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HUNDREDS OF GREAT-VALUE IDEAS FOR EVERY ROOM JANUARY 2020

573

BUDGET BUYS

& bright ideas TO UPDATE YOUR HOME

Recipes for healthy comfort food & hearty vegan treats

Quick and easy craft projects everyone can do

HOW TO...

Decorate your home with this season’s latest looks

STUNNING

READER HOMES PACKED WITH DECORATING INSPIRATION

SL OF E Z I R P TA ORTH A TO

New year, fresh beginnings...

TO BE

Clutter-busting storage solutions for every room Discover new skills to improve your home Create a bathroom that works for all the family Buy the right smart TV with our expert guide

W

£3,694 WON

@ Banish those

stubborn stains @ Draught-proof your home @ Make the most of cloud storage

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome

I love th ese colou r f ul storage tins by O rla Kiely fro m H ur n & H ur n .

Th e y c o s t just £2 9.95 for a se t of thre e.

Now the Christmas decorations have been taken down, our homes can sometimes feel a bit sad and bare, so we’ve made sure there is lots of inspiration in this issue to cheer your home up again.

If your New Year’s resolution is to tackle the piles of ‘stuff’ that have mounted up in your home over the last few months, then check out our brilliant clutter-busting feature on page 36 to help you make every room feel calmer, clearer and less chaotic.

The bathroom in particular can be problematic for busy families, they’re often cramped and can all too easily get cluttered with all manner of toiletries.

So, on page 54, we look at some of the smartest storage solutions and space-saving ideas to make your family bathroom work harder for you and help make the morning rush less stressful.

Check out this month’s stunning If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a new smart TV reader homes for Treat yourself or a in the sales but don’t know your HDR from your LED our plenty of design loved one with our buyer’s guide on page 44 will help you bust the jargon inspiration and fantastic subscriber ideas to steal for offer. See page 92 and make the right choice for your needs. every room. for details.

Many of us will have made New Year’s resolutions to eat better in 2020, so if you’re looking for some ideas for healthy comfort food, perfect for chilly January days, then check out our recipes on page 96. fol low & sh are While over on page 100, we’ve got some w w w.you rh o memaga delicious vegan dishes zine.co.u facebook k .com/you rhomema @ Y that are perfect for those our_Hom g e instagram who are doing Veganuary .com/you rhomema pinterest gazine .c om/yourh this year. Enjoy! omemag Editor-in-Chief Anna-Lisa De’Ath Features Editor Catriona Burns Staff Writers Catherine Smalley, Hannah Tribe Editorial Assistant Ella Rhys-Jones Designers Sally Bufton, Beth Charlton Lucas, Libby Parfitt, Emily Waite Digital Editor Rebecca Messina Digital editorial Assistant Thea Jeffreys Thanks to Rob Banino, Carolyn Bunt, James Croft, Emma Lewis, Louise Stevens, Claire Vaughan, Kate White, Sue Wingrove

74

Advertising: Group Advertising Manager Laura Jones Advertising Manager Heather Golden Senior Brand Sales Executive Sophie North Brand Sales Executives Olivia King, Phil Wallington Classified Sales Executive Bethany Ogden Ad Coordinator Bryony Grace Senior Ad Designers Andrew Hobson, Cee Pike Marketing & Production: Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris Direct Marketing Executive Emma Hunter Director of Licensing and Syndication Tim Hudson Syndication Manager Richard Bentley Production Director Sarah Powell Junior Production Co-Ordinator Georgia Tolley PR Manager Toby Hicks Publishing: Managing Director Marie Davies Promotions and Partnerships Manager Rosa Sherwood Group Managing Director Andy Marshall CEO Tom Bureau

Contact Your Home at Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST General Enquiries Tel 0117 927 9009 You can email the magazine at Yourhome@immediate.co.uk For subscriptions: yourhome@buysubscriptions.com UK: 03301358962 Overseas: +44(0)1604 973748 © Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, 2019, member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Unsolicited manuscripts and transparencies are accepted on the understanding that the publisher incurs no liability for their storage or return. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without permission. All prices are correct at the time of going to press. The publisher, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services which may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. Your Home is published by Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST, UK. Every effort has been made to secure permission for copyright material. In the event of any material being used inadvertently, or where it proved impossible to trace the copyright owner, acknowledgement will be made in a future issue. Immediate Media Co Ltd is working to ensure that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests. This magazine can be recycled. We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit immediate.co.uk, email editorialcomplaints@immediate.co.uk or write to Legal Director, Immediate Media Co, Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London, W6 7BT

Editor’s portrait Sussie Bell

subscribe & save

Contents 36

Conquer clutter and make your home more welcoming

20

96

Create a soothing theme with Tranquil Dawn paint

Enjoy comforting and guilt-free recipes

42

Snuggle into a cosy love seat

January at home 5

Pg 5

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

11 Household hints How to clean up after the festive period, blenders tested, plus more helpful tips

42 Heaven in an armchair Make the most of the cosy winter nights by curling into a cuddle chair

52 We replaced the country cream with modern mono Tracey and Huw updated their dreary kitchen with a dramatic colour scheme

Makeovers

54 It’s a family affair Turn your bathroom into a multi-functional, practical space that works for all ages

Pg 24

15 Smarter shopper Ways to get fit for less and how to use cloud storage

24 This was a claustrophobic space A clever extension doubled the size of Gemma Vye’s hallway

44 Buyer’s guide We cut through the jargon to help you choose the right smart TV for your home

28 The large hallway was what clinched it for us Rebekah Horner created an entrance to ‘wow’ her guests

Decorating

Pg 19

32 The hallway is the room that best reflects my style Cara Baker finally created the hall of her dreams

20 Trend alert: Tranquil Dawn Discover how to use Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2020 in your home

Kitchens&bathrooms Pg 47

36 Divide and conquer Get on top of the clutter left behind by the holiday season with clever storage

48 The luxe kitchen Create a sense of drama with rich tones, luxury finishes and a hint of shimmer

Reader homes

Pg 73

74 We’ve filled our dark and gloomy house with light A sympathetically built extension brightened up Laura’s 1920s home 80 My home is the perfect place to live and work Textile artist Lily converted a traditional cart shed into a live-in studio

Have you missed an issue?

Call 03301358962 to order back copies

PLUS! 12-PA

GE PULL-OUT GU IDE

M Make it easy! e Pg 59

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

60

Make DIY skincare to breathe life into tired winter skin

62

Charm passers-by with a rustic planter

86

Discover how Jade created her perfect 1930s family home Create a cosy hot water bottle cover

86 I finally got my 1930s dream home Serial renovators Jade and Liam have settled into the forever home they always wanted

Food & entertaining

Pg 95

96 Conscience-free comfort Satisfying winter recipes without the stodge 100 Veganuary inspo! Brighten up winter with tempting, warming, plant-based recipes

Home improvement Pg 105 106 Buy a new build for peace of mind A brand-new home could be your best move – we break down the benefits 112 Get creative and learn a new skill Make a fresh start to the year and plan to achieve your goals with the help of these courses

Don’t miss out!

9

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

92 Subscribe to Your Home Take out a subscription this month and enjoy 20% off the shop price 118 Prize draws Enter one of our fantastic prize draws for your chance to win a luxury break in Cornwall, a family fun bundle or a year’s supply of delicious, botanically inspired, cider 120 Shopping guide Find out where to buy everything in this issue 117 Coming next month Take a peek at what’s ahead in the February issue 123 Editor’s choice What we just couldn’t resist this month!

128 Eco news Turn your leftovers into food for plants, and take some cold comfort from bees

64 Plus, check out...

66 DIY masterclass Learn how to draught-proof your home 68 Ask the experts We answer your home improvement questions with a little help from the pros 70 Craft stash must-haves The latest creative buys and workshops

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CLMV1

Feature Hannah Tribe

Burns Night

This month we love...

For stockists see page 120

Toast the haggis at events across the country on Burns Night, 25th January. This celebration of the life and work of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who died in 1796, has been held on the anniversary of his birth every year since 1801.

Celebrations vary across the country, but expect neeps, tatties and ‘Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect’ (to quote one of his book titles). Try a traditional Burns supper onboard HMS Warrior (historicdockyard.co.uk) in Portsmouth on the 25th. Dance the night away with the Ceilidh Club (ceilidhclub.com) at Portchester Town Hall in London (18th, 24th, 25th, 31st January or 1st February). Enjoy supper and a stay at Moor Hall Hotel (moorhallhotel.co.uk) in Sutton Coldfield on the 18th, 24th or 25th January.

Feast, shop and celebrate: enjoy a bright start to the new year with one of these treats

Hidden Gem:

Solsken, Frome

St Catherine’s Artisan Quarter in Frome, Somerset, is home to a community of independent traders. Nestled among the winding medieval streets is Solsken.

This delightful shop, owned by Angela Dixon, is named after the Swedish word for sunshine.

It’s packed full of beautiful Scandinavian homeware and gifts, from the iconic Hinza bag, made in Sweden since the 1950s, to cups and plates decorated with our favourite Finnish friends, the Moomins. You’ll also find a range of items handmade in the UK that complement the spirit of the Scandi range. Visit Solsken at 13 Catherine Hill, Frome, Somerset, BA11 ABZ or online at www.solsken.co.uk.

Turn over a new leaf Get organised for the year ahead with a bright new diary. Choosing a design that you love is the best way to remember to keep it with you.

These cheery diaries from Oliver Bonas come in either A5 or A6 size, both with a ribbon bookmark to help you find your place and an elastic closure to keep them neat. The pages are laid out with plenty of space for notes, so you can jot down your shopping list, or important train times, right when you need to, plus the beautiful illustrations and inspiring quotes will help you to start each month with a spring in your step. The 2020 Diary costs £20 for the A5 size and £15 for the A6 size, both from Oliver Bonas. www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

5

GREAT IDEAS FOR...

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Here’s all you need to take part in the survey, happening 25th-27th January Keep a notebook close by to note down those important bird numbers Matt Sewell A5 Songbirds notebook, £10, Go Stationery

Take a closer look to help identify all the birds you spot Turquoise binoculars, £26, Sunnylife

A table feeder with a low roof creates a safe feeding place for small birds

Twinkle toes Make the most of winter by staying indoors, putting your feet up and letting ‘moccis’ keep them warm. These Swedish moccasins are a clever hybrid of a sock and a slipper. The washable leather soles are hand stitched onto a thick, cosy sock so you stay can stay snug without slipping. Child and adult sizes are available, so you can deck out the whole family. Special support straps mean you don’t need to worry about little ones kicking them off, and why would they? With designs featuring crocodiles, penguins or unicorns, they won’t want to be without them. Our favourites are the Odin wool moccis, perfect for cosy afternoons in traditional Swedish style. Prices from £25. View all the designs at moccis.co.uk.

Ear ly flowering In winter it can feel like the first buds of spring are far away. Brighten up the gloom by making your own flowers from crisp crêpe paper. This richly photographed book shares all the information you need to create a magical indoor garden. Unusual designs, such as deadly nightshade, mingle with traditional flowers, like roses, and all are accompanied by extraordinary stories. Find out how the prickly pear cactus played a role in the founding of an ancient city while you craft its elongated spines, or how the spider orchid fools its pollinators while you paint its delicate petals. Uncommon Paper Flowers by Kate Alarcón is £17.99 from Chronicle Books.

Stourhead hanging bird feeder, £40, National Trust

This stylish feeder can be used to hold fat balls, fruit or even nesting materials Birdball Belle terracotta bird feeder, £26, Green & Blue

Roaring 2020s This seed mix is great for birds that can’t use hanging feeders

Start the new year in a feisty feline mood with lion-inspired home accessories. Lions are a perfect theme to embrace if you’re keen to include a touch of Seventies revival in your home. Their warm, neutral tones and golden highlights mean they’ll blend in beautifully with many established decorating schemes, adding a touch of kitsch that you’ll be able to look at with pride.

Table mix bird seed 4kg, £9.99, RSPB Shop

Attract goldfinches and siskins to your garden with a specialised niger seed feeder Niger seed easy-fill feeder, £6, Wilko

6

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Rory lion table lamp, £56, John Lewis & Partners. Golden Syrup cushion, £35, Dog & Dome. Golden lion wall hook, £25, Red Candy. Lion rug, £65, Bobby Rabbit.

Ultimate Allium Mix

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An interesting fact – Allium is an ancient name for garlic, once known for their medicinal and aphrodisiac qualities as much as their flavour. Easy to grow in any welldrained soil in sun or part shade. Height 45-60cm (18-24").

