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Affordable decorating tricks for every room

HUNDREDS OF GREAT-VALUE IDEAS FOR EVERY ROOM FEBRUARY 2019

VE YOUR MUST-HA

MONEY-SAVING ISSUE

3 Manage your money better 3 Keep fit for less 3 Reseal a bath 3 Organise your shed and garage

Gorgeous craft projects to upcycle your junk

Save time & money with family-friendly meals

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Spend less and live better...

3 Create luxury looks from the high street 3 Transform your kitchen on a shoestring 3 Budget ways to revamp your bathroom 3 Save £££s on home improvement projects

Quality bathrooms without splashing out

Photo Lizzie Orme

Welcome

EDITOR’S LETTER

After the expense of the festive season, most of us are now reining in our purse strings and looking to trim our spending for the year ahead. So we’ve dedicated this issue to saving you money; finding you the best buys on the high street; giving you great ideas for upycling and suggesting ways to be more savvy with your cash.

Our Lifestyle Editor Laura has been putting stan d mixers through their paces this month.

You’ll find 40 budget-friendly ways See what she thought of them on page 12. to buy into this season’s four key interiors trends on page 40 – from boho chic to moody blues, bright colour pops to soft Scandi vibes, you’re sure to find a look you love at a price you can afford.

Meanwhile, on page 36, we’ve got some smart solutions for making big changes to your décor, without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to change your flooring, window treatments, walls or lighting, you’ll discover plenty of bright ideas.

If your bathroom is looking a bit below par, but money is tight, then turn to page 48 to discover some affordable ways to give it an update, whether you want a whole new suite or just a few quick-fix accessories.

If you think a new kitchen is beyond your ted the London Sophie, our Craft Editor, visi of macramé. art budget after the expense of Christmas, the rn Craft Club to lea sses on p.70. then think again. On page 54 we’ve got Find out more about their cla some savvy solutions for creating Look out for the piggy bank a brand-new look on a shoestring. logo throughout this issue Even this month’s craft projects are designed to save you money, to find our favourite bargain from cute kitty cushions made from old buys and money-saving ideas jumpers (p.64) to a luxurious upholstered bench upcycled from an www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk unloved coffee table (p.62). facebook.com/yourhomemag Please share your favourite great @Your_Home money-saving tips with value instagram.com/yourhomemagazine us on social media (right). pinterest.com/yourhomemag We’d love to hear from you!

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

Contents 54

20

Inexpensive updates for your kitchen

This season’s hottest trend for interiors

100

Batch cook your way into the new year

74 40 February at home 5

Pg 5

This month we love Our favourite things to buy, see and do

11 Household hints Follow our helpful tips and see our best buys this month 15 Consumer news Plan your finances for 2019, plus how to keep fit for less 44 Smooth operators Blitz your ironing pile with the latest steam appliances

Helen styled her rented property with bold colour and pattern

Our best buys for under £30

Makeovers

Pg 24

24 My office is anything but boring Katie Seidler turned a small third bedroom into a Scandi-style monochrome work zone 28 It’s the perfect crafting space and office Katie-Lark transformed a former garage into an inviting and practical dual-purpose room

54 Boost your kitchen on a budget Give your scheme an affordable update for 2019

Reader homes

Pg 73

74 I think we’re finally finished, but I do like a change Helen designed her home around budget buys and a monochrome scheme

32 I created an office that’s a fabulous place to work Amanda repurposed her kitchen into the perfect home office for two

20 Trend alert: Geometric Triangles, chevrons and hexagons… geo is the shape of things to come

80 I’ve gone wild for colour in my home Rachel has picked a patriotic red, white and blue theme for her coastal terraced house

Kitchens & bathrooms Pg47

36 Big revamps on a little budget Clever decorating ideas to give every room a lift without splashing the cash

48 Update your bathroom for less Spruce up your space with our fantastic low-cost ideas

88 My home is filled with vintage finds Hayley spent 14 years putting her stamp on her family home, filling it with her favourite buys

40 High style, low prices Shop for four of our favourite décor styles with change from £30!

52 We moved a wall to create a spacious two-tone scheme Sarah-Jane opened up the layout in her compact bathroom

Decorating

Pg 19

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

60

DIY kitchen crafts

62

Upcycle a coffee table into a stylish bench seat

Don’t miss out!

92 This house was perfect, but it needed a lot of work Becky used inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest to bring style into her home

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

Food & entertaining

86 Subscribe to Your Home Take out a subscription for your chance to win a bouquet from Bloom & Wild

Pg 99

100 Family values Fill your freezer, and your family, with these hearty meals

Home improvement Pg 105 106 Luxury looks at affordable prices Freshen up your property with clever tricks and savvy buys 111 Property know-how with George Clarke This month George discusses affordable improvements to help you get a high-end look on a shoestring 114 Organise your garage and garden shed Transform your space from topsy-turvy to tidy with these ideas

64

110 YH online Get Your Home’s digital issue and find extra content online 112 Coming next month Take a peek at what’s ahead in the March issue 113 Win! In this issue we’re offering one lucky reader a pair of bespoke alcove cabinets worth £1,500 118 Giveaways This month’s prizes include designer artwork vouchers and a pair of luxury pillows 120 Shopping guide Find out where to buy everything in this issue 128 Eco news Discover the latest ideas and top buys for a greener lifestyle

Turn old woolly jumpers into cute cat cushions

Plus, check out...

66 DIY masterclass How to renew the seal around your bathtub 68 Ask the experts We answer your DIY and maintenance questions with some help from the pros 70 Craft stash The latest crafting news, workshops and buys

Feature Matilda Bourne

A stitch in time…

The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show is back from 28th February – 3rd March 2019 at Olympia, London, but this year it’s better than ever! A renowned hub of creativity, this spectacular show includes hundreds of hands-on workshops, demonstrations, interactive features and 200 top exhibitors selling an abundance of specialist craft supplies. Whether you’re restocking your hobby room or just starting to explore the wonderful world of yarn, a visit to the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show is a must. Tickets start from £7.50; to find out more visit www.theknitting andstitchingshow.com.

Win tickets on page 118!

Use code HOME2019 to get up to £2 off advance tickets!

This month we love...

For stockists see page 120

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

Hidden gem:

Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh Game on!

Standing proud in Scotland’s capital, Dovecot Studios is the UK’s oldest practising tapestry studio. A world-renowned producer of hand-woven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs, this gem continues its century-long heritage of making and collaborating with the world’s leading contemporary artists. Comprising a weaving floor, viewing balcony, renovated Victorian baths, shop and a café, Dovecot is free to access and has regular exhibitions on show, meaning you can see the studio’s fantastic work all year round. Find Dovecot Studios at 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT or visit www.dovecotstudios.com.

The Your Home team love a good board game on a cold wintry night in, and the new Sagrada from Flood Gate Games is no exception!

Using draft dice and tools of the trade, each player constructs a stained glass window by building up a grid of dice on their board. Inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, this game is suitable for up to four players aged eight years old and above, making it perfect for an evening of family fun!

Sagrada board game, £34.89, Amazon

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

5

YOUR HOME NEEDS YOU!

GET IN TOUCH

H

We love to hear what you’ve been up to, so send us your letters, tips, projects and photos and this month you could win a free 12-month or six-month subscription to Your Home.

H

H LETTER OF H THE MONTH H H

Make it miniature “Last Sunday, I went to a car-boot sale and found this doll’s house, complete with furniture, and thought I could give it to my granddaughter for her upcoming birthday. I enjoy decorating, so set about revamping this miniature world for the first time! I painted the walls, added lights Before and a stained-glass-effect window, and I’m thrilled with the results. I can’t wait to see Lily’s face on her birthday!”

Alison Mottram, via email Your Home says This must have been a real labour of love, Alison. The stained-glass window is beautiful and we’re sure Lily is going to treasure this. Congratulations!

Cut-price creations “Just like the amazing people you feature, I also work full time (as a teacher) while trying to raise a small family. This shelf is from my little boy Len’s room. His bunting was made by printing the letters on the computer and then laminating them. The pompoms were made with a cardboard template and the African animal print was picked up for less than 10p! It’s these finishing touches that really make his room look special.”

Sinéad, via email Your Home says Trying to manage a family, a home and a job must keep you busy, Sinéad. We love your monochrome pompoms and we bet Len loves them too. Plus, that animal print was an absolute steal! Well done on such a fantastic low-budget make from the whole team!

To the rescue!

Savvy Scandi storage

“This bureau was going to be thrown away before I rescued it and gave it a new life. One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure, after all! With a little bit of love, a tin of Rust-Oleum satin paint in Slate, Rust-Oleum chrome spray paint for the handles, and some beautiful hot-air balloon gift wrap découpaged onto the drawer sides, I now have a beautiful bureau!”

Tracey Smith, via email

“I’ve always wanted a wood-burning stove but didn’t fancy paying a hefty price tag or losing storage space. I decided to turn my IKEA Kallax unit into a fireplace by removing the central compartment and keeping the side drawers for bits and bobs. I wallpapered the inside with faux-brick paper and used mismatching Laura Ashley sample tiles on the floor. The electric stove was a bargain from Aldi and it has a great burning effect. It’s so cosy and perfect for this season!”

Shelley Evans, via email

Your Home says Thank goodness you saved this beauty, Tracey! The découpaged sides are fab. Well done from the team at Your Home.

Before

H This month, our lovely letter of the month winner will receive a free 12-month subscription to Your Home! Send us photos of your latest projects and you could be next month’s lucky winner.

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

Your Home says Giving up storage space isn’t always easy, but you’ve certainly got round it, Shelley. You’ve made your lovely storage unit a real focus in the room, and as for that electric stove – what a fab buy!

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

This month’s prizes include four free subscriptions to Your Home.

The letter of the month will receive one complimentary 12-month subsciption, including 12 fantastic issues full of the latest trends and interiors news. Plus, three runners-up will each receive a six-month subscription. To stay updated with all the latest Your Home news, head to www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk.

Keep your home running like clockwork with our helpful tips

HOW TO... use leftovers safely If you’re trying to be more frugal and reduce waste, then making sure you get through your leftovers will become a way of life. Here’s our guide to storing and reusing them safely… important that you cool your leftovers down before storing them, otherwise ✓ It’s you risk lowering the temperature of the fridge or freezer, putting the existing contents at risk too. Try to cool them down as soon as possible, aiming to get them in the fridge within 90 minutes, with the exception of rice which should be chilled within the hour. If you’ve got a large quantity to freeze then divide it into smaller portions to cool more quickly, and pop the containers into a tray filled with ice-cold water to speed up the process.

Make sure your leftovers are stored in an airtight container, or are covered over, and store them above any uncooked food in the fridge so that they can’t be contaminated by any rogue drips or spills.

Generally speaking most leftovers should be eaten within 48 hours when stored in the fridge, but can be kept for up to three months in the freezer before the quality might start to deteriorate. Rice should be reused within 24 hours.

When it comes to reusing your leftovers, make sure they are thawed properly using the defrost setting of your microwave, or overnight in the fridge. Use defrosted food within 24 hours, and don’t refreeze it. Reheat food thoroughly, making sure it is piping hot all the way through, and never reheat more than once.

✓

✓

✓

Feature Laura Higgins Main image iStock

Laura’s choice ‘This collapsible laundry basket is just brilliant if you are strapped for space.

The sturdy basket can hold a load of wet or dry laundry, has ventilation holes and soft grip handles and best of all it folds down from 28cm to just 8cm, so it can be slipped at the side of the washing machine, or in a cupboard when not in use.’

Q&A Is there a way I can keep coloured clothes from running in the wash, as well as ensure they stay looking vibrant?

Give the Dr.Beckmann Colour & Dirt Collector Cloth a go. Just pop it in the drum with your laundry and it will catch and hold stray dirt and dye, protecting your clothes. It can be used up to 30 times and has a handy counter on the box so you can keep track of when it needs replacing.

Colour & Dirt Collector Cloth, £2.99, Dr.Beckmann

45l collapsible laundry basket, £19.99, Addis

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk Month 2018

11

Great buy

What to look out for

THIS MONTH

These Sienna saucepans from Kaufmann are a great inexpensive buy if you’re thinking of kitting out your kitchen.

Available exclusively from Amazon, there are three sets, each suitable for everyday use and with a 10-year guarantee and five-year non-stick warranty. There’s a frying pan duo, £37.29; a saucepan three-piece, £36.28; or, if you need a whole new collection, the five-piece saucepan and frying pan combo is a very reasonable £62.95.

▲ Stay ahead of the game with this packed planner – it has everything you need including year, month and week views and a pocket for loose bits of paper, as well as fun stickers and a calming colouring page

Planners and organisers

Moonstone 2019 classic 12-month annual planner, £20, ban.do

▲

Make sure everyone knows what’s for dinner, and who’s in charge, with this handy magnetic food planner

Magnetic food planner, £2, Flying Tiger Copenhagen

▲

only £1!

Jot down what you need on this magnetic notepad and you’ll never be left wondering up and down the supermarket aisles again

▲ Keep on top of it all with these useful study and budget planners – a bargain buy that will keep you organised and help to save the pennies

Rifle Paper Co. Corner Store shopping list notepad, £9.50, Papermash

Budget and Study planners, £1 each, both Poundland

THINGS WE CONSIDERED l What is the capacity? l Did it mix sufficiently? l Did it have many attachments?

We test... stand mixers We tried out a selection of stand mixers, here’s what we found…

WILKO 4.5L COPPER-EFFECT STAND MIXER, £65 This stylish gadget looked smart on our kitchen worktop and gave the impression of being far more expensive than its low price point.

The 4.5l bowl provided ample capacity when baking a layer cake and the machine worked smoothly, taking the hard work out of whipping and blending our ingredients. It came provided with three attachments – a whisk, beater and dough hook, meaning it will work well for most of your everyday domestic needs.

VONSHEF DIE CAST COPPER STAND MIXER, £174.99 This eye-catching machine will look the part in your kitchen. The large 5l bowl was great for larger cakes, and the splash guard kept the kitchen clean. It comes with a balloon whisk, dough hook and beater which had a silicone edge for scraping the edge of the bowl as it mixed, which was really handy. It didn’t feel quite as good quality as some of the other models tested, but it was great for what we needed it for.

SMEG STAND MIXER, £349.99 This super-stylish retro-inspired design definitely looks great on the worktop. Thankfully, it works like a dream, too. Although it’s quite heavy, it feels really sturdy and comes with a capacious 4.8l bowl, dough hook, wire whisk and flat beater, as well as a pouring shield which helps prevent splashes. It has 10 speed settings offering accurate control when prepping food. You can also buy optional accessories for making pasta, slicing and grating.

KITCHENAID CANDY APPLE 4.8L ARTISAN STAND MIXER, £649 This iconic piece of kit is hefty and feels excellent quality. It comes with a balloon whisk, beater and dough hook, and other attachments are available to buy. It has two bowls – a 3l and a 4.8l – plus a pouring shield. It has 10 speed settings which were great for a variety of tasks. While mixing, it did seem to leave a little at the bottom, which needed scraping before mixing again.

10/ 10 9/ 10 12

8/10 February 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

8/ 10

Pretty in Pink

Say hello to Solva A beautiful, solid Ash painted range, available in 25 colour options.

Solva Vintage Rose Free Standing Island with Graphite

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

Midlands Coleford 01594 809682 Dudley 01384455755 Duffield 01332 842534

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

East Anglia Attleborough 01953 482032 Cambridge 01223 466634 Halesworth 01986 835538 Ipswich 01473 742200 March 01354 662000 Norwich 01603 666161 Royston 01763 271991 Saffron Waldon 01799 583000 Stamford 01780 654321

South Abingdon 01235 554773 Arundel 01243 696700 Basingstoke 01256 810460 Bideford 01237 423444 Bourne End 01628 528712 Bradford-On-Avon 01225 783118 Brighton East 01273 628618 Bristol 01179 246002 Camberley 01252 522400 Chelmsford 01245 392792 Cheltenham 01242 251113 Chingford 0203 903 1813 Dorchester 01305 520848 Esher 01372 467464 Fareham 01329 223406 Folkestone 01303 647022 Fordingbridge 01425 650235 Fulham 0207 3840511 Godalming 01483 424466 Hazlemere 01494 718585 Helston 01326 565522 Horley 01293 786116

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

Ingatestone 01277 350800 Ivybridge 01752 897800 London - Perivale 0208 616 2722 Lymington 01590 678767 Purbeck 01929 422345 Ringwood 01425 484731 Romsey 01794 338555 Sailsbury 01722 328777 Seaton 01297 22559 Sherborne 01935 817111 Staines upon Thames 01784 463909 Storrington 01903 741004 Taunton 01823 256369 Tring 01442 827997 Uckfield 01825 766976 Wadebridge 01208 813231 Waterlooville 02392 176380 Whitstable 01843 593069 Winscombe 01934 844144 Witney 01993 704105 Wokingham 0118 978 3393 Worthing 01903 201901

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

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

THE LATEST CONSUMER NEWS

xxxxxx

Smart savings The average Brit spends £6.08 on lunch each day – £15.51 in London. Instead, why not invest in this fancy lunch box, fill it with a healthy home-made salad or sarnie and save a whopping £1,580 a year?

Bee lunch box, £15, Cath Kidston

Feature Alice Butler Image iStock

YH fab find Stay up to date with the hottest deals on everything from food and drink to fashion and beauty, days out, tech and homeware and more with Vouchercloud’s exclusive deals. Each week the money-saving website has a round-up of new discounts: our recent faves have included offers on Krispy Kreme, Patisserie Valerie, Cox & Cox and River Island. Check out the ‘Only on Vouchercloud’ page at www.vouchercloud.com or on the app.

Savvy ways to... keep fit for less Find an affordable workout and you may find it easier to stick to your regime. n TRAIN ON THE CHEAP Want to tone up with equipment? There are a host of low-cost gyms (such as Fitness4Less and Anytime Fitness), many of which have regular offers on memberships throughout the year, plus bring-a-friend days when you can try a session for free with a mate before joining the club at a discount. Or work out on the many free outdoor gyms in parks across the country where you’ll find the familiar kit from cross trainers to treadmills. Find your nearest at www.tgogc.com. n SHAPE UP WITH THE NHS As part of its commitment to encourage the nation to get healthy, the NHS has a variety of exercise tutorials on its website (www.nhs.uk), including a five-minute wake-up workout and a 12-week fitness programme; or take your pick of the 24 instructor-led videos teaching everything from yoga to belly dancing, aerobics to strength training – all for free. n JOG IT OUT If you’ll stay motivated exercising with others, join a running club. Parkrun organises free weekly 5km timed runs on Saturday mornings that are safe, open to everyone and easy to take part in; visit www.parkrun.org.uk. n SURF THE NET You’ll never get bored with your regime thanks to the endless clips on YouTube. Make sure you choose the highestrated videos to learn from the best (such as The Body Coach TV) and remember to check the routine has a warm-up to avoid injuries. n WORK OUT WITHOUT NOTICING Shoehorn bouts of exercise into your daily routine by jumping off the bus or train a stop early on your commute; cycle to the shops; take the stairs Source: Sunny rather than the lift; or vacuum vigorously for 30 minutes which burns an impressive 96 calories.

FACT FILE

82% of renters spend their own cash on home improvements: 60% paint the walls; 44% change the furniture; 40% put nails in the wall.

tech news Children and big kids alike will love this fierce new digital monster pocket-money account. Aimed at helping small people understand money in a cashless society, Santander’s Mini 123 comes with a piggy-bank-style critter which lights up and displays the balance when money hits the account or it’s shaken by its owner. When kids want to spend their cash they can use the debit card stashed in the monster’s jet pack.

Choose from three cheery beasts with moveable eyelids and customisable body parts. For more info go to www.makemoneymonsters.com.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

›› 15

save £££s

Plan your finances for the year ahead and you could save £££s every month

I

f you’re forever forking out on bills, shopping, loans and other everyday essentials, maybe it’s time to sit down and make a money plan. By budgeting sensibly across the year and setting yourself savings goals, you could end up clearing up pesky debts and saving a tidy sum for a summer holiday or a new car.

Here’s how to get started.

STICK TO A BUDGET Begin by setting aside some time to make a monthly budget… n Write down a list of everything you spend money on each month including bills, childcare, insurance, travel, groceries and any treats such as eating out, clothes or cinema. n Next, consider whether you could save money on any of these outgoings. Is it time to shop around for a new energy provider for instance? Can you negotiate a better broadband deal?

Will making your own lunch each day save money on expensive shop-bought sandwiches? n Check your monthly direct debits and see if there’s anything you’re still paying for that you don’t use, such as a gym membership or an outdated insurance policy. n Write down how much money you have coming in after tax, and work out the difference to see how much, if any, you have left each month. This is a great way to plan how much you can afford to spend and where you can save.

SPEND WISELY PAY OFF LOANS

Here are some quick and easy ways to cut back on spending: For any credit cards or loans, aim to 3 Think before you buy. It sounds obvious, pay off the debt that charges the but before you purchase anything, ask highest rate of interest first yourself whether you really need it and l Look for zero per cent balance transfer deals. whether you can afford it. l Pay the credit card bill in full each 3Use cash rather than debit or credit cards month to avoid interest. and it should make you think twice l Consider setting up before splashing out. an automatic direct 3Get the whole family involved.

Set up a savings debit to pay off the After all, it’s no good you doing card each month account and deposit as much all this hard work if everyone else if you can as you can spare every month. is out spending. afford it.

This will help you develop healthy 3Stay organised with bills by l Get rid of marking out when they are due spending habits. Look for ISAs any store cards, on a calendar – including annual and good interest rates at banks which usually premiums such as car insurance. charge a much and building societies to 3Where possible, try to have an higher rate find the best return emergency fund set aside for any of interest. on your money. unforeseen costs.

DEBT ADVICE When you need expert advice on serious debts, there is free support available: 3Citizens Advice Bureau, StepChange Debt Charity or National Debtline can help – contact them as soon as possible for advice.

3 Money Advice Service is another good support.

Feature Hayley Gilbert Image iStock

Top tip

Are there any apps that can help keep track of my spending?

June Hargreaves, Edinburgh

Q A

Yes, Money Dashboard (www.moneydashboard.com) keeps all your accounts in one place, breaking down your spending so you can see all your incomings and outgoings, including credit cards, current and savings accounts. It’s free for Android and iOS users and also creates graphs and charts to help you get a grip on your spending habits.

16

February 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Useful contacts l For free, independent advice on a wide variety of money matters, visit

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. l Try www.citizensadvice.org.uk for help and support for debt and money issues; also, www.stepchange.org and www.nationaldebtline.org. l At www.moneysavingexpert.com you’ll find tips on how to save money on everything from eating out to car insurance.

Sign up for the free email newsletter, too. l Young people can find information on how to manage their finances and debt at www.princes-trust.org.uk. l Find out how to access free debt and benefits advice as well as support services at www.moneyadviceplus.org.uk.

