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NOVEMBER 2018

me to transform your ho

Naughty but nice chocolate pud recipes

How to... 3 Save £££s on your Christmas shopping 3 Choose the perfect pet insurance 3 Fill your home with natural light

Budget-friendly ways to revamp your kitchen

Real homes

Creative projects for cosying up your home

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to inspire you

with lots of ideas to steal

chic terraced house k cosy chapel conversion k elegant bungalow k rustic former pig shed

Expert advice for every room... 3 Learn to be more confident with pattern 3 Discover how to heat your home in style 3 Create a calm bathroom using neutrals 3 Find the perfect carpet for every room

Quality bathrooms without splashing out

Photo Lizzie Orme

Welcome

Editor’s letter

Now that winter’s finally here it’s time to hunker down and stay indoors. This month we’ve got plenty of ideas for creating a home you’ll want to spend more time in. On page 115 we take a look at stylish ways to heat your home, from flueless fires to wood-burning Our Craft Editor, Sophie, has been creating stoves, there’s a design to suit every some gorgeous crafts to cosy up your home home. And, if you long for something this winter. Find them on p.60 and p.64. warm underfoot, check out our buyer’s guide to carpets on page 36, where you’ll find all the ideas and expert advice you need to help you pick the perfect design for every room. I know many of you are a little unsure of how to use pattern in your home, so on page 40 we help you to discover your pattern personality and give you the confidence you need to give your rooms a brand-new look that really reflects your style. If, like me, you love taking a peek behind closed doors, then you’re going to love our gorgeous reader homes in this issue (p.73). We’ve got rmar Carpet everything from a converted chapel David Cormack, from The Co the process to a terraced ex-council house and Company, guides us through 6. on of buying a new carpet p.3 Treat yourself or a loved all of them are full of design ideas one this Christmas with our to copy in your own home. amazing subscriber offer. See Finally, we’ve got an amazing subscription offer for you this page 86 for more details. month with five issues of Your Home for just £5! It’s the perfect Christmas gift for the interiors or craft lover in your life. Turn to page 86 to find out all www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk the details and be in with a facebook.com/yourhomemag chance of receiving a gorgeous @Your_Home artisan gin and tonic instagram.com/yourhomemagazine candle. Have fun pinterest.com/yourhomemag reading this issue!

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Editor-in-Chief Anna-Lisa De’Ath Associate Editor Lisa Hibberd Executive Editor Lara Berry Acting Deputy Editor Laura Higgins Features Editor Alice Butler Craft Editor Sophie Tarrant Style Editor Hugh Metcalf Editorial Assistant Matilda Bourne Designers Jo Higgs, Amanda Botragyi Advertising Manager Simon Daniel Classified Sales Executive Natasha Jackson Production Director Reg French Marketing and Circulation Rachel Taylor Back issues Hilary King Financial Controller Lesley Shard Managing Director Luke Patten Contact Your Home at Hubert Burda Media UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU. Tel: 01206 851117; Fax: 01206 849078 Subscriptions Tel: 01206 849077; Editorial email: yourhome@burdamagazines.co.uk Advertising Sales Tel: 01206 851117; Classified Sales Tel: 01206 851117 Burda Community Network Germany Julia Mund T. +49 89 92 50 31 97 Julia.Mund@burda.com, Michael Neuwirth T. +49 89 9250 3629 michael.neuwirth@ burda.com Switzerland Goran Vukota T. +41 44 81 02 146 goran.vukota@burda.com France/Luxembourg Marion Badolle-Feick T. +33 1 72 71 25 24 marion. badolle-feick@burda.com Austria Christina Bresler T. +43 1 230 60 30 50 Christina.Bresler@burda.com USA/Canada/Mexico Salvatore Zammuto T. +1 212 884 48 24 salvatore.zammuto@burda.com Prices and availability were checked at time of going to press, but we cannot be held responsible for any changes. No part of Your Home may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher. The publisher, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. We can’t guarantee that colours reproduced will be an accurate representation due to the printing process. Neither the Editor nor publishing company accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. Competition rules apply to all competitions/giveaways in Your Home. Employees of Hubert Burda Media UK and associated companies are not eligible. There is no cash alternative to prizes. Should the prize become unavailable Your Home has the right to offer an alternative prize. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Your Home is distributed by Marketforce Tel: (020) 3148 3300.

Contents 48

100

Fresh inspiration for your kitchen

Sarah knocked down walls and used a roof lantern for a light-filled space

Tuck into these chocolate-rich desserts

Cosy up to the modern-country trend

Play with pattern for a new look

40 November at home 5

Pg 5

This month we love Our favourite things to buy, see and do, plus the best bonfire night out

11 Household hints Follow our helpful tips and snap up our best buys 15 Be a smarter shopper Savvy ways to cut the cost of gift shopping, plus how to declutter before Christmas 16 Consumer advice We focus on finding the right pet insurance

Decorating

Pg 19

20 Trend alert: Modern rural Mix contemporary and country styles for a sophisticated take on cosy 36 Live in comfort and style with carpet Cosy, durable and dramatic – you can have it all with carpet 40 What’s your pattern personality? What does your choice of pattern and print say about you?

Makeovers

Pg 24

We gave our bathroom a vintage look that’s big on style Sarah and Marina turned a bedroom into a stylish new bathroom

Our bathroom was so dated, we started again Jo couldn’t wait to bring light and colour into a dark and old-fashioned family bathroom

We now have a family friendly space Zoe transformed her cramped and uninspiring bathroom with a space-saving suite

My cramped kitchen was dark and badly organised Michelle transformed a lacklustre kitchen with a splash of colour for a retro feel

Reader homes

Pg 73

We put our heart and soul into creating the perfect home Using recycled materials, Justin and Bobs have brought character to their converted chapel

Kitchens & bathrooms Pg47

I was looking for my forever home Imogen has turned a jaded 1950s ex-council house into a stylish and inviting family home

We’ve given a tired house a fresh makeover Knocking down walls and opening up spaces has given Sarah and Colin a light and airy house

Take two looks Dreaming of a new kitchen? Draw inspiration from these two schemes – then snap up similar buys for less

52 Create a timeless look with neutrals Chose a pared-back palette to create a serene space to unwind in

Have you missed an issue? Call 01206 851117 to order back copies

PLUASGE!

12-P PULL-OUT GUIDE

Make it easy! Pg 59

Our practical guide is full of easy step-by-step projects to help you learn new skills

DIY pamper treats to help you unwind

Our converted pig shed is full of rural charm Almost everything is recycled or reinvented in Sally and John’s countryside retreat

Food & entertaining 44

Pg 99

Kick-start your day with the perfect cup of coffee Enjoy creating café-style drinks at home with our edit of the best makers and gadgets

100 Divine desserts There’s no holding back on the chocolate with these rich and indulgent treats

Home improvement Pg 105 106 Bright ideas to fill your home with light From quick tricks to larger projects for bringing in the light 111 Property know-how with George Clarke This month, George discusses Energy Performance Certificates

115 Heat your home in style From flueless fires to wood-burning stoves, there’s an additional heating solution to suit every space

62 64

Build a rustic-style tray from an unwanted pallet

Don’t miss out! 9

Your letters We take a look at some of your news, views and photographs

86 Subscribe to Your Home Take out a subscription for your chance to win a Gin & Tonic fragranced candle 113 Win! This month we’re offering 62 winners a pair of tickets to The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show 118 Giveaways This month’s amazing prizes include a Christmas cookery class and a state-of-the-art kitchen tap

Get cosy with a soft pompom cushion

Plus, check out... 66 Hugh’s home hacks This month, drills are put through their paces

120 Shopping guide Find out where to buy everything in this issue

68 Ask the experts We answer your DIY and maintenance questions with some help from the experts

128 Eco news Discover the latest ideas and top buys for a greener lifestyle

70 Craft stash The latest creative news, buys and workshops

Feature Matilda Bourne

A dazzling night out Remember, remember, the 5th of November! Nothing says autumn quite like Guy Fawkes night – the smell of a smokey bonfire and sickly sweet toffee apples alongside the explosive displays of shimmering fireworks. It’s one of our favourite times of the season! This year, one of the most spectacular displays can be found at Britain’s fair ocean city, Plymouth. Taking place at Plymouth Hoe on Monday, 5th November, it’s a fantastic chance to see the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse illuminated by some of the best pyrotechnics in the country! For more information, head to www.visitplymouth.co.uk.

This month we love...

For stockists see page 120

Make the most of November with the best things to do, see and buy this month

Hidden gem:

Printer + Tailor, Hereford

Set in the idyllic cathedral city of Hereford, just a stone’s throw away from the River Wye, is the contemporary homeware and gift emporium Printer + Tailor. Its owners Karon and Simon Hamilton have spent their days trawling all the major interior trade shows in Europe to deliver all the latest home décor trends, alongside a good helping of classic Scandi style! Whether you’re in need of a chic new table lamp or the perfect pressie for a friend, Printer + Tailor will have you covered. Printer + Tailor, 35-37 Windemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9EA; www.printerandtailor.com.

A blast from TV’s past It’s 5pm and you’ve just got home from school. That’s right – it’s Blue Peter time! No matter what age you are, everyone remembers Blue Peter; after all, it was the ultimate show for keen crafters! What BP didn’t know about pipe cleaners, empty washing-up bottles and double-sided sticky tape just wasn’t worth knowing. Now a new book aims to celebrate its 60th year: Here’s One I Made Earlier hits the shelves on 6th October and contains 60 of Blue Peter’s most iconic makes. With contributions from the show’s Anthea Turner and Margaret Parnell, you can make your favourite TV crafts all over again – even Tracy Island! Here’s One I Made Earlier (£14.99, Octopus Publishing)

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

November 2018

GREAT IDEAS FOR...

International Cake Day Get a slice of the action on 26th November! t

Make your cupcakes stand out from the crowd Three-tier cupcake stand, £27.99, Fearne by Swan

Impress your guests with a vertical cake topping Anti-gravity cake kit, £9.99, Lakeland

Funky cupcake cases are perfect for children’s birthday parties Wilton dots and stripes cupcake cases, £4 per pack of 150 cases, Hobbycraft

Every great bake starts with a fabulous apron

Paintbox flowers dress apron, £24, Cath Kidston

Purr-fectly cute loot Calling all animal lovers! It’s time to head down to White Stuff and check out its new limited-edition range of pet-themed fashion and homeware. Bursting with fun colours and abstract animal prints, this new 13-piece collection includes jumpers, scarves, mugs and T-shirts – perfect for that winter wardrobe revamp! Plus, with five per cent of each sale going to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, you’ll be doing your bit for charity, too. To see the whole range, visit www.whitestuff.com. Cat and dog print scarf, £22.50; pink cat mug, £9.95, both White Stuff x Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Lest we forget

Marking 100 years since the end of the First World War and the beginning of the Royal British Legion, this November is set to be a poignant month of both remembrance and gratitude. Using the hashtag #ThankYou100, the Royal British Legion is asking its supporters to share their appreciation on social media for all those who served, sacrificed and helped make our world a safer place. Plus, in remembrance of all the courageous women who contributed working as nurses, in factories and on the land, the charity has launched a new poppy brooch, complete with a certificate commemorating a woman who lost her life while serving in the auxiliary units of the First World War. To pick your poppy, visit www.poppyshop.org.uk. The Poppy Collection Women of the First World War brooch, £29.99, Royal British Legion

t This will have you bowled over! Mixing bowl in bright green, from £23, Mason Cash

Get ready to snap up those sale finds, because Friday 23rd November is Black Friday when you’ll find some of the biggest discounts of the year. Though don’t be fooled into thinking this is a measly one-day affair. With last year’s Amazon sale lasting a whole 10 days, and other retailers opting to extend the bargains way into the weekend, we’d recommend looking out for those price drops from the 16th November. Remember, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

November 2018 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Image iStock

Black Friday bargains

Dark and dramatic

H L I N E . Larna Graphite

North Bakewell 01629 812200 Blackburn 01254 693765 Bury 01204 772870 Cleckheaton 01274 862323 Doncaster 01302 364809 Eccleston 01257 806226 Fleetwood 01253 283786 Grimsby 01472 343853 Harrogate 01423 862286 Leeds 01133 910179 Lytham St Annes 01772 631316 Macclesfield 01625 464955 New Mills 01663 746851 Northallerton 01609 780289 Retford 01777 707656 Sheffield 01246 416642 Wirral 0151 632 1670 York 01904 479792

Midlands

Coleford 01594 809682 Dudley 01384455755 Gloucester 01452 310451 Hampton-in-Arden 01675 442705 Henley-in-Arden 01789 488899 Hereford 01432 262820 Leicester North 01530 833960 Leicester South 01455 561200 Ludlow 01584 871960 Northampton 01604 385050 Nottingham 01159 842842 Towcester 01327 358180 Wolverhampton 01902 710545 Worcester 01905 335408

East Anglia Attleborough 01953 482032 Cambridge 01223 466634 Halesworth 01986 835538 Ipswich 01473 742200

March 01354 662000 Norwich 01603 666161 Royston 01763 271991 Saffron Waldon 01799 583000 Stamford 01780 654321

South Abingdon 01235 554773 Arundel 01243 696700 Basingstoke 01256 810460 Bideford 01237 423444 Bourne End 01628 528712 Bradford-On-Avon 01225 783118 Brighton East 01273 628618 Bristol 01179 246002 Chelmsford 01245 392792 Cheltenham 01242 251113 Chingford 020 3903 813 Esher 01372 467464 Fareham 01329 223406 Folkestone 01303 647022 Fulham 0207 3840511

Order a copy of our brochure at: masterclasskitchens.co.uk

Godalming 01483 424466 Hazlemere 01494 718585 Helston 01326 565522 Horley 01293 786116 Ingatestone 01277 350800 Ivybridge 01752 897800 London - Perivale 0208 616 2722 Lymington 01590 678767 Purbeck 01929 422345 Ringwood 01425 484731 Romsey 01794 338555 Sailsbury 01722 328777 Seaton 01297 22559 Sherborne 01935 817111 Staines upon Thames 01784 463909 Storrington 01903 741004 Taunton 01823 256369 Tring 01442 827997 Uckfield 01825 766976 Wadebridge 01208 813231 Waterlooville 02392 176380 Witney 01993 704105

Wokingham 0118 978 3393 Worthing 01903 201901

Wales Abergavenny 01873 850911 Cardiff East 02920 485888 Cardiff West 02920 593969 Dyffryn Ardudwy 01341 242015 Haverfordwest 01437 763623 Hay-on-Wye 01497 821374 Nefyn 01758 721081 Newport 01633 252187 St Asaph 01745 582786 Swansea 01792 790088

Channel Islands & Isle of Man Guernsey 01481 710500 Isle of Man 01624 623222 Jersey 01534 865750

Your Home needs you!

get in touch

We love to hear what you’ve been up to, so send us your letters, tips and photos and this month you could win fabulous prizes provided by Dairy Diary

H letter of H the month H H

Before

Savvy samples “I created this feature wall in my lounge by cutting squares out of wallpaper samples I collected. It’s a really effective and cheap way of transforming a boring wall – the only cost was the diamanté trim. I love reading your magazine and all of your readers’ great ideas!” Laura Page, via email Your Home says This is a great way of creating a low-cost glamorous feature wall, Laura. We really like your monochrome colour scheme. Well done on your savvy spending skills and it’s great to hear you love the magazine.

No mean seat

Ultimate upcycling “I spotted this chair on eBay and thought I’d upcycle it for my bedroom. I made my own chalk paint from a B&Q tester pot, cut some foam to make a seat pad, but couldn’t find any fabric I liked to cover it. I then spotted a dress in my wardrobe which was too small and ripped – I am so happy I kept it! I attached the fabric with some upholstery tacks left over from another project and in total I spent less than £20. I think it’s far too pretty for my husband to throw his clothes on!” Kelly Philipson, via email Your Home says What a brilliant upcycle, Kelly. Your dress fabric makes a really striking contrast against the cobalt blue chalk paint. We can’t believe you made your own paint – well done!

Crate expectations “I was given this little orange crate from a charity shop and decided to brighten it up. I started by looking through my old magazines and pulling out pictures that I liked. I then stuck them to the box with Pritt Stick and sealed them with a layer of PVA glue. I now use the box to keep my sewing things together.” Sarah McCoy, via email

Your Home says We love this creative build, Cheryl. Now you’ve got a fantastic garden seating area for just £6 – what a bargain! Great colour choice as well. Keep up the good work.

Your Home says We love a découpage project and this is certainly no exception. It’s great to see all the images that you love featured on your crate. Well done!

h Kelly’s letter has won a bundle of goodies from Dairy Diary. Send us your projects, thoughts and ideas and you could be the winner of next month’s prize.

Get online Tweet us your pictures and comments @your_home or like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/yourhomemag

Send your tips, photos and letters to: Letters Editor, Your Home, Hubert Burda Media UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU or email yourhome@burdamagazines.co.uk l Letters

“I hate waste, so decided to make an outside seating area with an old cupboard that was destined for the skip. I made it from various bits of wood and fixings I already had, and paid just £6 for paint. I reinforced the inside to make it safe, fixed some wooden legs to the base in order to raise it off the ground and made the back rest from old decking boards. I love it!” Cheryl Berney, via email

may have to be edited. We apologise but photos cannot be returned

This month’s prizes are provided by Dairy Diary. The letter of the month will receive a bundle of cooking gifts worth £40, including three cookbooks and a Dairy Diary set. Three runners-up will each receive a bundle worth £22, including the Dairy Book of Home Cookery and a Dairy Diary set. To see more products, visit www.dairydiary.co.uk.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Month 2018

28,59 8

*UK & ROI ÂŁ25,000/â&#x201A;Ź28,598 (based on exchange rate at time of print) will be donated to CoppaFeel!, registered charity no. 1132366 (England and Wales), SC045970 (Scotland) & a company limited by guarantee (06974733)

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Ensure your home ticks along smoothly with our top tips…

HOW TO... keep hard floors looking pristine The best way to keep all flooring clean and undamaged is prevention – avoid wearing shoes in the house, use a doormat and put pads under the feet of furniture. And, when using chemical cleaners, spot-test them in an inconspicuous area first. For more focused advice, follow these tips… flooring is not waterproof and will warp if wet. Vacuum, or sweep ✓ Laminate with a soft broom and follow with a microfibre mop with a spray. Avoid using chemical cleaners as these can build up and leave a dull residue. Instead, use water with a little white vinegar to prevent water marks. Never drag furniture, but don’t despair if there is a minor scratch, repair kits are available from DIY stores. Vinyl flooring is waterproof, but soak it and the edges could curl up. Clean with a wrung-out mop, using a specific vinyl cleaner and avoid anything abrasive. Light colours can stain if spillages are not removed immediately. Use a solution of one part bleach to four parts water and a clean white cloth. You may need to leave the solution on the stain for a little while before wiping it away. Stone floors will need to be cleaned with a cleaner specific to that type as using the wrong kind could cause damage. Sweep floors with a microfibre cloth to grab dirt from the stone and grout, then clean with a damp microfibre mop. Stone floors should be sealed every 12-18 months to protect from stains. For ceramic tiles, avoid using harsh chemicals; instead, mop floors with liquid soap flakes or soda crystals, sweeping beforehand with a soft broom or dry microfibre mop. Soda crystals can also be used to remove stains from grout. With solid wood opt for regular vacuuming or sweeping and keep mopping to a minimum: use only a slightly damp mop as and when needed. Engineered wood should withstand more moisture, but should still be treated with caution. Lacquered flooring should be cleaned with a lacquered floor spray.

✓ ✓ ✓

Feature Laura Higgins Main image Carpetright

✓

Laura’s choice ‘I’m always on the look out for space-saving kitchen kit and this 3-in-1 whisk from Prestige is right up my street. Included is a flat nylon whisk for sauces and gravies, a metal balloon whisk for cream, and a mini whisk for frothing milk and smaller quantities.’

Compact 3-in-1 whisk, £11.99, Prestige

Q&A I’ve just bought some lovely new wooden furniture, how can I keep it looking its best? Just remember that too much attention can be a bad thing. A build-up of polish can leave behind a residue, leading wood to become dull, and too much abrasion can cause the wood to wear. Plus, some polishes contain silicone which can actually attract dust. Once a week wipe with a soft cloth, without any product, then every once in a while apply beeswax wood polish to replace natural oils.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk Month 2018

Great buy Whether you need a bit of extra cooking space, want a hotplate to keep food warm, or fancy an ad-hoc gadget for social dining, the Judge table grill is just the ticket. It cooks at five different temperatures, from 120ºC to 240ºC, so can be used for a variety of foods, including searing a steak or frying an egg, and has a handy keep-warm function. Fat drains away into a removable chamber and the griddle lifts out to clean. Perfect for those who love entertaining, this hotplate could become indispensable come Christmas time.

What to look out for

This month

Judge non-stick table grill, £88.90, Harts of Stur

▲

One cutter, and up to 1,000 possibilities. Whatever the animal, these clever cutters can make it, whether you want to create a tiger, fox or fish, or even a unicorn! One side cuts out the face, while the other stamps the finer details.

▲ Whether you’re baking a monster batch of cakes, or cooking dinner, this bright apron will keep your little helper’s clothes as clean as possible. Monsters of the World children’s apron, £6.95, Rex London

FMM Mix & Match animal face icing cutter, £5.99, Lakeland

▲

Protect your dining table from spills with these splendiferous Roald Dahl placemats Roald Dahl BFG and James and The Giant Peach placemats, £5 each, Creative Tops

▲

Keep children’s mealtimes eco-friendly with this colourful bamboo dinner ware. The hardwearing sets are free from plastic, BPA and phthalates and are non-toxic. Plus, when you are finally done with them, you can pop them straight into your compost or recycling bin. Available in a monochrome set, as well as six other colours. Bobo & Boo bamboo mealtime set, £19.95 for five-piece set, www.eatwell-uk.co.uk

We test... spice grinders

Things we considered l How finely did it grind? l Was it easy to grip? l Was refilling simple?

We tried out a selection of spice mills, here’s what we thought… Sola spice mill, £16.99, T&G This colourful little grinder is a helpful bit of kit for the kitchen. It made light work of grinding a variety of spices and could be easily adjusted to a coarse or a fairly fine grind. The shape of the grinder meant it was easy to hold and twist, and it was very simple to remove the top and mechanism to refill and clean. This is also available in several colours, so you’ll be sure to find one to complement your kitchen scheme.

Microplane 2-in-1 spice mill, £24.95, Harts of Stur This compact grinder is great for adding a finishing touch to meals. Featuring a non-slip base, this mill was easy to handle and great for kitchens with limited space. It made quick work of hard spices like nutmeg and peppercorns, giving a fine grind. However, it struggled a bit with softer spices, like dried chillies. Be sure to keep out of reach of children though, as the simple-refill design makes it quite easy to access the blades.

Spice Boy, £34.99, Lakeland The Spice Boy ‘s contemporary design means it looks stylish on display. The concept of filling the bowl with your mix and being able to see it before you grind is great, but it was easy to spill while you pull out the centre plug, we found it easier to just remove the plug first to refill. The grinder can be adjusted to change the grind from coarse to fine, and it was fairly easy to grind hard spices. It was simple to twist but perhaps not the best choice for those who are less dexterous.

