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CHOSEN FOR YOU…

Savvy style finds from £1

Colourful storage Garden gadgets Oven cleaners Valentine gifts

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIAL!

CAROLE SAYS:

‘Renovating this old house was a huge challenge!’

■ LOOKS

THAT LAST ■ AMAZING MAKEOVERS ■ STATEMENT SHOWERS ■ TRENDY TAPS ■ STYLISH ACCESSORIES

Real homes, full of ideas…

MAKE IT YOURSELF!

EASY WAYS TO MAKE A HOUSE A HOME

SUPER-SMART NEW-BUILD COSY VICTORIAN COTTAGE STYLISH 1920S SEMI

FREE INSIDE!

The Style Book

TWO MAGAZINES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

SIMPLE SOUP RECIPES

CLEANING HACKS

DON’T MISS IT!

FABULOUS BUDGET BEDROOM REDO

DIY TRICKS & TIPS

Beautiful

curtains At Hillarys you’ll ﬁnd the latest blinds, curtains and shutters measured and professionally ﬁtted all as part of our dedicated in-home service. Visit hillarys.co.uk or call 0800 587 6480 to book a free in-home appointment.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Love it

Hi there!

ABOVE: Update your bedroom for spring… see p74 LEFT: Step inside Laura’s lovely home – turn to p32 BELOW: Whizz up a batch of cheap and filling soup. See p110

SUBSCRIBE! Get Style at Home delivered directly to your door from just £1.17 an issue when you take out an annual subscription for just £13.99. Call 0330 333 1113 and quote BXG7 or visit magazinesdirect.com/BXG7 PLUS Get the latest digital issue and back issues at idealhome. co.uk/style-at-home

What are your plans and dreams for your home in 2018? At this time of year, my Pinterest boards become a frenzied (but lovely) ‘to-do’ list of projects, big and small. From my fantasy loft conversion (involving an en suite with gold taps…) right down to colourful painted pots for succulents and repurposed pallets (I’m thinking outdoor coffee table…), there are so many ideas to plan and research – even if a lot of them will remain dreams and not become a reality! If you’re thinking of redoing your kitchen this year, don’t miss our special Style Book, which is absolutely stuffed with inspiration. Plus, of course, we’ve got mini updates and best buys if you’re just in the market for a quick and easy refresh. Happy planning!

Vanessa Richmond, Editor

SEND US YOUR STYLING SNAPS ON INSTAGRA M #SAHSTYLISTS WE LOVE TO SEE YOUR DECORATING!

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FEBRUARY 2018 | 5

Inside… Love it

Buy it

Do it

Make it

Cook it

Inspiring homes & room makeovers

Stylish musthave finds at high-street prices

Weekend projects, DIY advice & styling tips

Step-by-step craft ideas & upcycling how-tos

Hearty soups and supermarket news

Regulars 8 10 54

SUBSCRIBE for just £13.99 a year JOIN OUR TEAM! Be a style maker WE WANT YOUR HOME! See your house in Style at Home

Find your new kitchen look here!

Purse-friendly updates and makeovers

100 TRAVEL OFFER Sunshine breaks

Love it 11

20 32 44 74 80 86 94

COUNTRY STYLE Use pastel florals to cheer up your springtime scheme ‘ALL THE ROOMS WERE SO DARK’ Laura was on a mission to let light into her dark Derbyshire new build ‘WE SAVED WITH JUNK-SHOP GEMS’ Laura knew her Twenties Birmingham semi had the potential to become a budget-friendly home ‘WE CREATED OUR HYGGE HOME’ Carole turned her Leicestershire cottage into a cosy retreat, using a dark grey and mustard palette STYLE UPDATES Simple tweaks and tricks that won’t break the bank ‘BLACK ACCENTS CREATE IMPACT’ Ellie went for a mono theme in the main bedroom of her Devon home ‘OUR KITCHEN IS FULL OF LIGHT’ A bright, white extension has given Rebecca a dazzling entertaining area ‘WE WENT FOR A BOLD DESIGN’ Katy’s bathroom was inspired by the Victorian era of her Hampshire home

122 LOOK WHAT YOU STYLED We’re loving your #SAHwintermakes

Buy it 12 14 15 16 19 28

BEST IN STORE Four shops, four schemes – we’ve done the shopping HEART WOOD Create a calming home with Dulux’s Colour of 2018 HIGH-STREET NEWS Get the scoop on what’s hot on the high street SCANDI UPDATE Channel a Nordic look with a modern polish 10 UNDER £10 Purse-friendly pieces PALE & INTERESTING Embrace chalky finishes and soft neutrals

6 | FEBRUARY 2018

GO RETRO Pick bold nostalgic pieces, page 40

CONTENTS

See how Laura created her calm, cheerful house

40 52 84 90 91 92 98 99

Love it

RETRO MIX Pick bright hues, bold patterns and statement furniture RUSTIC SCANDI Try a softer, textured take on this classic look MODERN MONO These characterful pieces make a stylish statement SLEEK SCANDI Neat Nordic accents to update your kitchen scheme ON-TREND KITCHEN TAPS Make a splash with a design-led tap BUY THE BEST MICROWAVE Now they can bake, roast and steam NEW TRADITION Put a fresh spin on these classic-style pieces FIXED SHOWERHEADS Get switched on to spa-style showering

109 GARDEN GADGETS Adorn your

outdoor space with a handy gizmo

120 WHERE TO BUY This issue’s stockists

Do it 31 43

ART SHELF An easy creative corner

CHALKBOARD CALENDAR A fun way to keep track of the family

OMBRE STAIRCASE Grab some tester pots and do up your stairs!

THE STYLE BOOK Be inspired to try out a brand new kitchen design

104 CLEAN YOUR OVEN & HOB Your

cooker’s earned a good going-over

105 THE 10-MINUTE DECLUTTER

Get your place ship-shape in no time

106 CHANGE YOUR KITCHEN TAP How to channel your inner plumber

107 DO IT YOURSELF Be handy at home with our quick little fixes

108 PLANT A SCREEN OF CLIMBERS

80 Master a mono mood

Our green fingered guru explains…

103 We heart these teatime treats!

Make it 73 85

PAINTED JARS An easy new look BUTTERFLY WALL ART Create your very own Valentine’s Day artwork

Cook it

103 JAMMY DODGERS Whip up this scrummy biscuit tin fave

110 SOUP & BREAD Superhero meals 116

SUNNY STASH

you’ll love to feed the family

SUPERMARKET NEWS What’s hot on the shelves this month

Tweet us your comments at @styleathomemag – we’d love to hear what you think of your fave mag!

Bright storage ideas, page 105

FEBRUARY 2018 | 7

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Style

Makers

Join our team!

Become one of our creative community to swap and share ideas and tips, like the Style Makers you’ll spot in the pages of this issue… Carol Bowden

Annerieke Peek ABOUT ME I’m 27 and I live with my cat Aramis in a wooden house on stilts, which I built myself, in County Clare, Ireland. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOUR LEARNED? When you have an idea for your home, do it! You can always change it again if it doesn’t work out, but be bold and don’t wait too long.

Gill Prior

ABOUT ME I’m 47, and I live in a two-bed end-of-terrace house in Newcastle with my husband Gary, 51. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR DECORATING IDEAS? I’m inspired by nosing around other people’s homes. I’m also a member of the National Trust so I love to visit stately homes to get ideas on recreating the look on a budget!

Kate Duckmanton ABOUT ME I’m 40 and I live in a modern four-bed detached house in Buckingham with my husband Peter, 43, and children Mabel, seven, and Rufus, five. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM? It has to be our sitting room – it’s cosy and relaxing, has a woodburning stove, and it’s the only toy-free room in the house!

ABOUT ME I’m 41 and I live in a two-bedroom semi-detached house in Cheshire. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MONEY SAVING TIP? Car-boot sales are the perfect place to find upcycling projects. Go shopping with your best creative head on, and look past the current state of any pieces to find their potential.

Saira Wood

Katie Hibberts ABOUT ME I’m 37 and I live in a four-bed house in Nottinghamshire with my husband Peter, 38, and children Eleanor, 11, Olivia, eight, Joseph, four, and Daisy, one. WHAT’S YOUR NEXT PROJECT? I’d like to replace our bathroom floor. At the moment, it’s white-on-white and I want to inject a bit of warmth with wood-effect vinyl flooring.

SHOW IT OFF! Proud of your latest project? Whether it’s a whole-house redo or just an Instagram-worthy shelfie, we want to see it! Email us at styleathome@timeinc.com with some photos and your hard work could be featured in a future issue.

10 | FEBRUARY 2018

ABOUT ME I’m 30, and I live in a three-bedroom semi in Plymouth with my husband Woody, 37, and our baby girl Callie, eight months. WHAT’S YOUR BEST HOME STYLE TIP? Plan before you decorate. Mood boards are a great way to get your ideas sorted before you start, otherwise you end up with mismatched colours or accessories.

We want to see your home projects!

Ready to sign up? Here’s how Join in the chat, have your say about the interiors trends you love (or hate!) and share your ideas with like-minded home lovers by signing up at styleathome@timeinc.com

COUNTRY STYLE

Love it

THIS MONTH’S

Loveit!

DFS and Joules have teamed up to create countryside-inspired sofas and chairs. Breathe new life into your favourite reading spot with the Cambridge armchair, adding a bright throw and a plump cushion for cosy evenings.

Paint the ends of logs in punchy colours to brighten up an unused fireplace

3 of the best…

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH

FLORAL BUYS

Herb Garden desk calendar, £16, Papermash

Woodland faux flowers, £15, Sainsbury’s

English Garden travel mug, £12, Katie Alice

Cambridge armchair in all-over floral cotton, £699; pink Windsor velvet bolster cushion, £25, both Joules at DFS

FEBRUARY 2018 | 11

Best IN STORE Refresh your room schemes for the new season with our pick of the latest high-street trends

IKEA

ARGOS

Industrial glam

Tribal tradition

Add painted metal and polished copper to a moody scheme for a sophisticated loft look

Try a Native American flavour with geometric patterns and earthy tones

Slojgran cushion cover, £4.50

Osternas leather handle, £10 for two

Navajo set of three stoneware jars, £19.99

Ivar chair, £15 Mawka side table in black, £29.99

Gladom tray table, £20

Adum rug, £40

12 | FEBRUARY 2018

Navajo fourpiece towel bale, £29.99

Unar table lamp in antique copper, £24.99

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

Parlband candelabra, £12

Navajo spirit rug, £130

BEST IN STORE

Buy it

VERY

SAINSBURY’S

Modern country

Tranquil meadow

Mix natural textures and rural motifs to create a cosy yet contemporary look

Combine soft pastels with delicate floral prints for a nostalgic vibe

Wallis two-seater sofa, £849

Floral crewel cushion, £10

Floral printed cushion, £10

Jute duck-egg border rug, £49

BLISSFUL BLUE

Duo table lamp, £59

Sophia double duvet set, £29

Style

Letter rack, £16

Footed mug, £4.50

Pink faux peony arrangement, £8

Maker GILL SAYS

Feather trio framed wall art, £25

Wallis footstool, £349

‘Add to the calm meadow look by going foraging for wild bouquets; snowdrops are plentiful at this time of year.’

Woven magazine rack, £12

Paper storage boxes, £16

FEBRUARY 2018 | 13

Buy it

LILAC LOVE TREAT FOR FEET Fluffy ballet slippers, £12, M&Co

Heart Wood paint mixing matt emulsion, from £26 for 2.5L, Dulux

PRETTY PRINTS Cow Parsley wallpaper in Cassis, £23 a roll, John Lewis

SUPPER TIME CHIC READY TO RECYCLE Umbra waste paper bin, £20, Red Candy

LAY ON STYLE Rose linen napkins, £28 for four, Tolly McRae

Trend spotting:

HEART WOOD Let Dulux’s Colour of the Year soothe your senses and create a calming home for 2018 FLOWER POWER Faux hydrangea stem, £4, Homesense

TAKE A SEAT Flint cuddler chair in Heather, £798, DFS

he clever trend forecasters at Dulux have named Heart Wood as their colour of the year for 2018, and who are we to argue? Inspired by the warm tones of wood with a hint of heather, this pink-grey neutral has an effortless elegance. Add a touch with napkins and tableware, or embrace it completely with wallpaper or an armchair and enjoy its comforting tranquility.

GOLD FLECK Speckled mug, £5, Dunelm

PUT YOUR HARE UP Jake framed hare print, £35, Pastel Lane

MAUVER & SHAKER Crescent Rose small pouch, £10, Cath Kidston

14 | FEBRUARY 2018

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH

PURPLE REIGN

SHOPPING NEWS

Start swooning

Turn your fave snaps into a gallery wall

CASH IN ON YOUR PICS Ever thought your Instagram snaps would make the perfect gallery wall? New online platform miPic wants to turn your photos into works of art – as prints, canvas, fashion and accessories, cushions and wallpaper – all made in the UK. Simply upload your images to the website or app and earn commission every time your image is chosen. Details at mipic.co.

Buy it

High-street

NEWS

What’s new, what’s hot now… you heard it here first!

If Swoon Editions isn’t on your radar, it should be. It’s a website selling limited-edition furniture and accessories direct from the makers, which keeps costs down and originality up. Check it out right now for its brandnew lighting section, featuring hand-blown glass pendants made by specialist artisans in Portugal. These lights will look fantastic over a kitchen island or dining table. From £45; head to swooneditions.com now.

They’re everywhere!

WAYS TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ CRAZY IN LOVE

MUG’S GAME

Coasters and place mats, £2 for two, George Home

Love You, Hate You mug, £2.95, Dotcomgiftshop

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

MONEY TALKS Embossed purse, £8, Sainsbury’s

SWEET DREAMS Pillowcases, £19 for two, Lush Designs

NEW OASIS FLORAL HOMEWARE This fashion store knows how to do florals, so what could be more natural then a move into homeware? Working with home furnishers Clarke & Clarke, Oasis has created gorgeous bedding and cushions from its prints. Cushions from £22, from Very, Next and Oasis. Keep an eye out for more designs this spring.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 15

1. Paper a ‘wow!’ wall Don’t be afraid to go bold by mixing statement wallpaper with subtler geo accessories in pastel hues. Playful textiles featuring triangles, hexagons and chevrons all contribute to a laid-back look.

Try a

SCANDI UPDATE

Shake up your living room scheme with soft ice cream shades, bold geo patterns and chic metallic touches 2. Bring in retro colour

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Add sophistication with mid-century tones in mustard yellow, pastel pink and dove grey. Look for minimal furniture with smooth legs in a light wood – a pop of unexpected colour adds impact.

16 | FEBRUARY 2018

Buy it

NEW LOOK

HANGING AROUND Mirror, £125, Oliver Bonas

COPPER TOP Grasshopper metal floor lamp, £129, Cult Furniture

GROWN UP Faux succulent in geo pot, £4, George Home

RIGHT ANGLES Brooklyn Graphics rug, £176, Element One House

3. Remix your cushions Pick design-led cushions in varied but harmonious hues and patterns. These will complement the streamlined shapes of this modern scheme and add colour that can be easily changed if you fancy a new look.

Scandi update GET THE LOOK

Pick contemporary streamlined furniture and geometric motifs

IN SHAPE Crewel geo cushion, £12, Sainsbury’s

TOP DRAWER Milligan retro console table, £299, Atkin and Thyme

4. Give it polish Bring in pieces with a glam accent. Copper detailing on lighting or furniture has a modern feel, while a concrete lamp or ceramic planter echoes the smooth simplicity of Scandi design. Finish with a potted succulent or two.

LUXE LIGHT White marble table lamp, £50, Debenhams

TOTAL

£546 FEBRUARY 2018 | 17

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k Edwardia

“Really knowledgeable and friendly staff, who were not pushy, made this purchase very easy. Very impressed.” Walter M, Reading

Dave R, Luton

“We saved around £12,000 using Conservatoryland, when compared to other companies that install themselves” Kelly N, Basingstoke

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10 UNDER £10

Buy it SWEET SCENTS

LOVE LETTERS

Diffuser, £4, George Home

Copper light, £10, Primark

PLACE ON A SHELF COSY UP

PERFECT CUPPA But First Tea mug, £7.50, Dogs Trust

Hot water bottle cover, £8, Matalan

SNUG STYLE

UNDER £10

TOASTY TOES Fairisle sponge socks, £8, White Stuff

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

Curl up on the sofa with these cosy picks

SLUMBER PARTY WELL READ Magazine rack, £10, M&Co

GET SOME SLEEP

Floral jacquard eye mask, £8, Zara Home

CHOCCIE TREAT Whittard luxury white hot chocolate, £6.50, John Lewis

PETAL PINK

HOT TO JOT

Star by Julien Macdonald candle, £5, Debenhams

Pink diary, £6, TK Maxx

FEBRUARY 2018 | 19

FAVOURITE BUY ‘I love the oversized kitchen clock from Next. It was £120, but worth every penny’

‘All the rooms

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Laura O’Brien, 28, and I live here with my husband, Stephen, 29. I’m a graphic designer and Stephen works as an aerospace engineer. MY HOME A modern detached four-bedroom house in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, that we bought in November 2014. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT The kitchen and bathrooms were in good condition, but the place felt dark and poky, and needed a makeover. AND NOW We’ve created a cosy home using a palette of natural whites, greys and soft minks, with the odd bold pop of colour. We’ve also added lots of cushions and pillows for warmth and texture.

20 | FEBRUARY 2018

GOOD AS NEW ‘The original kitchen was well designed so we only had to add new appliances and colourful accessories’

MODERN DETACHED

Love it

WERE SO DARK!’ Laura could see past the black carpets and dark walls in her new house and imagine the calm, light-filled home it could be

tephen and I were really excited at the prospect of buying our first home together, but we didn’t want a massive project,’ says Laura. ‘We are both originally from Liverpool but Stephen was offered a job in Derby after finishing his degree, and after 18 months of renting in the city, we decided it was time to buy our own home. After looking around at what was available in our price range, we bought an 11-year-old new build with potential. The house was originally a show home for the new estate and had some great extra features, such as a wide landing and bigger rooms. We also liked the kitchen at the back of the house with space for a breakfast table, and the formal dining area with doors leading out to the garden. However, although the property was relatively spacious, the dark colours used throughout the house made it seem small and poky. I wanted to fill the house with light and create a calm space for us to enjoy together. Luckily, we had a month left on our rental after we completed, so we decided get most of the decorating done while the house was empty.