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Occasionally the advertised delivery date may change, however, this will be clearly stated on your order confirmation.

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

Christmas, covered.

Committed to exceptional performance, CDA’s collection of designer kitchen appliances provide the perfect finishing touches for your Christmas.

TOUCH YOURGET HOMEINNEEDS YOU! We love to hear what you’ve been up to, so send us your letters, tips, projects and photos. This month’s prizes are provided by Blossoming Gifts, www.blossominggifts.com

sofa. Inspired by all the homes featured in Your Home, I took the best bits and adapted them to my style. I love my new living room – the house is now winter ready.”

Robeena Ahmad, via email

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Your Home says What a beautiful new sofa, Robeena. We love that you decided to be bold with colour and texture!

A DAY AWAY AT ALLY PALLY “I won a pair of tickets to The Knitting & Stitching Show so I decided to take my mum along for a fun day out. Here is a picture of us outside a windy Alexandra Palace, where the show was held.”

Sue Wilsden, via email

DECORATIVE DRAWERS DE “I wanted a set of drawers for my craft items but didn’t want to spend a fortune.

I spotted an old, dark brown set in a local charity shop and decided to revamp them. I removed the old handles, then sanded, primed and painted the wood.

I wallpapered the drawers and added new knobs. I am very pleased with the finished look! I used leftover paint from another project and the wallpaper only cost me £2 at a charity shop – the entire upcycle cost less than £50.”

Donna Ford, via email Your Home says This is a brilliant upcycling project, Donna. We’re so impressed with the finished result and how you managed to keep costs so low! It looks perfect for a craft stash. ✶ Donna’s letter has won her a luxury ‘Antique’ bouquet from Blossoming Gifts. Send us your projects and photos and you could be next month’s winner!

Your Home says What a lovely picture!

We’re so glad you enjoyed the show.

Thanks for sharing with us.

STORE & ORDER “Inspired by your upcycling a pallet for garden storage feature in the July 2019 issue, my husband kindly made a version for my mum for her birthday. Using old pallet wood leftover from a previous project, he constructed a box that we installed in my mum’s garage so she could use it throughout the winter – and when it’s raining. She was so pleased with the present, which she thought was very original.”

Jo Challen, via email Your Home says We’re so happy you were inspired by our feature, Jo! The finished result looks brilliant and it’s the perfect place for your mum’s gardening supplies.

PLUSH NEW LOOK “After a major surgery last January, I read Your Home during my recuperation. I dreamt of a living room that was warm and bold with a velvet sofa, but I never thought I’d be gutsy enough to create one. But after I had recovered, I painted the living room, replaced the carpet and finally made the decision to buy a velvet

SEND YOUR TIPS, PHOTOS AND LETTERS TO: Your Letters, Your Home magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST or email yourhome@immediate.co.uk

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

This month’s prizes are courtesy of Blossoming Gifts. This issue’s letter of the month will receive an ‘Antique’ bouquet of flowers worth £44.99. Three runners-up will each receive a bouquet of flowers worth £19.99. To see more products, visit www.blossominggifts.com.

Letters may be edited. We apologise but photos cannot be returned.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

9

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Clean away those January blues with these top tips…

HOW TO… CLEAN UP STAINS FROM THE FESTIVE SEASON Entertaining guests at Christmas time inevitably results in clutter, spillages and stains on furniture, fabric, carpets and clothes. To help you in your clean-up mission, we’ve compiled a list of at stain-removal solutions for you to use as alternatives to the harsh chemicals typically found in shop-bought products…

Baking soda is a staple ingredient for breads and cakes, but it also doubles as an effective stain remover. Form a paste by mixing it with water and apply directly onto the stain prior to washing.

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones Main image National Trust http://shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

White vinegar is a great brightening agent. Target yellow stains by soaking the affected area in undiluted vinegar for 20-30 minutes before washing.

Or, to whiten a piece of clothing, dilute vinegar with equal parts water and leave the item to soak in the mixture prior to laundering.

Water might seem like an inadequate solution to stain removal. But by soaking a fresh stain in water, you reduce the chance of it setting in the fabric. Always ensure that you use cold water when dealing with delicate fabrics such as lace.

To banish cup or mug marks from wooden surfaces, rub the area with an oily substance such as petroleum jelly or a little toothpaste applied to a wet cloth. This will help to break down the residue left behind by the cup.

Once it is free of marks, the wooden surface should be waxed to protect it from further damage.

Save yourself from more work by taking note of these things to avoid: rubbing the stain; mixing stain removers or using too much stain remover; allowing the stain to sit for any longer than necessary.

Editor’s choice If you’re hunting for an elegant way to avoid coffee rings and catch spills, look no further than Typhoon Houseware’s latest Elements collection. We love the eclectic use of materials in the e serving boards, place mats and coasters. They feature marble, wood and terrazzo all tied together with brass inserts.

Elements collection, £12.50 to £22.50, Typhoon Housewares

Q&A How can I keep my kitchen surfaces clean during flu season?

Grease and food spills can build up quickly in the kitchen. Prevent dirt and germs from festering by tackling the mess as it arises.

This will save you from a mammoth cleaning job come the weekend. A mixture of hot water and soap is a cheap and effective cleaner for most worktops. For a deeper clean, add some disinfectant. Vinegar is also useful as a bacteria killer but be sure not to use it on granite or marble surfaces.

Always remember to move worktop appliances and clean an underneath them ass food debris and dirtt can build up here.

Bring a warming winter lunch with you when you head out and about using Kilner’s new soup jar. It comes with a silicone disc cover so you can microwave your meal and clip to hold your spoon.

What to look out for

If you’re in need of a fail-safe way to prepare your avocados, Zyliss has created this 4 in 1 tool specifically for the job. It incorporates a serrated plastic edge to cut through the skin, a de-stoning tool, a fan blade for slicing the flesh and a masher for making smooth guacamole.

Soup Jar Set, £10, Kilner

THIS MONTH

4 in 1 Avocado Tool, £9.99, Zyliss

Turn prepping fruit and veg into an easier and more interesting task with this spiralizer from Jamie Oliver’s range. Create ribbons or spirals to easily bulk up a meal and boost your vegetable intake.

Spiralizer, £13.99, Jamie Oliver

Reduce the time you spend in the kitchen with this professional and powerful food processor from Cuisinart.

Let the processor do the hard work as it mixes, purées, chops or slices your ingredients. A must-have for lazy cooks.

Cuisinart FP8SU Easy Prep Pro Food Processor, £125, John Lewis

Great buy Ecover has launched a new washingup liquid in aid of the climate change cause. It’s made using at least 25% of waste ingredients left over from the beer brewing process. The product is part of Ecover’s initiative to encourage the rethinking of waste products and show that they can be re-used in constructive ways. Don’t worry, it won’t make your dishes smell like a brewery as it’s scented with apple and bergamot.

Ecover WashingUp Liquid Apple & Bergamot, £1.60, available from Amazon, Ocado and Whole Foods

THINGS WE CONSIDERED O Does it produce a smooth consistency?

O How noisy is it?

O Is it easy to clean?

We test...blenders We tried out a selection of blenders and here’s what we found…

This bullet-style blender is very

PERSONAL BLENDER & SMOOTHIE MAKER, £39.99, LAKELAND

SMART SCREEN BLENDER WITH FRESHVAC TECHNOLOGY, £145, NINJA

SMEG 50S RETRO STYLE FOOD BLENDER, £179.95, JOHN LEWIS

effective and blends ingredients

The smallest of the four models here,

This is a beast of a blender. It features

Perfect for displaying on your

into a smooth consistency in a short

this blender would be great for small

a touchscreen control panel and

worktop, this retro-style blender

amount of time. Although slightly

kitchens due to its compact size.

technology to reduce separation. It’s

will be the envy of all your friends.

bulky, it is simple to use and well

It slightly struggles to blend larger

professional in appearance and has

It has a large capacity fitting for a

designed with suction-cup feet to

chunks of frozen fruit but, with a

multiple functions, including smoothie

family and the smoothie function

anchor it to your work surface.

bit of patience, produces a smooth

and ice cream making. Beware of

effectively breaks down fruit and

The detachable, twist-

liquid. The simple

using it early in

veg to

on blade simplifies

design is easy to

the morning,

produce a

the cleaning process

wipe clean

though, as

lump-free

and the affordable

and noise

it’s quite

price point is an

is kept to a

noisy.

added bonus!

minimum

The end

easy to clean

while it’s

product is

given the

perfectly smooth,

jug’s large

POWER BLENDER PLUS, £35, WILKO

working.

12

liquid. It’s relatively

however. If you

size and is

a personal

see yourself

only noisy

blender for those

as a smoothie

when it’s on

who like to start

fiend, this is

the highest

the day with

the blender

speed

a smoothie.

for you.

setting.

It’s ideal as

8/ 10

7/ 10

8/ 10

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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THE LATEST CONSUMER NEWS

Smart savings Save more than £700 per year by putting £60 per month in an easy access savings account.

Even with a low interest rate of around 1.4%, this could be enough to treat the family to a new laptop. DELL’s Inspiron 14 5000 costs around £699 at Curry’s PC World and features a 360º hinge which means it doubles up as a laptop and a tablet. Tent mode is ideal for g at recipes p as yyou cook, while stand looking m mode is perfect for w watching moves w without the k keyboard getting in the way.

Feature Lisa Hibberd Image iStock

YH fab find Planning to get fit? Track your activity with Withings’ Move ECG watch, which costs a lot less than an Apple Watch, while offering many of the same features. It will display the time and your daily step count. Switch to workout mode to launch a session, which will start a chronometer and track your activity. You can then get a report on the accompanying app, which includes a map of your route via connected GPS. It has a built-in ECG (electrocardiogram) so you can monitor your heart. It’s waterproof down to 50 metres.

Move ECG, £129.95, Withings.

Savvy improve your ways to... physical fitness Q There are plenty of ways to get fit without spending a penny. Check out your local newspaper or village newsletter for local walking, running or cycling groups. They’re a great way to meet likeminded people while getting exercise and they’re often free to join.

Q Want to join a gym? Consider pay-as-you-go – you can visit as little or as often as you like without being tied in to a costly contract. Many gyms offer free passes for a limited time, so make use of these to try before you buy. There are also more than 1,000 council-funded free outdoor gyms in the UK. The equipment varies, but you’re likely to find 10–20 exercise stations, some similar to those in indoor gyms. Visit www.tgogc.com or www.freshairfitness.co.uk/site-installations.

Q If you’re lucky enough to live near an outdoor swimming pool, make use of it! Many of the UK’s 100 plus lidos close in winter but some open all year round. Visit www.outdoorswimmingsociety. com/uk-winter-lido-list/ for more information.

Q If running is your thing, why not sign up for your local parkrun? These free, weekly, 5km timed runs take place in pleasant parkland surroundings. Log on to www.parkrun.org.uk for more information.

Q We love Green Gyms – fun and free outdoor sessions where you’ll be guided in conservation activities such as planting trees and making ponds. The emphasis is on health and fitness, with warm-ups followed by a range of light to vigorous activities for all abilities. Log on to www.tcv.org. uk/greengym to find one.

FACT FILE 64% of families eat meals together only on special occasions, with 80% claiming that they are too busy.

Source: Hillarys

tech news If you’re already thinking ahead to your summer holiday plans for 2020, take a look at Jack’s Flight Club – a handy app that alerts you when an airline drops prices on particular routes. As well as price cuts, it flags up pricing mistakes or ‘error fares’, which, although often short-lived, can be a real bargain. It’s free to download for iPhone or Android, but there’s also a paid for premium version that displays more deals. And, if you’d rather not download the app, you can sign up online to receive email alerts instead.

Visit www.jacksflightclub.com for more information.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

i i 15

THE LATEST CONSUMER NEWS

Know what the ‘cloud’ is and how to use it? We help you make the most of it

A

n online file-storage service, the cloud allows you to back up your work, photos and other items from your phone or computer, so that if you misplace your device or it stops working, you can still access your wedding photos and accounts. Choose the best cloud provider for your needs.

These two are best for home users, students and freelance workers ■ Google Drive gives you 15GB of free cloud storage just by creating a Google account.

You can upgrade to 100GB for £1.59 monthly.

It too can be used on any computer running Windows or MacOS.

■ With Microsoft OneDrive, you’ll receive a 5GB free storage plan, or you can sign up to 100GB for £1.99 a month. You can use it on Windows and MacOS as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS.