8/ 10

9/ 10

10/ 10 7/ 10

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Spice & nut grinder, £50, Cuisinart The powerful motor and sharp stainless steel blades of this grinder made light work of turning whole spices into powder – perfect if you love making your own curry blends. It was great at grinding nuts, seeds and coffee beans too! Just press the lid and it grinds in seconds. The two removable stainless steel grinding bowls come with airtight lids for storing ingredients. The grinder is dishwasher safe and holds up to a ¼ cup of nuts and spices.

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING STAIRCASE WITH NO MESS, NO FUSS AND BEST OF ALL NO BUILDING WORK Renovating your staircase into an exquisite feature is much easier and less costly than you’d imagine. In just 1-2 days and with no building work, we will transform the heart of your home, and add value to your property with a stunning, handcrafted staircase. All in a style to suit you and your budget. GLASS, STEEL & TIMBER DESIGNS NO STAIRCASE TOO LARGE OR SMALL BRITISH DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP NO BUILDING WORK TYPICALLY INSTALLED IN 1-2 DAYS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE

*Buy now pay in 12 months finance offer is available on orders over £2,000 +VAT. Finance is subject to status, terms apply.

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visit nevillejohnson.co.uk for our latest brochure or call 0161 873 8333 QUOTE CODE Y-YH69

EST. 1986

A range of traditional and contemporary ďŹ res, ďŹ replaces and stoves, exclusively from Charlton & Jenrick. T: 0845 519 5992 www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk Charlton & Jenrick brands:

THE LATEST CONSUMER NEWS

xxxxxx

FACT FILE

31% of Brits eat at the dining table less than once a week; 12% say they never dine at the table; 53% munch on the sofa; while 54% tuck in while watching a box set. Source: Furniture Village

Feature Alice Butler Image iStock

YH fab find In need of a pre-Christmas clear-out? If so a new book aims to make the process less painful. Declutter: The get-real guide to creating calm from chaos by Debora Robertson (£12.99, Kyle Books) takes a light-hearted approach to tidying with tips including Do The 15 Fling (fill a bin bag in 10 minutes with 15 things you no longer love); how to target clutter hotspots; and the Power of a Party – why planning a bash will motivate you to spruce up your home.

cut the cost of Savvy ways to... gift shopping

Why leave present buying to the last minute? With some forward planning you can snap up the best deals, leaving plenty of time for wrapping – and festive parties, of course. n Bag the bargains To hear about special offers, sign up to your favourite brands’ email newsletters. Black Friday (23 November) is the biggest discount day of the year with many stores slashing prices up to 70 per cent and deals either side of the date. Visit www.black-friday.sale/uk to find out more. n Claim cash back Do your shopping via cash-back sites such as www.topcashback.co.uk and www.quidco.com and you can win cash each time you make a purchase via the site. Most are free to sign up to. If you’ve not switched n Canny comparisons Compare prices your energy deal in the on goods at different stores using the Google past 12 months and shopping tool, or find the best deals you’re on a Standard with price comparison sites such as Variable Tariff, you could www.pricerunner.co.uk and www.idealo.co.uk. be affected by sudden n Use savvy search words If you’re price rises. However, by shopping online, search for the name of the changing your supplier store alongside the words ‘discount’ and or tariff with a price ‘voucher code’ as many brands will have comparison site such promotions in the run up to Christmas. as www.uswitch.com n Reap your rewards If you’ve been (0800 6888 557) you collecting points on loyalty cards, now could save around £287 a year – cash you is the time to cash them in for goods. could spend on these swanky monochrome n Stay secure Always buy from a bona fide appliances with interchanging panels. website. To avoid scam shopping sites, check Architect kettle, £89.99; Architect four-slice your online payment is secure by ensuring the toaster, £115.99; Overlook panel pack, £24.95, the domain address starts with https:// and all Dualit X Kit Miles has a padlock symbol in the address bar.

Smart savings

tech news If you love getting creative with your camera, you’ll love this kit which has four clip-on lenses for your phone. Try out different effects with the wide angle, super-wide angle, fish eye and macro lenses, which can be attached on both sides of the phone thanks to the reversible clip. It all comes in a handy pouch – perfect for slinging in your bag. PNY 4-in-1 smart phone accessories kit, £24.99, Jessops

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

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For peace of mind where pets are concerned, make sure you have the right insurance in place

WHY CHOOSE PET INSURANCE

Over 11 million homes have a pet of some sort, so pet insurance is big business: n Having the right cover in place means that if your pet is injured or becomes ill, the vet’s costs will be paid. If you don’t have the insurance, you could face huge bills or even have to consider putting the pet down. n Pet insurance will usually cover broken bones, accidental injury and illness such as cancer, asthma or arthritis. n Public liability insurance also covers you should your pet cause accidental damage to someone else, their pet or their property. n It won’t include routine injections, check-ups, worming treatments or anti-flea medicine.

f your pet is unfortunate to suffer from illness or injury, it could cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds in vet’s bills to make them better. An average claim is said to be around £750, so it makes sense to consider insuring If you don’t have pet against unforeseen costs. Whether you have a new insurance and you can’t kitten, a much-loved family afford the vet’s bill, you may dog or even a snake, here’s be eligible for free treatment how to weigh up the costs.

Top tip

WHICH POLICY IS BEST?

from the PDSA, a charity that provides free vet services for sick or injured animals. Visit www.pdsa.org.uk for more information.

Feature Hayley Gilbert Image iStock

There are three main types depending on the amount of cover your pet will need: l Basic annual cover – ‘per condition, with time limit’ – is the cheapest policy and this covers one-off injuries, small surgery after an accident or a short-term illness. l Mid lever cover – ‘per condition, no time limit’ – is best for one-off injuries or short- to medium-term illness. l High level cover – ‘lifetime policy’ – is more costly but covers long-term illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes or cancers that need regular treatment.

WAYS TO SAVE You could cut the costs of your monthly premium: Like other types of insurance, the higher the excess, the smaller the monthly premium. Unlike car or house insurance, you won’t always save money by switching policies. This is due to the fact that most insurers won’t cover you for pre-existing conditions or anything your pet has already been treated for. Many insurers will offer a discount if you take out two or more policies at the same time, ideal if you have a cat and dog.

£ £ £

HINTS & TIPS Here are some other points to keep in mind: 3Be sure you declare all your pet’s conditions otherwise you may find your claim rejected. 3Some policies have an upper age limit for pets – the older they are, the more costly the policy. You may also need to pay an additional contribution cost, which is a percentage of the treatment beyond the excess, so always check the small print. 3You will most likely need to wait until your pet is over eight weeks old before they can be covered.

Q A

Would pet insurance cover me for damage to my home? Abigail Barnett, Isle of Wight

Cats clawing sofas, dogs chewing the new carpet, even house rabbits gnawing through skirting boards - pets can easily cause damage to your home and furnishings, but it’s unlikely that any pet insurance will cover the costs. Instead, look at your home contents policy as this may include what you need. If not, contact your provider and ask about adding it to the cover.

November 2018

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Useful contacts

l For various pet plans, head to www. petplan.co.uk, www.animalfriends. co.uk or www.pdsa.org.uk. l Compare different pet premiums at www.gocompare.com or www.comparethemarket.com. l Exotic Direct can insure unusual pets such as birds, lizards, snakes and guinea pigs, www.exoticdirect.co.uk. l The RSPCA has plenty of advice on animal welfare, www.rspca.org.uk. l Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is an animal shelter that rescues cats and dogs. Visit www.battersea.org.uk.

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Decorating Discover the latest autumn trends to update your home

Mini Trend: Fabulously feline

It’s time to let out your catty side as we celebrate this simply purr-fect new trend this autumn. Whether it’s a tempting tiger-print table lamp or a cheeky cheetah-themed mug, the high street has caught a serious case of big-cat fever. We just love this gold metallic leopard-print wallpaper from Dunelm’s 5A collection, especially when teamed with the coordinating jaguar table lamp and leopard canvas – this scheme really is the cat’s meow! Left: Blue tiger-print table lamp, £59, Oliver Bonas. 5A gold leopard print wallpaper, £25 per 10 metre roll; leopard canvas, £25; jaguar table lamp, £59; wax-filled candle, £10; ribbed cast metal vase, £32, all Dunelm. Above: Cheetah-print mug, £6, John Lewis

A plush pairing

Feature Matilda Bourne

Want to add some drama to your window treatments? Hillarys is here to help with its latest collaboration with the fabulous style maven, Abigail Ahern. Launching on 2nd October, the collection includes an array of gorgeous patterned fabrics, including faux leathers, fade-out tribal prints, and, of course, Abigail’s signature inky hues. If you want to achieve this decadently dark interior style, then this is the scheme for you. Cadillac Noir Roman blinds with Colette Vixen fringing, from £155; Wolfe Smoulder cushion covers, £26 each, all Abigail Ahern x Hillarys

Hot off the high street It’s official, the fashion store River Island has launched its very own range of gorgeous homewares – and we love it! Delivering a luxe look for less, the high-street chain’s new autumn collection has everything you need to create a stylish home, including side tables, home fragrances, pouffes, cushions and much more. We just love this large wire basket table – it’s great for storing cushions and spare copies of Your Home! To shop these pieces and the rest of the range, visit www.riverisland.com. Large wire basket table, £80; cream and pink round pouffe, £150, both River Island

Duvet days

Winter Ferns quilt set, from £40, Fat Face

Gorgeous bedding is what autumn is all about. There’s nothing quite like coming home on a cold, rainy day and climbing into a cosy, stylishly dressed bed. Our pick of the best linens out there? Fat Face’s latest collection! New to the brand, this upbeat selection of cushions, duvet covers and throws reflects the clothing line’s iconic relaxed-yet-detailed look, making it perfect for chilly autumn lie-ins. To see the full collection, visit www.fatface.com.

Check out our new decorating pages at www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

November 2018

Trend Alert...

l a r u r n r e d Mo

Contrast metallic accents with rustic textures for contemporary country style Animal candles, £7.50 for set of three; hare ornaments, £10 for set of three; Curva floor lamp, £30; Abberton three-seater tweed sofa in charcoal, £699.99; check throw in Mulberry, £16; check cushion in Mulberry, £14; faux-fur brown throw, £34; fox tealight holder, £8, all Argos

Mix contemporary and country styles for a sophisticated take on cosy

Feature Hugh Metcalf Background wallpaper Rasch Planks wallpaper, £8.99 per roll, B&M Stores

Escaping to the country is the dream for millions of town and city dwellers in the UK, but rural interior trends have shifted over the years. Before, quaint cottage style was a popular look but now modern design lovers are bridging the gap between traditional country charm and fresh, exciting modern interiors. Scandi influences, from neutral palettes to contemporary furniture styles have combined with rustic and industrial elements for an interesting contrast that really proves you can have the best of both worlds.

Style Editor

Finchley storage side table, £109, Dunelm

Create a cosy fireside with a modern twist with this log store table

Alaska 33 Beige plain loop carpet in Pantone Frosted Almond, £32.99 per sq m, Carpetright. Branches neutral wallpaper, £9 per roll, Wilko. Coloured linen in Provence, £29.95 per m, Annie Sloan. Matt emulsion in Dark Slate and Grey Green, £24.50 per 2.5l, Laura Ashley

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE This industrial pendant light has a gloss-black finish for a fresh take on a classic design

Offset dark furniture with playful pattern and modern accessories Canterbury bed in walnut, £219; Tudway pendant, £30; Rural Retreat double bedset, £21, all Argos

Vega oversized metal pendant, £69, Cult Furniture

Choose simple textiles to keep the overall look easy-going and relaxed Iona weave cushion in Amber, £40, John Lewis

A charming country print is given a more contemporary look in a neutral palette Rural retreat 12-piece dinner set, £44, Argos

Aldsway hallway bench box, £225, Garden Trading

Grey-toned wood is a great choice for a neutral, Scandi feel This kitchen elevates a traditional style with cool, contemporary touches Glazed olive Town & Country tiles, £40 per sq m, The Baked Tile Company

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

Key things to consider... l Opt

for a palette of layered neutrals, from off-whites and shades of taupe to darker greys l Add accents of brushed black metal, as well as shiny metallic touches l Choose pieces that give traditional style a modern twist l Contrast rustic wood furniture against sleeker modern pieces November 2018

STYLE FILE Use plain dark greys for a modern update on traditional country florals Harp chair, £1,200; Lyle cushion, £40; Ansel floor lamp, £175; footrest, £599; Gabro rug, £550, all Croft Collection, John Lewis

These jet-black canisters would make a bold statement in a rural kitchen Storage canisters, £24.99, Very

Give check a twist with this square pouffe from Next Gingham check cube, £60, Next

Kids willl love woodland animal prints and cute ornaments Coloured linen in Graphite, £29.95 per m, Annie Sloan. Impressive classic oak natural laminate, £27.99 per sq m, Carpetright. Town & Country matt black, £42.50 per m, The Baked Tile Company. Nearly flat emulsion in Polar Bear Selfie and Marooned, £34.99 per 2.5l, both Dowsing & Reynolds

Coat stand, £20; Bunny lamp, £25; antique brass pendant, £25; deer cushion, £5, all George Home

November 2018

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE Spend vs Save

Be inspired by traditional lighting

Snap up these Scandi stools for your modern-rustic kitchen

Austin metal wall light, £30, Matalan

Wicker wonders Pick modern designs made from this classic material

Spindle bar stool, £230, Garden Trading

Grey wicker edge mirror, £40, Dunelm

Norraryd bar stool, £85, Ikea

Oval rustic basket, £37.76, Melody Maison

Rich wood tones keep the overall feel of the room warm and cosy Floral letter rack, £10, Sainbsury’s Home

This space balances modern and traditional for a contemporary feel Faux clematis, £15; hare ornaments, £10 for set of three; willow basket, £22; check throw, £16; wooden frame, £16, all Sainsbury’s Home

Panos carver chair, £179, Made

Wicker tray, £7, Primark

Wicker laundry basket, £50, Sainsbury’s Home

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

November 2018

Total Cost

£3,042

We gave our new bathroom a vintage look that’s big on style Deciding to transform a bedroom into a bathroom gave Sarah and Marina the chance to create their ideal scheme from scratch

hen Sarah Lindley-Parker, 53, and Marina Dawson, 46, bought their four-bedroom house in Thurston, Suffolk, back in May 2017, they couldn’t have been happier. With its peaceful surroundings and close proximity to the centre of the village, the property, which dates back to the 1890s, had bucketloads of character. ‘The location for us was perfect, as we have three dogs and there’s

Before 24

November 2018

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plenty of space and lots of potential,’ says Sarah. However, the house and garden were both badly in need of updating and the bathroom felt quite small – something that the couple were keen to remedy.

STEP ONE Turning their attention to the compact bathroom, Sarah and Marina began to consider a rejig. ‘We were keen to make our mark on the house and give

BATHROOM MAKEOVER Sarah (left) and Marina chose Edwardian-style wood wall panelling as a backdrop for the cast-iron roll-top bath, which the couple revamped with metallic paint. In the corner, unsightly pipework has been neatly boxed in and concealed with exposed brick slips for a rustic touch

it back its character,’ says Sarah, ‘And we decided that as the bathroom was lacking in size, we’d turn one of the bedrooms into a bathroom instead.’ This meant new pipework would need to be installed under the floorboards, and they also needed to have the Artex ceiling removed and the walls re-plastered. Luckily, the couple’s son-in-law Daniel was on hand to help. ‘Daniel worked most nights and any spare time he had in order to get the work done for us,’ recalls Sarah. ‘He did everything from the plumbing, re-plastering, and even bricking up the chimney breast, and then fitted the suite for us. It saved us quite a bit of money, as you can imagine!’

Good idea!

Pipework doesn’t have to be ugly – make it a feature by boxing it in and then covering it in brick slips to add a rustic touch.

STEP two Having already decided they wanted to go for a vintage look, Sarah and Marina spent time sourcing items for the room online. ‘We’d already inherited a roll-top bath from a friend,’ says Sarah. ‘It’s cast iron and took five men to carry it upstairs, it’s so heavy! We revamped it with some metallic paint and that inspired the rest of the scheme.’ Marina’s son Jordan is a scenic painter for the film industry and offered his help with techniques for ageing the bath, which work perfectly on the claw feet. ‘We used the WC from the old, smaller bathroom, so then it was just the sink unit that we needed to source – and when we saw an idea on Pinterest where someone had used a Singer sewing machine table as a stand for a basin, we knew that was what we wanted to do,’ says Sarah. ‘Marina and I found one at an antiques centre, along with some ammunition boxes that we could use on the walls to store towels in.’ Although they were sticking with a monochrome palette, the couple decided to go with a statement floor to really make

Good idea!

Vintage ammunition boxes have been used to store accessories. Sarah and Marina sanded the boxes and then sprayed them with varnish. This old ammunition box has been used to store soaps and mini toiletries, as well as to display the couple’s collection of vintage bottles

The frameless walk-in shower enclosure creates the illusion of space and a heated towel rail is within reaching distance November 2018

roomplan 2.5m

2.6m

the details Basin

Use an old small vintage suitcase as a mirror cabinet above the sink. Simply cut out the front and add a mirror, then install a few shelves inside.

An old Singer sewing machine stand was used as a base for the basin – Sarah and Marina topped it with a piece of treated wood and added a lead strip along the front to keep it looking industrial.

the room stand out. ‘We chose these amazing tiles from British Ceramic Tile,’ says Sarah, ‘And we knew we’d made the right choice the moment they were laid.’ When it came to the walls, the pair decided to go for a combination of panelling and paint using Serpentine by Little Greene on the ceiling and upper walls, and Toad by The English Panelling Company on the wood panels. ‘We also used Goldfinger metallic paste to get an aged effect on the panelling,’ says Sarah.

STEP three The black and chrome shower fittings and taps from Hudson Reed add to the period feel of the

bathroom, and the space-creating walk-in shower was a must on the couple’s list. ‘We chose different tiles for the shower wall,’ says Sarah. ‘The large-format steel grey design keeps the room from feeling too busy – as the floor tiles are so patterned, we wanted something more pared back for the walls.’ The finished scheme blends a range of textures, from exposed brick and ceramic tiles to wooden blinds from Hillarys, with luxurious towels from Christy to soften the look. ‘We’re so pleased with the outcome,’ says Sarah. ‘It’s spacious, functional and fun, and so much more than we hoped for. We wouldn’t change a thing.’ YH

3 of the best... vintage-style chandeliers £105.60 from Ocean Lighting

The retro-style Olivia fitting is finished in copper with black fabric cables, and is also available in a chrome finish.

£129.99 from Där Lighting

£105

The Souk five-light chandelier drops to add quirky style to any room. It has a multicoloured frame and decorative faceted beads.

£300 from Cox & Cox

Made from iron with a brass finish and adorned with glass beading and droplets, this elegant chandelier will make a beautiful feature.

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£129

Wall tiles

£195.80

Bath and basin taps

£352.34

Floor tiles

£207.55

Paint

£118.55

Shower

£854.70

Panelling

£252

Radiator

£352.94

Blinds

£428

Vintage fittings

£225

TOTAL

£3,041.87

Shopping list

Mode Ellis counter top basin, £54.99; The Bath Co traditional straight radiator valves, £22.99 for two, all Victoria Plum. Hudson Reed Topaz black twin exposed shower valve, £159.93; Hudson Reed Topaz black grand rigid riser kit with diverter, £324.29; Hudson Reed Topaz black lever bath shower mixer tap, £232.39; Premier walk-in shower tray, £205.55, all Flush Bathrooms. Hudson Reed 90mm fast flow chrome shower tray waste, £12.95; Hudson Reed Topaz black lever wall-mounted bath spout and stop taps, £119.95; Dartford heated towel rail radiator, £329.95, all Victorian Plumbing. Roll-top bath and WC, homeowner’s own. 800mm screen, £72.99; 900mm wetroom screen, £78.99, both Taps UK. Tall Edwardian wood panels (12 panels used), from £21 per sheet, The English Panelling Company. Grey Satin floor tiles (7 sq m used), £29.65 per sq m; Steel Grey Rust wall and floor tiles (5.5 sq m used), £35.60 per sq m, all British Ceramic Tile. Brick slips, from £22.49 per 0.5 sq m, Opulence Stoves. Serpentine emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5l; Toad eggshell, £62 per 2.5l, both Little Greene. Goldfinger metallic paste, £13.05, Amazon. Haywood Rich Walnut Venetian blinds, from £97 for a W42 x D60cm blind, Hillarys. Mode towels in Flint/Gold, from £12, Christy. Chandelier, £160, Lottie’s Emporium. Sewing machine stand, £50; ladder, £15, both Risby Barn Antique Centre.

£300

Feature Laurie Davidson Photos Lizzie Orme

Good idea!

£54.99

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Total Cost

ÂŁ2,586

The original bath was against the wall and there was a separate toilet room where the shower is now located. By opening up the space and changing the layout, Jo has created a light and spacious family bathroom with an elegant roll-top bath as a focal point

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

BATHROOM MAKEOVER

This room was so dated, we started from scratch Jo Thorne couldn’t wait to bring light and colour into a dark and old-fashioned family bathroom

hen Jo Thorne and her husband Jonny, both 33, bought a dated four-bedroom semi in York three years ago, updating the dark and poky bathroom was top of their ‘to do’ list.

STEP ONE The old bathroom was

fitted with a dark plum-coloured suite from the 1970s, with a separate toilet. Jo and Jonny wanted to turn the two small rooms into one large family bathroom to make it more practical, light and spacious, so they took everything out and

Good idea!

Free-standing baths can sometimes leave awkward, unused spaces in the corner of a room. A statement plant not only adds colour and texture, but also helps increase the amount of oxygen in the space.

knocked down the dividing wall. ‘There was a heavy cast-iron bath positioned against the wall and it took four people to dismantle and carry it downstairs to a skip parked in the drive,’ says Jo. The old sink and toilet quickly followed. ‘As soon as the room was empty and the wall removed, it looked much bigger and gave us a blank canvas to create what we wanted.’ Spurred on by the new-sized space, Jo and Jonny worked evenings and weekends to chip off hundreds of small wall tiles and take up the floor tiles. ‘It was very time consuming until someone told us about a tool that would help us do the job in half the time,’ says Jo.

Before There was little storage space in the bathroom until Jo found this double fronted wall cupboard on eBay – perfect for storing toiletries and keeping everything to hand over the bath

STEP two

The builders started work in the bathroom by plastering the walls to create a fresh finish. New plumbing was also installed so that the position of the bath could be changed to the middle of the room. ‘I had a clear idea in my mind of the way the bathroom would look and it included shutters at the window with a free-standing roll-top bath centred underneath,’ says Jo. ‘By joining the toilet and bathroom into one room, we now had enough space for a shower enclosure, which was

a big bonus.’ Once the first fixes were complete, the builders laid a new vinyl floor and plumbers installed white fittings chosen by Jo and Jonny. They also fitted tongue-and-groove panelling to create Jo’s modern take on a period bathroom. Jo considered re-using the original bath taps, but they were beyond salvage. Instead she chose a central mixer shower tap which is ideal for family use www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

November 2018

roomplan

Good idea!

In the shower Jo chose floor-to-ceiling Metro tiles for easy cleaning with a grey grout to create a period look that matches the Victorian-style bathroom.