Hard work begins IDEA TO STEAL

‘Add drama to an all-white kitchen by choosing a black range and dishwasher’

Removing all the dark, shiny grey paint was a priority, but it was a massive job, involving many late nights for Stephen and my dad. We kept the original kitchen, but re-tiled the room with classic subway tiles and added black appliances to give the room a stylish, grown-up feel. We also replaced all the black carpets with soft mink ones. Using these light colours and adding lots of mirrors gave the house an airy feel and made it look a lot larger.

Daring deed

I’m not generally too adventurous with wall colours, so we mainly opted for white and mocha walls with some French

FEBRUARY 2018 | 21

CENTRE OF ATTENTION ‘We wanted a focal point in the living room but weren’t keen on the existing electric fire, so I sold it on Gumtree and bought a Victorian fire surround all in one day’

IDEA TO STEAL

‘A large footstool in the living room can multitask as an occasional table’

3 of the best COMPACT FOOTSTOOLS Put your feet up with these space-saving designs SOFT TOUCH

FEET FIRST

Duck-egg check Edinburgh footstool, £49, Dunelm

Ideal Home knitted pouffe, £59.99, Very

Bold move

IN GREAT SHAPE Pure triangle footstool, £129, Dfs

22 | FEBRUARY 2018

grey. We then added pops of colour using accessories and bedding, which can be easily updated. But when it came to the dressing room, I decided to try something different. I kept seeing this deep blue colour on Pinterest and I just decided to go for it. I love the bold look it creates and, by adding white furniture, I have created quite a glamorous space.

Once the decorating was finished it finally felt like the fun could start. My first experiment was to hang a wall of frames on the staircase. I wanted to add black to the mocha walls and I think this really complements the space. I collected memories from holidays, family pictures and inspiring quotes to motivate us. This encouraged me to experiment further throughout the house, and I chose some strong orange accessories for

MODERN DETACHED

Love it

TIMELESS BEAUTY ‘I bought these antique drawers in a Sue Ryder shop for £30. I sanded rather than painting them as the original features were so beautiful’

Style

Maker CAROL SAYS

‘TO CREATE A SENSE OF HOME IN A LIGHTFILLED SPACE, USE TOUCHES OF COLOUR AND FILL THE ROOM WITH FRESH FLOWERS’

Do it!

TRY A NEW ACCENT TONE

‘I love how Laura acted on gut instinct, selling and replacing the fire. The antique surround is a beautiful focal point for the room.’

If your furniture is wooden, stick to the blue side of the colour wheel – anything from baby blue to a strong teal works really well. On-trend rose works fabulously well with a grey scheme. You can boost the look easily with copper accessories. Yellow gives a monochrome space zing – a bowl of lemons will add a hit of colour in a flash.

2 3

FEBRUARY 2018 | 23

PICTURE PERFECT ‘The large, divided print is a photo of the exact spot where we got married in Sorrento’

Make it!

UPCYCLE A DROP-IN SEAT PAD

Transform an old chair by covering the seat pad. First turn the chair that you want to upcycle upside down and gently push out the seat pad. Remove the old seat pad cover, using pliers to take out any tacks or staples if necessary. Using the old seat pad cover as your template, cut out a new piece of fabric to the same size, adding an extra 2cm to both the width and the length. Press a 1cm hem around all four sides.

24 | FEBRUARY 2018

Place the fabric right side down on a flat surface and position the seat pad on top in the centre. Pull up two opposite sides of the fabric and fix them carefully in place using a staple gun. Pleat each of the corners then tuck them in and staple into position before pulling up the remaining opposite sides and stapling the fabric in place. Pop the newly-covered seat pad back into your chair frame.

Style

Maker SAIRA SAYS

‘Gallery walls are a great way to add interest. Mix up the photos and change them around to suit the season!’

MODERN DETACHED

Love it

GALLERY WALL ‘I really enjoyed creating this gallery wall. It was a fun way to add interest to a long, blank expanse’

IDEA TO STEAL

‘Curtains in front of the patio doors will transform a space in the evening’ the play room. We wanted this room to be different from the living room, which is styled with teal accessories, and I’d seen lots of orange on Pinterest.

Pre-loved project As this is the first home we’ve owned, I constantly had an eye on the budget, but I love shopping around for bargains. I write a blog, lifeatbloomery.wordpress. com, where I show what can be achieved by upcycling secondhand furniture. This means I do a lot of research into products so I had loads of ideas at my fingertips. I also love looking through magazines and have lots of Pinterest boards, which helped me to bring all my ideas together. My favourite upcycled project has to be the pallet shelves on the wall in the snug. A local business was offering pallets for free and I’d seen a similar idea using crates as shelving on Pinterest, so I chose the smallest one, sanded it down and painted it with French Grey chalk paint. I love the quirky, industrial look it adds to the room.

Happy ending

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU ‘I love having people round, and having this formal dining space is a real bonus. The Ikea table and chairs have lasted ages and the table extends to fit 10 people’

Although we had a few bumps along the way, such as the boiler breaking and the en suite leaking, I think we have been very lucky with our first house. I now love to show off my home on my Instagram feed, @lauraeobrien, and the positive feedback has been amazing. I’m slowly ticking off things that I would like to add to the house and, although I know this will never be totally finished, creating a warm, sociable space that relatives and friends love to come to is the best result!’

FEBRUARY 2018 | 25

FEATURE WALL ‘I took a risk with this brick-effect wallpaper from Next – and I think it’s really paid off’

CLASSIC COMBO ‘I get lots of positive comments on Instagram about this room. The vinyl flooring from Carpetright really works well’

‘M

EACH ROOM AS UNIQUE AS YOU LIKE, BUT FIND A WAY TO PULL THE STYLES TOGETHER FOR A FEEL OF CONTINUITY’

Style

Maker KATE SAYS

‘If you’re on a budget, lots of thoughtfully chosen but inexpensive soft furnishings can add a luxurious look. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, an upholstery course will really help to you transform pre-loved items of furniture.’

26 | FEBRUARY 2018

SOPHISTICATED SCHEME ‘I gave the main bedroom a boutique-hotel vibe by adding three sumptuous pillows each, plus extra decorative show pillows’

MODERN DETACHED

‘Letter art is a simple and effective way of adding interest to a large wall’

RECYCLE AND REUSE ‘I love to upcycle and upholster furniture using fabric remnants I come across’

Where to buy her style NEXT HOME Modern classics, like Laura’s oversized clock and the bed in the main bedroom, are reasonably priced at Next, and will stand the test of time. THE RANGE Add a touch of sparkle by placing a mirror and some shiny accessories in every room. The Range has a great selection of budget-friendly mirrors and statement pieces. GUMTREE Laura likes to use her local Gumtree to find small pieces of furniture to upcycle. Create an original piece by bringing a chair or chest of drawers back to life. IKEA Many of Laura’s main pieces of classic white furniture came from Ikea – it’s great at designing items that don’t date.

Buy it

Shop pretty pale pieces like Laura’s PAGE 28

You can find more clever ways to style your home by going to pinterest. com/styleathomemag

WORDS AND STYLING LISA MOSES PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE

IDEA TO STEAL

Love it

FEBRUARY 2018 | 27

£50

Spell it out with this light-up metal Love sign, GRAHAM & BROWN

£30

Add a splash of colour to a neutral room with the Turk blue ceramic vase, HABITAT

£90

Make a statement with this oversized large grey wall clock, WINDSOR BROWNE

Buy Laura’s style…

PALE & INTERESTING Embrace soft neutrals and chalky finishes to create a gorgeous, cosy scheme

eeping to a calm, relaxed colour palette of soft white, chalky grey and taupe throughout her house has given Laura a neutral backdrop that she can dress up or down, adding small pops of colour here and there, or going for bold with a dramatic feature wall, as she’s done with the midnight blue dressing room. It’s an easy way to decorate – just be sure to go for base neutrals from the same colour group, either warm, yellow-based shades (antique white, vanilla, shell) or cool, greyhued colours (taupe, stone, chalk).

£698

Snuggle up on the compact Sophia cuddler sofa, DFS

28 | FEBRUARY 2018

£9 for two

Include these wooden hanging hearts as part of a wall display, THE CONTEMPORARY HOME

£12

Perk up a plain sofa with the pretty pattern of this Laurel cushion, ARGOS

PALE & INTERESTING

MILK IT

Buy it

£499

Go for a luxe bedroom scheme with the plush Skye upholstered bed, MADE.COM

£20

Add to your kitchen crockery collection with this Black Toast half pint jug, EMMA BRIDGEWATER

£35

Hide living room clutter away in this collapsible belly basket, BOBBY RABBIT

WRAP IT UP

£59

£34

Cosy up a sofa with this chic grey knitted Windmill throw, THE BRITISH BLANKET COMPANY

Start your gallery wall with this multi photo frame, MELODY MAISON

STYLE SECRETS

Create Laura’s cool, coastal look in your home

£85

Use the Bug knitted pouffe as an extra seat or to rest your feet, LOAF

If you have mismatched furniture or hand-me-downs you don’t want to spend a lot of prep time on, chalk paint offers a great solution as it can go over old paint or varnish. All that’s needed is a quick wash down and a light sanding. For suppliers, try Annie Sloan, Frenchic Paint or Rust-Oleum.

INTRODUCE MORE COLOUR Pale shades and chalky tones make an easy-to-

live-with backdrop, but adding colour, even in small doses, makes for a more rounded scheme. Follow the 70-20-10 rule with the majority of the room kept neutral, 20 per cent in a secondary shade for furniture and 10 per cent in a brighter accent colour for accessories.

CREATE A GALLERY WALL A gallery wall is a lovely way of showing off a collection of artwork, especially if you have a large expanse of wall to fill, such as above a sofa

or going up a staircase as Laura has done. Start by gathering prints, photographs and artwork together, laying everything out on the floor to see how they work collectively and finding an arrangement you like. Having a theme or frames in the same colour is a great way of linking a collection.

PLAY WITH TEXTURE Layer plenty of textures to get Laura’s weathered, coastal feel – rustic woods, cosy knits and woven finishes are just the ticket.

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

REVAMP WITH CHALK PAINT

FEBRUARY 2018 | 29

ART SHELF

Playpa paper, £14.95; Pollie shelf, £25, both Olli Ella

Do it

THIS MONTH’S

Doit

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

Feed little ones’ imagination by making a creative focal point in their room. Attach a roll of paper to a shelf with a dowelling rod (or a kitchen roll holder) and let it drape onto a table. Add pencils and crayons and let the fun begin!

Upcycle a stool by painting the seat and feet

FEBRUARY 2018 | 31

SCHEME QUEEN ‘I buy cushion covers from H&M – at around £3.99 each, I can get a new look on a budget’

‘We saved with

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Laura Cox, 38, a museum manager, and I live with my husband, Patrick, 37, and our three children, Martha, eight, George, six, and Edith, who’s three. MY HOME A three-bedroomed semi-detached Twenties house in Birmingham. We moved in here seven years ago. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was very dated. The colour schemes weren’t to my taste, and the kitchen and bathroom both needed a makeover. AND NOW It’s like an entirely new property! It’s homely and contemporary – while still retaining its original charm – and most importantly, it feels like home. STYLE TIP Mix up different looks – using a variety of styles will give your home much more character.

32 | FEBRUARY 2018

TWENTIES SEMI

Love it

JUNK-SHOP GEMS’ LIGHT AND AIRY ‘The soft greeny-grey walls and colourful retro artwork help to brighten this room’

Despite its dated decor, Laura knew that this spacious property had the potential to be a forever family home

hen we stumbled upon this house back in 2010, we had been on the hunt for a home for our growing family – it had just come back on the market after a sale fell through,’ says Laura. ‘It felt like we’d been looking for an eternity, so we snapped it up straight away. Family houses are hard to find in this area, plus I was also pregnant with our second child, so I was in a hurry to get settled before the new baby arrived.

Back to the Eighties

The house had great potential, with three large bedrooms, plenty of space downstairs and the most beautiful garden. It was perfect for our family, although the decor left a lot to be desired. It felt almost stuck in the Eighties – like the front door was a time portal to a property from decades ago! The colours of the wall paint and carpets were not to our taste, and the kitchen and bathroom desperately needed some TLC. We began by painting all the walls white, purely to rid the place of the unsightly colour combos, then we slowly started to work our way around the house, updating each room one by one and putting our own stamp on it.

Transformation time

I always start a makeover by choosing the items of furniture I’d like to go in a room. From there I select wall colours, then finally, accessories. Downstairs, we had the floors sanded and picked Farrow & Ball paints in mostly neutral hues to pep up the walls, as I believe that a blank canvas can help to highlight furnishings and trimmings. The only exception to this was the playroom. It’s north-facing, so gets very little sun. We decided to embrace this darkness by painting it

FEBRUARY 2018 | 33

IDEA TO STEAL

Open shelving instead of wall units helps the room feel less enclosed

Buy it Bring retro style into your home PAGE 40

KITCHEN CHAMELEON ‘I change the shelf displays all the time’

‘BUYING SECOND-HAND AND UPCYCLING MEANS YOU HAVE MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON GOOD QUALITY PAINT, APPLIANCES AND ACCESSORIES’ deep blue and spicing it up with the children’s colourful toys and our books. The house is full of characterful features, so we tried to decorate sympathetically and emphasise its history rather than hiding it. We installed a logburner in the sitting room for an authentic – not to mention toasty! – feel, and fitted shelves in the alcoves for added storage. When we moved in, the kitchen was falling apart. The floral wallpaper was stained, there were unboxed pipes protruding all over the place and awful orange pine cabinets. We ripped the entire thing out and started again from scratch, with Ikea units and a nifty new layout that worked much better for us. Upstairs, we chose light colours for the bedrooms. Again, we removed the carpets to reveal and restore the original

34 | FEBRUARY 2018

floorboards, though we had a bit of a surprise while repairing a board in our bedroom. Believe it or not, we found a paper bag of sandwiches under the floorboards, wrapped in newspaper from the Fifties! Surprisingly, they were all still intact, though rather dried out! Sandwich scandal over, we finished the bedrooms by adding personality in the form of furniture, artwork and accessories.

Suite dreams

The bathroom had seen better days but the suite itself was in good shape, so we decided to keep that to save a little money. We refreshed the room with a new shower unit, taps and tiles, which made a huge difference. It looks so much bigger and brighter in there now – it’s entirely transformed and such a

TWENTIES SEMI

ALL CHANGE! ‘A plain backdrop allows me to swap around accessories and kitchenware whenever I fancy a change’

Style

Maker KATIE SAYS

Love it

STUDY SPACE ‘This was originally a cupboard, but adding a Velux window has turned it into an office’

‘By not cluttering up the kitchen window with curtains or blinds, Laura is able to enjoy a lovely, unspoilt view over the garden.’

Do it!

PAINT YOUR TABLE’S LEGS

Turn the table upside down, and lightly rub down each leg with fine-grade sandpaper. Remove any dust with a damp cloth. Mask off the area at the top of the legs. Apply furniture paint, such as Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint, or, if using eggshell, apply primer first, leave to dry, then apply your chosen paint colour. Leave to dry for at least 24 hours. Check the base of each leg is dry, then turn the right way.

2 3

TEXTILE TRIM ‘I have a little bit of an obsession with tea towels and I love buying colourful new ones to brighten up the kitchen’

Love it

TWENTIES SEMI

Style

Maker CAROL SAYS

FEELING BLUE ‘I love the way the dark walls make everything pop in this room’

ROOM TO PLAY ‘We’re lucky to have this space – the kids can have fun in here while we chill next door in the sitting room’

‘Using such a dark colour in the playroom was a bold move but it works so well, showcasing the Ercol furniture and giving the room a really cosy feel.’

‘WE HAD A FEW BAD EXPERIENCES WITH UNRELIABLE BUILDERS, BUT WE KEPT OUR END GOAL OF A HAPPY FAMILY HOME IN MIND AND JUST CARRIED ON’

pleasure to spend time in. More than anything, I’m just glad to see the back of the tarnished gold taps and leaky shower!

Savvy shopper

INHERITED GEMS ‘My grandparents owned the Ladderax shelving – it was in their house for 40 years!’

I’m a bargain-hunter at heart and a sucker for a second-hand gem, so our home is filled with items sourced on eBay and bought from charity shops. The sofa in the sitting room was passed on to us by my mum (although as it was actually red, I had to buy new cream covers to make sure it fits in with the room scheme), and the shelving in the playroom belonged to my grandparents. I buy most soft furnishings and accessories from the likes of Dunelm and H&M Home, and shop in the sales whenever I can. Opting for low-cost pieces means I can create a totally new look whenever I fancy, just by switching

IDEA TO STEAL

Paint a dark colour below a picture rail, extending the white on the ceiling down to meet it

out the cushions and throws. I also like to dabble in upcycling when the opportunity arises. I bought my kitchen table for a song from a charity shop and pepped it up using grey paint on the legs. I also made new covers for my chair seat pads with cheap fabric I found in Ikea. In the office, I revamped an old Ercol chair by using coconut oil to gently blend out the water stains – it worked a treat. I also upholstered a dressing table stool for our bedroom using a sheepskin. I believe there is no harm in getting your hands dirty to restore or create a piece that’ll really enhance your home.

3 of the best

RETRO TABLE LAMPS See the light with a vintage-inspired design

Finding inspiration

Although our house is nearly all finished now (there is just one more carpet to rip up and we are also thinking about a loft conversion, though I’m not sure if I can

Linea Evie ceramic lamp, £55, House of Fraser

Layla ceramic lamp, £25, JD Williams

Hannah lamp, £29.99, Ideal Home range, Very

FEBRUARY 2018 | 37

OLD-SCHOOL STYLE ‘I inherited a wardrobe and a dressing table from my granny’

‘I WANTED TO KEEP THE BEDROOM CALM AND UNCLUTTERED AS IT’S THE ONLY PlACE WHERE I CAN GET SOME PEACE AND QUIET!’