APPLE ICLOUD

WHAT IS CLOUD STORAGE?

Apple has its own online storage system called iCloud

Once you get to grips with the concept, it’s all quite simple really. The cloud is just a metaphor for the Internet:

● Every Apple user with an Apple ID (which you need to access iTunes for instance) receives 5GB of free storage. You can use this to back things up on your Mac laptop, computer, iPhone, iPad or iPod. ● Do the two-step verification process to make your iCloud account more secure. ● By activating it on all your Apple devices, you can access your photos, videos, documents, contacts and files. ● You can upgrade to 50GB for just 79p per month if you need more storage capacity.

HOW ABOUT DROPBOX? Feature Hayley Gilbert Image iStock

GOOGLE DRIVE & ONEDRIVE

Those who work from home can share files with other users Store and share files on the cloud and collaborate on work with others.

Get 2GB of storage free of charge with Dropbox Basic.

Those who need to store a lot of data might need Dropbox Plus (2TB of storage, £9.99 a month).

16

● Cloud storage is a free or paid-for service that enables you to upload your data and files so that they are always safely backed up. Many systems do this automatically for you once you’ve signed up, so your work is constantly being uploaded to the cloud. ● Cloud storage

Q

Just how safe is it to store things on the Cloud?

Janet Hardwick, New Forest

A

top tip

Check all the settings on your computer and phone to make sure everything that you want to be backed up to the cloud is turned on, USEFUL CONTACTS as sometimes the O Learn all about Apple’s iCloud automatic setting service at www.apple.com.

O Find out more on how Microsoft is to ‘off’.

Security is ultra-tight but not infallible. Data could potentially be hacked into, though this is unlikely.

Governments can also legally request information stored on the cloud and it’s up to the cloud provider to deny access.

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

is a remote data server that keeps all your digital files and photos updated, allowing you to access them via the Internet whenever you like using your own password from any device. ● The cloud you choose will be owned and managed by a hosting company. Most offer a certain amount of storage each month free of charge and if you need extra storage as the files exceed the limit, you can pay a monthly fee to upgrade. ● You can of course store things on your own external or portable hard drive as well for added peace of mind.

OneDrive works at

www.onedrive.live.com.

O For more on Google Drive, head to www.drive.google.com.

O Sign up to Dropbox at

www.dropbox.com.

THE A-Z OF DECORATING from Anaglypta to Zoffany

WARM TONES FOR AUTUMN/WINTER

OPEN TO THE TRADE AND PUBLIC SINCE 1904

Over 170 stores nationwide °ĆŎĆŕ ÝŊëŵëŊŎ˕ßī˕ŝĖ ŕī ƛ Ģä ŻīŝŊ ĘīßÄĘ ŎŕīŊë

Find perfect gift ideas for your loved ones as well as decorative inspiration for the most beautiful time of the year in the Posterlounge online shop. www.posterlounge.co.uk

Decorating Get set for 2020 with these hardworking new products Rainer etched glass vase, £35; Belle glass ceiling light, £90; Deco double bed frame, £550, all Habitat

MINI TREND:

RIPPLE EFFECT

This tactile trend is one we want to get our hands all over.

It adds an extra dimension to sumptuous fabrics such as velvet and creates elegant grooves in glassware and concrete. Ribbed textures can be found on nearly every kind of surface and it’s perfect for winter as the quilted character creates a sense of warmth.

Kanso stacking tumbler, £4, Sainsbury’s Home

Sammanhang display box, £40, IKEA

Bottle green n Melville swivell chair, £314.99, MY Furniture

Feature Hannah Tribe

VERSATILE VASE

ALL IS CALM

Keen as Mustard Starting a business is never easy, but starting one with your sister, who lives on the other side of the world, is brave. Happily, Becca and Jess decided on a beautifully simple idea, creating stylish and practical lockers in a range of eight Instagram-friendly colours. They’re available in multiple size options, with prices starting from £129, and extra shelves and matching storage baskets are available. Mustard lockers are a utilitarian storage solution with a big heart.

Making space for extra guests in the holiday season can be a nightmare, with some sofa beds of the past being heavy or too flimsy. This sleek offering from John Lewis and Partners will have you sleeping soundly. Foam cushions create a deep, soft mattress and the clever unfolding movement has a reassuring ‘click-clack’ sound to let you know that the mechanism has been safely locked into place. Available in navy as well as light grey, this smart piece of furniture will make your home sleepover-ready all year round.

Show Wood sofa bed, £599.20, John Lewis and Partners

Prolong the life of your bouquets with this clever vase. Large bunches can be accommodated in the main chamber, but as some blooms fade, the remaining ones can be placed in the smaller chamber that’s revealed by turning the vessel over.

This gives you the chance to enjoy your flowers all over again.

Reversible glass vase, £38, Block Design

Light relief The latest designer collaboration from Blinds 2go is a mid-century marvel. MissPrint’s graphic prints add a touch of retro charm to 30 classic roller blinds.

The range of 10 hand-drawn designs include Little Trees (shown here) and Tarn Tempest, inspired by sunlight reflecting on lakes.

Each blind is available with a choice of linings, giving you complete control over the amount of light you want in your room. Prices start from £29.95. A 60cm wide by 80cm drop blind in Little Trees, with a light filtering lining, would cost £62.82.

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

www.hillarys.co.uk

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

19

STYLE FILE

TREND ALERT…

Tranquil Dawn Discover how to introduce this soft green into your home

R

evealed as Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2020, Tranquil Dawn is a pale green inspired by the morning sky. Used in our homes it’s a calming colour, symbolising a need for reconnection with the natural world. It is also a versatile shade that’s designed to work in each of Dulux’s four new colour palettes to create spaces for Care or for Play, to find Meaning or for Creativity.

If it’s relaxation you’re after, combine it with an earthy neutral, dusky pink or pale blue chosen from the Care palette. For an energising scheme you could choose to combine it with the Playful palette’s vivid red, baby blue or cream. Teamed with warm cream or deep charcoal from the Meaning palette, Tranquil Dawn can help give your décor serenity, while with mossy greens, mushroomy taupe and maroon you can make a space for Creativity.

The addition of a green armchair really lifts this otherwise neutral scheme Gramps armchair, £845, Loaf

These pastel bowls make for a serene table setting, teamed with off-white and sage linen Always Entertaining pasta bowls by Denby, £54.99 for four, Wayfair

Charcoal grey will give your décor definition Beatrix rug in duck egg, from £169 for a 120cm x 170cm size, Marks & Spencer

The smallest details can really help build upon a look, just like this marble table top Zuiver Luigi round side table, £149, Cuckooland

20

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Some darker sage greens will prevent a pale green scheme from looking washed out Pinsonic throw, £15, George Home

STYLE FILE For a peaceful, fresh scheme combine earthy neutrals with muted, hazy green and hints of pale blue and pink Main back wall Tranquil Dawn matt emulsion; band at ceiling height of back wall Pink Skies matt emulsion; upper back wall Dune Grass matt emulsion, all £29.16 per 2.5l, Dulux

EXPERT TIPS ‘Tranquil Dawn™ works beautifully on its own because it’s such a soft versatile shade but it also loves to be snuggled up in layers, so all of the Dulux 2020 trend palettes have been designed to support it to tell a different story in your home. You will see this colour coming through in furniture and accessories too so it’s one that will be easy to coordinate with other elements in your space.

A beautiful way to make the most of tranquil colours is to create a soothing horizon effect in a room. A painted horizontal band around a room at the top or bottom immediately connects us with the outside and makes us feel balanced and grounded.

Use it anywhere in your home that you want to feel relaxed, peaceful and reenergised, so the living room, bedroom, bathroom or home office. It’s also ideal if you have busy, energetic kids who need a little peace in their lives. Green is one of nature’s neutrals too, so just like houseplants in a room, it is super versatile and works with everything.’

Snuggle up on this minty green seat, made just for two

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director, Dulux UK

Keaton loveseat, £499.99, Wayfair

Coppery and brass accents will add highlights, providing added depth and interest

Feature Laura Higgins

Ellipse chair in Opulence grey, £349; Harvard green bar cabinet, £399; Arris neutral cushion, £35; Agate soft teal throw, £250; Opal-effect large green vase, £350; medium bronzed vase, £35; black marble disc, £50; Design Project Squiggle Putty wallpaper, £30 per roll, all John Lewis & Partners

Tranquil Dawn matt emulsion and Basically Black matt emulsion, both £26.16 per 2.5l, Dulux. Function 440853 fabric, £45 per m, Harlequin. Subject 440828 fabric, £45 per m, Harlequin. Alicia pink triangular cushion, £40, Habitat

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

21

STYLE FILE

The bedroom is a great place to layer different shades of green, building it up with linen, cushions and throws Bergamo solid oak double bed, £349.99, Furniture Choice

Pale green is a great look for a kitchen that won’t date easily Mini Metro duck egg gloss flat wall tile, £28.99 per sq m (top); Crackle Glaze Hyde Park green wall tile, £51.99 per sq m; both Tons of Tiles

spend vs save Add atmospheric light with a stylish task lamp

Skyler desk lamp, £29, Cult Furniture

Heart Wood matt emulsion (top); Stable Gates matt emulsion, both £26.16 per 2.5l, Dulux. Subject 440876 fabric from Prism Plains 2 collection, (left) £45 per m, Harlequin. Irradiant 133033 fabric from Momentum 11 collection, £55 per m, Harlequin. Danish Home Leaf cushion, £30, Debenhams

22

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Oxelösund tripod table lamp, £33.99, Wayfair

Mossy green and rich maroon and rusty orange create a comforting, sumptuous feel Vertical stripe Tranquil Dawn matt emulsion; far left Forest Shade matt emulsion; far right Neptune Seas matt emulsion, all £29.16 per 2.5l, all Dulux

STYLE FILE Revamp wooden floors with an eye-catching rug

COLOUR COMBO

Crochet green circular rug

by Esprit, £115, The Rug Seller

More calming paint tones for your tranquil home

GoodHome Artane matt emulsion; GoodHome Cordoba matt emulsion, £12 per 2.5l, both B&Q

Sunday Stroll Claypaint; Hidey-Hole Claypaint, £43 per 2.5l, both Earthborn

Choose accessories in complementary colour ways Danish Home green embossed small storage jar, £12; large grey storage jar, £16, both Debenhams

North Brink Grey (291) Absolute matt emulsion; Hidey Hole (307) Absolute matt emulsion, £45 per 2.5l, both Little Greene

Svenska Blue Chalk Paint; Original Chalk Paint, £19.95 per 1l, both Annie Sloan

Use creamy neutrals and warm brick and wood tones as a base for your décor, adding in pale green accessories Japanese Bamboo Jade rug by Florence Broadhurst, from £489 for a 140cm x 200cm size, www.therugseller.co.uk

Surrounded in Serenity V500 Walls & Ceilings; Stormy Skies V500 Walls & Ceilings, £23 per 2.5l, both Valspar

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

23

This was a cramped and claustrophobic space A clever extension into the porch doubled the size of Gemma Vye’s pokey hallway, giving her storage space that was desperately needed

G

emma Vye adores the pretty 1930s house she lives in with her husband Mark, daughters Sophia, nine, Izabelle, five and cockapoo Peggy in Gloucester – but the hallway was her least favourite space. ‘Sophia was just a baby when we moved in and we had nowhere to store the buggy, bags, coats and shoes.

It always felt like we were tripping over ourselves trying to get in and out of the house,’ says Gemma. With a lack of storage space and no natural light, the cramped, dark hallway needed a complete rethink.

Gemma, who works as a kitchen designer, had a clever plan to extend the space out into the porch area but, knowing just how much chaos it would create, she was reluctant to start the work. ‘Eventually, we got so fed up with the lack of space that we just had to go for it,’ says Gemma.

STEP ONE Gemma instructed an architect to help draw up her plans and then found a builder to do the structural work. It

cos t tota4l,531 £

BEFORE 24

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

HALLWAY MAKEOVER A bespoke bench and coat rack with pretty wicker baskets give the Vyes a clutter-free area to store shoes, coats and hats

Gemma wanted a seating area away from the stairs where the children could put on their shoes. Storage drawers in the bench mean shoes are out of sight but to hand when needed

No space is wasted in the Vye’s hallway. A local carpenter designed clever pull-out storage cupboards for coats and shoes in the space under the stairs

GOOD IDEA!

Creatin g shoes o a place to sit a nd put n out o f th stairs m eans ev e way of the ery ready to one can get gether.