2.5m

the details Suite

£1,548

Taps

£89

Tiles & wallpaper

£174

Flooring

£165

Heating

£65

Shutters

£500

Paint TOTAL

STEP three

One of the biggest challenges was finding a bath large enough for Jonny, who is over six feet tall. ‘We did a lot of testing,’ laughs Jo. ‘We went to various showrooms and sat in quite a few baths before we found one we really liked. We settled for a doubleended bath with taps in the middle so that our daughters Ella, four, and Martha, two, could sit in it together. It’s also deep enough to prevent water splashing up over the sides and ruining the floor.’ The position of the bath left ample room for a walk-in shower enclosure in the space

once occupied by the separate toilet. A small window was bricked up and the shower walls finished in practical white Metro tiles and dark grey grout.

STEP four To complete the new-

look bathroom, Jo painted the boards in Farrow & Ball Hardwick White and chose a colourful wallpaper for the upper half of the walls. She found a cupboard on eBay to store toiletries and finished the look with a leafy plant to create a warm, homely look that combines period style with modern accessories. ‘I love it in here,’ says Jo. ‘It’s where I enjoy my down

£2,586

Shopping list Similar vinyl floor: Quickstep soft oak, £22 per sq m, Flooring Supplies. Cambridge bath, £700; Edwardian basin, £159; Savoy Edwardian WC, £279; Bensham long-nose basin taps, £89; Savoy loo-roll holder, £39; toothbrush holder, £30, all Bathstore. Modern emulsion in Hardwick White, £45 per 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Orla Kiely towels, from £5 each, Homesense. Birds and Roses wallpaper, £35 per roll, Cath Kidston. Metro tiles, £11.50 per sq m, Homebase. Raincan rinser shower, £260, Victoria Plum. Diamond curved heated towel rail, £65, Victorian Plumbing. Henley’s shutters, £500, Hillarys. Shower enclosure, £150, Better Bathrooms. Mirror, £25, from vintage fair. Cupboard, £90, eBay.

time – I can spend hours soaking in the bath, reading a book. It’s very relaxing. It’s gone from being the worst room in the house to one of the best.’ YH

3 of the best... bold yellow towels * Prices quoted are for a bath towel size

£25* from Dunelm

Designed in a striking, bold sunshine yellow colourway, this woven towel from Lindsey Lang features a contemporary jacquard pattern.

£25

£25* from Orla Kiely

This charming towel features Orla Kiely’s distinctive Acorn Cup design in Dandelion, sure to add a touch of Scandi style to any bathroom.

£32* from John Lewis

The beautifully soft and quirky cotton Spike towels by Scion have a nose-to-nose hedgehog print to enliven any bathroom.

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£25 £32

Feature Heather Dixon Photos Dave Burton

The builders advised Jo that it would have been cheaper to replace the old Seventies window than fit it with shutters, but Jo loves the look of these split shutters from Hillarys

£45

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Style you can afford.

Now we have a family friendly space Zoe Harrison transformed her cramped and uninspiring bathroom by teaming a space-saving suite with plenty of decorative interest

espite living in a modern fourbedroom semi-detached house, Zoe and Neil Harrison’s family bathroom in their Cheshire home was surprisingly small. ‘At 2.2m x 1.8m, it could hardly be described as generous,’ says Zoe, ‘and although we did add an en suite wetroom soon after moving in, having two small children and a bath-loving husband meant an upgrade was still on the cards as the room was cramped, tired and dated!’

STEP ONE With little room to manoeuvre thanks to the confines of the space, the couple soon realised they had no other option but to work with the existing layout. ‘Luckily, this meant we could save money by reusing the existing pipework and wastes,’ explains Zoe, ‘Which turned out to be a blessing in disguise – removing the old suite and tiles without damaging the walls proved impossible, meaning replastering was a must!’ However, once the suite was removed and the vinyl flooring consigned to the skip, Zoe finally set her sights on redesigning the space.

Before

STEP two Zoe’s first priority was

to source a 700mm-wide bath in order to claw back valuable floor space – something very important considering they have two young children to bathe. The couple were able to capitalise on this thanks to their choice of a modern space-enhancing wall-hung vanity and back-to-wall toilet. ‘Measuring everything meticulously and fixing a limit on dimensions allowed us to gain over 15cm of floor space,’ says Zoe, ‘Which may not sound much, but it has actually made a huge difference both in terms of usable floor area and in opening up the room.’ The addition of a clever false wall to conceal the exposed pipework and cistern helped streamline the scheme and doubled up as a handy storage shelf.

STEP three

Paint is a cost-effective way to add colour in the bathroom – keep it practical by selecting a durable, water-resistant, wipe-clean, matt emulsion

Good idea!

If there isn’t space for a shower enclosure, fit a hose attachment to your bath – it’ll give you more bathing options and is a must-have for cleaning!

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Despite making low-maintenance durable finishes a priority in this hardworking family room, Zoe was still keen to inject some muchneeded personality into what was once a bland space. The couple’s initial idea of simply tiling throughout was soon ditched in favour of a few strategically painted areas, along with

To ensure privacy the couple chose a smart, made-to-measure timber blind

the introduction of a bold feature wall and floor tiles. ‘I spotted the striking monochrome design online, and while the tiles look like traditional encaustics, they’re actually made of practical porcelain,’ says Zoe. These were teamed with a classic combination of white tiles and blue washable walls for a fresh and airy look, while the tactile timber tones add warmth. ‘I loved the wood trim on my

BATHROOM MAKEOVER

Total Cost

ÂŁ2,828

Zoe and Neil werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afraid to experiment with colour and pattern in their new-look room and the result is a vibrant, practical and surprisingly spacious family bathroom

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

November 2018

room plan

Good idea! 2.2m

To maximise floor space opt for a wall-hung storage vanity and streamline the look by hiding the pipework and cistern within a neat false wall, complete with handy ledge. Radiator

toilet

stool

Bath

Wall hung vanity

1.8m

1.8

2.2m

Boxed in pipework with shelf

Striking porcelain tiles are a hardwearing and practical option in this family room, while a budget-friendly bath rack ensures essentials are close to hand

the details Suite

£1,305.02

Taps

£380

Tiles

£625.43

Paint

£48.50

Heating Blind TOTAL

£434 £34.70

2,827.65 £

white vanity unit so persuaded Neil that we should invest in the matching shelf for the false wall,’ smiles Zoe.

STEP four Crisp chrome fittings, including a smart slimline towel radiator, continue the modern theme along with a wooden blind that the couple sourced online. A trip to the high street resulted in the storage-savvy bath rack and the blue and mustard accessories that now pepper the room. ‘My favourite addition, however, has to be my lovely vintage metal numbers which, along with an old mirror and stool salvaged from the spare room, helped

inject that little bit of character I was looking for,’ she says. But even these style notes pale in comparison to the gains made in opening up what was a formerly poky, cramped room. In fact, Zoe is delighted to report that, ‘The finished bathroom not only looks and feels much bigger than anticipated, but we’ve gained ample floor space for our needs – and I’m thrilled with the result as it’s now a lovely, relaxing bathing space!’ YH

Coast wall-hung 800mm cabinet & basin, £898; Tec single lever mono basin mixer, £114; 4-hole bath mixer, £266; Piazza heated towel rail, £380; angled radiator valves, £54 per pair; back-to-wall pan and seat, £154, all Hudson Reed. 1800 x 700mm Phoenix Crystal Amanzonite single-ended bath, £253.02, QS Supplies. Function white matt tiles, £27.55 per sq m, British Ceramic Tile. White Star tiles, £49.99 per sq m, The Cuban Collection, Gemini Tiles. Walls painted in Grey Stone intelligent matt emulsion, £48.50 per 2.5l, Little Greene. Made to order 35mm slat Pure White wooden blind, £34.70, Blinds2Go. Habitat Bethany bamboo bath rack, £16, Argos. Ekoln soap dish, £2.95; dispenser, £4.50; toothbrush holder, £2.95; Pepparkorn vase, £12; Fryken seagrass box with lid, £7 for set of three; Ypperlig lidded box, £5; Fabulös glass, £2.50, all Ikea. Grey Ridged resin tray, £7, Dunelm. Mustard towels, from £4; tealights 80p each, all Primark. Geometric Print Star towels, from £6, Marks & Spencer. Striped towels, from a selection, TK Maxx. Vintage metal numbers, £22 each, The Vintage Wall.

3 of the best... plant pots £9.50 from Red Candy

£10

Measuring 9cm in diameter, the sleek Coy indoor planter is available in an array of colours.

£10 from U Studio

We adore the quirky design of this Hubert planter from the Hubert & George range.

£95 from Hurn & Hurn

Stylish and contemporary, this gold pendant light by Bloomingville combines an understated glass plant pot with a stylish pendant lamp.

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£9.50

£95

Feature Paula Woods Photos Lizzie Orme

Shopping list

Get creative with

From vibrant brights to low-key neutrals, give your home a fresh look for autumn with the latest colour combinations from Crown From left: Quick Kiss matt emulsion, from £14 per 1.25l; Mustard Jar, Chance, Granite Dust matt emulsion, from £16 per 2.5l, all Crown

From top to bottom: Forgotten Paradise, Dash of Nutmeg, Hare, Soft Shadow, City Break matt emulsion, from £16 per 2.5l, all Crown

Most of our ranges feature Crown’s unique Breatheasy formulation which is 99 per cent solvent-free, making it kinder to the environment and ideal

ne of the joys of autumn is the chance to spend more time indoors, making it the perfect season to update your scheme. At Crown, we love inspiring homeowners to experiment with colour and to be creative with paint in every room. Here are our tips for using the latest shades:

YH PROMOTION

If you love low-key neutrals, why not add interest with different paint effects? For the more adventurous, replicate a serene mountain scene by layering up paints in toning shades. Judy Smith, Crown Colour Consultant, says: 'Paint effects are the easiest way to stamp your personality on to a room. Angular shapes create visually stimulating patterns as they tessellate beautifully with one another. For a softer look, opt for curved shapes alongside circular patterns. An absence of straight lines will instantly give the room a more gentle and fluid feel.'

Colour blocking is one of the easiest techniques to add bright tones without overwhelming your space. At Crown we're passionate about colour in all its glorious shades and enjoy turning up the volume with experimental pairings.

for every room in the home. To explore the range, for inspiration, how-to videos and advice, or to order samples (with free delivery), visit www.crownpaints.co.uk.

Metallics are a great choice for adding a quirky edge as they provide instant depth and flair to a scheme. Our on-trend shimmering metallic shades are available in three new colours (Rose Gold, Granite Top and Pewter) and are the perfect way to add character to a room.

Little ones have big personalities and deserve a space that is as fun-loving and playful as they are. Bold paint can transform children’s bedrooms into creative havens without having to change furniture or accessories. Judy Smith continues: 'When it comes to decorating children’s bedrooms, subtlety can take a back seat to fun spaces and daring colour combinations. Involving kids in the redecorating process is the perfect way to let them express themselves and create a room they love.'

Background: Spotlight matt emulsion, from £16 per 2.5l; Rose Gold metallic emulsion, from £19 per 1.25l, both Crown

Live in comfort and style with carpet

Feature Hugh Metcalf

Cosy, durable and dramatic – you really can have it all when fitting a new carpet

November 2018

s Make a real statement and inject some colour into your scheme with a bright and bold carpet Valentine Clyde carpet in Teal, £21 per sq m, Lifestyle Floors

ou’ll never appreciate a carpeted floor more than when stepping out of bed on a freezing morning in November – that warm, comfortable feeling underfoot is just one of the big positives you get when you opt for wall-to-wall carpet. To pick the perfect design to meet your needs – whether that’s easy-to-clean practicality, comfort, or creating a striking room scheme – you need know the different materials and styles. Here we bust the carpet showroom jargon and gather expert advice to guide your choice.

Add some texture to the space with loop pile – a great choice for areas with heavy footfall Ulster Habitus Croft Soya, £40 per sq m, Ulster Carpets

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Loop-pile carpets are less suitable for homes with pets, as their claws can get caught in the loops.

Why buy wool?

Opt for neutral shades, such as grey, for a timeless look that can evolve with your room every time you decorate

David Cormack, Marketing Director of The Cormar Carpet Company, says: ‘Wool offers superb resilience to wear and stains. In loop-pile carpets, it is mainly used on its own in a pure form, whereas in cut-pile carpets such as twist piles or velvets it is often used as an 80 per cent blend with nylon and polypropylene to improve its wear properties. In addition, wool is: • Hard wearing and long lasting • Retains its pile shape and height • Naturally flame retardant • Recovers quickly from furniture compression • Naturally warm and insulating • Environmentally friendly and a sustainable fibre.’

Home Counties Plains, £27 per sq m; Sensation Heather in Charcoal and Sensation in Arctic Grey, £24 per sq m, both The Cormar Carpet Company

Expert advice

Heathery colours, give this carpet a real sense of depth and luxuriousness

David Cormack, Marketing Director of The Cormar Carpet Company, tells us about the biggest trends in carpet... ‘There’s been a huge growth in soft, silky, deep-pile carpets that feet can plunge into, and this trend shows no signs of waning in a market where indulgence and comfort are key.’

Soft Focus Heathers carpet, £24 per sq m, The Cormar Carpet Company

s A patterned carpet is a great choice for high-traffic areas, as marks and stains will be less noticeable Bouclé Neutrals in Sloane Steel, £25 per sq m, The Cormar Carpet Company

sponsored by

DECORATING INSPIRATION s

Natural textiles, such as sisal, seagrass and coir, may not be super soft, but they are hard wearing and stylish Tigers Eye sisal carpet, from £49 per sq m, Kersaint Cobb

Get to know your carpet

Dark colours not only make a dramatic impact, they also hide stains and marks better than lighter styles Albion Twist carpet in Mulberry, from £6.99 per sq m, Carpetright

Twist pile This carpet’s short pile is highly twisted, meaning that you get more durable, clearly defined tufts. Velvet A velvet style has a short pile, but is less twisted, meaning the tufts can bloom out for a super-soft finish. It’s less durable, so save it for less hard-working spaces. Loop pile The loops of this carpet are uncut, making it hard wearing, as the tufts can’t untwist. Choose a level loop for a flatter finish, or a multi-level loop for a more textured feel. Plush A deeper pile than velvet, yet equally loosely set, meaning an even more luxurious feel for areas with less footfall. Saxony With the deeper pile of this carpet, the twist is heat-set to preserve durability without sacrificing underfoot softness. Berber A distinctive texture is created with loop piles of irregular lengths and levels. Woven Patterns can be woven into these carpets, rather than being ‘printed’ on top. It also creates a super hard-wearing finish. Cut and loop A mix of both cut and loop piles makes for an extremely textured look.

s Choose a carpet with hard wearing capabilities for hallways, especially near outside doors. This carpet has special stain-resilient technology, which is a must in the winter months Stain-free carpet in Rustique Wheatgrass, £25 per sq m, Abingdon Flooring

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

What’s your

pattern personality? Your choice of pattern and print in your home can say so much about you. Find your tribe with our handy guide

The quiet one You want your home to be relaxing, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! You’ve got a deft touch when it comes to pulling an interiors scheme together and are happy to stop when enough is enough, meaning your rooms always end up chic and sophisticated.

Simple, low-impact patterns add to the overall richness of a space

This scheme is full of clashing pattern, yet the final result feels calm and restrained Aydin double bed frame £189; Herringbone dove grey rug, £30; nest of two oak veneer tables, £149.99; Rayner table lamp, £25; light grey knit throw, £24; marble succulents arrangement, £15, all Argos

Ubran speckled pendant, £19, JD Williams

Low-contrast prints have a more easy-going feel than stark black and white patterns Crewel work abstract cushion, £16.99, Next Marble-effect 12-piece dinner set, £20; egg timer, £10; geometric 12-piece dinner set, £20; marble mug, £3 each, all George Home

Feature Hugh Metcalf

s Use natural elements, such as marble and stone, as part of your pattern palette

November 2018

Carraway side cabinet, £329, M&S

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Introduce subtle pattern through craft techniques, such as quilting or embroidery, for a low-key take on the look

Quiet pattern transcends just one style – we love this Art Decoinspired piece embracing a subtle engraved design

Desert sand quilted throw, £30, JD Williams

DECORATING INSPIRATION The loud one

Go oversized with your choice of prints to add real drama to your home

When it comes to colour and pattern, not much scares you. You’ve got the confidence to put together exciting combinations fearlessly, and can’t imagine anything worse than your home painted in magnolia.

Duvet cover, £45; pillowcases, £20 per pair; pendant light £300, all Debenhamss

s Over-the-top patterns and exaggerated colour combinations make for a maximalist look

s Fresh botanical prints take on a new life in a dark maximalist scheme – team with gold for the full luxe effect

Marbled lampshades, from £25, Pooky

Palm tree tray, £28, Audenza

Forget the everyday when it comes to pattern – unique, unusual designs which are full of character are more your bag Cushions, £45 each, Abigail Ahern for Debenhams

The explorer You’re a collector and find your interior inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. Your home is all about curating special pieces that have a story, and you’re definitely the sort of person who has to pay for another suitcase on the way back from holiday because you’ve bought too much! s Look globally for pattern inspiration – from African wax prints to South American textiles, by way of a pretty India-inspired paisley

Wanderer duvet sets, from £12, George Home

Wanderer paisley printed throw, £20, George Home

Choose pieces with a handcrafted quality, such as this stencil-look chest of drawers

s s Layer eclectic, mix-and-match patterns on top of each other, or look for a statement fabric that does it for you Salsa accent chair, £349, DFS

Karoo chest of drawers, £549, Swoon Editions

s Consider mixing and matching bedding across your home for a savvy way to achieve the eclectic look November 2018

DECORATING INSPIRATION Be bold with a large scale print on your walls

The retro lover No matter what your age, you’ve got a taste for the good old days of yesteryear. You’re a creative spirit and love crafting – meaning you can turn your skills to everything from an upcycling project to whipping up a tasty bake in the kitchen.

Arthouse retro wallpaper, £9 per roll, Wilko

Liven up a living room with an accent chair in a bold, exciting fabric

Delilah grey chevron retro occasional chair, £84.99, My Furniture

Orla Kiely is the ultimate design hero for vintage pattern lovers Orla Kiely Scribble square flower enamel kettle, £59.95, Amara

s Funky colour combinations and graphic Fifties-inspired patterns are the perfect partners to mid-century furniture Newstalgia table runner, £12; serving bowl, £15; nibble bowls, £2.50; plates, from £2.75; stripe platter, £8; napkins, £8; geo tumbler, £3.50, all Sainsbury’s Home

Choose a simplified pattern to complement an intricate design Blue rattan basket, £16.99, Homesense

The trend hunter Most likely to get itchy decorating feet, you regularly have a clear-out so that you can style out an update. You love hearing about the latest trends and don’t mind investing in a few new bits to give your home a makeover for a fresh look. You’re open-minded and will give anything a try once. Right now, you’re coveting this colourful geometric-inspired look.

Introducing bold pattern to a sofa is a brave choice, but will create a real focal point in your room

s s A rug is a great way to add pattern and character to a space – choose the spot in the room where it’ll make the most impact Sesario geo rug, £495, John Lewis

November 2018

s Quirky prints and lustworthy designs are the name of the game in your home Tide pattern right-hand facing sofa in yellow combination, £799, DFS

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Lohko inlay frame, £24, Oliver Bonas

s You can’t go wrong mixing and matching classic prints such as checks and florals Kendal two-seater sofa in Dalton natural, £1,650; Padstow two-seater in Keswick check sienna, £1,550; Denbigh plain back armchair in Deepdale natural, £1,125; Elliot recantangular footstool in Anneliese natural, £575; Forysthia rosehip wallpaper, £40 per roll; Keswick check sienna pencil-pleat curtains, £40 per m, all Laura Ashley

Traditional styles can be exciting too – choose a bold colour as the base of your look

Floral shaggy rug, £109, JD Williams

The safe pair of hands You know what you like and you’re definitely not a slave to trends. While your style may have evolved over the years, you’ve got treasured pieces you’ve held on to, and always opt to buy quality so you know that your purchases will stand the test of time.

Scroll back chair in granite check, £109, Oak Furniture Land

Florals are timeless in your home, making great investment pieces you’re less likely to tire of

Floral cake stand, £25, Cath Kidston

s A simple check pattern for a chair means it’ll match your home however you choose to decorate in the future www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

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qqqqqqqq c Kick-start your day

cc with the perfect cup of coffee c

Enjoy creating café-style drinks at home with our edit of the best makers and gadgets

t wasn’t that long ago that the nation’s coffee-drinking habits were limited to instant and filter options, or, if you were a real aficionado, you could brew up an espresso in a stove-top maker. Now, with the rapid influx of high-street coffee shops across the UK, speciality drinks such as lattes, flat whites and cortados are a day-to-day norm. These treats can add up to a small fortune over the course of a year but, fortunately, there’s a wide variety of sophisticated and affordable coffee makers to help you create the perfect cappuccino in your own kitchen – and at a fraction of the cost. From touch-button barista-style machines to a pro frother and grinder, we’ve rounded up the best gadgets for that perfect caffeine hit at home. Perfect for The cappuccino addict With this gadget you’ll be able to fashion coffee-shop-worthy froth. At the touch of a button, and in just over a minute, it whizzes milk to aerated perfection so you can enjoy barista-style cappuccinos and hot chocolates whenever you like SK33010BLKN automatic milk frother, £34.99, Swan

Perfect for The gourmet If you’re a coffee aficionado this pro maker allows you to make a vast range of barista-style drinks from an espresso to a lungo. It’ll grind your favourite beans and extract twice for a stronger coffee – all you need to do is wield the steaming wand to create a menu of drinks worthy of your favourite café Dualit Bean To Go 19-bar pump coffee machine, £499, John Lewis

Perfect for The culture vulture This futuristic machine looks more like a sculpture worthy of an art gallery but its coffee lives up to its good looks. Using Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods with 15 bars of pump pressure, it can produce a menu of 30 different hot and cold drinks

Perfect for The fashionista Donning a stylish matt copper-effect finish this chichi machine is perfect for those who like their lattes served in style. Featuring a two-in-one crema filter for ground coffee and pods, plus a cappuccino system for a rich creamy froth, you can have a selfie-ready cuppa every time with this modish maker

Feature Alice Butler

qqqqqqqq De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Eclipse Automatic, £94.96, Amazon

De’Longhi Distinta ECI 341.CP, £179.99, Currys

Perfect for The wannabe barista Gourmets whose taste runs the gamut from a flat white to a macchiato will love this all-rounder. With a snappy 40-second pre-heat and 15-bar pump pressure, it’s compatible with both ground coffee and soft pods, giving you plenty of opportunity to experiment

Krups XP344040 Calvi manual espresso machine, £199.99, John Lewis

Perfect for The interiorw designer If adding a splash of colour to your kitchen scheme is high up on the agenda this colour chameleon offers a choice of three interchangeable blue, green and red panels. With professional-style 15-bar pump pressure, it’s also up to creating 25 espressos from the one-litre tank Nescafé Dolce Gusto Colors by De’Longhi, £99.99, John Lewis

Perfect for The time-poor professional Save yourself time and money with this speedy gadget. Filtering quality coffee directly into a thermal travel mug, it’ll have your americano ready to go in minutes, saving you a trip to the café on the way to work. Plus, a permanent filter means there’s no need to buy paper versions

Perfect for The freshest brew You can’t beat just-ground coffee for full-on flavour and this impressive device gives you 17 different grinding settings so you can tailor the texture to suit your taste. It makes enough for up to 12 cups, ideal for when you’re entertaining Krups coffee grinder, £44.99, Lakeland

Coffee on the Go filter coffee machine, £24.99, Morphy Richards

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Perfect for The filter fan If you’re a fan of a classic filter coffee this retro-style maker is for you. You can choose your depth of flavour with the aroma intensity selector and then make up to 10 cups of coffee. It’s also fully programmable freeing up precious time in the mornings or during a dinner party Smeg DCF01 Drip Filter coffee machine, £179.95, Smeg

Perfect for The compact kitchen This small but perfectly formed coffee machine packs a lot into its diminutive proportions. Measuring only 37cm x 18cm x 25cm, it has dedicated espresso, lungo, cappuccino and latte settings; a built-in milk frother; a 40-second heat-up, and even makes a great cup of tea!

qqqqqqqq Dualit Café Cino capsule machine, £199.98, John Lewis

Home helpers from Vileda

Make light of winter housework with these multitasking laundry and cleaning accessories

hile keeping on top of housework may not be appealing at this time of year, with the central heating on and windows shut it’s more important than ever. Luckily, Vileda is on hand with innovative products to help make your chores as effortless as possible.

