. From basic trackers that monitor your steps and heart to smart watches that boast a range of features including music playlists and message notifications, there’s a device to help you reach your exercise goals.
Feature Alice Butler
Best for multi sports Take control of your fitness and wellbeing with this popular tracker. Take your pick from a long list of features including over 15 goal-based exercise modes (including run, bike, swim and yoga); sleep monitoring; 24/7 heart tracking; calorie counting and cardio hacks. Keep up with the bigger picture of your health and nutrition on the Fitbit mobile app. Fitbit Charge 3, £129.99, Fitbit
Best for bargain hunters
Along with the app, this bracelet will help you balance your health and fitness by monitoring your sleep and activity patterns. Once you’ve connected your band to the free August app you’ll be able to keep track of your daily fitness targets, receive reminders to get moving and review your history.
Best for Runners
A heart rate monitor slash personal trainer, this gadget counts your heart rate, calories, distance and pace with the option to join the Burn & Burst eight-week training plan to help you reach your goals. Runners will love the three-dimensional tracking which measures your cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact. Use with your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet and your GPS watch. Wahoo Fitness Tickr X heart rate monitor, £64.99, Wahoo Fitness
August SWB200 smart activity tracker, £29.95, Amazon
Best for Long-life battery
If you want to spend more time moving and less time charging your device, this gadget has a 20-day battery life (three times as much as a Fitbit). It has many of the same features as a smart watch, so you can keep up to date with calls and notifications without taking your phone out of your pocket. App-enabled, it’ll tailor the tracker to your exercise with all the usual data crunched and displayed on the dashboard. Pulse HR trackers, £119.95, Withings
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buyer’s guide Mi Band 3, £26.99, Mi
Best for Water activities
If you’re a fan of water-based sports this tracker is water resistant up to 50 metres. As well as monitoring your heart, sleep quality and general health, connect it to your smart phone and it’ll display social media updates at the flick of your wrist.
Best for Morale boosting This is the one to go for if you need others to keep you motivated as you can share, compete and receive support through the Myzone social network. Choose from a strap that goes round your chest or a funky sports bra and it’ll give real-time feedback on your heart, calories and effort while you set personal goals, monthly challenges and receive morale-boosting Effort Points.
Myzone MZ-3 heart-rate monitor, £129; sports bra, £39.99, both Amazon
Best for work and play
Take control of your fitness and run your business or social life with this high-tech smart watch. As well as all the usual tracker modes, this device plays music, maps your distance, pace and workout via GPS and even has an emergency SOS alert among a host of other features. It lets you send and receive text messages, answer calls and receive notifications when it’s connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Apple Watch Series 4 GPS, Gold Aluminium case with Pink Sand sport band, £460, Apple
Best for Moving and snoozing
This lightweight wireless gadget keeps track of your activity and rest patterns, tracing your steps, distance, calories burned and waking you up with a snooze alert when you sleep. Track your progress via the free app which is compatible with iOS and Android smart phones and tablets. Nuband Activ+ fitness tracker, £26, Halfords
Best for healthconscious women
Keep on top of fitness and health with this app-compatible smart watch. From on-screen workouts to Deezer playlists, guided breathing and at-a-glance stats on the app dashboard, this gadget has women firmly in mind as it tracks your menstrual cycle and gauges ovulation. Fitbit Versa, £199.99, Fitbit
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
19
Wear your heart on your windows.
Don’t just like your blinds. Love them.
TO BOOK A FREE APPOINTMENT CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK
Hillarys_YourHome_March.indd 1
08/01/2019 10:32
Decorating Go dotty for this month’s hottest trend
Mini trend: Spots and dots
Don’t be mistaken in thinking that polka dots mean an abundance of vibrant 1950s-style kitsch prints, because this year they have embraced a fresh new look! Using a backdrop of muted shades, the 2019 take is perfect for a cool, contemporary room. A smattering of steely grey spots and dots against a luxe millennial pink-inspired neutral is all you need to get started on this hot trend. We love this chic wall design from Crown Paints featuring rough metallic splodges in City Break emulsion, contrasting with a subtle blush-coloured wall in the shade Hare. To find out more about this fun decorating design, plus for more inspiration, visit www.crownpaints.co.uk.
Feature Matilda Bourne
Hare and City Break matt emulsion paints, £18 per 2.5l, both Crown Paints. Ceramic vase, £29.50, M&S. Yellow spot terracotta mug, £12.50, White Stuff
Snuggle up
Funky florals Take a maximalist attitude this month with Perkins & Morley’s vibrant pop-art-inspired cushion collection. Including six bold and beautiful designs, each one features a fabulous bouquet illustration printed in the iconic primary colours associated with pop art. From hydrangeas worthy of Warhol to lupins inspired by Lichtenstein, each cushion is priced from £24.99 and is available in either faux suede or cotton linen. To see the whole range, visit shop.perkinsandmorley.com.
Flora bed
linen, from Make bed time that £55, Hibou little bit easier this Home month with a fresh set of decorative bed linen from Hibou Home. Promising a super-soft touch, each duvet set is woven from 100 per cent organic cotton to avoid the use of nasty chemicals – it’s even OEKO Tex certified! Choose from a sweet pastel palette of blush pink, indigo blue, soft grey or aqua, alongside delicate patterns including stars, florals, crowns or trees to complete your little one’s bedroom. Or, if you fancy it for your own boudoir, they do grown-up sizes, too! Find out more at www.hibouhome.com.
Check out our new decorating pages at www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk In association with
www.hillarys.co.uk
March 2019
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Trend Alert... Feature Laura Higgins Background Simi 213023 wallpaper, Sanderson
Put a modern spin on this soft scheme From the gentle, barely-there shades to more eye-catching colour combinations, pastels are still going strong this season with frost blue, icy mint, sherbet lemon, peach, dusky pink and heather all taking centre stage. The key is to create a scheme that is feminine rather than girlie or saccharine. Temper pastels with neutral taupe or grey, throw in some darker tones and highlight with metallics to keep the palette balanced. Choose streamlined furniture, avoid anything fussy and opt for hard materials such as concrete, stone and marble to keep the look crisp. To complete the contemporary feel, add cushions and wallpaper in contrasting geometric prints. Acting Deputy Editor
This grid-effect pattern makes the pastels pop and provides a stronger look Clay White, Soft Ash, Aftershow and Pashmina matt emulsions, from £14 for 2.5l, all Crown Paints
Laval Lilac fabric, £39 per m; Henley Flannel fabric, £27 per m, both Clarke & Clarke. Afternoon Dreaming cushion, £65, Layered Lounge. Rose gold Reflections wallpaper, £40 per roll; Cosmo Cocktail matt emulsion, £38 per 2.5l, both Graham & Brown
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March 2019
In association with
www.hillarys.co.uk
STYLE FILE Furnished in velvet in an elegant blossom shade with a buttoned back, this sofa is the ultimate indulgence Valerie buttonback sofa, £799.99, Argos
Expert tip ‘Using pastels in the home doesn’t always have to be sweet and pretty. Shades of the palest pink, sherbet lemon or watery mint green can look new and modern if combined with tones of grey and hard materials such as concrete and metal. Also, think about painting out a section of a wall in a strong asymmetric pattern that will bring an unexpected element to these soft and chalky colours.’
Judy Smith, Colour Consultant at Crown Paints Add depth to your scheme with a selection of shades Super-soft faux mohair throw, £22; corduroy cushion, £7; casual stripe cushion, £8; swan cushion, £10; velour cushion, £6; textured cushion, £6; mallard cushion, £8, all Dunelm
Bold geometric patterns are an eye-catching way to use several pastel hues at once
Update a chest of drawers with a lick of paint and new door knobs
Gold wall clock, £16.99; pink chair, £99.99; pink throw, £29.99; side table, £29.99; pink cushion, £16.99; mustard cushion, £12.99; pouffe, £99.99, all HomeSense
Pale green pearlescent flower door knob, £2.75, Ian Snow
Soft rose teamed with mink and taupe will create a feminine scheme
Perk up a sofa with abstract cushions
Showwood bedstead in topaz pink, £699; Boutique Hotel silk bedding, from £16; Wellington round rug, £180; Huxley ceiling light, £210; Meghan armchair in Harriet Rose, £749; Misano glitter velvet cushion, £50, all John Lewis
In association with
Cosmo print cushion, £20, Debenhams
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STYLE FILE
Lush greenery will prevent petal pink from appearing too girlie
Pale green accents will give your scheme a minty fresh lift Kaelan matt pale green pendant, £43.99, Där Lighting
Large succulent in cement pot, £14; meerkat ornament, £4; pink vases, £7 for two; hanging wire fern, £10; aloe, £8; pink tea light holder, £2; cactus in bell jar, £12; cactus ornament, £4; cut-out tall candle holder, £5; cut-out short candle holder, £2.50, all George Home
These brick tiles come in a variation of rose shades, and are also available in blue for a different look Tints Rose brick tiles, £29.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors
Spend vs Save Perch on a pretty occasional chair in the softest-of-soft pinks
Pale pink chair, £99.99, HomeSense
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March 2019
Iris lounge chair in blossom pink, £149, Cult Furniture
Allure Mineral velvet, £31 per m; Henley Sky fabric, £27 per m, both Clarke & Clarke. Terrazzo cushion, £19.99, Very. Aqueous Geo Stone wallpaper, £40 per roll; Moon Cottage matt emulsion, £38 per 2.5l, both Graham & Brown
In association with
www.hillarys.co.uk
STYLE FILE Silvery grey and soft off-white are a great foil for pastel hues Everyday luxury 12-piece dinner set in marble, £38; Everyday luxury 12-piece dinner set in white, £35; Palatial 12-piece dinner set in grey, £38; porcelain pasta bowls in super white, £12 for four; Woodbury bench, £99.99 for a pair; Woodbury table, £399.99; large fabric shade, £12; 16-piece stainless steel square cutlery set, £13; Elegance wine glasses, £8 for four, all Argos
Give the macramé trend a fresh new look in pink
Pretty paints
Give your walls a wash of subtle colour
Premium Blend v700 Cucumber Crush walls & ceilings paint, £28 per 2.5l, Valspar
Colours Premium Tutu matt emulsion, £16 per 2.5l, B&Q
Cosmo macramé hanging basket, £15, Debenhams
Toughen up a pale scheme with hard materials Concrete desk clock, £25, Hurn & Hurn
Breatheasy Sunrise matt emulsion, £14 per 2.5l, Crown Paints
Peach Baby claypaint, £40 per 2.5l, Earthborn
For a contemporary look, combine pastels with stronger tones Scoop tub chair in Hatton Pink, £225; Sweep small sofa, £299; Harry floor lamp in grey, £55; Sweep armchair in Saga Blue, £175; Anton coffee table, £129; Ananda rug in ivory, £100, all John Lewis
In association with
www.hillarys.co.uk
Hortense absolute matt emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5l, Little Greene
March 2019
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Jane is thrilled with her monochrome scheme. The dramatic dark ceiling is the perfect foil for the white walls and floorboards
Total Cost
ÂŁ2,577
LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER
It’s a bright and sunny room all year round Jane Atkinson beathed new life into her lacklustre living room with fresh white walls, a dramatic dark ceiling and added interest with texture and lighting
J
ane Atkinson, owner of online homeware company Violet & Thistle, loves the Edwardian house in Southgate, North London, that she shares with her husband Lee and daughters Evelyn, 10, and Sophie, six. However, this wasn’t always the case – when they first bought the property, the living room where the family spend most of their time together was in a dreadful state. The walls were covered in dated mustard-
coloured paper, the curtains weren’t the right size and the dark floor drained the room of colour and light. ‘It really needed some TLC, double quick!’ Jane exclaims. One benefit of the room is that it receives a lot of sunshine, which Jane wanted to make the most of to brighten up the space. Luckily, Jane is already submerged in the interiors world, so knew exactly what she wanted. ‘I love eclectic décor,’ she says, ‘And decided to go for a bit of modern glitz mixed up with vintage finds.’
Good idea!
STEP ONE Jane’s husband Lee got to work stripping off the wallpaper while she considered how different colours would work together. ‘I wanted white walls to act as a blank canvas,’ she explains, ‘But I definitely didn’t want a totally clinical feel. Breaking up the white was important and painting the ceiling in a contrasting shade was definitely on my mind.’ Another living space in Jane’s home has dark walls and a white ceiling, so she wanted to connect the two rooms by reversing the colour scheme. ‘Painting the ceiling not only adds personality but absorbs the sunlight streaming through, preventing the room from glare during the summer months,’ she says. The paint colour Railings by Farrow & Ball was chosen as it has a rich depth to it and feels very dark, without looking too black. The next job was to paint the floor. ‘Having white floorboards makes a huge difference to a room,’ says Jane. ‘They’re really easy to freshen up too when the paint starts to look a bit grubby.’ Jane used the eggshell version of the wall paint for continuity, and after
Create drama with a contrasting painted ceiling to enhance the architectural features in the room.
Before
The leather sofas were softened up with sheepskin throws and vibrant cushions to add a splash of colour in the room
a couple of coats, the room was already looking drastically different.
STEP two Jane decided against a window treatment, so she could make the most of the room’s large windows. ‘I couldn’t decide between curtains, blinds or shutters so I just left the windows as they are and I must say, I’m loving the view,’ she smiles. To soften the room, Jane added lots of side and table lighting. ‘I love
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Jane displays her favourite prints and neon lights from Violet & Thistle, her online homeware company, and uses Ikea Ribba frames in black and white to create her own gallery wall
roomplan
4m
The original fireplace makes an eye-catching focal point in the room with gold accessories displayed above
3.3m
the details
£269
Sofas and armchair
£925
Rug
£129
Furniture
£654
Plants
£200
Lighting
£400
TOTAL
Brighten up a plain wall with a picture gallery interspersed with colourful neon lights.
the way that directional lighting can make the room feel really cosy,’ she adds. Jane bought the glass wall lights in the sale at Liberty of London and was thrilled to finally put them up. ‘It was love at first sight,’ she says, ‘and because they were discounted in the sale I had to snap them up then and there!’ Jane is luckily in the know when it comes to stunning interiors and her online company stocks a huge range of homeware, so the family didn’t have to search too hard to find exactly what they were looking for. ‘I chose some accent pieces to add texture and colour, and help bring the scheme together,’ adds Jane. ‘I wanted side tables with brass detailing
and velvet upholstery plus plenty of cushions to add interest to the monochrome scheme.’
STEP three
‘I knew I wanted to create a gallery wall with the prints I had been collecting over the years,’ explains Jane, ‘And I also love breaking it up with some neon lights.’ With some patience, a spirit level and ruler, Jane and Lee quickly transformed the plain white wall with their favourite artwork. Being an expert at hunting out vintage finds from local antique fairs and markets, Jane soon found a drinks cabinet for just £45, which was given a coat of the leftover ceiling paint as a finishing touch. ‘The room is such a cosy space now,’ says Jane, ‘Making it the perfect spot for the whole family to relax in.’ YH
£2,577
Shopping list
Strong White and Railings estate emulsions, £45 for 2.5l; Strong White modern eggshell, £67 for 2.5l, all Farrow & Ball. Sanela cushion cover, £6; Moalie throw, £45; Joanne throw, £25; potted succulent, £9; Ludde sheepskin, £30; Ribba frames, from £4 each, all Ikea. Fresh flowers, from £28 for a floral recipe box, Posy & Posy. Vintage vases, from £20; vintage glass cabinet, £45, both from a local antiques market. Sofas, £600 for two, eBay. G-Plan sideboard, £120, Gumtree. Marble ring side table, £135; marble rectangular side table, £120; grey velvet armchair, £325; rug, £129; zebra vase, £18.50; neon signs, from £65; macramé cushion, £19.99; grey velvet cushion, £14; blue fringe cushion, £22; storage baskets, from £18.95; cream fringed pouffe, £135; pink velvet stool, £99; gold planters, from £16; prints from £12, all Violet & Thistle. Gold mirror, £35, HomeSense. Vintage floral oil painting, £85; vintage gold frame, £28; vintage landscape oil painting, £38; wooden candlesticks, £60, The Vintage Curator. Pompom cushion, £65, Anthropologie. Rust throw, £35, H&M. Pink pompom cushion, £12, Next. Faux plants, from £19.99, TK Maxx. Glass bubble wall lights, £199, Liberty.
3 of the best... textured pouffes £35 from Sainsbury’s Home
This Moroccan-inspired pouffe features a pretty stitched design and tasselled edge to add a bohemian feel to any room.
£35
£90
£49.99 from Beliani
This fluffy pouffe is made from a hardwearing cotton-wool blend in soft grey covered in white triangular contrasting tassels.
£90 from Very
We love the monochrome design of this woven design from the Grounded Earth collection, featuring a stylish geometric pattern.
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£49.99
Feature and styling Emma Fishman Photos by Lizzie Orme
Good idea!
Paint
SHERWOOD CONTEMPORARY PRINTS
www.studiog.uk.com
I wanted to add colour and style A textured metallic wallpaper is the perfect foil for a bold yellow sofa in Kathryn Brock’s living room refresh
Total Cost
ÂŁ1,507
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The bright yellow corner sofa complements the textured metallic wallpaper
LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER
K
athryn Brock, 42, has lived in her four-bedroom detached home in Orpington, Kent, with her partner and children, eight-year-old Sam, and sixyear-old Paige, for three years. ‘We loved the location and bought the house as we needed more space,’ explains Kathryn, ‘But it was a right mess – every room was plain white and had no personality as the previous owner had rented it out. ‘On paper it sounded great as we loved the idea of putting our own stamp on a property, but in reality it meant that we had to live with the bland scheme while we saved enough money to revamp each room one by one.’ The kitchen and bathroom were the couple’s main priorities but, after another winter spent in a dull white living room, they decided that enough was enough and made plans to decorate as soon as possible.
STEP ONE
Kathryn’s living room is quite large and leads into the house’s dining area but she was adamant that the two rooms should be kept as separate spaces. ‘I do like the idea of a living room slash diner but I preferred to keep the different areas apart, so made a conscious effort to keep this space as a dedicated lounge,’ she says. ‘The previous owners had kept the room plain but the walls were in a bad state and an old and unsafe wallmounted fire had to go, too.’ The couple hired a local electrician to dismantle the fire and ensure that the old electrics were removed safely before decorating began. Kathryn then decided that rather than work with the walls as they were, they would have the room replastered to create a smooth surface. ‘We both like decorating so wanted a good canvas to work on,’ explains Kathryn. ‘It just felt like the right thing to do, and was something we’d done in the other rooms already.’
Before straightforward, so Kathryn carried out the work herself to save on cash. ‘I decided to do it myself as I wanted to spend a bit more on accessories,’ she says. ‘We needed a new sofa and some furniture, too, so saving every penny really helped!’
Pattern and colour bring the walls to life
By mixing and matching woods, Kathryn has created a modern feel. This dark wood storage unit is perfect against the pale walls while the geo chair livens up the room and works well with the bold floor-length curtains
Good idea!
Even if you’re not the creative type, upcycling something as simple as a mirror is an easy job – use spray paint for an even finish.
STEP two
Kathryn liked the idea of keeping the décor modern with pops of colour. She began by putting together mood boards to get a feel for the style she wanted to create and when she found a gorgeous silver and grey wallpaper from Graham & Brown, she knew that her scheme would fit perfectly around the design. ‘I love this wallpaper as it’s subtle and features a textured finish, which I knew would look great on the main wall,’ she smiles. With the walls newly plastered, the couple had to apply several coats of paint before applying the wallpaper in order to prime the surface. However, with only one wall to cover, the job was www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
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31
Good idea!
roomplan
Light-coloured walls suit any style of room and will allow you to update your scheme with new accessories whenever you wish.