Wear your heart on your windows.

Don’t just like your curtains.

Love them.

TO BOOK A FREE APPOINTMENT CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK

Decorating Discover this year’s perfect perennial colour palette

Mini trend:

A dash of mustard

When it comes to picking a long-lasting colour scheme, it’s important to make sure it will look great every season.

This year’s top transitional palette? Mustard and navy.

With Abigail Ahern’s iconic dark interiors taking the decorating world by storm, deep navy is a must-have in your home. But to prevent it from absorbing all that glorious summer light, add warming accents of mustard yellow. It’s the perfect partner for a sunny spring room!

Vari table lamp in yellow, £68, Oliver Bonas. Ochre kimono throw cushion, £29, Michael Murphy Home Furnishing.

Assorted soft furnishings and accessories, from £3, Wilko

A lift for walls Inspired by some of the greatest movies of all time, Red Candy has released a range of blockbusting movie illustrations to perk up your walls. Featuring iconic scenes from films such as Grease, Dirty Dancing, Pulp Fiction and The Goonies, these bold prints use a simple retro colour-blocking technique, making that famous Dirty Dancing lift even more iconic! To see the full range, head to www.redcandy.co.uk.

from just £3

Dirty Dancing art print, from £18, Red Candy

Boost your slats appeal Did you know that around 25 to 50 per cent of radiator heat is lost through windows?

When it comes to saving money and energy, one of the most efficient window dressings are shutters. With some saying they are just as effective as double glazing, these wooden wonders also double up as natural noise barriers, making them perfect for period townhouses close to bustling roads or pavements. We love this rustic Golden Oak finish from Shutterly Fabulous, it’s perfect for a cosy bedroom look. Take a look at www.shutterlyfabulous.com.

Full-length wooden window shutters in Golden Oak, from £299 per sq m, Shutterly Fabulous

Semi-precious style If you’re on the hunt for the perfect feature light, then take a look at Sarah Colson’s Prism collection.

Available exclusively in Debenhams, the award-winning designer’s new range features four stunning pendant lights and two table lamps inspired by natural quartz and crystal formations. Finished with a brushed-gold fitting, we think this collection would make a real style statement as a cluster above a dining table! To find out more, visit www.debenhams.co.uk.

Medium geometric glass pendant lights, £130 each, Debenhams

CHECK OUT OUR NEW DECORATING PAGES AT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

February 2019

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TREND ALERT...

Statement furniture can be the starting point of a new scheme Kerala sideboard, £865; Scandi apple and pear framed prints, £65 each; Rayat matted pink vase, £10; Siga matted pink vase, £10 each; Agung vase, from £16, all Barker & Stonehouse

Triangles, chevrons, hexagons… geometric is the shape of things past and present The geometric trend has made many comebacks over the years, and is still as popular as ever. Take inspiration from the past and use contemporary colours and materials for an up-to-date spin on the scheme. Soft furnishings are the quickest way to build up this style, with rugs, cushions, curtains and bed linen all inexpensive ways to add pattern. If you’re feeling a bit more confident, make a statement with tiles and wallpaper.

The key here is to balance your look – if you’re choosing accessories with an over-sized pattern, then keep the walls a solid colour. Likewise, if you’re opting from a dramatic design on the walls, keep the rest of your scheme more subtle, going for neutrals and smaller-scale prints.

Acting Deputy Editor

Arccos 111969 wallpaper, £89 per roll, Harlequin. Otani 132771 fabric, £59 per m, Harlequin.

Winterbloom matt emulsion, from £14 for 2.5l; Dance Hall flat matt emulsion from the Period collection, from £21.50 for 2.5l, both Crown Paints.

Cosmo pink cushion, £40, Insidestore

Feature Laura Higgins

Deco-style prints will create a classic scheme that won’t date Deco diamond bed linen set, £200 for a double, Christy

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February 2019

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE Dip your toe into the trend with textured accessories Hand-woven geometric wall hanging, £39, Ian Snow

Create a bespoke storage solution with these modular brass shelves and mirrors Alveare brass shelves, £89.99 each; Alveare brass wall mirror, £59.99 each; Alveare tub chair in blush pink, £349.99; Alveare mirror side table, £139.99, all My Furniture

Spend vs Save Add comfort underfoot with a bold graphic rug Borg rug in ecru/ black, from £479, Urban Avenue

Add instant colour and pattern with this matching cushion and throw Holden cushion, £20; Holden throw, £45, both Made

Cosmopolitan ivory rug, from £27.99, Carpetright

Choose simple designs for a stylish, contemporary scheme Clarice round metal edged mirror, £95, John Lewis & Partners

A mural is a great way of to create impact, and much easier than a tricky paint effect Subtle Tones wall mural, from £27 per sq m, Wallsauce.com

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

February 2019

21

STYLE FILE Expert tip ‘Geometrics are so versatile, and can be used in all areas of the home, adding interest without being too feminine. They also work as great coordinates alongside many patterns.

In this picture, you can see how to use different designs together in the same scheme. The strong lines created in the zigzag of the Equalize curtains are echoed in the tile-like geometric of the Axal wallpaper, achieving a striking and sophisticated interior.’

Claire Greenfield, Lead Designer at Harlequin Pay attention to the finishing details with these marble-effect coasters Geometric coasters, £8 for four, Creative Tops

This window film has a really subtle graphic pattern while providing privacy Lindsey Lang Crystal window film, from £30, The Window Film Company

Contrast designs in different scales and toning colours Axal 111979 wallpaper, £69 per roll; curtains in Equalize 132817 fabric, £69 per m; chairs in Minouri 132766 fabric, £79 per m, all Harlequin

Tessellation 11984 wallpaper, £75 per roll, Harlequin. Regal sorbet velvet, £59.50 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Scottish Pine non-drip gloss, from £15.49 for 750ml; Carved Stone flat matt emulsion from the Period collection, from £21.50 for 2.5l, both Crown Paints. Terrazzo candle holder, £20, Scaramanga

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February 2019

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE

Light up your look with one of these striking geo pendants

Pop this little succulent on a mantelpiece or coffee table Aloe in glass vase, £10, Sainsbury’s Home

great buy!

Choose three complementary shades on the walls and create a simple yet effective paint effect

Lampshade, £12, Sainsbury’s Home Pendant light in Nagoya grey, £99.99, Dowsing and Reynolds

Valli sideboard, £725; Maxiemus white and gold clock, £220; marble and gold tray; £145; matt black aluminium table lamp, £140, all Barker & Stonehouse

If you don’t fancy wallpaper, artwork and prints are an easy way to add pattern to walls Geometric framed prints, £25 each, Cult Furniture

Create a retro scheme with a chevron print Chevron Weave ochre wallpaper, £16.99 per roll, Arthouse

Kasper chandelier, £94.99, My Furniture

Metal pendant, £117, Nordic House

Hem shade in white, £39, Made

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

February 2019

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Katie put her love of Scandinavian design into practice and created a bold office scheme full of natural wood and Danish-inspired accessories. A blend of plants, a patterned rug and lots of texture help to keep the room feel cosy. A run of cork breaks up the dark wall and offers a place to pin ‘to-do’ notes and motivational postcards

Total Cost

£870

Good idea!

Use cork tiles on the wall to create an easy and stylish pinboard – you can hang them in whatever pattern you wish to suit your room.

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HOME OFFICE MAKEOVER

My office is anything but boring

Katie Seidler turned a small third bedroom into a Scandi-style monochrome workspace with tons of texture

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hen fashion buyer Katie Seidler, 35, and husband Russell, 39, bought their three-bedroom Victorian house in St Albans back in 2016 it was a totally blank canvas with white walls and mismatched flooring.

Although there was nothing structural that needed to change, Katie desperately wanted to put the character back into the rooms – one of which was the office. ‘At the time it was being used as a (very small) third bedroom, which was of no use to us,’ says Katie. ‘We wanted to change it into a study and it was one of the first rooms we decorated, along with the main bedroom and the open-plan living area.’

STEP ONE

Although the room wasn’t huge, it still had plenty of potential and Katie was keen to get started. ‘There was nothing major to do, which meant I could get creative with paint, lighting and storage ideas,’ she says. ‘I did a lot of research into how I wanted it to look – and a lot of moodboarding, too! It needed to be functional as both myself and Russell would need to work in it, but I also wanted it to be a space we’d enjoy spending the majority of the day in. It needed to inspire and make us feel motivated.’

Before

STEP TWO Katie’s first priority was to freshen up the walls, which the couple

Good idea!

Add hooks to the side of a cabinet to hang items you need regularly – it keeps them tidy and makes it easy to find them.

The two wall cupboards from Ikea cost just £45 each, making them an affordable storage option. Katie added leather handles as a quick update, and hung hooks on the side of the cabinets for a handy place to hang a clipboard and earphones Katie uses plants to keep the room feeling relaxed, despite it being a work environment. This stylish lamp featuring a built-in plant pot was a bargain from HomeSense

did themselves. ‘I love the contrast of monochrome, so we worked this idea in by painting the wall in a dark shade,’ she explains. Next came the lighting which Katie called in the experts for as she wanted to make a big change.

The fitting was moved so that it was positioned over the desk, allowing bulbs to hang over the workspace instead of in the middle of the room.

‘The electrician thought I was mad,’ Katie laughs. www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

25

ROOMPLAN

Monochrome artworks in a variety of sizes have been displayed on a side wall. The frames are all black to give a uniform feel Exposed bulbs strung from black cords keep to the office’s simple yet functional ethos. The concrete-effect detail works well with the industrial-style textures in the room, such as cork, metal and wood

2.45m

2.42m

THE DETAILS

Good idea!

Paint

Hang hooks among artwork as an extra display piece – these Dot designs are as much a work of art as the prints next to them.

Furniture

£488

Flooring

£163

Lights

£150

Cork tiles TOTAL

STEP

FOUR When it came to buying a desk and chair, Katie was determined to choose pieces in keeping with the minimal Scandi style she loved

£19.98

£870.98

Shopping list

so much. ‘Let’s face it, office furniture can be dull and ugly, and we wanted to make the space feel more comfortable,’ she says.

‘I chose a dining chair, rather than an office design, and went for a desk in ash and grey from Made. I’ve made the mistake many times of buying everything I love and then changing my mind a few months later, so now I take my time to plan and research the perfect pieces that I’ll only need to buy once!’ The result is a bold scheme with a restrained Scandi feel and a monochrome palette of dark grey, white and natural wood with cork accents and lots of beautifully designed Danish-

Walls in Nighthawk and Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion paints, from £16 for 2.5l, both Crown Paints. Compound desk, £299, Made. Soho dining chair, £99, Cult Furniture.

Ivar storage units, £45 each; leather handles, £10 for two; for a similar round rug try Vostrup, £50, all Ikea. Lamp, £30; teapot, £16; mug, £12 for a set of two; other desk accessories from a selection, all HomeSense.

Self-adhesive cork tiles, £9.99 for a pack of four, The Range. Untied Kingdom print, £100, PreFab77. Wall calendar, £60, Stendig Calendars. Lights, £40 each, bespoke from a local lighting shop. Muuto Dots coat hooks, from £15 each, Utility Design. Basket (on floor), £8, Matalan. Light Oak flooring, £27.50 per sq m, Quick-Step

inspired accessories. ‘I’m really pleased with the space,’ says Katie. ‘It’s a great place to get your head down and the plants make it feel relaxing. I wanted an inspiring office that wasn’t boring and and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved.’ YH

3 of the best... cement plant pots £7.95 from The Farthing This rustic plant pot features a quirky vintage Spanish tile-style print on a cement base with a colourful lacquered interior.

£7.95

£47.50

£10 from Scaramanga The simple, clean lines of this circular planter perfectly complement Scarmanga’s hexagon shelf (£17.50) to create an industrial look.

£47.50 from Smithers of Stamford This quirky bowler hat design is quite possibly one of the most stylish ways to display plants, whether indoors or out.

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February 2019

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£10

Feature Laurie Davidson Photos Colin Poole

STEP THREE Next, the couple turned their attention to storage.

‘There’s so much in an office that needs to be hidden away, so I took time to think about how to ensure we had enough cupboards and how they would fit into the overall look and feel of the room,’ says Katie. ‘Storage doesn’t have to be boring!’

Untreated solid-wood cabinets from Ikea were chosen for the wall which Katie jazzed up with leather handles. ‘Texture is important to me, so we added a lot of cork and natural wood in the scheme,’ she says.

This is demonstrated further with a run of cork tiles which break up the dark wall behind the desk. ‘I wanted a way to make the office functional for all those notes and memos, so I bought some adhesive cork tiles to make a feature,’ says Katie.

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It’s the perfect crafting space and office Katie-Lark Ratcliffe transformed a former garage into an inviting and practical dual-purpose room

W

hen Katie-Lark Ratcliffe, 33, moved into her 1980s semi in Oxfordshire, her main priority was to create a comfortable home for her children, Isla and Tove.

However, once the essential spaces were done, her attention soon turned to creating a much-needed workroom to indulge her passion for crafting. ‘I’d earmarked the attached garage for conversion from day one,’ she explains. ‘Not only could it be accessed via the house, but the previous owners had already set the ball rolling – leaving me free to tailor the half-finished project to my needs!’

Good idea!

A strategically placed free-standing open unit is a clever and non-permanent way to create distinct zones, while still allowing light to flood the space.

STEP ONE

With the garage door long gone and a replacement window and heating already in place, Katie-Lark’s first task was to level the concrete in preparation for new flooring, then add plenty of plug sockets and insulation throughout. ‘I called on the services of a local builder to help with the work, and also took the opportunity to board and plaster the ceiling,’ she says.

When it came to the walls, KatieLark decided to ditch plastering in favour of characterful panelling. ‘I love the simplicity of Scandi style so chose readymade tongue-and-groove panels which, at 2.4 metres, were exactly the same height as the garage, making installation quick and easy,’ she smiles.

STEP

Before A wooden dowel pole attached to the wall with stylish leather handles allows for crafty supplies to be on hand

TWO

In order to create a practical craft and office space, KatieLark opted to lay smart, easy-clean, faux-timber porcelain tiles underfoot, then turned her attention to the layout. ‘I always knew I wanted to create two distinct work zones,’ she explains, ‘And with light being an obvious priority for my hobbies, I came up with the idea of using an open shelving unit as an instant divide.’

To satisfy her storage needs Katie-Lark also invested in a generous bank of full-height cupboards, complete with leather handles. ‘They weren’t cheap at £600 but they ensure all my paraphernalia remains neatly hidden,’ she says.

STEP THREE

When it came to décor, Katie-Lark again looked to keep things simple with light-enhancing off-white walls, teamed with Scandiinspired timber tones and

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February 2019

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Katie-Lark hung woven fabric tubs from the wall to display colourful yarn and keep essentials close at hand

HOME OFFICE MAKEOVER

Total Cost

ÂŁ3,263

This bright and sunny dual-purpose space is now the perfect place for Katie-Lark to indulge a serious crafting habit, or simply spend time catching up on paperwork

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

29

ROOMPLAN

Good idea!

Revive a redundant table base with a lick of paint and a smart new top.

Katie-Lark used giant buttons as handles: try Mollie & Fred for ready-made button knobs.

2.7m

5.9m

THE DETAILS Hardwearing, porcelain tiles are a practical, easy-clean option in busy work areas, while timber-look tiles offer a soft, relaxed look

Panelling

£767

Paint

£257

Furniture

£329.99

Cupboards

£625.50

Lighting

£39.80

Tiling

£1,056

Blind

£188

TOTAL

£3,263.29

plenty of savvy high-street and online finds. ‘I spotted the trestle table in Ikea,’ says Katie-Lark, ‘along with most of my additional storage pieces – including the handy ladder rack for hanging fabrics and a few wall-mounted additions.’ The statement chairs, pendant lights and rugs were all the result of successful internet searches. ‘I managed to source some real bargains,’ she continues, ‘Which was just as well as I also needed to splash out on a bespoke blind for the large window.’

STEP FOUR Finally, with little of her funds remaining, Katie-Lark opted to create a sewing table by recycling a previously redundant base that was

originally destined for the skip. It now takes pride of place in the craft area, thanks to the addition of a timber top and a lick of paint. ‘The quirky button handles were actually an afterthought, but I think they really make the table,’ she smiles, ‘And, along with the panelling, it has to be one of my favourite features.’ In fact, now that the room is finished, Katie-Lark couldn’t be more delighted. ‘It’s such a pleasure to work in, and I love the fact that I can simply close the door on any mess,’ she concludes. YH

Georgian standard-joint full-size MDF panelling, £59 per 2.4m x 1.2m sheet, The English Panelling Company. Paint: Shallows (panelling, cupboards and woodwork), and Livid (table) intelligent eggshells, from £30 per 1l; Shallows intelligent emulsion (ceiling), £48.50 per 2.5l; Pea Green, Aquamarine and Pleat tester pots (frames), £4.50 each, all Little Greene. Splendid Ash matt porcelain floor tiles, £66 per sq m, British Ceramic Tile. Rochelle office chair, £69.99, Atlantic Shopping. Moda Eiffel Scandinavian armchair, £35, P&N Homewares. Finnvard/Linnmon trestle table, £75; Kallax shelving unit, £75; Vilto towel stand, £35; Mosslanda picture ledge, from £5; Kvissle magazine files, £10 for two; letter tray, £19; Nordrana hanging baskets, £6.25 for two; Skadis peg board, from £8; clips, £1.50 for two; container, £2; shelf, £3; Ribba picture frames, from £3.95, all Ikea.

Solid-oak table top, £75, Worktop Express.

Pure White 50mm wood Venetian blind, £188, Hillarys. Giant wooden buttons, from £6.55 each; Room One Design leather loop pull handles, from £4.25 each, both Etsy.

Modern wood and metal pendant lights, £19.90 each; sheepskin, from £27.99; cowhide, £69.99, all eBay. MDF letters, £1 each, Hobbycraft

3 of the best... craft room accessories £9.95 from Hurn & Hurn Dubbed ‘the best gift for edgy embroiderers’, these quirky scissors from Suck UK are crafted from stainless steel with a brass finish.

£10 from Fred Aldous The Original Thimble by Wild & Wolf adds style to any creative space and is perfect for storing all your crafting and stationery clutter.

£18 from Papermash Whether you need to store ribbons, threads or tapes, this giant golden safety pin will not only hold them safely but looks great too.

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February 2019

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£9.95

£10

£18

Styling Jo Rigg Feature Paula Woods Photos Lizzie Orme

Shopping list

Total Cost

ÂŁ4,210

Patterned wallpaper adds colour and character to Amanda’s home office and the wall-to-wall desktop makes it the perfect workspace for two

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HOME OFFICE MAKEOVER

I created an office that’s a fabulous place to work Amanda transformed her kitchen into the perfect home office for two

W

hen Amanda Brooks, 40, and her husband Adam added an extension to their three-bedroom home in Stamford, Lincolnshire, the plans involved moving the kitchen to a large open-plan area in the new part of the build.

‘My husband often works from home and I would find myself doing paperwork at the kitchen table, which I hated,’ she explains.

‘Having the chance to rethink the old kitchen space and turn it into a room that would be a great place for us both to work was a wonderful opportunity.

I wasn’t sure how to make a stylish, practical and fabulous office from my old kitchen but I was looking forward to the challenge!’

STEP ONE Once the kitchen had been stripped out and the walls re-plastered, Amanda had a wonderful blank canvas to work on. ‘It wasn’t until I was standing in the empty room that I started to visualise what I could do – I’d found it too difficult to imagine when the kitchen was still in place.’ Having already collected paint and wallpaper samples, Amanda was keen to see how they looked, so she tacked everything to the wall and stood back to take it all in. ‘I was particularly drawn to a Scion wallpaper with a triangle print and decided to use that as the base for the design. I chose grey paint from Little Greene that toned beautifully with the paper and we began decorating straight away,’ Amanda explains. ‘It took us a couple of weekends to get everything done but doing so changed the room’s identity entirely – it felt fresh and lovely and I was excited to see what it could become.’

The hallway and kitchen in the new extension were going to feature a pale oak flooring, Amanda has placed dividers and boxes inside large drawers to keep everything neat and ordered

Before so Amanda decided to use the same in the office to keep a consistent visual flow throughout the ground floor. ‘I love the warmth that wood brings and it’s so easy to keep clean, too,’ she says.

‘A joiner came and cut it perfectly to fit, and the surface was then protected with Osmo oil to give it a practical wipe-clean finish.’ Amanda also needed to find a solution for storing paperwork. ‘I didn’t want open shelving as it always seems to look untidy,’ she explains. She searched the high street for small drawers and was delighted with what she found in Habitat.

‘I bought two sets of drawers that were the perfect shades of grey and yellow, and some matching wall storage, too,’ she says. ‘I also picked up two small filing cabinets so we can hide papers away, rather than have piles of stuff all over the desk.

STEP TWO

Finding the right furniture was the next task, and having two desks was vital. ‘Adam and I needed our own separate places to work, where we would both have room to spread out without impacting on each other,’ she explains.

She considered two freestanding pieces of furniture but decided that would leave an odd gap in between.

Using one long worktop across the whole wall would look much sleeker and maximise the workspace.

‘I was lucky enough to pick up an oak kitchen worktop at a good price from a local showroom that was closing down,’ says Amanda.

Woodgrain brings softness to a room and is a truly timeless choice

Good idea!

To maximise your storage space consider having a unit made to your room’s specifications. Alternatively, add dividers or boxes inside high-street drawers.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

33

ROOMPLAN To add balance to a room, keep furniture symmetrical. Here the two areas mirror each other meaning the space looks neat – even when it’s not at its tidiest

3.3m

Create a gallery wall. Mix artwork in a range of sizes, colours and styles to give the space an injection of colour and personality

2.6m

THE DETAILS

‘Each piece slides under the worktop so they look tidy and give both of us clearly defined spaces, which was important.’ Amanda completed the work area with a trip to Dunelm where she bought lamps, magazine files, boxes and chairs. ‘I wasn’t intending to buy chairs but the grey Scandinavian-style designs jumped out at me. They’re stylish and comfortable, so ideal for us!’ she smiles.

STEP THREE Next, Amanda wanted to add a large storage unit.

‘I looked around but couldn’t find anything on the high street that I liked,’ she says. ‘Then, I remembered that the joiner who had fitted our worktop had studied design at college, so I called him to see if he could help.

Create the right atmosphere.

Offices don’t have to feel clinical – approach the design as you would any other living area for a stylish space.

He not only had some incredible ideas but the creative ability to bring them to life, so we decided to take the plunge and have something made bespoke. He designed and made us the most beautiful piece; each drawer is the perfect size for what it needs to store,’ she smiles. The final step was hanging a collection of artwork.

‘For the longest time I’ve had a huge pile of pictures hanging around, and I wanted to get them on the wall to enjoy them.

I picked up a selection of frames and spent ages working out how they would all fit together to create a gallery wall.