Feature & Photos Heather Gunn

was not all plain sailing though. ‘I wanted to create a bench with drawers for shoes, but the builder was insistent on using that area for a doorway into the utility room,’ Gemma explains. ‘The whole point of the work was to create storage space, so I had to really fight my corner and make him stick to my plan.’ Once the structural work was complete, Gemma chose a part-glazed front door with sidelights that suited the style of the front of the house and flooded the hallway with natural light.

STEP TWO The staircase originally had only one bannister, as it was boxed in by the outside wall, so Gemma enlisted the help of a carpenter to create a second newel post and install spindles all the way up to the landing. He also built the bench seat and drawers Gemma wanted beside the front door as well as a coat rack with cubbyholes above the bench. Amazingly, she found

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

25

ROOM PLAN

HALLWAY MAKEOVER little baskets from The Basket Company that fitted perfectly. The carpenter also built ingenious pull-out cupboards for coats and shoes into the side of the staircase. ‘These are life-changing!’ laughs Gemma. ‘They have doubled the storage space and you’d never even know they were there.’

STEP THREE The flooring was next on the job list. ‘We had beautiful parquet flooring running from the hallway into the living room, but we couldn’t find matching blocks for the extension,’ says Gemma. ‘We had to remove the blocks from the hallway altogether, which was heartbreaking but, fortunately, we found vinyl flooring from Karndean that looks strikingly similar and most visitors think it’s real wood.

STEP FOUR With the building work complete and everything in place, Gemma could turn her attention to the décor and

she chose Farrow & Ball’s Lamp Room Grey for the walls with white for the woodwork. A practical console table from Neptune fits perfectly beside the front door and a large mirror bounces light around, making the space feel even brighter.

Gemma is fortunate to have space on the landing upstairs for a Micke desk from IKEA, having ripped out a huge built-in cupboard that was falling apart. ‘This space is perfect for me if I have to bring work home and the girls love to sit here and draw.

It’ll be ideal when they need somewhere quiet to do homework,’ Gemma says.

With the additional space she has created upstairs and down, Gemma is delighted with how the project has turned out.

‘I feel elated every time I walk into the house now,’ she smiles. ‘I just can’t believe that the cramped, claustrophobic hallway that used to drive me to distraction now fills me with joy!’

GOOD IDEA!

3.1M

2.6M

the details PAint

£73.50

Carpentry

£1,500

Door

£1,000

Carpet Furniture

£253

Flooring

£517

£4,531.50

shopping list Ludlow 2 front door, £POA, Solidor. Lamp Room Grey emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Brilliant white satinwood, £27 for 2.5l, Dulux. AP01 Blond Oak Parquet, £68.99 per sq m, Karndean. Primo Excellence Elite carpet in Silver Charm, £17.50 sq m, Cormar Carpets. Bench seat and coat rack, bespoke.

Honey rattan storage baskets, from £12, The Basket Company. Henley console table, £820; Somerton console basket, £65, both Neptune.

For similar radiator try Acova 3-column horizontal radiator, £199.99, Screwfix.

Selbourne Nickel pendant light, £150, Laura Ashley. For a similar mirror, try mirror bevelled with deep angled frame, £30; acrylic square lamp shade, £19, both Dunelm. Ralph Nickel lamp base, £65, Laura Ashley. Glass vase, £12; Faux flowers, from £2.50 per stem; Vanilla Tobacco candle, £7.99, Candle lantern, £12.99, all HomeSense. Winter Diffuser, £27, The White Company. For similar picture frame, try bevel photo frame, £18, John Lewis. Micke desk £60; Fjallberget Conference chair, £150; Ludde sheepskin rug, £29, all IKEA. Soft grey desk lamp, £20, Homebase. For a similar message board, try contemporary large letterboard, £49.99, Not On The High Street.

3 OF THE BEST..WICKER STORAGE UNITS £32.99 from Von Haus This affordable set of tiered wicker baskets is perfect storage for small spaces. The light cream finish will brighten any room.

£69.99

£32.99

£35.95 from Melody Maison We love the space-saving design of this wall mountable storage unit complete with hooks and three wickers baskets.

£69.99 from Sue Ryder For a shabby chic storage solution, look no further than the five-drawer wicker cabinet with contrasting dark wood baskets.

26

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£1,010

Lighting

total

ace a landing sp Make use of t area af cr or e fic as a home of ’ and a ex tra ‘room to create an tive. ea cr to be quiet place

£178

£35.95

1

2

SPRAY

1 • 2 S P R AY M O P S I M P LY S P R AY A N D M O P S T R A I G H T AWAY, N O N E E D F O R A B U C K E T.

www.vileda.uk

HALLWAY MAKEOVER

The large hallway was what clinched it for us Having a generous space to play with gave Rebekah Horner the chance to go to town and create an entrance to ‘wow’ her guests

total cost £1,687

GOOD IDEA!

Replacing the panel le spindles h as really o d staircase with pened up They have the sp been pain ted grey to ace. in with th e distinct tie ively p floor tiles that Nath atterned an found at Tile Mo untain

BEFORE 28

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Two windows mean the hall and landing are bathed in light. The hall’s generous size provides ample space for a wooden IKEA bench, that Rebekah has dressed in a grey throw that she knitted herself with yarn from Woolly Mahoosive

Rebekah has created a graphic display to liven up a large expanse of white wall using hooks, shelves and letters

W

hen Rebekah and Nathan Horner were house-hunting and first viewed their 1950s four-bedroom semi in York, the generous hallway was a deciding factor.

‘We were bowled over by the space and potential, even though everything in the house needed changing,’ says Rebekah, 39, a stay-at-home mum. ‘It was all magnolia walls and brown carpets, but I really wanted a brighter, fresher look.’

After getting the keys in October 2018, the couple spent the first week ripping out kitchen units before knocking a wall through to join the kitchen and dining room. Then, after prioritising their fouryear-old daughter Jaime’s bedroom, they turned their attention to the hallway.

STEP ONE ‘My signature style is monochrome, so I knew I wanted white

walls to make the most of the light coming in from the two windows, with dark woodwork as a contrast,’ Rebekah explains.

‘And I’d always wanted a runner going up the stairs, so that was also on my wish list.’

With their look decided, the pair spent many evenings and weekends over the next six months decorating, including sanding the steps and knocking out the panelling on the half-turn staircase. ‘The panels blocked out light from the landing window,’ points out Rebekah. ‘We replaced them with spindles, so the area feels much lighter and more open now.’

STEP TWO Swapping the beige carpet for more practical ceramic tiles has also transformed the space and they’re easy to keep clean with a steam vacuum. ‘Nathan sourced the floor tiles and people often admire them,’ Rebekah says. ‘Although

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

29

Feature Karen Wilson Photos Katie Lee

Rebekah made the wool hanging at a class run by Nest and Burrow. In order to make it stand out she has painted the wall behind it in Pitch Black by Farrow & Ball

HALLWAY MAKEOVER I’d originally wanted a striped stair carpet, once we’d decided on the tiles it made sense to pick a plain grey design instead, or else it would have clashed. We matched the carpet to the grey of the floor tiles and went darker with the paintwork to add impact.’

STEP THREE Attention to detail has been vital for creating a cohesive look.

The old white uPVC front door has been ditched in favour of a smart new grey door that creates a much better first impression

and has a glass panel that lets light stream in. In the hall, the tired yellowing radiator, one of the first things seen by visitors, has been swapped for a contemporary graphite model. All the internal door handles, switches and sockets throughout the house have been standardised and upgraded to modern black ones.

On the largest wall in the hall, Rebekah has created a stylish area with a mirror, box shelving and funky wooden raindrop hooks from which to hang bags and belongings.

An existing built-in cupboard by the front door has ample space for shoes, coats and other items that she doesn’t want on show.

‘We just stripped out the old hooks, painted it white and added new black handles,’ she says. ‘And we’re lucky to have space for a bench seat at the bottom of the stairs where we can take off our shoes.’

Personal touches, including several items that Rebekah has made herself, such as a woollen wall-hanging and a clay mobile, add a homely feel. She hopes to start selling her craftwork online eventually.

STEP FOUR The biggest expense in

Rebekah has broken up the monochrome scheme in the hallway with elements of wood, using a branch and a mirror shelf from Futon Company

refurbishing the hallway was the labour for the jobs Rebekah and Nathan couldn’t do, including fitting the front door, tiling the floor and plumbing in the radiator.

Rebekah has, however, managed to re-use a few accessories from her last home in order to save money.

Looking back, she has no regrets about choosing a fail-safe combination of white, black and grey. ‘The rest of the house is mostly monochrome too, except for two large green sofas in the living room, light pink walls in the playroom and lots of plants everywhere. It keeps things timeless and the whole house flows as one,’ says Rebekah. ‘I love the sense of space as you walk in, but I’m most proud of the stairs as that was the biggest transformation and it took so much time prepping, painting and getting right.’

3 OF THE BEST... PATTERNED TILES £16.99* from Tile Mountain Inject some pattern into your flooring with the Derby tile. A quirky option but most importantly, very durable.

£16.99

£29.95

£42* from The Baked Tile Company

* Price per sq m

For timeless flooring, opt for this Aged Chevron pattern in a muted black and white finish.

£29.95* from Walls and Floors Ltd Made from ceramic with a matt finish, the Classico Fleur tile is ideal if you’re looking for a delicate, vintage-style look.

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£42

ROOM PLAN 2.75M

5.7M

the details Floor tiles

£224.33

Stair runner

£540

Paint

£170

Front door

£500

Blinds

£48

Bench

£35

Lighting total

£170

£1,687.33

shopping list Derby pattern porcelain floor tiles, £16.99 per sq m, Tile Mountain. Stoddard Templeton Hopsack Carpet runner in Stratosphere, from £18.49 per sq m, Clifton Carpet Centre.

Walls painted in GoodHome durable brilliant white matt emulsion, £20 per 5l; stairs painted in Leyland Trade brilliant white satinwood, £13 per 0.75l, both B&Q. Feature wall painted in Pitch Black, £46.50 per 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Spindles and bannister painted in Coal Tipple Premium Blend V700 wood and metal paint, £32 per 2.5l Valspar. Front door, £500, Howdens, painted in Coal Tipple outdoor wood and metal paint, £42 per 2.5l, Valspar. Ypperlig bench, £35; Tenhult step stool, £15, both IKEA. Bobble cushion cover, £35, Happy & Co. Milano Aruba anthracite radiator (635x590mm), £154.95, Best Heating. Similar Kayla two-tone pendant in dark and light grey, £23, Iconic Lights. White blackout roller blind (153cm x 163cm), £18, Dunelm.

Colours Kimi corded natural roller blind (180cm x 180cm) on landing, £22, B&Q. Ovo mirror, £30; similar Charlotte porcelain lamp shade, £28, both The Futon Company.

Metal wall rack set, £79.95, Nordic House.

Set of two Dropit hooks by Normann Copenhagen, £22.50; wooden wall letters, £3.60 each, both This Modern Life. Similar Ferm Living hanging tea light holder oval, £65, Nordic Nest. Diamond planter, £32, Jack Laverick Ceramic Design. Watch Me wall clock in black by Normann Copenhagen, £37, Nunido. York poster (50x70cm), €59, Mapiful.

Star garland in black, £7.50, Grey September.

BYGGE Tiny Houses, €15.95 for a set of 12, Jurianne Matter. Begonia star doormat by Laurel Foundry, £18.99, Wayfair. Villads lantern, £16.99, Jysk. Bloom A4 print, £9.50, The Little Jones. Personalised house number print, from £6.95, The House Outfit.

The hallway is the room that best reflects my style After several mini makeovers, Cara Baker finally has the hall of her dreams Cara used acrylic poster paint to create an orange ombré effect on her console table to match vintage pendant lights, seen reflected in the mirror

C

ara and Andy Baker run a building company, so they weren’t phased by the work needed on their three-bedroom detached 1930s house in Wolverhampton. When they bought it in March 2013 the entire property needed gutting, including the lacklustre hallway.

‘It wasn’t very welcoming,’ remembers Cara, 46. ‘The floorboards were water damaged so it looked a bit dingy and the walls were crumbling. It also needed new doors, skirting boards and a stair rail.’