3.6m
4.9m
Sofa
the details
Chairs
of the corners to create a distressed effect. I think it looks amazing!’ With creative inspiration in full flow, Kathryn used some leftover wallpaper from one of her favourite designers, Orla Kiely, to cover a collection of old storage boxes to fit underneath the coffee table.
STEP four In keeping with her vision of rustic-meets-modern, Kathryn introduced a wooden drawer unit and a white minimalist coffee table to the room. She also sourced some bold geometricpatterned curtains from Dunelm which complement the sofa nicely and are the perfect dressing for the large French doors. With geometrics in mind, Kathryn picked out two armchairs from Made and added some textured cushions and a statement lamp. ‘I’m thrilled with the final look of the room,’ says Kathryn.
£169.98
Wallpaper
£72
Carpet
£270
Sideboard
£399
Curtains
£55
Paint
£52
TOTAL
STEP three With the walls finished, Kathryn next focused on the floor. She opted for a gorgeous wool carpet in a soft grey shade which has an almost velveteen finish and tones with the metallic wallpaper. ‘We decided that we needed to add colour to the room next. I thought yellow would complement the grey and found the fabulous bright sofa online,’ explains Kathryn, ‘Plus, the corner style would fit the room perfectly and ensure we still had lots of space for the kids and our dog, Archie.’ With the sofa on order, Kathryn turned her attention to updating a much-loved vintage mirror. ‘I bought it at a local charity shop – I love a bargain – and decided that it would look great on the wall,’ she says, ‘but it was originally black, so I thought I’d upcycle it. I used gold spray paint to add some colour, then rubbed back some
£ 1,506.98
Shopping list Chenille grey and silver wallpaper, £24 per roll, Graham & Brown. Delilah yellow checked retro occasional chairs, £84.99 each, My Furniture. Mosslanda picture shelves, £5 each, IKEA. Seville Charcoal lined eyelet curtains, from £55; cushions and throws, from a selection, all Dunelm. Silk Touch carpet in Titanium, from £28 per sq m, Cormar Carpets. For a similar sideboard, try the Bronx sideboard, £399, Next. For a similar coffee table, try the oval coffee table, £249 for two, Dwell. For a similar sofa, try the Scandinavian sofa in yellow, £489, PrivateFloor
‘It’s a great space that works for us a family, and best of all the dull walls and horrid fireplace are a thing of the past. We finally have some colour in the room – so roll on next Christmas!’ YH
3 of the best... bold print armchairs £195 from IKEA
The classic Strandmon wing chair is given a bold makeover with the addition of the brand’s Gillhov leaf-print fabric.
£195
£749
£395 from Graham & Green
The mid-century-style Alpana Mexicana print seat is upholstered in a vibrant pattern inspired by the legendary Mexican icon, Frida Kahlo.
£795 from The Lounge Co
The gorgeous George armchair is available in a range of fabric finishes but this deep teal bird of paradise print is our firm favourite.
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£395
£489
Feature & styling Zoe Oliver Photos Lizzie Orme
Kathryn wasn’t sure that carpet was practical with two children and a dog, but it has made the room feel really warm and cosy and the short pile is easy to keep clean
Total Cost
£340
The focal point of the room is a canvas by Brighton-based artist Dan Baldwin, aptly named Happy Happy. ‘The format reminds me of a map of Manhattan. It works brilliantly and it does indeed make me very happy,’ smiles Martha
My living room is bursting with personality A pastel-pink wall paint makes the perfect backdrop for Martha Roberts’ collections of handmade cushions, art prints and vintage accessories
W
hen Martha Roberts, journalist and author of the book Shelfie: Clutter-Clearing Ideas For Stylish Shelf Art (£12.99, Mitchell Beazley) moved into her semi-detached Victorian cottage in Chiswick, West London, five years ago with son Ezra, 12, the neutral décor was comfortable but way too bland for Martha’s eclectic tastes. ‘The house had been a typical rental property filled with flat-pack furniture,’ explains Martha. ‘It was very plain, simple, dull and boring – but that did make it a great blank
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canvas.’ Martha set about layering in personality with her vintage collections, built up over years of passionate sourcing from junk shops and car boot sales.
STEP ONE Keen to display her collection of vintage treasures to full effect, the first thing Martha did was to get a local carpenter to build shelves into the alcoves. ‘We had to adapt around a burglar alarm keypad which meant that the shelves are not symmetrical – but I like that,’ laughs Martha.
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Before
LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER Martha found that painting the frame around this picture modernised it and best complemented the painting
‘One shelf had to be positioned slightly higher, but that made it ideal for A4 books, and two were spaced further apart to accommodate the TV.’
Martha has displayed books according to colour, accentuated with matching accessories. ‘I often buy books just for their colours, especially vintage Penguin titles,’ she explains. ‘I see them as objects, in the same way I view a pretty vase – so I have no problem collecting them for colour’
STEP two Martha’s decorator had some grey paint left over from another job so he started using that to paint the room. ‘I tried to like it,’ says Martha, ‘But it was like a grey version of magnolia – so next I opted for white, as I knew I would be filling the room with colour anyway.’ After building up the colour substantially with accessories, Martha saw a gorgeous pink paint shade called Angie by Little Greene which had been used in the shop WA Green in East London’s Shoreditch. ‘I loved it!’ says Martha. ‘I felt that the white had been showcasing the coloured accessories, but not supporting them. The pink is now a perfect backdrop and makes everything sing out.’ STEP three
Martha’s existing grey sofa, bought from Heal’s back in 2001 when she first moved to the area,
Good idea!
Painting the back of the shelves black allows the accessories to stand out and gives the room depth.
pre-dated everything and, although super comfortable, it was a jarring dark grey. Instead of replacing it, Martha covered it with two sumptuous baby-blue throws bought from TK Maxx for just £17 each. Martha’s seemingly evergrowing collection of cushions bring real joy to the sofa. She made three of them herself during an early experimentation with mixing different textures and colours.
Martha fell in love with a pink paint colour, Angie by Little Greene. Previously the white walls showcased her colourful collection of vintage finds but she found the pink supports her accessories and makes them sing out
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roomplan
Good idea!
Look out for vintage buys on eBay, at car boot sales and in charity shops. For more unique artisan pieces, try Etsy.
4m
Martha has gone to town creating colourful cameo ‘shelfies’ on her shelving, the first step to creating her dream living room. ‘Arranging objects by colour gives a sense of cohesion to a shelf arrangement, whether it’s a multicoloured collection or a simple arrangement of one or two colours,’ she says
4m
the details Paint Throws on sofa Rug
£150
Coffee table
£108
TOTAL
The ‘She Believed She Could So She Did’ cushion makes a great statement on the sofa and helps to pull all the colours together
£34
£340.50
Shopping list
‘Two of them are made from multicoloured crewel work from a blazer I bought in India when I was 18,’ says Martha. She then combined these with brilliant buys from Ikea and the Designers Guild sale. ‘I looked for the perfect coffee table for 10 years and finally found what I was looking for on Etsy – a wrought iron engineering bench. You can see where years and years of tools wore it away and it has real personality,’ she adds. Of course, what gives the room its punch is Martha’s collection of treasured vintage finds which she has collected since she was a little girl. ‘My first acquisitions were when I was really young,’ explains Martha. ‘I used
Angie Intelligent matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5l, Little Greene. Coffee table, £108; Moroccan rug, £150; similar ‘She Believes She Could So She Did’ cushion, £36, all Etsy. Sissinghurst Border cushion (on armchair), £30, John Lewis. Happy Happy canvas, limited-edition prints available priced £1,250, by Dan Baldwin. All other items from Martha’s own vintage collection
to be like a little magpie and looked for things around the house then squirrelled them up to my room. Then, as I grew older and could babysit, any money went on home accessories, like a vase or giltedged mirror. When I went to university in Sussex I discovered car boot sales and started to collect cabbageware. Now, with everything displayed to full effect around me I feel totally at home – but it’s always changing as I my collection grows… I love to have a play!’ YH
3 of the best... graphic cushions £30 from Talking Tables
Featuring a colourful pompom trim and a stitched floral design, this Global Gathering seat cushion will add boho style to any room.
£40
£40 from Beaumonde
The gorgeous Ourai Japanese Coral House Cushion features a bright floral print background with a bold graphic pattern.
£59 from Clarissa Hulse
Fallen leaves of all shapes and sizes have been silhouetted and screenprinted by hand on this autumnal ombré print cushion.
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March 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
£59
Feature and styling Dilly Orme Photos Claire Lloyd Davies
£48.50
Handcrafted in Devon
Phoenix Firewren 4kW Convector Stove. Energy Rating A+.
For a free brochure or to find your nearest stockist visit:
woodwarmstoves.co.uk or call 01884 35806
37192_Woodwarm Countryfile_FP.indd 1
MULTI-FUEL | WOOD BURNING | GAS
10/09/2018 16:03
Fresh spring schemes Whether you want to add a few key pieces or go for a whole new look, these are the three hottest homeware trends for SS19
Down to earth
The global trend is going nowhere soon. This year, it’s been refreshed with nontraditional interpretations in muted or monochrome palettes. Get the well-travelled look with natural materials, such as terracotta and wood, softened with layers of cosy textiles – no passport necessary.
Lille orange voile, £16; Caprice side table, £79; Santiago washed urn table lamp, £42; elephant tealight holder, £8; Whitby sofa, from £649; elephant cushion, £14; Clara velvet cushion, £20; Jacobean floral cushion, £20; camel cushion, £14; large wooden clock, £35; Caprice coffee table, £149; llama sculpture, £12; ceramic tribal platter, £22; Desert Skies rug, from £385, all Dunelm
s Textured cushions add layers of comfort – mix and match for an effortless look Nazca embroidered cushions, from £44.99 each, Very
Saffron Flynn chair, £199; Advika teal block print cushion, £29; Tuscany side table, £99; Hestia metal wall mirror, £45; Glow cocktail shaker by BarCraft, £16; Glow double walled wine cooler by BarCraft, £24; Glow ice bucket by BarCraft, £34, all JD Williams
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s This trend can easily be worked into a neutral scheme with complementary accessories
Wildlife lovers are sure to find their dream décor this season s
Feature Emma Thompson
s
Luxe touches, such as velvet furnishings and metallic accents blend seamlessly into this trend for a sumptuous feel
Elephant hook, £15.95, Audenza
s
This upturned-bowl shade is made from an eco-friendly material Large bamboo pendant shade, £45, Habitat
s
The intricate detailing on this Southeast Asian-inspired piece adds interest
Earthy tones of warm red and brown are key components of this trend Duplet daybed, £899; Bruno red three-seater sofa, £1,049; Sol Groove rug, £160; Jute pouffe, £79; Kelim pouffe, £120; Hebri berber rug, £380, all John Lewis & Partners
Buddha hand tealight holder, £3.50, Dunelm
s
For that well-travelled look, opt for distressed finishes Rugs, from £59.99; pendant, £24.99; baskets, £34.99 for a set of two; artificial plant, £12.99; dinner set, £99.99; cutlery, from £29.99; Hinks brown leather dining chairs, £299 for two; Julian Bowen Kensington solid wood dining table, £529 (sold with four chairs); tea lights, £11.99 for a set of three; chopping boards, from £12.99; lanterns, from £19.99, all Very
s
Pop a single exotic flower in this textured slim vase Savanna tall scratch vase, £25, Debenhams
s Layer warm reds and natural earthy hues over a neutral base Barcelona Orange, Burgundy, Chateau Grey and Cream chalk paints, from £5.95 per 120ml, all Annie Sloan
Camden acacia nest of tables, £129, JD Williams Home
s Dark stained wood is a fantastic addition to this look
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At first blush Youthful, feminine and dreamy, this trend is all about soft pink and life’s little luxuries. Grey complements blush beautifully, while chalky matt finishes are a must-have for a modern look. Keep furnishings delicate and create something really elegant.
Add a contemporary edge by bringing a dark grey into the scheme Camelia king size bed frame in Slate soft wool, £1,075, Button & Sprung
s
This soft, muted hue is warm and comforting yet still fresh enough for spring Antoinette chalk paint, from £5.95 per 120ml, Annie Sloan
s
Blush is gorgeous in so many different materials and finishes Ewer glass and polished brass table lamp, £59, Made
s
This season’s ‘neutral’ makes for a more interesting backdrop Kahrs oak chevron light grey wood flooring, £119.99 per sq m, Carpetright
s Treat yourself to a decadent pouffe that you’ll love long after the season ends Velvet pouffe, £129.99, Very
s
Mix it up with industrial lighting. This design has a bold black frame to add drama and a welcome contrast Geometric wire light, £20, George Home
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DECORATING IDEAS s
Everyday items are given an elegant spin in a subtle pastel hue
A little goes a long way – the blush speckles in this on-trend terrazzo print soften the whole room Floor lamp, £79.99; chair, £399; cushions, from £14.99; side table, £49; table lamp, £39.99; vases, from £7.99; rug, from £69.99, all Very
s You don’t need to spend a fortune – blush pink even makes humble paper look luxe Oslo pompom by Decadent Decs, £7 for a set of three, Talking Tables
Versa retro table lamp, £145, Cuckooland
Talia spindle dining chair, £95, Habitat
s
Give your bedroom a splash of colour with a new lighting scheme
s
Opt for watercolour and marble effects to add depth Antiqua printed duvet set, from £25, JD Williams Home
s
Here, muted blush curtains add warmth and contrast to the less saturated greys while keeping the overall look elegant and understated Mineral Blush curtains, from £225; Heritage Pumice Roman blind, from £199, both Hillarys
s The ‘folds’ on this clock add interest Pink origami ceramic wall clock by Karlsson, £45, Debenhams
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The modern world Think of this as ‘minimalism meets maximalism’: functional, fuss-free spaces ramped up with lashings of bright colours and bold graphic lines. It’s a meshing of contemporary styles including Scandi and Bauhaus with a vibrant ‘go big or go home’ attitude that’s perfect for busy families and urban lifestyles.
Knopparp orange two-seater sofa, £80; Överallt cushion cover, £5; art event 2019 rug, £160; Snidad basket, £25; Poäng armchair, £95; Förnyad bag, £1.50; Förnyad notebook, £2.50; Förnyad table lamp with integrated wireless phone charger, £60, all IKEA
s
Clashing colours and prints get a big thumbs up – the bolder the better
s
Paint effects not your cup of tea? Try this readymade wall statement Colourful triangles wall mural, £26 per sq m, Photowall
s
Abstract prints make for quirky and fun rooms Larsson double bedding set, £35, Debenhams
s
Turn functional furniture into an upbeat statement
s
We love how this chunky dining furniture holds its own alongside the clashing décor Rhodes three-foot breakfast table, £349.99; Rhodes cross back bar stool, £129.99 each, all Oak Furniture Land
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Hot pink velvet footstool, £78, Audenza
DECORATING IDEAS
s Bring the colour of happiness into your scheme with this funky shade Yellow ceiling pendant, £29.99, Very
s
Abstract designs work well in hues of the same colour s There’s no need to stick with matching sets in this trend, it’s a pick ’n’ mix of colour and pattern Stockholm dinner plate, £3.50, Sainsbury’s Home
Everyday Luxury 12-piece porcelain dinner set, £35; Stockholm three-piece dish set, £16; Stockholm pasta bowl, £17 for four; Purity 16-piece cutlery set, £26, all Argos Home
s
Hairpin legs are a great retro twist but also look fantastic in an industrial scheme Tyler side table, £50; Romy white glass vase, £35; Juno two-seater sofa, £695; Scottie 45cm x 45cm cushions, £55 each; Tyler coffee table, £95; Aerial sage ceiling light, £40; Lane yellow toned 140cm x 200cm flat weave rug, £170; Trent 140cm x 200cm flat weave rug, £170, all Habitat
s Choose whichever colours you like best – here’s our primary choice Emperor’s Silk, English Yellow, Napoleonic Blue and Graphite chalk paints, from £5.95 per 120ml, all Annie Sloan
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Seven ways to create a calmer living space
1
Make your home a peaceful and relaxing place to unwind in LET THE SUNSHINE IN
A simple lick of paint in a fresh shade of yellow, such as this pastel sherbet, will help you associate the room with happiness, clarity, loyalty and joy… what’s not to love?
Feature Emma Thompson
W
ith so much going on in the world outside, our homes are a sanctuary to get away from it all. Walking through your front door should feel as if a weight is lifted from your shoulders – which comes down to feeling completely at ease inside. Follow these tips and your home will be your very own haven in no time at all!
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Scent is a really important factor in relaxation. Fragrances that can calm your nerves include lemon, jasmine, chamomile, ylang-ylang and, of course, lavender
Pink lavender scented candles, from £1 each, Wilko
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2
Wilton four-seater chaise sofa, £2,995; Alicia square cushions, £40 each; Regency velvet cushion, £25; Irina cushion, £55; Euan overreach floor lamp, £225; Anderson coffee table, £550; Casper rug, £350; Desree yellow velvet armchair, £195; Alicia rectangular cushion, £35; Misshapes print, £45, all Habitat
3 CREATE A MEDITATION STATION
Taking time out to quieten your thoughts will be easier if you have a dedicated space for doing it. Floor cushions are ideal but a comfy chair will work well, too Stockholm floor cushion, £20, Sainsbury’s Home
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DECORATING IDEAS
5
SLEEP PEACEFULLY
If there’s one room where you should embrace a calming scheme, it’s the bedroom. This doesn’t mean sparse though – build up layers of natural textures for cosiness you can really feel at ease in Tarva bed frame, from £75 for a single; Provinsros quilt cover and pillowcase, from £15; Industriell vase, £18, all Ikea
MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE
One of your first ports of call should be making your home warm and inviting with plenty of soft textiles to hand Mustard stab stitch woven cotton throw, £21, Gisela Graham
4
6
GO TO YOUR HAPPY PLACE
Create a little nook to curl up and relax in with a cuppa – all you’ll need is a comfortable seat by natural light and a side table for your mug Bond Street four-seater sofa, £1,069; Milo oversized floor lamp, £189; Edna nest of tables, £189; Bruco cushion, £39, all Furniture Village
7
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
Having greenery in your home is a great mood-booster… but if plant maintenance stresses you out, faux foliage is the way to go! Faux succulent in round pot, £8; faux succulent in face pot, £6, both George Home
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®
charnwood Exceptional British made wood stoves 01983 537780 • www.charnwood.com
charnwood2015230x300.indd 1
16/10/2015 17:08:26
Kitchens &BATHROOMS
Add some personality with patchwork tiles
A touch of gold
Splashback in Petrol Blue, £109 per 900 x 600mm panel, AluSplash
Looking for an easy bathroom revamp? Then take a peek at the new MW by Matthew Williamson bathroom accessories collection at Debenhams. Transform your bathroom into a decadent spa with this array of deep turquoise products. Including a soap dish, tumbler, storage jar, soap pump and toilet brush, each product features luxurious brushed-gold accents and a stunning intricate pattern, to give your bathroom a brand-new boho-inspired look from just £7! To see the whole range, visit www. debenhams. co.uk.
Make a splash Ready to add a pop of colour to a timeless white kitchen design, AluSplash’s range of blue splashbacks has definitely caught our eye this month. Its rich, ocean-like shades of Petrol Blue and Totally Teal are perfect for adding a dramatic backdrop to a pared-back kitchen without overpowering or darkening the space. Plus, with its fire, steam, and water-resistant properties, you can rest assured that this aluminium splashback will maintain its long-lasting, modern finish. Find out more at www.alusplash.com.