I love how the eclectic mix has such a huge impact.’ With a geometric rug on the floor to echo the wallpaper print

£86

Paint

£97

Flooring

£527

Worktop

£250

Furniture

£3,249.58

TOTAL

£4,209.58

Shopping list Scion Modul wallpaper, £43 per roll, Wallpaper Direct. Light and Dark French Grey intelligent matt paints, £48.50 for 2.5l each, Little Greene. Champagne oak, £49.99 per sq m, Quick-Step. Osmo clear satin Polyx oil, £15.45 per 375ml, Russwood. Albion office units, £250 each; Albion wall units, £75 each, all Habitat. Bisley filing cabinets, £49.79 each, Staples. Bespoke chest of drawers, £2,500, Flavell Trading. Clock, £10, car-boot sale.

Pendant lampshade, £165, Charlene Mullen.

Table lamp, £65, Maxine Sutton. Seattle white desk lamps, £45 each; magazine files, £4.50 each; pen pot, £1.50; storage boxes, £8 per set of three; desk planner, £3; Forest Friends mugs, £10 for four; Skandi oak dining chairs, £325 for a pair, all Dunelm

and feel soft underfoot and interesting lampshades, the room was complete.

‘Everyone’s amazed at how well the small kitchen has transformed into a generous office space for two,’ she adds. ‘Not only is it a lovely place to work in, it’s also really practical. It’s even better than I dreamed it could be – we are delighted!’ YH

3 of the best... storage units £129 from Made The Elona storage unit features a simple navy surface and copper hairpin legs to add a touch of class to any room.

£129

£550

£149 from Swoon The mid-century style Randall cabinet is crafted from mango wood with a pale finish and tiered drawers for the ultimate storage.

£550 from The Old Cinema With its bright geometric design, this vintage cabinet from The Old Cinema provides the perfect hideaway for a range of office clutter.

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February 2019

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£149

Feature Becky Clarke Photos Rachael Smith

Good idea!

Wallpaper

®

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on a little budget

Refresh your décor from floor to ceiling without spending a fortune

W

e all have a décor wish list that exists purely in our daydreams… but when you can have stylish, quality interiors without burning through your cash, why not make those fantasies a reality? Check out these pages for savvy solutions and insider tips to help you save money without compromising on style.

s

Big revamps

Keep tiling costs down by using statement designs for a feature area on your floor with plain ones around it Scintilla olive, paprika and black star pattern tiles, £29.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

Fabulous flooring

s

You don’t need to replace your entire floor to update the look – simply throw down a rug anywhere you’d like extra comfort for a cosy, layered look Eddy ivory and black circular rug, from £49, Modern Rugs

If you love luxurious carpet underfoot, look for a polyester or polypropylene design that feels like walking on a cloud without the hefty price tag

s

Apollo Plus carpet in Pensive Sky, from £15 per sq m, Cormar Carpets

Vinyl is a purse-friendly flooring choice for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways – it’s low-maintenance, durable, water-resistant and can even dampen the sound of footsteps Platinum Cabana grey and green vinyl, £18.99 per sq m, Carpetright

s

Feature Emma Thompson

For long-lasting and easy-clean floors with the look of natural wood, try laminate. Available at a fraction of the cost and simple to install yourself, there are so many convincing lookalikes that nobody will know the difference Kronospan valley oak laminate flooring, £22.18 for 2.22 sq m, Wickes

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DECORATING IDEAS

‘wow’windows Window film is the perfect solution for those of us who want privacy in the form of a stylish design that looks fantastic both in the room and from the street

s

Top tip Pop a length of pipe insulation tube behind each fold to make dress curtains look more full and luxurious.

Aum centrepiece window film, from £16.50, Purlfrost

s Even cheaper curtains can give a high-end look if you hang them above the window and go for a floor-length drop Vermont lined mustard eyelet curtains, from £30, Dunelm

The ‘finial’ touch Choose stylish curtain hardware that won’t break the bank

Roller and vertical styles tend to be the most affordable types of blinds, while many online retailers offer made to measure services at reasonable prices Tuiss Illusion cool grey roller shade, from £39, Blinds 2 Go

Mix and match satin silver artichoke flower finials, £15 for a pair, Dunelm

Blåst finials, £6 for a pair, IKEA

Black ball finials, £19 for a pair, John Lewis & Partners

‘It’s so easy to measure up for blinds. Using a sturdy metal tape, simply check the width in millimetres at the top, middle and bottom of the recess and use the smallest measurement. Do the same with the drop at the left, middle and right.

Blinds 2 Go does the calculations for you so that your blind fits perfectly.’

Leah Brandwood, Head of Design, Blinds 2 Go www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

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Whether you’re renting or just want a quick creative shake-up, washi tape can do everything from making geometric patterns across walls to ‘framing’ prints – and removes without a trace afterwards

Paint is the most accessible way to spruce up your home, and you’ll get real value for your money with creative effects such as this modern, linear look

Black spotted and gold washi tapes, from £2.75 each, Papermash

Matt emulsion in Duck Egg and Clay White, from £14 for 2.5l; Period Collection flat matt emulsions in Attingham Blue and May Queen, from £21.50 for 2.5l; feature wall matt emulsion in Rebel, from £14 for 1.25l, all Crown Paints

bargain buy s

When a plain wall simply won’t do, grab a roll of wallpaper and start pasting! Even if it’s a little pricier, an eye-catching design will mean you need fewer decorative accessories and can help you save money overall

Holden Decor Paladium metallic geometric wallpaper in grey, dusky pink (far left) and teal (left), £11.99 per roll, I Want Wallpaper

Mirror, mirror, on the wall Hang one of these striking pieces on your newly finished surface and you’ll never look back Klevering lightning bolt mirror, £25, Printer and Tailor

Semi-circular tasselled green and brass wall mirror, £25, Oliver Bonas

‘If a wallpaper you absolutely love is outside your budget, paper just a small area in the room, such as a chimney breast, or choose a patterned design, such as a floral print, then cut around the motifs to spread them out across the walls.’

Cindy Fuller, Founder of Designs Direct

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February 2019

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Cyclops eye black wall mirror, £37, Hurn & Hurn

Grab yourself a bargain floor lamp with this elegant real marble and polished brass model

radiant lighting

LED by example

Gold and white marble floor lamp, £75, Harvey Norman

With LED set to replace halogen bulbs, what is the difference? Bertie Pleass, Director of Engineering at sustainable lighting brand Tala, explains: l LED bulbs consume around five times less energy than halogens, which give off a lot of excess heat. l Halogen bulbs may be cheaper initially, but they are more expensive in the long run. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that the typical halogen uses £11 of electricity a year, while a replacement LED would use only £2 worth. l Halogen bulbs have a lifespan of 2,000 hours – around two years when used for three hours per day. Tala’s LED bulbs last for 15,000 to 30,000 hours. l Many people still believe LED light can only be a cool white, which isn’t great for ambience – but our Classic collection produces a warm amber glow similar to candlelight.

Pygmy and Pluto LED lightbulbs, from £10 each, Tala

Love the look of cable pendant lights but don’t want to replace the whole fitting? The sleeve covering this bulb housing is made using one sheet of paper

s Handmade terrazzo candle holder, £13, Cult Furniture

s Glass shades are especially great for use in humid rooms and look incredibly luxe, especially when they’re textured like these pink ones s

Don’t underestimate the ability of candlelight to boost the ambience of a room and create a cosy atmosphere

Pendant lamp project from Better Living Through Origami by Nellianna van den Baard and Kenneth Veenenbos (£15.99, SewandSo)

Ilaria pendant shades in Berry and Blush, £29 each, Made

s Table lamps are super sources of ambient and task lighting – this stylish rose gold design can be adjusted to illuminate exactly the right spot Desk lamp, £24.99, HomeSense

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

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High style, low prices Four hot looks, 40 key pieces and they’re all £30 or under!

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2 great price

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Bohemian rhapsody

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Feature Emma Thompson

If you love the rich textures, artisanal finishes and natural, earthy materials found in boho décor, you’re in for a treat on the high street this year. Finding affordable pieces from this trend for your home is only getting easier!

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1 Face imprint and woman vases, from £15 each, Darling & Gold. 2 Angel des Montagnes Beige jute 18cm x 30cm lampshade, £22.20, KSL Living. 3 Maestro Traditional 80cm x 150cm red rug, £29.99, Carpetright. 4 Pompom cotton cushion cover, £10.99, Ian Snow. Karim hand embroidered multicolour cushion, £29, Perch & Parrow. 5 Terracotta Buddha head plant pot, £22.50, The Farthing. 6 Scandi boho wall hanging decoration, £20, Sass & Belle. 7 Extra large Bolga fan, £30, Lola & Mawu. 8 Global pattern carved pedestal mirror, £15, Sainsbury’s Home. 9 Faux monstera cheese plant leaf, £11, Audenza

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DECORATING IDEAS

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3 best buy!

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Midnight opulence

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This look is one of pure indulgence, with rich dark tones, plush materials and luxe finishes. It definitely works best with a more-is-more approach but if you stick with these bargain buys, you won’t need bags of money to pull it off.

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1 Arthouse Nocturnal purple and teal English Garden wallpaper, £13.99 per roll, I Want Wallpaper. 2 Bird figures in black and gold, £18 each, Ross & Brown. 3 Teal velvet taper candles, £6 for two, Amara. 4 Pepparkorn vase, £6, IKEA. 5 Large velvet cushions in Forest Green and Royal Blue, £25 each, Cult Living. Oasis Floriana cushion, £22, Terry’s Fabrics. 6 Wings book ends, £30 for a pair, Oliver Bonas. 7 Patch NYC Flora Nosegay tray, £20, Amara. 8 Karlsson lush Royal Blue velvet alarm clock, £29, Cult Furniture. 9 Midnight Navy feature wall matt emulsion, from £14 for 1.25l; Scottish Pine non-drip gloss, from £15.49 for 750ml; Striking metallic emulsion, from £19 for 1.25l, all Crown Paints. 10 Petra pendant shade in Charcoal Grey, £29, Made

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Flying colours

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Fun lovers, rejoice at these vibrant rainbow offerings ready to be snapped up for a song. Our vibrant picks are guaranteed to instantly lift dull and tired-looking areas into mood-boosting positive spaces – and they’re cheap and cheerful, too!

only £20!

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8 1 Colourful terrazzo vinyl wall mural, from £29 for 58cm x 64cm, Pixers. 2 Teal metro wall tile, £15.99 per sq m, Tile Mountain. 3 Lisbon mustard and white baskets, £24 for two, Sainsbury’s Home. 4 Pompom Galore rainbow garland, £18, Hurn & Hurn. 5 Stockholm small green table, £28, Sainsbury’s Home. 6 Trio of lilac bud vases, £28, Postcards Home. 7 Fascination rainbow bath mat, £9, George Home. 8 Retro table lamp, £20, Flying Tiger Copenhagen. 9 Freddie Mercury tea towel, £12, Red Candy. 10 Dance Party cushion, £25, House by John Lewis

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Soft Scandi We’re taking inspiration from our design-savvy Nordic neighbours and adding a dash of on-trend blush and plenty of cosy materials to soften lines and create a homely scheme. Achieving this cool, chic and comfy style without breaking the bank is surprisingly easy on the high street.

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bargain buy

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1 Hestia marble dolomite vase, £18.99, Very. 2 Minimalist Scandi clock, £8, Wilko. 3 Delia throw in Blush, £29, Perch & Parrow. 4 Bamboo deco ladder, £25, Azalee Interiors. 5 Alabaster box with blue handle, £25, John Lewis & Partners. 6 Blush espresso cup, £3.50, Curious Egg. 7 Blush cup and saucer, £16, Ella James. 8 Large faux Echeveria succulent in pot, £22, Neptune. 9 Sunbaked pink vases, £7 for a pair, George Home. 10 Fårdrup grey faux sheepskin rug, £10, IKEA. 11 Quartz white easy-fit pendant, £26, Soak&Sleep

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Fast heat up

Blitz your ironing pile with our pick of the latest steam machines

MODEL BEKO SMART STEAMXTRA PROSMART STEAM GENERATOR SGA7126P Price £99 Weight 3.3kg Capacity 1l Soleplate Ceramic Cord length 1.8m Steam output 110g/min Power 2600W Cut your ironing session in half with this model thanks to its one-minute heat-up, high-pressure steam and easy-glide soleplate. With a compact station that’s small enough to sit conveniently at the end of your ironing board, it has a magic mode that sets the right temperature and quantity of steam for all fabrics. Other useful features include auto shut-off, eco, de-scale and self-clean programmes.

quick touch ups

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hile some people consider ironing therapeutic, more often than not it’s a tedious job that we bump to the bottom of the to-do list. However, there’s a massive range of appliances that can help you zip through your pile. A steam iron is ideal for a modest laundry load, but if you regularly have to press a mountain of heavily creased pieces your best bet is a steam-generator iron which produces twice as much steam, making it faster and easier to smooth stubborn crinkles. Alternatively, for ad-hoc touch-ups, a compact handheld appliance could be the answer.

MODEL TEFAL PRO EXPRESS CARE ANTI-SCALE GV9071 HIGH PRESSURE STEAM GENERATOR Price £329.99 Weight 4.73kg super Capacity 1.6l Soleplate Ceramic speedy Cord length 1.8m Steam output 120g/min Power 2400W If you iron for a living or regularly power through mountains of sheets and overalls this high-pressured model is for you. With a whopping 500g/min steam boost, extra holes for steam distribution and a super-smooth soleplate, it’ll make easy work of the most stubborn creases. It also has an extra-generous tank for non-stop ironing, a safety lock and wrap-around cord for easy transportation.

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MODEL LAKELAND STEAM PRO WITH PRESS PAD Price £59.99 Weight 1.5kg Capacity 200ml Cord length 3m Steam output 26g/min Power 1600W This handheld gadget is ideal for last-minute touch-ups and is perfect for tricky fabrics. Designed to steam, iron and refresh, you can use it vertically with a press pad that hangs over the back of the door, plus it heats up in 45 seconds for scorch-free smooth results.

The pack also includes a lint remover, refresh brush and garment hanger.

BUYER’S GUIDE MODEL RUSSELL HOBBS ONE TEMPERATURE STEAM IRON 25090 Price £59.99 Weight 1.41kg Capacity 350ml easy Soleplate Ceramic to Cord length 3m use Steam output 50g/min Power 2600W You’ll never scorch your favourite frock again with this no-fuss one-heat design.

It’s set at the optimum temperature for all ironable fabrics while still having an excellent crease-smoothing ability.

It has a tourmaline ceramic soleplate for an effortless ultra-smooth glide, plus self-clean, anti-scale and auto shut-off functions.

constant steam MODEL PHILIPS AZUR ELITE STEAM IRON GC5039/30 Price £160 Weight 2.8kg Capacity 350ml Soleplate Ceramic Cord length 3m Steam output 75g/min Power 3100W This turbo-charged model will get your laundry ultra-smooth in record time thanks to its high-powered constant steam flow. With intuitive settings you can happily iron everything from jeans to silk while it self-adjusts, starting and stopping along with you. It also has the brand’s highest-quality smooth-glide soleplate.

Full steam ahead Key features to look out for…

CONSTANT STEAM Measured in g/min (grams per minute), the higher the number the more powerful the steam, which relaxes the fabric, making it easier to smooth out creases.

INTELLIGENT TEMPERATURE SETTING With this time-saving feature the iron auto adjusts to select the correct temperature and steam settings according to the fabric.

MODEL BOSCH PRESSURISED STEAM GENERATOR TDS2090GB Price £69 Weight 4.4kg Capacity 1.2l Soleplate Ceramic Cord length 1.8m Steam output 110g/min Power 3100W This all-rounder has a lot going on for the price: high-pressure steam, a generous tank and a specially formulated smooth-glide soleplate. It takes two minutes to heat up and the ‘permanent refill’ feature means you don’t need to turn off the iron while you top up the tank. Anti-scale and auto shut-off are also included.

great value

ANTI SCALE Most irons include this limescale filter as standard. You push a button, forcing out deposits using the iron’s own steam.

SOLEPLATE You want a non-stick material such as ceramic that glides smoothly over all fabrics, with plenty of steam holes.

AUTO SHUT-OFF The power should switch off automatically if the iron is left flat or upright for a couple of minutes.

STEAM SHOT Again measured in g/min, press a button for an extra boost to tackle stubborn creases. The more power the better.

CORD Remember to check the length of the flex so that it will reach the nearest power point and you can comfortably extend your iron over the length of the board.

PRESSURISED Offers twice as much steam as a steam iron; water is held in a separate tank base unit so the iron is lighter to hold and water needs refilling less often. Pressurised steam generator irons produce the same amount of steam as non-pressurised but the constant steam flow means it’s easier to penetrate the trickiest creases, making light work of your ironing.

MODEL SWAN STEAM IRON SI30150N Price £24.99 Weight 1.3kg Capacity 300ml Soleplate Ceramic Cord length 3m Steam output 45g/min Power 2500W Despite its humble price, this model combines the holy grail of ironing features – generous steam pressure with a quality ceramic soleplate. In fact, it ticks off all the essential functions – self-clean and smooth-glide – plus it has a handy vertical steam setting, comfy soft-grip handle and the flexibility to choose your own temperature.

budget buy

February 2019

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Handcrafted in Devon

Phoenix Firewren 4kW Convector Stove. Energy Rating A+.

For a free brochure or to find your nearest stockist visit:

woodwarmstoves.co.uk or call 01884 35806

MULTI-FUEL | WOOD BURNING | GAS

Kitchens &BATHROOMS

Low-budget ideas to transform your tiles

Stick ‘em up!

Transforming your kitchen doesn’t have to mean a complete refit. With vinyl transfer stickers, you can change the look of your units or tiles in a matter of minutes!

Pixers is just one company specialising in these clever stickers, with a variety of beautiful designs on offer. Using its Pixerstick technology, the transfers allow you to update any surface – from walls and tiles to fridge doors and dining tables. Plus, with added moisture and stain-resistant properties, they are ideal for covering up unsightly kitchen splashbacks and dated cupboard doors in no time at all. View the whole collection at www.pixers.uk.

budget update

Leaves abstract pattern in watercolour vinyl sticker, from £19, Pixers

A touch of Zen Taking inspiration from an earthy colour palette, Dunelm’s textured Zen dinnerware is the perfect partner for a big bowl of rustic comfort food!

Its unique embossed surface and stunning indigo blue glaze makes the design a perfect match for homeowners looking for those extra-special details. The range is available as a full 12-piece dining set for £48, or from £4 for individual items. View the full collection at www.dunelm.com.

Feature Matilda Bourne

Alpha bags Is your make-up bag looking a bit worse for wear?

Show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day with a gorgeous new monogrammed design from Oliver Bonas.

Featuring an embroidered initial of your choice on a bright and bold cotton backing and a tassel zip pull, these wire-framed bags stay open while in use, making your morning routine that little bit easier! Visit www.oliverbonas.com to see the full collection.

Alphabet embroidered wash bag, £24; alphabet embroidered make-up bag, £16, both Oliver Bonas

Catchy floor fillers What if we said you can re-do your bathroom floor for under £100 in one weekend and without any specialist equipment? That’s right, with B&Q’s range of vinyl floor tiles, all you’ll need is a good utility knife and some elbow grease to take your bathroom floor from drab to fab.

Featuring a self-adhesive backing, these tiles are suitable for installation on a wide variety of sound, dry and level hard floors, including over the top of existing ceramic tiles – and they cost just £6 per square metre. To install, simply cut the tile to shape, peel off the backing and stick to the floor. They’re a great quick fix for a bathroom in need of some love. Find out more at www.diy.com.

VISIT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOR MORE KITCHEN & BATHROOM INSPIRATION www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

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UPDATE YOUR BATHROOM for less

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t doesn’t take long for bathrooms to look worn and tired. Water splashes, humidity and wear and tear take their toll on tiles, flooring and brassware. If your space is looking shabby rather than spa, you can give it a refresh with limited funds.

Over the next few pages you’ll find affordable ways to update your scheme, from taps to towels plus entire suites that won’t blow the budget.

This minimalist three-piece bathroom bundle includes a shower-bath, screen, basin, toilet and soft-close seat Phoenix suite, £650, Wickes

budget update

A touch of copper will bring warmth to your room

Ombré towels, from £5 each; ombré accessories set, £25 for three, all JD Williams

Glass copper lantern, £20, George Home

Feature Alice Butler

Soften a monochrome scheme with on-trend pastels

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February 2019

Spruce up your space with these fantastic ideas

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

BATHROOM IDEAS

great value

For a practical wood lookalike, this vinyl comes in a range of finishes and is compatible with underfloor heating

This contemporary suite includes a shower-bath, screen, toilet, pedestal basin and taps

Store towels and accessories in this stylish seagrass basket

The Bath Co Winchester suite, around £759, Victoria Plum Woven basket, £12, M & Co

Wood-effect vinyl floor tiles in Church Pine, £33.53 per sq m, Harvey Maria

Create a feature floor or splashback with these classic tiles Durham (left) and Derby porcelain tiles, £16.99 per sq m, both Tile Mountain

Keep essentials to hand with this portable piece Three-tier wooden storage unit, £28, Sainsbury’s Home

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Give your bathroom a contemporary makeover for under £650. This suite includes a toilet with soft-close seat, basin and pedestal, free-standing bath, plus a 10-year ‘fit and forget’ guarantee Edge bathroom suite, £649.97, Bathroom Takeaway

With smooth-open doors and concealed fixings, this semi-frameless enclosure will make a slick addition to your bathroom Quadrant sliding shower enclosure, £249, Wickes

affordable luxury

For a rustic touch, this mirror features tactile wood and rope

Drift Away mirror, £25, JD Williams Home

This neutral geometric bath mat will suit any scheme Berber-style cotton bath mat, £26, Abode Living

Stash towels or laundry in this colourful basket Woven laundry basket, £19.99, HomeSense

Virtue shower mixer, £428, Mira Showers

For a state-of-the-art shower with traditional looks, this mixer offers up to three times more flow than the average design

You don’t have to spend a fortune for a quality traditional suite. This one features a roll-top shower-bath with screen, basin and toilet Appleby Suite, £649.95, Victorian Plumbing

Perfect for a boho look, these cotton towels have a pretty embroidered border and frayed edge Esperanza towels, from £10 each, MY by Matthew Williamson for Debenhams

Ceramic accessories will add the perfect finishing touch to your scheme Ribbed lotion dispenser, £7; brush holder, £12; tumbler, £5, all Dunelm

Wallpaper can be practical in the bathroom if you choose a quality wipe-clean vinyl.