Top Tip!

Flip clothes halfway through their dry time on the indoor airer to expose the damp parts and keep them smelling fresh.

Vileda Premium 2in1 Indoor Airer, £29.99, available from Argos and Amazon

▲ An indoor airer will reduce how much you use your tumble dryer this winter, cutting energy bills and helping your clothes last longer

Vileda 3Action Broom, £6.99, available from Amazon, Asda, B&Q, Homebase, Robert Dyas, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, The Range and Wilko

Give fine dust, dirt and PET hair the brush off A quick sweep of the floor can do wonders for making a space look perfectly Top Tip! clean, but an old and Remember to vacuum out-of-shape broom can your broom every The lightweight make this simple task so often to remove brush is just as more hassle than it needs debris from the bristles. Wash if needed in effective on bumpy to be. The 3Action Broom hot soapy water then stone as it is on smooth from Vileda will leave hard hang to dry laminate and has rubber floors debris-free thanks to thoroughly. bumpers to protect furniture its unique bristle formation: and paintwork on your skirting the central grey bristles are laid boards, meaning you can quickly out in a special pattern for optimum run the broom around the floor hair and dirt particle collection; the firm without having to worry. red bristles at each edge help clear along tricky kitchen cupboard bases and corners, while the ultra-thin black bristles catch Check out the full range of products from the very last small dust particles and pesky Vileda at www.vileda.co.uk fine pet hairs.

November 2018 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

YH PROMOTION

Dry clothes naturally, whatever the weather We all want our laundry washed, dried and out of the way as quickly as possible, especially in the colder months. With the tumble dryer being the most energyguzzling appliance in many households, it’s savvy to make a habit of using an indoor clothes airer instead. Vileda’s Premium 2in1 Indoor Airer offers the ideal solution as it has 18 metres of drying space that can accommodate a full load of washing on extra-thick wires to help reduce creasing. The sturdy airer also has strong steel legs with integral wheels for easy manoeuvring even when full, a handy attachment to quickly hang socks or underwear and a detachable wing with three metres of drying space that can be handily hooked on to your radiator – perfect for days when you’ve only washed a jumper or two. Once your clothes have air dried at no cost to you or the environment, the airer can be conveniently folded flat and tucked away out of sight... until the next load!

Kitchens &BATHROOMS

Why we’re loving the timeless white kitchen

Blissfully blanc The classic white kitchen has earned its place in the design hall of fame. Fresh and timeless this scheme is always a favourite with homeowners seeking to update their look or make a compact space seem more airy. Shown here is the Tatton White Shaker design from Magnet – with its luxurious matte finish and warm copper accessories, it’s the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. Plus, priced from £2,105 for eight units, a laminate worktop and Beko appliance pack, it’s an absolute steal. www.magnet.co.uk.

Astral chic

Fancy making your floor the star attraction of your home? Take a look at Bert & May’s newly launched range of Luna tiles. Available in on-trend blush (Dusk) or grey (Night Sky) colours, these petite designs will add the perfect contemporary edge to a Victorian-style floor. Whether you opt for these celestial numbers alone or feature them alongside their plain counterparts, you’ll thank your lucky stars you chose such a chic collection! Luna tiles in Dusk or Night Sky, £2.20 each, Bert & May

Feature Matilda Bourne

It’s a dog’s life Joules’ AW18 homeware collection is definitely one for those of us who are potty for pooches. Featuring portraits of loyal Labradors, fancy French bulldogs and dashing dachshunds, this playful new range sports the famous Joules palette with striking coral pink, mustard yellow and French navy shades. From crockery to oven gloves, you’d be barking mad not to love it! To see the full collection, visit www.joules.com. Dorrit oven glove, £16.95; Thea tea towels, £12.95 for set of two; tea plates, £12.95 each; Cuppa mugs, £9.95 each, and Hug a Mug travel flask, £14.95, all Joules

Coffee couture

If, like us, you simply can’t function without your morning caffeine fix, this handy worktop accessory from Pushka Home is a must-have! With a solid brass hook to hang your favourite mug from, as well as five handy coffee-pod holes to store your favourite blends, it’ll ensure you have all your equipment to hand for that essential daily hit. For more information, visit www.pushkahome.com. Slogan coffee capsule pod and mug holder, £40, Pushka Home

visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk for more kitchen & bathroom inspiration www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

November 2018

Take two looks Dreaming of a new kitchen? Draw inspiration from these two schemes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then snap up similar buys for less

CONTEMPORARY

Feature Alice Butler

Achieve this colour-filled design with our budget picks

Linear Kitchen, from ÂŁ18,000, Harvey Jones

November 2018

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KITCHEN IDEAS A pendant light makes a timeless statement above an island unit Där Lighting Dynamo three-light kitchen island pendant, £108.99, Wayfair

Team contrasting rustic and contemporary styles for an on-trend worktop Laminate worktop, from £60; standard oak worktop, from £95, both Worktop Express

These hard-wearing classic tiles will add a splash of colour to your walls

A bright retro-style toaster will add interest to any kitchen scheme

Metro Aqua wall tiles, £15.99 per sq m, Tile Mountain ST19020PN retro four-slice toaster, £44.99, Swan

For an intricate French-patterned floor try different sized travertine tiles Choose classic grey tableware to stand the test of time Dinera 18-piece service, £23, Ikea

These coordinating earthenware containers have durable air-tight lids Elements canisters, £8 each, all Dunelm

If you’re looking for a kitchen with clean lines, Wickes’s new gloss handless Intelliga design will fit the bill. Worried about smudges? Fingerprint technology ensures units always have that just-polished appearance

Melanger travertine tiles, £39.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

Intelliga Melrose kitchen in Dove Grey, from £1,876, Wickes

Bar stools are an easy way to add colour to your kitchen Harry bar stools in Ochre and Grey, £39 each, both Dunelm

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

TIMELESS

Take inspiration from this classic Shaker design

This island unit has a heat-resistant granite inlay, perfect for rolling out pastry and general food prep tasks Westcote large island with wine rack, £799, Cotswold Co

Puncture a neutral palette with vibrant green tones A patchwork of tiles makes a striking alternative to a plain splashback V&A Temara and Galicia tiles, £5.57 each, both British Ceramic Tile

November 2018

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Deco charm peacock glass vase, £24, Dunelm

KITCHEN IDEAS Natural Collection Washington Shaker kitchen in Dust, Porcelain and Graphite, from £7,000, LochAnna Kitchens

Industrial pendant lights are a good foil for a traditional kitchen Gloss black enamel industrial lamp shade, £139.86, Urban Cottage Industries

Add a focal point with a classic clock

This laminate worktop is a dead ringer for marble Marble Calcutta laminate worktop, from £120, Worktop Express

Jones Spartacus wall clock, £15, Dunelm

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a top-end mixer, this retro budget style is a perfect alternative Swan retro SP25010GRN stand mixer, £70, AO

This tablecloth features a vibrant print on organic cotton fabric Cotton tablecloth, £17.99, H&M Home

When it comes to catering for large numbers, this dual-fuel range cooker provides ample space. It has a seven-burner gas hob, two ovens, a grill and handy storage compartment

This stag-print wallpaper is an investment but you won’t need much to make an impact Wildon Home George the Stag floral and botanical wallpaper, £78.99 per roll, Wayfair

Belling Sandringham 100DT 100cm dual-fuel range cooker, £989, AO

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

Create a timeless look with neutrals Choose a pared-back palette and create a serene space to unwind in Try a soft blush pink on the walls for an on-trend take on a neutral palette Aria bathroom suite with free-standing bath, £749.97, Bathroom Takeaway

November 2018

Feature Alice Butler

eutral bathrooms never go out of fashion: light, bright and uncluttered, they have a calm, universal appeal that everyone enjoys. A pared-back scheme is also a winning combination if you’re upgrading your suite to sell your house and is an easy way to create a feeling of space in a compact room. So how do you pick the perfect palette? While timeless beige, cream and white will always be popular, gentle blush and grey tones are fast becoming the ‘new neutrals’ and are beautiful shades to give your bathroom a modern spin.

Add accessories in toning shades

Diamond-fringe towels, from £19, JD Williams Home

Matt emulsion in Pashmina, from £16 for 2.5l; Period Collection matt emulsion in Ballet Shoes, from £21.50 for 2.5l, both Crown Paints

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BATHROOM IDEAS s

For a Scandinavian take, add pale wood accents. These modular units can be mixed and matched with different colours and finishes for a unique look Eli units, from £110, Wickes

Top tip Add interest with a graphic floor pattern such as these hard-wearing, waterproof vinyl tiles

Neisha Crosland Dovetail vinyl floor tiles in Flax and Lavastone, £44.80 per sq m, both Harvey Maria

Add a hint of colour with an aqua towel

Iker wall-hung glass basin and steel frame, £499.99; Iker mirror, £169.99; Iker metal towel ladder, from £129; Iker bath stand, £149.99, all Hotel Collection, Soak

Tasselled towel, £12.99, H&M Home

The shelves on this ladder are spaced so that you can have different sized items to hand Aria ladder shelf, £45, JD Williams Home

Punctuate a restrained palette with black metal accents and your bathroom will be bang on trend, too

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

BATHROOM IDEAS Keep your scheme feeling spacious with clean lines and light-bouncing, high-gloss cabinetry

System 800mm gloss basin unit, from £600, Roper Rhodes

Top tip Add a modern-rustic edge with wicker baskets and painted ceramics

Textured bath towels, from £6; wicker bin, £10; wicker laundry basket, £50; small wicker basket, £6; two tone tumbler, £5; two tone soap dish, £4; two tone storage jars, from £5 each, all Sainsbury’s Home

Opt for on-trend marble-look accessories

Marble-effect soap dispenser, £12; toothbrush holder, £15, both JD Williams Home

Pale-grey walls teamed with a wood-effect floor give this neutral scheme warmth and keep it from feeling stark

Darwin bathroom suite, £469.95, Victorian Plumbing

Flair 543 Tibet vinyl, £22.99 per sq m, Carpetright

Paint Mixing flat matt emulsion in Polished Pebble, Feather Flock and Ashen White, £27.56 for 2.5l, all Dulux

November 2018

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kitchen PROBLEM ROOM

My cramped kitchen was Michelle transformed a lacklustre kitchen with dark wooden cabinets and a splash

Insider info WHO LIVES HERE? Michelle Tuft, 50, a creative director, and husband, Adrian Smith, 49, a press officer. The couple live in a three-bedroom house in Hackney, East London, with their English bulldog Blanche.

What do you like most about the room? Being a fan of all things vintage we love the contrast of the dark wooden units against the orange glass splashback. I also love our five-gas burner which is great for dinner parties.

What are your top tips? Try to squeeze in as much storage as possible. That’s my motto. It makes it much easier to keep the space tidy.

What did you learn during this project? We had a specific design in mind and kept looking until we found the right cabinets.

What was wrong with the old room? It was grim and dark with a large Roman blind cutting out all the natural light. Also, the boiler was taking up a lot of space.

ichelle Tuft and her husband Adrian Smith adore the location of their home. ‘We had been looking in Hackney for ages but as prices were rising we had to get in there quick.’ They found their dream house close to the canal, perfect for walks with their English bulldog Blanche. ‘It needed a lot of work, but our main concern was being overlooked as the kitchen window is quite big.’ The couple sourced a window film to provide privacy and a touch of retro pattern while flooding the room with natural light. ‘It’s a great alternative to a blind and the room is a whole lot brighter.’ The old, broken and badly designed kitchen units had to be replaced. Michelle searched high and low for dark wooden units but struggled to find what she wanted. ‘The current trend is for pale kitchens so there weren’t too many designs to choose from but, eventually, we found a lovely kitchen at John Lewis. The designer came and drew up a layout and we were pleased to see how much we were able to squeeze in.’ The large boiler was moved to the downstairs toilet and the door into the hallway was taken out to make the space more open-plan. The new units were then installed to wrap around the walls, providing loads of storage. Never known to shy away from bold colour, Michelle found a company online that made the perfect shade of bright-orange splashback. ‘It took a while to manufacture, but we were so excited to have it installed.’ As the room started to take shape and Michelle decided on a Corian worktop. ‘It was quite pricey but I know it’ll last forever and it’s really easy to keep clean.’ This was followed by dark wooden laminate flooring to flow through the whole of the downstairs area and which toned perfectly with the new kitchen. ‘It’s such a massive transformation and we love cooking in here now.’

FILM STAR

The patterned window film not only provides privacy, but adds to the retro feel with its statement print.

Feature Emma Fishman Photos Lizzie Orme

WINNING CONTRAST Be inspired by Michelle and offset dark wooden cabinets with plenty of natural light and a contrasting high-gloss splashback to keep the scheme bright.

Before 56

November 2018

kitchen PROBLEM ROOM

dark and badly organised of colour for a quirky retro feel

VINTAGE FINDS

Michelle loves to display her collection of mismatched crockery in the kitchen which adds another burst of colour.

STOCK UP ON STORAGE

Installing plenty of cabinets means it’s easy to keep a tidy and organized kitchen – Michelle loves to cook but didn’t want her counters to become cluttered with gadgets.

COLOUR pop

Michelle wanted her kitchen to incorporate her favourite colour orange and chose a glass splashback which makes a vivid contrast against the dark brown units.

Shopping list Ostend Berkeley effect laminate flooring (£14 per sq m), £168, B&Q. Lucia Matt woodgrain kitchen units, £4,200; Neff extractor hood, £314; Neff five-burner gas hob, £329; built-in single oven, £369; built-in combination oven, £549, all John Lewis. Corian worktops, £2,100, UK Worktops Direct. Undermounted sink, £85; Bristan tap, £99.95, both Heat & Plumb. Glass splashback, £1,100, Bespoke Glass Splashbacks. Window film, £75, Window Film Factory. White Vector kettle, £49.99, Morphy Richards. Casserole pot in pomegranate, £125, Denby. Five-piece knife block, £54, Viners. Coral Angles tea towel, £12, Maik. Poppy cake tins, £12.95 for set of three; Poppy storage tins, £12.95 for set of three; Tulip tea towel, £4.95; Tulip mug, £3.95; Poppy recipe tin, £9.95; espresso cups (£1 each), £4; Vintage Ivy plate, £12.95, all Rex London. Finbarr green vase, £45, Dartington Crystal. Stained glass, made to order, Danny Decourtelle. Chopping board, £5, Flying Tiger.

Total cost: £9,741.64 November 2018

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ask the experts

Advice from our panel of experts Hugh’s DIY home hacks

Turn an old pallet into a rustic drinks tray

craft stash must haves

Snuggle up with our stitch-it-yourself cosy pompom cushion project

ith the cold nights drawing in, we’re all about staying cosy this month. Make the most of the dark evenings with our projects: why not rustle up a batch of fragrant bath treats or stitch a sequinned pompom cushion? Plus, turn a pallet into a tray, read Hugh’s hacks for getting the most from your drill, and gather great advice from our team of DIY experts.

hugh’s HOME HACKS

Relax and unwind with DIY pampering ideas

sew simple

revamp, repair, recycle

Make, do & craft

y s a e Make it

Make, do & Relax and unwind before the festive season hits with these DIY pamper ideas

Bath shelf, £25, Our Home To Yours. Copper fade wine glass, £6 for two, George at Asda

Top tip

Bath bombs

Add the coconut oil gradually, incorporating it with your hands until you achieve the right texture.

Ease away stress with these colourful fragrant bath fizzers

SHOPPING LIST l citric acid, £5.95 per 700g, Amazon l bicarbonate of soda l cornflour l cosmetic colour powders, £3.99 each, Amazon l coconut oil l essential oils l dried cornflowers, £4.99 per 25g, eBay l measuring cups l two bowls l bath bomb

moulds, £5.59 for set of eight, Amazon

by mixing your dry base ingredients together. In a glass or metal bowl, add one 1cupBegin of citric acid, one cup of bicarbonate of

soda and half a cup of cornflour. Stir well until all the ingredients are incorporated. Place half of your mixture into a second bowl. In one, sprinkle a little purple cosmetic colour powder. In the other, add silver – this will add an iridescent sparkle to your bath bombs. Melt one third of a cup of coconut oil and slowly add it to both bowls, a few drops at a time, until they have the consistency of damp sand. Add a few drops of essential oil to scent your mixtures. Take one half of an aluminium bath bomb mould and place a few dried cornflower petals into it. Take a spoonful of your silver mixture and press it into the mould firmly. Add a spoonful of the purple on top, again packing firmly. Continue adding layers until the first half is full, then do the same to the second half of the mould. Press the two halves together firmly to form a sphere, and leave to set for 24 hours before removing from the moulds.

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Make, do & craft

Body lotion bars Nourish dry winter skin with this luxurious DIY moisturiser

SHOPPING LIST l organic cocoa butter, £7.49 per 250g, Amazon l coconut oil l almond oil, £2.65 per 100ml, Baldwins l essential oils l cosmetic colour powders, £3.99 each, Amazon l glass jug l measuring cups l saucepan and stove l teaspoon l silicone moulds,

£5.99 for two, Amazon

by placing one cup of cocoa butter into a glass jug or bowl and then melt it 1overBegin a pan of warm water on your stove,

stirring gently throughout. Add one third of a cup of coconut oil to the mixture and stir again until completely melted. Remove your jug from the heat and stir in half a teaspoon of almond oil and a Before storing your few drops of essential lotion bars, wrap them oil – we used lavender to calm and soothe in a protective dry, sore skin. Lay your silicone wax paper. moulds on a flat surface and sprinkle a tiny amount of cosmetic colour powder into the bottom of each one. Pour your mixture into each mould and leave to dry thoroughly. When set, pop out of the mould and store in a cool, dry place ready for use.

Top tip

Lavender lip scrub Soothe and smooth chapped lips with this calming sugar mix

Churchgate candle, £8 for set of three, Dunelm

SHOPPING LIST l coconut oil l granulated sugar l lavender essential oil l cosmetic

colour powder, £3.99, Amazon l dried lavender l measuring cups Begin by melting one quarter cup of coconut l pestle and mortar, £28, John Lewis oil – you can either do this in a microwave l teaspoon l small glass jar or over a stove, ensuring you don’t heat it too much – it should be lukewarm. Pour the oil into a heavy bowl, such as a mortar. Measure out one and a half cups of granulated sugar and slowly mix it into the coconut oil, using a pestle or a large spoon to incorporate the two together well. Once blended it should have the Don’t let your consistency of damp sand. Add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to your coconut oil become mixture, then add a small sprinkle of purple cosmetic too hot, or it may powder. Finally, add a pinch of dried lavender flowers. melt the sugar. Stir until everything is mixed well and the scrub is coloured lilac, then spoon into a small sealable storage jar.

Top tip

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

Revamp, repair,

4 6

Recycle

Build a rustic-style tray from an unwanted pallet

ith the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to kit out your home ready for hosting. This on-trend rustic wooden tray can be used for drinks, nibbles, or anything else – and is made quickly and easily from a basic small wooden pallet.

You will need

3small wooden pallet 3quick-dry

wood varnish, £6 per 250ml tin, Wilko 3Blooma brown steel gate pull handles, £3.38 each, B&Q 3screws 3utility bar 3screwdriver 3saw 3PSB ergonomic drill, £100, Bosch 3screwdriver 3PSM 10,8 LI Cordless multi-sander, £89.99, Bosch 3paintbrush

Begin by taking apart the components that make up your pallet – use a utility bar and a hammer to carefully separate the planks of wood, ensuring you dispose of any broken pieces, nails and staples safely.

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

Decide how big you want your tray to be. Our pallet planks were all between 5cm and 6cm wide, so when we laid out the seven pieces we’d chosen for the tray top, it measured 40cm wide. We then decided to make the tray 50cm long.

Now that you know how big you want the finished tray to be, cut the wood to size. We cut each of our seven tray top planks to 50cm long, then cut four 40cm cross battens – these will be screwed across the tray on both the top and bottom to hold it all together.

Begin to construct your tray. Lay your top planks in position, with the undersides facing upwards. Make sure they are butted up against each other tightly. Lay the first of your battens across the struts, lining it up with the edges, as pictured. Screw down through the batten into each plank to secure them in place.

Before 62

November 2018

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Repeat step four to add another batten to the opposite edge of your tray. This should hold together the basic structure. Turn the work over and add the other two battens along the edges, this time only using two screws – one at each end – to attach them. This should sandwich the tray top in between the two layers and secure everything firmly in place.

Now your basic tray is constructed, use a sander to smooth the surface and remove any splinters. Once you’re happy with the finish, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust, then leave to dry.

Colour your tray using a wood varnish or stain. This will not only give the wood a professional finish but protect it from stains and spills, too. Apply three coats, leaving to dry thoroughly between each one.

Finish by adding handles to the tray. With the tray right-side up, measure and mark the centre point along each of the top cross battens. Place your handles on these centre marks and screw firmly into place.

revamp, repair, recycle

Top tip Drill pilot holes into your pallet before screwing anything in to avoid splitting the wood.

Love sign, from a selection, Home Bargains. Zen reactive glaze dinner plates, £4.50 each; Le ‘Xpress double-walled highball glasses, £15 for two; hammered copper coasters, £9 for set of four, all Dunelm. 16-piece rose-gold cutlery set, £25, George at Asda. Black bowl with copper-effect lining, £5, Wilko

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

Get cosy with this soft pompom cushion

ith winter upon us we wanted to create something really comfy to snuggle down into while relaxing on the sofa – this pompom cushion has just the right amount of glitz too!

You will need 45cm² cushion pad 1m Henley fabric in grey, £15 per m, Dunelm 46cm zip 2.5m flanged corded trim, £2 per m, Dunelm metallic gold sequin ribbon, £4.75 per 5m, Pipii yarn, from a selection at Abakhan.co.uk ruler scissors pins pencil vanishing ink pen needle sewing machine and thread pompom maker, £5 for set of four, Hobbycraft

Begin by marking out and cutting your front and back pieces for the cushion from the grey fabric. For the front, cut one 45cm square. For the back, cut two 23.5cm x 45cm rectangles. For now, place the back pieces aside.

Lay the front piece out flat. Fold it into quarters, pressing firmly along each crease, then open up again – this will show you where the centre is. Using a pencil or piece of dressmaker’s chalk, write the words ‘Get Cosy’ in the middle of the fabric, using the fold lines as a placement guide.

Once you’re completely happy with the placement of the lettering, go over it in vanishing ink pen – this will make it easier to see as you work. Place a string of sequins over the letters and sew into place using small stitches.