Punchy orange accents and elements of black have lifted Cara’s grey hallway scheme and taken it to another level Cara was lucky that the original 1930s glazing around the porch door was intact

STEP ONE As part of the first phase

GOOD IDEA!

of their building work, loose plaster was removed in the hallway, the walls were boarded and both the walls and ceiling were skimmed. ‘Unfortunately, the newly plastered ceiling fell down overnight as it hadn’t adhered to the old lime paint and had to be boarded and re-done,’ says Cara.

The floorboards were ripped up and the couple installed underfloor heating and new boarding ready for their future flooring.

Keen to reinstate the house’s original features, they also replaced the skirting boards with a lamb’s tongue design and bought new 1930s-style panelled doors.

od mirror is a go An over-sized on’t be D a. am dr eate choice to cr scale. around with afraid to play

STEP TWO With the basics done, Cara and Andy turned their attention to the rest of the house before returning to finish their hallway the following winter. One bugbear was the staircase, which didn’t meet building regulations as the spindles were too far apart. Andy installed news ones, with a handrail. ‘At first he bought a cheaper pine one and suggested staining it to look like oak, but I sent him back to get an oak one to match the new doors,’ says Cara. ‘Some things you just can’t skimp on.’

Next, they turned their attention to the flooring, choosing a thick pile neutral carpet up the stairs alongside Karndean parquet flooring which had to be laid in individual blocks by a specialist fitter. ‘We chose it because it looks like the kind of flooring that would’ve been in the house

32

BEFORE

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Feature Karen Wilson Photos Katie Lee

HALLWAY MAKEOVER

cos t l a t o t ,417 £1

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

33

ombré effect on the console table. ‘I felt the grey looked boring and blended into the background, but this really packs a punch,’ she says. ‘I also replaced the lacklustre rectangular mirror for a much larger ornate round design to add drama.’

Further artwork and accessories have also enhanced the space, including an LED arrow sign made from black card and foam board, a feather lampshade created from a wig head, and a letter H that was jigsawed from MDF and painted in a crackle glaze.

ROOM PLAN

2.19M

STEP FOUR Not one to rest on her

GOOD IDEA!

The large expa nse of space be side the stairs is th e perfect plac e for a bold patterned wallpaper.

originally and everyone thinks it’s real,’ says Cara. ‘However, it’s comfy underfoot and you can wear heels without damaging it.’

The starting point for the colour scheme stemmed from three 1970s pendant lights that Cara’s mum had in her loft. ‘That led to the grey walls as I felt they would work well with orange,’ says Cara. ‘Then I chose the Farrow & Ball wallpaper, which oozes drama and looks hand-printed, as well as painting my second-hand cream console table in a light grey to match.’

STEP THREE The following year, Cara had the brainwave of creating an orange

laurels, Cara then gave the room another mini refresh two years later, adding a cowhide rug for texture and a custom-made neon sign. Further homemade touches included several belly baskets customised with black tassels and gold faux leather fringing trim, as well as a Juju hat Cara made from feather trim.

1.32M

STEP FIVE The final piece of the jigsaw was giving the porch a boho makeover by painting the PVC door and window frames pink and adding palm leaf wallpaper. Cara came up with a clever design that trails onto the ceiling, although the eventual 3D effect was a happy accident. ‘As I was sticking part of a leaf to the ceiling, the rest was hanging against the wall,’ she says. ‘Andy saw it and said it looked effective, thinking I’d done it on purpose, so I decided to leave it like that.’

Looking back, Cara admits the hallway is the only room in the house where she hasn’t regretted anything. She is pleased with the transformation and her favourite aspect is the trio of orange vintage pendant lights that started the whole thing off.

‘Since starting my interiors blog www. caradise.co.uk two years ago, I’ve learnt so much,’ she says. ‘It has made me want to revisit every room including the ceilings.

Getting the hall and porch just how I want it has really spurred me on.’

3 OF THE BEST...STATEMENT MIRRORS £65

£158 from Audenza For a period style, try this wrought iron Gold Deco Square Mirror. It’s perfect for a hallway statement or above a mantelpiece.

£65 from Abode Living Made from natural bamboo and willow, this intricately designed Bamboo Oval Mirror is a great focal point for your hallway.

£158

£38 from Sweetpea & Willow The sun-inspired design of the Pointe Soleil Mirror will brighten up any wall. We love the ombré effect of white blending to gold on the spikes.

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£38

the details Paint

£121

Wallpaper

£308

Flooring

£558

Stair carpet

£90

Internal doors

£110

Spindles, handrail and base rail

£230

total

£1,417

shopping list Paint: walls in Warm Pewter, £16 per 2.5l, Dulux. Door in Fleecy Dreams; coat hooks in Samurai Fusion, both £21.98 per 2.5l, Valspar.

Console in Quartz Flint 4 flat matt and blended with Quartz Flint 2, £29.16 per 2.5l, Dulux. Lotus white/grey wallpaper, £118 per roll, Farrow & Ball. Exotic Palms by Galerie wallpaper in porch, £35.95 per roll, Wallpaper Direct. For a similar carpet, try Truro Saxony in mineral, £22.99 per sq m, Carpetright.

Karndean Art Select parquet AP01 blond oak, £55.76 per sq m, Find me a Floor. Internal oak DX shaker solid doors, £54.99 each, Deal4Doors on eBay. Venice very large round wall mirror, £149, Mirrors2Home on eBay. For a similar cowhide rug, try the Koldby, £179, IKEA. Rock On hand, £16.95, Audenza. Try coat hooks with shelf, £40.50, jnj.oak.craft on eBay. For similar belly baskets, try tassel seagrass storage basket small, £16,Oliver Bonas. Gold faux feather fringing trim, £3.99, London Ribbons on eBay. Feather trim, £14 for four metres, Deco-house on eBay. Love is the Drug sign, £149.99, Aoos-neon on eBay. XO print, from £6.93, Genefy Prints on Etsy. Creole Queen Bey print, AZ Design, Society6. ‘In my mind my dreams are real’ print, from £13.95, SketchBook Design UK on Etsy. Artificial staghorn fern, £10.70, Fruugo. Distressed stone-effect fist ornament, £18, Rockett St George. Just be Happy sign, £4, Next.

EST. 1986

A Great British Product

Introducing the new Paragon P5 Scan the QR code to see the Paragon P5 in action on YouTube now �

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DECORATING IDEAS

DIVIDE AND CONQUER Don’t let the clutter of Christmas and the knick-knacks of New Year take over your home, follow our advice on the brilliant buys that will turn every room in your home a beautifully organised space Available in various colours, these cute hooks let you keep clutter off the floor as well as keys and cards off windowsills

HALLWAY Hallways are notoriously a dumping ground. But they’re also the first impression anyone gets of your home, so why not make it as sleek and organised as possible?

Ensure there’s plenty of hooks for coats, hats and bags, a separate place for shoes to be stored and a handy drawer to safely store keys

Northern Nest hooks,

£42 each, all Nest

Hello hooks, £8; coat stand, £30; Nova easy-fit pendants, £45; Fulton storage bench, £149; chunky jute runner, £28; mechanism grey clock, £20; selfadhesive floor tiles, £14, all Dunelm

When all the tidying and decluttering is done, treat your hallway to a bright, new door mat to welcome guests in style Happy door mat, £18, Oliver Bonas

Hang this rack in the hallway so that letters can be swept off the floor and into the shelf at the bottom, while invites and memos can be clipped to the grid

If space permits invest in this charming unit that’s nearly two metres tall. It has hooks for coats, space for shoes, a shelf for boxes and bags and a bench to sit on – it’s all you could need in the hallway Canterbury hallway unit, £619.99, Oak Furnitureland

Bendt wire memo board in copper,

£25, Made

36

Add a touch of mid-century charm as well as essential storage with this classic bench

Hats, gloves and scarves can all be stored in these and kept close at hand for those chilly days

Lloyd hallway bench, £350, Next

Garden Trading

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Mixed weave baskets, £60 for three,

DECORATING IDEAS

LIVING ROOM

Where to start?

Keeping your living room clutter free is an ongoing challenge, so choose clever solutions with handy shelves where things can be kept out of view. Also look for storage furniture that will work twice as hard in the space

Simon Glanville, MD of aplacefor everything.co.uk and member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers, shares his top tips on tackling your home without getting overwhelmed…

Landskrona threeseater sofa, from £525; Stockholm mirror, £75; Ypperlig floor lamp, £45,

• BE STRICT The best thing to do is step into each room in your home with a charity bag in hand – aim to fill the bag with items you no longer need, but you know will be of use to someone else

• BE SYSTEMATIC Don’t fall into the trap of starting one room and moving on to another before finishing. Start, sort, complete and move on.

all IKEA Add a touch of luxury to your scheme with this beautifully buttoned ottoman. Use it as a foot stool, extra seating, a coffee table or place to store your collection of Your Home magazines Mylia storage ottoman, £249.99, MY Furniture

• BE CLEAR Clear surfaces mean a clear mind. Create clutterfree zones in your home on kitchen surfaces, dining room tables, sideboards and so on – it will give each room an instant spring-clean feel.

• BE ABSTRACT Look at each room and try to think differently about the space. Where space is limited, consider adding storage options to a wall or door. Add extra hooks, shelves and storage furniture to give all of your items a permanent home.

• BE KIND TO YOURSELF Don’t be too ruthless; you can keep mementos and souvenirs. Put them somewhere deliberate, either in a nice box or on display… somewhere to make the most of them.

The living room ends up at the centre of daily chaos, but come the evening you want it to be an oasis of calm. Help the transition run smoothly by being smart with furniture choices – this coffee table has drawers that provide ample storage so that you can clear that clutter in no time Cambridge button back chair in Dalton off white, £1,075; Devon white two-drawer coffee table, £800; Bernwood sea spray curtain fabric, £36 per m; dark sea spray paint, £35 per 2.5l; Hinton natural rug, from £180, all Laura Ashley

• BE CONSISTENT Once you’ve decluttered, schedule time each week to do a quick sweep of your home to ensure everything is still in order. This way, it won’t get out of control again!

Arc side table with storage,

£399, Pepper Sq Ltd

Consider donating or selling any old DVDs and CDs you don’t use anymore. Most movies and music can be downloaded and stored digitally, so it’s a great way of reducing the clutter in your living room and might earn you a few quid too!

If you’re looking to invest in a new shelving unit, consider one that has both open shelving and cupboards combined. That way you can keep pretty pieces out for all to see, while smaller, less aesthetic pieces can be hidden away but kept close to hand

Feature Lara Berry

Who said storage couldn’t be stylish? We love this Arc side table that reveals handy, hidden storage within

Top tip!

Toshi shelving unit, £549,

Atkin & Thyme

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

37

DECORATING IDEAS

KITCHEN Kitchens often become a dumping ground for everything from the day’s post to the latest food shop, on top of being a place to make and eat hearty family meals. So if you’re planning a new kitchen think about your needs: drawers for utensils, shelving for ingredients and crockery, and moveable storage so you can make keep essentials close at hand Raskog trolley, £39; Fokusera extractor, £350; Metod/Maximera cabinetry, as seen here £1,473, all IKEA

This handy addition will help you to see exactly what is in the cupboards. The tiered system allows you to organise jars and tins easily without neglecting your favourites at the back Expandable shelf,

£16.99, Lakeland

Expert advice

Ditch the packaging and create a sense of cohesion in your kitchen with coordinating storage – these metal tins and bread bin are great for adding colour in the same stylish pastel hue Metal bread bin, £16; storage tins, £4 each, all Next

Use these on-trend copper baskets to keep your cupboards in order or to corral all your cleaning products under the kitchen sink Stanford copper wire baskets, £45 for two, Habitat

Open shelving has become popular in the hub of our homes, but if you let chaos reign they become disorganised in no time.

So use the shelves to group items, but remember to give them space to breathe

This gorgeous larder will help you stay on top of your kitchen clutter, with spaces for spices, baking essentials and bottles in the door racks. Small appliances and more can be stashed in the deep drawers Westcote Blue double larder, £799,

Cotswold Co

38

Brushed stainless steel three-piece saucepan set, £42; stacking mugs, £3 each; grey and wood knife block with knives, £40 grey and wood utensils, £4 each; 1.7l matt navy and copper jug kettle, £35; four-slice matt navy and copper toaster, £38; granite pestle and mortar, £7; rush natural storage basket, £18, all Dunelm

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

‘Larder-style dressers are a great option for kitchens, no matter the size.

They provide a dedicated space that can be configured to your exact needs, whether it will house utensils, crockery or dry food. Incorporating pull-out racks and drawers will help maximise the space while conveniently allowing you to effortlessly see the full depth of your dresser.’