This embellished damask design will add a touch of opulence to your room Oxford wallpaper, £24 per roll, Graham & Brown

Upgrade dated brassware with a modern mixer tap Cruze mono basin tap, £44.95, Victorian Plumbing

This geometric non-slip vinyl flooring is water-resistant and really easy to keep clean Platinum Cabana Mono vinyl, £17.99 per sq m, Carpetright

low-cost revamp

For an affordable and environmentally friendly shower, this low-flow design is easy to fit and has twin jets to create an immersive experience Kiri MK2 Cool To Touch bar shower with easy-fit kit, £252, Methven

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BATHROOM PROBLEM ROOM

We moved a wall to create a Sarah-Jane Hand and husband Kevin pinched space from the next-door bedroom to

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Insider info WHO LIVES HERE? Sarah-Jane Hand, 35, and her husband Kevin, 38, along with nine-month-old Joseph. Sarah-Jane is a civil servant and Kevin is a programme manager. They have lived in their three-bedroom home in Middlesex for three years.

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE OLD ROOM? ‘It was old fashioned, with a weak shower and a sink that was too low to use.’

WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP? ‘Think about your lighting – we have installed a pendant light over the bath plus wall lights and spotlights, all of which serve different functions and add to the atmosphere of the room.’

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE ROOM?

hen Sarah-Jane and husband Kevin moved into their house in Middlesex in 2015, the bathroom was one of their main bugbears. As if the dated décor with its painted wood panelling and marked wood flooring weren’t bad enough, the shower was underpowered and the bath was unusually short due to the compact size of the room.

In addition, the basin was set at an uncomfortably low height underneath a window, making it impractical to use – plus the door couldn’t open fully as there was a large towel radiator on the wall behind it.

The couple saved up and finally in 2017, plans were made to rip out and update the existing suite. As Sarah-Jane was pregnant by then, time was of the essence as the couple fast needed a practical family-friendly space.

‘Ripping out a bathroom when you’re 34 weeks pregnant is pretty stressful,’ says Sarah-Jane.

‘I was worried the baby would arrive before all the work was done!’

Having looked at various layouts, the decision was made to remove the loft access, change the window layout (bricking up the one above the old loo) and move back the wall of the neighbouring guest bedroom

in order to create more floor space. This meant the couple could afford to fit both the roll-top bath and spacious walk-in shower that Sarah-Jane had longed for. ‘I wanted an updated bathroom but, at the same time, I didn’t want it to be too ultra-slick or modern looking,’ says Sarah-Jane. ‘I sourced the bath first and chose quite a traditional design, but then I saw some Crittall-style industrial shower doors online and that was a game changer.

Everything else was planned around that!’

The work took around three weeks in total, with the builder and plumbers working around each other. There were a few hitches along the way, including a leaky radiator and old pipework that needed to be replumbed, but eventually the new scheme was installed and functional. ‘It’s quite an industrial-looking room and very monochrome,’ says Sarah-Jane, ‘but I’ve added some greenery with plants and softened the look with some gorgeous velvet-feel blinds from Hillarys. It’s exactly what we’d hoped for!’

PICK A PLUSH FABRIC Bathrooms are full of hard lines, so soften them with textiles – these velvet-style blinds from Hillarys are super-soft and their gentle pattern doesn’t overpower the room.

Feature Laurie Davidson Photos Lizzie Orme

‘I love the roll-top bath – I had my heart set on one and despite the compact room, the scheme feels so luxurious now.’

THINK ABOUT PRACTICALITIES Crittall-style shower doors are very on-trend.

Sarah-Jane originally wanted just one screen, but realised that she would need another one to ensure the water didn’t spray on the floor.

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February 2019

BATHROOM PROBLEM ROOM

spacious two-tone scheme open up the layout in their compact room

BE SMART WITH STORAGE Don’t underestimate your storage needs.

Sarah-Jane sourced this industrial-style wall cabinet from Next to stash her toiletries.

MAKE THE MOST OF MONOCHROME Materials such as marble, metal and wood blend perfectly with a two-tone scheme.

The mirror echoes the circular basin shape and is lit on both sides by cage lights.

BE SAVVY WITH SPACE By stealing a little space from the guest bedroom, the couple were able to include a roll-top bath, which was top of SarahJane’s wish list.

Shopping liSt Soft Steel bathroom paint, £20.50 for 2.5L, Crown Paints. Mirage Smoke Roman blinds, from £199 for a 65cm x 75cm blind, Hillarys. Serac honed tiles, £39.89 per sq m; Serac hexagonal mosaic tiles, £81.64 per sq m, both Topps Tiles.

Metropolis Star floor tiles, £6.69 per tile, Tons of Tiles. Nautica bath, £895; Heritage toilet, £320; Radox radiators, £380, all Sanctuary Bathrooms.

Vanity unit with basin, £1,155, Neptune. Sink, taps and waste, £300, Plumb Inn London.

Shower enclosures, £1,295; Luxe shower set, £495; Luxe bath tap, £395, all Lusso Stone.

Darya pendant light, £275, The Pendant Light Company. Orlando wire cage wall lights, £275 each, Industville. Umbra Hub mirror, £100, Utility Design. Hudson wall cabinet, £85, Next. Shinto jade bath towels, £16 each, Dunelm. Similar bath mat: Hunter Jones Berber bath mat, £28, Trouva

total coSt: £7,164.47 February 2019

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Opt for a sleek update with gloss doors Kallarp door, from £35 each, IKEA

Boost your kitchen on a budget Give your scheme an affordable update for 2019

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Feature Alice Butler

f your kitchen is in need of a refresh there are ways to give it a lift without spending a fortune. Over the next few pages you’ll find inspiration to revitalise your scheme at every price point – from updating door fronts and replacing flooring, to adding the latest appliances.

Plus, if you’re dreaming of a complete refit, we’ve rounded up the latest kitchens designs that won’t break the bank.

s Give your cabinets a contemporary lift with these metallic handles Copper D bar handle, £3; copper knob, £4, both Magnet

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February 2019

s Freshen up your tired kitchen with a pot-plant display

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Succulent pots, £4.50 each, Sainsbury’s Home

Replace an old sink and tap with on-trend copper-finish designs

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Caple copper sink, £313; Ridley copper tap, £235, both Magnet

Mix and match these subwaystyle tiles for a stunning splashback

budget update

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Metro tiles, £11.99 per sq m, Wickes

KITCHEN IDEAS The classic looks of this affordable elegant Shaker design will stand the test of time Oban matt Shaker kitchen, from £1,882, Wickes

s Install this stylish pendant shade above a table or island unit

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Easy-fit shade, £22, Sainsbury’s Home

Replace chipped mugs with these slick stacking cups Urban Escape stacking mugs, £14 for four, Sainsbury’s Home

Make some space in your cupboard with a stacking plate and bowl set s

s

Bring a subtle splash of colour to your scheme with this terrazzo lino Flick lino, £59 per sq m, Atrafloor

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These smart utensils are made of rustic-style wood and silicone

Slotted turner, ladle and spatula, £4.50 each, Sainsbury’s Home

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Morgonte plate and bowls, £8 for three, IKEA

great value

For a seamless look, this grey splashback has an easy-clean gloss surface that will complement a neutral scheme Aluminium splashback, from £109 for a 900 x 600mm panel, Alusplash

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s

Achieve the perfect lighting balance with this pendant which has an opaque inner shade and coloured glass outer shade for both direct and mood lighting

best buy

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Evedal pendant lamp, £110, IKEA

These chopping boards will add a rustic touch to your room Paddle chopping board, £5; pizza chopping board, £6, both Wilko

s Give your units a new look with a lick of practical stain-resistant and scrubbable paint Valspar Premium Blend V700 Wood and Metal in Back of Beyond and Dragon’s Lair, £32 for 2.5L, B&Q

s Breathe new life into your flooring with a practical patterned vinyl. This Moorish design will suit both a modern and traditional scheme

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Platinum Almeria blue vinyl, £17.99 per sq m, Carpetright

Measuring just 35cm x 45cm this mobile trolley will fit into the slimmest of spaces Raskog trolley, £50, IKEA

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Achieve a luxury chevron wood effect with this lookalike vinyl tile.

It has an embossed texture to feel like wood and is more practical than the real thing Impress LVT in Bohemian 61144, from £30.99 per sq m, Moduleo

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budget refresh Locano Touch kitchen, from £117 for a 600mm base unit, Lifestyle Kitchens Colour Blocks glass tiles, £100 for eight, Ted Baker x British Ceramic Tile

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s Create a feeling of light and space in a compact room with this neutral, almost handleless, design. The island centrepiece has a low-level dual worktop for prep and dining

These textiles will add a playful edge to your hub with their charming Dachshund print

Dachshund tea towel, £8; Dachshund double oven glove, £18, both Sophie Allport

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s With four colours in every pack these angular tiles will create an eye-catching geometric focal point

At only £25 each, this toaster and kettle will jazz up a lacklustre worktop

Copper-effect four-slice toaster and kettle, £25 each, Wilko

s We love the high-end look and feel of this tableware

great value

Bowl, £2.99; pale blue plate, £2.49; dark blue plate, £3.99, all H&M Home

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On sale now for just £1.99!

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ith money-saving in mind, we’ve aimed this month’s Make It Easy projects around recycling, upcycling and making something from nothing.

From turning old jumpers into charming cat cushions and T-shirts into knitted dishcloths and using just 1m of fabric to create a stylish table-to-bench revamp, there’s bound to be something you’ll love.

MAKE, DO & CRAFT ASK THE EXPERTS

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Expert advice on how to fill your home with light Read the latest crafty news and product reviews Turn old T-shirts into colourful knitted kitchen cloths

CRAFT STASH MUST HAVES

Give old winter woollies a new lease of life with our DIY cat cushion project

DIY MASTERCLASS

Turn a tired coffee table into a stylish velvet-upholstered bench seat

SEW SIMPLE

REVAMP, REPAIR, RECYCLE

y s a e MAKE IT

Make, do & Get busy in the kitchen with these DIY ideas

Top tip Pins can leave visible holes in PVC and oilcloth – hold your pieces in place with fabric weights or clips instead.

Sandwich bags Help the environment – and your bank balance – with reusable food bags

SHOPPING LIST l 50cm each Diamond Teal and Beige Floral

Heart PVC fabrics, £1.75 per 50cm, Dunelm l self-adhesive hook and eye tape l scissors l ruler l pencil l sewing machine and thread

by cutting out your fabric pieces.

1Begin For each sandwich bag, cut two 32cm x

20cm rectangles – one each from your main fabric and your lining fabric. Place the two pieces together with right sides facing.

Stitch all around the edge of the PVC to join the two pieces together, leaving a 1cm seam allowance and a 10cm gap in the top (20cm) seam. Turn out through the gap, using a pencil to poke out the corners. Fold the raw edge along the gap in the top seam back to the wrong side, then work a machine zig-zag top stitch across it to seal the edge.

Fold the bottom of the work over the top by 12cm, with the top 4cm left to create the flap. Work two lines of straight machine top stitch along each side edge to form the pouch. Finally, add a 4cm length of self-adhesive hook and eye tape to the inside of the flap and the front of the pouch, to allow it to be closed securely.

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1 Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

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3

Soap dispenser

MAKE, DO & CRAFT

1 Vintage-style dish rack with wooden handles, £45, Rockett St George

Repurpose a Mason jar to make a stylish soap pump

SHOPPING LIST l Mason jar l brass soap pump,

£14.95 per pack of two, Amazon

2

l decorative card, from a selection at Hobbycraft l twine l paper l drill l Forstner bit, £7.99 per set of five, Screwfix l epoxy glue l pencil l scissors l pen l hole punch

by drilling a hole in the top of your 1Start Mason jar for the soap pump tube to feed

through. Using a Forstner or holesaw bit, drill through the centre of the lid. Ensure that the hole is wide enough to fit the pump tube, but not so big that the top falls through.

Unscrew the lid from the jar and use epoxy resin to hold the two parts of the lid together. Once set, insert the pump through the hole (you may need to trim the tube to the jar’s height) and use more epoxy to hold it in place until firmly set.

Make a label for your jar. We drew a decorative shape onto a sheet of paper and used this as a template to cut a label from decorative card. Write the words ‘Dish soap’ onto the label, then use a punch to make holes in both side edges. Finally, use twine to secure the label around the jar.

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Knitted dishcloths Recycle old T-shirts into soft cloths ideal for wiping worktops with

Top tip

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For a longer-lasting finish, you could laminate your label to keep it safe from spills and splashes.

SHOPPING LIST l T-shirt l scissors l knitting needles

by laying your T-shirt out flat and cutting it into one long strip, 1Begin which will form the yarn. To do this, begin about an inch from the

bottom hem and cut a straight line from the left side seam to 2cm away from the right side seam. Move another inch up and repeat from the right to left. Once the entire T-shirt has been cut in this way, round off the corners of each strip and roll into a ball, ready to be knitted.

Using fairly chunky knitting needles (we used 6.5mm straight needles), cast on your stitches. You can cast on as many as you like – we used 22 stitches for ours, which gave us a cloth about 15cm wide. Knit every row, until your cloth has become a square.

Once you’re happy with the size of your cloth, cast off the stitches one by one. Once you reach the last stitch, pull it out a little to make a loop and pull the tail of the yarn through it to secure. Pull, then weave the yarn back through the stitches to conceal the tail.

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Top tip The denser your stitches, the rougher your cloth will be – better for stubborn stains.

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REVAMP, REPAIR,

5

Recycle

Turn an old coffee table into a plush upholstered bench

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hen we spotted this luxurious Clarke & Clarke printed velvet in a local fabric shop it was love at first sight – we wanted to make a feature of it in our home without breaking the bank. Using just one metre of this fabric we were able to give a tired old table a brand-new look. A lick of bright turquoise paint was also applied to the legs to breathe extra life into the project and give it a fun, contemporary finish.

2 8 Top tip As an optional extra, make a set of covered buttons from velvet in a contrasting colour and add them to the top of the bench to create a tufted effect. You’ll need a long, sharp upholstery needle to fix them into place and long lengths of strong thread to ensure they are held securely.

You will need 3coffee table 31m Leighton Emerald

Velvet, £39 per m, Clarke & Clarke 34” thick upholstery foam, from a selection at Dunelm 31m thick quilt Palm batting 3Feature Wall matt paint in s Paint n Crow l, 1.25 per 50 Springs, £14.

3furniture wax or varnish 3sandpaper 3clean damp cloth 3paintbrush 3tape e measure 3craft knife 3scissors 3stapl er hamm 3 tacks lstery gun 3upho

1

Begin by preparing your table for the makeover. Sand any woodwork lightly, then wipe all over with a damp cloth to remove any dust and dirt.

2

Paint the woodwork. We applied two coats of Palm Springs matt paint by Crown Paints to the legs of the table, leaving it to dry thoroughly in between each one.

Feature Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

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To add an extra layer of protection to your paint, you can apply a topcoat of varnish or wax – we used a clean, dry cloth to rub a little furniture wax into the legs of our table to bring out the colour and give extra protection from knocks and scrapes.

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Measure your table top, and cut a piece of upholstery foam to the same size.

Use a craft knife to trim it to the correct dimensions. Work slowly and carefully to ensure you stay safe and don’t cut too much away.

Before

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Lay out your quilt batting and place the foam block down on top of it. Measure and cut around the foam, leaving a 6” border of wadding all around it. The border should be

thick enough on all sides to wrap around the foam, as pictured.

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Lay your velvet fabric out with the right side facing down. Measure the size of your cut quilt wadding then use a sharp pair of dressmaker’s scissors to cut the fabric to 5cm wider and longer than the wadding.

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Lay your quilt batting down flat, place your foam in the middle of it and then the table on top of that. Pull the wadding up around the sides of the foam and onto the underside of the table, then use a staple gun to fasten it into place. Trim any excess batting away to reduce the bulk.

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Lay your fabric out with right sides down and once again place the table on top, positioning it in the middle of the fabric.

As with the wadding, pull the fabric up around the foam and onto the underside of the table.

Fold the raw edge under twice until it fits the edge of the table well, as pictured, then staple into position all around. Finally, hammer upholstery tacks around the underside edge of the table to decorate.

REVAMP, REPAIR, RECYCLE Angeliki bed linen, from £19; Seriphium linen cushion in Teal, £49; Filix linen cushion in Teal (just seen), £59; and Angeliki velvet throw in Ocean, £150, all Clarissa Hulse. Alpaca blanket, £195, Bronte by Moon

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Turn old wool jumpers into cute cat cushions

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f your wardrobe is stuffed with old winter woolies that haven’t seen the light of day for years, don’t throw them away – turn them into something new. Pure wool can be felted into a soft, hardwearing fabric that’s ideal for interiors projects such as these cushions.

You will need Wool jumpers toy filling ribbon washing machine detergent tennis ball or old shoes tumble dryer paper pins scissors sewing machine

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To felt your jumpers effectively, you’ll need to make sure they are made from a high wool content – pure wool is best, but anything above 90 per cent should still work.

Also, as a general rule, the denser and stiffer the fabric is, the better it will felt.

1

Use your template to cut a pair of cat shapes from each jumper. Pin both into position then use scissors to trim around the edge, adding a 1cm seam allowance all round. You’ll need a large, sharp pair of scissors as felt can be thick and tough to cut through.

Place the jumpers into a washing machine with about a half measure of detergent and a pair of old trainers or a tennis ball – this will add extra agitation to the fibres. Set the machine to run a long, hot cycle.

2

Place the two pieces of each cat together with right sides facing and pin.

Stitch around the edge, leaving a 1cm seam allowance and a small gap in the seam along the bottom of the shape.

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Once your washing machine has finished its cycle, place the jumpers and tennis ball into a tumble dryer and run a long, hot cycle. Once finished, take them out and inspect them. If you’re not happy with the result, repeat the washing and drying cycle until you are.

4

Make a template. On a large sheet of paper or newspaper draw out the silhouette of a cat, making sure it will fit onto your felted jumper. To make the most of the fabric, we positioned the tails of ours so that they would run down the sleeves.

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Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

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Use a small pair of scissors to snip notches into the curves and corners of the seam – this will stop wrinkles from forming once the cat is turned right sides out. Once snipped, turn the cat out through the gap in the seam and use a pencil or a paintbrush to poke out the points of the ears and tail.

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Take handfuls of toy stuffing and fill the cat through the gap in the seam. Once happy with how full the cushion is, stitch the seam gap closed using a needle and thread.

Cut a length of ribbon and tie it around the neck of the cat to create a collar.

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Top tip

SEW SIMPLE

Make sure not to choose jumpers marked as ‘super wash’: these have been treated to withstand high temperatures and resist felting.

Mongolian cushions, £48 each, River Island. Lambswool herringbone cushion, £49.95, Bronte By Moon

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DIY

masterclass

I

s the seal around your bath in tip-top condition? If it’s looking a bit tired, discoloured, mouldy or showing signs of wear and tear, you’re best removing and replacing it now, rather than waiting for it to escalate and lead to expensive professional repairs. It’s a quick and easy job that will make your bathroom look refreshed too, so don’t put it off!

You can reseal a bath yourself with this handy guide top tip Make sure the sealant you use is designed for bathroom use, preferably with an anti-fungal additive and compatible with the material of your bath and any tiles it will touch.

YOU’LL NEED Essential l Silicone sealant l cartridge gun l spray lubricant l silicone sealant remover tool l sponge l white spirit l bathroom cleaner Useful l Masking tape l utility knife l spray bottle l washing-up liquid

PREP n Before you add the new sealant, it’s really

important that you take the time to remove as much of the old sealant as possible. Starting with a completely clear surface allows the adhesive seal to bond fully with the bath and tiles to prevent disastrous leaks. n Go around the entire seal with some spray lubricant to make the old sealant easier to remove. Run the silicone remover tool along each edge, using the pointed blade to get right into the gap, and going over each area again until all the little bits of silicone are gone.

Brush everything away with a dry sponge. n Clean the area with white spirit to get rid of the grease, following with an anti-mould bathroom cleaner [1]. The area will need to be completely clean and dry before you apply the new sealant or mould may grow underneath it.

Estuary 1500mm corner bath, £299, Victorian Plumbing

1

n Weigh down your bathtub so that when you

run your next relaxing bubble bath, the weight of the water won’t crack your new seal. Filling the tub with cold water [2] will do the trick, but adding anything 200kg-250kg in weight that won’t damage your bath will save water.

Feature Emma Thompson Step-by-step images Wickes

2

Good to know

Loche back-to-wall bath, £1,595, Waters Baths

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You can use a silicone remover to dissolve the old seal, following the packaging instructions, but be sure to check that it is suitable for your bath and tile surfaces, and that the room is well ventilated as the chemicals are hazardous.

SEAL n Use a utility knife to cut the sealant nozzle

at a 45-degree angle [3] – most tips have guidelines. Pull the plunger of the cartridge gun back and fit the tube of sealant inside the frame. Squeeze the trigger until the silicone reaches the tip of the nozzle. Practise using the gun until you are comfortable and can create steady, smooth lines of silicone.

River bath, £1,595, Waters Baths

3

top tip If you have leftover sealant, plug the nozzle with a tight-fitting screw and it will be good as new the next time you need it.

n If you’d like to ensure you get a really neat

finish, you can run a straight line of tape along the tiles and edge of your bathtub. [4] Leave enough space for the sealant to stick to the surfaces, but make too big a gap and your sealant might look messy.

5 n Starting in a corner, apply a steady bead of

silicone all along the join. [5] Fill a spray bottle with water, add a little washing-up liquid, and lightly spray on top of the wet silicone. Run a silicone smoothing tool or a wet finger along to remove the excess, [6] but try not to leave a thin layer at the edges as the seal will break easily – refill and smooth any sparse areas. Peel away the tape while everything is still wet. n Leave the water or weights in the bath for a minimum of 24 hours so the silicone can set properly and last as long as it should.

Yang single-ended bath, from £99.97, Bathroom Takeaway

PROTECT n After you use the bath, try to wipe splashes

from the area around the seal to keep it in good condition for longer. n How long the seal will last depends on a number of factors, including moisture levels and how often your bath is used. However, if it needs replacing often, this could indicate that your bath is moving too much – having some extra supports installed underneath the lip of the bath will help. n There are plenty of sealant tapes available to buy, and they’re fine as a quick fix for a few days but don’t tend to create as quality or long-lasting a seal as silicone, and they can be quite expensive, too.

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DIY MASTERCLASS

4

Ask the

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

Q

I’d like to update my kitchen and, as a keen cook, I’m looking for a design with lots of clever storage for my utensils, cookware etc.

Can you advise on the different solutions?

Hazel, Dundee

A

Steve Tough, Commercial Sales Director at Masterclass Kitchens, has these tips…

We believe your kitchen storage should reflect your needs and lifestyle – and look fantastic. For that reason we have created our Signature Collection to keep your space organised and give your kitchen the ‘wow’-factor. If you’re a keen cook, you need to have food and utensils within easy reach. The Hathaway (below) and Lansbury larders do exactly that. With drawers, shelves and wine storage, these twists on the classic pantry offer the space to keep your food and cookware organised. I would also recommend you opt for a pull-out larder such as MagnaSpace (above) which comes in a range of widths, heights and finishes, meaning it looks great in any kitchen from modern to Kitchens, from £7,500, country classic.