Do it!

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED

Style

Maker ANNERIEKE SAYS

If your little ones love getting involved in arty projects, buy a cheap blank canvas and let them create their own artwork to decorate their bedroom walls. Be inspired by their favourite theme and design a wall mural together. Let their imaginations run wild with dinosaurs, wild animals or an epic space scene. Why not have a crafting day stitching simple cushions in fun fabrics, or painting pots to hold a little plant for them to look after?

2 3

‘Although the bathroom is quite light and bare, foliage brings a great pop of colour and adds comfort and a natural feel.’

TWENTIES SEMI

Love it

DESIGNER LOOK ‘The pink bedspread was £4 in the bargain corner at Ikea! I think it looks a lot more expensive than it was’

Where to buy her style DUNELM Can’t be beaten when it comes to great soft furnishings, throws, cushions, rugs and curtains at surprisingly affordable prices. HOMESENSE Packed with discounted items, it’s spot on for a low-cost homewares spree. Stock is limited though, so move quickly when you see something you like. EBAY Selling everything from furniture to fences and everything in between, eBay is a favourite for cheap, second-hand items. Look for pieces in your local area to avoid dishing out on delivery. FARROW & BALL A favourite among Insta-stars, this paint often features on our favourite social media sites. It’s pricier than many high-street brands, but the stunning shades are worth the splurge.

CLUTTER BUSTER ‘The Ikea bed and cube shelving are great for storage’

SERENE SANCTUARY ‘I love relaxing here – I lie in the bath reading the latest Style at Home’

handle the dust and disarray!), I’m always browsing Instagram to find more ideas for my home. I set up my own account, @lauracoxhome, in January 2017 and have been so inspired by all the lovely homes I’ve stumbled upon there. I love styling rooms and changing the displays, and it is something I definitely inherited from my mum. She has such an eclectic style that I’ve always admired over the years, and she’s great at sourcing bargain furniture. In fact, it’s thanks to her that I have so many wonderful Ercol pieces in my house!

WORDS AND STYLING ABBI HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHS JOANNA HENDERSON

Worth all the hard work I can finally say that this place feels like our home now, and we all just love living here. The area is ideal for us as it is very family friendly with lots of lovely cafés, parks and shops nearby. It has been a hard slog to get the house refurbished and looking exactly the way we want it – especially with three kids – but we can see now that it has all been worth it, and we’ve created a dream place that’s perfect for our children to grow up in.’

Find more clever ways to style up your home by going to pinterest.com/ styleathomemag

FEBRUARY 2018 | 39

£6

Add instant greenery with the Ananas potted pineapple plant, IKEA

£45

Frame an architectural artwork like this World’s End Estate art print, OSCAR FRANCIS

£59.99

Make a statement with a LED star decoration, CASTLEGATE LIGHTS

Buy Laura’s style…

RETRO MIX

Put together a family-friendly home that’s full of colour, pattern and vintage character

QUIRKY PRINT

£99.99 for 2

Team this retro-look Kentucky dining chair with a plain black table, ARGOS

se bold colours, lively patterns and statement furniture to create your own take on retro style. Like Laura, you can build a mid-century scheme by mixing favourite handed-down pieces with thrifty buys from auction sites and charity shops. Don’t be too picky with the detail – it’s about creating the mood of the era rather than slavishly recreating it, so feel free to team high-street buys with vintage finds.

£179

Partner your sofa with the vibrant zigzag print Jasper pouffe, SWOON EDITIONS

£286.50

Bring in colour and pattern with the Lucette set of nesting tables, MAISONS DU MONDE

40 | FEBRUARY 2018

£22

Introduce pops of colour with a dipped ceramic vase in mustard and teal, DUNELM

RETRO MIX

Buy it

STYLE SECRETS Create Laura’s relaxed, retro look in your home SOURCE OLD FURNITURE

£40

Perk up your sofa with the coral pom-pom trim of this Aztec cushion, MONSOON HOME

£435

Show off retro finds on this Watford steel and walnut shelving unit, LA REDOUTE

For original mid-century furniture, search online sites such as eBay, Preloved or Vinterior for pieces by the likes of Ercol, G Plan and Stag, or try charity furniture shops, where you can often find cheap house clearance items.

BE BRAVE WITH COLOUR Saturated shades of teal blue, olive green, mustard yellow and tomato red define a mid-century look – they can even be used in large blocks to create a feature wall.

STORAGE STYLE

DISPLAY VINTAGE PRINTS When it comes to artwork, make a statement with architectural prints, typography, fashion illustrations and front covers in single frames, rather than lots of smaller pieces. Get the look on the cheap by buying inexpensive clip frames and framing your own repro posters – try King & McGaw, Art.co.uk and All Posters for a selection.

£39

Pair a zingy lime shade with the black base of this Emmett floor lamp, MADE.COM

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

£31.50

COLOUR POP

Tidy away clutter in this large straw basket with contrast handles, T&SHOP

£49.99

Go for a real Fifties vibe with the leather look Bush DAB radio, ARGOS

£110

Put colour on the floor with this vibrant Manila kilim rug, HOMESCAPES

£425

Contrast finishes with a velvet-covered Le Cocktail chair in soft pink, OLIVER BONAS

FEBRUARY 2018 | 41

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THIS MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Doit

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Bring your staircase to life by creating a fresh ombre effect. Paint each spindle a different shade using tester pots, but leave the handrail a natural wood. Finish the rest of the stairway in white to keep the space light and show off your handiwork.

Do it

Use a durable paint in high-traffic areas like the hall

Paint tester pots, from 85p each, B&Q

FEBRUARY 2018 | 43

STUDY CORNER ‘I found the print in a shop in Cambridge and just knew it would go perfectly here’

‘We created

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Carole Bishop, 51, an underwriter for a bank. I live with my husband Rob, 53. We have three adult children, Max, 27, Molly, 25, and Lily, 23, who all live away from home. MY HOME A four-bedroom 1870s cottage in Billesdon, Leicestershire. We bought it in March 2012. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was old-fashioned, tired and covered in lots of woodchip wallpaper and layers of painted gloss. AND NOW We’ve completely updated it with a mix of Scandi and modern country decor along with the odd pop of colour. STYLE TIP If you’re nervous about using a dark or vibrant paint on the walls, be brave – it’s only paint, so you can always change it.

44 | FEBRUARY 2018

STYLISH & SNUG ‘I love the mix of dark grey and yellow in this room. Our sofa is from Dfs and the picture on the chimney breast is from Orwell and Goode’

COUNTRY COTTAGE

Love it

our HYGGE HOME’

Faced with a huge renovation project, Carole transformed her cottage into a warm and cosy country home

y husband Rob and I didn’t have to travel far when we moved here,’ says Carole, ‘as we lived in a village just two miles up the road. We were looking for a renovation project after the children Max, Molly and Lily left for university and this was the perfect challenge. The previous owners had lived here for 40 years but moved to a residential home, so it had been empty for six months when we bought it. There were patterned carpets everywhere, pink bathrooms, lots of woodchip and layers of gloss paint. There was a hatch in the living room and the kitchen was really old and looked tired and dated. Plus, one of the bedrooms had been used as a workshop and the ceiling wallpaper was held on with pin tacks! It’s safe to say, it needed a lot of work. We think the house was built in the 1870s but

GREY AREA ‘I bought the rug from La Redoute as it complements the scheme’

INDUSTRIAL VIBE ‘The sheepskin rug is from a shop in Brighton and I’ve hung some pendants on long cords to add an industrial feel’

‘RENOVATING ON A BUDGET MIGHT TAKE YOU LONGER TO GET THE LOOK YOU WANT, BUT IS A GREAT WAY TO LET THE HOUSE EVOLVE’

NICE TOUCH ‘Rob made the peg rail with a broom handle’

46 | FEBRUARY 2018

we can’t be 100 per cent sure as the date didn’t appear on any of the documents when we bought the house. Although I always prefer older properties, I think the only redeeming features this place had were the beams downstairs – everything else was hideous.

A fresh start

Despite its drawbacks, the house was a blank canvas for us, which was exactly what we were looking for – somewhere we could rip everything out and start again. We had major works done first, with full rewiring and a new central heating system installed. Then came the hard work when we started

to strip the house back to its bare bones. It was originally a row of three cottages that had been converted years ago, and the previous occupants had turned one of the cottages into an integral garage. This seemed like a bit of a waste of space to us, so we decided to turn it into a kitchen and the old kitchen is now our utility room. We fitted out both rooms from scratch with neutral units from Ikea. I much prefer light coloured cabinetry and Belfast sinks and I always seem to go for wooden worktops as well, which can be a pain. But as long as they are oiled on a regular basis, they’re fine. We considered going for dark grey kitchen units but decided

COUNTRY COTTAGE

IDEA TO STEAL

‘Hook pegs from a rail and use them to clip your favourite photos, notes or even a shopping list’

Love it

Style

Maker GILL SAYS OFF THE HOOK

‘Keeping your nick-nacks in a similar colour palette, as Carole has done in her sitting room, creates a stylish, less cluttered look.’

‘I bought these hooks from a shop in Cambridge’

IN BETWEEN ‘The panelling in the hall is painted in Mole’s Breath by Farrow & Ball. We kept the walls above the dado white so it doesn’t feel too dark’

IDEA TO STEAL

‘Add a mirror to lighten up a space, even with dark walls’

Make it!

QUICK MINI CHALKBOARD

Cut a piece of plywood to the desired size. To frame your chalkboard, use a piece of ¼ inch hardboard instead, cut to fit inside your frame. Most timber merchants will cut board to the size you want. Lightly sand the surface if necessary. Spray the plywood/hardboard surface with primer and allow to dry thoroughly. Apply two coats of chalkboard paint with a foam roller, leaving plenty of time for it to dry between coats. Fit into the frame if using.

2 3 4

FEBRUARY 2018 | 47

Love it

COUNTRY COTTAGE

Style

Maker ANNERIEKE SAYS

LIGHT & BRIGHT ‘The kitchen used to be a garage. We bought the cabinets from Ikea and I treated myself to a Smeg fridge’

IN TIME ‘The clock was upcycled from a workshop that was closing down’

‘Wood surfaces need to be maintained but they bring a rich, warm vibe to a kitchen. Pair with some deep colours and you have a winner!’

‘BUY A VARIETY OF PIECES FROM MORE THAN ONE PLACE TO ACHIEVE A MORE ORGANIC LOOK’

we would rather add colour to the walls as the off-white cabinetry looks a little more timeless.

Design time

ON DISPLAY ‘I’ve put up a picture shelf in the kitchen by the sink. The print in the frame is from King & McGaw’

48 | FEBRUARY 2018

It took us around two years to do all the basic work and we painted everything white while we decided how we wanted to decorate. I’ve gradually added dark grey shades with pops of colour in some of the accessories, and the house has quite a Scandi feel now, with a bit of modern country. We visit Denmark regularly to see our son Max, and I always pick up lots of ideas when we’re there. I also love interior magazines and I’m hugely influenced by Instagram (I’m @the_grey_cottage).

Treasured finds

When it came to decorating our living room, I went for a dark painted wall around the fireplace in Farrow &

IDEA TO STEAL

‘Line up classic rectangular metro tiles for a very different effect’

QUIRKY CORNER

3 of the best

WIRE STORAGE Keep clutter at bay with these industrial-style racks

Moss wire wall unit, £25, Made.com

Wire letter rack, £20, Marquis & Dawe

‘The wire rack from Nkuku holds my colourful enamelware from Utility in Brighton’

Helsinki wire magazine rack, £6, Sainsbury’s

FEBRUARY 2018 | 49

PERFECTLY PRETTY ‘The Orla Kiely bed linen is from TK Maxx. I got it to suit the scheme as we already had the pale blue wallpaper up from John Lewis’

‘CHECK OUT INDEPENDENT SHOPS IN PLACES LIKE STAMFORD, CAMBRIDGE, BRIGHTON AND LONDON TO FIND LOVELY ONE-OFF PIECES’ Ball’s Down Pipe estate emulsion. We installed a log burner to keep the space nice and cosy and I got the desk from a school that was being closed down. It’s a teacher’s desk and cost just £20. I also found some pine blanket boxes at antiques shops – they didn’t cost a lot but I’ve had them for quite a few years now. I have a few other bits of furniture dotted about that I’ve had for a while, including the kitchen table, which has been with us in three different houses – we’ve had it for more than 25 years now! I recently painted the legs to update its look slightly.

All change I’m really pleased with the overall look but if I’m honest, I suppose I never really feel that it’s finished. My style is constantly evolving so I’m always on

50 | FEBRUARY 2018

the lookout for new furniture and the latest pieces and our tastes have changed over the years. I like to move furniture and accessories around most weeks – I call this “Faffing Friday” as it’s become something of a habit. It’s a great way to wake up a room a bit. We’ve been here for almost six years now and every winter, I love how cosy it feels. I bring out the chunky throws for the sofa, light the log burner and candles and snuggle up for a good Netflix binge-watch of our favourite box set. I just love my hygge home!’

To get even more ideas and inspiration for your interiors, visit idealhome.co.uk

WORDS AND STYLING LAURIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHS SIMON WHITMORE

WHITE OUT ‘I upcycled this chest of drawers as the colour was too dark. I picked it up very cheaply and painted it in an Annie Sloan white paint’

FEMININE FEEL ‘In Lily’s bedroom, the wall behind her bed is painted in Blush by Crown Paints. The bed is from John Lewis and the bed linen is from Ikea’

COUNTRY COTTAGE

Love it

SOAK TIME ‘We went to Bathstore.com for our bathroom and they fitted everything. The bath rack is from Tiger and the butterfly print is from Next’

Where to buy Carole’sstyle JOHN LEWIS Great for simple designs and reliable, good quality, John Lewis is a go-to favourite (with lots of branches) that sells a wide range of homeware and many different styles. HABITAT Established in the Sixties, Habitat offers fantastic ceramics and textiles, all at high-street prices. HARRIMAN & CO An independent shop in Leicester, Harriman & Co sells an eclectic range of furniture, lighting, mirrors, art and everyday items, plus some great one-off pieces. UTILITY This Brighton shop is great for enamelware and kitchen paraphernalia. It’s full of lovely eclectic bits to mix in with high-street buys. ABODE LIVING This website (there’s also a shop in Brighton) does fantastic cushions and ceramics, plus some great one-off designs which really lift a look.

MUSIC MAN

MELLOW YELLOW

Style

‘This is my son Max’s room. The bed linen is from TK Maxx and the mustard throw on his bed is from John Lewis’

‘The wardrobe was from an antiques shop in Market Harborough. The guitar belongs to my son – he has a few’

Maker KATIE SAYS

‘Carole’s clever upcycled pieces really personalise her home. I’d try changing the white drawer handles in the bedroom to go with the linen.’

FEBRUARY 2018 | 51

£59

£105

Suspend this modern copper Nook pendant low over a dining table, MADE.COM

Drape a luxe faux fur over an armchair for a cosy touch, BLACK BY DESIGN

£125

Create a focal-point feature by hanging the Olivia mirror above a mantel, LAURA ASHLEY

Buy Carole’s style…

RUSTIC SCANDI

Create a relaxed Nordic vibe with calming colours, pared-back prints and cosy, tactile textures

o achieve a softer take on cool Scandinavian minimalism, try this relaxed, rustic alternative that’s easy to put together and even easier to live with. It’s a look that works throughout the house, so as you walk from room to room, you’ll find the same soft colour palette, warm wood tones and rustic painted finishes working as one. Carole has created a personal feel with a mix of furniture, accessories and decorative touches that range from vintage finds to high street buys and upcycled pieces.

PAWS TO ADMIRE

£549

Contrast a natural wood top with a painted base on this rustic Florence grey dining table, THE COTSWOLD COMPANY

52 | FEBRUARY 2018

£11.95

Create a cute console display with this dancing rabbits ornament, MELODY MAISON

RUSTIC SCANDI

£12.95

Line a shelf with a row of tealight houses like this, DOTCOMGIFTSHOP

Buy it

TRIBAL TEXTILE

£99

£42

Add a pop of pattern to a plain chair or sofa with an Orla Kiely accent cushion, AMARA

Cosy up the floor by laying a shaggy Afaw Berber rug, LA REDOUTE

STYLE SECRETS Follow Carole’s laid back, Scandinavian look KEEP TO A SIMPLE PALETTE Echo the calm, relaxed look of Scandi interiors by keeping to simple background colours in cool white and soft grey. Bring in darker tones of charcoal and black on furniture, accessories and feature walls, and finish with a bright accent such as mustard yellow.

£45

Hang a framed hare print individually or with others, COX & COX

TRY DIFFERENT TEXTURES Keep a cool palette from looking chilly by introducing lots of cosy, tactile textures. Carole was keen to create a feeling of hygge, so she added lots of cosy knitted throws, blankets and faux fur fleeces draped over chairs, sofas and beds, plus shaggy rugs underfoot.

£170

Go for furniture with a retro Scandi vibe, like this woodframed Ekenaset armchair, IKEA

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

ADD PERSONALITY It’s the personal finishing touches that give a home its character, whether it’s artwork or a collection of mementoes. The yellow hare picture in the dining room is a favourite of Carole’s and the theme is subtly repeated elsewhere in prints, cushions and ornaments.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 53

Love it

WE WANT YOUR HOME!

See your house in

STYLE AT HOME Show us yours and you could be a Style at Home star stylist! We’re always on the lookout for real homes packed with affordable ideas. If you’re proud of what you’ve achieved, why not share your ideas with other Style at Home readers so they can be inspired, too? It’s really easy to get in touch: snap some pics on your phone (living room, kitchen and one bedroom are a must…) and send them to us via email or social media – see below.