Feature Matilda Bourne
Tough love Imagine a world where your tap didn’t get unsightly water marks all over it. Thanks to Frontline Bathrooms, it’s now a reality! The Courbe Purquartz mixer tap collection harnesses the rustic beauty of concrete to bring you beautifully textured brassware without the need to constantly wipe it down. Available in black, white, or grey, with accents in chrome or – our personal favourite – copper, see the whole collection at www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk. Courbe Purquartz mixer in concrete effect with copper accents, £195, Frontline Bathrooms
Eastern promise Inspired by the intricate textiles and shapes of the Middle East, the new Riga patchwork tiles from Tile Mountain are a must for anyone lusting after a decadent and unique look. Suitable for kitchen or bathroom walls and floors, the Riga collection features 32 different patterns in an exotic scalloped shape, giving you a multitude of potential layout designs. Plus, with plain concrete alternatives available, you’re free to incorporate as much interest as you wish! To find out more, head to www.tilemountain.co.uk. Riga tiles, £16.99 per sq m, Tile Mountain
visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk for more kitchen & bathroom inspiration www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
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So near, so spa
Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary you can unwind in at the end of a busy day
s Create a relaxing Oriental-style spa bathroom with a stunning contemporary free-standing bath. This design is a twist on the classic slipper style and comes with a generous 260-litre capacity for long, indulgent soaks Mode Hardy free-standing bath, £999, Victoria Plum
Update your space with a contemporary curved bathtub. This affordable design is made from a high-quality cast acrylic
Top tip Generous fluffy towels, a luxurious robe and soft rugs underfoot are key to creating a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.
Yang luxury free-standing bath, £420.97, Bathroom Takeaway
Yin towels, from £7 each, House by John Lewis & Partners
Houseplants are a great way to add life to your scheme and this faux design won’t require any upkeep
s
Feature Alice Butler
s Choose sumptuous pampering towels
Faux monster plant, £25, Cox & Cox
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BATHROOM IDEAS Croft Collection Blakeney stool, £85; Pimlico aluminium lanterns, £50 for three, John Lewis & Partners
s This colourful bath mat will bring warmth underfoot as well as a welcome splash of colour
Create a calm atmosphere with lanterns
Anthropologie Raja bath mat, £44, John Lewis & Partners
It’s much easier to Zen out in a tidy room so take a few minutes to declutter your space. Investing in clever storage will help you hide products, towels and accessories.
These incense sticks have an aromatic blend of blackcurrant, bergamot and neroli, balanced with jasmine and patchouli For a relaxed, earthy feel add natural touches with woven baskets
Grass baskets, £60 for two, Sweetpea & Willow
Keep your space free of clutter with sleek storage. These lacquered units are available in a variety of finishes
s
Top tip
s
Bamboo three-tier bathroom shelf unit, £59, House by John Lewis
Esteban Neroli incense sticks, £4.95, John Lewis & Partners
s
s Keep products organised with well-designed storage
Bello cashmere grey gloss two-drawer vanity units with integrated cast marble basin, £505 each; Rima basin mixer taps, £95 each; Bello tall unit, £290; Bello mirrored wall units, £230 each, all Bathrooms to Love
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BATHROOM IDEAS This semi-frameless quadrant enclosure has a ‘floating’ design to create the illusion of space Arysto Six one-door offset quadrant, from £1,018.80, Merlyn Showering
Top tip Set the scene for relaxation with soothing neutral colours such as grey, white and beige. Build up the palette with accent colours in calm pastels, blues or dark greys.
s
Light this fragranced candle and relax Pomegranate candle, £20, Sophie Allport
s
Opt for a recessed shower head that fits flush to your ceiling for a minimalist design s
This elegant diffuser exudes refreshing citrus and patchouli notes Yvonne Ellen vintage palm scented reed diffuser, £25.95, Hurn & Hurn
Mode Ando square recessed shower head, £489, Victoria Plum
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s Create a luxurious raised bathing area with a drop-in bath designed to sit in a stylish surround. This quartz composite bath is available in two sizes as well as singleand double-ended options The Botanics Collection Hydra drop-in bath, £1,795, Waters Baths of Ashbourne
KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM
Our bright new kitchen
By knocking two rooms into one, Jane Glover created a modern sociable space with LIGHT FANTASTIC
Pale units combined with glossy worktops and floor tiles bounce light around the space, while the see-through glass extractor hood and soft lines of the cylindrical fan are a calming addition.
Insider info WHO LIVES HERE? Jane Glover, 58, a reports coordinator at a GP practice, and her husband Robert, 70, who is retired. The couple have two grown-up children and have lived in their four-bedroom 1980s home for 32 years.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE ROOM? ‘I love the island as it’s a useful prep area and great for serving. I also enjoy catching up with friends at the table, looking out to the garden and hills. It’s a fabulously social kitchen now.’
WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE OLD SPACE? ‘The kitchen was very small, and we had to eat our meals in the separate room next door which also housed our washing machine and tumble dryer. Both spaces also felt dark and had poor outlooks.’
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS?
Feature Louise O’Bryan Photos Megan Taylor
Check out the quality of your builder’s work by looking at previous projects. Don’t let tradespeople pressure you into doing things just because it suits them.
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t took many debates and discussions for Jane and Robert Glover to bite the bullet and embark on a large kitchen renovation. Jane was convinced that knocking their small kitchen and separate dining room into one would create a wonderful light and bright sociable space. However, Robert wasn’t keen and preferred the thought of buying a new property. ‘We looked at the cost of moving compared to updating the kitchen and decided to stay and improve rather than move,’ recalls Jane. Having added an extension to their family home 27 years ago, the couple approached the same friend who had previously helped them draw up plans for the extension. ‘Our friend Steve Betts gave us advice on removing the wall, drew up the calculations for the steel beam and gave us an accurate figure for the cost of the project which was extremely helpful when it came to finding a builder,’ says Jane. For the cabinetry, friends recommended Howdens, so the couple visited a local showroom. ‘We were impressed by the choice
of modern units and the quality of the products. As I was determined to create a spacious feel, I opted for timeless pale-grey Shaker-style cabinets and added slick stainless-steel handles to keep the look up-to-date,’ says Jane. With a keen focus on creating a practical yet open-plan space, Jane opted for a sleek bank of floor-to-ceiling cupboards on one wall, while a statement stainless-steel cylinder extractor fan complements rather than dominates the modern feel of the room. To continue this sense of calm, Jane topped the units with high-gloss white quartz worktops for a striking and reflective finish. ‘I love how the grey flecks in the quartz tie in with the units and appliances, while keeping the space super-bright,’ says Jane, who uses her kitchen in a completely different way to before. ‘I love my upcycled table – we use it every day for meals or coffee with friends or family. The space has become the true heart of our home where we congregate, bringing us together as a family. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.’
KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM
is the heart of our home light-bouncing surfaces
DOUBLE YOUR SINK SPACE
Choosing a sink with one and a half bowls allows Jane to empty pots and pans without having to clear away the washing up, while built-in grooves in the worktop create a sleek draining area.
ISLAND LIFE
By adding a large central island unit, Jane has doubled her food prep space as well as creating a social spot for guests to perch at while chatting to the cook.
TRY NEW TECHNOLOGY
Having used a gas hob for years Jane has adapted to a ceramic induction hob and is surprised at how easy it is to control the heat, particularly the power-boost function for quick cooking.
HONE A ZONE
A pendant light hung above the dining table brings focus to the eating area and casts ambient lighting on the table top.
Shopping list
KEEP SURFACES SLEEK
By continuing the quartz upstand across the windowsill, Jane has created a stylish and practical spot for herbs and pot plants while also giving the kitchen a continuous streamlined finish.
Fairford Dove Grey units, £114.21 for a 600mm base cabinet; Lamona Easton inset 1.5 bowl sink, £99; Lamona cylinder island chimney extractor, £300, all Howdens. Global White Galaxy Quartz 30mm worktops, £280 per sq m, Marble & Granite Worktops Ltd. Fridge freezer, £1,099, Joe Graham. Neff oven, £619; Neff combination microwave, £759; Neff ceramic induction hob, £735; Neff warming drawer, £449; wall clock, £57; storage jars, £16 each; utensil holder, £16, all John Lewis. For a similar radiator, try the Radcliffe vertical radiator, from £282, Budget Radiators. For similar floor tiles, try Oyster Shell floor tiles, 60x 30cm, £17.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors. For a similar light, try the Ranarp pendant light, £25, Ikea. For a similar tap, try the Bristan Echo Easy Fit kitchen tap, £84.99, Argos. For similar blind fabric, try the Edwin Trellis furnishing fabric in Natural, £18 per m, John Lewis.
Total cost: £9,911 March 2019
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This quality minimalist kitchen can be handpainted in a shade of your choice, meaning you can update the colour as and when you’re ready for a change Linear Edge kitchen, from £18,000, Harvey Jones
Streamline your space with a handleless kitchen Choose from the latest finishes to give your hub a slick modern update
W
Feature Alice Butler
hether your room is small or large, old or new, a handleless kitchen gives a sleek, uncluttered look that instantly creates the illusion of space. And with a vast range of finishes and colour combinations to choose from, including matt, gloss, industrial and even traditional takes, you’ll be sure to find a design to suit your home.
Matt
Complement a sleek kitchen with a showstopping work surface Apollo quartz worktop in Lyskham white, from £185 per m, Benchmarx Kitchens
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For a high-end look on a budget choose this matt design with curved cabinetry Luna matt grey kitchen, from £2,335, Magnet
KITCHEN IDEAS Contrast gloss and matt finishes for a contemporary look. In this scheme, woodgrain wall units and a slate rail temper the reflective cabinetry Mala kitchen with Strato woodgrain doors, around £6,000, LochAnna Kitchens
‘The handleless rail profile is an ideal way to achieve a streamlined, functional look – choose a different colour to complement or contrast with the doors and worktop.’ Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager, LochAnna Kitchens
Gloss
The ice-blue acrylic finish of this kitchen creates an ultra-sleek impact
For an up-to-date breakfast bar, opt for a waterfall counter design Waterfall Marquina worktop, from £1,854.60, Wickes
True Handleless Nordica kitchen, from £3,630, Benchmarx Kitchens
Wood Otto Laminate in Rose Walnut and bespoke Farrow & Ball Arsenic, from £7,500, Burbidge
This slab-door design comes in eight gloss and six matt finishes to suit your home Porter kitchen, from £12,000, Second Nature
Tone down a vibrant colour with a warm timber veneer. Discreet top-rail handles make this kitchen a good compromise if you don’t want to go full-on handleless
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Classic
Choose a Shaker-inspired door if you prefer a hint of tradition in your kitchen design. Team a cool grey with a rich purple or come up with your own combo from the choice of 27 finishes Elswick Collection in Damson with Mala in Platinum Grey, around £7,700, LochAnna Kitchens
A blend of two colours and a textured finish complement the exposed bricks in this warehouse space H Line Hampton kitchen in Dust Grey and Spring Meadow with Madoc Border Oak, from £12,000, Masterclass Kitchens
‘The mix-and-match trend is a brilliant way to add personality in the kitchen. We love contrasting texture with a super-smooth finish.’ Steve Tough, Commercial Sales Director, Masterclass Kitchens
Industrial For a sophisticated take on the industrial look, pale wood cabinetry is paired with a stone-effect island. The marble worktop makes for an elegant finishing touch Langham Basalt kitchen, from £3,000, Daval
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Metallic
Brighten your room by contrasting a white island with textured silver wall units
The details
H Line Hampton kitchen in Scots Grey and Deco Silver Oxide, from £12,000, Masterclass Kitchens
CM130 microwave, £312, Caple
This understated stainless-steel 900w microwave has a generous 25L capacity and a powerful 1000w grill for the perfect cheese on toast. Dark-toned kitchens are a key trend for 2019 and this design is teamed with a warm bronze for a striking contrast Malmo Otto kitchen in Brushed Bronze and Matt Anthracite, from £7,500, Burbidge
‘Contrast dramatic shades of grey, black and rich brown with cabinetry in warm metallic finishes, such as brushed bronze. Stylish wood-effect laminates can help create an elegant and luxurious urban feel.’ Joanne Emery, Marketing Manager, Burbidge
Bring on-trend pastel into your hub and offset with a metallic rail. This kitchen has a silky matt finish and is available in 18 shades Milano Contour Ermine in Apple Fizz, £4,098, Wren Kitchens
As well as matt black, this slick sink is available in white and on-trend concrete; team with a minimalist copper mixer tap Sharduno 150i 1.5 quartz bowl, £525; Courbe curved spout sink mixer in copper, £225, both Frontline Bathrooms
With 18 power levels and eight cooking zones, every inch of this induction hob’s surface can be used for ultimate flexibility
ActiveCook hob ACP 778 C/BA, £749.99, Hotpoint
Aria coffee machine CMI 5038 IX, £599, Indesit
Free up your counter and opt for a stylish built-in coffee machine. This one has a milk-frothing steam nozzle www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
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Give a toy kitchen a stylish makeover
The latest crafty news and reviews
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pring is well and truly upon us this month and we’re making the most of it with floral accessories and fresh décor ideas. We’ve also given an old toy kitchen a stylish modern makeover and stitched a strong fabric cleaning caddy, perfect for the big spring clean. Don’t miss our expert home DIY advice, too – with must-read tips on patching up your walls and more.
craft stash must haves
Learn to patch up cracks and holes with our step-by-step DIY masterclass
ask the experts
diy masterclass
Put a spring in your step with table decoration ideas
Stitch a sturdy cleaning caddy and stay on top of household chores
sew simple
revamp, repair, recycle
Make, do & craft
y s a e it Make
Make, do & Celebrate spring with these cute decorations
Pasta bowl, £4.25; platter, £12, both Sainsbury’s Home. Rustic natural washed linen napkins, £7.99 each, Linen Me. Artificial birds, from a selection, D Byford & Sons
Top tip
Table settings
If using artificial blooms, you may need to trim the wire stems using cutters.
Whether it’s dinner for two or a springtime banquet, set the scene with these pretty place settings
SHOPPING LIST l raffia l spring flowers l bird decorations l old book l bunny glass dome, £19.99, Lights4Fun l wire cutters l craft knife l masking tape l computer and inkjet printer
by making a nest from raffia. Tear off a handful and shape it into a ring 1to Begin create the basic nest structure. Tie longer
lengths of raffia round the shape to hold it in place until it feels secure. Decorate the nest. Place it onto your base (we used a side plate) and push a selection of small springtime flowers – real or artificial – into the raffia. Add two small artificial birds to the centre of the nest. Use a craft knife to cut a page from an old book. Secure it to the middle of a blank A4 page using masking tape. Use your computer to print the name of your guest onto it – we also added a vintage illustration for extra decoration. Once printed, remove the tape and detach the book page from the A4 paper. Finish by positioning the printed page behind the nest and covering the whole arrangement with a glass bunny dome.
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Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme
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This cute decoration is super simple to create
SHOPPING LIST l laser-cut sheep shapes, from £2.59 per set of five, FunkyHomeCrafts on eBay l green yarn l PVA glue l wool tops l 20cm embroidery hoop l embroidery scissors
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Prepare the sheep. Cut a 50cm length of yarn for each one and tie one end around the centre of the sheep – this will be used for hanging. Lay the sheep flat and cover the body in a thin layer of PVA glue. Next, trim small tufts of wool tops and stick them into the glue, then leave to dry. Once set, use sharp snips to trim and neaten the wool tufts. Turn the sheep over and repeat on the other side. Prepare the hoop. Tie the end of the ball of yarn securely to the embroidery hoop, then tightly wrap the yarn the entire way around, stopping every few centimetres to make sure the yarn sits flat. Once you have wrapped the whole way around the hoop, tie off the yarn tightly and use a needle to pull the yarn tail underneath the wrap to conceal it. Cut two 30cm lengths of yarn and tie them onto the hoop at four equal points to hang your sheep. Hang up the hoop, then tie the sheep on at varying heights. Once each one is tied on tightly, trim off any excess yarn. Once again, use a needle to pull the tail through the wrapped yarn to keep it hidden.
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Top tip To give your mobile extra flair you can weave flowers into the yarn surrounding the hoop.
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Spring sign
Spell it out with this floral motif
SHOPPING LIST l fillable wooden letters, £4 each, Hobbycraft l wooden stands for fillable letters, 20p each, Hobbycraft l white chalky finish paint, £5 per 250ml, Hobbycraft l PVA glue l glue gun l green reindeer moss, £2.50 per 50g box, Hobbycraft l spring flowers l paint brush
Begin by adding stands to the fillable letters to 1ensure they will stand
Top tip
upright and stable. Using artificial blooms Alhough our letters had self-adhesive backing, will keep your project we added an extra blob looking fresher of hot glue to each to make sure they held fast. for longer. Paint the letters all over with chalky finish paint, applying two coats and leaving to dry thoroughly between each one. Once the paint is completely dry, lay the letter flat, with the front (fillable) side facing upwards. Pour a thin layer of PVA glue into each letter, ensuring it spreads throughout the whole shape. Take small handfuls of reindeer moss and push it into the letter to fill it, ensuring it sits in the glue firmly. Leave to dry. Finally, finish off by pushing a sprinkling of spring blooms (real or artificial) into the moss.
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Make, do & craft
Sheep mobile
Revamp, repair,
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Recycle
Upcycle a plain toy kitchen into one worthy of the most stylish home
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ost kids will love playing with Ikea’s wooden Duktig toy kitchen, and while the plain wooden design is practical, it can so easily be improved. We took a well-loved model and gave it new life using paint, self-adhesive film and a few little extras.
You will need
3Duktig play kitchen, £60, Ikea 3spray paint in Meadow Green and
Bright Copper, £9.49 for 400ml, Rustoleum 3plywood, from a selection, five B&Q 3A3 white foam board, £9 for and paint white 3 t ycraf Hobb sheets, ct paintbrush 3D-C-Fix woodgrain-effe Olive 3 B&Q self-adhesive film, £6.50, Grove ceramic drawer knobs, £2.95 each, Rex London 3filler 3clean cloth 3newspaper 3masking tape 3pencil 3tape measure 3saw 3screws 3drill
3craft knife 3glue gun
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If your kitchen is second-hand or has been played with previously, begin by taking it apart and giving each part a wipe with a cloth to ensure it is clean and free from dust or mess.
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Lay down newspaper or a dust sheet and place the cupboard doors and carcass of the kitchen down flat, with the clear areas (such as the window in the oven door) and insides of the upper shelving covered with masking tape. Paint it all over with green spray paint, leaving to dry thoroughly in between each coat. Once dry, reassemble the kitchen (keeping the bottom and top halves separate). Do not add the handles, worktop or the microwave door yet.
Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme
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Use bright copper spray paint to colour the accent pieces of the kitchen, including the handles of the oven and microwave, the microwave door, the tap, sink, edge of the hob and feet. Again, cover any areas with masking tape that you don’t want to be coloured, and apply the paint in thin layers, leaving to dry between each one. Once dry, screw the handles into place and attach the microwave door and the feet.
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Cut a piece of plywood down to 68cm x 32cm. Screw it to the back of the upper part of the kitchen to create a splashback. Next, cut tiles from sheets of foam board. Lay the sheets out and using a pencil and ruler, divide them into small rectangles. Use a sharp craft knife to cut the tiles out, then glue these to the splashback, leaving a few millimetres between each one.
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Once the tiles are firmly stuck to the splashback, apply filler between the tiles. Work quickly, wiping away excess to prevent the foam tiles from staining. Leave to dry thoroughly. While you wait, paint the inside of the shelving with white paint.
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With the sink, tap and hob pieces still unattached, carefully cover the worktop in a piece of woodgrain-pattern self-adhesive film. Trim the edges down and fold the excess over to the underside, ensuring there are no air bubbles underneath the vinyl. Once stuck, screw the worktop back into place and secure the sink, tap and hob back into position.