Masterclass Kitchens If you want a streamlined look, LineaPlus offers some of the widest, deepest drawer units on the market – you’ll be amazed how much you can fit in one drawer! All of our Masterclass Kitchens include clever solutions.

For more information, visit www.masterclass kitchens.co.uk; 01443 449499.

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Q

My acrylic bath is scratched and tired and I can’t afford to replace it. Is there a way I can make it look pristine again?

Eleanor, Bury St Edmunds

A

Gary Danson, Director of Plastic Surgeon, has this advice…

Acrylic baths are prone to surface damage as frequent use can leave them scratched, stained and cracked. When damage occurs, repair should always be the first port of call, especially if you want to avoid the cost of a replacement bath, installation and tiling. If you go online for affordable DIY repair kits you’ll see a myriad of options ranging in price from £15 to £50 but, while these are tempting, their use is limited. Indeed, we receive hundreds of calls a month asking us to fix botched DIY repair jobs with the cost often going up due to exacerbated damage. Repair specialists such as Plastic Surgeon can repair a bath, including chips, stains, scratches, holes and cracks for a similar cost to a DIY kit. With years of experience, specialists are well versed in getting the job right: assessing the damage and using specialist compounds, fillers and reprofiling to create a smooth finish before colour-matching and recoating. Adding a final coat to match the sheen leaves a seamless finish. With our colour-matching service, it’s possible to update an oldfashioned bath to any shade of your choice. For more details, visit www.plastic-surgeon.co.uk; 0345 141 0000.

Q

I’m about to redecorate my hallway. Please can you talk me through carpet options to create a welcoming space.

Siobhán, Doncaster

A

Joanna Ramsden, Creative Director of British carpet company Brockway, says…

The hallway is often the most forgotten-about space in the home, however, an entrance should be inviting to welcome guests as they walk through the door. In terms of colour and pattern, pale neutral shades such as on-trend greys and off-whites will brighten up narrow spaces. Lighter shades reflect natural daylight and create the illusion of a wider hallway, particularly when paired with a large mirror and pale-toned furniture pieces. Alternatively, why not experiment with statement shades and styles? Bold, rich colours can make an attention-grabbing feature in a smaller area and can transform an unloved hallway into an exciting room. Opting for a striped carpet is also a great way to elongate a hallway to give a feeling of space and is a fantastic way to make an eye-catching statement – a look that is bound to be the envy of guests. Brockway carpets start from £27 per sq metre, www.brockway.co.uk.

I want to update the curtains in my living room with a fabric that will work all year round. What do you recommend?

Moira, Stirling

A

Martin Aveyard, Creative Director of British fabric company Moon, has this advice…

Selecting the right fabric for curtains and blinds to suit all seasons of the unpredictable British climate can be tricky. However, wool is versatile and

perfect for use throughout the year. A lightweight wool, for example, gives curtains a soft, gentle movement while having a natural crimp and spring, creating a sleek look when hung. A lighter material will also allow for a breeze to travel through the window to keep air circulating through your rooms. In addition, as summer humidity levels rise, wool absorbs the moisture to help control the environment within the home. Wool is also a natural insulator in winter, keeping out the cold and excluding unwanted drafts – that’s why cyclists and mountaineers often wear merino wool base layers. Moon creates a diverse range of wool-based fabrics in a broad range of colours and patterns, enabling customers to find a design that will match their style and needs. The Distinction collection, for instance, is woven with a soft and silky lambswool handle and designed in a unique boutique style – perfect for creating a luxury look. Alternatively, for a

modern scheme, choose collections such as the Cosmopolitan (left and above) which is made of a textured bouclé and available in a range of contemporary colours. Moon fabrics start from £27 per m, visit www.moon.co.uk.

Feature Alice Butler

Q

Q

I’m planning a light-filled kitchen-dining extension. I’d like to use as much glass as possible without the area becoming too hot in summer or cold in winter. Please can you advise on which glazing would be best?

Bridie, Danbury James Bernard, Director of Plus Rooms, offers the following tips…

There are several things to consider when choosing glazing for an extension, such as aspect, roof structure, temperature control and natural light. Aspect is a key factor: it’s important to have the correct balance between the glass and solid structure, weighed up with inside temperature, particularly if the extension is south facing. You should always ensure the roof glazing is solar reflective as this will prevent the space becoming too hot in summer. Solarreflective film acts as a filter over the glass and gives a blue, grey or yellow tint.

The more effective the solar-reflective film the less transparent the glass will become. Remember that while this film can help regulate heat, it’s likely you will still need air conditioning, especially if the structure receives direct sunlight in the warmer months. You don’t need to worry too much about the space being cold in

winter as building regulations take care of this. Next, think about whether you need a pitched or flat roof. The greater the angle to the glass, the more light will reach the darker areas of the space; whereas fitting glass to a flat-roof structure focuses the light down. Lastly, self-cleaning glass acts much like a non-stick coating, meaning that the glass will be less prone to drip marks and will need to be cleaned less frequently. For more information about Plus Rooms kitchen extensions, visit www.plusrooms.co.uk.

ASK THE EXPERTS

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

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

MINDFUL MAKING Learn to connect your observations and your emotions and transform your creative practise with Conscious Creativity (£14.99, Leaping Hare Press). This new tome is packed full of mindful craft exercises, tips, stunning imagery and personal accounts from artist and author Philippa Stanton.

The book aims to help readers to fully appreciate what is around them, opening up their senses to the beauty they may not notice every day, and showing how to capture it through crafts.

CRAFT STASH MUST HAVES

Feature Sophie Tarrant

LEARN A SKILL: Crocheted birds Featuring ten gorgeous projects with detailed instructions, Crocheted Birds: A Flock of Feathered Friends To Make (£14.99, GMC) is the perfect pattern collection for those looking to further their crochet skills and make something truly beautiful.

From barn owls and eagles to robins, budgies and swans, there’s something to delight every budding ornithologist.

WORKSHOP: London

Craft Club From gorgeous macramé plant hangers and wall displays to pyrography, crochet, neon artwork and more, there’s a whole host of classes on offer at the London Craft Club.

Based in beautiful Bloomsbury, the group is run by a collective of crafty experts looking to share the fun of making with everyone who wants to learn a new skill, meet new friends and craft something gorgeous at the same time.

Visit www.londoncraftclub.co.uk for details.

Get stuck in A good glue gun is an essential part of any crafter’s kit – they’re ideal for quick fixes both big and small. Bosch has given the handy staple a makeover with its Gluey pen – not only does it fit comfortably in your hand like a marker, it can also be used alongside five different colours of glue, including Evergreen, Lagoon Blue, Smoke Grey, Cupcake Pink and Marshmallow. Priced £29.99, visit www. bosch-do-it.com to find your local stockist.

KNIT PICKS We’ve all got that one craft that we can’t quite master – and if you’re having trouble conquering knitting and crochet, the newly launched We Are Knitters could be your saviour.

With unique chunky wools, easy-to-use kits and an unrivalled support system, We Are Knitters is committed to helping you experience the joy of creating something that you can be proud of. Focusing strongly on sustainability and accessibility, their kits are available for all levels of experience and contain everything you need – including stacks of encouragement, live Q&As and online tutorials – to help you through even the most entangling situations. Priced from £35, visit www.weareknitters.co.uk to find out more.

Saving water is in your hands The Unified Water label is your at a glance guide to high-performance and efficient taps, baths, toilets and showers. The less water you use (and energy needed to heat it) the more energy and money you’ll save.

Unified

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KITCHEN BATHROOM BEDROOM Don’t know where to begin with your home renovation? Head over to KBB Ark. Sign up for a free account to browse through thousands of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom design inspirations or get in touch directly with the professionals you love. We update the site daily with new product details, expert advice and loads of design ideas.

Come join us online today!

kbbark.com

Reader homes

Turn over to discover four fabulous homes filled with ideas and inspiration

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Show of your hard work in Your Home

Hayley’s home has made the perfect showroom for her homeware company

Have you just finished decorating your home?

If so, we’d love to see your photos and who knows, it may even be featured in a future issue. You can share them on Instagram using #YHlovemyhome and #YourHomemagazine or email yourhome@burdamagazines.co.uk

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Becky’s modern Scandi-style interior was inspired by Pinterest and Instagram

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Rachel has chosen a coastal scheme to reflect her surroundings

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Helen has injected personality into her rented home

FIND MORE INTERIORS TO INSPIRE YOU AT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

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I think we’ve finally finished decorating… but I do like a change Helen Henton has designed her home round quirky accessories, budget buys and a monochrome colour palette which she’s used in every room of her home

This monochrome scheme looks stylish and welcoming.

The corner sofa from DFS makes the most of the compact room. The bold rug is from La Redoute, while the cushions and throws are from Matalan and HomeSense

Good idea!

Perk up dated flooring with an oversized patterned rug which covers the majority of the space.

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REAL HOME The alcoves have been wallpapered with a bold print which is complemented by the bold colour on the chimney breast, cleverly camouflaging the TV. The wooden fire surround was from Next and the little fluffy stool was a bargain buy from Aldi.

John made all the built-in cabinets and shelving which have a professional finish

COME ON IN...

H

aving outgrown their old house seven years ago, Helen and John were looking to move to a different area closer to the school and college that their girls would be attending. ‘We love Farnborough, as it’s close to where I work, has easy access to major roads for John’s job, plus great little villages for shopping and some amazing local businesses,’ explains Helen. ‘We wanted to rent in this area, but we both love a project so needed to find a rental property that we could put our stamp on. Luckily, we found this house which we loved. It was very rundown and dated, so we knew we could start from scratch and turn it around into a home that would reflect our style.’ It had a large downstairs layout with a conservatory and generous garden, which is always a bonus, good-sized bedrooms and outbuildings that would be perfect for a utility room and somewhere for John to work in.’

The couple moved in in 2011 and it has taken them seven years to get it to how it is today, but it’s been more fun than work and something that is always evolving.

Helen wanted to get going straight

WE ARE Helen Henton, a maternity care assistant, my husband, John, a self-employed electrician, and our daughters Paris, 16, and Honey, 10.

OUR HOME Is a rented three-bedroom semi-detached 1960s home, located in Farnborough, Hampshire.

MY TOP TIP Is to be bold and not afraid to mix pattern and texture. I’ve used this scheme in most rooms and am really pleased with the results.

I LIKE TO Refresh my home by moving things around to create a different feel every now and again.

I GET MY STYLE INSPIRATION From Instagram. I follow loads of like-minded interior lovers, so pick up lots of ideas and inspiration from there. I have my own account which is @hels_home.

wc Bedroom 3 Hall

Conservatory

Bedroom 2

SECOND FLOOR

Feature Zoe Bishop Photos Lizzie Orme

Bedroom 1

Kitchen Dining

‘The hall is home to my fabulous storage chest which I picked up in HomeSense,’ says Helen. The walls are painted in Sooty Lashes from Valspar, which is also used in the sitting room

Lounge Hall

FIRST FLOOR

For stockists see page 120

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John made the wooden benches and wall panelling to accommodate their family get-togethers.

The low ceiling light is from TK Maxx and the wooden and metal table and chairs were from Next several years ago. Primark cushions are arranged along the benches along with fluffy throws for a comfy seating area. Helen displays lots of her online prints and quirky accessories on the main wall

away and the first room to decorate was the living room. ‘I wanted a retreat that we could chill out in while the rest of the house was being decorated and in a bit of a mess,’ says Helen. ‘I don’t tend to do mood boards but instead pick an object and base the décor around it.’ The wallpaper in the sitting room was Helen’s starting point for the whole house. ‘It’s actually the only thing I’ve not changed in the whole time we’ve been here and that’s unusual for me as I’m always swapping things around,’ laughs Helen.

Helen’s always been a lover of monochrome and you’ll find this reflected in pretty much every room in one way or

The shelving unit in the conservatory is full of all Helen’s quirky and buys.

The white wall stag was from TK Maxx and some of the vases are from Sainsbury’s Home and George Home

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February 2019

When Helen first moved in the conservatory was unloved and bare but it is now the space she retreats to after a hard day’s work. The chairs, both from Ikea, are really comfy while the rubber palm is one of her favourite buys

REAL HOME

Helen has made a feature of her utensils by hanging them above the cooker The breakfast bar is the perfect spot for the girls to perch before they head out to school. The white gloss Ikea units work well with the wooden worktop and metro tiles, giving the space a contemporary look.

The colour scheme unites the kitchen and dining spaces, helping them work as one area, divided by the breakfast bar

Good idea!

Helen has cleverly disguised the radiator by painting it in the same shade as the breakfast bar wall.

‘I’m a big fan of quirky objects and wall art which appear all over our home – I especially love a quote!’ another, through accessories, paint or wall prints. ‘I’ve also added lots of faux plants and metallics to add depth, especially in the sitting room. I love our tan leathereffect sofa which sits well in the room and is really comfy, too,’ says Helen. ‘I’m also a big fan of quirky objects and wall art which appear all over our home – I especially love a cheeky quote!’

To stretch their budget and keep costs down, she and John have been lucky enough that they could do most of the work themselves. John is an electrician and also loves DIY and thankfully he’s pretty good at it. Together they have painted and wallpapered some of the rooms in the house. The kitchen-diner

Helen brightened up the kitchen by updating the cupboard doors and fitting a new sink and worktop from Ikea – John did all the work himself, so it didn’t cost the earth. The Cook sign, from Matalan, was sprayed bronze to tone with the scheme

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REAL HOME

Good idea!

Use fairy lights to brighten up darker rooms such as hallways and alcoves.

To hide the radiator on the landing Helen fitted a modern cover. ‘I kept it white so as not to encroach on the area, but I’m lucky enough that the big windows let in lots of light all year round,’ explains Helen

The headboard was built by John. It sits away from the wall and has hidden side shelving for books.

John also fitted a strip of lighting behind the unit which saves using table lamps.

In keeping with the botanical feel, Helen brought the ferninspired bed linen from Primark, and the gold print cushions from George Home The dressing table fits perfectly between the wardrobes and the exposed brick-effect wallpaper adds character to the room. The ceiling light is from Ikea, as well as the wardrobes, which help to reflect light around the room

is a reflection of John’s creativity as he built the seating around the table and did the wall panelling, which the couple designed themselves. ‘I’m lucky John has a creative eye too and can understand my vision,’ says Helen. ‘I think the only thing we’ve not tried to tackle is plastering the walls, which really is a professional job and something neither of us fancied doing.’

Helen tries to avoid budgeting for each room, but she’ll always look for great ideas and then re-create them herself. ‘I’ve also found that’s a great way to learn new skills,’ she says.

The kitchen was a bit dated but the layout was suitable and offered enough cupboard space. Instead of replacing the units, the couple decide to update and replace the cupboard doors and worktops, choosing styles from Ikea, and Helen’s must-have ceramic butler-style sink really gives the room its individual feel.

The monochrome style is followed through into the bedrooms. Honey’s room has a soft-grey theme, but her bright flamingo-print monochrome bed linen

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IDEAS TO STEAL

The couple have made good use of the space in Honey’s bedroom.

John built a mid-height cabin bed with shelving and storage underneath.

Behind the bed he built a false wall over the staircase which incorporates deep shelving.

‘Even though the colour scheme is brighter than the other rooms in the house, it still ties in well,’ says Helen

‘I love my home and it’s finally finished, but I do always like a change, so watch this space.’ ties it to the rest of the house. ‘In Paris’s room we’ve introduced an aqua hue through picture frames which gives the space a youthful, vibrant feel,’ Helen says.

On Helen’s wish-list would be to extend the back of the house with bi-fold doors that open out to the garden, which is the perfect space in the summer.

‘We have seven children and nine grandchildren between us, so a big garden was a must,’ explains Helen. ‘Thank God for the conservatory, I use it as my space to get away from it all after a busy day.’

Despite it being a rented property, the couple haven’t held off from adding their own personal stamp and making it the home they wanted, with a bold colour scheme and lots of quirky accessories which reflect Helen’s personality. As Helen says, ‘I love my home and it’s finally finished but I do always like a change, so watch this space.’ YH

For a realistic exposed wall effect in any room or a hallway like Helen’s, try this red brick wallpaper.

Red brick wallpaper, £23 a roll, Graham & Brown

This stool is ideal for a breakfast bar like Helen’s in a monochrome scheme Sienna bar chair, £69, Dunelm

Geometric patterns are popular and this fabulous rug can be used inside and outdoors.

Geometric indoor-outdoor rug, £45, Matalan

The heated towel rail fits nicely into the bathroom and, of course, the room couldn’t go without a selection of prints, shelving and a trailing plant. The towels are from H&M

The metro-style tiles in the bathroom have been grouted with a grey paste, to tone with the walls. Dark wood accessories from Sainsbury’s Home and Matalan look great in the compact space

Add depth with comfy leather chairs.

Ramsey faux-leather armchair, £649, DFS

Artificial plants are not only on trend at the moment, they’re also easy to care for!

Tall Ficus plant in metal pot, £39.99, HomeSense

Layer up cushions and throws in tonal shades of grey, black and white.

Monochrome tassel cushion, £12, Sainsbury’s

best buy

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Rachel has painted the walls in Boathouse Blue and Pugin Red, both from the Heritage range at Dulux. The table was constructed from an old top with new legs, and the chairs are lifted by the seat cushions from HomeSense

I’ve gone wild for colour in my home Picking a patriotic red, white and blue scheme has helped Rachel Downs transform a tired coastal terrace into a stylish and inviting house

A

fter going to university in the coastal city of Swansea, Rachel Downs fell in love with the area, and vowed to move back there some day. ‘I am originally from Caerphilly in South Wales, but there’s something special about Swansea, and more specifically Mumbles. It’s got great beaches, as well as quirky shops, restaurants and cafés. After living and renting in other

places including Salisbury, a few years ago I retrained as a tree surgeon, made my move back here and started saving.’

For her budget, Rachel knew she’d have to go for a property that needed work. ‘I’m pretty good on the DIY front, and I’ve got loads of mates around here as well, so I knew they would muck in, or we could swap trades and help each other out.’

REAL HOME

I AM Rachel Downs, a tree surgeon The wood-effect floor is the best bit of the kitchen for Rachel. ‘I chose the Texas White Ash from the Korlok range at Karndean Flooring. It looks like the real thing, it’s soft, and it makes no noise when you walk on it,’ says Rachel

(www.racheldownstreesurgery.co.uk). I also rent out my home – search for house 389 on www.homefromhome.com.

MY HOME IS A four-bedroom three-storey Victorian terrace near the sea in Mumbles, Swansea, South Wales.

MY TOP TIP IS Don’t be afraid to try colour blocking and paint walls in bold colours, particularly if ceilings are high as it helps to add warmth to a space.

TO RELAX I cosy up in the lounge as I love the wood-burner. The room is quite small and snug so with a few lamps on and lots of cushions and throws I feel comfy and can really switch off.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE Was knocking through a wall from the original kitchen into the dining room. It opened up the whole space so I could make the kitchen bigger and create a kitchen-diner with lounge area which improved the sense of space and flow.

Bedroom 4

Bedroom 3

Hall En suite

SECOND FLOOR

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Bedroom 1

Feature Stephanie Smith Photos Colin Poole

Display personal items for a bespoke look. ‘The utensil rack is an antique that a French friend gave me,’ says Rachel.

COME ON IN...

Bedroom 2

Hall Office

FIRST FLOOR Lounge Kitchen

Dining area Utility

Good idea!

Then, two years ago, she spotted her current house and made an offer, despite its neglected state. ‘It was a bit bigger than I was planning on buying, but I think the state of it had put people off. So I made a cheeky offer, and it was mine.’

It was the original period features in the property that first caught Rachel’s eye.

‘There are fireplaces in every room, lovely details and a great big Victorian range at one end of the kitchen. I wanted to work round those elements and include them in my scheme.’

After moving in, Rachel left the interior as it was for a few months, camping out in one of the bedrooms on the first floor while she assessed

Hall

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REAL HOME

In the kitchen the authentic Victorian range is an original feature which delighted Rachel, and she’s created a whole cosy seating area around it, with a comfy sofa from SofaSofa and a striped chair from HomeSense

which work would be essential.

‘The separate dining room was incredibly dark with a door that led off the hallway. It had not been used in ages. I could see that I could create an open-plan kitchen-diner by knocking down the wall that divided it from the light-filled kitchen.’ There was also wasted space in the kitchen with an empty area in the middle. ‘I knew there was room to install a breakfast bar which would increase the casual seating and also zone off the kitchen from the area in front of the range which I could visualised turning into a cosy seating spot.’

The other problem was how to create a main bathroom from the current space and the separate toilet. ‘There wasn’t enough room to fit in a shower enclosure under the

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current layout, but again by knocking the wall down between the two rooms, I could fit one in.’

With her budget stretched to the limit, Rachel managed to get all the construction work done for £2,000, and the rest of it has been a case of spending evenings and weekends doing jobs herself. ‘I think I’ve been quite inventive, if I say so myself.

The splashback tiles were in the original kitchen but dirty and grotty. I took them off, soaked them in water to scrape off the adhesive, then reused them in other parts of the kitchen.’

Every single wall in the house is painted in either red, blue, or a neutral hue. ‘It’s a strong colour scheme which works well if you’ve got plenty of room. It also

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

REAL HOME

Living near to the sea is a huge bonus for Rachel, and she likes to reflect her coastal location with wooden boats, birds and starfish that she picks up anywhere from local craft shops to car boot sales The original Victorian fireplace was one of the period features which appealed to Rachel and the dark-painted floorboards were in good-enough condition to leave as they were. Rachel added a blue rug from Homebase to cosy things up

‘I’ve collected lots of storage boxes, like the round design from The Range by the fireplace.

You can tidy up in seconds.’

A leather sofa, originally from Laura Ashley, is Rachel’s favourite spot to relax.

‘Leather gets better and better with age. I bought this sofa for a fraction of the price of a new one from Gumtree – a site that is always worth looking on’

Good idea!

Built-in storage in the alcoves either side of the fireplace makes the most of the space, while the open shelving doesn’t impose on the room.

The single bedroom at the back of the house doubles up as Rachel’s office, with a day bed from Ikea that can be used as a sofa and a throw from Homebase, ready to whip over the bed on cold days www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

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REAL HOME

A divan bed has been given character with a wooden headboard from Argos, and Rachel has created a nifty bookshelf. ‘It’s an old set of steps from a children’s bunk bed, which a neighbour was getting rid of, so I nabbed and repurposed them’

Good idea!

To make an unusual toothbrush beaker Rachel has embedded shells into plaster of Paris packed round an ordinary glass.

Knocking the bathroom and toilet into one has provided space for a separate shower, and sanitaryware from Victorian Plumbing completes the look. ‘I’m really pleased about the distressed brick-style tiles from Topps Tiles in my favourite shade of blue,’ says Rachel

compliments the wood materials.’