Ben Burbidge Managing Director at Burbidge & Son

DECORATING IDEAS

BATHROOM Shampoo, lotions, towels and cleaning products… there’s a lot to store in a bathroom so keeping it organised can be a tough task. Choose a mix of cabinets and open shelving, as well as wall-hung storage to allow you to give everything a home and keep those surfaces free from clutter Godmorgon/Tolken washstand with two drawers, £145; Ragrund shelving unit, £45,

both IKEA

Top tip!

Tackle the bathroom by clearing out all of the products you don’t use or are out of date. When you’re left with just the essentials it’s time to find them a home. Grouping items in open boxes on shelves will help make them look neater keep them accessible. Make use of wall space with hooks and hanging storage solutions for lighter weight items.

Choose furniture and accessories that do more than just one job. This mirror features shelves to store fragrance bottles, make-up and more Drew storage mirror,

£175, Habitat

Choosing ladders for storing towels or to hang baskets from will keep products to hand. Anything that keeps items off the floor and away from bath edges will make the space easier to clean Luxury Notre Dame patterned roller blinds, from £26.49,

English Blinds

Investing in a accessory set to decant soap into and organise your toothbrushes will give your bathroom a sense of cohesion and instantly make it look neater Matthew Williamson aqua embossed bathroom accessories, from £8

for the toothbrush holder, Debenhams

These baskets are perfect for organising everyday essentials Two tone rope baskets,

£12.99, Lakeland

Store cotton wool pads, hair clips and other small accessories in this beautiful pot Cut Glass Storage Pot,

£24, Amara

Tall, slim units are great solutions for the bathroom as they can be squeezed into the most awkward of spaces. These units also help keep surfaces clear by giving everything a home hidden neatly inside Canyon Console cabinet, £69; Catherine Lansfield textured stripe towel range, from £15; Christy Kimono towel range,

from £26, all Very

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

39

DECORATING IDEAS

BEDROOM Making sure the clutter doesn’t take over your bedroom is key to a good night’s sleep. A space that is calm and organised will provide less of a distraction and allow you to relax fully at the end of the day. Make use of the space under your bed by adding drawers or boxes, or choose an ottoman bed that will simply lift up to reveal previously wasted space. Find baskets, boxes, suitcases and trunks to group belongings and store them neatly and stylishly Angle Poise desk lamp, £35; Florence curved bedstead, from £299; Watercolour Lines cushion, £20; octopus cushion, £22; grey bouclé throw, £30; Halo grey speckle two-piece mug set, £28; rush lined baskets, £29 for two; Havana rug, from £55, all JD Williams

Stop your dressing table from getting cluttered with jewellery by popping it into this stylish box Pink leaf glass box, £30,

Debenhams

Make smart choices Caitlin Price, John Lewis Head of Buying, Furniture & Flooring, shares her advice for making your home work for you ‘With many people living in smaller houses than previous generations, finding smart but stylish storage solutions is crucial to making the most of our homes. For smaller living spaces, every inch of additional space counts.

‘Versatility is key when creating a clutter-free home. Pretty and practical multi-purpose pieces that store clothing and accessories are particularly in demand. Customers are looking for storage that makes the most of every inch of available space. Stackable modular storage is perfect for this, with stacking drawers and boxes in various sizes working particularly well in wardrobes and cupboards.

‘Bedrooms are the perfect place to consider space-saving solutions and multi-functional furniture.

Think about investing in a storage bed either with drawers or with an ottoman lift. Or, if your budget prevents this, consider separate wheeled drawers that you can slide under the existing bed – just make sure you check the height from floor to bed.’

Opt for shelves instead of a bedside table. Keeping the space beneath clutter free will instantly create a sense of calm

If you struggle to keep track of your favourite nail polish, this gorgeous armoire is a must. Its door opens to reveal a mirror, cubby holes for make-up, hooks for jewellery and there’s even a spot to charge your phone

String pocket, £122 each, String Furniture

Pack away out-of-season clothing or spare bedding in this storage trunk and slip it out of sight, under your bed

White LED wall-mounted armoire, £64.99,

Beautify

Ponting fabric under bed storage trunk,

£15, Made Add a pop of colour as well as extra storage with this bench. Position it at the foot of your bed and it’ll provide a handy spot to perch while serving as the perfect clutter catcher Jacobs storage bench, £250, Habitat

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

DECORATING IDEAS

KIDS’ ROOMS Keeping on top of the kids’ rooms is no easy feat – everything needs a home if you want to be able to see the floor! Under bed drawers, toy chests, wardrobes, shelving and storage pockets can all be added in a colourful array to leave the little ones with no excuse not to pick up after themselves

Help the kids keep their space neat and tidy with easily accessible storage for their toys, books and teddies Vox Tuli bookcase and toy storage unit, £175, Cuckooland

Slakt bed frame with storage and slatted bed base, £235, IKEA

Top tip!

This super cute storage basket can hide plenty of toys to keep their room looking clutter free

Peg boards are a handy storage solution and work for any room. Personalise them to suit your needs by adding shelves, hooks or baskets

Acorn storage basket, £24.99,

Peg & Board

Get your kids involved and periodically go through their clothes and toys with them. Be armed with bags for charity, car boot or online selling sites, or simply to throw stuff away. Then help them find homes for all the items that made the final cut.

The 100 in blush, £160,

Doubling as a bench, this unit boasts three drawers to hold toys, clothes or crafting essentials. What’s more, the seat lifts up to provide quick and easy access to the toys in all three drawers

H&M Home

Harri unit, £249, Swoon

Why pick a bookcase that’s stuffy and square when they can be colourful, fun and practical too?

Geoff the Giraffe storage bookcase,

£124 Red Candy

For youngsters to teenagers baskets, boxes, trunks and suitcases are great ways to keep knick-knacks in one place Suitcases, £25 for two, Retro Kids

This bed ticks all of the boxes – it’s stylish, has a pull-out trundle bed for when friends stay over and beneath that are drawers offering heaps of storage space Loki day bed, from £349,

Noa & Nani

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

41

Heaven in an armchair Make the most of the cosy winter nights by curling up in a cuddle chair made for one – or two!

A

t this time of year, when the dark nights mean we spend more time inside our homes, it’s important to create personal spaces where you can enjoy some well-earned ‘you’ time.

We’ve pulled together the best snugglers and small love seats to help you create a safe haven to retreat to when all you want to do is nestle down with a good book and a mug of something warm. These chairs are ideal to place in a small corner or alcove, and the rich colours and luxe fabrics will create a real focal point for your room. Although perfect for one, most of these chairs have room for two to snuggle up in.

CHAIR HUG This statement piece will add a bold pop of colour to your room.

For extra impact, place in a space with otherwise muted tones.

Feature Kate White

Jackson velvet cuddle chair in orange, £449.99, Argos Home

42

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

BEST BUYS THE SNUG

WORTH A LOOK

There’s ample space for one with this velvet delight and it’s also perfect if you want to smooch with a ‘plus one’. The button detailing and dainty feet are perfect if you’re going for a more traditional look.

Add glamour to your room with an elegant love seat, featuring delicate piping and elegant slim-line legs.

Grevie armchair, £550, IKEA

Don’t Love Me Love Seat by Bold Monkey, £629, Cuckooland

HAPPY PLACE This squishy armchair is a great choice for tight spaces. It comes in mid-grey, teal, coral and navy blue velvet but you can accessorise with a textured throw and cushions to really make it your own.

Snuggler armchair, £599, Snug Shack

It may be small, but the Kelsey makes up for in comfort what it loses in size. Its simple Scandinavian style will bring a modern vibe.

Kelsey chair, £449, Very

Sink into this luxurious offering from Dunelm, perfect if you’re trying to add vintage touches. This will sit perfectly in an alcove or a snug.

Halston velvet snuggle chair, £399, Dunelm

LOVE NEST A chair with a twist – place between bookshelves and TV and then swivel around, depending on your choice of entertainment.

Fasalt swivel armchair, £450, IKEA

Welcome in the New Year in style. With its champagne tones and deep cushions, this impressive chair will work best in a larger, classically decorated room.

Belvedere snuggle chair, £649.97, Furniture 123

Short on space?

An armchair beanbag is a great way to create comfy seating without it taking over the room.

ICON Milano velvet lounge chair bean bag, £99.99, Bazaar Group

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

43

BUYER’S GUIDE

Bring entertainment to life with a smart TV If you don’t know your HDMI from your HDR, take a look at our advice on what to watch out for when you’re buying a smart TV

W

hether you prefer to relax in front of a good film, binge watch boxsets or catch up on current affairs, the right television can transform your viewing experience.

If you’re looking to upgrade, however, you’ll find yourself facing a bewildering choice of screen sizes, resolution options and technical jargon. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite TV buys and gathered some basic information from the experts to help you make the right decision.

Bush 32” Smart HD Ready LED TV, £179.99, Argos

Cello Smart 4K Ultra HD TV, £320, TV Village

Size isn’t everything, and if you don’t have the space – or budget – for a large TV, check out this Bush model available from Argos.

Along with a 32” screen it provides access to binge-worthy shows on streaming apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as well as a wide range of channels with Freeview Play. The clear LED screen and surround-sound system are perfect for any movie night. Two HDMI sockets let you connect more than one games console simultaneously and there’s a handy USB port for showing off your holiday photos and videos.

British television manufacturer Cello Electronics’ range of smart TVs are a great choice if you’re looking for a good-quality model but don’t want to spend a fortune. This 43” design is pre-loaded with popular catch-up and streaming apps, has built-in Wi-Fi and three HDMI inputs for external devices and consoles. Its 4K Ultra HD LED screen offers fantastic picture quality, and it’s also available in three larger sizes, up to 65”.

BEST

Feature Lisa Hibberd

PICTURE

Hisense B7500 4K HDR Smart TV 43”, £329, John Lewis & Partners

With four times more pixels than Full HD, this 4K HDR Hisense TV will show your favourite shows and movies with brighter highlights, darker blacks and a wider spectrum of colour. It comes with Freeview Play and an intuitive VIDAA U 3.0 smart TV control system that allows you to switch effortlessly between all of your apps and devices in three or fewer steps. Its seamless design has a slim bezel around the edge, giving it a sleek and sophisticated look that will grace any living room.

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Toshiba 43” Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV, £289, Curry’s PC World

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Catch up on shows you’ve missed with BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, as well as 4K content through streaming services with this Toshiba LED TV. Freeview Play is built-in too, so you can go back and watch the previous seven days of shows simply by scrolling back through your TV guide. And with HDR technology, every detail will seem to pop out of the screen, from the whitest whites to the darkest colours. It also offers cinema-quality sound with Onkyo speakers and a subwoofer with Dolby Audio.

BUYER’S GUIDE

jargon bus t er We asked the experts at John Lewis & Partners to explain some of the technical terms customers will encounter when buying a smart TV

SMART TV

PICTURE RESOLUTION

Smart TVs seamlessly stream online content through your broadband connection, so you can catch up on your favourite shows and connect to social media. ● When choosing a new television, look at the smart features available – most offer catchup TV, such as BBC iPlayer and streaming movie services, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Most new TVs today are ‘smart’. ● Different TV brands use different operating systems, so certain smart applications will only work with certain TV brands. ● If you subscribe to a movie service already, then make sure your new set supports it.

This is measured by the amount of pixels in a screen. The higher the density of pixels, the higher the resolution. ● HD Ready (High Definition) 720 x 1,280 pixels. Capable of showing high-definition footage that TV channels broadcast. An HD Ready TV won’t have a high-definition tuner built in, so the services would need to watch the HD channels to get the benefit. ● Full HD 1080 1,080 x 1,920 pixels.

4x the quality of current broadcasts. ● 4K Ultra HD 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.

4x the quality of a Full HD picture. Even close up, images are clearer, sharper and more

●

GREAT VALUE

LG LED HDR HD Ready smart TV, £229, John Lewis & Partners

A good choice for a smaller room, this 32” model uses LG’s awardwinning webOS smart system to improve the way you experience entertainment. Discover and switch between content quickly and easily, streaming through NOW TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play. HD-ready resolution gives sharp, vivid detail, even on a smaller screen, while special software creates a multi-channel surround sound effect. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa devices for voice-activated control.

realistic. Providers are currently creating 4K content, with some already taking the lead, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and UltraFlix. ● 8K Ultra HD 7,680 × 4,320 pixels. A new resolution that offers the most detailed perspective with even greater depth than 4K. 4x resolution of Ultra HD (4K) and 16x resolution of Full HD. Upscales any content to 8K resolution. Great for large screen viewing with almost no pixelation. ● HDR (High Dynamic Range) Offers a deeper, more lifelike display due to a higher contrast between the brightest whites and darkest blacks, which allows for more realistic colour recreation. With HDR you see everything exactly as the director intended.