Create the cushion back. On each of the back pieces, fold one of the 45cm edges over to the wrong side by 1cm and press. Turn them over so right side is facing down and the two folded edges are laid next to each other. Place each half of a zip down the folded edge of each one, right side facing down, and pin. Machine top stitch into position, working closely to the teeth of the zip.

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Lay the cushion front out flat with right side facing up. Cut a 210cm length of flanged corded trim and pin it around the edge of the fabric, with the trim facing inwards. Tack the trim into place by hand, overlapping the start and end of it in the middle of the bottom edge of the cushion front.

With the cushion front facing upwards and the flanged trim tacked into place around the edge, place the back piece (now joined by the zip) on top, right side facing down, ensuring the zip is slightly open. Pin and then machine stitch all around, working as close to the edge of the flange as you can. Open out through the gap in the zip.

Make eight pompoms from yarn – the denser and fluffier, the better. We used two different sizes of pompom maker to create ours, but you can use a circle of card as a template if you don’t have a pompom maker to hand.

Hand stitch each of your pompoms around the edge of the cushion, using the same colour yarn as you used to create them. Fluff them up, then place your cushion pad inside the cover to finish.

sew simple

Faux-fur cushions, ÂŁ12 each, both Dunelm

Top tip

Hand-stitching the flanged corded trim around the edge of the fabric will ensure it stays in place throughout.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

Home HACKS hugh’s

Style Editor Hugh is putting the best time and money-saving DIY tricks through their paces. This time, he’s looking at alternative uses for drills

drill is a good first step into the world of power tools. It’s the least scary piece of kit, and there’s only so much damage you can do to yourself. That might also be the reason why so many people have come up with a multitude of creative DIY purposes for

it other than simply drilling holes into things. Take out the drill bit and you’ve got yourself a basic rotating motor – something that can come in handy for all kinds of uses. This month, we’re putting some of these ideas to the test to show what a versatile tool a drill can be. rating guide

= WORTH A TRY

= handy tip

= works a treat

= Genius!

Hack: Cut

down a bolt

Safety first! When cutting metal, it’s always advisable to wear safety goggles.

When a bolt is too long for its purpose, you can try to cut it down to an appropriate size by using your drill and a handheld saw, avoiding the trawl back to the DIY store. Screw on two nuts, the bottom of the two at the level you want to cut. This will act as a guide and stop your saw blade slipping. Put the end of the bolt into your drill opening and tighten to fix. Place the saw blade against the nut and gently squeeze the trigger of the H rating H drill. Go slowly at first until an initial groove is made, then you can speed up a bit until fully cut.

Feature Hugh Metcalf Photos Lizzie Orme

Hack: Blade

sharpener

Blunt knives or scissors? Make your own blade sharpener by cutting a round of sand paper and sticking it to your drill motor with a hot glue gun. Once dry, simply place your blade against the sand paper and squeeze the drill trigger to H rating H rotate and sharpen your blade. The sand paper can be removed afterwards, hopefully without too much damage to your drill.

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Hack: Paint stirrer When paint separates, it needs a good stir to ensure that you don’t end up with streaks of colour on your wall. To motorise this process, take three cable ties and attach to the end of a drill bit or long fixing and put it in your drill. Cut the H rating H cable ties to the radius of your paint can and arrange in a fan. Set the drill speed to slow and place your stirrer into the paint before squeezing the trigger to mix thoroughly.

Hack: Rescue

your rope

It might not be a common occurrence in your home but if you ever have a rope – or other furnishing material made from individual plies – which has come unravelled, use your drill to re-twist quickly and easily. Simply place the plies together in the drill opening, tighten to fix in place and press the drill trigger. You may need to H rating H change the direction of your drill, but this will become clear when you start twisting.

Great idea!

Clever kit:

For a larger cleaning jobs, try this same idea with the scrubbing brush from your kitchen sink.

Buffer pads

Hack: Draw

adjustable circles Take a wire coat hanger and some wire cutters and snip a corner from the hanger. Use one end to wrap around a pencil and, with the other end, make a small bend and wrap with thick tape. Place the latter end in the drill. Bend the wire to the required radius of your circle and ensure it’s secure before squeezing the H rating H trigger to draw the circle. It works just as well for woodworking projects as craft ones, but it’s possibly not the easiest way to draw a circle.

Hack: Power

cleaner for grout

Hugh’s home hacks

Polishing wheel for drill, £8.99 for set of four, Amazon

These buffer pads have hex shanks which prevent them from slipping when in use in any standard power drill. This particular pack of four comes in a range of shapes, meaning you can reach all kinds of spaces, and it has been specifically designed for polishing alloy wheels – but it could be used for anything else that needs polishing. Simply H rating H control the buffing intensity with your variable speed control.

Take a toothbrush and cut off the head with pliers. Use a clamp to fix the brush to a workbench and drill through with a thin drill bit, then put a long screw through the hole. Put the end of the screw into the drill and tighten to fix into place. Use along with bathroom cleaning spray to clear tough dirt from grout between tiles. Be sure not to press too hard against your tile with the toothbrush head, as the metal screw H rating H could cause damage to your tiles. You can also buy readymade brush head drill bits from Amazon that can be fixed to your drill, if the idea of making your own doesn’t appeal.

Send us your home hacks Got a DIY trick you swear by? Send it to yourhome@ burdamagazines. co.uk and you could win a Draper Storm Force 20V Cordless Hammer Drill 89523, worth £89.99!

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

Ask the

experts We answer your DIY and maintenance questions with a little help from the experts

I’d like to install a new wardrobe in our spare bedroom, but want something that won’t date quickly. Which finish and style would you suggest to stand the test of time? B McIntyre, Tewkesbury

Andy Briggs, Resident Interior Designer for Spaceslide, comments: The spare bedroom is often the smallest in size, so creating space, or at least the illusion of it, is a vital element. Mirrored sliding doors are the ideal option as they allow you to create more space in front of the wardrobe as there is no ‘swing room’ required. Plus, the interior storage within the wardrobe will provide you with a wealth of options for years to come. Silver mirrored sliding doors help to make a room appear bigger as they bounce natural light around the space, while a bronze mirror with its metallic finish will add warmth to your scheme and make a style statement. Both options can future-proof your bedroom as they can be worked into a range of interior trends, making them an ageless option that will stand the test of time. In fact, silver mirrored sliding doors proved to be such a popular and versatile design last year that they made up almost half of the company’s orders! Team the mirrored doors with frames such as Cashmere (below) or Stone Grey which perfectly complement the finishes. You can team the neutral tones of these frames with any colour in the bedroom to achieve a long-lasting, yet stylish look. For more information on Spaceslide products, or installation advice, call 0800 980 3499, or visit www.spaceslide.co.uk

November 2018

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

I’ve heard that boiling water taps are not as expensive as they used to be and you can get ones that do filtered cold water too. Can you please advise? R James, Orpington

Marco Pastore, Product Manager for Insinkerator, Europe, says: Insinkerator has a range of steaming hot water taps that combine filtered ambient cold water to suit every household, lifestyle and budget, starting from £549 including installation. Having the perfect amount of readily available steaming hot water will speed up and simplify countless kitchen tasks as well as cutting down precious time lost waiting for the kettle to boil. The steaming hot water taps at Insinkerator are available as a combined fixture or stand-alone additional tap in a number of on-trend metallic finishes. Whether you’re making a simple cup of tea, blanching vegetables or rinsing rice, you’ll save both time and resources. The HC3300 design an affordable stand-alone additional tap that offers instant filtered steaming hot water, between 88°C-98°C, in addition to filtered ambient cold water. What’s more, the tap is available in three finishes to complement many different décor styles: Brushed Steel, Polished Chrome or the brand-new Satin Black finish. The taps are priced from £699 including installation. For more information about Insinkerator taps, call 01923 375349 or visit www.insinkerator.emerson.com

I’m looking for a new mattress that stays cool, what can you suggest please? Katie Eden, Hemel Hempstead

John Bramm, Director of Sleep Innovation at Sleep Origins, says: Staying cool at night is one of the most common sleeping problems here in the UK and research has shown that maintaining a good temperature is key to healthy sleep patterns. Sleep Origins, a British-made mattress brand, has developed FreshCell technology designed to increase natural air flow. As opposed to memory-foam mattresses, which have a reputation for quickly becoming overly warm, the Sleep Origins mattress is made from award-winning micro-pocket springs and premium FreshCell foam, specially selected for its breathability and spring-like support. FreshCell technology has heat-dissipation properties that allow fresh air to circulate and ventilate naturally. The combination of micro-pocket springs and FreshCell chambers acts as bellows, responding to your body’s movements by forcing out stale air and drawing fresh air into the mattress. A mesh border around the edge of the mattress helps to increase ventilation further. Staying well ventilated and maximising air flow is key to a great night’s sleep! Sleep Origins mattresses are priced from £159.99, www.highstreettv.com

Hi, I’m trying to choose between a matt and a high-gloss kitchen and am not sure which design to go for. Do you have any style tips? Maisie White, Sutton Coldfield

Paul Pearce, Technical Director at the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), advises: Chenille is made up of three elements, the core, effect and a binder to keep it all together. It is then woven into a fabric and the surface has a velour feel to it. After 13 years, it would be normal for upholstery to collect a lot of grime. So the first thing to do is to vacuum it well to remove as much dry dirt as possible. This will reduce the possibility of any muck staining further once the fabric becomes wet during cleaning. Sprucing up the whole sofa is quite a challenge as too much moisture can cause unnecessary staining. That’s why it’s best to treat spills as they happen by absorbing as much moisture as possible. There are proprietary cleaning agents that can deal with surface soils on upholstery, although it’s always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions as using too much solution on

the fabric can stain and attract more grime. When applying a cleaning agent, dry it off with a clean white cotton towel as soon as possible. Some fabrics absorb moisture more than others, so we advise calling in a professional upholstery cleaner from the National Carpet Cleaners Association. Members of the NCCA have undertaken a recognised professional carpet and upholstery cleaning course, reaching the required standard in the examination. This ensures that all our trusted local cleaners have essential knowledge for the safe and effective cleaning of carpets and fabrics. For more information, visit www.ncca.co.uk

ask the experts

My fixed-cover chenille sofa is 13 years old and in need of a refresh. Please can you suggest the best way to clean the fabric? P Berwick, Birmingham

gloss surfaces can be wiped down and dried with a microfibre cloth. Crown Imperial’s Rococo ultra-matt kitchen is a non-reflective and fingerprintresistant finish available with or without handles in a range of colours. Crown Imperial Kitchens start from £10,000; a Rococo matt 600mm base unit is £236. www.crown-imperial.co.uk

If you have a maintenance or DIY question, write to: Ask the Experts, Your Home, Hubert Burda Media UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU or email asktheexperts@yhmag.co.uk

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

Feature Sally Narraway

a feeling of space. Furthermore, it’s always good to be mindful about lighting in an open-plan gloss kitchen: you may need to think about clever positioning to avoid shadows and dazzling guests. On a practical level, both finishes are durable and on trend but for a busy family kitchen opt for streamlined, handleless units. When it comes to cleaning, both matt and

Image iStock

Tony McCarthy, Commercial Director at Crown Imperial, has the following advice: Choosing a kitchen may seem a little daunting, although with some careful planning and expert design advice you can successfully find the right style for your home. Start the process by visiting your local kitchen retailer to view the plethora of swatches and ask to take matt and gloss door samples away so you can test drive them at home. The latest trend is to mix and match materials and colours, so experiment with finishes, look at how they interact in natural and artificial light, and see if they suit your room size and complement your furniture. Matt finishes offer an understated elegance, although in a smaller kitchen space you may wish to consider adding open shelving, colour accents or under-counter lighting to provide a light, airy feel. Alternatively, gloss finishes benefit from reflective qualities that help bounce light around the room, creating

craft stash musts have Check out the latest crafting news, workshops and brilliant buys

A bird in the hand Wildlife gift company Boxwild is hoping to inspire the next generation of budding nature enthusiasts with its new Children’s Big Bird Gift Boxes, priced £28. Each box contains everything your little ones will need to get interested in garden birds, with a paintyour-own nesting box, paintbrush and paints, seed blends, a bird feeder and a metal seed scoop. Visit www.boxwild.com for more details.

workshop: Anna-Marie Designs

craft stash must haves

Feature Sophie Tarrant

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For those looking to learn a variety of skills, the Creative Weekends from designer Anna-Marie could be ideal. Aiming to provide the ultimate craft experience, class-goers will learn new techniques over the course of seven different workshops, meet new friends and relax in stylish, comfortable accommodation in the Cotswolds. Priced £360 including accommodation, breakfast and dinner, visit www.annamariedesigns.co.uk to find out more.

LEARN a skill: Inkmaking Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide To Natural Inkmaking (£21.99, Abrams) is the gorgeously colourful new book by designer and artist Jason Logan, delving into the world of ink making and the science behind it. You’ll learn how to forage for materials such as soot, rust, peach pits and walnuts and how to mix, test and transform them into your very own rich, vibrant inks.

Crafty cats Knitters are being asked to help unwanted cats and kittens by making blankets and mouse toys which will be donated to those in the care of Cats Protection. Having launched at this year’s Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace, crafters can either use their own designs or follow the popular Captain Cat-Battler mouse pattern by Lauren O’Farrell, which is available now free at www.bit.ly/CPKnit. For more information, visit www.cats.org.uk

Fun at the fair The Made By Hand Fair is returning to Cardiff once again, bringing together an exceptional handpicked selection of 135 leading makers from all over Wales and the UK. Held at City Hall from 2nd-4th November, the event will also include the popular Pottery Throw Down, which will feature stars from the hit BBC show. For more information and to buy tickets priced from £6, visit www.madebyhandonline.com.

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Imogen turned an ex-council house into a unique and stylish home

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Using recycled materials, Sally transformed a converted pig shed

Sarah opened up her space for a bright and airy home

Justin stamped his own mark on a converted chapel

find more interiors to inspire you at www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

November 2018

We put our heart and soul into creating our perfect home Using a clever blend of recycled materials and natural accessories, Justin and Bobs have brought out the unique character in their converted chapel

plan to build an aviary to keep golden pheasants, ornamental ducks and finches was one of the main reasons that led Justin Alderslade and his partner Bobs Ibrar to buy a repossessed former Methodist chapel in Warwickshire. Their four-bedroom town house in Chipping Norton had plenty of space inside, but not enough outside to accommodate an aviary. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Finding a property with a garden was a big priority,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Justin. At the same time they

November 2018

wanted to find something located between their giftware and home accessories shops, aptly named Mash Lifestyle, located in Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the-Wold. They had already visited the chapel several times before it went to auction to plan out what they would do with it, before narrowly winning a brief bidding war. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It was a relief to secure the purchase as we had dithered and looked at other finished, renovated properties at the same

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REAL HOME

Good idea!

COME ON IN...

For flexibility, a moveable kitchen island on wheels is ideal when entertaining in large numbers.

A reclaimed wood shelf sits above the sink, handy for storage and displaying stylish baking equipment. For a selection of rustic industrial shelves, try Etsy. For a similar fire hydrant bin try Dafini

WE ARE Bobs Ibrar and Justin Alderslade. We live here with our British shorthair cats, Diesel and Diva, and parrot, Pip. We own Mash Lifestyle (www.mashlifestyle.co.uk), two gift and home accessories shops in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, and Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire.

A local joiner made the free-standing kitchen units and the pre-loved range cooker was found online. For a similar model try the Leisure free-standing electric range with electric hob, CK90C230S from B&Q

our BIGGEST CHALLENGE Was the layout and design of the kitchen. We started with an empty square space and it took us a while to pin down how best to configure it. OUR STYLE Is quirky, eclectic and

A bench at the breakfast table streamlines the area and allows for flexible seating options. The table and bench were bought from Station Mill Antiques and Interiors in Chipping Norton. For similar, try the Kejsarkrona bench from Ikea

rustic with a bit of industrial thrown in – which we think works well in the rambling rooms of the chapel.

we LIKE TO SHOP Online, including auction sites such as eBay, to source recycled materials, new and used items. We also shop at Station Mill Antiques and Interiors in Chipping Norton. our BEST ADVICE Is be patient and watch the renovation develop and enjoy the transformation as it takes place.

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2 wc

Hall

FIRST FLOOR

Guest room

Garden room

Feature and photos Amanda Turner

and then a single-storey flat-roof extension was added in the 80s. ‘It had been empty for a number of years and was cold, unloved and dark; it needed a lot of attention and work to make it liveable,’ says Justin. They tackled the changes in two phases, starting with rewiring, plumbing and flooring, before embarking on the kitchen. ‘For the first month, when the bulk of the initial work took place, we were able to stay in our previous home. But when we finally moved in the kitchen was only partially finished, and we were still washing up in the garden for a while – it was quite chaotic!’ remembers Justin. As part of the first phase of the remodelling work, they tackled the

Utility

time. We realised then that we preferred something we could stamp our mark on,’ says Justin. When the chapel was first converted a cottage had been attached to the building

OUR HOME Is a three-bedroom converted Cotswold-stone chapel, built in 1881, in a village in Warwickshire.

Snug

Hall Kitchen

GROUND FLOOR

For stockists see page 120

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

REAL HOME The original staircase was removed and remodelled to create a balconied landing. The stairs and panelling are painted in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball. For similar wood cladding try the spruce tongue-and-groove cladding from Wickes

Good idea!

To add character Justin commissioned his builder to make the MDF wood panelling in the snug.

The brickwork in the hearth has been sandblasted to bring out the colour of the stone. Bespoke wood panelling adds a cosy element to the room

garden room, adding floor-to-ceiling windows, bi-fold doors and roof lanterns, transforming what was once a room with only two small windows into a lightfilled open-plan space with living and dining areas. Wildlife drawings, driftwood sculptures and artwork fill the walls, all collected by Justin while on his travels in Bali, Sri Lanka and Thailand. ‘We also put in a utility room that leads off the dining area – it makes a perfect room for hatching chicks,’ says Justin. Five months on they drew breath and took time to enjoy Christmas while they readied themselves for the next phase. The hall, main bedroom, en suite and guest bedroom were the next areas on the improvements agenda. Structural changes were made to the hall staircase, which was ripped out and replaced to create a balconied landing above. Upstairs, three rooms were knocked into one by removing the stud walls in order to create a master bedroom

November 2018

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‘We found it difficult to choose the right shade of white paint, there are so many to choose from’

The dining area opens out on to the garden and the aviary. The ceiling lantern is painted in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball to create a striking contrast with the copper Moroccan lantern

‘The garden office, which cost about £2,000, was built by a local carpenter, along with my help,’ says Justin. It has been designed to look like a bird hide to blend in with the neighbouring aviary

The dividing wall, which has been increased in depth to match the older parts of the house, is covered in blocks of Rottura split-face grey tile from Topps Tiles. The climbing men are from Mash Lifestyle

with an en suite and walk-in wardrobe. To add drama they decided to take the changes a step further in this bedroom by removing the ceiling to expose the beams above. This is where Justin and Bobs realised they should have made a contingency budget. ‘Sandblasting extra timber beams was one of our unexpected costs, as we only decided halfway through to expose the beams in the main bedroom,’ remembers Justin. ‘However, the master suite is the room we are most proud of – it feels as though you could be anywhere in the world, from a boutique www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

REAL HOME Reclaimed Indian shutter doors from Mash Lifestyle add to the rich colours and textures in the master bedroom. The large pendant light is also from Mash Lifestyle

‘The master suite is the room we are most proud of, you could be anywhere in the world, from a boutique hotel in Barcelona to a Marrakech spa’ hotel in Barcelona to a Marrakech spa. To create the rustic finish in the main bedroom Justin used his DIY skills to turn old scaffolding planks into upcycled gems. ‘When they arrived in bulk on a pallet I realised I had my work cut out,’ says Justin. The second phase, which took seven months, came to an end the following summer and Justin was already busy styling the place. Opting for copper as an accent Wood-effect ceramic tiles create a cabin feel in the bathroom. Try the Avona grey natural wood-effect porcelain wall and floor tiles from B&Q. For similar spotlights, try the Tabosa brass designs from Nkuku

Good idea!

Carved wooden shutters full of rustic charm are used as a window treatment, and as doors to the dressing room and en suite. The reclaimed glass block tiles make a unique shower panel. ‘Our plumber made the copper rod towel radiator for us,’ says Justin

November 2018

The white walls and natural wood make a perfect backdrop for the bird-themed décor. ‘We call this room the feathered nest,’ says Justin. The Woody storage bed is from Loaf

colour in the kitchen, he added fittings, lighting and accessories, while also making the most of the exposed beams, using reclaimed shelving to echo the wood tones. The colour scheme throughout the house is a calming blend of deep blues and greys that contrasts with the fresh-white walls, and complements the rich backdrop of architectural features from sandblasted beams to Cotswold stone walls. ‘We found it quite difficult to choose the right shade of white paint for the house; it took a lot of discussion and we got through a lot of sample pots,’

ideas to steal

A movable kitchen island adds flexibility. Vadholmn kitchen island, from £350, Ikea

Copper pans and accessories complement a rustic kitchen design. Copper tri-ply mini 9cm saucepan, £19.99, Lakeland

Moroccan pendant lights add character to the ceiling lanterns. Moroccan ceiling pendant, £15, Dunelm

says Justin. The paint they finally settled on was Farrow & Ball’s Old White, which they chose for its soft reflective tones. Happy with the results of their labour and with the aviary taking pride of place in the garden, Justin utilised a small corner next to it to build a garden office in the style of a bird hide. To finish off the front of the house they have added a timeless slate dovecot, complete with white doves to bring it to life. When asked about any future plans Justin will tell you, ‘We want to renovate the guest bathroom; I’m planning on making the room bright and white and hope to put in a freestanding copper bath – if the budget allows.’ YH Reclaimed scaffolding planks sourced on the internet have been distressed with a selection of Annie Sloan chalk paints and black wax to produce a rustic, industrial wall treatment

Justin has used reclaimed scaffolding planks to create rustic feature walls.

Blue AS Creation distressed wood panel wallpaper, £13.99 per roll, World of Wallpaper

Place stone basins on bespoke shelving for a unique look. Yellow River natural stone basin, £179.95, Victoria Plumbing Plank double bed, £499, H&F

A simple wooden bed sits comfortably in the bird-themed guest room

I’ve created my perfect forever home Imogen Parson has turned a jaded 1950s ex-council house into a stylish and inviting family retreat

mogen Parson and her fiveyear-old son Elliott were rapidly outgrowing their one-bedroom flat in a neighbouring London borough but Imogen was determined that their next move would be to her forever home, so she wasn’t in a rush to buy. ‘I was looking for a home where Elliott could grow up and that I would never want to leave,’ she explains. ‘I needed a house with a garden and a spare room for friends

November 2018

and family to stay. My dream home was a country cottage but as I live in South London I was looking at period Victorian houses – and the ones that came on the market in this area exceeded my budget.’ With this picture in her head, Imogen was sceptical when an estate agent phoned The vintage-style luggage rack from Graham & Green is the perfect place to store coats, while the bench from Cox & Cox provides useful cubby holes for shoes. In the adjacent cloakroom, Imogen has gone for bold patchwork Moroccan tiles

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

REAL HOME

The extra-wide island unit provides plenty of space for prepping and serving food. Imogen designed it so that it looks like a sleek sideboard from the dining area, helping to create a subtle and seamless flow from the kitchen space to the entertaining area

COME ON IN...