EMAIL styleathome@timeinc.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/styleathomemag INSTAGRAM #sahstylists TWITTER @styleathomemag 54 | FEBRUARY 2018

BLACKBOARD CALENDAR

Do it

Rust-Oleum black matt chalkboard paint, £12 for 750ml, B&Q

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Keep a stool handy to reach dates at the top

THIS MONTH’S

Doit

Transform a wall into a family calendar and never lose track of dates. Simply paint a chequerboard pattern using chalkboard paint mixed with a little white emulsion to create different shades, then fill in the days of the month.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 55

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THE STYLE BOOK PART 10:

Kitchen trends

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the market for a kitchen redo, these are the trends we trust to last and last, so choose one and enjoy a hard-working space with timeless style for yearsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Pull out and keep!

Use reclaimed wooden planks as simple shelving

the STYLE RULES

Create an industrial look full of practical flair

Design a space with a factory feel, featuring plenty of integrated modern luxuries. PICK BRICK For a dramatic focal point, go for an exposedbrick wall. Alternatively, you can cheat the look with a brick-effect printed wallpaper. To make this style work, stick to

minimal fixings, like radiators and sockets on the wall. CHOOSE STONE Large-format porcelain tiles in a stone design are cheaper than the real deal and are easier to maintain, too. MIX METALS Team reclaimed wood furniture with metallic finishes like copper.

This look is all about no-frills style. Choose an oversized extractor with exposed pipework for authenticity

Industrial LUXE

Combine mixed metals with rustic textures for an urban look

THE FABRIC Clara linen in Parchment, £37m, Neptune

THE WALLPAPER Town Brick wallpaper, £13.50 a roll, Albany at Wallpaper Direct

THE PAINT Colours Copper Effect metallic emulsion, £11.73 for 1L, B&Q

THE FLOORING Fontenay Grey matt glazed porcelain tile, £39.95sq m, Original Style

With all the white and bright colours, this room has a happy feel the whole family will love. Round tables are ideal for small spaces

Shabby CHIC

Create a vintage vibe with bold florals and fresh pastels

THE FABRIC Birds & Roses cotton duck, £20m, Cath Kidston

THE WALLPAPER Ceresio Ivory/Pink, £49 a roll, Wallpaper Direct

THE PAINT Cooking Apple Green estate emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

THE FLOORING Home Choice engineered European rustic oak, £36sq m, UK Flooring Direct

Display mismatched crockery on a classic kitchen dresser

Style

Maker GILL SAYS

Paint a wall cabinet in a fresh pastel shade, then distress the edges for a vintage look

the STYLE RULES

Team blowsy blooms with ditsy prints and bright white Celebrate spring all year round with a pretty kitchen scheme full of colour and pattern. GO BIG ON BLOOMS For a bold, vintage look, select an oversized floral wallpaper bursting with colour. Restrict it to one wall, then keep the rest white for a fresh, modern take on shabby chic. MIX PRINTS Complement floral walls with co-ordinating cushions

and blind fabrics. It’s okay to clash prints, but aim to stick to one colour palette. KEEP IT COUNTRY Let patterned accessories sing by going for country-feel furniture in white. FAKE THE FLOOR Get the look of whitewashed floorboards using budget-friendly laminate or waterproof vinyl – ideal for high-splash areas like kitchens.

‘Rather than buy crockery in shops, ask your family members if they have any spare pieces and create a more personal display from different eras.’

the STYLE RULES

Embrace minimalist style in glossy white

Go for a fuss-free scheme with plenty of glam touches and design-led details. KEEP IT CLEAN Paint walls in a hard-wearing kitchen paint that allows you to wipe away splashes easily. Why not install a splashback using textured white tiles for added depth?

MAKE IT MINI This look is perfect for small kitchens as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light and bright, making the area appear much larger. SMOOTH THE JOINS White gloss units blend seamlessly with the walls. For continuity, choose a white fitted oven and co-ordinating appliances.

Glam

WHITE Embrace a sleek mono look that packs a style punch

THE FABRIC Carraway Charcoal, £51m, Clarke & Clarke

THE TILES Finsbury wall tiles, £32.26sq m, British Ceramic Tile

THE PAINT Crown Breatheasy Kitchen Pure Brilliant White matt paint, £16 for 2.5L, Homebase

Pick an oven with a sleek white exterior

Add a pop of colour to this all-white scheme using real or faux greenery

THE FLOORING Barkly white oak laminate flooring, £21.96 a pack, B&Q

Finish this paredback scheme with rustic wooden shelving and nostalgic features like a butler sink

Swap blinds for stylish shutters

Simple GREY

Design a grown-up scheme with retro touches

THE FABRIC Lowndes Charcoal, £55.90m, Andrew Martin

THE TILES White chapel brick gloss, £19.95sq m, Walls and Floors

THE PAINT Storm Cloud kitchen matt emulsion, £15 for 2.5L, Wilko

THE FLOORING Chelsea tiles, £3.59 each, Artisans of Devizes

Style

Maker KATIE SAYS

Add colour by displaying bright cookware

the STYLE RULES

Style a laid-back space with a modern, urban feel Geometric tiles, reclaimed wood and a monochrome palette create a kitchen with industrial flair. FEATURE THE FLOOR Don’t limit pattern to walls and go bold with flooring instead. Try black-andwhite tiles in a geometric design for a sophisticated yet fun result. LOOK BACK As a nod to industrial design with a touch of nostalgia, team simple white ceramic brick

tiles with dark grout. Stuck with white grout? Colour it in with a grey grout pen as a quick fix. PICK OUT MARBLE This look embraces natural materials and textures, so go for a granite or marble-effect worktop. REFRESH WITH PAINT Update wooden kitchen cabinets by painting them in an on-trend dark grey and changing the handles.

‘The grey units are such a neutral base to build your style on. It would be very easy to create different looks by changing the colour of accessories.’

the STYLE RULES

Go for impact with contrasting red and white

This modern look is bold yet easy to achieve. Finish with accessories in accent shades. GET GLOSSY To really add wow, choose shiny high-gloss units in a vibrant primary colour. Team with white worktops and wall cabinets, so the area still feels light and spacious.

STAY WHITE Glossy white metro tiles are on-trend and easy to keep clean. Extend behind the sink as a splashback. GO STRIPY Add a hint of other colours with striped vinyl flooring. Lay the lines along the length of the room to further increase the feeling of space.

Colour

BOOST Add wow with pattern and bursts of bold hues

THE FABRIC Manila in Mulberry/Sand, £57m, Sanderson at Style Library

THE TILES Metro white, £19.50sq m, Topps Tiles

Organise essentials with a wall-mounted peg board

THE PAINT Colours Standard Flame silk emulsion, £9 for 2.5L, B&Q

Extend a worktop to create a breakfast bar and add matching stools for seating

THEFLOORING Mardi Gras striped vinyl, £15.99sq m, Carpetright

Hang a large statement pendant above the dining table

Classic

SIMPLICITY Create a serene scheme with natural tones and textures

THE FABRIC Boheme linen in Blush, £34m, Jane Clayton & Company

THE TILES Cream gloss wall tiles, £30sq m, British Ceramic Tile

THE PAINT Shell matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Graham & Brown

THE FLOORING Old oak matt oiled laminate, £19.99sq m, Quick-Step

Simplicity is the key to this understated style. Have fun combining natural textures like linen, wood and marble

Style

Maker

Fix hooks below kitchen shelves to hang cookware

SAIRA SAYS

the STYLE RULES

Go for understated Nordic living with a modern edge Team neutral walls with oakeffect floors and furnishings, plus accessories in mixed materials. KEEP CALM For a light and airy dining space, paint the walls in a serene off-white. Finish the look with a simple oak dining set and white tableware for a sophisticated Scandi feel. GO FOR GRAIN Choose smart oak-look laminate flooring

with a dark grain to introduce depth and texture. LOVE LINEN Slubby linen in pale pink and earthy tones soften the look. Use in runners and napkins. GO NATURAL Give this neutral decor a twist by introducing mixed materials. A marble-effect worksurface offers a luxe look, accessorised with copper, wood and woven accents.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If your room is small but you need storage space, try wall units in a lighter colour than the lower units to give the kitchen a feeling of depth.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Fit decorative bulbs from colourful fittings instead of pendants

the STYLE RULES

Embrace simple Scandi design with colour pops

Bring relaxed Nordic design to life with geometric patterns and hints of vibrant colour. KEEP IT CLEAN Team white high-gloss worktops with smooth wooden cabinetry to achieve clear, fluid lines. SPEND WISELY Use costly patterned tiles for a small

splashback, making it modern with a simple geometric design. EXTEND THE FLOOR Create continuity in an open-plan kitchen-diner by using the same flooring throughout. ADD COLOUR Complement the look with appliances and tableware in primary patterns.

Scandi POP

Liven up a laid-back scheme with vibrant splashes of colour

THE FABRIC Blocks, £30m, Scion at Style Library

THE TILES Pewter tulip decor, £59.95sq m, Walls and Floors

THE PAINT Cha Cha matt emulsion, £32 for 2.5L, Graham & Brown

THE FLOORING Rhino classic vintage oak white vinyl, £18.99sq m, Carpetright Add fun to a simple dining table with bright Eames-style chairs and vivid patterned tableware

COMING NEXT MONTH... PART 11:

Bathroom trends

Looking for more decor ideas? Visit us online at idealhome.co.uk/style-at-home for more design inspiration and expert style tips to make your home beautiful

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPHS TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Soak up this bathroom special and find out how to style a shower room that makes a splash. From statement tiles to spa-style surroundings, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful bathroom look for you

PAINTED JAR VASES

Similar embossed glass jars, £1 each; acrylic paints, from £1.50 for 60ml, all Hobbycraft

THIS MONTH’S

Makeit Display blooms in painted jar vases. Pour a little acrylic paint into a Mason jar and swirl around the inside until all the glass is covered. Pour excess paint back into its container and leave the jar upside down on kitchen paper to dry overnight.

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Place flower stems in a smaller container of water inside the painted jar

Make it

FEBRUARY 2018 | 73

Try a speedy

STYLE UPDATE Have fun with these simple but creative ideas that’ll ring the changes without turning into a full room redo

Wonder walls

Create a welcoming scheme in your living room and make a bold, sunny statement with cheery buttercup yellow on the walls. Use a contrasting wallpaper as a border around the top of the wall for an injection of pattern, and keep furniture pared back.

74 | FEBRUARY 2018

Walls painted in Verdure Yellow Marble matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5L, Mylands. Salvia wallpaper, £50 a roll, Harlequin

EASY UPDATES

Crafty project

Revamp an old table lamp by re-covering a boring shade with a colourful new fabric. You can pick up sample-sized pieces at haberdasheries for bargain prices. Use a strong fabric glue and create your own original design.

3 4

Go for faux

If there are corners of your home that don’t get much natural light, but are crying out for some greenery, pop a fake plant in a pretty basket or pot – problem solved! Ikea’s Fejka is a fantastic faux fiddle-leaf fig plant.

Capture memories

Make a feature on a plain wall by creating a memory tree. First, fix a tree wall sticker to your wall, then attach framed photographs or postcards, and finally add hooks for hanging favourite mementos and trinkets. Create it in one go, or keep adding to it over time.

FIREPLACE FIX

Updating the tired tiles of a fireplace hearth is a great way to smarten up your living room. Either paint over existing tiles with a specialist tile paint, or replace them with plain and simple metro tiles for a neat, uniform look.

Love it

Hang some art

Set up a frame-free gallery wall using child-size trouser hangers. Simply clamp the pictures between the grips and hang from pegs or hooks on the wall. A fun way to display art, it’s ideal for a nursery as you can easily swap the images as your little ones grow up.

Drift off among sweet sheets. For similar bedding, try Dunelm

STAR BUYS For a happy home Feather framed print, £29, JD Williams

Geometric rug, £65, Ideal Home range, Very

Faux yellow roses in vase, £6, George Home

BEDROOM BOOST

Brighten up your sleep space by layering colourful, mismatched bedlinen and adding plenty of patterned accent cushions, throws and quilts. More is more!

Colour block cushion, £14, Sainsbury’s

FEBRUARY 2018 | 75

Love it

EASY UPDATES

Boho brights

Give a dull unit a vibrant designer look by revamping the back panel with printed papers. For a creative, boho feel, layer a variety of patterns cut into different-sized squares to create a patchwork effect. Paste up with PVA glue.

Pep up a windowsill with painted vases

On reflection

Revive a hallway or fill empty space above a console table with a glam mirror. Choose a design roughly two thirds the width of the table to create visual balance. La Redoute has a great, quirky selection.

For a similar simple shelving unit, try the Bitrade, £17, Ikea

Paint on pattern

Give plain white vases a new lease of life by painting them with geo patterns and bright colours. Pick up small tester pots of paint from your local DIY shop, or use leftover paint from previous projects. Use masking tape to create the shapes for crisp edges.

RAPID REFRESH

Repaint scuffed door trims and skirting in high-traffic areas. Instead of the traditional white, go for a darker shade that will contrast against your main wall colour.

Twice as nice

A couple of vintage suitcases or trunks, stacked up on top of each other, make a stylish bedside table, as well being the perfect place to store extra blankets and bedding when they’re not in use.

Classic hardwood shutters, from £156sq m, California Shutters

PICK AND MIX Choose candy colours

Tassel garland, £19, Ian Snow

Initial candle, £5, Next

Recycled blue glass vase, £18, National Trust Shop

Pink storage box, £9, HomeSense

76 | FEBRUARY 2018

SITTING PRETTY

Revamp plain wooden chairs by spray painting each one in a different, vibrant colour. Give each chair a quick sand down, then use a primer spray base coat, followed by a couple of layers of your chosen colour. Finish with wax or varnish.

Carry on a colourful theme by displaying bright kitchenware and postcards

For a similar shade try Shocking Pink, ÂŁ14.50 for 2.5L, Crown Paints

Colour pop

Breathe some life into your kitchen and have fun with colourful paints. Revamp cupboard doors by painting them in different vibrant colours, then create a striking statement above them as well by painting a wide band of bold colour where the worktops meet the wall.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 77

Mono magic

A classic black and white scheme will never date, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great choice in a room like an office, where you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to have to decorate often. Keep walls and floors fairly neutral, but choose accessories, artwork and lighting in mono shades to tie the look together.

78 | FEBRUARY 2018

EASY UPDATES

Pot up a plant

Don’t discard old or chipped teacups and mugs – they make great holders for succulents and cacti. Pop a few pieces of gravel or broken up crockery in the bottom first, then add your plant and a little top soil.

17 18

Soft touch

Forget committing to a big new canvas or piece of artwork and introduce a painterly cushion or two to your living room. Check out the lovely selection at M&Co.

Clear winner

To add a touch of urban style to your home, go for accessories that feature mixed materials like concrete and glass. If you go for lighting where the bulb is visible, choose one with a retro-style filament, so that it becomes a feature, too.

READ THIS

Give a bookcase a mini overhaul by organising your books into different sizes, or by colour. Then stack them both horizontally and vertically to add visual interest, placing favoured objects or plants between each stack.

Love it

Makes scents

Pretty up a simple jar candle by adding a small posy of fresh (or even dried) flowers, tied around the middle with twine. If the candle is scented, try to match the flowers to the scent, or use sprigs of fragrant herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Flokati rug, £450, Habitat

Hoxton concrete base table lamp, £33, Ideal Home range, Very

SPECIAL BUYS Make a big impact

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Sausage dog cushion, £16, Next

Personalised initial frame, £15, Getting Personal

SIZE UP A NEW RUG

Introduce a textured rug to give your room a cosy feel. Treat the rug as an anchor point in a living room and choose a size in proportion with furniture and to suit the scale of the room. Avoid putting too small a rug in front of a large sofa.

Round pink side table, £33, Melody Maison

FEBRUARY 2018 | 79

DARKEN DOORS. ‘I painted the doors in Downing Street by Valspar – it makes such a bold change’

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Ellie Tildesley, 36, a part-time visual merchandiser. I live with my husband Adam, 37, and our two boys, Arlo, four and Murray, two. We bought our three-bedroom detached Thirties house in Devon in August 2016. THE CHALLENGE The house had previously been owned by an elderly lady and, although it was structurally sound, was very dated and in need of a complete revamp. The master bedroom was our first project, as we wanted to make the most of the space. AND NOW We have a calm and contemporary bedroom with an adjoining bathroom that provides us with a little adult sanctuary that’s just for the two of us.

80 | FEBRUARY 2018

‘Black accents

BEDROOM MAKEOVER

Love it

CREATE IMPACT!’ Wanting a fresh and new bedroom on a budget, Ellie proved that ingenuity and hard work can make great things happen

IDEA TO STEAL

‘Don’t leave your photos on a computer, print and display them on a picture shelf’

e had lived in our previous house for five years and I needed a new project to get my teeth into,’ says Ellie. ‘My husband Adam and I loved the village we lived in and we had a great circle of family and friends, so we waited patiently for the right place to come up locally. Eventually, our patience was rewarded when a house in the same village came on the market. It was dated and badly in need of renovation, but with wellproportioned rooms and beautiful big windows, the house felt light and spacious. It had huge potential and was just the project I had been looking for.

First stages

TOTAL

£1,015 TURN OVER FOR MY SHOPPING LIST

CRAFTY TOUCH ‘I made these small cushions on my bed by drawing lines on cream calico fabric with a ruler and fabric pen’

We started on the master bedroom first. The upstairs had a large landing which seemed like a poor use of space. There was also a family bathroom and separate loo. I wanted to move a few things around so we could make the most of the layout, and decided to cut costs by doing a lot of the work myself. I roped in my mum and dad to help and, with a little help from a local tradesman, we set to it! We knocked through the loo wall which was next to the master bedroom and pinched some space from the landing to create an en suite. We then built a new stud wall between the two rooms and created a doorway into the bedroom, by taking some space from our son Arlo’s room. We stripped back and re-plastered the walls, reinstated the chimney and found an original Victorian iron fireplace on eBay for £70.

Something new

Our previous home had a country cottage style, but for this house I wanted a totally new look. I became obsessed with Pinterest and started to pull together

FEBRUARY 2018 | 81

Do it!