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Measure and mark four equally spaced dots in the space above the oven door – these markers will be used to position your ceramic knobs which simulate the oven’s controls. Drill through each mark and screw the knobs into position.
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Add the final finishing touches – we embroidered a tea towel to hang from the oven door and also sprayed a range of kitchen toys such as pans, spoons and colanders with the bright copper paint to tie them in to the overall design.
Top tip
revamp, repair, recycle
Add lights to the underside of your shelf to create a stylish illuminated finish.
Ice lolly neon light, £39.99, Lights4fun. Faux succulents, stylist’s own. Elvis The Elephant beaker, £3.95; melamine plate, £4.95; bamboo bowls, £4.95 each; Big Top Circus cutlery, £2.95 for a set, all Rex London. Duktig toy fruit basket set, £7; Duktig toy vegetable basket set, £7; Duktig cookware set, £6; Duktig toy utensil set, £2.50, all Ikea
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Keep your cleaning supplies organised with this
W
ith the change in seasons upon us it’s high time to get stuck into the big spring clean. Keeping your supplies organised and at hand will help you complete the job in no time – so we created this stylish fabric cleaning caddy with multiple pockets and a sturdy carry handle.
You will need 50cm each of your two fabrics – we used print cottons from a selection at Franklins 1m heavyweight fusible interfacing 2m bias tape pencil ruler scissors iron and ironing board pins sewing machine and thread
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Begin by backing your main fabric in heavyweight fusible interfacing, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. From this, cut two 70cm x 20cm rectangles and two 25cm diameter circles. Set these aside for now.
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From the pocket fabric, cut a 70cm x 30cm rectangle. Fold it in half so that it becomes a 70cm x 15cm strip with the right sides of the fabric facing outwards, then press.
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Cut a 70cm length of bias binding and press it in half the whole way along using a warm iron. Wrap this over the folded top edge of the pocket fabric and pin. Machine top stitch along the binding, 2mm in from the edge, to secure it in place.
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Lay one of the main fabric rectangles flat with the right side facing up and place the pocket piece on top, aligning the bottom and side edges of the two. Pin the layers together, then measure and mark a 2.5cm seam allowance along both side edges. Divide up the remaining 65cm of the work into five equal 13cm sections, stitching from the bottom of the work to the top of the pocket at each point.
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Bring the two side edges of the work together with right sides facing in and pin. Work a straight machine stitch along
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Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme
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elegant caddy
this edge, leaving the 2.5cm seam allowance you marked out earlier. Open out to make a tube with the fabric right side inside. To form the base, place one of the 25cm circles at the bottom, right side facing inside and pin in position. Work a straight machine stitch all around this edge to secure, leaving a 2.5cm seam allowance.
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Repeat step five to make the lining, using your remaining 70cm x 20cm rectangle and 25cm circle. Snip notches into the seam allowances of both bases and press the seams to neaten. Turn the outer piece right side out, but leave the lining’s right side facing inwards.
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Slip the lining bag inside the outer bag and pin together, matching up the side and base seams. Cut another 70cm length of bias tape and press in half then, as for the pocket, wrap the tape over the top edge of the work and machine top stitch into position.
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To make a handle, cut a 10cm x 40cm strip from the pocket fabric then back it with heavyweight fusible interfacing. Press each of the long edges over to the wrong side by 1cm, then fold the strip in half to conceal them and press once more. Work a straight machine top stitch along this edge to secure, then double fold each of the short edges to the wrong side by 1cm and stitch. Position and stitch the handle on the inner top edge of the caddy to finish.
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Top tip
sew simple
Use heavyweight interfacing TO keep your caddy in shape, even when IT’S filled with bulky bottles and tools
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DIY W
masterclass
hether it’s gaping holes or small hairline cracks, anything less than a perfectly finished wall needs to be repaired before you can think about decorating it. It’s a really straightforward job that requires just a little patience waiting for the layers to dry – and by using our guide you’ll get a professional finish at a fraction of the price.
Patch up cracks and holes in plaster walls like a pro
GoodHome kitchen matt emulsion in Fulham, £16 per 2.5l, B&Q
You’ll need Essential l filler l filling knife l PVA glue l fine sand paper l stud detector l utility knife Useful l plastering trowel l scraper l spray bottle l metal mesh l tin snips l plasterboard offcut l pencil l painter’s tape l paint brush
Prep n Check behind the wall with a stud detector
then, if it’s safe to do so, use a utility knife to cut away all loose and flaking plaster from around the damaged area. Brush away any dust afterwards, or it will stop the new plaster from bonding properly. top tip n Dampen the edges and If you have powder filler, mix it surrounding wall with a according to packet instructions mixture of five parts water, but add a squirt of PVA glue one part PVA glue. [1] This helps the filler stick while to help it stick to the preventing it from drying surface better. too quickly.
Feature Emma Thompson Step-by-step images B&Q
GoodHome walls and ceilings silk emulsion in Hamptons, £12 per 2.5l, B&Q
smooth talk n Pick up a little
filler with a wet filling knife and drag this at a right angle across the crack [2] until it is filled just beyond the level of the wall. n Smooth it out as much as possible, but don’t worry if it isn’t perfect yet. Leave to dry completely.
top tip If the filler starts to dry out and crumble, re-wet the filing knife or lightly spray the surface with water.
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All a-board
The last lath n If you have lath-and-plaster walls, damage
to the wooden slats (called laths) is a common cause of cracked plaster. After clearing away all loose material, you simply reinforce the broken laths with expanded metal mesh before applying new plaster on top. n Trim the metal down so that it fits inside the hole and doesn’t stick out [1]. Apply a small amount of plaster undercoat around the edges of the hole, then press the mesh into this while it’s wet [2]. If your laths are intact, skip this and move on to the next step. n Mist the laths with water or diluted PVA, then apply a layer of plaster undercoat. Press it firmly into the mesh to make sure it sticks well, then score a criss-cross pattern to create a ‘key’ [3] to help the finishing coat stick. n Once the undercoat has set, apply multifinish plaster on top in the same way as for cracks. Leave to dry completely.
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n When repairing a substantial hole in
plasterboard, you’ll need to create a patch for the filler to stick to. After clearing away all the flaking plaster, trim an offcut of plasterboard to just larger than the hole. Make a hole in the centre and thread string through it, securing it at the back [1]. n Apply filler around the front edges of the patch then push it through the hole and pull the string to bring the patch against the back of the wall. n Holding the string taut, use a wet filling knife to pack plaster onto the patch and over the edges of the hole [2].
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n Tie the edge of the string to a pencil or
timber offcut, then wind it up until it’s taut against the wall. Secure this to the wall with some painter’s tape and leave it until the plaster has set. n Cut the string as close to the plaster as possible. Add another coat of plaster if necessary and leave to set.
top tip If you don’t have any plasterboard offcuts, use strong cardboard as an alternative patch.
finishing up dried according to packet instructions, sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper until you have a smooth, even finish. n Make sure you use the right type of paint for the surface to prevent damp or breathability issues which may lead to further damage.
pick your filler
GoodHome walls and ceilings silk emulsion in Marseille, £12 per 2.5l, B&Q
Small cracks and holes can be smoothed over with filler, which is easy to apply and smooth without years of practice. However, it can’t be applied in very thick coats so if you have a deeper space to fill, like with lath-and-plaster walls, you’ll need an undercoat and a finishing plaster – the first to fill the space and the second to give a smooth finish.
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DIY Masterclass
n Once the filler or plaster has completely
Ask the
experts We answer your DIY and maintenance questions with a little help from the experts
Q
I’m struggling with falling to sleep at night and suffer from broken nights. Can you offer me any advice? Sally Bryant, Colchester
A
Stephanie Romiszewski, Sleep Expert at Bensons for Beds, offers these tips… Give yourself permission to go to bed later if you’re not feeling sleepy. It really is OK. Quality sleep is much more important than quantity. And besides… that will come eventually. Wake up at the same time every day, seven days a week, even if you have slept badly. If this is a terrifying notion it’s probably an indicator of how unregulated your current sleep is. It does get easier… I promise! Get outside during the daytime. Light is not the enemy: we’re told to avoid blue lights from devices at night but daylight is the most influential external factor on our sleep-wake cycles and lifts our mood. Artificial light is beneficial too. Napping has become fashionable in recent years so do take short naps to gee you up but don’t take too many as they literally steal some of your sleep ‘fuel’. Therefore, if you want to achieve a solid eight hours of quality sleep at night, banish the naps or reduce your nightly expectations. Once you’ve started this routine, try some relaxation techniques. Mindfulness and stress reduction isn’t designed to make you sleep instantly, but can help you avoid anxiety and insomnia in the future. See it as a proactive tool, not a reactive one.
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Q
I want to add some greenery to my décor but I have a curious toddler and a mischievous kitten. Which plants do you suggest? Morgan Thompson, via email
A
Erin Harding and Morgan Doane, Founders of online plant community House Plant Club, offer their advice… Hanging greenery is a fun way to display plants while keeping them away from pets and children. Trailing plants such as Philodendron, Hoya and Chlorophytum comosum look great in handmade macramé. These are available from vintage stores, online shops, local plant nurseries or you can DIY one yourself with colours that tone with your home. Another way to keep plants out of reach is to use a floating shelf. These days shelves come in all shapes and sizes including triangles, hexagons and crescent moons. Group together plants with similar care needs and create visual interest with different-sized pots and plants. Tillandsia is another plant family that you can keep away from prying hands and paws. For our book we created a DIY Tillandsia display out of driftwood and colorful string to hang on the wall. We’ve also included a guide on how to make pinch pots that can be grouped together throughout the home. Find more tips in How to Raise a Plant and Make it Love You Back, (£12.99, Laurence King Publishing).
Q
I want to have a housewarming party but I’m worried a spill might ruin my new carpets. Is there a product that removes stains? Megan Bates, Edinburgh
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Susan Fermor, Spokesperson for Dr Beckmann, has the following advice… It can be difficult deciding whether to hold a housewarming celebration when you’ve moved somewhere new, especially if you’ve just updated furnishings or recently redecorated. If you’ve had carpets fitted you’ll want to protect them, but ultimately you can’t always prevent spillages. However, cleaning expert Dr Beckmann has a solution. Dr Beckmann’s Carpet Stain Remover (from £3.59) has been awarded Which? Best Buy for carpet cleaners for four consecutive years. It works effectively on a variety of stains and comes with an attached curved brush head. It is best used on the spill straight away, if possible, but if the stain is not discovered until the next day, don’t worry, as this product will easily lift and remove the mark thanks to its oxi-powered formula. Simply squeeze the solution on to the stain and work into the carpet using the attached brush head. Leave for 30 minutes, then remove any residue with a damp cloth. So now you can relax and enjoy your housewarming! For more information on the cleaning range, visit www.dr-beckmann.co.uk.
Q
We want to replace a dated carpet in our living room with practical wood flooring. Please can you advise me on the different styles available – we don’t want to spend a fortune. Sonia Williams, Strathclyde
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Feature Alice Butler
Richard Cullen, Head of Hard Flooring at Carpetright, says… Opting for wood is a stylish and practical way to update flooring. See it as a long-term investment that will work in modern and traditional homes. As with all flooring solutions there are many styles and shades available, so be sure to think carefully about your needs and tastes before committing. The shade of wood is one of the most important factors to consider. Would your room suit a deep, dark, luxurious walnut or is an understated oak or beech more appropriate? For small rooms, a pale wood finish with a single plank design will help create the perception of space. Alternatively, in larger rooms you could consider a chevron pattern to add an element of grandeur and texture. Engineered wood is a quality alternative to solid wood flooring and has become increasingly popular. Each plank is finished with a layer of real wood to create an authentic look that will last and it’s also the perfect solution for keeping costs down without compromising on style. Hard-wearing and durable, it’s ideal for high-traffic areas. Advances in flooring technology have led to innovations in creating lookalike wood finishes at a fraction of the price. Laminate has become a quality and affordable option. Easy to install and low maintenance, there are a wealth of styles to choose from. Once you’ve decided on your flooring, consider a well-placed statement rug in the room. This will not only help ease the transition from carpet to wood but will also bring a little personality and colour while providing warmth and comfort underfoot. For more information, visit www.carpetright.co.uk.
Q
My husband is 6ft 3in and struggles to find a shower enclosure that’s tall enough. Please can you advise which would be best? Elizabeth Wilder, Exmouth Roland Boal, Head of Industrial Design at Mira Showers, says… There are various factors that come into play when choosing your enclosure and finding one that’s the right height can be a problem, particularly if your home has low ceilings. Shower enclosures are made to a standard height of 1850mm (6ft) and, in general, a square shower tray of at least 900mm x 900mm will create a large enough area to shower in comfortably. However, if a member of your household is tall, a standard design may not be enough. I would advise searching for a tall enclosure if the height of your bathroom allows for one. There is a wide array of 2000mm (6ft 6in) enclosures available, such as the Mira Ascend (from £660). A tall design will allow you to achieve your desired bathroom style without compromising on your showering experience. Also, if you have a dual outlet shower with a deluge showerhead fixed to the ceiling, the additional height can be
useful in preventing water from spraying over the top. Also, consider the space you’re finding an enclosure for. If you have low ceilings for which fitting a 2000mm enclosure might be a challenge, consider fitting an ultra-low-profile shower tray, such as the Mira Flight Low (from £69) which is only 40mm high. Or, if you’re tight for ceiling height, then install your enclosure directly onto tiles to create a wet room which will give a minimalist look. Installing a wet room can be a complex job, so contact an expert first. For more information, visit www.mirashowers.co.uk.
ask the experts
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If you have a maintenance or DIY question, write to Ask the Experts, Your Home, Hubert Burda Media UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU or email asktheexperts@yhmag.co.uk
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craft stash musts have Check out the latest crafting news, workshops and brilliant buys
workshop: basic
wood carving
Learn the essentials of woodworking in this special workshop led by award-winning craftsman Glyn Mould, set to take place at Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland. For a set price of £77.50 per person, attendees will be taught the foundations of wood carving and can complete a choice of projects from floral carvings to garden bird pieces. A delicious lunch will also be served in Barnsdale’s tea room. Visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk for details.
Custom couture For many knitters, getting the perfect fit when making a project proves to be nigh-on impossible. With the new Made & Worn app, difficult adjustments are a thing of the past – simply input your gauge and measurements and the app automatically adjusts the patterns available to ensure they’ll be bespoke, just for you. There are lots of designs to choose from right now, including jumpers, hats, gloves and more – each of which can be customised with different stitches and textures, too. For more information, visit www.madeandworn.co.uk
Woof and the gang Sometimes, when picking a project, you don’t have the time to commit to knitting a full-sized adult garment – so why not create a gift for a furry friend instead? Wool & The Gang’s cute new pet pattern collection, priced from £17, is ideal for quick, fun makes – with jumpers, toys, beds and accessories to choose from. Visit www.woolandthegang. com to see the whole collection.
craft stash must haves
Feature Sophie Tarrant
LEARN a skill: Terrariums With time and space at a premium, it’s difficult for many of us to dedicate the attention needed to sustain a full-sized garden. Instead, pint-sized terrariums have shot up in popularity over the past few years. With Enid Gonzalez’s book Creative Terrariums: 31 Modern Mini-Gardens for Your Home (£14.99, Fox Chapel), you can learn everything you need to build your own. With 31 contemporary terrarium designs that will add a decorative organic presence to even the smallest room, each project features inexpensive materials, common plants, and step-bystep building instructions.
reader treat
All the fun of the fair After a bumper first year with over 4,000 visitors, the Made By Hand fair is returning to Cheltenham once again, taking place from the 8th to 10th March at the town hall. The fair brings together over 100 exhibiting British designer-makers, coupled with craft demonstrations and workshops in the heart of the Cotswolds. Priced from £7 per ticket (£6 concessions), visit www.madebyhandonline.com for more information.
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Reader homes
Turn over to discover four fabulous homes filled with ideas and inspiration
Show off your hard work in Your Home 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, or email yourhome@burdamagazines.co.uk
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Abi tackled a fixer-upper to create a home for her family
Katie’s house is brimming with striking colour and bold pattern
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A converted chapel made the perfect canvas for Emma’s eclectic style
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Nicola used creative ideas to decorate her ex-rental on a budget
find more interiors to inspire you at www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
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I want my house to be cheerful and happy Sunshine colours, clashing patterns and Mexican-style accessories help Katie Cotton’s bungalow ooze character
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REAL HOME
B
uilding a house from scratch turned out to be the solution for Katie and Andrew Cotton to achieve a spacious property close to the sea in an expensive corner of North Devon. ‘Andrew and I are both from around here. We’ve moved away and travelled but this is where we wanted to put down roots,’ explains Katie. ‘Having our second child, Ace, was another factor which focused us. We were keen to settle locally but were put off by the high prices of existing houses. Andrew is a professional big-wave surfer and also runs surf schools nearby so, obviously, he needs to live near the sea.’ The couple had been renting nearby but it was Katie’s parents who came up with the solution. ‘They
COME ON IN...
WE ARE Katie Cotton, a music teacher, my husband Andrew, a professional big-wave surfer and motivational speaker (www.andrewcotton.co.uk), and our children, Honey, 11, and Ace, six.
The hallway has the same polished concrete floor as the rest of the house but the couple splashed out on a bespoke front door with a flamingo and palm tree panel, which cost £1,000 from local company Woodstock Windows. ‘The entrance gives people a taste of our style’
MY HOME IS A three-bedroom new-build bungalow near Croyde in North Devon. MY TOP TIP IS Don’t be scared of bold colours and avoid a half-hearted approach.
the big sliding door to the kitchen and sing really loudly. I perform and teach locally so that is my way of switching off and enjoying the space.
Good idea!
For a vibrant cushion scheme stick to a theme and fabric, as Katie has with velvet hearts, then vary the colours.
THE BEST BIT ABOUT LIVING HERE IS It feels like summer every day
had a big garden with trees at the end so they offered us a piece of land to build on which was a lifesaver.’ The couple put in for planning permission for a house on the site in the summer of 2012 which went through in six weeks. ‘It’s so weird to think that there was nothing here before but a few trees.’ The couple came up with a plan for how the work would be carried out. ‘Andrew trained as a plumber and has local friends who work in the trades. He did as much as he could himself, clearing and labouring, and then roped in his mates to keep costs down,’ says Katie. The work on the house started in the May of the following year and the Cottons moved into their home in January 2015. ‘It may have taken 18 months for the build, but we wanted it all done properly. It also had to fit round Andrew’s surfing commitments, which are often in Portugal, where the really big waves are.’ Katie is a big lover of texture. Her velvet sofas are from eBay and she has freshened them up with heart-shaped cushions in bright shades from TK Maxx. ‘Velvet carries on looking good for years,’ says Katie
because of the colours we’ve used and how light and airy the rooms are. Even in the depths of winter it’s bright and fun. Also we’re close to the sea.
MY FAVOURITE ROOM IS The living room with its gorgeous high ceilings, large comfy sofas where we can all relax and bright yellow shutters. It’s also the best room in the house for singing because of the acoustics.
Lounge Bedroom 1 Dining area wc
Bedroom 2
Kitchen
Bedroom 3
Bathroom
Hall
FLOOR plan
Garage
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Feature Stephanie Smith Photos David Giles
TO RELAX I go into the living room, shut
REAL HOME
Good idea!
Track down scaffold-board shelving for a rustic look and add glassware to tone in with your colour scheme.