WE ARE Imogen Parson. I run an online interiors business, and live here with my five-year-old son, Elliott, and two cats, Molly and Quincy. OUR HOME Is a four-bedroom, 1950s ex-council terraced house in south London. We moved here in May 2016.

SHOPS I LOVE ARE Neptune, Graham & Green and Designers Guild. I also enjoy rummaging through junk shops, as you never know what treasures you may find.

Good idea!

Not only do reclaimed vintage cinema seats look funky, they fold away neatly to free up space in a compact hallway.

MY BIGGEST MISTAKE WAS Not putting a radiator in the cloakroom loo. I’ve since discovered that it gets pretty nippy in there during the winter! to say a four-bedroom, 1950s ex-council house had come on the market within her budget and in her desired area. Keeping an open mind, she decided to view it. ‘When I first saw this house, I had an “I don’t think this is for me” moment,’ she admits. ‘But then I noticed that the rooms were larger than most Victorian houses and it was brimming with potential. I realised I could turn it into something special.’ Although the existing décor wasn’t to Imogen’s taste, the house was in good condition. ‘When we moved in it was just a case of getting out the paint brush and putting our mark on it,’ explains Imogen. ‘I roped my family in to help decorate. ‘I have added my love of colour by putting bright bursts of it throughout the house, with duvets, throws, and a fabulous London bus bunk bed in Elliott’s room. I feel the “everything grey” phase has had its day.’ With its vintage-style cinema seats, extra-large mirror and variety of storage options, the entrance hallway is the ideal spot for preparing to go out for the day. The rug is from CarpetVista, the console table came from Neptune, the pendant light is from Jim Lawrence and the blind fabric is Peas & Pods by Sanderson

FOR INSPIRATION I indulge in glossy interiors magazines. I also take inspiration from my travels and, in particular, my love of South Africa. I’D CHANGE Nothing. There is absolutely nothing I would alter. I love our home. Bedroom 2

Bedroom 1 wc

Office

Feature Anna Tobin Photos Rachael Smith

MY BEST BARGAIN WAS The pair of vintage cinema seats which I found on eBay and cost just £80.

Bedroom 3 Storage

FIRST FLOOR

top FLOOR

Dining area

Kitchen wc

Lounge

Hall

GROUND FLOOR

For stockists see page 120

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REAL HOME

Mismatched chairs, picked up on eBay and junk shops, bring an instant lived-in feel to the dining area. Imogen found the table at Loaf

fell. This gave her the confidence to design the kitchen and extension herself. ‘I was the project manager and the interior designer,’ she says with pride. ‘I worked out the extension layout, chose a sloped roof with Velux windows to maximise the light and included an exposed brickwork feature wall and a little side window. These are quirky details that help the house feel more like a cottage, even though it’s in the heart of London.’ ‘We also had a narrow corridor for a front entrance, so I created a large welcoming hallway with a downstairs cloakroom

‘I chose a sloped roof with Velux windows to maximise the light and included an exposed brickwork feature wall and a little side window. Quirky details that help the house feel like a cottage’

Imogen replaced the gas fire in the living room with a wood-burning stove and put in contemporary column radiators. She also added white plantation shutters at the windows. ‘I don’t love the windows, but they’re double-glazed and practical, so I couldn’t justify replacing them,’ explains Imogen. ‘I don’t view the house much from the outside, so how they appear externally doesn’t worry me. Shutters were an ideal way to disguise the windows on the inside and they take up less room than curtains.’ A year after moving in, Imogen decided that they would benefit from a larger living area downstairs. ‘I loved the upstairs. The bedrooms were bright and airy and I’d made the box room into a study. But downstairs only had one reception room and a small kitchen. I wanted more space to entertain and for Elliott to play.’ Now familiar with the house, Imogen knew exactly how she needed her new living space to work and where the light Imogen deliberately didn’t design space for a TV in the open-plan kitchen living area as she wanted it to be a purely social space. When she is on her own though, the sofa from Sofa.com provides a lovely spot to curl up with a magazine and a glass of wine. The vintage travel trunk came from a junk shop and the cushions are from Designers Guild and Maisons du Monde

November 2018

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by knocking through to the adjoining garage.’ With her ideas on paper, Imogen got a structural engineer to specify the construction details and the extension took shape. When it came to the kitchen itself, Imogen’s challenge was to achieve a high-end kitchen on a tight budget. ‘I wanted a Shaker-style kitchen with a large central island and I spent ages searching for units. I knew that this would probably be the only time I would get the chance to put in a kitchen, so I didn’t want a cheap one that would need replacing in a few years,’ she says. ‘My dream kitchen was along the lines of Tom Howley or deVOL, but they were out of my budget, so I began looking for cheaper alternatives, without scrimping on quality.’ Imogen found that The Shaker Kitchen Company did a similar style

Good idea!

A sloping ceiling and exposed brick walls help make an extension feel like part of the original building and not a new addition.

In the living room, an asymmetrical bookcase built into the alcove adds interest to the rear internal wall. The sofa is from SofaSofa; the console table is from Laura Ashley and the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White and Purbeck Grey The tall mirror from Graham & Green above the fireplace highlights the room’s tall ceiling. Bookcases have been built into either side of the chimney breast to provide an attractive display area www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

REAL HOME

The mismatched random display of artwork above the bed in the master bedroom, follows Imogen’s love of non-uniform style. The bed and bamboo tray are from Dunelm; the duvet cover is from Designers Guild, and the Union Jack cushion is from John Lewis

kitchen to the one she was after and it was more affordable. She then kept costs down further by sourcing the worktops and appliances herself. ‘I paid a lot of attention to the details,’ adds Imogen. ‘I put USB ports in the plug sockets, for example, and I poured red wine and beetroot on my worktop samples to establish which was the most durable before I committed.’ ‘I love the living space now. It’s exactly how I pictured it would be. The kitchen is cottage-like, but the dining and living space with its exposed brickwork is more industrial-chic. I love the way they complement one another.’ Imogen is delighted with the way the whole house has turned out. Just as she’d hoped, she can’t see herself living anywhere else. YH

‘I have added my love of colour by putting bursts of it throughout the house’ Imogen chose a French-style upholstered bed frame from Loaf and dressed it with an over-sized Designers Guild duvet set. The bench is from Graham & Green

ideas to steal

A wood-burning stove throws a cosy glow over the living room on cold wintry days and will heat the room more effectively than a traditional fireplace. Carron 7.3 KW stove, from £649, Ludlow Stoves Ltd

Imogen’s old travel chest adds a vintage feel to her living space and doubles up as a coffee table. Vintage travel trunk, £90, Scaramanga

The pair of industrial-style lights complement the island unit in the kitchen. Nantucket pendant light in polished chrome, £91.80 each, Där Lighting

Imogen has made Elliott’s room a real place of fun with the double decker bunk bed from Wayfair and wall stickers from Amazon. The star rug is from John Lewis

Add colour to a vintage-style wooden dining table with vibrant patterned crockery. Large stoneware Toledo cup, £12.95, Rex London

Good idea!

Rounded shower enclosures take up less floor space than square ones and, as the doors slide open and closed, they don’t protude.

A bench with cubby holes provides a seat to pull on boots and storage to avoid a puddle of shoes at the front door. Fir Wood shoe storage bench, £164.95, Lime Lace

Imogen didn’t change the sanitaryware in the shower room, but she painted the walls in Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue and added her trademark splashes of colour with a shower mat from Maisons Du Monde and towels from Dunelm

Brightly coloured and patterned cushions add interest to sofas, chairs and beds in Imogen’s home. Cushion, from £20, Louise Mead

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We’ve given a tired house a fresh makeover Knocking down walls, opening up spaces and adding their own ideas has given Sarah and Colin Sephton a light and airy house they can truly relax in

A roof lantern in the open-plan kitchen makes the most of the natural light. ‘We went for the simple gloss Santini kitchen and Safari floor tiles from B&Q and teamed them with a black granite worktop from Diapol,’ says Sarah

ooking for a renovation project within a 10-mile radius of Oxford, Sarah and Colin Sephton were pleased to spot an unusual property on the outskirts that was ripe for an update. The couple are both teachers and moved to Oxford a few years after Sarah got a job in the city. ‘Prior to this, while our sons were growing up, we lived in the Midlands and North Warwickshire. Colin was working as a design engineer, but now he’s swapped careers to teach. For the first few years of my new job I commuted.’ Deciding to put down roots in the Oxford area nearly eight years ago, the couple looked through more than a hundred properties on Rightmove. ‘We wanted somewhere with a big garden, as I’m a passionate gardener, sharing my tips

November 2018

on Instagram as @oxfordcottagegardener, but also somewhere that wasn’t too massive but needed doing up as we fancied a renovation project.’ With very few places meeting their criteria, Sarah and Colin spotted a 1920s semi-detached bungalow with a huge garden which needed everything updating. ‘It was owned by an elderly couple previously, and it was well cared for, but very old-fashioned. We didn’t mind that it was on one level. It gave us the bedrooms we needed, and we could see that the boys would be up and off in the near future, so it was really only us we had to please.’ Being located a couple of miles outside the city, it was an easy commute and convenient for Sarah and Colin to enjoy the shops, restaurants and culture, while

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

the rural location suited the pair perfectly. ‘We didn’t have to rush anything, as it was perfectly liveable but with blocks of time off in the holidays we could complete projects, so we’ve tended to undertake something major each year.’ Taking down

REAL HOME

A black table from eBay makes a dramatic statement and Sarah has upcycled her old Next chairs. ‘I bought a stencil, the Americana Décor design from Hobbycraft, then painted the chairs in Annie Sloan’s Pure White chalk paint and the motif in Paris Grey’

COME ON IN...

WE ARE Sarah Sephton, and my husband Colin, both teachers. We have frequent visits from grown-up sons Joshua and George. OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom

semi-detached bungalow. It was built in 1927, with 1970s extensions, and is located on the outskirts of Oxford.

MY BEST BARGAIN IS The blue

Good idea!

MY TOP TIP IS Live in the property

before making any major decisions on what goes where. The light really changes the way things look at different times of the day.

TO RELAX I garden, garden and then do more gardening. Tending it, sitting and relaxing in it, you name it: I’m quite happy to be out there all day until it’s dark. THE BEST BIT ABOUT LIVING HERE IS All the natural light that comes

into our open-plan kitchen and the fact that although it’s quite rural we’re only a stone’s throw from Oxford itself.

MY FAVOURITE ROOM IS The kitchen where we spend nearly all day. Most of the year round the doors are wide open to the garden. THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WAS

Remodelling the entire house and getting rid of the 1970s décor, colours and layout which just didn’t suit modern living. Dining

Kitchen Bathroom

Bedroom 1

Feature Stephanie Smith Photos Colin Poole

walls to create the large space at the back of the house into a kitchen-diner with a cosy snug area was top of the list. ‘We’ve put in doors across the back of the house, completely gutted and replaced the kitchen and installed a large roof lantern. We often have the boys and their partners here to stay so we wanted lots of seating options and space to spread out. Anytime it’s possible, we like to get out into the garden and enjoy it, so the kitchen feels like an outdoor room.’ Keeping the front room as a cosy living room and a place to relax and read

Stencils are a great way to give your chairs a new look. Find one that is a suitable size for the chair back and buy a can of spray paint. Silver is effective as it reflects the light.

cabinet in the hallway, from a local antiques centre. It was a mess but with a bit of Laura Ashley Duck Egg paint it’s come up a treat.

Hall

An old bureau, perfect for tidying everything away in moments, has been turned into a desk area with a coat of Annie Sloan’s Pure White chalk paint

Bedroom 3

Lounge

The end of the kitchen diner has now become a cosy space to relax. ‘We used an old sofa and chairs, and bought a fireplace for £115 from a charity shop to give a focal point,’ says Sarah

Bedroom 2

FLOORPLAN

For stockists see page 120

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

REAL HOME

Not wanting to go too open-plan, Sarah and Colin have left themselves a separate living room at the front of the house. ‘This is particularly useful in winter and the key is a new wood-burning stove’ Smart grey Oslo sofas from John Lewis provide a neutral base. ‘I’ve chosen yellow as my accent colour,’ says Sarah. ‘And tracked down cushions from M&S and a throw which works well with the grey’

Good idea!

Go for a cohesive look by tying in your colour scheme with your picture display – Sarah has chosen a cheery yellow.

November 2018

a book, knit or just chill out was important for the couple. ‘The kitchen is the social space, but we love the quiet room at the front of the house as well.’ Favouring a simple, contemporary style, the couple preferred muted colours such as blue and grey with pops of bright yellow. ‘Colin is a talented artist, and has his own Instagram page as @oxfordartist, where he shows off his views of Oxford as well as his more experimental paintings, so we’ve got plenty of his work on show throughout the house. He has a passion for colour and we tend to choose things together, rather than it just being me, which is unusual as most partners prefer not to get involved in choosing the décor, but we like to go out browsing around the shops together.’ The couple have invested in special pieces such as sofas, beds, and bedside

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‘We are fans of second-hand and charity shops as you can buy well-made furniture to upcycle and paint’ furniture, and spent time researching the well-made kitchen. They also like to pick up the odd piece to recycle. ‘We’re fans of second-hand and charity shops as you can buy well-made furniture to upcycle and paint. Now I’ve discovered Annie Sloan chalk paint, I’m off, as it’s so easy to use.’ The only thing the couple haven’t tackled is their bathroom. ‘It’s large and tiled floor-to-ceiling. It has a retro charm, but it really needs gutting and starting again so that’s the last project. We put in a small en suite shower room when we renovated our bedroom, so we don’t tend to use the main bathroom on a day-today basis, it’s more for guests, but we’re building up to tackling it.’ After doing all the work and renovating each room, the couple are pleased that it’s a house for all seasons. ‘We’ve got a lovely view over the back garden and the interior is nice and light, so it works well all year round. Now we’ve got our home as we want it, we’ll probably get itchy feet and want to do it all over again.’ YH

Sarah has continued the grey and yellow colour scheme into the en suite with grey walls and hints of yellow in the accessories

ideas to steal

Aguri curtains, from £31, La Redoute

Combine two colour shades in one pair of curtains.

Sarah and Colin invested in a classic Arco lamp to bring some Art Deco style to their living room. Bow lamp, £119, Made

Elura beige tile, £32.35 per sq m, Topps Tiles

Marble-effect ceramic floor tiles reflect light and are easy to care for.

Yellow adds an instant burst of colour. Blooming flowers cushion, £38, Red Candy

Wanting upscale bedding for the master bedroom, Sarah visited Bicester Village shopping centre. ‘We got some lovely Oxford Stripe bedding by Ralph Lauren at a knockdown price. The Home cushion is from Debenhams and the headboard from eBay’

White dining chairs give a dining room a sophisticated feel. Form cantilever dining chair, £129 each, Danetti

Striped bedding adds a luxe boutique-hotel touch to any bedroom.

Blarips bedding, £35 for double set, Ikea

Sally found these comfortable sofas in DFS and added colourful touches from We Love Cushions to bring a modern touch to the sitting area. Sally wanted a chunky coffee table to work with the proportions of the room and asked the joiner to make one from scaffold boards

REAL HOME COME ON IN...

Our converted pig shed is full of rural charm Almost everything is recycled or reinvented in Sally and John Medforth’s countryside retreat

OUR HOME Is a three-bedroom, converted 18th-century former pig shed near Malton, North Yorkshire. THE THING I LIKE BEST Is the fact

the building reflects its agricultural history but still has a modern touch.

MY TOP TIP IS TO Use your imagination to find new uses for old things. It’s amazing how much money you can save by recycling.

MY BEST BUY Was the dining table.

It’s very compact but expands to seat eight comfortably.

MY FAVOURITE ROOM Is the kitchen area because it’s created entirely from reclaimed materials and is really practical. THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE Was making new floor boards look old. It took forever, but the results were worth all the time and effort. Bed 2

wc Bed 1

Kitchen

Ensuite

Feature Heather Dixon Photos Dave Burton

ally and John’s hillside farm came with a series of dilapidated outbuildings when they bought it in 2009. The whole lot needed renovating, so they lived in a caravan for 20 months while they updated the farmhouse and converted a former pig shed into a rustic country home. ‘We had renovated before so we knew what to expect,’ says Sally. ‘It was always going to be a challenge but you accept the fact that you will be living on a building site for a couple of years.’ They decided to convert the pig shed first so that they had a roof over their heads while they renovated the main farmhouse. Doing most of the work themselves, they used a mini digger and wheelbarrows to get rid of 120 tons of earth and rubble. They then knocked out the ceiling to open up the pitch roof, sandblasted the stone walls to make them clean again, and built internal walls to create an open-plan kitchen and living area, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the ground floor. The floor at one end of the building was then lowered and the roof height raised to create enough space for a third bedroom and en suite above the utility room. The building was re-roofed to replace

WE ARE Sally and John Medforth. I run a holiday letting business and John is a farmer.

FIRST FLOOR

Good idea!

Bed 3

Old drawers have been painted in toning shades and hung at jaunty angles to create quirky bookshelves.

Utility

GROUND FLOOR

For stockists see page 120 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

REAL HOME ‘That’s the great thing about using reclaimed materials – they continue to look better with age’ and repurposed to look as good as new. ‘We had to buy new wider floorboards for the ground floor and to make them look old and worn I spent hours hammering them, gouging out bits with a screwdriver and using a small kitchen blow torch,’ says Sally. ‘Then I waxed them three times, by hand. It was a tedious job but well worth it – they look fantastic.’ Stone flags taken from another outbuilding that had been demolished were recycled to add to the lived-in industrial-agricultural style of the property. Sally decided to decorate in light neutral colours throughout to emphasise the natural textures in the original and reclaimed stone and wood. ‘I wanted to

Good idea!

Old dining chairs bought from a market in France have been painted and reupholstered by Sally.

rotting timbers and cracked tiles, and then fully insulated. When it came to the detail Sally was determined to keep the budget in check by using reclaimed timbers, furniture and finishes to create a natural, rustic look, including rejected scaffold boards for cupboards, fence posts for window headers and banister rails, and tiles discovered on the farm for the fireplace. ‘Our builder was brilliant at finding things most people would throw away and creating something new from them,’ says Sally. Even the bathroom fittings were ex-showroom display and a basin found on an old work bench was scrubbed up

November 2018

A fireplace was built with reclaimed stone to house a log-burner and create a striking feature in the open-plan living room. The ceiling of the original pig shed was knocked down to create a high, open-pitch beamed roof The chairs and circular dining table found in a Barker & Stonehouse sale keep the space flowing in the open-plan kitchen and dining area

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Good idea!

Rustic scaffold boards have been hung on chunky wooden brackets in the kitchen to create open shelves for pots and pans.

Tongue-and-groove boarded walls define the kitchen area. The units were built from reclaimed bricks and the wood has been painted in Annie Sloan Paloma chalk paint

Original stone is left exposed as a nod to the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural history. The drawers are from Antoinette Henrietta

REAL HOME Old brick arches from the original pig pens and wooden beams are teamed with new floorboards which Sally painstakingly aged to create a rustic-style bedroom. The cupboards were built by a friend who is a joiner. The walls are painted in Colour Trend Parson’s Stone and Sally added warmth with a lilac tartan throw from Dunelm

‘I wanted to keep the character of the building, with its deep set windows and lovely beams, but I also wanted it to look quite modern’ complement the character of the building, with its deep-set windows and lovely beams, but I also wanted it to look quite modern,’ she says. ‘There’s not a lot of natural light in here so, to keep everything as bright as possible, I painted most of the walls and ceilings in the same Parson’s Stone shade by Colour Trend.’ Most of the large furniture is from a combination of high-street shops and eBay, which Sally has added her unique twist to with quirky accessories. ‘You have to think outside the box to save yourself lots of money,’ says Sally. ‘Sometimes it’s a case of finding something and wondering how you can use it, while at other times I would spend hours researching and scouring the internet for specific bargains. I kept an open mind and bought things in sales, through eBay, and asked around to see if anyone was throwing anything out that could come in useful. It’s amazing what people throw away. There were also a lot of bits and pieces salvaged from the farm – building materials which were just

lying around waiting to be reinvented.’ Sally has furnished the house with a mix of new and old, adding a modern touch to its rustic and rural character. ‘I wanted to make is as homely as possible but keep it practical at the same time,’ she says. ‘Carpets are not much use when you live in the country, especially when, like us, you have family in and out all the time and dogs roaming around with muddy paws. The stone floors are ideal and the whole house can withstand a lot of wear and tear. That’s the great thing about using reclaimed materials – they look better with age.’ Sally has added the finishing touches gradually, layering up with tactile soft furnishings and adding items of vintage kitchenware to display on the open shelves, which are both practical and stylish. ‘It’s a really cosy place,’ says Sally. ‘It stands on a hilltop so when the autumn winds are blowing across the hills and whipping round the house, we just close the door, batten down the hatches and we’re as warm as toast.’ YH

November 2018 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

A rustic door from Earthwood, fitted with traditional latches from a local blacksmith, and a sink stand made from scaffold boards, add to the character of this colourful en suite bathroom

ideas to steal

Pep up the kitchen shelves with quirky storage. Cat, dog and chicken tins, from £15, Annabel James

Achieve Sally’s urban-rustic style with this metal shelving.

Good idea!

Sally has used hints of lilac and pink in her en suite which ties in with the pastel shades in the rest of the house.

Dalston light wood and metal shelving unit, £225, Artisanti

Create the effect of an exposed natural stone wall with wallpaper. A Parisian bed from Angilou makes a bold statement in the main bedroom where old beams and tongue and groove panelling bring proportion and perspective into the high, open room

VIP Moroccan wallpaper, £7 per roll, Arthouse

Give woodwork a fresh new look with a hint of lilac. Chalk paint in Paloma, £19.95 for 1L, Annie Sloan

Period-style taps look fabulous in a rustic bathroom. Holborn lever basin taps, £60, Frontline Bathrooms

Make a statement in the sitting room with an industrial-style coffee table. Coffee table, £175, Scaramanga

Raise a glass to the Signature Wine Coolers from Husky. Made for wine lovers. Slimline stainless steel design

Dual temperature zones

The Husky HUS-ZY4-D-SS-26 Signature Dual Zone Wine Cooler combines storage of 26 x 75cl bottles with a contemporary slimline design and sliding wooden shelves. The sleek stainless steel door and shelf trim, and discreet blue lighting complements any room, whilst the charcoal filter, UV glass and locking door will protect your wine collection. Available now from currys.co.uk, or view the whole range at husky-lifestyle.co.uk

Sliding wooden shelves

Model HUS-ZY4-D-SS-26 shown. Size (HxWxD): 875x380x600mm.

The Christmas gift they’ll love all year round. Guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face, a Husky Mini Fridge is compact, portable, and yet still capable of storing up to 40 x 440ml cans or snacks, making it ideal for Christmas and New Year’s entertaining or any party all year round. Buy the Husky Coca-Cola Mini Fridge now from Currys in store and at currys.co.uk or see the full range of Husky Drinks Coolers and Mini Fridges including Budweiser, Rubik’s Cube, Stella Artois and Kopparberg at husky-lifestyle.co.uk

Size (HxWxD): 510x430x470mm.