UPDATE A BEDSIDE TABLE

Style

Maker SAIRA SAYS

LEADING LIGHTS ‘I found these reading lamps by looking in local antiques shops’

Unscrew the existing knobs. Sand the surface lightly with fine sandpaper, then wipe with a dry cloth to remove any dust. Apply a coat of wood primer and leave to dry before applying a thin, even coat of satinwood paint in your chosen colour. Once dry, apply a second coat and allow to dry thoroughly. Replace the knobs with new ones, being careful not to scratch or chip the new paint surface as you do so.

2 3

‘A black and white room can be bold, too! Complement the simplicity using eyecatching accents like flowers and vibrant lamps.’

‘TAKE SOME TIME TO HUNT AROUND FOR BARGAINS – IT ALLOWS YOU TO ADD SOME PERSONALITY IN A UNIQUE, AFFORDABLE WAY’ DARK LOOKS ‘Our monochrome feature wallpaper really pulls the eye in’

DISPLAY CORNER.

Buy it Where to get Ellie’s mono look PAGE 84

82 | FEBRUARY 2018

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH

‘Use shelves in the recess of a bedroom to display your favourite things’

BEDROOM MAKEOVER

Love it

Where to buy herstyle Doors, skirting and architrave painted in Downing Street eggshell; walls painted in White Hot emulsion, both £23 for 2.5L, Valspar. Cow Parsley wallpaper, £72 a roll, Cole & Son. Ikea’s Svelvik bed is no longer available but the Resto double bed is a match, £299, John Lewis. Large cushions, £18 each, B&Q. Mosslanda picture ledge, from £4.95; Ribba picture frames, from £6 each; throw, £8; wire pendant shade, £16; Lack floating shelves, £10, all Ikea. Black picture frames, from £12, Dunelm. Find Herbert Terry Anglepoise lamps, from £80 each, at Antiques Atlas. Plain white bedding, from £25 for a double set, Tesco. Bedside tables, £15 each; chest of drawers, £50; fireplace, £70; wardrobe, £150, all eBay. Yellow rug, £65, B&Q

PLANT LIFE. ‘I added greenery to liven up the bedroom and the en suite’

new ideas. I really liked the simplicity of monochrome – it’s a great way of adding light and shade, and it’s practical, too. With a neutral palette, you can accessorise the room with different splashes of colour, and change the look cheaply if you get bored! I originally painted the walls white with dark grey woodwork but it wasn’t punchy enough, particularly around the fireplace. So, I took the plunge and bought a pot of black paint. Once I started, there was no stopping me! We wanted to create a feature wall behind our bed with a Cole & Son paper, but as it was £72 a roll, we decided just to paper the chimney breast instead. I really like the way it catches your eye from the doorway and adds depth and interest.

Finishing touches

I started looking online and in charity shops for accent pieces to dress the room. We kept our old Ikea bed, but

the drawers, wardrobe and bedside tables were all eBay bargains. By painting the bedside tables black and changing the knobs, we gave them a new lease of life. Hanging some picture shelves gave us a cheap way to create an everchanging gallery of our favourite photos and, to save money, I painted some old picture frames black. I added warmth with some lush green plants, and introduced cosy textures with cushions and throws on the bed. After only three weeks of hard work, the space was completely transformed. You simply can’t beat the excitement of stripping away the old and creating something new! I really enjoyed the challenge and now this is finished I’m excited about getting to grips with the rest of the house. Our next project is the kitchen, so watch this space!’

CUPBOARD LOVE . ‘I was delighted to find this beautiful Edwardian wardrobe for £150 on eBay’

Buy it

MODERN MONO

Buy Ellie’s style

MODERN MONO Add character to a bedroom with a stylish black-and-white scheme

Pop blooms in a recycled glass bottle vase, £15, Garden Trading

Make a statement overhead with the Origami metal pendant, £83, Maisons du Monde

Keep it simple with two-tone accessories. Chrissy woven cushion, £18, B&Q

Create a feature wall with Cole & Son’s Cow Parsley paper, £76 a roll, Amara

Invest in the timeless style of the Daley bedside table, £199, Swoon Editions

Break up a simple scheme with fresh green. Artificial potted plant, £8, Ikea

STUDY STYLE

Stash away clutter in a seagrass basket, £18, Sainsbury’s

84 | FEBRUARY 2018

Pair up for simple symmetry. Swing arm desk lamp, £20, Argos

Rethink en suite storage. Large wire basket, £5, Homebase

FEATURE HEATHER YOUNG, MICHELA COLLING

LINE DESIGN

BUTTERFLY WALL ART

Make it

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Similar butterfly punch, from £3, Hobbycraft

For a natural look, mix up the directions of the butterflies

THIS MONTH’S

Makeit Create your own Valentine’s Day wall art! Use a punch to cut butterflies from pink card, then lightly score either side of the body and fold up the wings. Glue the butterflies in a heart shape onto a canvas, alternating the edge you stick down.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 85

DRINK UP ‘I love my new wine cooler, which fits so neatly into the design’

‘Our kitchen is

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Rebecca Firman, 28, and I live with my husband Ross, 30, in a three-bedroom semidetached in Hale, Liverpool. We’ve been renovating it since January 2016 and moved in April 2017. MY CHALLENGE The existing small galley-style kitchen didn’t suit us and was in desperate need of an update. I love cooking and wanted an open-plan room where I could cook and chat at the same time. MY WISH LIST We wanted the space to feel bright and open. It was vital to have lots of storage too, so everything would have a place. We really wanted the Neff Slide and Hide oven after seeing it on The Great British Bake Off!

86 | FEBRUARY 2018

TOTAL

£7,816 TURN OVER FOR MY SHOPPING LIST

KITCHEN MAKEOVER

Love it

FULL OF LIGHT’

Rebecca added an extension to turn her gloomy kitchen into an open-plan space that’s perfect for entertaining

y husband Ross and I bought this house in August 2015, knowing it would be a project,’ says Rebecca. ‘Luckily, we were living with our parents, so we could crack on with the work and not have to live with all the mess. ‘I really loved the area as it was close to our jobs and family and friends. We started renovating in January 2016, and at the same time we were planning our wedding in New York for April 2017. We decided to use that date as a completion goal so we would be able to move in straight after our honeymoon.

IDEA TO STEAL

‘In a kitchen extension, go for a pitched ceiling above the units for an airy look’

Starting point

ON REFLECTION. ‘The space is made extra bright with the reflective glossy units, which bounce the light around the kitchen’

The kitchen was originally a very small galley design, which was the big incentive to extend the back of the house and create a larger space that would work for us and our lifestyle. We got chatting to our neighbours – they’d also extended and they let us have a look at how they had altered the layout, so we could see if it would work for us. We decided that an extension across the back of the house would be ideal and we went for an open-plan kitchen with a dining and social space, separate laundry area and patio doors into the garden. As soon as our architect came back with the plans, we started thinking about the layout of the kitchen. I wanted as much storage space as possible so that everything had its place and, with lots of ideas on the table, we had a layout planned before the build began. While our team got on with the kitchen, we made a start on the rest of the interior, as the whole place needed attention. The extension took about four months in total to complete, which included moving water and gas supplies and fitting new windows and a skylight on the sloping roof in the dining area. Once the build

FEBRUARY 2018 | 87

HIDE AWAY . ‘The microwave is cleverly tucked into the breakfast bar area, making sure every inch of space is used’

IDEA TO STEAL

‘Hang glass pendants to keep the view clear across a room’

MONOCHROME MAGIC ‘These bottles were picked up on a holiday to New York’

‘HANG PENDANTS OVER AN AREA YOU WANT TO HIGHLIGHT AND MAKE THEM A DESIGN FEATURE RATHER THAN JUST A NECESSITY’ BACK TO BLACK . ‘A black tap had been on my wish list, and it works really well with the white tiles and dark grout’

Make it!

DIY CONCRETE PLANTER

Style

Maker CAROL SAYS

WORDS AND STYLING ZOE BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY LIZZIE ORME

Choose two containers as moulds – the same shape but one larger than the other. The difference in size will determine the thickness of the finished planter. Paint cooking oil on the inside of the larger mould and repeat on the outside of the smaller one. Put about an inch of concrete mix into the larger mould and sit the smaller one on top, pushing it a little way into the concrete. Fill around the smaller mould with more concrete mix and place a weight inside it. Leave to dry for 48 hours then remove the planter from the moulds. File off any sharp edges.

2 3

4 5

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‘The mono scheme is perfect for updating with new coloured accessories as Rebecca’s tastes change, and the glass pendants are adaptable to just about any scheme.’

KITCHEN MAKEOVER

Love it

STRONG ACCENTS ‘We chose stools, light fittings and a curtain rod in black to add definition to the all-white space’

IDEA TO STEAL

‘A drinks dispenser means guests can serve themselves while you cook!’

Where to buy her style Infinity Plus handleless white gloss units, from £2,160; Samsung fridge freezer, £1,349; CDA wine cooler, £325; Neff microwave, £327; Neff Hide and Slide oven, £819; Neff hob, £380, all Wren. Granite worktops, £2,000, Prestige Granite & Marble. Hay Hee bar stools, £155 each; Normann Copenhagen AMP pendant lights, £80 each, all Utility Design. Look Pearl Gloss floor tiles, £9.98sq m; Gloss white wall tiles, £10.99sq m, both Tile Mountain. Cooke & Lewis side-lever mono mixer kitchen tap in black, £57, Screwfix. Pastel blue kettle, £109.99, Smeg. Batter bowl, £15, Mason Cash. Kilner drinks dispenser, £29.99, Lakeland

was finished we were ready to get to the nitty gritty – the kitchen design!

Kitchen planning I spent ages on Instagram and Pinterest looking at Scandi-style kitchens and in the end we decided on a white kitchen and a metro tile splashback with dark grout. After visiting lots of showrooms, we bought our kitchen from Wren, as they really listened to everything we wanted, and we went for white gloss, as it worked perfectly for the light, streamlined look we were after. I really wanted the Neff Slide and Hide oven after seeing it on The Great British Bake Off – it’s one of my favourite shows that really inspires me in the kitchen. I wanted a wine cooler too, and the big American style fridge freezer was on my most wanted list. Thankfully Wren were able to supply everything we wanted from them, and for a great price. Before we knew it, the kitchen was ready and the beautiful worktops we’d sourced separately from a local company were in place. My father-in-law got the sink from a friend, and I sourced the black tap, which was on my wish list.

The final stretch

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Get this modern Scandi style PAGE 90

Ross and I liked the idea of a polished concrete floor, but it cost too much. Instead we found some extra-large floor tiles that had a similar effect. I stuck to a monochrome scheme, but added pastel accessories, including a baby blue Smeg kettle. We finished off with some pendant lights above the breakfast bar, which were my favorite purchase. I’ve loved the process from start to finish and couldn’t be happier with the results. It’s exactly what we wanted – it’s so functional and stylish too, and everything has its place.’

FEBRUARY 2018 | 89

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SLEEK SCANDI

Shop Rebecca’s style

SLEEK SCANDI

Create a light and airy vibe in your kitchen with these cool pieces STACK ’EM HIGH

Complement monochrome with fresh blue. Kilny pasta bowls, £40 for four, Loaf

Make a statement with a Design Letters jar. £20.50, Arne Jacobsen range, Selfridges

Keep this Kilner drinks dispenser handy at your next party, £40, Argos

Re-think essentials by going for retro style. Vintage jug kettle, £37.50, Currys

Pop a hint of green on small shelves. Mixed succulents in concrete pots, £5, Sainsbury’s

Use smoked glass to add subtle colour. Teardrop ceiling light, £45, Cuckooland

Go for the minimal look of powder-coated steel. Hee stool, £145, Hay range, Nest.co.uk

90 | FEBRUARY 2018

Introduce black accents with accessories. Stockholm oil drizzler, £12, Debenhams

Add a natural contrast with wood. Paddle chopping board, £5, Wilko

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

GRAB & GLUG

KITCHEN TAPS

Rebecca’s choice…

Buy it

A black tap has a graphic look against white tiles

AN ON-TREND KITCHEN TAP If you’re redoing the whole room or just want an easy update, go for a bold design

hese days, kitchen taps are taking centre stage rather than being purely functional, and it can be hard to know where to splash the cash. Discover the right one for you here, then turn to page 106 to see how to change your kitchen tap.

What’s on trend right now? Stainless steel and chrome have been the dominant finishes for years, but recently there’s been a move towards kitchen taps being a statement feature in their own right. The latest looks for taps range from industrial-style copper with exposed pipework or smart deco-style brushed brass, to more contemporary options in luxe rose gold or minimalist matt black.

Are these finishes as hard wearing as the ones on traditional taps? Most taps are made of stainless steel or brass which is then finished with durable metallic plating or powder-

BEST FOR… BUDGET BUYS Pick up a bargain at Sinks-taps.com – it stocks thousands of taps from brands including Abode, Franke and Caple.

CUTTING EDGE Find the latest designs and innovations from tap specialist Blanco, from mixers to monoblocs, or water-filtering taps.

KITCHEN INSPIRATION

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

Browse the kitchen galleries at Bert & May and Fired Earth to pick up ideas for co-ordinating taps, worktops and tiles.

PLENTY OF CHOICE From industrial-style wall-mounted designs to sleek swan-necked taps, there’s lots of choice at Wren Kitchens.

coating – brass is more hardy, but is pricier than stainless steel. Powdercoating is used to create coloured finishes, from black or white to bold primary colours, while metallic finishes range from polished rose gold or chrome to burnished pewter and oil-rubbed bronze, to give a darker, time-worn appearance. Solid copper and brass taps have also become popular, left uncoated so they develop an aged patina over time.

Do I need to match it to the sink? While a matching black sink and tap or an all-copper ensemble can look striking, contrasting materials work well, too, such as a ceramic butler sink teamed with brass pillar taps. For a cohesive look, choose a tap finish that ties in with those used elsewhere in your kitchen, such as cabinet handles, appliances or a particular accent colour. With under-mounted sinks, go for a tap that complements your worktop.

Can I replace my existing tap? If you’re going for a quick revamp, swap like for like, so you don’t have to go to the bother of moving pipework. Check how many tap cut-out holes you have. Most mixer taps, dual-flow and monoblocs require a single cut-out hole, while traditional pillar taps need two cut-outs, as do some bridge mixer taps. Some designs may need three holes. Wall-mounted taps are plumbed into the splashback, so these won’t affect the sink and will free up worktop space, too.

‘A BEAUTIFUL SET OF TAPS CAN BECOME A FOCAL POINT, SO CHOOSE ONES THAT ARE STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL’

3 of the best

BLACK TAPS Go dark and dramatic

TWO TONE Hypnos high-pressure single-lever mixer tap, £89, Wren Kitchens

CORNER TURN Mondella Rhumba single-lever mixer tap, £99, Homebase

CURVE APPEAL Katki matt black kitchen pin side lever tap, £47, B&Q

Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens

FEBRUARY 2018 | 91

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MICROWAVES

Buy the best

MICROWAVE Spend less time cooking with a feature-packed microwave that’s as good as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen

hree out of four us say that we couldn’t live without our microwave and with golden roast chicken, fluffy rice, tasty cakes, smoothly melted chocolate and perfectly refreshed leftovers on the menu, it’s no wonder. Crisp on the outside, moist on the inside and cooked in a flash – microwaved food is now a far cry from the dry mishaps that used to emerge.

Family favourite

Power play

Full to capacity Want to cook a whole chicken in there? You’ll need a decent capacity – anything over the 30-litre mark should hold a family-sized bird. Smaller households will be better off with a model that takes up minimal space on the worktop, so exterior dimensions are more important.

Cooking functions Microwave-only models are good for basic heating and defrosting tasks but can’t brown food. For that, you’ll want a microwave with a grill. Grills are useful for browning and crisping pies, quiches and pizzas. Combination microwaves are now popular as second ovens, using microwaves to reduce cooking times and fanned hot air (convection) to seal the outer layers of the food. This gives the moist yet crisp result you’d expect from a conventional oven.

Keep it clean A clean machine is more efficient. Ease of cleaning is affected by the interior finish – stainless steel, enamel and acrylic are relatively easy to keep sparkling with a regular wipe down.

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COOK FOR A CROWD

Dream buy A swipe-and-touch menu makes setting cooking modes and times a doddle. Plus, you can combine microwave, grill, oven and steam modes. NN-CS894 steam combination microwave oven, £530, Panasonic. Capacity 32L, power 1,000W (1,300W grill), dimensions H39x W49.4xD43.8cm FEATURES Six power levels, auto cooking, sensor cooking, catalytic self-cleaning liners

Pocket-friendly This affordable model crams in eight automatic programmes for pizza, chicken, fish, meat, pasta, soup, porridge and veg. Accents solo microwave oven, £100, Morphy Richards. Capacity 20L, power 800W, dimensions H25.5xW43xD36cm FEATURES Five power settings, defrost by weight or time, eight automatic programmes

FEATURE AMY CUTMORE AND RACHEL OGDEN

Microwave power is measured in watts – the higher the figure, the faster it should heat your food. The average is 800-900W. However, as microwave technology has improved, simply going for the most powerful model isn’t a guarantee of a better-performing oven.

Multiwave technology means your food is ready to serve straight away, instead of emerging volcano hot. Class 9 MP996IXH built-in combination steam microwave oven, around £659, Hotpoint. Capacity 40L, power 900W (1,600W grill), dimensions H45.5xW59.5xD56cm FEATURES 10 automatic programmes, programmed recipes, anti-fingerprint finish

Colour splash Available in nine colours, this isn’t just a way to brighten up your kitchen. As well as a standard microwave setting, it also includes convection cooking and a grill option, so you can brown, roast and bake everything from crisp pastry to pizza and bread. Retro SM22080 combination grill microwave, £140, Swan. Capacity 25L, power 900W, dimensions H28x W48.5xD39cm FEATURES 60-minute timer, 12 automatic programmes, fan-assisted convection oven

BLUE HUE

Brownie points Is there anything sadder than a soggy quiche? This microwave grill will produce beautifully flaky pastry, crisp pizza and the toastiest of toast, while the A Bit More button will become your go-to boost.