To browse the full range of TVs from John Lewis & Partners visit www.johnlewis.com

Cello 32” Superfast smart LED TV with built-in DVD player, £220, TV Village

If you want all the benefits of smart TV while still having the option to watch your own DVDs, consider this 32” model from Cello that has a built-in DVD player. You can download all of your favourite Android apps to the TV and it boasts four HDMI inputs for your external devices and consoles.

Sony Bravia LED HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart Android TV, £599, John Lewis & Partners Polaroid 4K Ultra HD Smart Series TV, £299, Asda

For excellent picture quality at an affordable price, we love this Polaroid model, available at Asda. It boasts 24/7 access to the latest movies and boxsets from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video as well as YouTube, all on a stunning 4K Ultra HD display. It’s also designed to work with Amazon Alexa, giving you hands-free control – so if you have an Amazon Echo or Dot, you can change channel using nothing but your voice.

The superb 4K HDR picture quality of this TV will take your viewing to the next level by combining crisp detail, beautiful colour and smooth motion. Clear speakers ensures the sounds are as crisp as the pictures, and the Android control system gives you access to a world of online content, which can navigated with Google Assistant as well as Alexa devices and Apple Airplay and HomeKit.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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Kitchens &BATHROOMS

Fresh ideas for to start the New Year in style

Our Topp Tile Introducing the Tile of the Year for 2020 – Syren Midnight Blue from Topps Tiles. Drawing inspiration from oceanic creatures, the deep-blue tile is shaped like a scale, which makes it perfect for creating a scalloped-edge feature wall in your home. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, the tiles can be arranged in a variety of patterns for a statement or subtle look.

The Syren tile is also available in a number of other ocean-themed colours. Priced at 90p per tile. Visit www.toppstiles.co.uk for more information.

MUG-NIFICENT To add a handcrafted touch to your kitchen, why not invest in a selection of Manufactured Culture’s bubble mugs. Made using the highest quality porcelain, each piece is unique and colourfully quirky.

Priced at £18.50 per mug and available in a variety of colours and textures. Your mug collection needn’t be boring anymore! To find out more, visit www.manufactured culture.com.

JUST A LICK OF PAINT

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

Bathe in a relaxing glow

Invite colour into your bathroom this January with Waters Baths of Ashbourne’s bespoke painting service. Choose from a range of over 100 earthy, natural colours to be hand-painted onto any of the company’s baths, basins or accessories in a sophisticated matt finish. As a nod to the colour trends of 2020, why not try Tranquil Dawn as shown here? For £495 they’ll paint one bath and up to two basins, or one bath, one basin and one accessory for you. Go to www.watersbaths.co.uk to find out more.

A long, luxurious soak in the tub is the perfect antidote to the harsh winter weather and what better way to add to the relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom than with Concrete & Wax’s innovative range of candle and holder sets. The modular concrete holders are stackable, so you can add your own creative flair when arranging these natural soy wax candles. The candles and holders may be a minimalism lover’s dream but they’re definitely not holding back when it comes to scent. Try Lime, Basil & Mandarin for a fruity fragrance, or Tobacco & Oak for more of a woody aroma. Prices from £35, visit www. concreteandwax.com for more details.

VISIT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOR MORE KITCHEN & BATHROOM INSPIRATION www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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KITCHEN IDEAS

The luxe kitchen Create a sense of drama with rich-toned cabinetry, luxury finishes and a hint of shimmer

GREEN PARTY

Clean lines and a silky smooth high-gloss finish strike the perfect balance between minimalism and luxury Intelliga Glencoe kitchen in Cashmere, Truly Handleless Gloss, price on request, Wickes

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Feature Alice Butler

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f you’re dreaming of starting the new decade by switching up your pared-back Scandi hub for a more opulent design, you’re right on trend. For 2020 kitchens are moving into more decadent territory: think rich-toned cabinetry in shades of midnight, forest green, berry and charcoal; luxe marble or terrazzo worktops and glints of warm-toned metallics. This is a scheme where more really is more: either mix and match your palette, or go all out with one tone broken up by contrasting worktops, splashbacks and flooring.

‘Wood provides warmth, making your kitchen inviting. Rich in tone, walnut is a luxurious timber and the perfect choice for a striking scheme.’

Jayne Everett, Creative Director, Naked Kitchens Ladbroke kitchen, from £7,000, Naked Kitchens

Hone in on the details ▲ ‘Accessories are key to the customisation of an opulent kitchen and will add an extra touch of indulgence and personality. The addition of warm-toned metallics, such as handles, taps, profiles and statement hoods, will look striking and help bounce light around the room, offsetting the heavier hues. Brushed brass accessories make a great accompaniment to earthy green tones, creating a lasting luxurious ambience in your kitchen.’

Hayley Simmons, Head of Merchandising, Magnet Dunham kitchen in Forest Walk, part of the new Magnet Create paint to order range, from £4,150, Magnet

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

KITCHEN IDEAS

THE ART OF DARK

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Create drama with one colour ‘When choosing charcoal and navy shades, create a more dramatic look by keeping your entire cabinetry in one deep tone. Complement with our engineered oak flooring or pair a matt black laminate worktop with a darker floor such as our dark brown oak laminate.’ Howdens Fairford kitchen in Graphite, price on request, Howdens

▲ This classy gold-effect sink is made from quality, brushed stainless steel, inset or under-mounted for a really modern look Brava concrete kitchen and Zeta matt graphite, from around £10,650, Caple

For an urban industrial look, team a concrete effect with a toning matt graphite finish

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Brava concrete kitchen and Zeta matt graphite, from around £10,650, Caple

▲‘Lookalike finishes such as timber effects can be 20 percent cheaper.’ Sinead Trainor, LochAnna The Elswick Collection in Graphite and Mala Gloss Graphite, from £7,700, LochAnna Kitchens

THE DETAILS

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1, Minted Glory matt emulsion, £15.52 per l, Dulux. 2, Miro tap in copper finish, £149, Smeg. 3, Vie Maison VM1908 Rustique Fume engineered flooring, £78.99 per sq m, Kersaint Cobb. 4, Lyra metal pendant lamp, £39, Cult Furniture. 5, Hatton wooden bar stool, £79, Cult Furniture.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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KITCHEN IDEAS

▲

INTO THE BLUE

Create character with colour ‘A classic colour will stand the test of time, so deep blues, greens and greys are always a good choice if you worry about your kitchen dating. Wood cabinets can always be re-painted if you want to refresh your scheme in the future. Don’t be afraid to use a bold shade in a small kitchen; no matter the size, rich tones add drama and luxury to your home.’

Ben Burbidge, Managing Director, Kitchen Makers Haddon kitchen painted in Charcoal, from, £10,000, Kitchen Makers. Dexter in Ash Black pendant lights, £100 each, Pooky

▲ Team deep blue units with a simple metro tile for a toning look

Boost your flecks appeal

Reflections graphite tile, £29.99 per sq m, Gemini Tiles

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‘To create the ultimate opulent atmosphere a textured work surface will add a little something extra to your kitchen. Crisp white worktops contrasted with dark blue flecks complement midnight cabinets, while marble-effect and terrazzo surfaces make a luxurious and elegant choice when paired with dark shades.’

Hayley Simmons, Head of Merchandising, Magnet Integra Dunham kitchen in Midnight and Seagrass, from £4,660, Magnet

▲For a mix and match effect, pair putty and ink units with a marble-effect worktop and punctuate with metallic accents H Line Sutton in Inkwell and Farringdon Grey with a Farringdon Grey handle rail, from £12,000, Masterclass Kitchens

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

KITCHEN IDEAS

BERRY CRUSH

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Add hints of shimmering metallics ‘A sumptuous look is simple to achieve with the right know-how. Mixing metals is making a comeback and I think a soft, dull gold looks fantastic against dark cabinetry such as navy, black and forest green. Extended metallic splashbacks can create a real feature – why not pair them with pendant lighting or a statement extractor to tie in the whole look?'

Darren Watts, Showroom Development and Design Director, Wren Kitchens

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Customise your kitchen in any colour you choose with a paintable door; remember to integrate your appliances to ensure a modern and clutter-free look Burford Paintable kitchen, price on application, Howdens

THE DETAILS

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1, Aura Matte paint in Hale Navy HC-154, £29 per 0.94 l, Benjamin Moore. 2, Brooklyn brass dome pendant, £69, Industville. 3, Tegola Elite click plank 24123 White Oak luxury vinyl tile, £32.99 per sq m, Carpetright. 4, Heather faux leather bar stool, £119, Cult Furniture. 5, White terrazzo coasters, £15.50 for four, Scaramanga.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM

We replaced the country Tracey Kifford and her husband Huw updated their dreary kitchen with new cupboard

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Insider info WHO LIVES HERE? Tracey Kifford, a lifestyle and travel blogger; her husband, Huw; 13-year-old daughter Millie-Mae and 10-year-old son Toby. They live in a four-bedroom detached home in Fairfield, Hertfordshire.

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE OLD KITCHEN? The cream and green colour scheme was awful. The kitchen was dated and needed a revamp to make it more family friendly.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW ROOM?

racey and Huw inherited a cream kitchen when they moved into their home nine years ago. They painted the walls soon after that but the couple recently reached a point where they had to admit the units had seen better days.

‘The layout of the kitchen and cupboard space worked well, and we knew that having a whole new kitchen fitted was beyond our budget. But the state of the units was starting to get me down because I love cooking and baking, and it wasn’t as enjoyable in a room that was falling apart,’ explains Tracey. ‘Also, our kitchen leads into our dining area, which I was about to buy a new table for, so I knew it was time to make some changes in the kitchen without spending too much.’

Luckily for Tracey and Huw, the frames of the kitchen cabinets were structurally sound and in fabulous condition. ‘We decided we’d shop around to see if we could find new cupboard doors that Huw could fit on to the units,’ says Tracey. Things were made even easier by the fact that Tracey loved the existing quartz worktop and really didn’t want to replace it. The rotten sink, however, would have to go.

I love the colour and the new island. The kitchen now feels like an open, sociable area that we can enjoy spending time in.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS?

Feature Zoe Bishop Photos Lizzie Orme

Make use of every ounce of space and be prepared to compromise. A new fitted kitchen wasn’t affordable for us but we achieved the right look by simply freshening up the things we already had.

TIE THE SCHEME TOGETHER WITH WALLPAPER BEFORE

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The wallpaper complements the colour scheme and blends the kitchen and dining room together. The hanging rack for tea-towels and aprons was an eBay purchase and fits perfectly on the return wall.

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

ADD EXTRA WORKSPACE WITH AN ISLAND Introducing a modern kitchen island creates an extra worktop for when the family is cooking. The worktop is wooden but easy to clean and only needs re-oiling once a year to keep it in tip-top shape. Wooden stools make the island a dual-purpose breakfast bar.

KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM

cream with modern mono doors, a sink and a dramatic colour scheme to create a family-friendly kitchen-diner ‘I wanted a design that would give the kitchen a modern look but I also wanted to be bold with my colour choice. I found the cupboard doors online at Homestyle Kitchen Doors, opting for the Handleless Europe design in graphite, as I really wanted dark black or grey units. All we had to do was measure each cupboard door and place our order.’

Huw removed the old doors and fitted the new ones without having to touch the original worktop. The couple removed an old larder-style cupboard, however, and replaced it with a large American-style fridge. ‘I then set about finding a sink, which I picked up from Wickes, and after

that I found the tap online at Wayfair.

Huw turned his hand to plumbing and, after a few issues, it soon slotted into place,’ laughs Tracey.

‘I’ve always wanted an island and I found this one at IKEA, which went well with the rest of the scheme. I especially love the wooden worktop and baskets. It’s a lovely place to have breakfast with the kids.’

Tracey painted the walls in a bold mustard yellow, added a modern wallpaper in the dining space and finished off the scheme with a yellow blind to match. ‘The room has become functional and modern.

It’s ticked all my must-have boxes’, she says. ‘I couldn’t be happier.’

CHOOSE FLEXIBLE STORAGE Rustic baskets work well with this look and make use of the space the new island unit provides.

Tracey opted for an island that doesn’t need to be fixed in place so it can be moved should they need more room or if they ever decide to change it.