REAL HOME The vibrant pink cooker from Stoves was one of Katie’s best bargains. ‘I’d been coveting this model for quite a while, when this barely used one came on eBay. We bought it for £900 and the same design costs over twice that new. It’s got lots of cooking options and is a focal point’ A simple wooden table and matching benches bought locally are the ideal solution to casual meals. A carpenter friend hung a sliding wooden door to section off the kitchen and living spaces
‘It may have taken 18 months for the build, but we wanted it all done properly.’ With a budget of £160,000 for the build and kitting out the house, the couple knew they’d have to be careful with their spend. However, there were certain things they didn’t want to compromise on. ‘One of the design aspects we were keen on was for large open rooms rather than a series of smaller ones. The kitchen-diner has room for formal and casual eating; the living space has loads of comfy sofas and a high ceiling, whereas the bedrooms are on a slightly smaller scale,’ says Katie. The roof of the property also has potential to accommodate more space if the couple want to expand the house in the future. ‘We don’t have a guest room at the moment, so it would be good to have a sort Once the stainless-steel Ikea units were installed, it took the couple a while to pick the right shade of green for the kitchen wall tiles. ‘We like to shop locally if possible and we bought all our tiles from RGB Building Supplies in Barnstaple as it has a fabulous selection at a reasonable price. The lime green complements the grey polished concrete flooring throughout the rest of the property’
of self-contained flat up there, as it’s one long space.’ Once the shell was ready to move into, there were still plenty of interior decisions to be made. While Andrew was very involved with the exterior and landscaping, as well as the basics of the build, when it came to the interior, Katie was firmly in the driving seat. ‘I wanted my house to be cheerful and sunny. I love bright colours: yellows, shocking pinks, vivid blues and greens and reds,’ smiles Katie. South American patterns and fabrics have long been a favourite. ‘I love the Mexican vibe, with the mix of clashing colours. I’m also a big fan of cacti, flamingos and pineapples, so I’m always on the lookout for anything with these motifs or accessories using the shapes – anything from lamps to canisters.’ Metallic touches are also evident throughout the house, particularly gold, which includes the mosaics in the en suite of the couple’s bedroom. ‘Andrew had a big say with the bathrooms. Because of his plumbing background, he always insists on Grohe products when it comes to the brassware as he says they’re the best
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Good idea!
The curved shower works well in the space and Katie and Andrew decided to make a real statement with metallic tiling. ‘We chose gold mirror mosaic tiles for a fun disco-ball feel’
Go for a wall of wild wallpaper above a bed instead of a painting.
‘We don’t worry about whether patterns clash or whether we’re bringing in too many colours at once.’ quality. So we’ve spent money where it’s important, but we’ve saved money in other areas by finding items on eBay,’ explains Katie. The couple always try to add in something different from what’s expected. ‘We don’t worry about whether patterns clash or whether we’re bringing in too many colours at once. In fact, it’s the opposite – the more colour the better.’ Comfort is also a big factor in the interior décor. ‘I want people to walk in and instantly feel at ease. I’m a singer and I teach music in my house so we’ve made sure the living space has lots of seating options and the high ceiling improves the acoustics.’ Now the house is finished, Katie is keen to relax. ‘The whole process has taken five years, and it’s time to sit back and enjoy it for a while.’ YH
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The touches of gold throughout the house are echoed with the couple’s metallic bed and gold-topped pineapples. ‘Gold and green are natural companions so we added in a wallpaper with plenty of leaves and greenery’
Wanting plenty of storage in Honey’s room so she could put everything away neatly, Katie was pleased to find the Kallax shelving system from Ikea. It fitted on one wall and had coloured baskets in her signature colours The bedrooms have the same grey polished concrete floor as the rest of the house but Katie has added in some bright colours in the furnishings and accessories. ‘We went for a bunk bed with storage for Honey as it’s great for sleepovers, and I found the pin feather lampshade locally’
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ideas to steal
Add some zest to your kitchen with bright citrus-toned tiles. Metro lime-green wall tiles, £19.49 per sq m, Tile Mountain
Fun flamingos feature heavily in Katie’s home. Fiesta flamingo light, £24.99, Prezzybox
Galerie Tropical wallpaper, £29.95 per roll, Wallpaper Direct
A striking tropical wallpaper will kick start a new scheme. Add a bolt of colour with bold coloured bar stools. Consec metal bar stool, £59, Cult Living
Colourful glasses brighten up the shelves in Katie’s kitchen. Miami flamingo palm tumbler, £2.50, Sainsbury’s Home
Bright shutters will instantly inject colour into a room. Classic hard wood shutters in custom paint colour, from £166 per sq m, California Shutters
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I’m a maximalist and love rooms that make an impact Emma and Lee Solomon-Moore embraced a bold colour scheme in their chapel home, furnished with Emma’s eclectic craft projects and vintage finds
E
mma Solomon-Moore and her husband Lee never imagined their next home would be a converted chapel, but when they both found jobs in Bath and began looking at houses in the surrounding area, the property proved to be perfect. ‘We wanted a house with character that we could move into and live in straight away because we knew we’d be too busy with our jobs to make improvements,’ Emma explains. ‘The chapel had been converted some years before so everything was new; plus, it had
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beautiful original stained-glass windows.’ The couple loved the quirky rooms – the living room and bedroom are half hexagon shapes formed by the bay windows – but the previous occupants had been unimaginative with the layout. ‘Our bedroom has an amazing five windows but when we came to see the house, the furniture placement didn’t make the best of the rooms,’ Emma explains. ‘All the walls were magnolia and Lee and I couldn’t wait to make the chapel look more exciting.’ Emma is a lecturer at the University
REAL HOME
Emma covered the ram’s head in faux moss and upcycled a B&Q floor lamp with the Yellow Pages. The face cushion, from TK Maxx, picks out the gold in the sofa. The red leather chair is from eBay. ‘I like the patina of old leather furniture,’ Emma says
of Bath, but had studied art graphics at A Level so she couldn’t wait to flex her creative muscle. Soon after the couple moved into the chapel in November 2017, they got stuck in. The top priority was replacing the beige dining room and hall carpet with oak-effect laminate, which they laid themselves. They also decided to add a faux chimney breast and fireplace to the dining room. ‘It seemed bizarre to live in an old house without a fireplace,’ says Emma. ‘Unfortunately, the builder didn’t get the measurements right so we had to shift the furniture around to fit everything in, but the end result looks good.’ Rearranging belongings became a key turning point in the living room, too. ‘The TV blocked one of the windows, which really annoyed me,’ says Emma. ‘Then, we bought a longer sofa which didn’t fit ‘The wood-effect cupboards weren’t to our taste, but we couldn’t justify ripping them out,’ says Emma. ‘The pinky-red paint colour complements the sandy-cream tiles and blends the scheme together.’ The paint is Mulberry Red by Abigail Ahern. The original American wood Coca-Cola bottle tray is from Etsy. The bulldog tea towel is from Winston James Woof
Good idea!
Painting the cupboards, walls and ceiling in one colour makes the space look bigger than it really is – and means less cutting in!
COME ON IN...
OUR HOME Is a four-bedroom converted
chapel in Holcombe, Somerset, which was built in the 1890s.
WE ARE Emma Solomon-Moore, a lecturer in public health at the University of Bath, and my husband, Lee, a lecturer in sports psychology. We live here with our French bulldog, Didier. I’M MOST PROUD OF The dining room wood panelling as it looks really effective and was cheap and easy to make.
SHOPS I LOVE HomeSense sells homeware you don’t see anywhere else and Abigail Ahern faux plants are amazing quality. MY TOP TIPS Are learn a new craft to give an individual spin to your interiors. I reupholstered a stool and a pyrography course encouraged me to etch a design on my dining table. Online tutorials taught me decorating techniques and macramé.
OUR BIGGEST MISTAKE Was not
considering the depth of the paint colour in the dining room. It took five coats to achieve a dense shade – and it’s the biggest room in the house! Bedroom 1
wc
FIRST FLOOR Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3 wc
wc
Lounge
Kitchen
Storage
Dining room Study
GROUND FLOOR
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Feature Jane Crittenden Photos Colin Poole
Emma embraced the lack of light in the living room with cosy brown walls inspired by Abigail Ahern. She added a feature gold velvet sofa from Harveys Furniture; pattern and texture via cushions and rugs from IKEA, La Redoute and Etsy, and a beaded chandelier from M&S
REAL HOME
The newly-painted kitchen is decorated with animal plates from I Want One of Those and a rug which was given to them by Emma’s parents
on the same wall, so we played around with the layout and now the room feels so much more spacious.’ When it came to decorating the couple didn’t hold back, opting for a rich, dark colour scheme and layers of texture and pattern. They began one room at a time, starting with the downstairs cloakroom, which was given a space-themed wallpaper, dramatic black walls and fun green joinery. A warm, mulberry red shade features in the kitchen, regal blue in the dining room, and earthy brown on the living room walls. ‘Everyone thought I was crazy to choose brown but I’d been to an Abigail Ahern interiors workshop and looked around her dark decorated bedroom – I knew it would make a great backdrop.’ Emma’s confidence carries through to her creative projects where she fearlessly – and successfully – experimented with a cloud paint effect for her vaulted bedroom ceiling. She also made the macramé hanging above the bed which didn’t go to plan straight away. ‘I made the mistake of hanging the macramé on beach driftwood attached to the ceiling with jewellery wire but the whole thing fell down,’ Emma says. ‘Fishing line works much better as it’s strong and has a bit of stretch to it.’ There are plenty of purchases bought
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REAL HOME Emma improved the layout of the long room with a faux chimney breast and defined areas for eating and relaxing. A craft course taught her how to upholster the charity shop footstool with gold and green velvet and a long fringe. The leather chair is from eBay’s Recycled Retro 1 and the faux plants are from Abigail Ahern
Inspired by the octopus candlestick, Emma used her new pyrography pen skills to burn a tentacles etching onto the wooden table
Emma glued MDF strips to the wall to make the panelling and painted it in Valspar Royal Concerto. ‘Before, the big room looked empty, now the panelling adds texture and interest,’ says Emma. The table was from Emma’s friend and the gold palm lamp is from Olive and Sage
Good idea!
Instagram is a great source of inspiration for art and means you can buy prints direct from the artists.
‘I never spend a lot of money on projects, then it doesn’t matter if something doesn’t work and I need to try a different approach.’ The mango wood letter drawers were a lucky find on Gumtree
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REAL HOME
Good idea!
The handmade MDF headboard hides the electrics for the bedside lights which are controlled by an app on Emma and Lee’s phones.
Contrasting yellow and blue bed linen injects instant colour to the bedroom. The duvet cover is from HomeSense and the yellow throw was bought at BHS
‘I made the mistake of hanging the driftwood with jewellery wire – fishing line works much better as it’s strong and has stretch in it.’ on a whim – often turning out to be some of Emma’s best buys. A transparent vintage suitcase has become a wall display in the kitchen, and cow horns from eBay are wardrobe handles. A mannequin hand, which had caught Emma’s eye in a second-hand shop, has had a base added to it and been sprayed gold to make a bathroom towel-holder. The Yellow Pages floor lamp in the living room is another happy accident. ‘I loved the shape of the lamp but not the lurid green,’ she explains. ‘Paint wouldn’t stick to the metal so I stuck on the Yellow Pages to use as a base and then decided I rather liked the look!’ Rooms are furnished with a mix of vintage and upcycled furniture gleaned from charity shops, eBay and flea markets – some pieces have been reinvented many times over, such as her childhood chest of drawers in the bedroom and the tea chest coffee table which had once been a kitchen seat in their previous home. ‘I never spend a lot of money on projects, then it doesn’t matter if something doesn’t work and I need to try a different approach,’ she says.
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An online tutorial taught Emma how to paint the cloudy sky. ‘I added blue, then white and used round brushes to make the cloud effect,’ she explains. She used Dulux’s Sapphire Salute and made the macramé hanging
ideas to steal You don’t have to remember to water these plants, they’ll stay green forever! Fejka artificial plants, £3 each, Ikea
‘I love the wallpaper in the downstairs cloakroom but it’s expensive so we just papered one wall,’ says Emma. She picked out the black and green for dramatic walls and fun joinery. The wallpaper is Mind The Gap Other Worlds from Rockett St George
Add a funky Californian touch with a gold palm table lamp. Hachi table lamp by Där Lighting, £69.99, Wayfair
‘I like bright colours against understated walls,’ says Emma. The cushions are from Debenhams and the marbled bed linen is from Urban Outfitters
Jazz up a single wall with an eye-catching print, like Emma did in her downstairs WC. Walltastic Space Adventure mural, £40, Argos
Emma injected fun into the bedroom with a selection of cute and colourful animal face cushions. Animal cushion by Posh Totty Designs, £15, Notonthehighstreet
Pairing gold with velvet adds a luxe look to the living room. Margot antique gold velvet two-seater sofa, £499, Made
It took just six months for Emma and Lee to turn their bland, uninspiring chapel into an eclectic home brimming with colour, pattern and intrigue. They’re enjoying their efforts but Emma admits she still has the urge to do more. ‘I like
learning new skills and crafts so there will always be finishing touches to add,’ she says with a smile. ‘I’ve inherited my grandmother’s old sewing machine – next on my list is to learn to sew and to make some new curtains and blinds.’ YH
Switch up your artwork with a macramé wall hanging. Sass & Belle Boho macramé wall hanging, £16, Asos
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Once damp, dingy and separated by a wall, Abigail decided to unite the two rooms to create an open-plan space that allows light to flood through
Good idea!
For solid wood flooring at a fraction of the cost, visit your local reclamation yard to source and repurpose second-hand boards.
I put in an offer before my husband had seen it! Desperate for a home they could make their own, Abigail Hugo and her husband bought a fixer-upper. However, with a baby on the way, time was of the essence
A
fter six months of searching for their first home to no avail, Abigail and Ian Hugo knew they needed to reconsider the type of property they were viewing. Drawn to older properties with period features, they had viewed several which ticked their boxes in terms of character, however all were much too polished and styled to another’s taste to make Abigail swoon. ‘They each had nice features, but something about paying top price for someone else’s design kept bugging me,’ she says. The only answer was to seek a fixer-upper on which they
could make their mark and instil their own vision. And as luck would have it, one such property became available in their ideal location of Maldon, Essex – but it was a risk. ‘When the house came on the market, the previous sale had fallen through as the buyer had pulled out,’ Abigail recalls. ‘I went to view it with my parents, but due to work and travel commitments Ian wasn’t able to see it for at least a fortnight. I was so nervous someone else would offer that I put in an offer without even asking him!’ Run down and outdated in design, the house required a lot of work in order to
REAL HOME An Aga cooker was non-negotiable for Abigail, who loves to cook and grew up with one. The couple purchased a used model which cost half the price of a brand-new one
make it homely for the couple, a fact Ian didn’t fail to notice. ‘It hadn’t been lived in for three years, and before that it belonged to an elderly lady who had not made any improvements,’ says Abigail. ‘It’s fair to say Ian was apprehensive the first time he saw it, but I’ve grown up around wrecks and building sites so he’s learnt to trust my vision.’ Her plan, in this instance, was for a lighter, brighter home that would be welcoming for guests and inhabitants alike, while preserving all the
Feature Abbi Henderson Photos Georgia Burns
COME ON IN...
period features. ‘When we received the keys it was the middle of December and the house, which was essentially an empty shell, was freezing,’ Abigail says. ‘We stood there, sipping Champagne while stripping the walls.’ However, the couple’s plans were interrupted in early January as they found out they were expecting their first child, Henry. While Abigail had to reduce her DIY workload, the rest of the family hurried to finish the house in time for the baby’s arrival. The first, and most important job was to knock down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to make an open-plan space. ‘This was one of my first considerations when buying the house,’ says Abigail. ‘I wouldn’t have bought it if it wasn’t going to be possible as cooking and entertaining are a massive part of our lifestyle.’ Being a load-bearing wall meant it wasn’t the easiest of projects, but it was well worth the hassle. Following a reconfiguration of the layout, the new
OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom Victorian mid-terrace in Maldon, Essex. WE ARE Abigail Hugo, my husband, Ian, and our son, Henry, who is one. I have an interiors-themed Instagram account, @thewhitethistle. MY TOP TIP IS Go with your gut instinct and take style advice from friends and family with a pinch of salt.
FOR STYLE INSPIRATION I browse Pinterest and create mood boards before decorating a room.
NEXT TO DO IS Update the furniture
in the master bedroom. I’m thinking a coat of black paint.
I HAVE LEARNT Not to get pregnant when your house is a hovel, for starters – and always trust your instincts.
FIRST FLOOR Shower room Bed 3
Utility
Kitchen Bedroom 2
Dining area Ensuite
Bedroom 1
Living room Hall
Although the old living room was damp and outdated, the couple wanted to preserve the property’s original features and character. They kept the sash window and laid reclaimed wooden ceiling rafters on the floor
GROUND FLOOR
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REAL HOME The original fireplace had been replaced with a 60s gas eyesore, so Abigail salvaged the surround from the dining room and installed it in the living room where it can be enjoyed every evening
‘Every little detail has been chosen by us. We’re woven into the property’s fabric.’
kitchen was fitted and flooring – made from reclaimed ceiling rafters – was laid in the dining and living rooms. The upstairs landing was also renovated: a corner of Henry’s bedroom was walled off to transform two separate landings – one of which leads to the master and spare bedrooms, the other to the bathroom and Henry’s bedroom. Period features, including the fireplaces and sash windows, were sympathetically restored, and a neutral palette was added throughout the house to help achieve the brighter look that Abigail had coveted. Describing her style as a blend of traditional country and modern rustic, Abigail found inspiration for her home on Pinterest. ‘We were renovating before I got into Instagram, so I didn’t realise what a great source of inspiration it is,’ she says, though she now shares her own décor ideas via @thewhitethistle. ‘At first, I wasn’t great at creating schemes but I knew the elements that were really important to me, so I loved that I could use Pinterest to create mood boards to build up my ideas.’ Comfort was a core focus for Abigail when redesigning each room, and attention was paid to the details that would make their new house feel like a home in time for Henry’s arrival. In the kitchen, an Aga – which had been a big part of Abigail’s childhood and was on her list of musthaves – was bought second-hand at almost half the original cost, while shelves made from free reclaimed scaffolding boards complement the property’s rustic edge. A roll-top bath, albeit a small one, was successfully squeezed into the bathroom for candlelit soaks (or, more accurately, Henry’s playtime) and patterned floor tiles were laid for extra pizzazz. Although Abigail is the first to admit that taking on house renovations while
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The master bedroom had a higgledy-piggledy layout with three doors that opened onto each other. To refine the space, the couple moved the entry door further down the hall, cut into the en suite to make the bedroom bigger and sealed a door
In order to create a more practical landing, Abigail and Ian had to sacrifice a corner of Henry’s bedroom. They whitewashed the walls so the scheme could be interchangeable, and used low-cost vinyl stickers to create a fun feature wall
6
ideas to steal
Classic meets modern with this edgy monochrome range oven, just like Abigail’s. Stoves Richmond S900DF dual fuel range cooker, £1,499, John Lewis
Create a country vibe with a savvy storage dresser. Arlette solid hardwood small dresser, £749.99, Oak Furniture Land
Add extra texture to a couch or bed with plush pompom cushions. Faux-fur pompom cushion, £17.50, M&S
Good idea!
If space is at a premium in your bathroom but a tub is essential, shop for a more compact design like Abigail has.