Quick Touch Crisp microwave with grill, £350, Sage. Capacity 25L, power 900W (1,100W grill), dimensions H31xW52xD42cm FEATURES 10 power levels, QuickStart one-touch cooking, 12-inch crisper pan

SUPER-SPEEDY MICROWAVE COOKING ACTUALLY GIVES YOU MORE NUTRITIOUS FOOD THAN OTHER METHODS Smart choice If counter space is at a premium, a built-in design is a great way to liberate room. Caple’s option offers a smart auto-cook menu and preset cooking modes for fast food at your fingertips. CM123BK built-in microwave with grill (top), £325, Caple. Capacity 25L, power 900W (1,000W grill), dimensions H46xW59.5xD48.6cm FEATURES Multi-stage cooking, auto-cook menu

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Key features to help you buy the right microwave CAPACITY Got plenty of people to feed? Pick a microwave that has a capacity of at least 30 litres – enough to take a family-sized chicken. AUTO PROGRAMMES These are

SPACE SAVING

for popular dishes such as pasta, fish and vegetables. The cleverest can even weigh your food and work out the cooking times to the second.

BUILT-IN WATER TANK Fill it up and you can use your microwave to steam veg, chicken, eggs and fish, preserving their texture and taste. GRILL Look for quartz grills that heat up and cook much faster than standard infrared ones – very useful for browning and crisping. CONVECTION Great for roasting – mixing it with microwaves reduces cooking times by at least half when

compared with a standard oven, meaning you could roast a chicken in 40 minutes using 25% less energy.

AUTO-DEFROST Auto-defrost and reheat options are good investments. ONE-TOUCH SHORTCUT KEY Look out for options for melting butter or chocolate (saving you from having to turn on the hob).

SENSOR TECHNOLOGY This measures the humidity level inside the oven and then adjusts the cooking times to prevent food from over-baking and drying out. EASY CLEANING Pyrolytic technology (incinerates mess at high temperatures) and catalytic liners (burn off any grease and food that’s on them) are usually only found on combination microwaves.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 93

‘We went for a TAKE A SHELFIE ‘I love playing around with accessories so this little shelf always has different displays!’

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Katy Lavis, 33, and I live with my husband Mike, 32, in a three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Hampshire, which we bought in August 2016. MY CHALLENGE The bathroom was very plain and lacked any character or standout features. The flooring was covered in water stains and overall the room felt unloved and in need of a little TLC. It was a great size though so it had potential. MY WISH LIST We hoped to bring our personal style into the decor of the room while complementing the Victorian era of the property. Adding drama to the room was important to us and I knew from the start that I wanted statement tiles.

94 | FEBRUARY 2018

BATHROOM MAKEOVER

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BOLD DESIGN’ BRIGHT IDEA ‘We bought the shutters from a local company as they are in keeping with the Victorian style of the property and offer plenty of privacy’

Inspired by the Victorian origins of her home, Katy gave this dated bathroom a makeover with statement flooring

B IDEA TO STEAL

‘Paint wall panelling in a dark shade for an on-trend look’

uying our first home together was a very exciting time for my husband Mike and me, and we couldn’t wait to get started on the renovations,’ says Katy. ‘We decided to begin in the attic and focus on the bedrooms, as the kitchen and living area downstairs were more liveable. The bathroom was the fourth room we tackled and we knew we’d have to redo the entire scheme to get the room we both wanted.

Starting point Luckily for us, the layout was already well designed and we were able to save time and money not having to replumb or change the configuration of the room. We were even able to keep the existing roll-top bath, radiators and toilet which meant we could spend a little more on the other parts of the room. We found a recommended local builder to do the bulk of the work, but decided to do some of the less technical jobs ourselves to stay within our budget. The wood panelling around the room looked very dated so Mike and I sanded it down and removed the varnish. This took a lot longer than we expected, as it had to be done completely by hand because of the grooves on each panel. We then had to use two coats of primer to help prepare and protect the wood, followed by two coats of paint to finish it off. It was a real labour of love but we’re thrilled with how it came out!

Overcoming hurdles

TOTAL

£1,370 TURN OVER FOR MY SHOPPING LIST

Our builder had originally estimated that the project would take four days to complete, but several issues cropped up along the way which meant it took 10 in total. When the existing shower was removed, we discovered that there had been quite a serious leak which we had to leave for several days to dry out and then seal before the new shower enclosure

FEBRUARY 2018 | 95

IDEA TO STEAL

‘Position a mirror opposite a window to reflect light and open up darker corners of the room’ IN THE ROUND ‘I’ve kept accessories fairly pared-back to let the floor stand out as the focal point’

could be fitted. The wrong basin taps had been delivered so we had to wait for replacements to arrive, along with a few other parts for the shower, which set us back a couple of days. Luckily, we have another shower in the en suite upstairs.

Design decisions Mike and I chose to keep most of the rooms bright by painting them in colours that maximise the daylight. I’ve always loved dark interior schemes, though, so we took the plunge when it came to the bathroom. With its large window, we felt it could handle a strong colour. I chose the overall scheme based on the floor tiles, as I knew I wanted to have statement flooring. We must have looked at over a hundred tile designs before going back to the first ones I found, but I’d done a lot of research, using Pinterest and my own Instagram account, @kates_victorian_home, so I was confident that they were the right choice.

All in the details With such a bold pattern on the floor, I decided to paint the wooden panels in a simple block colour and the remaining walls in crisp white to open up the space. When it came to choosing accessories and styling the space, I was keen to keep the look pared back to avoid clashing with the floor and making the room feel busy. I found the flamingo prints on Etsy and loved their pop of pink, then hung a rustic wall shelf to display small trinkets. From this project, I’ve definitely learnt not to be afraid of going bold with my decor choices – even small bathrooms need a standout feature. The space we’ve created is somewhere I love to relax after a busy day, and having a luxurious roll-top bath is the perfect finishing touch!’

96 | FEBRUARY 2018

Buy it

Shop Katy’s modern classic style PAGE 98

BATHROOM MAKEOVER

‘We took out a rounded shower enclosure to fit this large rectangular design. It feels much more spacious and I love the traditionalstyle fittings’

Do it!

REVAMP WOOD PANELLING

First, assess the condition of the panelling to ensure it hasn’t been affected by damp or mould, as this will require treatment before painting. Sand old paint or varnish off the panels by hand, taking care to work between the grooves until it’s all removed. As the panelling will be exposed to steam and splashes, it’s important to seal the wood with several coats of primer. Use a specifically designed moisture and steam resistant bathroom paint to prevent mould developing. When choosing a paint colour, consider the design and pattern of your floor and wall tiles, as well as whether you want your panelling to contrast or blend with the rest of the bathroom. Finish with a few coats of a protective clear sealer.

LUXURY LOOK ‘The marble metro tiles in the shower enclosure have a high-end feel but were a budget buy from Topps Tiles’

2 3

TIME TO UNWIND ‘The caddy from Marks & Spencer fits perfectly on the roll-top bath and its chrome finish coordinates with the taps’

‘POSITIONING THE FREESTANDING BATH NEAR THE WINDOW MEANS YOU GET PLENTY OF LIGHT AND CAN ENJOY THE VIEW WHILE YOU SOAK’

Style

Maker KATE SAYS

‘Try not to get carried away when using a bold pattern or statement hue. Choose a main element, like the floor, curtains, or a key piece of furniture to create impact while keeping the design balanced.’

Buy her style Edwardian 610 basin, £159; Grand thermostatic exposed shower valve with head and hand shower, £629; Savoy grey cabinet, £249, all Bathstore. Arte floor tiles by Progress Tiles, £47sq m, Tile Emporium Ringwood. Vyne White matt tiles, £48.89sq m, Topps Tiles. Walls painted in Dulux Rock Salt matt emulsion, £14 for 2.5L, B&Q. Wall panels painted in Dinner Jacket matt emulsion, £21.98 for 2.5L, Valspar at B&Q. Round wall mirror, £80, Dunelm. Cast iron bracket shelf in raw oak, £24, Garden Trading. Bath caddy, £50, Marks & Spencer. Flamingo print, £30, Etsy. Try the Fusion Mila towels, from £4, John Lewis. Bobble bath mat, £14, Cologne & Cotton

For more bathroom ideas and inspiration, go to pinterest.com/ styleathomemag

WORDS & STYLING CASSIE PRYCE PHOTOGRAPHS OLIVER GORDON

MAKING SPACE

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FEBRUARY 2018 | 97

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MODERN TRADITIONAL

Buy Katy’s style…

NEW TRADITION Add a modern spin with classic pieces and dramatic dark greys

THINK PINK

Inject timeless design with the round Grantham cream mirror, £35, Dunelm

Bring in a little green with an artificial eucalyptus stem, £7, The Contemporary Home

A quirky character like the Flamingo framed print, 20x30cm, £24, Juniqe, is a fun touch

Style up a shelf with personal touches. Grey reactive vase, £18, Next

Pick the discreet storage of the Savoy gunmetal grey cabinet, £209, Bathstore

Hang this rustic oak shelf with cast-iron brackets, £24, Garden Trading

Bring in subtle pattern with the grey Geo fourpiece towel bale, £30, Ideal Home range, Very

Go for dramatic walls. Dinner Jacket matt emulsion, £21.98 for 2.5L, Valspar at B&Q

Channel Victorian style with the Arte tiles, £32sq m, Tons of Tiles

98 | FEBRUARY 2018

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

MONO MAGIC

FIXED SHOWER HEADS

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Katy’s choice:

A FIXED SHOWER HEAD Sleek and stylish, a fixed shower head offers luxurious spa-style showering at home

elivering a clean, minimalist look, fixed shower heads are designed to be used with concealed controls, which means the majority of pipework is neatly hidden within the wall. Ceiling-mounted versions are better suited to smaller spaces, as the water

STARRING ROLE

flows straight down (so it’s less likely to flood over the edges of the shower tray). However, a wall-mounted design will be preferable if your ceilings are low. Don’t forget to include the price of the mounting arm when planning your budget – it’s an essential piece of kit but is usually sold separately.

GET SOAKED

This striking starburst design will pack a punch without breaking the bank. Faye fixed shower head, £36.86, Triton

This 30cm wide head provides all-over drenchstyle showering. Dominion ceiling fixed shower head, £40, Wickes

LOW PRESSURE HERO Designed for low flow rates, this model is small but powerful. Kiri Satinjet fixed shower head, £32, Methven

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

This super-slender design works with any plumbing system. Cruze fixed shower head, £89.95, Victorian Plumbing

TOP TIPS CHECK YOUR PRESSURE The bigger the shower head, the better coverage you will enjoy, but do make sure your water pressure and hot water supply can cope. If you have a low pressure system you’ll need a compatible shower head – designed for use with 0.2 bar pressure or less – or you could invest in a pump.

ADD A HAND SHOWER

DREAM TO CLEAN

SLEEK ALLROUNDER

Enjoy a luxurious shower under a fixed head

Keep water flowing smoothly thanks to easy-clean silicon nozzles. Clean 65 fixed head, £35, Bathstore

CLASSIC ROSE A timeless rose-style head is a classic look. FH TDRD01 C Traditional shower rose, £78.50, Bristan

SOME FIXED SHOWER HEAD DESIGNS ADD AIR TO THE WATER FLOW TO ACHIEVE A MORE POWERFUL SHOWER WITHOUT WASTING WATER

Fixed heads can make it hard to avoid getting your hair wet, and aren’t terribly good at hosing your shower enclosure clean. Adding a hand shower with diverter controls is a simple yet effective way to make your fixed shower more practical.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT To accommodate varying user heights, choose a model with an adjustable mounting arm that lets you direct the shower spray higher or lower. This option is also handy in smaller enclosures, as you can steer the spray away from the entrance.

GREAT FEATURES For extra luxury, seek multiple spray options that let you switch from rainfall to pulse, waterfall or jet. Rubber nozzles are designed for easy cleaning – you just rub deposits off with your thumb or a damp cloth. These are especially useful in hard water areas.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 99

Great value

SUNSHINE BREAKS

If winter is getting you down, we’ve got two fabulous offers for a one-week escape to the sun in either Croatia or Malta A Classic room at the Hotel Croatia in Cavtat

Explore the medieval city of Dubrovnik

Spinaker restaurant and lounge bar

CROATIA FROM

Banje beach, Dubrovnik

£509 PER PERSON FOR 7 NIGHTS

DISCOVER CROATIA

roatia is the hottest destination in the Med right now and not just because it’s one of the sunniest (you can expect 12 hours of sunshine in May). Its long unspoilt coastline, which hugs the Adriatic, has over a thousand beautiful islands to explore and many visitors compare it to Greece 25 years ago. Dubrovnik, an atmospheric medieval walled city, is the jewel in its glittering crown and one of the main film locations for Game of Thrones (fans will recognise it as King’s Landing). It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site and has plenty of Baroque churches, trickling fountains and elegant stone palazzi to explore in the pedestrian-only old town. It’s easy to

spend a day just people-watching at the pretty cafés and bars or by taking a stroll along the huge city walls. The Hotel Croatia in Cavtat, one of the leading five-star resorts in the area, is just across the bay on a pine-forested peninsula. You can get there easily by boat or it’s a short (less than 30 minutes) taxi ride away. The hotel boasts two quiet private beaches, an outdoor pool, spa and four great restaurants, including Spinaker, which serves fresh seafood beneath white awnings on a waterside terrace. The charming harbour town of Cavtat is a 10-minute walk away along the seafront. It’s the perfect place for a sunshine break – flights are less than three hours from London and the hotel is an eightminute drive from Dubrovnik airport. So if

you want to go from your front door to a sun lounger in less than half a day, book our fantastic offer now!

The price Seven-night stay from £509pp*

The dates The offer is valid from 1 April until 31 October 2018 and must be booked before 28 February 2018.

What’s included Seven nights’ accommodation Breakfast each morning Return flights from London Gatwick One checked bag per person Private transfers from Dubrovnik airport

A view of Valetta’s skyline

The swimming pool at the db San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Valetta harbour

Valetta at dawn

ENJOY THE MED ON MALTA

PHOTOGRAPHS SHUTTERSTOCK

or great-value spring sunshine, it’s hard to beat the beautiful island of Malta. Sitting between Sicily and North Africa, it gets more than 300 sunshine days a year – but it’s as good for sightseeing as it is for sun worshipping, with more than 7,000 years of history to soak up as well as the rays. One of the most popular resorts in the north of the island is St Paul’s Bay, just a short drive away from the capital Valetta. One of the top hotels there is the db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, where we’re offering a fantastic all-inclusive seven-night stay. Surrounded by swaying palm trees, this hotel is fresh and contemporary in design, with four outdoor pools to choose from, including a luxurious adults-only rooftop

infinity pool. There’s also a candlelit spa for pampering, as well as five excellent restaurants to choose between. At dusk, retreat to the privacy of your balcony to watch the blazing sunset – bliss.

The price Seven-night stay from £792pp*

The dates The offer is valid from 1 May until 31 October 2018. Book by 31 January 2018.

What’s included Seven nights in a double room All inclusive at all five restaurants Flights from London Gatwick Private transfers on Malta

TO BOOK CROATIA

TO BOOK MALTA

CALL 01425 292946 quote ref TSCROATIA

CALL 01425 292947, quote ref TIMEINC OFFER

FIND OUT MORE AT

styleathome.tripsmiths.com/ croatiasah

FIND OUT MORE AT

styleathome.tripsmithscom/ maltasah

MALTA FROM

£792 PER PERSON ALL INCLUSIVE ONE WEEK

OUR PARTNERS

The travel expert Prestige Holidays specialises in creating luxury holidays at some of the best hotels in the world at affordable prices: prestigeholidays.co.uk Tripsmiths is a pioneering travel and media company that partners with the world’s leading tour operators and selects global media brands to deliver truly unique and exclusive travel experiences to its customers: tripsmiths.com

* Based on two people sharing (single supplement may apply). Subject to availability. For further information and full booking details, visit the web link for each offer.

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STUFF TO INSIDE GREAT EAT, TRY & DO!

GROW CLIMBERS

CHANGE A TAP

GARDEN BUYS

BAKE YUMMY JAMMY LOVE DODGERS TAKES 40MIN, PLUS CHILLING MAKES AROUND 24 FOR THE BISCUITS 125g unsalted butter, softened 60g icing sugar, 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract sifted 200g plain flour, sifted FOR THE FILLING 8-10tbsp jam Icing sugar, for dusting

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4. Beat together the butter,

icing sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and mix to form a dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 20min, or until firm enough to roll. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, or between 2 sheets of baking parchment, to 5mm thick, and cut out rounds with a 5cm fluted cutter. Cut hearts from the centre of half the rounds.

p104 CLEAN YOUR HOB & OVEN

Place the biscuits on a baking tin lined with baking parchment and bake for 12-15min, or until light golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Sandwich the biscuits together using teaspoons of the jam and dust with icing sugar. After a while, the icing sugar will dissolve into the jam to make glossy red heart centres.

READ p110 MAKE B AND SOUP

p107 LAY A NEW PATH

FILLED WITH LOVE

FEBRUARY 2018 | 103

Do it

TIME AT HOME

Clean your

OVEN & HOB Rid your cooker of Christmas cooking residue and get it sparkling

START WITH THE OVEN Begin with the area that needs the most work – the oven. A specialist cleaner is your best bet to remove all the grease and dirt. Wearing rubber gloves, remove the shelves and place them in the bag that comes with the cleaning solution. Follow the instructions on the packet, ideally leaving the solution overnight to allow it to work its magic. Next, remove the shelves from the bag and rinse away any cleaning residue from the oven cavity and shelves before giving everything a final wipe. Don’t forget to wipe down the seals around the door. Leave the oven open to air dry, then replace the shelves and close the door. Clean, rinse and dry the oven door, giving it a spritz with equal parts vinegar and water for a shiny finish.