Food & drink Feature Laura Higgins Main Image iStock

Spoil yourself with one of the indulgent chocolate treats overleaf…

If you do one thing this month... Pop down to PizzaExpress on Wednesday 21st November from 11.30am to enjoy its Snowball Dough Ball Day – in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Buy a portion of the festive dough balls (a sweet, cinnamon- and sugar-dusted version of the brand’s iconic starter) for just £1, and all proceeds will go to the charity.

3 ways with... beetroot l Candied beetroot is great tossed into a goat’s cheese salad or served with smoked fish. Dice 400g cooked beetroot into 2cm cubes. Add to a pan with 125ml water and 100g caster sugar. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave to cool on a piece of baking parchment. l Blend the following combination for a healthy morning juice: 3 peeled raw beetroots, ¼ red cabbage, 160g raspberries, 300g blackberries, 2 oranges, 3cm piece ginger, maple syrup or honey to taste. Serves 2. l Turn your usual toad in the hole into a veggie version. Preheat the oven to 220ºC/ 425ºF/Gas Mark 7. Sift 100g plain flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp mustard powder. Add 100ml milk and 2 eggs and whisk until smooth. Set aside to rest. Cut 200g beetroot, 200g carrots, 200g celeriac and 2 onions into wedges. Place into a large roasting tin. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes or until tender. Pour the batter around the vegetables and return to the oven for 30 minutes, or until golden. Serves 4.

This month we love... A traditional bonfire party and the fireside feast to go with it. Keep guests satisfied with these tasty Majestic glutenfree pork burgers from Heck. British pork shoulder, American mustard and sweet ginger make a winning flavour combo! Priced £4 for four, from www.heck food.co.uk.

Try me...

Eat me...

Buy me...

These little fruits look like kiwis but are the same size as grapes: Nergi (pronounced ‘energy’) berries, or kiwi berries, as they are also known, are now available in the UK. High in fibre and packed with vitamins C and E, they can be eaten whole, without removing the skin, and are great for lunch boxes or on-the-go snacking. Find them in M&S, Costco and Lidl.

The new organic flavours from Divine Chocolate are mouth-wateringly good, and add an interesting new twist for dark chocolate lovers. For true connoisseurs there’s a 95 per cent plain bar, or for those who prefer something more unique, choose from combos such as blueberry and popped quinoa, turmeric and ginger, and lemon. Priced £2.99 each from Booths, Wholefoods and Planet Organic.

Pleesecakes by Joe Moruzzi and Brendon Parry (£15, Quadrille), is the recipe book you need for creating truly show-stopping, wildly extravagant desserts. The 60 no-bake cheesecake recipes range from piled-high celebration cakes to more virtuous and vegan versions, savoury options, as well as mini, scaled-down puddings for entertaining a smaller crowd. Extra helpings, please.

check out www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk/food for more tasty recipes www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

November 2018

Divine desserts There’s no holding back on the chocolate with these rich and indulgent treats…

Flourless chocolate cake YOU WILL NEED 4200g unsalted butter 4200g dark chocolate, chopped 41 orange, zested, peeled and sliced 41 tbsp cold espresso coffee 46 large Clarence Court hen’s eggs or 5 duck eggs, separated 4250g caster sugar 470g cocoa powder 4salt 4crème fraîche, for serving 4pecan nuts, optional

Preparation time 45 minutes Cooking time 1 hour Serves 8-10

DIRECTIONS n Preheat the oven to 170ºC/ 325ºF/Gas Mark 3. Grease a 23cm springform cake tin and line with greaseproof paper. n Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, being careful not to let the bottom of the bowl touch the water. Add the butter, chocolate and orange zest to the bowl and allow to melt until smooth, stirring occasionally. Stir in the coffee. n Take the bowl off the heat and place to one side to cool a little. n In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until they’re pale and fluffy. Sift in the cocoa powder and fold through, then add a pinch of salt. n In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites into soft peaks. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture, then fold in the egg whites until just combined. n Carefully pour the cake mix into the lined cake tin and place in the oven for around 1 hour. Test the dense cake after an hour by inserting a skewer into the centre: if it comes out nearly clean, it’s ready. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool on a rack before removing it from the tin. n Serve topped with the orange slices and crème fraîche, with a handful of pecans. Recipe courtesy of Clarence Court

food & drink Triple chocolate s’mores brownies YOU WILL NEED 4120g 70% dark chocolate, broken into small pieces 4140g butter 4250g caster sugar 41 vanilla pod, seeds only, or ½ tsp vanilla bean paste 43 eggs 490g plain flour, sifted 460g cocoa powder, sifted 450g milk chocolate chips 450g white chocolate chips 45 digestive biscuits 42 handfuls large marshmallows

DIRECTIONS n Preheat the oven to 200°C/400ºF/Gas Mark 6. Grease a 30cm x 15cm tray and line with greaseproof paper. n Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, being careful not to let the bottom of the bowl touch the water. n In a mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, vanilla and eggs together until light and fluffy. Add the chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and fold in. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder, followed by the chocolate chips. n Pour the mixture into the baking tray and spread out evenly. Push the marshmallows in to the mix. n Bake in the oven for 20-22 minutes. It’s done when it wobbles but still looks a little undercooked. Before it cools, break each biscuit into three pieces. Add these evenly into the brownie, with half of each sticking out. Recipe created for Leisure range cookers in partnership with Dan Doherty Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 20-22 minutes Serves 12

Mango and white chocolate cheesecake YOU WILL NEED For the base 4200g digestive biscuits 475g butter, melted For the filling 42 ripe mangoes, room temperature 4300g cream cheese, room temperature 475g golden caster sugar 4150ml double cream, room temperature 4150g white chocolate, melted 425g white chocolate, shaved into curls

DIRECTIONS n Lightly oil the base and sides of a 20cm springform cake tin and line with greaseproof paper. n Place the biscuits in a food bag and bash with a rolling pin until finely crushed. Tip into a mixing bowl and add the melted butter. Combine well and tip into the prepared tin. Press down with the back of a metal spoon until smooth. n Peel the skin off the mangoes. Place 300g of the flesh in a food processor and blend to a smooth purée. Thinly slice and reserve the rest of the mango for the decoration. n Beat together the cream cheese, golden

Preparation time 20 minutes, plus 3 hours chilling time Serves 12

caster sugar and cream until smooth and slightly thickened. Beat in the melted chocolate then stir in the puréed mango. Pour over the biscuit base and smooth the top. Place in the fridge to set for 3 hours or overnight. n To serve, remove the cheesecake from the tin and smooth the edges and top with a warmed

palette knife, if needed. Arrange the sliced mango over the top and scatter with the curls of white chocolate. Slice and serve. Recipe courtesy of Tate & Lyle, www.tasteandsmile.com

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

101

Coole Swan chocolate chestnut torte

DIRECTIONS

YOU WILL NEED For the torte 4250g dark chocolate 4250g unsalted butter 4250g chestnuts, cooked and peeled 4100ml milk 4150ml Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur 44 eggs, separated 4125g caster sugar For the frosting 480ml single cream 425ml Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur 4200g 55% dark chocolate, chopped 4 whole chestnuts, to garnish

Preparation time 45 minutes Cooking time 25-30 minutes Serves 8

n Preheat your oven to 170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3. Grease a 23cm loose-bottom cake tin and line with greaseproof paper. n Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, being careful not to let the bottom of the bowl touch the water. n In a separate pan heat the chestnuts with the milk until warm. Place in a blender with the Coole Swan and blitz until smooth. n Whisk the egg yolks with half of the sugar and add this to the melted chocolate mixture, then add in the chestnut purée. n In a clean dry bowl, whisk the egg whites with the remaining sugar until thick and glossy. Fold this into the chocolate and chestnut mix. n Carefully pour into the prepared tin. Bake in the centre of the oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s set and has a slight wobble. Remove from the oven and cool in the tin. n To make the frosting, heat the cream and Coole Swan in a pan and once hot, pour over the chopped chocolate and set aside until the chocolate is melted. Whisk until smooth. n Once cooled, remove the cake from the tin and cover with the Coole Swan frosting, top with chestnuts and serve. Recipe courtesy of Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur

Chocolate and raspberry roulade YOU WILL NEED For the roulade 4175g dark chocolate 4175g caster sugar 46 eggs, separated 42 level tbsp cocoa, sifted For the filling 4500ml double cream 4200g fresh raspberries, reserve 6-8 to decorate 42 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra to dust

DIRECTIONS n Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. n Break the chocolate into a heatproof bowl and melt over a pan of simmering water, being careful not to let the bottom of the bowl touch the water. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. n Place the sugar and egg yolks into a bowl and whisk until light and creamy. Add the cooled chocolate and stir until evenly blended. n In a large mixing bowl whisk the egg whites until stiff. Stir a large spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, mix gently, then fold in the remaining egg whites, followed by the cocoa. n Pour the mixture into a Swiss roll tin and gently level the surface. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. n Place a sheet of baking parchment on top of the roulade, then put a damp tea towel on top of that and leave until cool. n For the filling whisk the cream until it just holds its shape. Remove the tea towel and parchment from the sponge. Dust a large piece of baking parchment with icing sugar and turn out the roulade onto it. n Spread with the whipped cream, arrange the raspberries in lines from one end to the other and roll up like a Swiss roll, using the baking parchment to help. Don’t worry if it cracks slightly. n Place the icing sugar in a bowl, add 1 tbsp of water at a time, mix until smooth, then drizzle over the roulade. Cut in half the reserved raspberries and place on top. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar. Recipe courtesy of Lakeland, using a Lakeland Swiss roll tin

Preparation time 1 hour Cooking time 20 minutes Serves 6-8

food & drink Chocolate cherry espresso pots YOU WILL NEED For the cherries 4Âž cup cherries, pitted and halved 41 tsp maple syrup For the chocolate 4100g bar vegan chocolate 4250ml coconut cream 42 tbsp coconut oil 42 tbsp maple syrup 4Â˝ tsp vanilla essence 42 tbsp raw cacao 41-2 tsp espresso powder Preparation time 20 minutes, plus 4 hours chilling time Serves 6-8

Vegan

DIRECTIONS n Put the cherries in a saucepan with the maple syrup and a splash of water. Place on a medium heat for a few minutes until the cherries have softened. Set aside. n Break up the chocolate and put in a large bowl. Heat the coconut cream, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla in a saucepan until nearly boiling, stirring constantly. Pour the mix over the chocolate and leave for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. n Fold in the raw cacao and espresso powder and stir gently so that everything is combined. Now fold in the cherries. n Spoon the mix into glasses or espresso cups then pop in the fridge to firm up, around 4 hours or overnight. Recipe courtesy of Niki Webster, www.rebelrecipes.com

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

103

Home Improvement

Turn the page for the best ways to fill your home with natural light

Compact smart battery, from £2,950; solar and smart battery packages, from £4,995, Moixa

If you’re bracing yourself for the winter energy bills, now is the time to consider other affordable options such as solar power. More than one million homes in the UK now have panels which convert sunlight into renewable energy – but by combining these with an energy-storing battery you could save up to £600 in the first year alone. Moixa’s new compact smart battery adapts to household patterns, charging and releasing stored electricity according to when it’s needed and takes advantage of smart tariffs by importing electricity from the grid when it’s cheaper. Measuring just under 51cm x 35cm x 25cm, it comes in white and brushed-metal finishes to fit with any interior. With the average annual electricity bill set to almost double over the next decade from £600 to £1,100, switching to solar power could make longterm financial sense. For more details, visit www.moixa.com or call 0161 883 2374.

Winter wood hacks With summer’s heatwave behind us it’s time to think about tidying up the garden and preparing furniture for the cold and damp winter months ahead. A waterproof breathable paint such as Protek Royal Exterior Superior Wood Finish (£16.99 for 1l) has a subtle lustre finish that allows the woodgrain to show through and fungal inhibitors to control against mould and decay. Available in 52 shades, you can give your favourite pieces a colour update ready for spring. For more tips and inspiration, visit www.protekwoodstain.co.uk.

Make a date… to insulate According to the National Insulation Association (NIA) insulating under floorboards and sealing the gaps between floors and skirting boards can save around £25 to £60 a year. How to do it? Older homes with suspended timber floors can be insulated by laying a mineral wool fibre in netting between the joists. Newer homes with solid-concrete floors can have a rigid material laid on top. For a free survey by an NIA installer and advice on grants, visit www.nia-uk.org or call 08451 383313.

Burning issue A wood-burner is only as good as the fuel it burns and unseasoned, damp logs impact on air quality and the environment. Buying pre-packaged fuel stamped with the government-backed Woodsure Ready to Burn logo guarantees that logs are dry, minimising the harmful smoke emissions that cause air pollution and damage to your stove and chimney. Visit www.woodsure.co.uk and www.readytoburn.org.

For more expert advice and case studies go to www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

November 2018

105

Feature Alice Butler

Soak up those energy-saving rays

All bases are covered in this open-plan kitchen extension which incorporates roof windows, full-height glazing and patio doors, www.velux.co.uk

Bright ideas to fill your home with light Feature Andrea Dean

atural daylight makes rooms seem bigger and lifts our mood, so it’s no wonder we can’t get enough of it. A recent study by Express Bi-Folding Doors found that 84 per cent of homeowners would pay an average of £4,786 extra to ensure there’s plenty of natural light in their dream property and a survey by Velux revealed that over a quarter of households feel their current homes aren’t light enough. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to boost light levels and improve your outlook and wellbeing.

An asymmetric aperture delivers a blast of light into Oatlands Close, a contender for RIBA’s House of the Year, www.souparchitects. com

From quick tricks to larger projects, here’s how to let natural light pour into different areas of your home

Upgrade your glazing

Replacing solid external doors with a high proportion of glazing will boost light throughout your home. Install clear or privacy-enhancing frosted glass into side panels by the front door, and incorporate as much glass as possible when building an extension. Swap panelled French windows for energy-efficient floor-to-ceiling glass doors and ensure that new windows have minimal glazing bars. Widening an existing aperture to incorporate a bigger window or a run of sliding or bi-fold concertina doors at the back of the house will make a big difference, though a supporting lintel will be required to take the weight off the floor above when removing a load-bearing wall.

Crystal Ice voile Roman blinds lend themselves perfectly to wide windows and sliding doors, www.hillarys.co.uk

REAL HOME

A pair of sun tunnels have transformed a gloomy upstairs hall in a Northants house, www.velux.co.uk

Forget single overhead fittings – this contemporary bathroom adds light with recessed ceiling lights, wall lamps and strip lights on the mirror, by architect-yourhome.com

Roof windows let daylight flood into a room from above and are an integral part of loft conversions or extensions. Typically installed either flush or raised on a pitched roof, they provide strong, direct light and may be top-hung or pivoted and opened manually or controlled remotely. Two or three roof windows are more effective than a single large one. There are also windows specifically designed for flat or virtually flat roofs, such as Velux’s curved glass roof light which has a unique curved glass surface that lets in more daylight and allows rainwater to drain off.

Make a dazzling entrance with this English Door Company French Grey door complete with glazed top and side lights, £3,000 (including installation), www.evolutionwindows.com

Open up the interior

Going open or broken plan by removing interior walls is a fail-safe way of introducing more daylight while giving your home a modern edge. This is very effective in Victorian properties which were often built with a small, dark dining room sandwiched between the kitchen and living room. Knocking down the connecting walls will create a dual-aspect space where light can circulate freely. You’ll have to rethink storage and heating without the extra vertical surface to accommodate shelving and radiators, and if the outgoing wall is load-bearing, you’ll need to insert an RSJ in its place for structural support. Opaque glass doors which act as room dividers will give you privacy when shut while minimizing light loss.

LEAD WITH lighting

Even the sunniest rooms need a little extra light and a well-thought-out scheme will guarantee that your home is as well-lit on gloomy winter days as in the height of summer. In living areas and bedrooms, combine background, accent and task lighting by mixing fittings – such as pendants and recessed spotlights – with portable table and floor lamps. IP-rated fittings which conform with electrical safety regulations must be used in bath and shower rooms. Ensure fixed lighting is on dimmable circuits so you can adjust the levels to suit the room’s use and atmosphere.

turn over for more advice Removing internal walls and using reflective and transparent materials for storage and furniture adds light and openness to this London house. Smoked-mirror under-stair storage designed by www.barbara-genda.com

Install roof windows

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2015

Centor’s integrated folding doors come with hidden extras – an insect screen and blackout shade, www.centor.com

Inside info

Fit a sun tunnel

A sun tunnel – also known as a sun pipe – is an ingenious piece of kit that channels daylight down from the roof into hard-to-reach places like landings, stairwells and internal bathrooms which aren’t suitable for vertical or roof windows. There are no mechanical parts and no further costs after installation – it collects the sunlight in a small glass panel on the roof and transports it down a super-reflective tube and through the ceiling into the light-starved space. Both rigid and flexible tunnels are available and the maximum length is about six metres. The position of the panel will determine the quality of light, so, if possible, fix it on a south-facing roof. This small extension punches above its weight in terms of light and space. The work was carried out by www.kisiel.co.uk, a member of www.fmb.org.uk

‘The positioning of vertical and roof windows is extremely important to achieve optimum daylight levels and effects. Ensure that you achieve the right balance between light intensity and light coverage. The desired spread of light will have an influence on where windows are positioned and also on the size of windows.’ Grant Sneddon, Product Manager, Velux

Useful contacts

n www.architecture.com lists local RIBA chartered practices who’ll come up with creative ways of boosting light. n Try www.johncullenlighting.com or seek out professionally designed bespoke lighting solutions. n Visit www.myglazing.com for advice on choosing glazing and finding the right installer. n www.velux.co.uk is a leading supplier of roof windows and sun tunnels with a very comprehensive website.

Get clever with design

Use hacks, decorating tricks and plain old common sense to get daylight streaming in. Start by cutting back any plants and branches that are growing in front of windows, then clean the glass inside and out. Consider putting up a wider curtain pole so that the fabric doesn’t drape over the glass when open. Venetian blinds, sheer rollers or pricier shutters will diffuse excess sunlight without cutting it out completely. Keep walls pale – off-white is warmer than wintry brilliant white – and opt for glossy kitchen units and polished floors which reflect more light than matt surfaces. Place mirrors in every room, reupholster dark sofas and choose throws and cushions in cream or pastel shades. Image Earthy Photography

A versatile translucent glass room divider creates separate zones in an open-plan space without compromising on light, from £1,140, www.spaceslide.co.uk

CASE STUDY ‘Our entire house has been remodelled to bring in more light’

help of local builders and eventually with Jack doing the work himself. Although this meant the project took longer, the couple rented a property two doors down: ‘Being on the doorstep made the project so much easier for Jack to control and manage,’ remembers Alice. One of the first things to go was the wall between the two ground floor reception rooms, creating a bright open-plan living space with windows at both ends. Building a flat roof extension at the back gave the couple a bigger kitchen and dining area, the latter having wide sliding doors leading out into the garden. ‘These were my preference rather than bi-folds, which I think look too chunky,’ says Alice. ‘But it was Jack’s idea to go for a pair of dome-shaped roof lights in the extension. The combination means that now light floods into both rooms, but especially the kitchen where some days it’s so bright I have to lower the blind.’ Jack’s design for a new upper floor

s An open bookcase acts as a room divider between the snug at the front of the house and the extended dining area at the back. Wide sliding doors and a domed flat roof window allow the space to be flooded with natural light

meant reducing the size of the ground floor bathroom to make room for the staircase which leads up to a small landing with a bedroom on either side. Here he hit on the idea of installing a Velux rooflight above it, a feature which Alice loves. ‘When I get up in the morning and go downstairs into a sunny kitchen, it feels as if the whole house is filled with light. It’s incredibly mood lifting.’ Maximising space and light was the main priority when the Barchesters drew up plans to extend their small semi-detached bungalow. Inset into the existing roof is the Velux rooflight which was installed to bring light into the newly created upstairs landing

Feature and photos Gill Rothwell

ownsizing from a spacious house to a cramped two-bedroom bungalow in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was more of a challenge for s Alice is delighted Alice Barchester with her light-filled than for her ground-floor space husband Jack, a retired design engineer. ‘Finding ways to create space is one of Jack’s great strengths which is why he relished the chance to redesign our new home to suit our lifestyle,’ she explains. The plan was to add a groundfloor extension across the rear of the property and build an upper level with two bedrooms and an en suite bathroom. Jack came up with a design that would create more space and increase the amount of light. Once planning permission was granted they were able to crack on, initially with the

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Property know-how with George E

nergy Performance Certificates or EPCs were originally part of the Home Information Packs (HIPs... remember them?) that were brought into force by the government in 2007. But after three painful years and an enormous waste of money, everyone realised that HIPs were a dull and costly headache for someone looking to sell their home, so they were ditched in 2010. EPCs remained though, and it’s the law that you need to have an EPC for your home if you’re looking to sell it or rent it out. The basic principle of an EPC is that you pay for an assessor to come to your home to inspect all of the elements that determine whether your house has a good or bad impact on the environment. So, everything is observed by the assessor: from your type of heating system (oil, gas, electric, green?); boiler model; to your windows (single-glazed, double or triple?); roof and wall insulation (do you have it and if so what is the insulating value?) and so on. The assessor then takes all of this information and puts it into a clever bit of software on their computer. Now, at this point it’s worth noting that the visit made by the assessor is a ‘non-invasive inspection’, so an awful lot of assumptions are made because no assessor can actually see what type of cavity wall insulation you may or may not have inside your walls. He or she sometimes has to take your word for it, or trust a specification written by someone else. There is nothing forensic about this inspection process at all. The information is put into the computer and the software gives you a single number for your home’s energy efficiency rating. 100 is amazingly good and puts you in the Grade A category (92+), which means you’re in the greenest, most ecological home in the land,

and then there’s a sliding scale from 100 to zero (or A to G) and if you’re in category G with a rating below 20, it means you’re living in one of the most ecologically unfriendly homes possible. An A rating is also colour coded green, which is good, whereas the closer you get to G it’s coded red, which is very bad. You get the picture, don’t you? But wait, there’s more. The rating gives you the energy efficient state of your home at the time of the assessment and your EPC will make a list of recommendations to improve your score in the future. For example, if you have single-glazed windows and you choose to upgrade them to double-glazed windows then your score has the potential to increase. All of these recommendations are taken into account and you are given a ‘potential’ energy efficient rating. You could go from a rating of F (that’s 21-38) to a D (that’s 55-68) if you make lots of ecological improvements to your home. Have I lost you? I hope not, because the clever computer will also calculate your utility bills and tell you how much money you could save each year if you carry out all of the recommended improvements. It’s worth noting that this cost calculation isn’t an accurate quote, but is in fact a very, very rough estimate. Now, you, as the property seller or as a landlord have to pay for the EPC. In fairness they aren’t particularly expensive. An EPC for a standard four-bedroom house could cost you anywhere between, say, £50 and £100 (prices can vary dramatically depending on your location) which isn’t a lot when you

Image courtesy of George Clarke

This month, property developer, architect and presenter of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces George Clarke takes a look at Energy Performance Certificates and asks if we really need them

consider the numbers often involved in a property’s sale. Also, EPCs aren’t too difficult to organise as your estate agent will often recommend you a reliable assessor. My own view is that EPCs are a complete waste of time. Why? Firstly, there’s too much guess work and far too many vague assumptions made. Secondly, they spell out the blooming obvious. There’s nothing clever about them at all. There’s no detailed analysis or scientific work carried out on the house. Most of us know that if we replace single-glazing with double-glazing and have insulation injected into our cavity walls then our house is going to be warmer and cost less to run. And, in my own professional experience, I don’t know a single person who has specifically carried out ecological improvements to their home because of the results they were given in their EPC. It’s always been something they would have done anyway. So EPCs are all well-intentioned, but I genuinely don’t think they make an actual difference. It’s just another piece of paper that you are required by law to obtain to allow a property sale or rental to go through. They don’t make our homes greener! n For more tips and advice from George, check out his website at www.georgeclarke.co.uk

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Win!