Patterned tiles from Laura Ashley adorn the floor for a subtle decorative feature, while crisp white subway tiles were chosen for the walls
pregnant is beyond stressful, the results of their renovation are proof that the seemingly impossible can be achieved with a little help from loved ones. And while she has no regrets about the design decisions she made during that time, there’s one thing that still plays on her mind. ‘I really wanted a black or dark grey kitchen but it wasn’t trendy when we started renovating and I couldn’t find one anywhere,’ she confesses. ‘We could have painted it ourselves but in the interest of time we went for the colour we have now, and while I don’t regret it I do think the black would have looked amazing.’ Although the original house renovation has long been finished, its design is everevolving to suit her family’s needs and the couple couldn’t be happier to have taken a leap of faith in this property. ‘Slowly but surely, through choosing every teeny aspect of its design and appearance, it’s become our dream home,’ she says. YH
Pep up a plain wall with simple black polka dots as Abigail did in Henry’s bedroom. Black spots wall stickers, £12 for a pack of 40, Not On the High Street
Give your suite the spa treatment on a shoestring with a free-standing bathtub. The Bath Co Traditional free-standing slipper bath, £399, Victoria Plum
Keep bath-time essentials close to hand with a stylish wooden tray. Washed wood bath rack, £15, Dunelm
We imprinted our style onto our ex-rental home Clever space-saving tricks and crafty ideas give Nicola’s home a unique look on a budget
A
fter years of renovating an older property, Nicola Hill-Gregory and her husband Stuart were ready for a change. ‘We spent five years doing up our small Victorian town house and we were fed up of having builders in our home fixing and repairing things,’ she explains. ‘We longed to live in a home that had no hidden surprises, with straightforward rooms that
we could decorate as we wanted ourselves.’ When their children were enrolled in schools in a different area, the family decided to relocate to be near them. ‘As soon as we looked at this property we knew straight away this was the home for us. It ticked so many boxes,’ she says. The location was ideal and the house had three big bedrooms, a large living room and
REAL HOME
Feature Maxine Brady Photos Rachel Smith
COME ON IN...
WE ARE Nicola Hill-Gregory, my husband Stuart, our son Ryan, 13, and daughter Lana, five. I have an interior design business, Lana Rose Interiors. OUR HOME Is a three-bed semi-detached 1970s property in Staffordshire.
MY BEST BARGAIN Is our Ercol
armchair which I found for 99p on eBay. I took the cushion off and painted it myself.
MY TOP TIP Is to invest in good-quality
brushes, masking tape and paint – the better the tools you have, the better the finish.
TO RELAX I read interior magazines and I love browsing Pinterest for ideas. I spend weekends hanging out with my children. SHOPS I LOVE ARE HomeSense, as you never know what you are going to find. I love local charity shops as it feels like going on a treasure hunt. The neutral sofa is from Next. The baskets on the walls were car boot sale finds with mirrors glued inside and plants from IKEA added to make a wall feature. The walls are painted in Putty White and Morning Downpour, both by Valspar Nicola finished the display unit in dark grey paint. ‘I painted the glass in the lower sections to hide the belongings behind’
separate dining room. It has great storage and a layout that suited this young family. The house had been rented out for many years, and as a result had been stripped of all character. ‘We have big renovation plans for this house but in the short term we needed to adjust what was here, making small changes and updates to refresh the look of each room on a budget,’ says Nicola. The first room Nicola tackled was the dining room. ‘I heard about Valspar Paint Club, they were running a competition where you could submit your ideas for one of your rooms and it would provide the paint for free,’ she says. For her entry she painted the main wall in the space in Agreeable Green matt emulsion to create a backdrop for her wall plates. Nicola then
Good idea!
wc
Bold wallpaper and an ascending gallery wall by this open-plan staircase lead the eye upwards.
Bedroom 1
FIRST FLOOR
wc
Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3
Kitchen Dining area Hall
GROUND FLOOR
Lounge
For stockists see page 120 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
93
made curtains out of a Marks & Spencer duvet, hung a mirror and wallpapered up the stairs with a co-ordinating palm print. She finished off the room with wicker accessories picked up from charity shops and on eBay. ‘This room was featured on the Valspar website. I was so pleased to be picked.’ Her next priority was to transform her children’s rooms. Her daughter’s space was painted in shades of grey with a pretty hanging above the bed which Nicola made out of a fabric remnant and old bed slats. Soft patterned curtains were hung at the window. Her son’s room was given an urban look inspired by skateboarders. ‘We made a headboard out of OSB building boards. Then on the wall we hung up framed black and white photos of his skateboarding heroes,’ Nicola explained. The master bedroom was given a refresh too. ‘Every bedroom had been papered in black glittery embossed wallpaper which made the rooms feel gloomy,’ she
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March 2019
Nicola designed the dining room from scratch, mixing and matching her patterns to create a sunny space. In the corner sits a cane chair which was just £6 from a charity shop. Nicola added a pompom trim around the bottom of a lampshade to vamp up a basic piece
REAL HOME The kitchen was in good condition but needed some styling. Nicola replaced the worktops and sink and painted the floor tiles. Above she hung a light fitting from eBay. The black tap was from B&Q. The black and white rugs are from HomeSense. Nicola also wallpapered a cupboard with Graham & Brown wallpaper
Good idea!
Create a day bed using two chests of drawers, then layer a mix of cushions for a cosy reading spot.
Nicola has used OSB building board in clever ways in her home, like making shelving in her home office
‘My business was a now-or-never moment and I’m so pleased I took the leap. It has grown through word of mouth and I have undertaken lots of exciting projects.’ The day bed in the home office is made from two sets of drawers. ‘I had a piece of wood cut to make the seat, then a piece of foam cut to size which I upholstered myself.’ The eyecatching rose print was found in HomeSense
explains. ‘I wanted a calm, summery feel in my bedroom so we painted the walls in Shrouded Lace by Valspar to create a calm atmosphere.’ The room was then furnished with vintage finds made from cane and bamboo for a tropical feel. Over the past eighteen months, Nicola has been painting and decorating each room. ‘It’s been a completely different experience living here. I’m a person who loves to do things myself. In my old www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2018
95
The master bedroom has been given tropical vibes with plants, patterned bed linen and lots of cane furniture and accessories
‘We wanted to live in a home that had no hidden surprises with rooms that we could decorate as we wanted.’
Good idea!
Use inexpensive OSB to make an unusual headboard and shelving in a teenager’s bedroom.
In her son’s room, the walls were painted in Hudson Black from Craig & Rose, and boards of OSB were cut to make a headboard with an integrated shelf. The lamp is from Next
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home we needed a lot of professional help. Even painting the ceilings was a big job as they were ten feet tall. Here, it’s been a breeze and I’ve done each room myself,’ she explains. ‘After renovating a property from scratch we were over big building work. It’s been a joy to have a home that I can just do fun things to like paint, decorate and style.’ When Nicola had a career change at the start of last year, she needed an office space. ‘I left full-time work to set up my own interior design business – Lana Rose Interiors. I started by taking on friends as clients but is has quickly grown,’ she explains. ‘It was a now-or-never moment in my life and I’m so pleased I took the leap. Through word of mouth I have lots of exciting projects under my belt.’ To create her home office, the main living room was divided into two. ‘We were only using one corner in the long lean space. We have double windows either end so it made sense to split the room into two. We put up a stud wall so I now have
6
Nicola made the curtain hanging above her daughter’s bed from an old slat and a remnant of tropical fabric that she stapled to the back of the slat. The wallpaper was a bargain find at Wilko, while the curtains are from The Range and the walls have been painted in Chic Shadow by Dulux
ideas to steal Don’t be afraid to use clashing prints, just like Nicola. Amalfi pencil-pleat curtains, £40, Cotton Traders Home
A statement cane chair will give your home boho vibes. Akit rattan armchair, £395, Cuckooland.com
Palm prints are a great way to add a natural motif to your home.
Good idea!
Nicola has made a little seat under the window with a chest, topped with a blanket and a couple of cushions.
Palm Leaves wallpaper, £15 per roll, Wilko
Brighten up a dark corner of your home with a colourful lamp stand.
The bathroom is one of the rooms that Nicola is keen to transform in the coming years
Bamboo floor lamp base £110, Oliver Bonas
somewhere to work during the day and a spare room for guests without having to extend our property.’ The one thing that Nicola and Stuart miss from their old home is a log fire. ‘We’re working on plans for the house, and one is to install a woodburner in the living room but we’ll have to play with the layout to see how to fit it in.’ Now the work is finished for the short term, Nicola is enjoying her home. ‘We love our house because it is bright and modern, and we’ve never experienced that before. It makes for a very pleasing change. Less time dealing with building work and more time enjoying our lives as a family.’ YH
In teenager’s rooms, give them somewhere to display their treasures with a modern shelving unit. Back To College shelf unit, £6, Primark
Bring global influences to your walls with baskets. Ugandan star wicker basket, £9.99, TK Maxx
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
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YH0319 Helleborus 5 + 10.indd 1
09/01/2019 13:21
Food & drink Put a spring in your step with our seasonal recipes overleaf
Feature Laura Higgins Main image iStock
3 ways with... jackfruit l For pulled jackfruit which can be served in rolls, with rice, or on top of a jacket spud, fry ½ diced onion in 1 tsp olive oil for 10 minutes, until soft. Add ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3 tbsp BBQ sauce, 200g tinned chopped tomatoes and 400g tinned young jackfruit in water, drained. Add the lid, bring to a simmer and cook gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water during cooking if the sauce is thickening too much. Once cooked, use a fork to shred the jackfruit before serving. Serves 2. l The pulled jackfruit recipe above is versatile and can be added to a number of dishes. Try it on pizza – it’s great with fruity toppings like pineapple or mango; wrapped with rice, beans and crunchy veg in a tortilla; or served with tacos, sprinkled with sweetcorn, grated cheese and coriander. l To make nachos, drain 400g tinned young jackfruit in water, rinsing well. Chop then add it to a pan with 250g BBQ sauce and 225ml water. Simmer over a low heat for 40 minutes, until thickened. Arrange tortilla chips in a bowl, followed by the BBQ jackfruit and scatter with grated cheese. Place under a hot grill until melted, then serve with salsa, diced red onion, avocado and lime wedges. Serves 4.
This month we love...
Made with around a third less oil than the classic recipe, Sacla’s new reduced fat pestos in basil and tomato varieties, also have no added sugar or salt, making them a healthy option. They’re also made with tofu rather than Parmesan, so are a great choice for vegetarians and vegans, too. Available from larger supermarkets, priced £2.50.
If you do one thing this month... Swirl one of Bonne Maman’s fruit compotes through your yogurt, porridge or muesli for a fruity start to the day – you could even add a spoonful or two to your smoothie. Choose from apricot, rhubarb and cherry, they are priced £2.99, and are available from most supermarkets nationwide.
Try me...
Eat me...
Buy me...
Exclusive to Sainsbury’s, Odysea has introduced a selection of new products to its existing range, giving customers even more Mediterranean flavours to choose from, including preserved Beldi lemons, £2 for 360g; sautéed mushrooms, £2.70 for 270g; and – great for baking – date molasses, £2.70 for 250ml .
Marks & Spencer has introduced a new range in store that is entirely plant-based. Plant Kitchen includes a range of ready meals, as well as ingredients for those who prefer to cook from scratch, and a few great on-the-go lunch options. We’re looking forward to tucking into the cauliflower popcorn, £3 for 200g, a vegan take on popcorn chicken, with a buffalo dip.
A sweet treat for mum this Mother’s Day, this Prestat boozy mini truffle sharing box, £20 for 240g, will make her feel extra special. With pink popping Prosecco, white London gin, dark blood orange Prosecco and sweet milk amaretto flavours, fingers crossed she’ll share a few with you too!
check out www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk/food for more tasty recipes www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
March 2019
99
Fresh and flavoursome Using the season’s new ingredients, packed with light, fresh flavours, these dishes are perfect for springtime meals with family and friends…
Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 10 minutes Serves 2
Lamb koftas with Tenderstem and tahini sauce YOU WILL NEED
DIRECTIONS
4500g lamb mince 4200g feta cheese, crumbled 4zest 1 lemon 410 soft dried apricots, chopped 43 tsp cumin 42 tsp coriander 41 egg 4½ cucumber 42 tbsp tahini 43 tbsp plain yogurt 4juice 1 lemon 41 tsp sumac 41 garlic clove, finely chopped 48 Tenderstem broccoli stems, cooked 44-6 flatbreads 4fresh coriander, chopped
n In a large mixing bowl add the lamb, feta, lemon zest, chopped apricots, cumin, coriander and egg then season with salt and pepper. Work really well into the meat to create a well-combined mixture. Shape into 8-10 koftas and pop in the fridge until you want to cook them. n Lay the cucumber flat onto a chopping board and peel lengthways along the cucumber with a speed peeler to create long thin ribbons. Set aside. n Combine the tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, sumac and garlic in a bowl then season with salt and pepper. n Cook the koftas under a hot grill for 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. n Heat a griddle until smoking and place the flatbreads onto the griddle. Heat to create char marks for extra flavour, or simply heat under the grill. n Assemble your koftas on the flatbreads with the cucumber ribbons, Tenderstem, tahini sauce and coriander. Recipe courtesy of www.tenderstem.co.uk
food & drink Preparation time 10 minutes Serves 6-12
Whipped hot-smoked salmon with spring crudités YOU WILL NEED 4200g hot-smoked salmon 4200g full-fat crème fraîche 42-3 tbsp full-fat Greek yogurt 4grated zest and juice ½ lemon 41/5 nutmeg, grated To serve 4seasonal crudités, such as chicory leaves, radishes, fennel, cucumber, young carrots 4cracker bread
DIRECTIONS n Peel the skin from the salmon and discard. Flake the flesh into a food processor and add the crème fraîche, 2 tablespoons of the yogurt, the lemon zest and juice. Blitz for 30 seconds or more until light and smooth. Taste, then season with freshly grated nutmeg, black pepper and a little salt. Blitz again, taste and season for a second time, adding the remaining yogurt if you think it could be a touch looser. n Serve with a selection of seasonal crudités and cracker bread. Recipe taken from The Borough Market Cookbook by Ed Smith (£25, Hodder & Stoughton). Image Issy Croker
New potato salad with maple mustard dressing
Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 15 minutes Serves 4
YOU WILL NEED 4500g new potatoes, scrubbed 41 tbsp wholegrain mustard 42 tsp olive oil 41 tbsp white wine vinegar 42 tbsp maple syrup 44 spring onions, sliced
DIRECTIONS n Place the new potatoes in a pan of lightly salted boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and cut the potatoes in half. n Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir into the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Recipe courtesy of www.maplefromcanada.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
101
Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Serves 3-4
Tarragon chicken and spring vegetables YOU WILL NEED 41 Kallo Organic Chicken Stock Pot 46 tarragon sprigs, 3 roughly chopped 42 skinless chicken breasts 44 small Charlotte potatoes, sliced 4150g baby topped carrots, halved 4135g baby leeks or salad onions, trimmed and cut into 3cm chunks 4240g peas, frozen or fresh 43 tbsp crème fraîche 4 zest ½ lemon and 1 tbsp juice
DIRECTIONS n Put the stock pot in a medium pan with 1 litre of just-boiled water; whisk until dissolved. Add 3 whole tarragon sprigs, bring to the boil, then take off the heat. Quickly put the chicken breasts in to the hot stock, cover and leave for 15 minutes, turning halfway. n Lift the chicken out of the pan and rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil. Discard the tarragon, bring the stock to a simmer and add the potatoes and carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the leeks and simmer for 5 minutes more. Add the peas and simmer for a final 2 minutes. n Take off the heat and stir through the crème fraîche, chopped tarragon and lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Slice the chicken and divide between bowls, then ladle over the vegetables and broth. Recipe courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes
Spring vegetable lasagne YOU WILL NEED 41 packet of Slendier lasagne sheets (konjac pasta) 41 tbsp margarine 440 plain flour 4340ml low-fat milk 41 bunch asparagus, trimmed and thickly sliced 42 courgettes, cut into ribbons 42 spring onions, trimmed and cut into 8cm lengths 4large handful spinach 4150g frozen peas 4200g fresh low-fat ricotta 42 tomatoes, thinly sliced 4few sprigs fresh basil leaves 4½ low-fat mozzarella ball
Preparation time 30 minutes Cooking time 45 minutes Serves 4
DIRECTIONS n Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas Mark 4. Prepare the Slendier lasagne sheets according to the instructions on the back of the pack. n Melt the margarine in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute until bubbling. Remove from the heat. Gradually stir in the milk until combined. Return to the heat and stir constantly for 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. n Bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Add the asparagus, courgette and onion and boil for 2 minutes. Remove and drain. Add the spinach to the pan and cook for 1 minute, until wilted. Remove and squeeze out the moisture when it is cool enough to handle, then roughly chop.
n Cover the base of a 20cm x 28cm ovenproof dish with 1/3 of the white sauce. Layer ¼ of the lasagne sheets, trimming to fit. Layer the asparagus mixture, peas and 1/3 of the ricotta. Top with more lasagne sheets, ½ the spinach and another 1/3 of the ricotta. Repeat this layer
again. Top with the remaining lasagne sheets and white sauce. Arrange the tomato and basil leaves on top and sprinkle with ricotta and mozzarella. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden. Recipe courtesy of www.slendier.com/uk
food & drink Creamy pasta with spring greens You will need
DIRECTIONS
4150g dried tagliatelle 42 rashers smoked streaky bacon, cut into 1cm wide strips 4100g finely shredded spring greens or Savoy cabbage 490g Waitrose popped garden peas 475g Philadelphia Light with Garlic & Herbs 42 salad onions, thinly sliced 42 tsp finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
n Cook the tagliatelle in a large pan of boiling water for 6 minutes. n Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a non-stick frying pan for 5 minutes until crisp and golden. n Add the greens and peas to the pasta pan and cook for a further 3 minutes until the vegetables and pasta are tender. Reserve a ladleful of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and vegetables and return to the pan. n Stir in the crispy bacon, soft cheese and salad onions, stirring until the cheese melts, and adding a splash of the reserved water to loosen the mixture if necessary. Divide between two bowls and serve with a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano. Recipe courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes
Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 10 minutes Serves 2
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk March 2019
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Home Improvement
Turn the page to find out more about listed properties and protected zones
Trunk show If you’re looking for a stylish storage solution for your firewood, this circular holder could be the answer. Designed to be mounted on the wall and made of sturdy powder-coated steel rods, it’ll make a feature of your logs while freeing up floor space. With a 78cm diameter – and a 30cm diameter integral kindling holder – it comes fully welded and won’t need assembling when it arrives. We think it makes the perfect partner for any wood-burning stove. Circular wire log holder, £149, Harrod Horticultural
If you’re planning to put your property on the market this spring, there are a few steps you can take to ensure a quick sale. Bark.com, an online marketplace to help you find local service professionals, has five steps to add value to your home: l Get your paperwork in order Make sure any home improvements have planning permission as any illegal work will render your home untouchable for many buyers. l Shift your décor into neutral People often judge a book by its cover so avoid bold colours, quirky carpets and patterned wallpaper. l Declutter your home Tidying up each room before a valuation or viewing is an easy way to make a good first impression and could also boost your property value by up to £11,000. l Spruce up your garden Many people won’t even consider looking inside a house if they don’t like what they see on the outside; plus, a buyer could negotiate a 20 per cent discount for an unappealing exterior. l Put in some pet-proof prep Around 45 per cent of people in the UK own a pet but buyers won’t necessarily welcome them when viewing your property. Concerns over cleanliness can reduce the value of a house by more than £11,000.
Feature Alice Butler
Ready, steady, sold!