Rachel is proudest of laying her own kitchen floor, which she did over the course of a weekend, aided by friends. ‘After I’d painted and had the breakfast bar fitted, the wooden floor was letting the kitchen down. It was dark and damaged. I knew I couldn’t afford a solid-wood floor, so I opted for the wood-effect Korlok system

by Karndean Flooring. It’s easy to fit and really looks like wood. It’s given the whole room a totally different look.’

Going to second-hand shops and car boot sales, as well as looking on Gumtree, has netted Rachel some real bargains. ‘It’s amazing what people get rid of – as long as you’re willing to whiz round and collect the item yourself,’ says Rachel.

With the house finished, Rachel’s other way of affording such a substantial property is to regularly rent it out. ‘I’ve placed it on a house rental website as coastal homes are always popular and there’s plenty of room here. I’ve got friends locally I can go and stay with, and it helps fund the maintenance,’ explains Rachel. YH

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Good idea!

6

Rather than artwork, go for something distinctive in a guest bedroom, like these fun hot water bottle covers with a cosy message from Debenhams.

IDEAS TO STEAL

The fun guest bedroom has two single beds from Time4sleep. Rachel has carried on her colour scheme in this space with plain white walls and bedding from La Redoute

Wooden stars add a rustic note to any room.

Hanging stars, £5.25 each, Not on the High Street

Sturdy storage baskets can be useful for keeping a room neat and tidy.

The original fireplaces in every room were music to Rachel’s ears and she’s given them all a lick of paint, and given a tatty chest of drawers a makeover in her favourite blue tones.

A piece of driftwood found on Mumbles beach has been turned into an impromptu clothes rail for guests to hang up their bits and pieces, and DIY enthusiast Rachel fixed the whole thing up herself

Chevron storage basket, £18, Plum Chutney

Red blankets will add warmth to your scheme.

Helsinki bouclé throw, £30, Dunelm

‘I love the idea of people coming to stay in my home and exploring Mumbles, like I once did.’

only £9 Model boats add a nautical feel to seaside properties.

Grey small sail boat, £9, The Contemporary Home

Striped cushion pads add a different note to wooden dining chairs.

Rhubarb stripe seat pad, £17.50, Garden Trading

Warm up your scheme with a bold red paint.

Blazer estate emulsion, £45 per 2.5l, Farrow & Ball

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My home is filled with vintage finds Hayley and Keith spent 14 years putting their stamp on their family home, transforming it into a light and bright family space filled with pre-loved buys The couple decorated their kitchen and dining extension with Hayley’s vintage buys. The church pew came from Gumtree. The large Ikea dining table extends to fit 10 people and is complemented by the B&Q pendant light above. Simple shelving is the perfect place to display art and antiques

H

ayley and Keith Haynes stumbled across their home by complete accident. ‘We had an appointment to view another property in the area, but on the way, we got utterly lost. We drove past this house and saw it was for sale. It was so lovely, I arranged a viewing with the estate agents,’ Hayley explains. ‘I had a hunch this was going to be our home.’

Once the couple looked around the property, they immediately visualised themselves living in the house. Dating back to the 1930s, it had lots of original features including a leaded front door and spacious rooms. At the time, their first

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daughter, Daisy, was just a year old, and the young family needed room to grow.

‘We wanted to move out of busy Hove to somewhere with more space. We loved that Shoreham had the feel of a village and the house had views over green spaces. This place ticked all the boxes for our family,’ explains Hayley. The village is also on a direct train line to Hayley’s family, close to the sea and in a leafy suburb. What the couple loved most was the generous front garden, large bedrooms and the familysized garden.

Sadly, the décor was well past its best.

‘It was stuck in a time warp and needed

REAL HOME

Good idea!

COME ON IN...

The neon sign from Light Up North was won by Hayley in an Instagram competition. The walls were painted in Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite matt emulsion to create a neutral backdrop. The wooden bench is an old French school design which, along with the ladders, Hayley plans to sell in her online shop The Living Room

Feature Maxine Brady Photos David Woolley

A vintage ladder and antique doors make an ideal perch to display vintage fabrics and materials.

updating from top to bottom.’ Every room was painted in shades of orange, green, pink and blue with matching carpets.

‘Daisy’s room was decorated in blue stripes with birds on the walls,’ says Hayley. ‘We needed to introduce a neutral palette and calming touches that would complement the period details in the house.’

The couple concentrated their energies on updating the interior. ‘Within a month of moving in, I was pregnant with Amelie,’ she says, ‘So we had to get our skates on to get the décor into shape before she was born.’ The first room the couple immediately tackled was the kitchen.

‘With a young daughter, it was important to have a working kitchen that was clean, safe and functional.’

In the tatty kitchen, there had been carpet on the floor and salmon-pink walls. The couple replaced the units and put down new flooring and integrated appliances. ‘When we moved in the oven we found a mouse hiding behind there!’ she says.

‘We used small savings to freshen up the space the best we could on our tiny budget.’

Next on their to-do list was the bathroom. Again, the suite was tired-looking with an old shower unit. Keith did as much of the work as he could himself, ripping out the units and tiling the walls. ‘We unearthed Hayley and Keith planned the layout of their kitchen to give them a better view over the garden. A breakfast bar is at one end and at the other are kitchen units and storage, supplied and fitted by Nolan Project Kitchens in Worthing

WE ARE Hayley Haynes, my husband Keith, a paint sprayer, our two daughters Daisy, 15, and Amelie, 13, our dog Chester and Sid the tortoise. I am a small-business owner of The Living Room, an online shop which sells homeware, plants and vintage pieces.

OUR HOME Is a1930s semi-detached house with four bedrooms, a large garden and an open-plan kitchen and dining space, in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex.

TO RELAX I can be found cycling along the seafront or exploring the South Downs – that’s when I’m not out treasure hunting at vintage fairs and car-boot sales.

SHOPS I LOVE ARE HomeSense, Zara Home, charity shops and vintage markets.

OUR BIGGEST MISTAKE Was not being bold enough to knock down walls when we moved in. We should have just gone for it as now we use every part of the house.

BEST BIT ABOUT LIVING HERE IS We are near the beach and the South Downs, so it is great for days out with the girls and we’re very close to Brighton and London.

MY FAVOURITE ROOM IS The kitchen-diner as that is the most recent room that we have done and it’s a great space for us to get together as a family.

Office Bedroom 3 Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2 Bathroom

FIRST FLOOR wc Living room Kitchen/ Diner

Hall

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REAL HOME

‘The extension has transformed how we use our home. We have a family space to relax in.’

Taking centre stage in the living room are metal trunks which Hayley picked up from local vintage fairs. The dado rail is original and has been made a feature in the room with a lick of paint in Pavilion Grey and Lamp Room Grey

by Farrow & Ball. The fireplace tiles have been replaced, and an antique mirror complements the mantelpiece The woven seagrass rug was bought from a vintage fair to sell in her shop but Hayley has taken a shine to it for her own home instead. She has teamed an upcycled pink chair with her Ikea trestle desk

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crazy pipework during the renovation.

When we tried to move it, we sprung a leak into the hallway below, ’ says Hayley.

Over the next 10 years, the family took their time doing up their home room by room and the couple spent weekends and holidays up ladders painting and decorating. The house was painted white from top to bottom to cover the colourful walls. ‘We had grand ideas but bringing up two young children took up our time and money. We saved up for renovations as we went along,’ Hayley remembers.

Their biggest regret was not building a kitchen extension at the back of the property when they first moved in. ‘At the time, our priority was to have a functioning kitchen but we never used the separate dining room,’ Hayley explains. ‘We saved hard and then two years ago we did the extension across the back, and it has made such a difference.’ Local builders knocked

6

The dated suite was ripped out and replaced by the couple to make it more suitable for their growing family. Sandstone tiles from Laura Ashley create a neutral backdrop for a calm and tranquil space

down the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room to make one large open-plan space. Double doors were installed opening onto the garden. ‘The extension has transformed how we use our home.

We now have a family space that we can all enjoy hanging out in.’

The new extension blends Keith’s love of sleek modern lines with Hayley’s collection of vintage finds.

‘You can tell that Keith chose the kitchen and I decorated the dining room by the blend of furniture and accessories. We love mixing old pieces with new.’

After a career break, Hayley was looking for a new creative outlet. ‘I’d always worked in retail but this time I wanted to be my own boss.’ She opened up an Instagram account showcasing her home and some of her vintage buys. ‘I got lots of interest from the things I displayed in my home, so I started buying antiques to sell at fairs and markets. And it has grown

IDEAS TO STEAL

Hayley’s antique ladder makes an attractive display space in her hallway.

Beechwood ladder, £35, Dunelm

Brighten up your dark grey sofa with contrasting patterned cushions in shades of burnt orange and mustard.

Orange cushion, £12.99, HomeSense

great buy

from there.’ Rather than start a shop, she decided to launch a small online business called The Living Room from her spare bedroom. Her home became the ideal backdrop for showcasing her buys. ‘Our interior is constantly changing as I buy and sell things. I only stock items I love – such as plants, accessories and quirky antiques,’ she explains. ‘As products come and go, the look of our house is constantly looking fresh and new. The revolving style changes from week to week.’ YH The couple ripped out the previous fitted wardrobes and put in modern mirrored designs from Ikea, which help make the room appear larger and lighter. A classic Laura Ashley ironwork bed has been dressed in pink Clarissa Hulse bed linen, found in HomeSense. A pearl light fitting from Next hangs above the bed

Double the feeling of space with a chic mirror in a modern shape.

Large wooden round mirror, £40, Sainsbury’s Home

Add a feminine feel with pink floral bed linen.

Leena bed linen set by Oasis Home, £70 for a double, The French Bedroom Company

Revamp hard floors with a bold rug in a striking black and white print.

Grey and black rug, £129.99, HomeSense

Make your bed the central focus of your bedroom with a pretty white ironwork design.

Good idea!

To add personality to the walls, create a memory wall with framed photos, pieces of art, and a collection of interesting objects.

Renata metal stone white bed frame, £129, Carpetright

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Becky chose the luxe Zinc sofa from the French Connection range at DFS, adding cushions and throws from Dunelm. The rug, also from Dunelm, brings the room to life

This house was perfect, but needed a lot of work Becky Lynn used inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest to bring Scandi style into her home

W

hen Becky and Ian Lynn were first hunting for their new home, they wanted to focus on finding a house in an area that had a community feel in which to bring up their two children. ‘I wanted to find a larger house that would suit us as a family that was also close to schools for the girls,’ explains Becky.

After lots of searching, Becky and Ian found the perfect property in the next village, which they purchased two years ago.

The finding and purchasing of the

property turned out to be the easy part, as the new house needed lots of work. ‘We loved the location, it was set in a large plot of land, which we knew had potential to extend. Plus, the windows at the back and front of the house were huge, which meant the house was filled with lots of light,’ says Becky. ‘We felt it was perfect and the four bedrooms meant we would have room for visiting family.’ However, the interior was very dated and in a bit of a run-down state.

‘The whole house needed an overhaul

REAL HOME COME ON IN...

Becky wanted to create a distinct divide between the dining area and sitting room, so used the sofa to split up the space. It also makes the sitting room feel comfy and cosy. ‘It’s a good space that I update as the seasons change. In summer I use pastels and in the winter I go darker; thankfully, the grey sofas can take it’

Good idea!

WE ARE Becky and Ian Lynn, with our children Imogen, six, and Elodie, four. I’m an art teacher and Ian works in design.

OUR HOME Is a four-bedroom detached house near Hinkley, Leicestershire. It was built in 1978.

MY TOP TIP Is to choose a neutral base and add accents depending on the season and mood! It works perfectly for me.

OUR BIGGEST MISTAKE Was that we tried to save money by doing the tiling in the kitchen ourselves but, on reflection, a more unique design and a professional job would have given us more of the ‘wow’-factor.

MY INSPIRATION Comes from fabulous Instagram interior accounts, there are so many ideas out there. With that in mind, I set up my own account sharing our house @our_family_home.

Feature Zoe Bishop Photos Lizzie Orme

Becky ripped out the old flooring and re-painted the doors to give the hallway a bright welcoming feel. ‘I bought the rug from The Rug Seller as it works perfectly in the space, while the shoe storage and wall pegs are perfect for keeping shoes and coats in order,’ says Becky

Becky has added personality by displaying items which are meaningful to the family.

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 1

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Bedroom 3

Guest room

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Dining area

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REAL HOME The Scandi-style sideboard was from Very and complements the tablecloth which Becky picked up at a vintage fair several years ago. The chairs were a bargain buy from eBay. The staggered shelving adds interest on the white walls

‘I love the kitchen. It’s light, bright and always warm, even though we haven’t itted any radiators.’

– there were tatty brown carpets and featureless doors, the windows were old and wouldn’t shut properly, and the kitchen was really tired with brown cabinetry. But both Ian and I could visualise the end result which made it perfect. I knew we had the flair and passion to put our stamp on it, but also that it would be hard work.’

First, they decided to replace all the windows before tackling the girls’ bedrooms as they were still young and needed their rooms to be calm and appealing. ‘We did the children’s bedrooms within the first three months and turned Imogen’s room from green with black radiators to a proper pink little girl’s room. Elodie’s bedroom needed replastering before we could decorate.’

Once the girls had their own fresh,

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comfortable spaces, they began to tackle the downstairs spaces, including fitting a new kitchen, which is now Becky’s favourite room. ‘It’s light, bright and always warm, even though we haven’t fitted any radiators,’ she explains. Before the couple revamped the kitchen, it had brown builtin cupboards on every wall and felt dark and dingy with no space for seating. They purchased the sleek white kitchen from a local independent supplier who fitted it too. They opted to have units on three walls, including under the window, freeing up the space near the door so they could fit in a small table and bench. ‘The kids do their colouring and play with their playdough while I prepare dinner, which means I can keep an eye on them.’ The pale wood worktop tones really well with the white

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

REAL HOME units and gives the house that Scandi feel the couple were looking for.

‘I love our large sitting room and dining space as we look out into our lovely garden – which is currently a right mess,’ says Becky. ‘The garden is a decent size but we’ve not done much to it since we’ve moved in as we’ve concentrated on the rest of the house.’

The couple painted the walls in the lounge area plain white, so Becky introduced interest and colour with grey sofas from DFS and a bright rug, with wall art on one of her many picture shelves.

Becky’s love of art is a big passion – the shelves and walls are filled with lots of handmade prints by herself and the children. The sitting room is also home to Ian’s favourite guitar which is displayed on the wall. ‘It’s the personal touches we like to include and the guitar means a lot to Ian; I’m thrilled that it coordinates well with the rest of the scheme,’ smiles Becky.

Becky is really savvy when it comes to shopping for accessories and furniture. She loves snapping up items from the ranges at supermarket chains such as Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Lidl and searches for deals online.

‘I love a bargain and my whole house is full of them.’

The bathroom is still on the to-do list, and Becky has been calling the last two

Good idea!

Becky has teamed a wood worktop with white units in her kitchen and dining space, making it feel fresh, light and airy.

The beech worktop complements the white units, while the graphic Ikea rug adds interest. ‘I’ve used a non-slip backing to ensure it stays in place while walking around to avoid any accidents,’ explains Becky

Becky created a feature wall by getting creative with paint.

She zoned the dining space in the kitchen and then added some shelves with all her favourite buys. The table and seating are from Ikea

REAL HOME years ‘phase one’. The couple plan to extend downstairs and open up the back of the house to build a new living room and create a larger family living space. ‘We also want to create a little snug, office, utility and downstairs shower room, but obviously this is in the future when we’ve got the budget to get it right first time.

It’s one of the reasons we’ve not tackled the bathroom as it needs a lot of plumbing work which would involve ripping up pipes downstairs, so until we’re ready to do it all in one go, I’m happy to wait. I think, for the moment, we’ve achieved the perfect home that suits our style and needs – it ticks all of my boxes.’ YH Light is a key factor in the bedroom, as, luckily, there is quite a large window.

Becky painted one wall in a soft grey which complements her favourite bed linen from Orla Kiely, and she has also included soft wood-effect flooring and white bedside tables from Maisons du Monde Elodie’s room is bright and cheerful. ‘I liked the simplicity of using one colour half way round the room. She’s still in a smaller bed which doesn’t take up as much room, but we’ve ensured there’s plenty of storage for her books and toys,’ says Becky

‘I think, for the moment, we’ve achieved the perfect home that suits our style and needs.’

Becky’s bathroom is a work in progress and will eventually be replaced when they extend downstairs. ‘We need a new suite, but I revamped the tiles with fresh grout and we added some new flooring. I kept the scheme white and just added some colour with lots of bright towels from Christy, which make the room feel cheery and fresh,’ says Becky

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A small desk area is ideal for Imogen as she likes to colour and draw. As she gets older it will be a fabulous place to do homework. Becky picked up the desk and stool from Ikea as they fit in well with the all-pink scheme

‘Imogen really wanted a pink room and we decided to go with it,’ explains Becky. ‘Again, I painted half of the walls pink and kept the rest white.’ The room also has pretty floral-printed curtains, disc-style bunting and coordinating bed linen featuring Imogen’s favourite flamingos

6

IDEAS TO STEAL Becky’s bedroom scheme is inspired by her bed linen.

Orla Kiely House Tiny Stem duvet cover, £85 for a king size, Hurn & Hurn

Neutral storage canisters keep the kitchen scheme neat and clean.

Typhoon Colona grey storage canisters, £24,99 for three, Very

Painting walls with graphic shapes in toning colours will add interest.

amazing value

Pink Harmony matt emulsion; Soft taupe matt emulsion, £11 per 2.5l, both Wilko

A small white sideboard will give any room a Scandi feel.

Hygena Zander small sideboard, £89.99, Argos

Brighten up a grey sofa with colourful cushions and throws.

Green stripe throw, £18, Sainsbury’s Home

Ensure you have the perfect work zone with a stylish and functional desk space.

Good idea!

‘We did the children’s bedrooms within the first thee months and turned Imogen’s room from green to a proper little girl’s room!’

Stockholm desk, £235, Next

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

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DELOSPERMA

rare | unusual | exciting

Jewel of the Desert

Collection comprises: Garnet, Rose Quartz, Peridot, Moonstone and Topaz

BUY 10 JUST

£1

.90

All plants labelled individually

A FANTASTIC BREEDING BREAKTHROUGH

EACH

Carpet-like mats of succulent foliage with masses of neon coloured daisy lowers. Bred in Japan, where garden space is limited so lower power is very important, these incredible plants produce lowers continuously from spring until the irst frosts. Commonly known as the ice plant, they can withstand the toughest environments and still shine like a jewel. Beautiful when planted alongside paths or grown in crevices. Loved by butterlies. Unfussy on soil conditions in sun or part shade. Height 10-15cm (4-6"). Spread 25cm (10"). Fully hardy perennials. Your order will be conirmed along with a copy of our latest catalogue and your young plants will be delivered from April onwards with our no quibble guarantee.

TO ORDER QUOTE YH0219 • ONLINE hayloft.co.uk • PHONE 0844 335 1088 YH0219

SEND THE COUPON TO: Hayloft Plants, FREEPOST RTGR-JAGJ-JETG, Pensham, Pershore WR10 3HB NAME & ADDRESS

PLEASE SEND

ITEM CODE

PRICE

5 PLANTS (one of each)

YPDEL05-YH0219

£15

10 PLANTS (two of each)

YPDEL10-YH0219

£19

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P&P (UK ONLY)

TOTAL

£4.95

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HAYLOFT PLANTS, MANOR FARM NURSERY, PENSHAM, PERSHORE, WORCESTERSHIRE WR10 3HB

Food & drink

Fill your freezer and save your pennies with our batch-cook recipes overleaf

3 ways with... grapefruit l For a tasty light breakfast or dessert, top and tail a large pink or red grapefruit, then use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and bitter white pith. Slice the fruit into rounds, then use them to top fresh ricotta, with a sprinkle of black pepper. Drizzle with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp orange blossom water. l To make a light salad for two, segment 1 grapefruit over a bowl to catch the juice. Set the fruit aside and squeeze the juice from the membrane into the bowl. Add 1 tsp each extra virgin olive oil, toasted sesame oil and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper then whisk. Arrange the grapefruit in a bowl with a large handful watercress; 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced, and 100g cooked prawns. Toss with Whether it’s a gift for your Valentine, the dressing just before serving. or a little treat for yourself, Thomas l Ring the changes with a Fudge’s Salted Caramel Florentines are a grapefruit curd to top toast true indulgence starring soft fruit, crunchy or fill a sponge cake. In a nuts, sticky salted caramel with a layer heavy-bottom pan, place the of Belgian milk grated zest and juice of chocolate. Available 1 grapefruit, 200g caster from Waitrose, Asda, sugar and 100g butter. Gently Ocado, Sainsbury’s heat until the butter has melted and Booths, from then whisk in 2 eggs. Cook on £2.55 for six. a low heat, whisking regularly until thickened, for around 10 minutes.

Pour into sterilised jars and seal.

If you do one thing this month...

Celebrate the Year of the Pig this Chinese New Year, 5th February, by creating a fabulous fakeaway at home. If you don’t know where to start with creating an authentic feast, visit www.wingyipstore. co.uk for a selection of traditional goodies, including these Silk Road fortune cookies, £1.25 for 12.

Feature Laura Higgins Main image iStock

This month we love...

Try me...

Eat me...

Buy me...

Nestlé Lindahls Kvarg is a best-selling quark from Sweden which is a great addition to your diet if you’ve started a new year health regime.

It’s a protein-packed post-workout snack or a tasty breakfast that’s low in sugar and fat. New flavours to the range include tropical coconut, chocolatey stracciatella, and fruity blueberry and vanilla. They can be found at Asda priced 95p.

Looking for a healthier lunch option? Try the Simply Good wrap range from Mission which are high in fibre, helping to make you feel fuller for longer. Choose from quinoa and chia, or sourdough and linseed, priced at £1.50 for six, available from all major supermarkets.

The latest addition to his Lean in 15 collection, Veggie is the latest cookbook from Joe Wicks, priced £16.99, Bluebird Books. In keeping with the simple and speedy flavour-packed meals he’s famous for, Joe has created a set of new vegetarian recipes.

The peri peri halloumi burger and the chickpea, tomato and spinach curry are at the top of our list.

CHECK OUT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK/FOOD FOR MORE TASTY RECIPES www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

99

Family values

money-savin g meals

Fill your freezer – and your family – with these hearty meals that kids and grown-ups will all enjoy

PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 16 MINUTES SERVES 4

Tasty tacos YOU WILL NEED 4vegetable or rapeseed oil 41 small onion, diced 41 clove garlic, diced 41 tsp smoked paprika 4500g lean beef mince or vegetarian alternative To serve 48 taco shells 41 yellow pepper, roughly chopped 41 red pepper, roughly chopped 4half head lettuce, roughly chopped 42 tomatoes, roughly chopped 4200g Cheddar or mozzarella, grated 4sour cream 4salsa

DIRECTIONS n Fry the onion with a drizzle of oil for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. n Add the mince and cook for 7-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. n Warm the taco shells for 1 minute in the oven and put the cooked mince into a dish. n When the taco shells are warmed through, pop them and the mince on the table for everyone to dig into, alongside the peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream and salsa.