Win! tickets to The South West Homebuilding & 62 Renovating Show!

pairs up for grabs

Image Jody Stewart

f you’re planning an extension, halfway through updating your interior, or dream of building a sustainable house from scratch, a visit to The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show, from 17th-18th November 2018, at The Bath & West Showground in Somerset will give you all the practical help you need to turn your ambitions into a reality. That’s why we’re giving 62 lucky winners a pair of tickets each to this fantastic show. The event will cover a wide range of home improvement topics, including: extensions, conversions, home DIY, planning permission, interiors, lighting, doors, windows, renewable technologies, Rules of entry 1) The competition closes at midnight on 31st October 2018. Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to availability, non-transferable or refundable. No cash alternative will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. 3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over the age of 18, except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize. 5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to participate in publicity if required.

heating systems, project insurance, energy efficiency, home insurance, building regulations and much, much more! Need advice? Well you’re in luck, because the show will also include free one-on-one advice sessions and in-depth daily seminars. Bring along your plans and questions and receive tailored solutions at the Advice Centre where you can discuss your build plans with knowledgeable property experts. Plus, this show brings together under one roof the freshest ideas from industry-leading suppliers located across the country – providing you with all the inspiration, ideas and products you need to create the home of your dreams. 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be entered into. 8) The winners are selected at random, from correct entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions may use your details to advise of products and services. 11) Allow 8-10 weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this competition, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to prosecute offending parties.

To find out more, visit: www. somerset.homebuildingshow.co.uk.

How to enter For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Q: In which county will The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show be held in? A) Essex B) Devon C) Somerset Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to enter. Simply click the WIN! tab, then fill in your details before the closing date of 31st October 2018. Good luck!

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk November 2018

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Firing imaginations for over 37 years

Woodburning

| gas

M u lt i - F u e l

www.stovax.com

| electric

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

Heat your home in style From flueless fires to wood-burning stoves, there’s an additional heating solution to suit every space

This SIA Ecodesign Ready wood-burner guarantees a fast heat-up time and comes in three outputs, 3kW, 5kW and 8kW

hen the nights close in nothing beats the glow of an open fire. And while the extra heat source will provide a cosy focal point to your home, a bigger bonus is the temperature boost that cuts your heating bills too. Whether you’re thinking of investing in a wood-burning stove or an easy-to-install flueless option, there’s a fireplace to suit every home and budget. s

For retro style fans this wood-burner comes in a choice of five colours. With a 4.6kW output, it is Defra exempt for use in smoke-control areas Alpine 4 wood-burning stove in Atlantic Blue, £1,494, Chesneys

‘A wood-burner can be added without a chimney: a flue will need to be installed to remove the smoke, hot gases and other by-products created when wood burns.’ Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication, Worcester Bosch

This minimalist wood-burner has a panoramic ceramic glass window and is SIA Ecodesign Ready s

Feature Alice Butler

Greenstyle Bewdley wood-burning stove, from £999, Worcester Bosch

Purevision PVR stove, from £1,790.83, Charlton & Jenrick

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This model has recently won an award for Best Electric Appliance of the Year at the Hearth & Home Show. It features a 3D holographic flickering flame fuelled by low-cost LED lighting

A compact gas stove is perfect for a smaller space. With traditional looks and natural-effect flames on a log bed this offers a 3.7kW output Parkray Consort 5 gas stove, £1,159, Hunter Stoves

NEO 3F electric stove, £1,089, ACR Stoves

This sleek wood-burner will complement a modern interior. With a choice of curved, flat, black or brushed steel side panels, you can tailor it to suit your décor – it’s SIA Ecodesign Ready Di Lusso R4 Euro (Eco), £1,749, Hunter Stoves

This inset electric fire is perfect for a contemporary scheme. Enjoy three flame options with or without heat and use the handset to control the flames, fuel-bed lighting and ambient heating Skope 55R inset electric fire with log and pebble fuel effects, from £895, Gazco

s With classic looks, this slender cast-iron wood-burner has a generous 8.3kW output and a deep firebox that can take logs up to 45cm long 2B classic wood-burning stove, £1,548, Morso

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This bioethanol fireplace features a classic mantelpiece with a black panel and hearth plus an insulated firebox, traditional basket and 750ml bioburner

Carrington traditional bioethanol fireplace, £695, Bio Fires

A dead ringer for a wood-burner, this electric option has a 2kW fan heater with a choice of two settings. Ignite the LED flames with or without heat for a cosy effect all year round Electric Salisbury stove, £1,194, Chesneys Phoenix 3 gas stove, from £1,560, Woodwarm

Team this traditional gas fire with a complementary surround and fire basket. For convenience it can be operated manually or via a remote-control handset Log-effect gas fire, £864; classic Victorian fire surround, £810; Soho basket, £474; Spherical steel fire dogs, £414, all Chesneys

‘A flame-effect gas fire is so realistic you would think it is real – plus it gives an atmospheric focal point to the room.’ Paul Chesney, Managing Director, Chesneys

Wood-burning stoves Wood-burners have become increasingly popular as they’re incredibly heat-efficient and you can control their output and how fast they burn fuel. They’re available in a wide range of sizes and styles from traditional to modern, meaning there’s a stove for every space. Look for models that comply with the European low emissions laws coming into force in 2022 – they should carry the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) Ecodesign Ready logo. Gas stoves Gas fires provide plenty of fuss-free heat. They’re clean, efficient and you don’t even need to have a chimney installed in your home as some models only require an outside wall. Designs range from traditional log-effect fires to modern, glass-fronted style statements to suit every budget. Flueless fires If you want the warmth of real flames but don’t have a chimney there are plenty of options. Electric fires have really moved on in recent years with many models designed to look like wood-burning stoves. They don’t require a flue pipe – making them ideal for rooms such as conservatories – so you’ll save on flue installation, too. Alternatively, smoke-free bioethanol designs offer real flames and around 3kW of heat without the hassle of fitting or maintenance. Bioethanol is a renewable fuel made from the by-products of plants. It is a clear liquid supplied in 1-litre bottles that you pour into the steel box on the stove. s

Don’t have a chimney? This gas stove can be installed wherever you like as it has a twin-wall ‘balanced’ flue that vents to the outside. Available in 3kW, 5kW or 7kW and a choice of log or coal effects

Choose the right additional heating for your space

This bioethanol fire looks just like a wood-burner but without the expense and hassle of installation Pembrey bioethanol fireplace, £499.99, Imagin Fires

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Win!

We have £4,399 worth of fab prizes up for grabs! Win a Gallery Smart Measure kitchen tap

One lucky winner

We’ve partnered up with the leading tap and shower specialist Bristan to give one lucky homeowner this super-stylish kitchen tap, worth £499. Helping you achieve cooking and baking perfection, the Gallery Smart Measure is pre-set to cover a variety of water volumes, including 17 different measurements of millilitres, pints and cups. The stylish single-lever handle provides accurate control for standard hot and cold-water usage, while the rotating collar on the end of the spout allows you to select your water volume and with a touch of a button, delivers the exact amount you want. To find out more, visit www.bristan. com/gallerykitchen-taps.

Win a £200 voucher for Posterlounge The time has come to dress up your plain walls with some brand-new prints and posters! We’ve teamed up with Posterlounge, the fine art publisher and print-on-demand online shop, to give you the chance to win one of five fabulous £200 vouchers to spend in its shop. Be it classical paintings by the Old Masters, minimalist typography or a soothing watercolour – there’s something for everyone in its vast portfolio that spans from Van Gogh to macro-photography and beyond. Plus, with a choice of printing materials, including wood and acrylic glass, custom-made framing and even ready-to-hang posters and wood prints, Posterlounge will help you give your favourite images and motifs an individual finish, turning them into wall art you’ll love! Head over to www.posterlounge.co.uk to browse the full collection.

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Win £500 to spend at Culture Vulture

One lucky winner

We’ve teamed up with the homeware specialist Culture Vulture to give away £500 to spend on its beautiful collection of furniture and soft furnishings. Culture Vulture celebrates the creativity of artisans from around the globe, working closely with craftsmen and women and artisan producers both large and small. These inspirational and innovative Fairtrade companies create a real difference in the countries they operate in, making every purchase truly worthwhile. To find more inspiration, visit www.culturevulturedirect.co.uk.

Five fab winners

Win!

Win a delicious pet-food hamper worth £100! We’ve teamed up with leading pet-food manufacturer Webbox to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a delicious cat- or dog-food hamper from the Webbox Natural range, worth a whopping £100! Whether your pet is a canine connoisseur, fussy eater or simply sensitive, Webbox Natural has something for all pets. Made for adult dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, Webbox Natural products are derived from 100 per cent natural ingredients and feature no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives – just all the good stuff your pets need to be themselves! For more information, visit www.webbox.co.uk.

Five lucky winners

24 lucky winners

Win!

Win a Christmas cookery class and luxury Two food hamper lucky

winners

Cookery School at Little Portland Street in London is offering two lucky readers a fantastic Christmas rehearsal cookery class on 24th November 2018, plus one of its luxury organic hampers. Established in 2003 by Rosalind Rathouse, who has been teaching for over 50 years, Cookery School at Little Portland Street is the only culinary school in the UK to be awarded three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Local, seasonal and organic ingredients are always sourced where possible, plus there is also a strict no-plastics policy and all energy is sourced sustainably! To see the full range of classes, visit www.cookeryschool.co.uk. This competition closes on 8th November 2018.

Win tickets to the Ideal Home Show Christmas The Ideal Home Show Christmas needs no introduction, but boy do we love to welcome its return in all its twinkly glory to London’s Olympia from 21st-25th November 2018. This is the perfect show to indulge in the festivities, mingle among well-known faces, catch expert demonstrations and masterclasses and tick-off the Christmas list with a spot of shopping. To celebrate this fabulous event, we’re giving four lucky winners each a pair of tickets – and all the trimmings – to the best Christmas show around. That’s right, you could win a pair tickets to the show, plus afternoon tea, prosecco and overnight accommodation at the Hilton London Olympia in fashionable Kensington for the both of you, as well as £100 to spend when you’re at the show. Plus, 20 runners up will also win a pair of tickets each to the show to enjoy the wonderland of home, gifts, decorations – as well as the trendy Eat & Drink festival. To find out more about the event, visit www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk. This competition closes on 7th November 2018.

To enter, visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk, click on the WIN! tab, then fill in your details Rules of entry 1) The competitions close at midnight on 30th November 2018 unless otherwise stated. Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. 3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over the age of 18, except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize. 5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to participate in publicity if required. 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be entered into. 8) The winners are selected at random, from correct entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions may use your details to advise of products and services. Details are occasionally available to vetted companies. 11) Allow 8-10 weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this competition, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to prosecute offending parties.

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Shopping guide A

Abakhan www.abakhan.co.uk Abingdon Flooring 01274 655694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk ACR Stoves 0121 706 8266 www.acrstoves.com AEG 0344 561 1611 www.aeg.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 www.amara.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Angilou 01262 470571 www.angilou.co.uk Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 247296 www.anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00 800 0026 8476 www.anthropologie.com AO www.ao.com Argos 0345 640 3030 www.argos.co.uk Arthouse www.arthouse.com Artisanti www.artisanti.com Asda www.asda.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 www.audenza.com

Baked Tile Company 01792 439239 www.bakedtiles.co.uk Baldwins 020 7703 5550 www.baldwins.co.uk Bar Farm Antiques 01759 302782 Barker and Stonehouse www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200 www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Bathstore 0330 053 5661 www.bathstore.com Bert & May 020 3744 0776 www.bertandmay.com Better Bathrooms 0333 554 4275 www.betterbathrooms.com Bio Fires www.biofires.com Blinds2Go 0800 862 0464 www.blinds-2go.co.uk Bosch www.bosch-do-it.com Brent Scaffold Boards 01757 289199 www.brentscaffoldboards.co.uk Bristan 0330 026 6273 www.bristan.com British Ceramic Tile 01626 834774 www.britishceramictile.com Bronte by Moon 0870 743 7410 www.brontebymoon.co.uk

Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk CarpetVista 020 3808 9919 www.carpetvista.com Cath Kidston www.cathkidston.com Charlton & Jenrick 01952 200444 wwww.charltonandjenrick.co.uk Cheeky Wipes www.cheekywipes.com Chesneys 020 7627 1410 www.chesneys.co.uk Christy 0161 367 5800 www.christy.co.uk Cookery School 020 7631 4590 www.cookeryschool.co.uk Cormar Carpets www.cormarcarpets.co.uk Cotswold Co 0333 200 1725 www.cotswoldco.com Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 www.coxandcox.co.uk Creative Tops www.creative-tops.com Crown Paints 0330 024 0281 www.crownpaints.co.uk

Cruelty Free International 020 7700 4888 www.crueltyfreeinternational.org Cuisinart 0370 2406902 www.cuisinart.co.uk Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 www.cultfurniture.com Culture Vulture 0844 875 0010 www.culturevulturedirect.co.uk Currys www.currys.co.uk

Dafini 07729 224303 www.dafiniuk.co.uk Dairy Diary 01425 463390 www.dairydiary.co.uk Där Lighting www.darlighting.co.uk Debenhams 0344 800 8877 www.debenhams.com Designers Guild 020 7351 5775 www.designersguild.com DFS 0333 999 9777 www.dfs.co.uk Diapol 020 8144 4690 www.diapol.co.uk Dobbies www.dobbies.com

Draper Tools www.drapertools.com Dualit 01293 652 500 www.dualit.com Dunelm 0345 165 6565 www.dunelm.com

Earthwood Handmade Furniture 07463 443131 www.earthwoodreclaimedfurniture.com eBay www.ebay.co.uk Eddingtons 01488 686572 www.eddingtons.co.uk Encaustic Tiles Ltd 020 3514 8570 www.encaustictiles.net Ercol 01844 876788 www.ercol.com Etsy www.etsy.com

Farrow & Ball 01202 876141 www.farrow-ball.com FatFace 0330 124 0000 www.fatface.com Fireline 0845 5195 991 www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk Flooring Supplies 0800 999 8100 www.flooringsupplies.co.uk

Where to buy everything in this issue Flush Bathrooms www.flush-bathrooms.co.uk From the Anvil www.fromtheanvil.co.uk Frontline Bathrooms 0845 470 2424 www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk Furniture Village 0800 804 8879 www.furniturevillage.co.uk

Garden Trading 01993 845559 www.gardentrading.co.uk Gazco www.gazco.com Gemini Tiles 0800 014 2994 www.ctdtiles.co.uk George Home 0800 952 3003 www.direct.asda.com/george Graham & Green 01225 418200 www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

H&F 01246 277797 www.homeandfurniture.com H&M Home www.hm.com Habitat 0344 499 4686 www.habitat.co.uk Harts of Stur 0800 371 355 www.hartsofstur.com Harvey Jones 0800 389 6938 www.harveyjones.com Harvey Maria 0845 680 1231 www.harveymaria.com High Interiors 01904 373031 www.highinteriors.co.uk Hillarys 0800 121 7216 www.hillarys.co.uk Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400 www.hobbycraft.co.uk Home Bargains www.homebargains.co.uk Homebase 0345 077 8888 www.homebase.co.uk Homesense 01923 473561 www.homesense.com Hudson Reed 01282 418000 www.hudsonreed.co.uk Hunter Stoves www.hunterstoves.co.uk

Ideal Home Show Christmas 0844 858 6763 www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk Ikea 0845 358 3363 www.ikea.com Imagin Fires www.imaginfires.com Industville www.industville.co.uk

Laura Ashley 0333 2008 009 www.lauraashley.com Lifestyle Floors www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk Lime Lace 01423 900522 www.limelace.co.uk Little Greene 0845 880 5855 www.littlegreene.com Loaf 0203 141 8300 www.loaf.com LochAnna Kitchens 01204 328720 www.lochannakitchens.co.uk Lottie’s Emporium www.lottieloves.uk Louise Mead 0843 289 0377 www.louisemead.co.uk Ludlow Stoves Ltd 01584 878552 www.ludlowstoves.co.uk Lush 01202 668545 http://uk.lush.com

M&S 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com Made 0344 257 1888 www.made.com Magnet 01325 744093 www.magnet.co.uk Maisons Du Monde 0808 2342 172 www.maisonsdumonde.com Mash Lifestyle 01608 644669 www.mashlifestyle.co.uk Mason Cash 0151 486 1888 www.masoncash.co.uk Matalan 0333 004 4444 www.matalan.co.uk Morphy Richards 0344 871 0944 www.morphyrichards.co.uk Morso www.morso.co.uk

N O

Neptune 01793 427450 www.neptune.com Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk Nkuku 01803 866847 www.nkuku.com

Oak Furniture Land 0800 440 2254 www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk Octopus Publishing www.octopusbooks.co.uk Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110 www.oliverbonas.com Opulence Stoves 01284 768542 www.opulencestoves.co.uk

JD Williams Home www.jdwilliams.co.uk Jessops www.jessops.com Jim Lawrence 01473 826685 www.jim-lawrence.co.uk John Lewis 0345 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com Joules www.joules.com Judge www.horwood.co.uk

PASX www.pasx.co.uk Pip Studio www.pipstudio.com Pipii 01342 823921 www.pipii.co.uk PizzaExpress www.pizzaexpress.com Posterlounge 0800 086 9287 www.posterlounge.co.uk Prestige www.prestige.co.uk Prezzybox 01827 839041 www.prezzybox.com Primark www.primark.com Printer + Tailor 01432 265094 www.printerandtailor.co.uk Pushka Home 020 3056 7556 www.pushkahome.com

K L

Q R

Kersaint Cobb 01675 430430 www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

La Redoute 0844 8422 222 www.laredoute.co.uk Labour & Wait 020 7729 6253 www.labourandwait.co.uk Lakeland 01539 488100 www.lakeland.co.uk Lano Carpets www.lano.com/en

QS Supplies 0116 251 0051 www.qssupplies.co.uk Quadrille www.hardiegrant.com

Rex London 020 8746 2473 www.rexlondon.com Risby Barn 01284 811126 www.risbybarn.co.uk River Island 0344 576 6444 www.riverisland.com

Roper Rhodes 01225 303900 www.roperrhodes.co.uk

Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636 262 www.sainsburys.co.uk Scaramanga 01334 657 642 www.scaramangashop.co.uk Shutterly Fabulous 0800 970 0800 www.shutterlyfabulous.com Smeg www.smeguk.com Sofa.com 0345 400 2222 www.sofa.com Sofasofa 01495 244226 www.sofasofa.co.uk South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show 01527 834402 www.somerset.homebuildingshow.co.uk Surrey Driftwood 07831 821292 www.surreydriftwood.com Swan 0844 826 9357 www.swan-brand.co.uk Sweetpea and Willow www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

T&G 01275 841841 www.tg-woodware.com The English Panelling Company www.theenglishpanellingcompany.co.uk The Little White Company 020 3758 9222 www.thewhitecompany.com The Poppy Shop 0300 123 9110 www.poppyshop.org.uk The Shaker Kitchen Company 0333 444 5666 www.theshakerkitchen.co The Vintage Wall www.thevintagewall.com Tile Mountain 01782 223822 www.tilemountain.co.uk TK Maxx www.tkmaxx.com Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262 www.toppstiles.co.uk Topsco 020 7871 3090 www.topsco.co.uk

U V

Urban Cottage Industries www.urbancottageindustries.com

Very 0800 092 3355 www.very.co.uk Victoria Plum www.victoriaplum.com Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878 www.victorianplumbing.co.uk Visit Plymouth 01752 306330 www.visitplymouth.co.uk

Waitrose 0800 188 884 www.waitrose.com Walls and Floors www.wallsandfloors.co.uk Wayfair www.wayfair.co.uk Webbox 0800 783 8351 www.webbox.co.uk White Stuff 020 3752 5360 www.whitestuff.com Wickes 0330 123 4123 www.wickes.co.uk Wilko 0800 0329 329 www.wilko.com Wood and Beyond 020 3869 0900 www.woodandbeyond.com Woodwarm www.woodwarmstoves.co.uk Worcester Bosch www.worcester-bosch.co.uk Worktop Express 0345 222 2644 www.worktop-express.co.uk World of Wallpaper 0800 0149954 www.worldofwallpaper.com

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Introducing Zebedee

The Any Angle Hanging Rail. Zebedee is the only and original off the shelf hanging rail specifically designed for sloping ceilings. Created and manufactured in Lincolnshire, it has a specially designed coil which allows clothes or any item, to be hung nicely spaced apart, at virtually any angle, however steep! Available in a range of sizes and colours, Zebedee is perfect for the dormer bedroom, loft conversion, under the stairs, in the kitchen or even the garden shed!

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REVIVE YOUR SILVERWARE (EPNS, Sterling Silver, Copper or Brass base metal)

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Green living

2 Look out for the Leaping Bunny

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1 Cover stars

With many big brands such as Asda, Coca-Cola and Tesco all agreeing to eliminate single-use plastics by 2025, it’s time to do our part too. Clingfilm is a big culprit but now there is a fabulous reusable alternative – Bee’s Wrap! Made from organic cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, organic jojoba oil and tree resin, these washable designs are great for covering leftovers or packing sandwiches. Plus, beeswax is naturally antibacterial too!

When it comes to animal testing, it’s hard to know which companies are the real deal. The good news is, the Leaping Bunny certification from Cruelty Free International is here to help you find non-animal tested products. Every time you see the familiar rabbit logo on cosmetic and household packaging, you’ll Essential Waitrose know the product complies biological laundry with the gold standard for capsules, £4.59, animal-free testing. Plus, did Waitrose you know that all of Waitrose, Aldi, M&S and The Co-operative’s own-brand household products are Leaping Bunny certified? Give them a try on your next shop!

Pipe dream

You’ve probably seen the damage plastic straws are doing to the world’s marine wildlife through various social media videos. Every year the UK throws away 8.5 billion plastic straws – that’s 130 for each one of us every year! Reusable metal versions are a fantastic alternative. Carry one in your bag for on-the-go drinks and keep a stash at home for parties and guests. Reusable metal straws, £7 for pack of four, Sainsbury’s

Bee’s Wrap sandwich wrap, £15, Eddingtons

128

November 2018

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4 Scrub up well With just under 50 per cent of all household plastic bottles ending up in our oceans and landfills every year, it’s time to start looking for practical alternatives. These shampoo bars from Lush will help cut down on plastic shampoo bottles. Bursting with delicious fragrances, they give a great lather and leave your hair looking super shiny!

Montalbano shampoo bar, £7.50; Seanik shampoo bar, £7.50, both Lush

5 Waste-free wipes

Luxury reusable make-up removal pads, £6.95 for pack of five, Cheeky Wipes

Do you use make-up wipes or cotton-wool pads? Then you alone could be sending over 1,000 of them straight into landfill every single year. If you want to go green and cut down your waste, simply opt for some reusable cotton make-up pads. They work just like a normal cotton pad and once you’ve used up all your rounds, pop them in your normal wash inside the mesh bag and you’ve got a brand new set; it’s as easy as that!

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