Double smart Oak radiator cover, from £169.99, My Furniture
With the Easter break and bank holidays around the corner, it’s worth making sure your home is secure while you’re away. Home security expert Yale has teamed up with Philips Hue to design a clever new alarm that combines a high level of security with the convenience of smart technology. For example, when the alarm is triggered red lights flash to startle intruders and alert neighbours while you a get a notification wherever you are in the world. Yale Sync Family Alarm Kit, £299, Amazon
Brilliant disguise If your radiators are more of an eyesore than eye candy, why not camouflage them with a stylish cover? These Scandi-inspired oak designs by My Furniture will complement a contemporary or mid-century scheme without compromising on heat output. They’re available in standard and adjustable designs, accommodating radiators up to 196cm in size and will protect children from burning their fingers while providing a handy shelf to pop accessories.
For more expert advice and case studies go to www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
March 2019
105
This 17th-century Cotswold house near Painswick oozes character and history, www.murraysestateagents.co.uk
The pros and cons of living in a listed home Feature Andrea Dean
I
f you own a listed property, you’re a member of a very exclusive club. This is because your home is of such architectural, historic or cultural significance that it’s given special protection. And if it’s located in a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park or World Heritage site, your surroundings have to be taken into consideration when building work is carried out. Read on to discover the plus points – and drawbacks – of having a home that stands out from the crowd.
Do you own or plan to buy a property that’s listed or in a protected zone? Here’s what to bear in mind
1
Listed properties
England boasts around half a million listed buildings, ranging from quaint cottages to royal palaces. Listings are divided into three categories: Grade II, Grade II* and Grade I. Grade I accounts for only 2.5 per cent of listed buildings, meaning they’re of exceptional interest. A similar system applies in Scotland where the listing categories are A (the most important) B and C. Pro Your home will have a rich history and/or an abundance of architectural features. Con Restrictions in the materials you’re permitted to use for improvements can bump up costs.
This cottage is in the heart of the conservation area in the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex, for sale through www.phillipsandstubbs.co.uk
Part of the Modernist Frinton Park Estate in Essex, this mid-1930s house incorporates large curved windows and thoroughly merits its Grade II listing, www.themodernhouse.com
REAL HOME
Working shutters, cornicing and oak flooring are among the original features in this Grade-II listed Georgian house in Bakewell, in the Peak District National Park, www.caudwellandco.com
All pre-1700 buildings in their original condition are listed, including this 16th-century cottage, which sits in a village conservation area in the Surrey Hills, www.clarkegammon.co.uk
2
Mortgage and insurance
The listing itself won’t affect a property’s mortgageability, but if it’s of non-standard construction – for example timber-framed – mainstream lenders are unlikely to touch it. Go through a broker to find a specialist company willing to provide a mortgage, though interest rates are likely to be higher than for a brick-built home. And bear in mind that it might be difficult to sell later on if a future buyer has similar problems in obtaining a mortgage. You’ll also require insurance that’s tailor-made for listed buildings – this is because if you have to make a claim, the cost of repairs and the traditional materials will be higher than for a standard, unlisted house.
This Edinburgh flat is located in the heart of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, via www.espc.com
3
Making changes
When altering or extending a listed building, you must apply to your local authority for Listed Building Consent. Start by asking the conservation officer whether permission for the proposed work is likely to be granted, and if not, what would be acceptable. Every application is considered on an individual basis, and while ultra-modern, glazed extensions are sometimes given the go-ahead. In other cases, any additions must match the existing building. Before buying a listed home, your solicitor will check that Listed Building Consent was given to the previous owners for any alterations carried out. If it wasn’t and you proceed with the purchase, the worst-case scenario is that you’ll be liable to correct any unauthorised work.
4
Conservation areas
There are now over 10,000 conservation areas across England, and unlike a listing, the designation applies to groups of buildings rather than individual structures. They’re usually identified by the local planning authority as being of historic or architectural interest, and can comprise clusters of buildings, town centres, mining villages, housing estates, suburbs and industrial heritage sites. Owners may be limited in what they can do to the exteriors of their homes and need to apply for planning permission before making alterations. Pro These controls preserve the area’s character, ensuring that a Victorian terrace won’t be ruined by contemporary windows. Con Projects inevitably take longer if planning permission has to be sought.
turn over for more advice Homes in the Lake District – a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site – come at a premium, such as this five-bed house close to the shore of Ullswater, www.pfk.co.uk
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2015
89
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Situated in a village on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park, this 19th-century house enjoys sweeping views over a valley, www.humberts.com
Inside info ‘Think carefully about your particular needs before looking at a listed building. It is all too easy to fall in love with the chocolate-box image – but don’t let n Find and search for England’s listed buildings the heart rule the mind. If a property does not at www.historicengland.org.uk. The UK has 15 National Parks and have the floor area, the number or arrangement n Visit www.historicenvironment.scot to 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty of rooms that you require, it may not be the house scout listed buildings north of the border. (AONBs), encompassing mountains and for you. Don’t assume that you can extend it or n www.lpoc.co.uk is the website of the moorland to lakes and dales. Landscapes may make wide-ranging alterations as listed building Listed Property Owners’ Club which offers be diverse but they’re all safeguarded and consent may not be forthcoming from the local advice to owners of listed homes and runs the offer peace and amazing views. Tight planning planning authority.’ Peter Bell, conservation Listed Property Show, taking place at London’s controls combined with the allure of living in the advisor at The Listed Property Owners’ Olympia on 9th to 10th February 2019. loveliest settings mean that demand outweighs Club, www.lpoc.co.uk. n www.victoriansociety.org.uk and supply. A survey by Lloyds Bank has revealed that www.georgiangroup.org.uk have tips on homes in National Parks are on average 46 per preserving Victorian and Georgian properties. cent more expensive than the rest of the county. Pro Scenery doesn’t get much more stunning. Con High prices. The Lake District and the The Lake District – also a National Park – is the latest addition to the list of Britain’s 31 UNESCO New Forest attract the biggest premiums. World Heritage sites. Sites are considered to be worthy of preservation due to their outstanding
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For a historic home without the maintenance, Grade I-listed Sundridge Park Mansion in Bromley is being converted into luxe apartments, www.cityandcountry.co.uk
World Heritage sites
value to humanity and include Maritime Greenwich, the City of Bath and Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. Owners are limited in the changes they can make to their homes but plenty of advice is on tap – for example, Edinburgh World Heritage has guides on paintwork, ironmongery and energy efficiency. Pros The sense of history; grants may be available to fund exterior work. Cons Rigid planning controls. Visit the annual Listed Property Show for expert advice and practical demonstrations, www.lpoc.co.uk Feature and photos Gill Rothwell
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Useful contacts
National Parks and AONBS
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CASE STUDY ‘Our house was listed a year after we moved in!’
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Consent, which takes longer to approve than standard planning permission. In addition, alterations and repairs had to be carried out using original materials such as lime mortar for repointing work, hardwood for replacement doors and windows and cast iron for new guttering or downpipes. ‘This may sound like a problem but it’s not all that difficult as there are lots of companies specialising in these materials,’ explains Debbie. As their family grew – they have two boys and two girls – and they needed more room, the couple decided to extend into the loft to create a fourth bedroom. ‘It took a while before consent was finally granted and there were restrictions: for example, we were allowed rooflights, provided they were the more expensive heritage type, and the window in the gable end was much smaller than we would have liked,’ Debbie explains. At one stage, the couple had plans drawn up for a ground-floor extension but these were shelved when they decided
s Standing close to a National Park, the old stone cottage’s Grade-II listing means nothing can be done to change the facade without special consent
to invest in a property in France instead. Recently, they’ve completely refurbished the bathroom but, as they were simply updating the existing one, they didn’t have to apply for consent. Originally part of a farm, the cottage stands on one acre of land on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales. ‘It’s in the perfect location as we’re close to a village, with a canal on one side and a river on the other,’ says Debbie, who used to run a coffee shop nearby. Now she’s concentrating on running her online business, selling local delicacy Welsh cakes through the post, www. welshcakesonline. co.uk. In the living room, Debbie stripped off the old paint to reveal the natural beauty of the pine window frames and shutters, and layers of wallpaper were removed to expose the original stonework
Feature and photos Gill Rothwell
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ebbie a n d Philip were in for a shock when they opened their post one morning to discover the s Debbie and period cottage Philip live in the they’d bought a Brecon Beacons year earlier had been given a Grade-II listing. ‘We had no idea it was anything special but apparently the facade hadn’t been altered in over 180 years and that was considered worth preserving,’ says Debbie. ‘It was fortunate that we had already done some remedial work, including installing a new window, as this wouldn’t have been allowed once the building was listed.’ Any further improvements the Haywards wanted to make were then subject to obtaining Listed Building
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Win!
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Win! a gas fire worth £1,600! I
f you want to create the ultimate cosy interior, you’re in luck, because we’ve teamed up with the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) to offer one lucky winner a Denver Connelly Wide gas fire from Crystal Fires, worth £1,600! Gas fires are a great secondary heat source and can provide a warm, cosy glow without the need to switch on your entire heating system – perfect for those chilled spring evenings where you want to curl up on the sofa! With no ash residue or odours, gas is extremely clean and requires minimal maintenance. What’s more, using a gas fire provides instant warmth – all you need to do is switch it on, set the temperature, then sit back and enjoy the warming flame. Eleven million homes across the UK are gas-fire ready with a chimney and gas point, and millions more have the ability to place a fire on an outside wall. Whether you have a chimney or not, there might be a gas fire or stove option available to suit your home. Modern gas fires are unbeatable when it comes to aesthetics. Their real flames provide a cosy feeling and whether you’re looking for a contemporary option for a sleek, understated living room or a traditional fire or gas stove that’s perfect for a period property, finding your ideal model is easy with more designs available than ever before.
One lucky winner
How to enter For your chance to win, simply answer the question below:
To find out more, visit www.lovegasfires.co.uk. Rules of entry 1) The competition closes at midnight on 31st March 2019. The winner will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative will be given. Prize includes delivery but not installation or removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. Prize does not include the gas fire surround. 3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over age of 18, except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize. 5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to participate in publicity if required.
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7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be entered into. 8) The winner is selected at random, from correct entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions may use your details to advise of products and services. Details are occasionally available to vetted companies. 11) Allow 8-10 weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this competition, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to prosecute offending parties.
www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Q: How many homes across the UK are gas-fire ready? A) 11,000 B) 110,000 C) 11,000,000 Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to enter. Simply click the WIN! tab, then fill in your details including the answer to the above question, before the closing date of 31st March 2019. Good luck!
Property know-how with George I
am writing this feature in a home I’ve rented for a few days while on holiday in New Zealand. I’ve no idea whose property it is, as it was booked through an agent online. It isn’t grand, but it’s very simple and that’s what I love about it. It’s a bungalow, my favourite house type, with every room on one level and no staircase to be seen. The house wouldn’t necessarily make it into the pages of a glossy design magazine because its style isn’t trendy enough, but the plan is very good. It’s a very efficiently laid out open-plan house with a decent-sized kitchen, the dining table positioned beautifully in front of a large window with clear views of the mountains beyond. The living room, with a large open fire, opens out onto a wonderful garden through elegant sliding glass doors. The bedrooms are strung across the back of the plan with bathrooms and en suites between them. The bedrooms don’t have the same spectacular views of the kitchen, dining and living rooms but that’s fine because this is very much a home for living in, being outdoors in the warm climate, gathering together in the open-plan space and not spending too
much time in bed. Why am I describing this simple home in so much detail? Because it is with a heavy heart that I’m sitting at the dining table in this home writing my last-ever column for Your Home magazine. That is why I’ll remember this exact moment, in this chair, at the dining table in this bungalow, 11,000 miles away from my own home, because it’s been a very special 10 years and I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to make my little contribution every month, over that long period of time, to what is a wonderful magazine. But, this humble home in New Zealand is more than that. It’s a reminder to me why I became an architect. I’m obsessed by homes. Within seconds of walking into any building I begin to analyse what works and what doesn’t, what I love and what I hate, the missed opportunities, understanding the way it was built, the materials used, the plan, the interior design, the colour scheme, the lot! It may sound exhausting at the thought of doing this in every house I walk into but, for me, it’s intuitive, instinctive, and I love it. But the layers of investigations don’t stop there, I want to know about the home’s history, when it was built, by who and why. And then there is the joy of meeting the people who live in the house now. Architecture is all about people for me, and spending time with people in their home is really special. You can see how the architecture crafts their way of life. Houses are, basically, shelters and containers of wonderful things for people to live in. And so this brings us to the very simple question as to why I became an architect?
Photo courtesy of George Clarke
In his final column for Your Home, property developer, architect and presenter of Channel 4’s Old House, New Home, George Clarke explains why he became an architect and why your home is the most important piece of architecture in the world to you
It’s really quite simple. I wanted to create truly beautiful homes that people would fall in love with and would enjoy living in, to create stunning spaces that would enhance everyday quality of life. As an architect I’m obsessed by the search for ‘beauty’ in home design. Why live in a bland and ordinary house when you can live in something beautiful? And good design need not be expensive. Far from it. In fact, some of the cheapest architectural builds or refurbishments I have seen in my career would rank as highly as some of the best I’ve ever seen and this is because when you have very little, you have to think harder and design better to get the very best out of the little you have. You have to put your heart and soul into every single design decision and because a low budget forces you to think harder and differently you often come up with something unusual and unique that makes the project special. Be brave in the choices you make, absorb yourself in the wonderful content in magazines and online to help you on your home design journey and do what is right for you and your family. But always remember this. Great design, wherever you are in the world, need not cost the earth and if you constantly search for beauty in all the design decisions you make, then your home will mean the world to you – and that is what matters. Thanks for reading. GC x n For more tips and advice from George, check out his website at www.georgeclarke.com
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Gardening
Great buys and advice to help your garden bloom
Lift off for spring With the growing season just around the corner, it’s time to think about planning and planting for the months ahead. Raised beds are a great way to grow herbs, flowers and plants. They prevent pathway weeds invading the earth, stop soil compaction, provide drainage, and are a barrier to slugs and snails. Best of all, they’re good for your back as you won’t have to bend so far to tend to your plants. This design is perfect for creating a kitchen garden or cuttings bed and the timber has been treated to last for at least 15 years. Rowlinson raised planter, £149, Wyevale Garden Centres
Events
Seeds of hope
Friday 22nd March
Flower-abundant fields were once so common across the UK that nearly 2,000 roads across the country have the word meadow in their name. Tragically, nearly 97 per cent of our wild meadows have been lost since the 1930s. To shine a light on the issue the National Trust has designed its new Grasslands range of homeware and garden accessories with 100 per cent of the profits going to the organisation’s meadow conservation work. Choose from artisan-style ceramics, woven baskets, cushions and throws as well as colourful gardening kit featuring the blooms and seed heads that used to pepper the countryside. To see and buy items from the range, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shop. Sutton Lane Meadows gardening gloves, £16; kneeler, £20, both National Trust
Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day, events nationwide www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk
Throughout March
National Gardens Scheme, Daffodil Gardens To find a garden near you, visit www .ngs. org.uk/find-a-garden/daffodil-gardens /
22–24th March
Spring Plant Fair, RHS Garden Wisl ey Meet the growers and choose qual ity plants from over 30 specialist nurs eries, www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
3 OF THE BEST... Bird feeders
Birdball peanut feeder, £48.95, Hoos
Add a touch of vintage style to your patch Green enamel bird feeder, £2.95, Rex London
Feathered friends will have their fill at this rustic feeder
Feature Alice Butler
Even the smallest birds get a crack at the nut with this awardwinning design
Acorn Bird Feeder, £10, Store
For more expert advice and inspiration go to www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
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Main image RHS/Joanna Kossak Feature and photos Louise Midgley
Inthisyourmonth... garden As the garden awakes from its winter nap, make the most of fine days to keep on top of the many jobs that need attention now spring has sprung
what to do in the flower garden pair of secateurs and loppers ✓ Aaresharp essential equipment for the many
be afraid of renovating old ✓ Don’t climbing honeysuckle plants which have
pruning jobs traditionally tackled this month. Dogwoods (Cornus), as seen above at RHS Wisley Gardens, and shrubby Willows (Salix), grown for their brightly coloured stems in winter, need hard pruning to within a few inches from ground level. This is to ensure maximum impact next year as the brightest colours are produced by one-year-old stems. Late summer-flowering shrubs that include Buddleja davidii (above right), Hydrangea paniculata (right), Lavatera, and Leycesteria (left) can all be pruned this month to keep their size in check and allow for a more even distribution of blooms, rather than random flowers on leggy stems.
accumulated a sprawling mass of dead stems beneath their canopy. It may seem drastic but be brave and cut the whole plant back to about two feet from the base, feed with a slowrelease fertiliser and fresh new growth will quickly appear. Always check for nests before pruning. Put supports in place for tall perennials. It’s much easier to do at this stage when growth has only just begun, rather than when the plant has become full and heavy. Lift and divide large clumps of snowdrops while their foliage is still visible to increase your stock and ensure additional flowers next year.
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what to do on the veg plot potatoes can be started into growth ✓ Early by placing individual ones into egg boxes
Plant of the month
Magnolia stellata radiates its brilliance in early spring with a froth of glistening star-shaped flowers that illuminate the surrounding area. Silky buds open to reveal white, waxy blooms that are lightly scented and will adorn the plant for several weeks. The flowers appear well before the leaves unfurl and are held on a multi-stemmed shrub that would grace any garden, large or small. Grow this lovely Magnolia in a sheltered spot away from strong winds in moist, well-drained soil, either in the border or a handsome container. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, so add ericaceous compost if your soil is very alkaline.
on a windowsill or in a heated greenhouse. Little sprouts will soon begin to grow, a process called ‘chitting’. Towards the end of the month, plant these chitted potatoes in the ground. Once new shoots begin to emerge above ground level, keep an eye on the weather and cover with fleece on frosty nights. Potatoes do take up a great deal of room so, if space is tight, try growing them in large bags or old dustbins with drainage holes. Growing them this way means none are damaged with a fork or spade when being dug up. All you have to do is tip the entire contents on to a border or sheet of plastic and pick the potatoes out. Planting vegetables out in March is very weather dependent. Should conditions be favourable (unlike the ‘Beast from the East’ conditions we endured in 2018), begin to sow broad beans, parsnips, onion sets and seakale outside, under cloches if you have them. Cloching stops pigeons pulling out plants, helps the root system develop and keeps the worst of the weather at bay. Herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and courgettes can be started off in pots and seed trays somewhere warm and protected. Quick-growing crops that include peas (above right), beetroot, spinach, salad crops and French beans are best planted in successional mode (every few weeks) throughout the season to give you fresh produce little and often rather than in one big glut.