Recipe taken from Learn to Cook with Billy the Bear, created by Belling.

Visit www.belling.co.uk/teddy-recipe-book

FOOD & DRINK Piri Piri chicken YOU WILL NEED PREPARATION TIME 30 MINUTES COOKING TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

48 bone-in chicken portions 4600g new potatoes 42 tbsp vegetable oil 42 red peppers, cut into chunks 42 yellow peppers, cut into chunks 4fresh oregano, to garnish For the spice rub 44 long red chillies, seeds removed, roughly chopped 43 cloves garlic, chopped 425g root ginger, chopped 41 tsp salt 42 tsp smoked paprika 41 tsp dried oregano 41 tsp dried thyme 42 tbsp olive oil 43 tbsp lemon juice

DIRECTIONS n Make several deep diagonal cuts through the skin and meat of each piece of chicken. Blend all the spice rub ingredients in a food processor. n Place the scored chicken portions into a bowl, pour in the rub and coat the meat well, pushing the paste into all the cuts. Set to one side and leave to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. n Parboil the potatoes in a pan of salted water for 4-5 minutes. Drain and set to one side. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425ºF/Gas Mark 7. n Heat the vegetable oil in a cast-iron casserole dish over a low to medium heat. Lift the chicken pieces from the marinade, shake off any excess back into the bowl and retain for later. Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, sear on all sides for 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a plate. n Add the marinade to the casserole with the potatoes and peppers and coat everything in the juices. Return the chicken pieces to the casserole, combining them with the vegetables. Season well with salt and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. n Sprinkle over some freshly torn oregano before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Lakeland

Veggie lentil chilli YOU WILL NEED 41 tsp vegetable or rapeseed oil 41 large onion or leek, finely sliced 41 pepper, diced 41 garlic clove, finely chopped 41 tsp ground coriander 41 tsp ground cumin 4½ tsp chilli powder 42 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 41 vegetable stock cube, crumbled 4100g red lentils, rinsed 4400g tin mixed beans or kidney beans, drained To serve 4200g brown rice or 4 baked potatoes 4grated cheese 4sour cream

DIRECTIONS

PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

n Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onion or leek and pepper for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and ground spices, and cook for another minute until fragrant. n Carefully stir in the chopped tomatoes, stock cube and lentils. Simmer until the lentils are tender and the tomatoes have thickened, about 15 minutes. Add the beans to the pan and mix to combine. Cook for a further 5 minutes, until heated through. n Season with salt and pepper, then serve with rice or a baked potato and top with the cheese and sour cream.

Recipe taken from Learn to Cook with Billy the Bear, created by Belling. Visit www.belling.co.uk/teddy-recipe-book

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

101

Sausage pie PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME 55 MINUTES SERVES 4

YOU WILL NEED 4400g tin chopped tomatoes 4400g tin baked beans or red kidney beans 41 large onion, finely chopped 48 sausages or vegetarian alternative 4900g mashed potato 450g cheese, grated

DIRECTIONS n Preheat the oven to 190°C/375ºF/Gas Mark 5. Place the tomatoes, beans and onion in an oven-proof dish. n Cut the sausages into equal-sized pieces and add to the tomato and bean mix. Stir together and place in the oven until the sausages are cooked through, for about 45 minutes. n Cover the sausage mix with mashed potato and grated cheese. Place under the grill to brown, or alternatively return to the oven until brown and bubbly.

Recipe taken from Learn to Cook with Billy the Bear, created by Belling. Visit www.belling.co.uk/teddy-recipe-book

Irish beef and baby beetroot hotpot YOU WILL NEED 4700g diced Irish chuck steak 41 tbsp plain flour 41-2 tbsp vegetable oil 42 onions, sliced 43 carrots, roughly chopped 4200g-300g baby beetroot, peeled and halved 41 tsp fresh thyme leaves 43 large Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 4600ml dark beef stock

DIRECTIONS n Preheat the oven to 170°C/325F/Gas Mark 3.

Toss the diced Irish beef in the plain flour and season well with salt and pepper. n Heat the oil in a heavy-based, deep casserole dish and brown your Irish beef in batches if necessary. Return all the meat to the pan, add the sliced onions, carrots, beetroot and the thyme leaves. Generously season with salt and pepper and mix well. n Arrange the sliced potatoes on top of the meat and vegetable mix, taking care to make the potato layer nice and neat. Pour over just enough stock to come up to the bottom of the potato layer. Cover with the casserole lid and bake in the oven for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and return to the oven for a further 30 minutes to crisp the potatoes.

Recipe by Terry Edwards, courtesy of Bord Bia

PREPARATION TIME 30 MINUTES COOKING TIME 2 HOURS SERVES 4-6

FOOD & DRINK

PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4

Beef and mushroom keema curry YOU WILL NEED

DIRECTIONS

43 garlic cloves, crushed 41 thumb ginger, grated 43 green chillies, sliced 41 onion, sliced 4splash rapeseed oil 42 tbsp curry powder 4300g closed-cup mushrooms, halved 4400g beef mince 43 large tomatoes, chopped 41 tbsp chilli powder 4200g frozen petit pois 4100g spinach To serve 4basmati rice 4natural yoghurt

n Blend the garlic, ginger, green chillies and onion to a paste with a dash of water. n Heat some rapeseed oil in a saucepan and add the paste. Cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate then add the curry powder. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes on high. n Add the mushrooms and mince. Stir well and cook on high for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chilli powder. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes. Add the peas and spinach. Stir well and cook gently for 4-5 minutes, until the spinach is wilting and the peas have cooked. Serve with cooked basmati rice and yoghurt.

Recipe courtesy of www.justaddmushrooms.com

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

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Create a vintage look with NEW Chalk Spray Paint

• Seven heritage colours • Flat chalky finish • Ideal for recycling old furniture

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Helen 8th July 2018

Request a FREE brochure call 0800 470 0139 QUOTE YRG53H

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Home IMPROVEMENT

Turn the page to find out how to update your home on a budget

Auberry Opti-myst electric stove, from £583, Dimplex

Seal the best deal

Feature Alice Butler

Auctions are great fun and a place to pick up a bargain but make sure you know the basics before you begin.

James Emson, President of NAVA Propertymark, the self-regulating body for valuers and auctioneers, offers this advice: n You can’t back out If you are the highest bidder, you can’t change your mind after the fall of the hammer and must pay for the item. n Know your rights Unlike buying online you won’t be protected by Consumer Contracts Regulations or Distance Selling Regulations if you want to return the item. At an auction you view the item in advance and choose whether to bid, so you won’t be protected by law. n Read the small print Check the terms and conditions of the auction house. At the end of the sale you will be required to pay the deposit and administration charges immediately and the balance of the purchase price within 20 business days. n Reserves Sellers set a reserve price which the lot cannot be sold below. n Protect yourself Choose a regulated auctioneer. With a NAVA Propertymark Protected auctioneer, you’ll deal with a qualified professional who delivers the highest standards. This will also guarantee that your payment will be held in dedicated auction client accounts to protect you and the seller.

A hot new hue While we’re most likely to associate the classic stove with chunky black looks, the trend for modern interiors has led to a demand for heating appliances in colours to complement The cost of a DIY job can be our décor. If you’re looking for a fuss-free plugeye-watering, especially if you have to in electric model, Dimplex has stoves invest in expensive tools. Now there’s an in a range of shades including this elegant app to trim that spend. MyShed connects DIY white design which would sit comfortably enthusiasts with local tool owners for affordable in a neutral Scandi-style scheme. hire. Browse tools for rent nationwide, then use the app’s messaging service to arrange to collect and return them. You’ll save cash, reduce your environmental impact and make connections with people in your community. For more information, visit www.my-shed.co.uk.

Tool up for less

save £££s

Opening act A new front door is a great way to boost your property’s curb appeal as well as its security and insulation. But what to look for? Firstly, consider a durable and lowmaintenance material such as composite.

Next, remember to measure the size of the door and the internal floor height and width so that the door has room to open once installed. The Wickes Malmo door ticks all the boxes, offering thermal efficiency, high security and an attractive hardwood finish.

Malmo external hardwood glazed door, £529, Wickes

FOR MORE EXPERT ADVICE AND CASE STUDIES GO TO WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

February 2019

105

IKEA is a great place to hunt out inexpensive new furniture for a budget ravamp

Luxury looks at afordable prices Feature Hayley Gilbert

O

nce the new year is underway, many of us turn our attention to giving our homes a style update in time for spring. With so many new looks and products to choose from, there’s something out there for everyone.

Whether you fancy a new lick of paint for the living room or a complete kitchen overhaul, there are ways of transforming your interior while sticking to a budget.

Here’s our guide to getting the most for your money.

Visit one of the Sofa Workshop clearance outlets. Dillon sofa, from £986

1

With some clever tricks and savvy buys, you can freshen up your property inside and out without breaking the bank

BUY A USED OR EX-DISPLAY KITCHEN

If your current kitchen has seen better days but you can’t afford to splash out on a brand-new design, there are other ways to give your scheme a makeover. Companies such as The Used Kitchen Company buy and sell used and ex-display kitchens. They can recommend fitters to dismantle and deliver as well as install new furniture if required. Brands on offer include Alno, Bulthaup, Callerton, Harvey Jones, Howdens, Habitat, John Lewis of Hungerford, Magnet, Neptune, Nolte and Plain English. Another option is to replace your cabinet doors via Hot Doors, Kitchen Door Workshop, Dream Doors, Naked Doors as well as IKEA and B&Q. Choose from a range of designs including traditonal and contemporary handleless styles and a spectrum of colours and finishes. Doors can be made to fit your standard carcasses or made to measure.

Give rooms a fresh lick of paint for a quick and inexpensive update.

Valspar Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings, £28 for 2.5L at B&Q

REAL HOME

The Used Kitchen Company sells ex-display kitchens online. This handleless Leicht design costs £6,500, including the island, worktops and Siemens appliances

Update your front door and boost your home’s curb appeal.

Down Pipe No 26 Exterior Eggshell, £27 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball

Our choice of flooring and kitchen worksurfaces can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of a room. If you long for luxury materials such as marble or solid wood, there are ways of achieving a pricey effect for less. When it comes to worktops, instead of splashing out on natural stone, switch to lookalike laminates instead which, as well as being more practical, offer a similar style without the price tag to match. Solid stone and composite is another great option with the added benefit of being hardwearing and easy to clean. For flooring, consider laminate, engineered boards or the latest luxury vinyl tile, which replicate the look of stone or timber. Herringbone and parquet tiles are ideal for a classic finish, while patterned prints can enhance a contemporary décor.

3

BAG BATHROOM BARGAINS ONLINE

Shopping for a new bathroom in a high-street store or designer showroom does give you personal service and expert advice but it often ends up costing you more. One way around this is to log on to the web and buy your sanitaryware, brassware and fittings from online retailers such as Soak, Bathstore, Bathroom Takeaway, Victoria Plum and Victorian Plumbing. They will often have fantastic sales with up to 60 per cent off and you can usually telephone them or have a live chat with one of their advisors if you need any help. Remember that any change to your existing layout will cost you more in terms of plumbing and installation so, where possible, keep to the same position for the WC, basin, bath and shower.

4

GIVE ROOMS A NEW LICK OF PAINT

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to give your interior a fresh update for less. The key is preparation, so move all furniture and furnishings out of the room before you start, or cover them up, then take your time masking off edges, skirting boards, coving and window frames. Sand down uneven walls, fill in any hairline cracks and apply as many coats as needed for the perfect finish. There are endless shades to pick from but, if you can’t find the colour you are looking for, mix your own at B&Q, where its exclusive Valspar range can be colour-matched to anything you like!

TURN OVER FOR MORE ADVICE Give windows some ‘wow’ factor with a funky new roller blind. Direct Blinds has a fantastic affordable range to choose from.

Pebbles blackout Rumba Red blind, from £51.80 s

2

USE LOOKALIKES FOR WORKTOPS AND FLOORING

Kit out your kitchen with smart new appliances.

Aria collection by Indesit, from £165

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2015

89

Overhaul your bathroom for only £399.97 with the Lima suite from Bathroom Takeaway

great value

Expert advice

Useful contacts

‘Kitchens and bathrooms are the n Find bargain kitchen updates at most expensive rooms to redesign www.theusedkitchencompany.com, and redecorate. If you’re happy with www.dreamdoors.co.uk, www.hotdoors. the layout of your kitchen, before co.uk, www.nakeddoors.com and you rip it out take a closer look at the www.kitchendoorworkshop.co.uk. carcasses. If they are in a decent condition n For worktops and flooring check out When you need new furniture there you can make big savings by replacing the www.bushboard.co.uk, www.silestone. are outlet stores all over the country where door and drawer fronts rather than the complete unit. co.uk, www.caesarstone.co.uk, www. you can buy quality cancelled or returned Do your research when it comes to installing the worktop, amtico.com and www.harveymaria.com. orders, overruns and discontinued lines for too. If you want a marble effect there are some n Bathroom bargains can be found at online a lot less than you’d pay otherwise. Trade amazing replica products out there that are not only retailers such as www.soak.com, Secret is a great place to start and there’s the more practical but also more cost effective.’ www.victorianplumbing.co.uk, added bonus that what you see is in stock so Laura Hamilton, presenter of Channel 4’s www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk and you can have immediate collection or delivery.

A Place in The Sun www.victoriaplum.com.

Other names to look for include Sofa Workshop n For Valspar paint, visit www.diy.com. which has a clearance centre in Enfield as well as clearance spaces in its Beverley, Winchester, St Albans and Cheltenham stores. Also check out Get Furnished in Oxfordshire and The Interior Outlet in West Yorkshire.

It’s amazing what tackling all those niggly little chores yourself can achieve. Make a list of everything that needs doing and start with the smaller tasks such as clearing the gutters or weeding the garden. You can then work your way up to the bigger jobs such as fixing dripping New flooring will give rooms a taps, painting wooden window sills and replacing broken door handles before moving on to chores fresh update for less. Ordesa Bianco including painting the front or garage door, laying new decking, a patio or having the ceilings white glazed porcelain tiles, £24.97 per sq m, Tile Giant skimmed to cover up unsightly Artex left over from the 1980s.

5

FORAGE IN FURNITURE OUTLETS

6

DO DIY JOBS AROUND THE HOUSE

s

Marble worktops can cost upwards of £5,000 but solid, textured laminate from Bushboard Evolve is just £340 for three metres

CASE STUDY ‘Bargain hunting and DIY helped me improve my home for less’

With savvy online buys Rachael installed her kitchen on a tight budget without compromising on style or quality

s Surrounded by open countryside, the semi-detached cottage in Louth, Lincolnshire, had been empty for five years before Rachael took it on and gave it a new lease of life

tap from Howdens. On Facebook Marketplace, she found a kitchen island unit for £200 which she painted pale pink to match the wall cupboard her children Sam, 28, Thomas, 23, and Georgina, 21, bought her last Christmas. The wood-burner for the newly opened up fireplace also cost £500 on eBay. For shelving, Rachael recycled offcuts left over from the wooden worktops. ‘I didn’t have any furniture and most of what I have now I bought from Facebook Marketplace,’ she says. ‘Along with a new sofa and chair, I’ve found lighting and curtains all at knock-down prices.’

Now all the hard work is done, Rachael is justifiably proud of what she has achieved. ‘It’s the first place I’ve lived in for a long time that I can really call home.’

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2015

Feature and photos Gill Rothwell

s Rachael, who works with vulnerable adults, shares her cottage with her 21-year old daughter Georgina, and Flo, the Cockapoo

for the first viewing as it’s tucked away at the end of a private lane and surrounded by fields. ‘The views were enough to sell it to me but as soon as I stepped inside, I knew I had to have it,’ she recalls. Once her offer was accepted, she tackled the overgrown garden but had to wait patiently to make a start on the house until she received the keys in June last year. As Rachael was renting nearby at the time, the pressure was on to be in her new home before the onset of winter. With most of her budget allocated for new windows, electrics and a replacement boiler, she relied heavily on friends and family to help her gut the interior of the 100-year-old cottage. ‘We saved a fortune by doing most of the work ourselves,’ she says.

After knocking down walls to expose the staircase and open up the kitchen and dining room, Rachael faced the challenge of filling the large space with furniture on limited funds. By craftily shopping around, she paid just £500 for a new Smeg range cooker and hood on eBay, and only £1,400 for kitchen units, oak worktops, a Belfast sink and s

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nocking down walls, stripping plaster, sanding doors, levelling floors, no DIY task was too much for Rachael Stevenson when she renovated a rundown cottage in Louth, Lincolnshire, in just five months. ‘Admittedly, my budget was very tight, but it wasn’t just a question of saving money,’ she explains. ‘I enjoy being hands-on and when I have a vision of how a place could look, I get a huge kick out of seeing it through.’

Having spotted her home online, Rachael struggled to find the property

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Property know-how with George

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think my most-often-used phrase is ‘your home is the most important piece of architecture in your life’. I truly believe it because your home crafts the way you are, how you come together as a family and it provides not only shelter, but it becomes a container of all your possessions as well as being the space where you create very special moments and memories in your life. You get to know your home very well. If I blindfolded you and asked you to walk around the home where you grew up, you would be able to navigate the space amazingly well. Your mind and body connect with your home in a very powerful way.

When people say to me, ‘I know nothing about architecture,’ I reply, ‘That isn’t true… tell me about the home you grew up in.’ Then it all happens and I love it! The stories about home come flooding out. Tales about space, light, materials, texture, smells, sounds, fashions, style (or lack of it), happy memories, sad memories, how your home adapted over time and how you grew and changed with it. That is architecture! If you can tell stories about your home – and everyone can – then you know about architecture and no matter how humble your property may be, it is without a doubt the most powerful piece of architecture in your life. So, why shouldn’t your house look beautiful? Why shouldn’t the interior of every home look like it’s architect-designed?

Even on the tightest of budgets there are things you can do to get an amazing look in your home. Obviously, the decisions you make to achieve a high-end scheme on a budget will depend on the type of architecture and interiors you like. But there are some universal tricks and rules that will work whatever style you go for.

The first rule is to keep it simple. Making a space cluttered and over-complicated by

having too many colours, textures and materials doesn’t give a slick designer look. The less-is-more approach has so many benefits. You have fewer decisions to make, fewer materials to buy and often it means you’ll have fewer specialist trades on site to tackle all of the various jobs, working out the junctions and thresholds between those details – so it’s often cheaper. Also, if you’re tempted to do a lot of the work yourself then you won’t need to train yourself in so many different skills, so that makes it quicker, easier and cheaper, too.

Don’t go super cheap. Simple and affordable yes, but not so cheap that the product feels tacky. In particular, make sure you spend your money on the details where it matters most: the items that get used the most often, that have to withstand the most wear and tear and that you tend to touch and feel all the time. It’s all about balance. And you need to focus your budget on things that are the most difficult and costly to change. So, items such as timber flooring, door handles, taps, sanitaryware and bathroom fittings are touched and used a lot. They need to feel good and stand the test of time, whereas other finishes can be a lot cheaper. For example, it is easy to change and upgrade paint colours, soft furnishings and elements of free-standing furniture at a later date, but built-in items are more difficult to alter without spending lots of money, so it’s better and less wasteful to get these right first time. The great news is there are so many affordable options available today. Personally, I love timber floorboards. Strong engineered wood flooring is so affordable and gives a beautiful natural look to any interior. Natural oil or wax finishes applied to the timber allow it to retain its beautiful texture while

Photo courtesy of George Clarke

This month, property developer, architect and presenter of Channel 4’s Old House, New Home George Clarke shares his tips for giving your home a high-end look on a budget

giving a quality architect-designed look.

Full-height doors are another affordable way to give your home a designer look.

Whether it’s a modern or traditional one, having doors that go as high as possible is so smart. The price of these can vary dramatically depending on the style, but simple is the most affordable way to go. In my house I have very plain door blanks, but they go all the way up to the ceilings. They look amazing and they really didn’t cost a lot.

Tiling is another fantastic opportunity to go smart and architectural on a budget. I was in a big tiling shop earlier this week and I was staggered by the range of beautiful, affordable tiles. The trick here is to be creative. Doing something unusual with a standard tile can give it a more interesting look. I chose a long thin, tile that would normally be laid horizontally. But, because I was using it in a bathroom with a high ceiling, I decided to run the tiles vertically up the walls to accentuate the height even more.

I then staggered the joints, rather than go for a standard tiling grid, to give the wall some ‘movement’. It made the room feel more exciting and dynamic, but the tile I used was one of the cheapest I’ve ever bought. It is all about doing things slightly differently to get a unique end result that looks amazing.

Keep it simple, keep it affordable but, more than anything, take a material and see what you can do with it to make your home reflect your style. It’s all about being creative. n For more tips and advice from George, check out his website at www.georgeclarke.com

Next month in...

Beautiful reader homes filled with clever ideas and inspiration

Gorgeous new seasonal buys for your home

Try our delicious recipes for spring

Discover the latest trends for interiors

On sale 30th January To subscribe call 01206 849077 or visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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WIN! a pair of bespoke alcove cabinets, worth over £1,500!

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e’ve teamed up with the bespoke furniture specialist DIY Alcove Cabinets to offer one lucky reader a pair of bespoke alcove cabinets or wardrobes worth over £1,500.

DIY Alcove Cabinets is the UK’s leading online retailer of made-to-measure flat-pack alcove cabinets and wardrobes, offering bespoke cabinetry without the hefty price tag to match. The company supplies the whole of the UK with alcove cabinet kits that are delivered straight to your doorstep for easy DIY installation at an affordable price.

Prices start from £390 for a full alcove dresser with soft-close doors and height-adjustable shelves, but you can also add a huge variety of other features, including moulded doors, contrasting handles and LED lighting.

Using its simple online design and price-calculator tool, you can create a personalised alcove cabinet or wardrobe design and get an instant quote. There is a full range of styles to choose from, including traditional and contemporary RULES OF ENTRY 1) The competition closes at midnight on 28th February 2019.

The winner 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 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.

One lucky winner

cabinets and wardrobes, floating shelves and even bookcases.

What’s more, you don’t have to be a DIY expert to install your cabinets either, as your flat-pack alcove cabinet kit will have everything you need, including pre-cut, pre-drilled cabinet components, a parts box containing hardware such as screws, hinges, door knobs, shelf pegs and assembly fittings and not forgetting easy step-by-step instructions.

With 25 years of experience in the fitted furniture industry, using only FSC-certified wood, premium quality materials and hardware, you can rest assured you will be trimming only on price – not quality.

