your questions answered

The design Clini

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Got a DIY dilemma? Want to sele a domestic style dispute? Send us your questions on social media or email us at rhsubmissions @futurenet.com

Whether you ’ re torn on two paint colours or are debating whether to extend upwards or outwards, the Real Homes team is here to answer your questions

At your service

Meet the people ready to help with your dilemmas

Kaitlin Has plenty of reno advice from her own home remodel

Ellen Has practical tips and tricks to make life at home a lile easier

Alison The go-to for all things DIY, with tons of wisdom to impart

Amelia Has her finger on the pulse of all things style, kitchen and bathroom

Annie Our shopping expert has her eye on the best buys for your home

Emily Real Homes’ resident colour expert is a lover of bold hues Hay Facade herb pots, from £29, Nest PLANTING ADVICE

How can I make an indoor garden to keep

Qmy herb growing hobby going over winter? Growing herbs indoors is a great way to bring

Asome greenery into the kitchen – and it’s useful to have them to hand when cooking. Hardier herbs, like rosemary, can survive even in snow, but most herbs are best brought indoors and placed in a sunny window. You could buy a set of three pots with one herb in each – say, basil, mint and oregano – or plant multiple herbs in longer containers, in which case you’ll need to group them by growing conditions. Keep them away from radiators and other heat sources, but also make sure they’re protected from draughts from leaky windows.

I hate the tiles in my bathroom but

Qdon’t have the budget to rip them out and start again – what can I do instead?

There are three fail-safe methods

Afor covering up slightly lacklustre bathroom tiles. The first is to paint them –whether that’s the same colour they already are for a refresh or a totally new shade. The next is to paint and then use a tile stencil – a little trickier but worth it in the end. The last? Tile stickers that are the same size as the ones you’ve got. Just stick them straight on top... simple!

Mermaid faux tile stencils, £6.98 for two, Dizzy Duck Designs UK on Etsy How many hot

Qdrinks should I be giving my builder a day? And are biscuits expected?

Hot drinks and

Abiscuits are a builder’s fuel, so should 100 per cent be on constant supply during the day. Start at three drinks (morning, midday and late afternoon) and monitor their happiness by noticing how often they glance at their empty mug. And biscuits? Leave a pack out and replace when they’re all gone – it’ll be sooner than you expect…

RENOVATION ADVICE

Q

I’ve found damp in the corners of my home. How can I treat it?

There can be different causes of

Adamp, some requiring professional attention, but there are precautions you can take yourself. Keep your house at a warm, even temperature and well ventilated. Dehumidifiers can remove excess moisture from the air. If you have rising damp, which appears as mustysmelling cold damp patches (often with mould) in the corners of external walls, it could be that the damp course is insufficient or there may not be one at all. Unless you’re confident of your building skills, it will probably need a specialist to install a damp proof course or to inject chemicals into the walls to act as one. If it’s in the ceiling corners, make sure there are no tiles, flashing or render missing or damaged on the roof or walls, or gutters broken and blocked and letting water in when it rains.

FLOORING ADVICE

Q

I hate my kitchen floor. What’s the easiest way to cover it?

I’m a rug-in-the-kitchen kind of girl.

AIt softens the hard surface we spend so much of our time standing on, and also brings texture and colour to an area that’s often overlooked. With spills and messes likely, go for a flat-weave rug – these tend to be easier to clean. Another must-have is an anti-slip mat underneath. The last thing we want is any accidents!

Nova antique rug in pink by Asiatic Rugs, from £74, Next

Elian printed jute rug, £99, Made

Round Aztec design reversible outdoor garden rug, £49, Rockett St George

I need to redecorate my child’s

Qbedroom. I want their space to feel like it’s theirs, but I also want it to be in keeping with the style of the rest of my home. How can I balance this?

There are so many amazing kids’

Abedroom ideas out there. Try asking your child to pick a theme, such as animals, which you can then blend with your style. If your home is monochrome, for example, black and white animal bedding would be the perfect compromise. Neutral walls are a fail-safe for kids’ rooms; I’d suggest showing off their personality with accessories and soft furnishings instead, because as they grow and their interests (or indeed, your style) change, these are easier and cheaper to replace. Saying that, if you’re not afraid of a statement, a mural like this can look amazing. Wild at Heart single duvet cover and pillowcase set, £32, Next