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Potato grow sacks, £12.95 for a pack of three, DT Brown
Magnolia Stellata, £19.99 for a 3l pot, Dobbies Garden Centres
Mini greenhouse cloches, £49.99, Dobies
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what to do in the fruit garden the buds and flowers of stoned ✓ Protect fruit trees, such as apricots, nectarines
and peaches (right) with horticultural fleece or polythene sheets, as they tend to open early and are highly susceptible to frost damage. It’s also a good idea to hand pollinate the flowers by transferring the pollen from one flower to another with an artist’s paint brush. This will promote a good crop of fruit as there are fewer
insects around in March to do the job for you. This task is best done around noon on a warm, sunny day. Before the end of the month, prune autumn fruiting raspberries (left). Unlike summer fruiting raspberries which produce fruit on the previous year’s growth, autumn raspberries produce fruit on the new season’s growth. Nothing could be simpler, just cut the spent canes right down to ground level and apply a nutritious mulch around the base of each plant. New growth will appear over the next few weeks, which should be tied to a strong support structure. If summer fruiting raspberries have grown excessively tall, pinch out a few inches of their top growth so they are in line with their support structure. Mature blueberry plants will benefit from an annual prune carried out at the end of February or beginning of March. Remove a quarter of their old wood from the base of the plant. To ensure the shrubs produce a good
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crop of fruit, feed with some ericaceous plant fertiliser, which is specifically formulated for these lime-hating plants. Fruit plants and trees are available from Thompson & Morgan
Going underground
Any gardener worth their secateurs plans ahead and thinks about how their garden is going to look in subsequent seasons. So while current displays of spring bulbs are getting into their stride, it’s time to think about planting summer flowering bulbs, corms and tubers for continuous colour during the summer months and beyond. l Dahlias (left) and cannas (above right) are best started off in pots in a frost-free environment and planted out when all risk of frost has passed. Hardier plants such as lilies and Crocosmia are safe to be planted outside towards the end of the month, as long as the soil isn’t waterlogged or frozen. All summer flowering bulbs are sun worshippers and happiest in well-drained soil. Grow some in pots to be placed in a prominent position when they are in full flower and moved away when their display has finished. l Now daylight hours have begun to stretch, sow seeds of half-hardy annuals such as Cosmos, Zinnias and Cleome (above centre) under cover, towards the end of the month. Hold back planting them outside until the end of spring or the beginning of summer. Hardy annuals on the other hand, which include pot marigolds, Love-in-a-mist and cornflowers can be directly sown outside where they are to flower. Luckily, for some gardeners, most require poor soil to flourish – so don’t enrich the soil with compost or fertilisers.
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HERBAL TEAS
Lightweight fibreglass container pond (80cm wide), £200, Waterside Nursery
Extend an invitation to wildlife
You don’t need a large expanse of water to attract a multitude of beneficial resident and visiting wildlife into your garden; a small water feature in the form of a containerised miniature pond will do the job just as well. The very presence of water lures in birds, small mammals, invertebrates and insects to wash, drink, feed and breed. But best of all, frogs and toads will gravitate towards the source from near and far and, once in your garden, will seek out those voracious slugs that are so destructive at this time of the year. Choose a lightweight, non-porous fibreglass container that won’t succumb to frost damage and is strong enough to cope with extremes of heat in summer. Fill with rain water if possible and choose non-vigorous aquatic plants. You will need some oxygenating ones that live below the surface, such as Myriophyllum spicatum (spiked milfoil) and a variety with leaves that give some surface cover to help maintain an ambient water temperature, such as a miniature waterlily. It’s also very important to put in place something that will allow frogs and toads to get in and out of the water easily.
Latin lesson The botanical name of a plant often gives us an insight into its colour, shape, size, origin or habit. This information can help gardeners decide where new plants would best be situated. Take that ‘tough as old boots’ plant, the hardy alpine – Sempervivum (below), which tolerates extreme temperatures and drought and demands little or no attention throughout the year. Semper means ‘always’ and vivum ‘alive’, hence the perfect description of its habit. And should you want plants for ground cover, look to those with repens and reptans attached to their names – as in Ceanothus repens and Ajuga reptans (far right), which both indicate a creeping habit.
Most people in the UK are able to grow herbs; several commonly used varieties take up a minimum of space and can be grown on a windowsill, balcony or patio container. In addition to flavouring dishes, the medicinal qualities of some specific herbs when infused in hot water offer great health benefits, from relieving stress and improving digestion to reducing inflammation and boosting our immune systems. Jekka McVicar, author, broadcaster and expert on the use and cultivation of herbs, recommends making a brew with Lemon Balm (above). This versatile herb is high in vitamins A, B and C and has many useful properties which include aiding digestion, calming emotions and sharpening the memory. Make a brew by placing a few leaves of the herb into hot water and allowing them to steep for at least five minutes. However, pregnant ladies and anyone on medication should always check with a doctor that it is safe to drink freshly made herbal teas, as some herbs may interact with medications, increasing or decreasing their potency. Jekka’s Herb Seeds, from £2.35 per pack, Johnsons
Ajuga reptans ‘Blueberry Muffin’, £6.99 for a 9cm pot, both Crocus
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We have £3,826 worth of fab prizes up for grabs! Win tickets to the Creative Craft Show
25 pairs to win
Win a pair of tickets to Vegan Life Live!
12 pairs to win
We’ve teamed up with The Creative Craft Show to offer you the chance to win one of 25 pairs of tickets to your choice of event at either the SEC in Glasgow on 7th to 10th March, or at the NEC in Birmingham on 14th to 17th March. Both shows offer a free programme of quick and easy workshops and talks, papercraft demonstrations, jewellery making, beading, knitting, stitching and dressmaking, plus more than 100 exhibitors will fill the aisles at each venue. Visit www.ichfevents.co.uk for more details and the latest information.
We’ve teamed up with Vegan Life Live to give 12 lucky winners each a pair of weekend tickets to its London show on the 9th to 10th March 2019 at Alexandra Palace. It’s easy to think that being a vegan is all about what you can’t have but with over 150 exhibitors at Vegan Life Live, you’ll see just how much is on offer. Try pizza, kebabs, ice creams, pasta, curry, and even soul food. We’d definitely recommend arriving with an empty stomach to take advantage of all the amazing dishes! To find out more, visit www. veganlifelive.com.
Competition closes 21st February 2019.
Competition closes 21st February 2019.
Win an exclusive Lay-Z-Spa Paris AirJet bundle
One lucky winner
You could be the lucky winner of the Lay-Z-Spa Paris AirJet exclusive bundle, worth over £850 from Robert Dyas. The first product of its kind to feature a stunning multi-coloured LED lighting system, the Lay-Z-Spa Paris AirJet is a unique luxury inflatable hot tub that is sure to boost any garden scheme at night. Comfortably seating four to six people, it’s perfect for relaxing with family, partying with friends or spending a romantic evening with your loved one. It also features 87 surrounding AirJets and a 40°C rapid heating system to offer you an unparalleled spa experience from the comfort of your own home. In addition to the Lay-Z-Spa Paris AirJet, the prize also includes the Lay-Z-Spa Entertainment Station, letting you listen to your favourite songs via Bluetooth, two Lay-Z-Spa pillows, the Lay-Z-Spa drinks holder, a Lay-Z-Spa Floor Protector, plus the ClearWater Spa Chemical Starter Kit, which includes everything you need to maintain the quality of your spa’s water. All Lay-Z-Spa models are portable and require no professional installation or tools – so they can be set up using the included pump in minutes. The full range of hot tubs will be available at www.robertdyas.co.uk from March 2019.
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Win a home cleaning bundle from Marigold and Vileda, worth over £90! With a little help from Marigold and Vileda, you will soon unleash the cleaner within! We’ve teamed up with these fab cleaning brands to give our lucky readers a chance to win one of 20 home cleaning bundles worth £90, containing a Vileda Turbo Spin mopping set with a year’s worth of refills; Marigold gloves; and the new innovative range of Marigold cloths and scourers. Whether it’s a quick spruce up or a deep clean, Vileda and Marigold have the answer. Some of the highlights of the bundle include the Vileda Turbo Spin mop set which has a foot-pedal-operated wringer that spins the mop head at 500-1,000 spins per minute. It easily removes excess water so it is safe to use on wood, laminate, tiles and vinyl. This spin mop also features a dirt-busting microfibre head with red power strands for extra dirt pick-up and an easy-pour spout to prevent splashes. If you’re looking for a mop that gives maximum results with minimal effort then this is the design for you! Also included is the new Marigold Squeaky Clean next-generation microfibre
20 lucky winners!
cloth which offers a streak-free finish and is ideal for everything from wiping up spills to getting kitchen and bathroom surfaces sparklingly clean – all without the use of chemicals. The technology used in this new cloth enables all moisture to be absorbed, meaning no pesky water marks will be left behind on your worktops. For more information on the ranges and where to buy, visit www.marigold.co.uk; www.vileda.co.uk.
To enter, visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk, click on the WIN! tab, then fill in your details. Rules of entry 1) The competitions close at midnight on 31st March 2019 unless otherwise stated. Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. 3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over the age of 18, except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize. 5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to participate in publicity if required. 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be entered into. 8) The winners are selected at random, from correct entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions may use your details to advise of products and services. Details are occasionally available to vetted companies. 11) Allow 8-10 weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this competition, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to prosecute offending parties.
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Shopping guide A
Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 www.abigailahern.com Abode Living 01273 621116 www.abodeliving.co.uk Act for Wildlife www.actforwildlife.org.uk AGA 0800 111 6477 www.agaliving.com Alkimi www.alkimiproducts.com AluSplash www.alusplash.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 www.anniesloan.com Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com Apple www.apple.com Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk ASOS www.asos.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 www.audenza.com
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B&Q 0333 014 3098 www.diy.com Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200 www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 8899 www.bathroomstolove.uk Bathstore 0330 053 5661 www.bathstore.com Benchmarx Kitchens 01233 664825 www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Burbidge 02476 671600 www.burbidge.co.uk Button & Sprung 0333 320 1801 www.buttonandsprung.com
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California Shutters 0800 195 0196 www.californiashutters.co.uk Caple 0117 938 1900 www.caple.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk Charitable Bookings 0330 055 3747 www.charitablebookings.com Clarke & Clarke 01706 242010 www.clarke-clarke.com Coconut Lane www.coconut-lane.com Comic Relief 020 7820 2000 www.comicrelief.com Cormar 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk Cotton Traders Home 0161 286 4321 www.cottontraders.com Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 www.coxandcox.co.uk Crocus www.crocus.co.uk Crown Paints 0330 024 0281 www.crownpaints.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 www.cuckooland.com Cult Furniture www.cultfurniture.com Cult Living 020 8185 6960 www.cultfurniture.com
D
DT Brown www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk Där Lighting www.darlighting.co.uk Daval 01484 848500 www.daval-furniture.co.uk Debenhams 0344 800 8877 www.debenhams.com Dementia UK 020 8036 5440 www.dementiauk.org Dobbies Garden Centres www.dobbies.com Dobies www.dobies.co.uk Dulux 0333 222 7171 www.dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565 www.dunelm.com Dwell 0345 675 9090 www.dwell.co.uk
E F
Earthborn www.earthbornpaints.co.uk eBay www.ebay.co.uk Ecover www.ecover.com Etsy www.etsy.co.uk
Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com Fitbit www.fitbit.com Franklins 01206 563955 www.franklinsgroup.com Frontline Bathrooms 0845 470 2424 www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk FunkyHomeCrafts www.ebay.co.uk/str/ FunkyHome Furniture Village 0800 804 8879 www.furniturevillage.co.uk
G
George Home 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com Gisela Graham 020 7708 6396 www.giselagraham.co.uk Graham & Brown 0808 168 3795 www.grahambrown.com Gumtree www.gumtree.co.uk
H
H&M www.hm.com Habitat 0344 499 4686 www.habitat.co.uk Halfords www.halfords.com Harrod Horticultural 0333 400 1500 www.harrodhorticultural.com
Where to buy everything in this issue Harvey Jones 0800 389 6938 www.harveyjones.com Harveys Furniture 0344 847 2626 www.harveysfurniture.co.uk Heating & Hotwater Industry Council www.hhic.org.uk Hibou Home 01580 243188 www.hibouhome.com Hobbycraft www.hobbycraft.co.uk HomeSense 01923 473561 www.homesense.com Hoos www.hoosglasgow.co.uk Hotpoint www.hotpoint.co.uk Howdens www.howdens.com Hurn & Hurn 01603 559250 www.hurnandhurn.com
I
I Want One Of Those www.iwantoneofthose.com Ian Snow 01271 858649 www.iansnow.com IKEA 0845 358 3363 www.ikea.com Imperial War Museum Shop www.iwmshop.org.uk Indesit www.indesit.co.uk Indigo Furniture 01629 888701 www.indigofurniture.co.uk
J
JD Williams 0345 071 9018 www.jdwilliams.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 0345 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com Johnsons www.johnsons-seeds.com
K L
Karcher www.karcher.com/uk Kilner www.kilnerjar.co.uk
La Redoute 0844 842 2222 www.laredoute.co.uk Lakeland www.lakeland.co.uk Laura Ashley 0333 200 8009 www.lauraashley.com Layered Lounge www.layeredlounge.com Liberty www.libertylondon.com Lights4fun www.lights4fun.co.uk Little Greene 0845 880 5855 www.littlegreene.com Loaf 0845 468 0698 www.loaf.com LochAnna Kitchens 01204 328720 www.lochannakitchens.co.uk
M
M&S 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com Made 0344 257 1888 www.made.com Magnet www.magnet.co.uk Marigold www.marigold.co.uk Masterclass Kitchens 01443 449499 www.masterclasskitchens.co.uk Merlyn Showering 00 353 56 779 1555 www.merlynshowering.com Method www.methodproducts.co.uk Methven 0800 195 1602 www.methven.com Mi www.mi.com My-Furniture 0800 092 1636 www.my-furniture.com Myzone www.buy.myzone.org
N
National Trust 0344 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shop Next Home 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk Not On The High Street 020 3318 5115 www.notonthehighstreet.com
O
Oak Furniture Land 0800 440 2254 www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk Olive and Sage 01565 734654 www.oliveandsage.co.uk Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110 www.oliverbonas.com Oxo www.oxouk.com
P
Parrot Street Book Club www.parrotstreet.com Perkins & Morley 01524 761343 www.shop.perkinsandmorley.com Photowall 020 3318 3660 www.photowall.co.uk Posy & Posy www.posyandposy.com Prestat www.prestat.co.uk Prezzybox 0844 249 5007 www.prezzybox.com Primark 0118 960 6300 www.primark.co.uk Private Floor www.privatefloor.com
R
Rex London www.rexlondon.com RGB Building Supplies 01271 375501 www.rgbltd.co.uk Robert Dyas 0808 164 5500 www.robertdyas.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391 www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk Rode Hall 01270 873237 www.rodehall.co.uk Rustoleum 01914 106611 www.makeityours.co.uk
S
Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636 262 www.sainsburys.co.uk Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread 01539 435428 Second Nature www.sncollection.co.uk Sheridan Australia 01925 453410 www.sheridanaustralia.co.uk Shimu 0800 088 6800 www.shimu.co.uk Soak 0333 004 6333 www.soak.com Soho Home 020 3819 8199 Sophie Allport 01778 560256 www.sophieallport.com Stasher www.stasherbag.com Stitched 0330 133 1455 www.stitched.co.uk Store www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk Sweetpea & Willow 0345 257 2627 www.sweetpeaandwillow.com
T
Talking Tables 020 7627 6767 www.talkingtables.co.uk The Creative Craft Show 01425 277988 www.stitchandhobby.co.uk The Little House Shop www.thelittlehouseshop.co.uk The Vintage Curator 07736 410404 www.thevintagecurator.co.uk Thompson & Morgan www.thompson-morgan.com Tile Mountain 01782 223822 www.tilemountain.co.uk TK Maxx 01923 473561 www.tkmaxx.com
U V
Urban Outfitters www.urbanoutfitters.com
Valspar www.valsparpaint.co.uk Vegan Life Live 01787 220650 www.veganlifelive.com Very 0800 092 3355 www.very.co.uk Victoria Plum 0344 804 4848 www.victoriaplum.com Vileda shop.vileda.co.uk Violet & Thistle www.violetandthistle.com
W
Wahoo Fitness 0800 808 5773 www.wahoofitness.com Wallpaper Direct 01323 430886 www.wallpaperdirect.com Walls and Floors 01536 314730 www.wallsandfloors.co.uk Waters Baths of Ashbourne 01332 824166 www.watersbaths.co.uk Waterside Nursery www.watersidenursery.co.uk Wayfair 0800 169 0423 www.wayfair.co.uk White Stuff 020 3752 5360 www.whitestuff.com Wickes 0330 123 4123 www.wickes.co.uk Wilko 0800 032 9329 www.wilko.com Willow and Honey 07710 982508 www.willowandhoney.co.uk Winston James Woof 07762 259015 www.winstonjameswoof.com Withings www.withings.com Woodstock Windows 01271 866802 www.woodstockwindows.co.uk Wren Kitchens www.wrenkitchens.com Wyevale www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk
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Live in Luxury, Live in Comfort, Live in ChunkyCouture
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Quality Kitchen Handles
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GREAT BRITISH SOFAS SALE NOW ON
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Introducing Zebedee
The Any Angle Hanging Rail. Zebedee is the only and original off the shelf hanging rail specifically designed for sloping ceilings. Created and manufactured in Lincolnshire, it has a specially designed coil which allows clothes or any item, to be hung nicely spaced apart, at virtually any angle, however steep! Available in a range of sizes and colours, Zebedee is perfect for the dormer bedroom, loft conversion, under the stairs, in the kitchen or even the garden shed!
Tel: 07712607529 • Email: diane@zebedee.co Website: www.zebedee.co
REQUEST A FREE BROCHURE www.hausmannheating.co.uk *Fully fitted from ÂŁ699 *Instant Heat always on demand*100% efficient *Various outputs and sizes available *Wall mounted,castors or on feet *No maintenance or service required * No boiler required *Wireless thermostats *Simple replacement for old storage heaters *Range of models to suit bathrooms,bedrooms,conservatorys *Safe,clean and easy to operate,*No pushy salesmen *Call for prices
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Green living A stitch in time Meet Stitched – the online made-to-measure curtain and blind shop that’s weaving its way into eco-interiors all over the country. Dedicated to the production of sustainable fabrics, the Stitched team work hard to carefully curate a fabric collection which starts at just £17.50 per metre and represents a diverse mix of colour, texture and origin. From luxurious recycled silks, flax, hemps and wools to cooling cottons and even recycled plastic bottles, take a look at its full range of curtains and blinds, made right in the heart of Merseyside, by heading to www.stitched.co.uk.
Eco
news Save money and energy with all our best eco-friendly buys Burn, baby, burn
Case closed
When it comes to luxury presents, it doesn’t get more decadent than Willow and Honey’s new black and white soy candle Is your phone cover looking collections. Made in the UK a bit worse for wear? Then head over to with 100 per cent natural Coconut Lane and take a look at its collection of soy wax, each gift set #FierceandKind phone cases. Featuring six wild designs, includes four artisan from leopard print to rhinos and giraffes, each phone candles scented with case features a chic matt finish and cutaway detailing to unique vegan and ensure great port access. Plus, vegetarian oil 50 per cent of the profits from combinations. Taking each sale will go to The African inspiration from nature’s Wildlife Foundation – a charity finest fragrances, The White dedicated to protecting Collection includes perfumes the continent’s such as Himalayan cedar and most threatened jasmine or French pear and freesia, wildlife species. while The Black Collection offers muskier scents such as Cuban tobacco and oak, or pink pepper and musk. Both priced at £49 per set, Giraffe print find out more at www. phone case, £15, Coconut Lane willowandhoney.co.uk.
Eco expert We speak to Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, about the company’s Community RePaint programme…
‘At Dulux we make sure that all of our products have the lowest impact on the environment without compromising on quality. Our Dulux Easycare range is 20 times tougher than standard emulsion and covers beautifully – meaning you need less paint to decorate and you won’t have to do it so often. Its plastic paint can contains 25 per cent recycled materials, while any leftover paint from your job can be passed on to the Dulux sponsored Community RePaint programme which redistributes it to good causes across the UK.’
Website watch... www.actforwildlife.org.uk Led by Chester Zoo, Act for Wildlife is a community of experts and enthusiasts taking action to protect the natural world. Every penny donated to the charity is spent on supporting Chester Zoo’s conservation programmes all over the world – from championing sustainable palm oil to reporting wildlife crime. Recently, the team unveiled its expanded 60,000 square metre nature reserve to help boost Britain’s endangered wildflowers!
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EST. 1986
A range of traditional and contemporary ďŹ res, ďŹ replaces and stoves, exclusively from Charlton & Jenrick. T: 0845 519 5991 www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk Charlton & Jenrick brands:
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