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.

To find out more, visit www.diyalcovecabinets.co.uk.

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Q: How many years of experience does DIY Alcove Cabinets have in the fitted furniture industry?

A) 15 B) 20 C) 25 Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to enter. Simply click the WIN! tab, then fill in your details including the answer to the above question, before the closing date of 28th February 2019. Good luck!

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Organise your garage and garden shed Turn your space from topsy-turvy to tidy with these clever ideas

Choose simple crates for general home, garden and shed storage Natural Elements wooden storage crates, £30 for three, JD Williams

s This modular storage system can be customised to your space to stow everything from tools to hoses, furniture to shoes.

Simply move the clips to create your ideal combination Elfa shed organiser, £111 for a starter pack, A Place for Everything

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Feature Alice Butler

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f your room has become a dumping ground for garden tools, DIY materials, craft items and more, make the most of the cold, dark winter days to get shipshape in time for spring. With so many canny storage products, including peg boards, hanging pockets, craft systems and bicycle racks you’ll be able to stash items of every size and even make a feature of them in your space.

You can set the shelves on this indoor-outdoor unit at the perfect height for your needs and adjust the feet to sit steadily on an uneven floor Hindo shelving unit, £80, Ikea

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA Garage shelfie, £275, A Place for Everything

This bike rack has a practical shelf and hooks for helmets and clothing

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s This peg board comes with 50 hooks which you can arrange in whichever format you like With 30 drawers, this unit is perfect for housing small items from nuts and bolts to buttons and cotton bobbins. Use it free -standing or wall-mounted

Peg board and shelf tool organiser, £19.99, VonHaus

Drawer organiser, £14.99, VonHaus

s These woven book bags will give your space a touch of rustic charm Olli Ella hanging storage basket, £20, The Little House Shop

s Create a work space with this wall-mounted system which has a desk, drawer and shelves with different depths to conceal or display everything from trinkets to books Svalnas work station, £270, Ikea

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Keep wellies tidy with this stained pine rack and shelf unit Wooden welly rack, £85, The Little House Shop

Keep buttons tidy in this colourful carton Sew Let’s Stitch button box, £4.95, Rex London

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Protect summer cushions and rugs from the damp with watertight boxes. These keep out moisture, dust and bugs and can withstand low and high temperatures: ideal for garages and lofts Orthex SmartStore stackable storage boxes, from £20 for a 33l box, John Lewis

best buy

s Neatly stack these storage boxes in columns in your space

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20l storage boxes, £5 for three, George Home

Use this rustic ladder is as a sturdy plant stand or for storing garden accessories

s This rustic unit has drawers and hooks, perfect for gardening hats, gloves and jackets

Aldsworth shelf ladder, £165, Garden Trading

Hyacinth wall cubby, £59, JD Williams

s Fill an empty slot on the wall with a hanging organiser

s Inject some colour into your scheme with this basket Pompom belly basket, £25, Rex London

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Hanging storage pockets, £4, George Home

How to be savvy with storage Simon Glanville, Managing Director of storage destination A Place for Everything, has these tips for organising your garage and shed…

Think vertically. Free up precious floor space by using the walls and roof area with hooks, hangers and clever bike storage solutions. Container-ise! Invest in waterproof sealed storage boxes for garden accessories and old documents. You never know when the roof might leak or a mouse will take a fancy to your sun-lounger cushion. Remember, when buying boxes, biggest isn’t always best as once they’re full you’ll still need to stack and access the contents, so purchase something you can comfortably carry without too much effort. Finally, don’t forget to safely store paints, oils and cleaning products on top shelves or in locked boxes and out of the reach of children.

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Stash tools, string and random bits and bobs in a caddy Shed tidy, £21.95, Annabel James

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s Save space with this all-rounder which includes drawers, shelves, a peg board and a work surface

Make the most of the back of the door with this hanging rack which has baskets, a board with hooks, and acrylic boxes – perfect for craft or utility items

Work bench with peg board, £84.99, VonHaus

‘A magnetic tool holder can be used for storing files, screwdrivers, pliers and other metal tools. Use yours for paintbrushes: the bristles won’t get squashed, and they will dry out more easily after cleaning.’

Elfa door rack, £135, A Place for Everything

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Anna Sippel, Product Marketing Manager, Waltons

Stow logs in this classic woven basket

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Water hyacinth log basket, £45, John Lewis & Partners

Start as you mean to go on with this sewing kit. Inside the pretty tin are 15 cotton reels, needle book, scissors and pink tape measure Rose Hip deluxe sewing kit, £14.95, Rex London

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s Display your tools, including heavy spanners and hammers, on these strong carbon-steel magnetic tool holders

Fixed to the wall this rack holds up to 20 tools of multiple sizes

Magnetic tool holder (24in), £19.99 for three, Waltons

Keter tool rack, £19, Amazon

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk February 2019

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We have £3,688 worth of fab prizes up for grabs!

Win a £200 voucher to spend at Posterlounge

Five lucky winners

Breathe some new life into your home décor with a £200 Posterlounge voucher and discover a vast collection of pictures which complement your style. Be it classical paintings by the Old Masters, minimalist typography or soothing watercolours – there’s something for everyone in this extensive portfolio, ranging from the wavy brushstrokes of Van Gogh to modern graphic designs by contemporary artists.

Plus, with a choice of different printing materials, our five lucky winners can opt for a unique finish for their favourite picture. There’s poster paper and canvas, but also the possibility of printing every image on natural wood, shiny acrylic glass, aluminium or even wall stickers in various sizes. Complete your new look with a custom-made frame, or ready-to-mount prints on wood and turn pictures you like into wall art you love. Find out more at www.posterlounge.co.uk.

Win tickets to The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

Win two ActivSleep pillows from Sealy

We’ve teamed up with The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show to give 20 lucky winners a pair of one-day tickets to its show from 28th February to 3rd March 2019 at Olympia London.

Shining a spotlight on dressmaking, this year’s show will feature the Spring Sewing School, where top tutors will host an exciting dressmaking and upcycling workshop programme. You’ll be spoilt for choice with tutorials and demonstrations, inspiring galleries, a special exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, drop-in lessons and advice clinics, an Innovation Station showcasing the latest equipment, Sip & Stitch Prosecco Bar and over 150 specialist retailers – this is a must-see event! Find out more at www.theknittingandstitchingshow. com/spring.

Competition closes on 13th February 2019.

We’ve teamed up with leading bedding brand Sealy to offer four winners a pair of newly launched pillows that use the latest science to help deliver healthy living through rest. The ActivSleep pillows use state-of-the-art Sealy technology along with the very best fillings, all encased within a unique ventilated memory-foam shell to deliver unbeatable support for the head and neck. Choose from either the Geltex Pillow with a revitalising Geltex core – made from an innovative combination of an extremely elastic gel and air-permeable foam – or the Reflex Pillow, in which cluster fibres are encased to respond to the contours of your head and neck to give you the support you need. Both pillows are made in the UK and come with a two-year guarantee. To find out more, visit www.sealy.co.uk.

20 pairs to win

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Four fab prizes!

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62 lucky winners

Win tickets to The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show!

Full of all the inspiration, ideas and products you need to create the home you want, we’ve teamed up with The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show to give 62 lucky Your Home readers a pair of one-day tickets, worth £24, to this fab show, taking place from 28th-31st March 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham!

Whether you’re midway through building work or you don’t know where to begin, The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is brimming with ideas to help bring your project to life. There’s advice on planning permission, plus eco lovers will also learn how to design and build a sustainable home while picking up handy style tips.

Choose from several free talks on topics including self-builds, renovating, innovative

products, extensions, conversions and DIY projects, with tailored solutions on a host of regulations. Plus, more than 500 free one-on-one advice sessions will be available.

So, why not bring your plans and questions and receive tailored solutions from leading resident property experts? Find everything you need from industry-leading products to suppliers, all under one roof. You can also enjoy educational masterclasses and

detailed daily seminars to help you design smart, secure and sustainable projects! Find out more at www.homebuildingshow.co.uk.

To enter, visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk, click on the WIN! tab, then fill in your details.

Rules of entry 1) The competitions close at midnight on 28th February 2019 unless otherwise stated. Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. 3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over the age of 18, except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize.

5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to participate in publicity if required. 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be entered into. 8) 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 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

A Place for Everything 01244 680501 www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk Abode Living 01273 621116 www.abodeliving.co.uk Addis www.addis.co.uk Aldi 0800 042 0800 www.aldi.co.uk Alusplash www.alusplash.com Amara 0800 587 7645 www.amara.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk Argos 0345 640 3030 www.argos.co.uk Arthouse www.arthouse.com Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644 www.atlanticshopping.co.uk Atrafloor www.atrafloor.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 www.audenza.com Azalee Interiors 01278 440502 www.azaleeinteriors.co.uk

B

B&Q 0333 014 3098 www.diy.com Ban.do uk.bando.com Barker & Stonehouse www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Beko www.beko.co.uk Blinds 2 Go 0800 862 0464 www.blinds-2go.co.uk Bloom & Wild 020 7352 9499 www.bloomandwild.com Bloombox Club www.bloomboxclub.com Boobalou 07888 001033 www.boobalou.co.uk Bosch www.bosch-do-it.com British Ceramic Tile 01626 834774 www.britishceramictile.com Bronte By Moon www.brontebymoon.co.uk Bushboard www.bushboard.co.uk

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Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk Charlene Mullen www.charlenemullen.com Christy 0161 367 5800 www.christy.co.uk Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055 www.clarissahulse.com Clarke & Clarke www.clarke-clarke.com Cormar Carpets 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk Creative Tops 01536 207668 www.creative-tops.com Crown Paints 0330 024 0281 www.crownpaints.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 www.cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 www.cultfurniture.com Curious Egg 01738 621111 www.curiousegg.com Currys www.currys.co.uk

D

Darling & Gold 07825 004122 www.darlingandgold.com Debenhams 0344 800 8877 www.debenhams.com Designs Direct 020 8363 4905 www.designsdirect.co.uk DFS 0333 999 9777 www.dfs.co.uk Dimplex www.dimplex.co.uk Direct Blinds www.direct-blinds.co.uk

20 DIY Alcove Cabinets 01403 823824 www.diyalcovecabinets.co.uk Dovecot Studios 0131 550 3660 www.dovecotstudios.com Dowsing and Reynolds www.dowsingandreynolds.com Dr.Beckmann www.dr-beckmann.co.uk Dulux 0844 481 7817 www.dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565 www.dunelm.com

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H&M Home 0344 736 9000 www.hm.com Habitat www.habitat.co.uk Harlequin www.stylelibrary.com Harvey Maria 0845 680 1231 www.harveymaria.com Harvey Norman www.harvey-norman.co.uk Hillarys 0800 916 1094 www.hillarys.co.uk Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400 www.hobbycraft.co.uk HomeSense 01923 473561 www.homesense.com Hurn & Hurn 01603 559250 www.hurnandhurn.com

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eBay www.ebay.co.uk Ella James 01572 759190 www.ellajames.co.uk Etsy www.etsy.com Farrow & Ball 01202 876141 www.farrow-ball.com Firebox 0800 802 1420 www.firebox.com Flavell Trading www.flavelltrading.com Floodgate Games www.floodgategames.com Flying Tiger Copenhagen uk.flyingtiger.com Fred Aldous 0161 236 4224 www.fredaldous.co.uk

Garden Trading www.gardentrading.co.uk George Home 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com Graham & Brown 0808 168 3795 www.grahambrown.com

I Want Wallpaper 0161 491 6400 www.iwantwallpaper.co.uk Ian Snow 01271 858649 www.iansnow.com Ikea 0845 358 3363 www.ikea.com Indesit www.indesit.co.uk Industville 020 7971 7871 www.industville.co.uk Insidestore 020 7267 4772 www.insidestoreldn.com JD Williams www.jdwilliams.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 0345 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com

Karndean Flooring 01386 820100 www.karndean.co.uk Kaufmann www.amazon.co.uk KitchenAid www.kitchenaid.co.uk KSL Living www.ksl-living.fr

Where to buy everything in this issue La Redoute www.laredoute.co.uk Lakeland 01539 488100 www.lakeland.co.uk Laura Ashley 0333 200 8009 www.lauraashley.com Lidl 0800 977 7766 www.lidl.co.uk Lifestyle Kitchens www.lifestylekitchens.com Little Greene 0845 880 5855 www.littlegreene.com Lola & Mawu 07380 170206 www.lolaandmawu.com Look After My Bills www.lookaftermybills.com Love Welcomes www.lovewelcomes.org Lusso Stone 020 3370 4057 www.lussostone.com

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M&Co www.mandco.com M&S 0333 014 8555 www.marksandspencer.com Made 0344 257 1888 www.made.com Magnet www.magnet.co.uk Maisons du Monde 0808 234 2172 www.maisonsdumonde.com/uk Mason Cash 0151 486 1467 www.masoncash.co.uk Matalan 0333 004 4444 www.matalan.co.uk Methven 0800 195 1602 www.methven.com Michael Murphy Home Furnishing +353 1890 917 003 www.michaelmurphy.ie Mira Showers 0800 001 4040 www.mirashowers.co.uk Modern Rugs 01388 663738 www.modern-rugs.co.uk Moduleo www.moduleo.co.uk Moneybox www.moneyboxapp.com My Furniture 0800 092 1636 www.my-furniture.com

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Neptune 01793 427300 www.neptune.com Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk Nordic House 01872 223220 www.nordichouse.co.uk Not on the High Street www.notonthehighstreet.com

N O P

Olio www.olioex.com Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110 www.oliverbonas.com

P&N Homewares www.pandnhomewares.co.uk Paperchase 020 3322 4788 www.paperchase.com Papermash 07403 607051 www.papermash.co.uk Perch & Parrow 020 8629 1166 www.perchandparrow.com Philips www.philips.co.uk Pixers www.pixers.uk Plumb Inn 020 8443 6900 www.plumbinn.co.uk Postcards Home 020 7281 3990 www.postcardshome.co.uk Posterlounge www.posterlounge.co.uk Poundland www.poundland.co.uk PreFab77 www.prefab77.co.uk Primark www.primark.com

Printer + Tailor 01432 265094 www.printerandtailor.com Purlfrost 020 8992 4024 www.purlfrost.com

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Quick-Step 02830 250477 www.quick-step.co.uk

Red Candy 0121 224 7728 www.redcandy.co.uk Rex London www.rexlondon.com River Island 0344 576 6444 www.riverisland.com Rockett St George www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk Ross & Brown 0345 600 3315 www.rossandbrownhome.co.uk Russell Hobbs www.russellhobbs.com Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636 262 www.sainsburys.co.uk Sanctuary Bathrooms 01132 444400 www.sanctuary-bathrooms.co.uk Sass & Belle 020 7497 2992 www.sassandbelle.co.uk Sauce Shop 01159 413263 www.sauceshop.co Scaramanga 01334 657642 www.scaramangashop.co.uk Sealy 01697 320342 www.sealy.co.uk Sew and So 0800 013 0150 www.sewandso.co.uk Shutterly Fabulous 0800 970 0800 www.shutterlyfabulous.com Siemens www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com/uk Smeg www.smeguk.com Smithers of Stamford www.smithersofstamford.com Soak & Sleep 01483 437762 www.soakandsleep.com Sofa Workshop www.sofaworkshop.com Sophie Allport 01778 560256 www.sophieallport.com Staples www.staples.co.uk Stendig Calendars 020 3411 8245 www.stendigcalendars.co.uk Swan 0844 826 9357 www.swan-brand.co.uk Swoon 020 3319 6332 www.swooneditions.com

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Tala 020 3026 3246 www.tala.co.uk Tefal 0345 602 1454 www.tefal.co.uk Terry’s Fabrics www.terrysfabrics.co.uk The English Panelling Company 01453 731305 www.theenglishpanellingcompany.co.uk The Farthing 0844 567 2400 www.thefarthing.co.uk The Little House Shop www.thelittlehouseshop.co.uk The Living Room www.theliving-room.co.uk The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show 0844 854 0503 national.homebuildingshow.co.uk The Old Cinema 020 8995 4166 www.theoldcinema.co.uk The Pendant Light Company 01580 712805 www.thependantlightcompany.co.uk

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The Range 0345 026 7598 www.therange.co.uk The Rug Seller 0161 876 4566 www.therugseller.co.uk The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show 0844 581 1319 www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/spring The Used Kitchen Company www.theusedkitchencompany.com The Window Film Company www.windowfilm.co.uk Tile Giant www.tilegiant.co.uk Tile Mountain 01782 223822 www.tilemountain.co.uk TKMaxx 01923 473561 www.tkmaxx.com Tons of Tiles 01752 785623 www.tonsoftiles.co.uk Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262 www.toppstiles.co.uk Trouva www.trouva.com Typhoon 0151 486 1888 www.typhoonhousewares.com Urban Avenue 0330 221 0565 www.urbanavenue.co.uk Utility Design 0151 708 4192 www.utilitydesign.co.uk

U V

Valspar 0344 736 9174 www.valsparpaint.co.uk Very 0800 092 3355 www.very.co.uk Victoria Plum 0344 804 48 48 www.victoriaplum.com Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878 www.victorianplumbing.co.uk VonHaus www.domu.co.uk Vonshef www.domu.co.uk

Wallpaper Direct www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk Walls and Floors 01536 314730 www.wallsandfloors.co.uk Wallsauce www.wallsauce.com Waltons www.waltons.co.uk Wayfair 0800 169 0423 www.wayfair.co.uk Wickes 0330 123 4123 www.wickes.co.uk Wilko 0800 032 9329 www.wilko.com Worktop Express www.worktop-express.co.uk

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SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Introducing Zebedee The Any Angle Hanging Rail. Zebedee is the only and original of the shelf hanging rail speciically 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, lot conversion, under the stairs, in the kitchen or even the garden shed!

Tel: 07712607529 • Email: diane@zebedee.co Website: www.zebedee.co

JANUARY

SALE

Dry your clothes in style, off the loor & out

of the way with the . . .

Laundry Ladder

Monaco 2 seater sofa

Only £299. Only from us.

Oakridge •• Sofas •

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Love Your Laundry

www.oakridgedirect.co.uk Tele 01685 844944

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033 022 32 855

Free Delivery (Mainland UK Only) Use code: YH19 Expires: 28th Feb

To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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01509 234000 - www.loorsofstone.com enquiries@loorsofstone.com

Stunning New Generation High Efficiency Gas Fires

Suppliers of natural stone, porcelain and terracota iles, handmade ceramic iles and wood looring.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

www.nu-flame.co.uk

020 8254 6802

To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

made to measure Winter sale 20% off everything

n n n n n

Up to 75% Off High Street RRP Free Swatches Free Delivery On Orders Over £129 5 Year Guarantee 5 Star Customer Reviews

To view our full range visit us today

wowcurtains.co.uk

GREAT BRITISH SOFAS DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR HOME AT FACTORY PRICES SOFAS FROM ONLY £299 AND CHAIRS FROM ONLY £199 IN OUR JANUARY SALE

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For a free 2019 brochure call 01495 244226 or visit www.sofasofa.co.uk To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Makers of Fine Leather Furniture Since 1981

WILMINGTON LARGE SOFA WAS £1569

JANUARY SALE PRICE £1129 ● Direct Great British Furniture

from our UK workshop ● 21 day money-back promise ● 5 year hardwood frame warranty

For a free colour brochure call 01443 771222 or visit www.thomaslloyd.com

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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SHOPPING DIRECTORY

CK V! BA N T O

We Clean Ovens ...so you don't have to!

We'll leave your appliances sparkling using our bespoke ecofriendly products.

Range and AGA specialists Ovens & hobs Extractor hoods Microwave ovens Traditional stoves

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0800 140 9800 ovenu.co.uk

FRANCHISES AVAILABLE

Download the NEW app edition on your iPad, iPhone, Android device or PC! Our handy NEW app lets you carry pages of homes, crafts, food and decorating inspiration with you wherever you go. View sample pages for free, or subscribe to explore the entire magazine on the go.

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SA JA LE NU NO AR W Y ON

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

INTO THIS…

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www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

0114 2467240 www.steelcitycutlery.com/plating

To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

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Re-Silver Plating

TR ADI TI ONAL BR I TI S H UPHOLS TERY S I NC E 1987

GREEN LIVING Sharing is caring Did you know that an area the size of Canada and India is used each year to grow food that is never eaten? In an attempt to cut down on the 1.3 billion tonnes of food that goes to waste annually, Olio, a food waste app, is here to save the day – and the planet! A free platform aiming to connect communities, each user can upload, view and collect any food items in their local area that would otherwise be going to waste; for example, your bunch of overripe bananas could be of use to a neighbour wanting to make a banana loaf. It’s as simple as that! To find out more, visit www.olioex.com.

Eco news Discover this month’s green buys and advice

Eco expert S’well-egant!

With more people trying to cut down on single-use plastics, it’s never been more important to stand out from the reusable cup crowd. Offering an array of on-trend designs, S’well specialises in insulated water bottles that are far from boring! Whether you’re a Harry Potterhead or addicted to all things rose gold, you’re bound to find a design that truly reflects your style, while keeping your drink hot or cold for up to 24 hours.

Set up in a bid to support fleeing Syrian refugees, Love Welcomes specialises in unique, artisan door mats woven from old life jackets. The company trains women living in Greek refugee camps to weave a range of stunning designs with the proceeds from each sale going directly to the woman who made it. However, the good deeds don’t stop there, as all profits are then used to support Syrian refugees through language lessons, computer training and transportation. Priced £65 each, there is a huge array of uplifting colours to choose from. Find out more by visiting www.lovewelcomes.org.

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February 2019

S’well bottles, from £25 each, John Lewis

lover and you want to go vegan, it’s important to take your time. For some people, the taste of soy milk is strange, but that isn’t a problem as there’s a huge range of vegan products to choose from. For dairy, you can use oat, rice, almond or lupine milks instead. When you want to replace egg in a recipe, use black salt. Or, for baking, you can use apple sauce, flax egg, chia seeds, or even aquafaba. Find out what works for you and have fun with it!’

WEBSITE WATCH... www.boobalou.co.uk Set up by mum-of-two Jo Crofts, Boobalou is the home for all things reusable. Believing that small choices can have a positive impact on the environment, the site sells a variety of items from straws to baby carriers aimed at replacing single-use products. Plus, Jo offers free reusable nappy hire for anyone living in Surrey, or local parents in Middlesex.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Feature Matilda Bourne

Life savers

We speak to Instagram star Luisa Gaffga for some easy tips on how to swap out animal-based foods …

‘If you’re a big meat, dairy or egg

EST. 1986

A range of traditional and contemporary ďŹ res, ďŹ replaces and stoves, exclusively from Charlton & Jenrick.

T: 0845 519 5991 www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk Charlton & Jenrick brands:

Firing imaginations for over 37 years

Woodburning

| gas

M u lt i - F u e l

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