After working overtime at Christmas, it’s time to give your oven and hob the clean it deserves

MINIMISE BAKED-ON DRIPS BY PLACING A MAGIC NON-STICK OVEN LINER (£10.79, LAKELAND) ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF YOUR OVEN

The kit you need

CLEAN THE DIALS If your oven and hob have raised dials, knobs or buttons, wash these, too, taking care not to saturate them in water as this could affect their performance. Give them a final buff with a dry cloth.

DON’T FORGET THE EXTRAS They may not be part of the appliance but your splashback and cooker hood will benefit from a good clean, too. Depending on what your splashback is made from, whether it’s glass, stainless steel or tile, use the material-specific specialist cleaner to guarantee a clean and streak-free finish.

104 | FEBRUARY 2018

METAL MARVEL Stainless steel cleaning spray, £1.50 for 400ml, Asda

DREAM CLEANER

Hob Brite hob cleaner, £1.50 for 300ml, Ocado

EASY DOES IT THE RIGHT WIPES Hob Heaven duo microfibre cloths, £5.99, Lakeland

Oven Pride complete oven cleaner, £3 for 500ml, Wilko

GREAT FOR GRILLS No More Elbow Grease scourers, £1 for two, Marigold range, Poundland

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

TACKLE THE HOB Wipe loose food debris off your hob (if you have a gas hob, remove the pan supports and rings first). Apply warm soapy water, or better still, a specialist hob cleaner to the surface and let it soak in for a few minutes to soften any dried-on food. Use water sparingly on a gas hob as too much could damage the burners. Wipe down using warm water and a microfibre cloth and repeat the whole process until completely clean. Don’t be tempted to use a scrubber or scourer as they’ll leave marks. Soak gas rings and pan supports in warm soapy water, scrub clean, then rinse and dry.

TIME AT HOME

Do it

The10-minute

DECLUTTER

Get the place tidy in a flash with these speedy tips and handy buys

CLASSIC CADDY

TRINKET TROVE

BRIGHT SIDE

Pop coffee, tea, sugar, or anything that takes your fancy into these super jars. Enamel storage, from £19.95 each, Mini Moderns

This Rooted floral storage pot, £6, from George Home is a pretty place to store dull, everyday stuff like batteries and safety pins

Introduce some storage that’s guaranteed to make you smile. Rainbow shelf, £35, Urban Outfitters

Ready,steady,sort!

OFF THE HOOK

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Hang up great-value wall hooks that add a pop of colour to your wall, too. Vassad rack in Red, £5, Ikea

TIDY HATS & GLOVES Gather up woolly hats, gloves and scarves and store them in a basket in the hall so everyone can grab what they need. FIX THE LIVING ROOM Everyone usually hibernates in February so it’s worth tidying the living room regularly, keeping remotes in one place, as well as smoothing and plumping the sofa. CLEAR THE GARDEN Winter will have taken its toll on your garden so rake away dead leaves and debris, to make it easier to start planting again.

HOLD ALL Keep all your tools, crafting kit or knitting in one place thanks to this toolbox in Mustard, £22, Vitra range, Nest.co.uk

TREASURE CHEST

STEP UP

GRAB & GO

Squirrel away bits and bobs in these stylish yellow trunks, £90 for two, BundleBerry by Amanda Holden range, QVC

Keep your footwear from under your feet with Lakeland’s extending and stackable steel and wood-effect shoe rack, £18

Sort out all your clothes for the week and store them, ready to wear, on the Arnie clothes rail in Blue, £18, Habitat

FEBRUARY 2017 | 105

Do it

TIME AT HOME

How to replace

YOUR KITCHEN TAP Take advantage of the January sales and treat your sink to a shiny new mixer tap – it’ll give your whole kitchen a lift

YOU WILL NEED Masking tape Bucket Towel Screwdriver Adjustable wrench Box spanner Limescale remover and cloth New mixer tap Water pump pliers PTFE (plumber’s tape)

REMOVE THE OLD TAP Make a note of which supply pipe is hot and which side is cold, labelling with masking tape. Turn off your water, either with the isolating valves, or by shutting the stopcock. Run the tap to drain any water. Spread an old towel inside the cupboard and place a bucket to catch the drips.

NEED TO KNOW You’ll need to choose the right tap for your sink PRESSURE To get the most from your new tap it’ll need to suit your home’s water pressure. If it’s low, then a tap designed to operate at a low pressure will ensure a steady flow rate, while if it’s high, you can choose one with more innovative features, such as a spray head. ONE TAP HOLE Choose a monobloc tap, which has a single spout and one or two handles – a single lever or twin lever tap. TWO TAP HOLES You can choose one or two spouts; pillar taps, which are great if you’re after a budget buy; or deck/bridge mixer taps, which use two tap holes but only have one spout.

106 | FEBRUARY 2018

DISCONNECT THE TAP FROM THE WATER PIPES Loosen the nut attaching the tap to the mains pipe using an adjustable wrench (you may have two supply pipes each end with a compression fitting or two shut-off valves in the pipes under the sink). In each case, loosen and disconnect the joints with the wrench.

REMOVE THE TAP At the base of the tap, you’ll find a brass nut that holds the tap in place. This is the nut that is screwed onto the threaded bar that is attached to the base of the tap. You’ll also find a washer, too. Use a box spanner or a deep pocket bar and ratchet. Give the area around the tap hole a good clean to remove any limescale.

FIT YOUR NEW TAP Assemble your new tap if necessary. The new tap will have a tube with an external screw thread at its base. Push the tube down through the hole in the sink or worktop, then push the retaining plate and washer over the tube. Fit the nut and tighten with the wrench or pliers. Check the hot and cold connectors aren’t twisted. Reconnect to the supply valves or pipes. If the pipework to your old tap had a flexible hose, then fitting a new tap should be straightforward. If you have solid copper pipes, then unless your taps are the same length, you’ll need to use flexible hosing to bridge the gaps.

For a simple kitchen makeover, fit a shiny monobloc tap

3 of the best

KITCHEN MIXER TAPS TIME TO SHINE Kontro polished chrome monobloc tap, around £87, Caple

FINISH UP Tighten the joints, and then turn your water supply back on. Before you tidy away, check there aren’t any leaks. If a compression joint is leaking, you might need to undo the joint and wrap some PTFE tape around the inner compression ring.

WHEN TESTING YOUR NEW TAP, TURN EACH SIDE ON SLOWLY TO AVOID AN INITIAL RUSH OF WATER –IT MAY GURGLE A BIT AT FIRST

ON TREND BRASS Torc antique brass effect twin lever tap, £42, B&Q

BACK TO BLACK Black single lever mono mixer tap, £34.99, Screwfix

FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN PHOTOGRAPH TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

f your kitchen needs a mini makeover, why not upgrade your tap? It’s a job you can tackle yourself, and with a wide variety of taps available from as little as £40, it’s a low-cost upgrade, too. You’ll need access under your sink, and to know how to turn your water supply off and on again.

TIME AT HOME

Do it

QUICK-FIT CHOICE Flooring company Karndean has launched Korlok, a new version of its fabulous vinyl product with acoustic foam backing, so you don’t need to bother with underlay. It’s easy to fit, as pieces are cut with the score-and-snap method, and it can be laid over most sub-floors including laminate, ceramic tiles, parquet and floorboards. There’s no need for adhesive either as the planks seal together to create a waterproof floor. Available in 12 smart wood tones, from contemporary Texas White Ash and country-style English Character Oak to Scandi-style Washed Swiss Pine, there’s sure to be something for every home.

Beams, from £11.40 for 120cm, Slatewood

Korlok flooring, from £49sq m, Karndean

DO IT

yourself StopGap, £4.79 for a 5m roll, Itdoesthejob.com

FEATURE BECKY CLARKE

Block ﬂoor draughts While original wooden floors are a stylish option in many homes, chilly winter draughts from between the floor boards can often leave you feeling chilly. StopGap is a genius solution made from flexible plastic strips that invisibly fill the gaps, preventing draughts. Simply push the strips between the boards, leaving your floor looking great and keeping the room warmer, too.

The latest need-to-knows to help you improve your home

Lay a path Slatewood is a brilliant alternative to traditional paving and wooden sleepers. Its textured finish is similar to timber, so it’s just right if you like the look of wood but don’t fancy the upkeep that weathered timber requires. The natural slate slabs are cut using a stone or diamond saw and secured in place with cement or concrete. Use them for a variety of garden DIY projects, such as a path, or even to make a raised bed.

WHEN SAWING, SPRAY BOTH SIDES OF A HANDSAW WITH SOME WD40 TO PREVENT IT FROM STICKING AS YOU WORK

3 of the best… PLASTERBOARD FIXINGS

FOR LIGHT ITEMS

NO DRILL REQUIRED

SUPER SPRINGS

Cavity wall plugs, £2.69 for 60, Amazon

Fischer metal self-drill plasterboard fixings, £11.99 for 100,

Rawlplug cavity fixing, £10.23 for 20, B&Q

FEBRUARY 2018 | 107

Do it

PLANT CLIMBERS

Plant a screen of

CLIMBERS

‘Grow annual climbers up wigwams, and plant colourful bedding plants at the base to create a bright and cheerful patio feature.’

Our green-fingered guru, Craig Roman of Dobbies Garden Centres, explains how YOU WILL NEED Compost Pots of climbing plants Thick wooden battens Wooden trellis Garden twine Bedding plants

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Climbing plants are a great way to cover a fence or wall to give you more privacy and screen off areas that don’t look great. Roses, clematis, honeysuckle and jasmine are all good choices, but will need a framework to support them.

BUILD THE SUPPORT Most climbers need something to cling to. A wooden trellis is a great option – fit thick battens to the wall or fence surface, and then screw the trellis to this (you want it a couple of inches from the surface). The bottom of the trellis should be around 30cm from the soil level, or it will rot.

ARRANGE THE PLANTS Dig a hole twice the size of the pot for planting, at least 15cm from the wall or fence (the soil right next to the fence or wall doesn’t get as much rain so can be very dry). Dig compost into the base of the hole. Remove the pot and position the plant – along with its supporting cane – in the hole, leaning onto the support. Clematis should be planted 8cm below the soil level; for other climbers, the top of the root ball should be at the same level as the top of the soil. Refill the planting hole with a mixture of garden soil and compost, firming it up as you go.

ATTACH TO THE SUPPORT Spread out the stems and tie them onto the support with twine. Water well and keep well watered during the plant’s first year.

PRUNE ANNUALLY Prune back trailing stems and thin out new growth. If you’re unsure of the best time of year to do this for your chosen climber, check with your local garden centre.

108 | FEBRUARY 2018

WATCH OUT FOR OVERCROWDED, DISEASED OR DAMAGED STEMS ON YOUR CLIMBERS, AND IF YOU SPOT ANY, GIVE THEM A QUICK PRUNE

3 of the best..

PRIVACY SOLUTIONS SCREEN OPTION

HIDE AWAY

Wooden lattice planter, £30, Argos

BLOCK GAPS Willow screening roll, £24, B&Q

Mariposa gazebo, £400, The Range

Buy it

TIME AT HOME

£35

£25

Outdoor clock, Next

Rustic barometer, Marks & Spencer

£24.99 Cream Exeter garden clock and thermometer, Very

£40

Garden Trading Waterloo doublesided outdoor clock and thermometer, Black by Design

£30

Marylebone station clock thermometer, Dobbies Garden Centres

£15

Spring thermometer, National Trust Shop

Add a

GARDEN GADGET Prettify your plot or patio with a good-looking clock, barometer or thermometer

£40

Galvanised outdoor barometer, The Contemporary Home

£45

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH

Outdoor clock, John Lewis

RUSTLOOK FINISH

£8

Garden thermometer, Wilko

£4

Wooden garden thermometer, Wyevale

£1

Cast iron key thermometer, Poundland

FEBRUARY 2018 | 109

Fill up on

SOUP & BREAD Cheap, healthy and easy to make, nothing warms the cockles quite like a bowl of hot soup and a chunk of warm, homemade breadâ&#x20AC;Ś

PUMPKIN & ORANGE SOUP TAKES 35MIN SERVES 4 3tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 500g pumpkin, deseeded, peeled and chopped 400g sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped Zest and juice of 2 oranges 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1tsp ground coriander 850ml hot vegetable stock 50g pumpkin seeds A few sprigs of fresh coriander, to garnish

Heat 2tbsp of the olive oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion for 5min until softened, not browned. Add the pumpkin, sweet potatoes, orange zest and juice, garlic, coriander and

110 | FEBRUARY 2018

stock, then season well. Bring to the boil, then put a lid on the saucepan and simmer for 25min. Remove the saucepan from the heat and liquidise the soup using a hand-held stick blender until smooth. Heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan. Add the pumpkin seeds and a pinch of sea salt. Fry the seeds for 2-3min, shaking the pan, until they begin to pop and turn brown, then transfer to a plate. Serve the soup in warmed bowls, topped with the pumpkin seeds and fresh coriander. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

2 3

TIME AT HOME

Cook it

BEETROOT SOUP TAKES 2HR 15MIN SERVES 4-6

HEALTHY OPTION

700g raw beetroot 25g butter 1 onion, chopped 1 leek, sliced 1 carrot, peeled and chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 1tsp fennel seeds 1ltr hot chicken or vegetable stock 3tbsp dry sherry Natural yogurt and chopped chives, to serve

Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Trim the beetroot, wrap in foil and place in a roasting tin. Cook for 1hr-1hr 30min until tender. Remove from the oven, leave to cool, then peel and chop. Melt the butter in a pan. Add the onion, leek and carrot and cook gently for 10-15min until the vegetables soften. Add the garlic and fennel seeds and cook for 1min. Add the beetroot, stock and sherry. Season, stir well, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25min. Cool the soup slightly, then use a stick blender to puree smooth. To serve, bring the soup back to the boil and adjust the seasoning. Serve in warmed bowls with a dollop of yogurt and the chopped chives.

PREFER A SMOOTHER SOUP? BEFORE SERVING, USE A STICK BLENDER TO BLITZ TO A VELVETY TEXTURE WINTER VEGETABLE SOUP TAKES 40MIN SERVES 6 1 onion, chopped 1tbsp olive oil 2tsp ground coriander Pinch of cinnamon 200g carrots, peeled and sliced 200g parsnips, peeled and sliced 250g sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 250g butternut squash, peeled and cubed 1½ ltr hot vegetable stock 200g cooked butter beans

Heat the olive oil and fry the onion for a few minutes to soften. Add the coriander and pinch of cinnamon and cook for 30secs. Transfer to a large saucepan and add the carrots, parsnips and cubes of sweet potatoes and butternut squash, along with the hot vegetable stock. Season and simmer for 20min until the vegetables have softened. Add the butter beans to the soup, warm it through and then serve.

LOW CALORIE

FEBRUARY 2018 | 111

HADDOCK & SALMON CHOWDER TAKES 30MIN SERVES 4 1tbsp olive oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped 2 sticks celery, chopped 1ltr milk 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 2tbsp thickening granules 250g smoked haddock fillets, skinned 250g salmon fillets, skinned 300g frozen sweetcorn flat leaf parsley, to serve

1 QUICK & EASY

Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onion and celery and cook gently for 5min until softened. Pour in the milk, add the potatoes and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5min, then stir in the thickening granules. Add the smoked haddock, salmon and sweetcorn. Simmer for 7min until the fish is just tender. Season to taste and then garnish with parsley leaves before serving.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE THICKENING GRANULES, USE 2 TBSP CORNFLOUR MIXED WITH A LITTLE WATER INSTEAD CREAMY WILD MUSHROOM SOUP TAKES 30 MIN SERVES 4 Small handful of dried porcini mushrooms 1tbsp olive oil Knob of butter 150g fresh wild mushrooms 300g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 1 onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed Few sprigs of thyme 600ml hot vegetable stock 2tbsp creme fraiche Baguette slices, toasted, to serve Soft, mild goat’s cheese, to serve

1 2

Put the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and pour over 150ml warm water. Leave to soak for 10min. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a frying pan. Put the wild and chestnut mushrooms into the pan and fry for 3-4min. Remove a few mushrooms to use as a garnish. Add the onion, garlic and thyme, and fry for 2min. Add the stock and soaked porcini, then stir in the water used to soak the mushrooms. Bring to the boil, then simmer, half-covered, for 10min. Blend the mixture in batches in a food processor, retaining some of the mushroom texture. Season to taste. Return to the pan and stir in the creme fraiche. Serve with the toast topped with goat’s cheese and mushrooms.

4 5

112 | FEBRUARY 2018

VEGGIE TREAT

TIME AT HOME

Cook it

TEAR & SHARE

CHILLI, TOMATO & HERB BREAD RING TAKES 1HR PLUS PROVING SERVES 10 225ml whole milk 90g unsalted butter 500g strong white bread flour 1 x 7g sachet active dried yeast 1tsp salt 1tbsp caster sugar 2 egg yolks FOR THE FILLING 45g unsalted butter 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 red chilli, chopped 1½tsp fennel seeds, ground 1tsp sweet smoked paprika 200g semi sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped Handful of chopped herbs (eg parsley and basil)

Heat the milk and butter in a pan until the butter melts, mix well, then leave until just warm. Put the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a bowl, make a well in the centre and add the egg yolks. Pour in the cooled milk mixture. Mix well to make a soft dough. Tip the dough onto a floured surface and knead. To knead, hold the dough on one side, push and press it away with the heel of your other hand, then fold it back on itself and repeat. It should feel springy. Once kneaded, put the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a damp tea towel. Leave the dough in a warm place like an airing cupboard for 1hr – it will be ready to roll once it has doubled in size. Then tip on to a floured surface and roll into a 23x30cm rectangle. For the filling, mix the butter, oil, garlic, chilli, fennel seeds and paprika, and spread over the dough. Sprinkle over the tomatoes and herbs. Roll into a log, so the shorter side is the length. Cut in half along the length, then turn so the cut side is on top. Press the two pieces together at one end, twist them over each other, then join both sides to make a ring. Press the ends together to hold. Put on a greased baking tray and leave to rise again in a warm place for 30min. Heat the oven to 190°C/Fan 170°C/ Gas 5. Bake for 25-35min in the middle of the oven. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil to serve.

2 3

4 5

FEBRUARY 2018 | 113

COURGETTE & BLACKSTICKS BLUE SOUP TAKES 45MIN SERVES 6-8 1tbsp oil 2 25g butter large onions, peeled and chopped 150g pancetta cubes or smoked lardons 250g new potatoes, skin on and chopped 1kg courgettes, chopped 1 litre hot chicken or vegetable stock 225g Blacksticks Blue (or Shropshire Blue) cheese, chopped 4tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Melt the butter with the oil in a pan and cook the onions gently for 15min until soft. Add half the pancetta and cook for 5min. Add the potatoes, courgettes and stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10min, until the potatoes are tender. Fry the remaining pancetta until crispy and drain on kitchen paper. Add 150g of the cheese, then give the soup a quick whizz with a stick blender. Leave it quite chunky â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want a puree. Stir in the parsley, then serve with the crispy pancetta and remaining cheese crumbled on top.

YUMMY COMBO

114 | FEBRUARY 2018

TIME AT HOME

Cook it

LEEK, POTATO & STILTON SOUP TAKES 50MIN SERVES 4 40g butter 1 onion, chopped 700g leeks, sliced 1tbsp chopped thyme 500g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1ltr vegetable stock 200g Stilton cheese, crumbled, plus extra to serve 2tsp freshly grated nutmeg 50g creme fraiche, plus extra to serve

1 2 HEARTY DISH

Melt the butter in a pan and fry the onion and white parts of the leeks, reserving the rest, for 10min. Add the thyme, potatoes and hot stock. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 25min. Add green parts of the leeks and cook for 5min. Add the Stilton, nutmeg and creme fraiche, and heat gently until the cheese melts. Top with Stilton and creme fraiche to serve.

DON’T RUSH THE SHAPING PROCESS AS IT’LL MAKE THE DOUGH PLUMP AND ROUND SEEDED MALTY ROLLS TAKES 1HR 20MIN PLUS PROVING MAKES 12 500g strong malted brown bread flour 2tsp light brown sugar 10g fast-action dried yeast 10g salt 45g unsalted butter, softened 2-3tbsp milk, plus extra to glaze 2tbsp mixed seeds, oats and a sprinkling of flour

SUPER SIDE

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM

Place the flour in a large bowl, make a well in the centre and add the sugar, yeast and salt in three separate piles. Put the butter into the well, then pour in the milk and 300-325ml tepid water. Mix slowly until it starts to come together. Tip on to a floured surface and knead for 10min or until springy. Set in an oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Leave somewhere warm to rise for 1hr. Tip the dough on to a lightly floured surface, divide it into 12 portions and cover with a damp tea towel. Shape each roll into a ball by turning the sides into the middle, removing any creases from the top. Roll by setting the ball on the work surface, cupping it with your hand, and pressing the sides lightly. Move in circles to create a smooth ball. Place the rolls on a 20x30cm greased oven tray. Brush with milk and sprinkle with seeds, oats and flour. Cover with oiled clingfilm. Leave to rise in a warm place for 45min. Heat the oven to 220°C/ Fan 200°C/Gas 7 and bake for 20min.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 115

Cook it

TIME AT HOME

Pick a healthy option...

CLASSIC GIFT Mini Marc de Champagne truffles, £13.95 for 100g, Prestat

CHEAT’S EATS

Super Green Nourish Bowl, £3.59 for 365g, Co-op

Supermarket

NEWS

The tastiest treats, speediest meals and coolest kit in your trolley this month

Three of the best… VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCS

ONE FOR SHARING Scofflets chocolate truffle bites in Maple & Hazelnut, £2 for 100g, Monty Bojangles range, Waitrose

TOTALLY PERSONAL Make Your Own chocolate bars, £25 for three, The Grown Up Chocolate Company

116 | FEBRUARY 2018

Having spent the festive season slaving in the kitchen, this month you can be all about keeping things simple for dinner. Quick and easy to prepare, Charlie Bigham’s classic Sausage & Mash features a traditional British Cumberland sausage ring together with creamy mashed potato, served with a rich port and red wine gravy. All you have to do is switch the oven on. Sausage & Mash for two, £7.50, Charlie Bigham’s range, Waitrose

New year, new cookware If your pans have seen better days, how about upgrading to something long-lasting? GreenPan’s range has a non-stick layer made from eco-friendly materials. What’s more, they’re scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe and can be used on all types of hob. GreenPan Venice non-stick frying pans, from £40, John Lewis

DITCH THE PASTRIES AND START YOUR DAY OFF WITH A SUPER NUTRITIOUS BREKKIE USING OXO’S FAFF-FREE MICROWAVE EGG COOKER, £9

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

With Christmas not long gone, you may now be thinking about some healthier dinner options. Thankfully, Co-op has a new range of super-nutritious meals. Weighing in at a mere 289 calories, the Super Green Nourish Bowl is a verdant feast of flavours tossed in a delicious kale pesto dressing. For something a little heartier, try the low-fat Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, £2.49 for 400g, which, at just 310 calories, will help you feel both smug AND satisfied. All dishes serve one.

MARKETPLACE

Looking for something special? You'll ďŹ nd it in our easy-to-follow guide

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housetohome.co.uk/directory

Where to

SHOP

Find out where to get your favourite buys in this issue

All Posters 020 8435 6555, allposters.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645, amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Andrew Martin 020 7225 5100, andrewmartin.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168, anniesloan.com Antiques Atlas 0161 613 5714, antiques-atlas.com Argos 0345 640 2020, argos.co.uk Art.co.uk 020 8435 6556 Artisans of Devizes 01380 735888, artisansofdevizes.com Atkin and Thyme 020 3768 7775, atkinandthyme.co.uk

B&Q diy.com Bathstore 0330 053 5661, bathstore.com Bert & May 020 3744 0776, bertandmay.com Black by Design 01889 502716, black-by-design.co.uk Blanco 0844 912 0100, blanco.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 01143 217000, bobbyrabbit.co.uk British Ceramic Tile 01626 834774, britishceramictile.com

California Shutters 0800 195 0196, californiashutters.co.uk Caple 0117 938 1900, caple.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444, carpetright.co.uk Castlegate Lights 01642 714444, castlegatelights.co.uk Cath Kidston 0333 320 2663, cathkidston.com Cole & Son 020 7376 4628, cole-and-son.com Cologne & Cotton 0845 262 2212, cologneandcotton.com Co-operative 0800 068 6727, co-op.co.uk Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123, coxandcox.co.uk Crown 0330 024 0281, crownpaints.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231, cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960, cultfurniture.com Currys 0344 561 0000, currys.co.uk

Debenhams 0344 800 8877, debenhams.com DFS 0808 149 7607, dfs.co.uk Dobbies Garden Centres 0131 561 6406, dobbies.com Dogs Trust 020 7837 0006, dogstrust.org.uk Dotcomgiftshop 020 8746 2473, dotcomgiftshop.com Dulux 0333 222 7171, dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565, dunelm.com

eBay ebay.co.uk Element One House 020 3894 9885, elementonehouse.com Emma Bridgewater 01782 407733, emmabridgewater.co.uk Etsy etsy.com

120 | FEBRUARY 2018

Farrow & Ball 01202 876141, farrow-ball.com Fired Earth 0845 366 0400, ﬁredearth.com Franke 0161 436 6280, franke.com Frenchic 01276 469757, frenchicpaint.co.uk

Garden Trading 01993 845559, gardentrading.co.uk George Home 0800 952 3003, george.com Getting Personal gettingpersonal.co.uk Graham & Brown 0800 328 8452, grahambrown.com Gumtree gumtree.com

Habitat 0344 499 4686, habitat.co.uk Harlequin 020 3457 5862, stylelibrary.com/harlequin Harriman & Co 0116 251 2942, harrimanandco.com Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400, hobbycraft.co.uk Homebase 0345 077 8888, homebase.co.uk Homescapes 0121 368 0051, homescapesonline.com HomeSense 01923 473561, homesense.com Hotpoint 0344 822 4224, hotpoint.co.uk House of Fraser 0345 602 1073, houseoffraser.co.uk

Ian Snow 01271 858649, iansnow.com Ikea 020 3645 0000, ikea.co.uk

Jane Clayton & Company 01761 404505, janeclayton.co.uk JD Williams 0871 231 2000, jdwilliams.co.uk John Lewis 0345 604 9049, johnlewis.com Joules 0345 250 7160, joules.com Juniqe 0330 777 1297, juniqe.co.uk

Melody Maison 01302 741000, melodymaison.co.uk Mini Moderns 020 7737 6767, minimoderns.com Monsoon Home 0870 412 9000, monsoon.co.uk Morphy Richards 0344 871 0944, morphyrichards.co.uk Mylands 020 8670 9161, mylands.co.uk

National Trust Shop 0300 123 2025, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk Neptune 01793 427300, neptune.com Nest.co.uk 0114 243 3000, nest.co.uk Next 0333 777 8000, next.co.uk Nkuku 0333 240 0155, nkuku.com

Oasis 0345 257 3333, oasis-stores.com Ocado 0345 656 1234, ocado.com Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110, oliverbonas.com Olli Ella 020 7713 8668, olliella.com Orwell and Goode 07717 418607, orwellandgoode.com Oscar Francis oscarfrancis.co.uk Oxo 0114 290 1455, oxo.com

Panasonic 0344 844 3899, panasonic.co.uk Papermash 07970 945477, papermash.co.uk Pastel Lane 07949 339416, pastellane.business.site Poundland 0800 731 5622, poundland.co.uk Preloved preloved.co.uk Prestat 020 8961 8555, prestat.co.uk Prestige Granite & Marble 0151 548 1144, prestigegranite.co.uk Primark 020 7495 0420, primark.co.uk

Quick-Step 0844 811 8288, quick-step.co.uk QVC 0800 514131, qvcuk.com

Karndean Designﬂooring 01386 820100, karndean.com Katie Alice katie-alice.co.uk King & McGaw 01273 511942, kingandmcgaw.com La Redoute 0844 842 2222, laredoute.co.uk Lakeland 01539 488100, lakeland.co.uk Laura Ashley 0333 200 8009, lauraashley.com Loaf 0845 468 0698, loaf.com Lush Designs 020 8694 1664, lushlampshades.co.uk

M&Co mandco.com Made.com 0344 257 1888, made.com Maisons du Monde 0808 234 2172, maisonsdumonde.com Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000, marksandspencer.com Marquis & Dawe 01925 767611, marquisanddawe.co.uk Mason Cash 0151 486 1888, masoncash.co.uk

Red Candy 0121 224 7728, redcandy.co.uk Roberts Radio 0333 014 2505, robertsradio.co.uk Rust-Oleum 0191 410 6611, rustoleumspraypaint.com Sage 0808 178 1650, sageappliances.co.uk Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636262, sainsburyshome.co.uk Screwﬁx 0500 414141, screwﬁx.com Selfridges 0800 123400, selfridges.com Sinks-taps.com 01759 307262 Slatewood 01270 483763, slatewood.co.uk Smeg 0844 557 9907, smeguk.com Stopgap 029 2021 3736, stopgaps.com Style Library 020 3457 5862, stylelibrary.com Sue Ryder sueryder.org Swan 01733 404703, swan-brand.co.uk Swoon Editions 020 3389 7550, swooneditions.com

T&Shop tandshop.com The British Blanket Company 0845 474 1747, thebritishblanketcompany.com The Contemporary Home 0845 130 8229, tch.net The Cotswold Company 0333 200 1725, cotswoldco.com The Grown Up Chocolate Company 01279 430293, thegrown upchocolatecompany.co.uk The Range 0345 026 7598, therange.co.uk Tiger tigerstores.co.uk Tile Emporium Ringwood 01425 478769, tileemporiumringwood.uk Tile Mountain 01782 223822, tilemountain.co.uk TK Maxx 01923 473561, tkmaxx.com Tolly McRae tollymcrae.co.uk Tons of Tiles 01752 785623, tonsoftiles.co.uk Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262, toppstiles.co.uk

WHERE TO BUY

Use colourful patterns to refresh your bedroom for spring

Buy it

UK Flooring Direct 0844 327 0000, ukflooringdirect.co.uk Urban Outfitters 0845 330 1288, urbanoutfitters.co.uk Utility 01273 626222, utilitygreatbritain.co.uk Utility Design 0151 708 4192, utilitydesign.co.uk

Valspar 0344 736 9174, valsparpaint.co.uk Very 0844 822 2321, very.co.uk Vinterior 020 3393 0383, vinterior.co/

Waitrose 0800 188884, waitrose.com Wallpaper Direct 01323 430886, wallpaperdirect.com Walls and Floors 01536 314730, wallsandﬂoors.co.uk White Stuff 020 3752 5360, whitestuff.com Wild & Wolf 01225 789909, wildandwolf.com Wilko 0800 032 9329, wilko.com Windsor Browne 01302 741009, windsorbrowne.co.uk Wren wrenkitchens.com Wyevale Garden Centres 0344 272 3000, wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Zara Home 0800 026 0091, zarahome.com

EDITORIAL Editor Vanessa Richmond 020 3148 7335 Executive Editor Jane Akers 020 3148 7313 Acting Deputy Editor Heather Young 020 3148 7326 Associate Editor Ginevra Benedetti 020 3148 7347 Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor Sarah Farley 020 3148 7334 Style Editor Michela Colling 020 3148 7355 Houses Editor Ruth Corbett 020 3148 7330 Creative Director Georgia Hibberdine 020 3148 7342 Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson 020 3148 7338 Decorating Editor Nicky Phillips 020 3148 7346 Senior Features Editor Stephanie Durrant 020 3148 6218 Features Editor Holly Walsh 020 3148 7353 Head Of Art Operations Alison Walter 020 3148 7113 Senior Designer Christina McQuillan 020 3148 7343 Head Of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Jennie Filer Senior Sub-Editors Marian McNamara, Fiona Mace Editorial Assistant Sally Dominic 020 3148 7154

ADVERTISING Publisher and Head Of Homes Network Joanne O’Hara PA to Publisher Helen Large 020 3148 7641 Advertisement Manager Sharon Goode 020 3148 7631 International/Luxury Account Manager Carol Bunce 020 3148 7620 London Sales Manager Ruth Roscorla 020 3148 7639 Classiﬁed Sales Manager Emma van der Veen 020 3148 2635 Inserts Canopy Media Sales and Management 0845 544 1857 Sales Executive Natalie Simonovitch 020 3148 2646

REGIONAL ADVERTISING

TERMS AND CONDITIONS for p122 For your chance to win a Hobbycraft gift card worth £150, valid for two years, upload a picture of your latest project to Instagram tagging @styleathomemag with #SAHcrafting by 12 noon GMT on Monday 8 January. The editor’s decision about the winning entry is final. Participants must be UK residents, at least 18 years of age, and must accurately complete all entry requirements. The delivery address must be a UK address. Employees of Hobbycraft and their immediate families will not be eligible to enter, nor shall any affiliated agents or anyone professionally connected to the promotion. Prizes are non-refundable and non-transferable. No substitution of the prize is allowed.

EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/ IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@timeinc.com or write to Complaints Manager, Time Inc. (UK)

Ltd Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material that you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

Style at Home is published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 161 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9AP, England. Distributed by MarketForce (UK) Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU (020 3787 9001). Time Inc. (UK) Ltd regrets that it cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any unsolicited material. By submitting any material to Time Inc. (UK) Ltd you consent to Time Inc. (UK) Ltd and/or its associated companies reusing the submitted material in any format or medium throughout the world in perpetuity. Time Inc. (UK) Ltd reserves the right to shorten or modify any submitted material at its own discretion. The contents of the magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted without permission. Repro by Rhapsody. Cover and Text printed by Wyndeham Bicester. Style at Home is sold subject to these conditions: that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price on the cover, selling price in EU and Eire subject to VAT, and that it shall not be lent, re-sold, hired out or disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. All information and prices correct at time of going to press. We cannot guarantee items are in stock: check before visiting a store. While we try to answer enquiries, we cannot guarantee a response.

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PRODUCTION Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman 020 3148 7891 Deputy Editorial Production Manager Clare Willetts 020 3148 7892 Editorial Production Noel Allen, Sarah Llewellyn Advertisement Production Co-Ordinator Nicholas Liermann Production Manager John Botten 020 3148 5431 Production Operations Director Richard Hill 020 3148 5424 Syndication Efi Mandrides 020 3148 5485

PUBLISHING Managing Director Roger Cummings Assistant to Managing Director Giulietta Vella 020 3148 6214 Publisher Tom Smith 020 3148 6235 Client Investment Director Sian Roberts 020 3148 6778 Group Managing Director, Lifestyle Andrea Davies EA to Group Managing Director, Lifestyle Amanda Coleman 020 3148 5103

PRINTING Repro by Rhapsody Cover and Text printed by Wyndeham Bicester

BACK ISSUES Contact John Denton Services at Back Issues Department, Unit 6, Viking Trade Park, Newark Road, Peterborough PE1 5GE, 01733 688964

FEBRUARY 2018 | 121

Love it

LOOK WHAT YOU STYLED

Clever crafter @karenlleonard has framed a rather handsome stag to make some smart art

We love anything twinkly, so this willow star by @butterflystitches is right up our street

@amytooley makes knocking up some new living room cushions look easy as pie

This monthwe’re loving

#SAHWINTERMAKES Next issue, share what you’ve been busy creating by tagging your Insta snaps with #SAHcrafting at @styleathomemag

WINNER!

Who fancies snuggling up with this cheeky monkey wheat bag by @quirkybird_26?

We love @lemon_light_beck’s creation using just an old pallet and leftover copper pipe

We’d definitely like one of @echodesignsuk’s simple dried eucalyptus artworks on our wall

Win £150!

Thrifty @kerriemitchell made these storage baskets using cardboard boxes and gift wrap

122 | FEBRUARY 2018

Is it a chair or a plant stand?! @hyggesnak_ sam had fun upcycling a charity shop chair!

See terms and conditions on page 121

FEATURE HEATHER YOUNG

Post your snap on Instagram with the #SAHcrafting hashtag and our favourite picture will win a Hobbycraft gift card worth £150!