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH QUARTZ

The quartz work top was easily salvaged and was in such good condition that it just needed a thorough clean.

Tracey introduced extra colour through her mugs, tea-towels and her graphite kettle.

shopping list

Handleless Europ e cupboard doors in graphite, £900 in tot al, Homestyle Kitchen Doors.

Helio 1.5 bowl com posite kitchen sin k in black, £169, Wicke s. Belfry Kitchen pu ll-out single leaver mono bloc tap, £129.99 Wa yfair.

Vadholma kitchen island, £350; Asun den baskets, £15 each; Arv Bröllop cake sta nd £10, all IKEA. Walls painted in Retro Yel low matt emulsion, £15 per 2.5l, Wilko. Domi no wallpaper in Butte rcup, £39.50 per roll , Layla Faye collection at Wa llpaper Direct. Tea tow el, £6; oven gloves, £15 , both Nicky James.

Fusion embossed yellow mugs, £2.25 each, Dunelm

total cost:

£1,728.99

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It’s a family affair Turn your bathroom into a multi-functional, hard-working and practical space that’s perfect for all ages

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our family bathroom needs to be planned really well so that the whole family can enjoy it at different times of the day, from the morning rush to the evening calm. You’d be surprised at how much time is actually spent in this important room.

Wet, wet, wet Feature Kate White and Adam Chard

A concealed valve, which sits within the wall cavity, saves a vital few inches on your showering space Gracechurch recessed shower with fixed head, £575, Heritage Bathrooms

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

▲ A thermostatic shower will keep your water temperature constant no matter how many taps are on in the house, which is extra important for the safety of small children Mira Mode ceiling fed (pumped for gravity) digital mixer shower, £562.73, Mira

BATHROOM IDEAS

Clear the clutter Reducing clutter is a priority, especially in a small space. Tall units are a great way to save space. Slim and elegant, they take up little floor room and items can be stored on higher shelves out of reach of kids. Make sure they’re secure – you may need to fix them to the wall Home Apartment tallboy cabinet (left), £70, Argos. Ragrund shelving unit (below), £45, IKEA

▲ Mirror wall cabinets are a quick and easy way to store smaller items and keep them away from small hands GoodHome Imandra mirrored wall cabinet, £245, B&Q

Wall hung units help to keep your floor free, creating the illusion of space Aquanatural tall wall unit, £625, Frontline Bathrooms Two piece towel bale, £15,75, Argos Home

Warm wishes Heated towel rails are now available in many styles and finishes, from traditional to contemporary Flat panel designer towel rail in chrome, from £168, Wickes

A heated towel rail is a musthave for your family bathroom.

There’s no better feeling than stepping out of the shower into a pre-warmed fluffy towel Joanna Designer heated towel rail in Rose Gold, £395, Frontline Bathrooms

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Miles of tiles Mix and match tiles to create ‘zones’ and feature areas, such as this recessed inshower shelving area Arysto ten hinge door and two inline panels with side panel, from £2,017.99 for the door and panel set, Merlyn Showering

top tip ‘Fitted furniture is a great choice for a family bathroom. By integrating basins and toilets, you can create a stylish look and feel while making the most of your available space.’

Adam Chard, Bathroom Expert, Victoria Plum

The beautiful mottled finish of this shower wall panel will add instant interest to your shower space and is so easy to clean too Multipanel Economy Sunlit Quartz shower wall two-panel pack, £229,

Shower wall panels come in many colours and designs. They are perfect for shower areas and have the added benefit of easy installation too

Victorian Plumbing

Multipanel Economy Sunlit Quartz shower wall two-panel pack, £229, Victorian Plumbing

Finishing touches Every room of your home should include some greenery Apartment faux plant and planter, £18, Argos

These elegant blinds are not only chic to look at, but are also easy to keep clean This fun wire sign will add a playful feel to your room

Arctic White & White Faux Wood blind (50mm slat), from £13.70 for

Apartment Apparel Soak wire sign, £8, Argos

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

33cm x 40cm, Blinds2Go

BATHROOM IDEAS More people using the bathroom means more stuff!

Keep yours clutter free with stylish organisers Zig zag basket (set of three), £20, Homebase

top tip ‘Consider a toilet seat with soft close hinges. Not only will this help avoid trapped fingers, it will also reduce noise or damage when carelessly closed.’

Adam Chard, Bathroom Expert, Victoria Plum

A bath is a family essential, especially with smaller children. Place the taps in the middle to avoid arguments about who gets which end of the tub Sofia double-ended free-standing bath, £699.95, Victorian Plumbing

These nautical colours will help create a calming atmosphere in what could be a hectic space Aura Bath and Spa paint range, Wedding Veil, Blue Danube and Hazy Skies, from £29 for 1L, Benjamin Moore

The corners of a bathroom are often underused, so why not turn them to your advantage with a corner-fitting unit

A matching, functional bathroom suite doesn’t have to break the bank Avalon bathroom suite, £500, Wickes

Silveran corner unit, £99, IKEA

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New lower price on solar and electric blinds!

Get a better nights sleep The extensive range of VELUX blinds and awnings will help you control temperature and light this summer.

Your VELUX roof windows deserve genuine VELUX blinds. Whichever type of blind you choose, you can rest assured of unrivalled design, quality and functionality. Choose from manual, electric or solar operation for ultimate convenience. VELUX blinds are available in an extensive range of fabrics and colours, so you’re spoilt for choice. Thanks to our Pick&Click!TM system, all VELUX blinds can be fitted in minutes.

Visit veluxblindsdirect.co.uk to explore our range of blinds – it’s easy to order using the code from your VELUX roof window.

MAKE, DO & CRAFT MAKE

MAKE IT EASY O

SEW SIM SIMPLE MPLE

REVAMP,REPAIR REVAMP REPAIR,RECY RECYCLE YCLE

ffset the January blues by getting creative with these crafty projects. After an expensive festive month, we’re advocates of making use of what you’ve already got and reinventing forgotten items. We’ve created a planter out of wooden offcuts, used spare pieces of felt to stitch a hot water bottle and utilized household essentials to create a scented hand cream. Plus, our team of experts give their advice on draught-proofing and we share our latest must-haves in the craft world.

Cosy up with a selfstitched hot water bottle

DIY MMASTERCLASS ASTERCLASS

Reuse old scraps of wood to make this planter

ASK THE EX EXPERTS XPERTS

Whip up your own scented hand cream

Discover the latest craft news, workshops and book releases

CRAFT STASHH MMUST UST HHAVES AVES

Our experts share their advice on draught-proofing

MAKE, DO & Indulge in a little self-care with these DIY winter treats

TOP TIP

Nourishing hand cream

Don't overwhip your mixture – as with dairy cream, if it is stirred too much it will harden.

This DIY balm will feed tired winter skin

Micro wire string lights, £6.99, Lights4fun. All other items, stylist's own

SHOPPING LIST O glass jug O water O saucepan and hob O scales O shea butter (available from www. thesoapery.co.uk) O light olive oil O lavender essential oil O rosehip oil O ribbon

Measure out 100g of shea butter (it’s extracted from the sheanut) into a glass jug. Place this into a shallow pan of gently simmering water, to heat it. Melt it gently, stirring occasionally. Once liquefied, add one tablespoon of light olive oil, ten drops of lavender oil and five drops of rosehip oil to the mixture. Stir again to combine them.

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Place the jug into your fridge for half an hour to speed up the cooling process.

Next, remove it from the fridge, then use a hand mixer to whisk the ingredients together.

Continue until the mixture has taken on a fluffy, whipped texture.

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Sterilise a jar, and ensure it is completely dry. Spoon your whipped hand cream into the jar, then seal. Add a ribbon for decoration, then store in a cool, dark place until use.

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Feature & Styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

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Eye mask

MAKE, DO & CRAFT

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SHOPPING LIST O paper and pen O scissors O 25cm velvet fabric O washable ink fabric pen O embroidery needle and thread O 25cm batik silk O pins

Get a good night’s sleep with this luxurious creation

First, draw and cut an eye mask shape from a piece of paper, ensuring it is symmetrical. Add an extra centimetre all around the edge, to be used as a seam allowance. Use it to draw one mask shape onto the right side of a piece of velvet fabric, then draw a pair of eyelashes inside the mask shape. Stitch over the lashes with a needle and embroidery thread, then place the velvet fabric aside.

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Make your straps. Cut two 10cm wide x 30cm long strips of green batik silk and fold them both in half widthways with right sides together.

Trim one edge to a diagonal point, then pin.

Stitch along the point and up the long open side of each to form two tubes, leaving 1cm seam allowances. Use a pencil or chopstick to turn each tube right sides out, then press.

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Cut out your embroidered mask shape and lay it flat, right side facing up. Place the straps on top, aligning the short straight ends of each at either side of the mask, with the rest of the straps facing towards the middle of the mask. Use your template to cut a second mask shape, this time from batik silk, and place it on top, right side facing down. Pin, then stitch around the edge of the mask with a 1cm seam allowance, securing the straps in the seam as you go and leaving a 5cm gap in the top of the mask. Turn out through the gap, then fold the raw edge along the gap to the inside of the mask by 1cm. Machine top stitch 5mm in all around the edge of the mask to finish.

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All items, stylist's own

Winter hand scrub Use honey, sugar and lavender to exfoliate dry, sore palms In a non-reactive bowl or jug (glass or stainless steel are ideal), measure out four teaspoons of natural honey. Add a quarter of a cup of light olive oil, and two teaspoons of rosehip oil. Stir well until blended.

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Measure out and add half a cup of soft brown sugar and half a cup of white sugar to the mixture – this will act as an exfoliant. Stir to incorporate the sugar into the oil and honey mixture.

SHOPPING LIST O measuring cups and spoons O natural honey O light olive oil O rosehip oil O soft brown sugar O white sugar O lavender essential oil O 250ml glass O jar O ribbon

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Add ten drops of lavender essential oil to the bowl.

Mix once more to spread throughout the blend, then decant your scrub into a sterilised jar and add a ribbon to decorate. Store in a cool, dark place until use.

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TOP TIP Spritz your mask with a sleep spray such as Feather & Down’s Pillow Spray, £3.50 per 50ml, for an extra touch of luxury.

TOP TIP Don't like lavender?

Add drops of rosemary oil or another natural scent to your mixture instead.

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White face cloth, £1, Wilko. Micro wire string lights, £6.99, Lights4fun.

All other items, stylist's own

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REVAMP, REPAIR, RECYCLE Give your home some kerb appeal with this rustic planter

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top tip

a furniture If you’re using your wood, wax to colour r varnish over apply an exterio tra protection the top for ex ents. from the elem

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he entrance to your home is the first thing people see when they come to visit – so it’s important to make a good impression. You can do just that by making this pretty wooden planter to go with your house number. All it takes is a few offcuts of wood and a couple of hours of work. Here’s how…

YOU'LL NEED O one

offcut of 9mm exterior plywood, at least 31 x 38cm O offcuts of 18mm thick x 119mm wide timber O screws O dark furniture wax O soft clean cloth O Fab & Fix 80mm door numerals in gold, £3.29 each, Screwfix O tape measure O pencil O saw O sandpaper O drill

x 119mm front piece. Use a saw to cut each piece of timber to size, then sand the edges of each one to ensure they are smooth.

STEP THREE Attach the sides of the planter to the base. Lay the 275mm base piece down flat, then butt the two side pieces up along one each of the 119mm edges at right angles. Use a drill to make two pilot holes from the outside of the side pieces through to the base on each side, then screw them all together.

STEP FOUR Set the base and sides of the planter down so that the front is facing you. Position the 310mm-long piece across the front, then drill pilot holes through to the base and sides and screw it into place.

STEP ONE Start by cutting your back board. From a sheet of 9mm thick exterior plywood, measure and cut a 31 x 38cm rectangle. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges and ensure there are no splinters, then set this piece aside

STEP TWO Take your 119mm wide timber and measure out two 119 x 119mm sides, one 275 x 119mm base, and one 310 62

STEP FIVE Lay the back board down flat, with the back facing upwards. Use an offcut of the 119mm wide timber as a guide to mark out where the planter will sit once the entire assembly is screwed together. Next, place the planter down, with the open back facing you. Position the plywood back board on top of the planter, aligning the edges of the back

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

board with the side and bottom edges of the planter. Drill pilot holes inside the guidelines you marked out earlier, then screw the back board onto the sides and base of the planter.

STEP SIX With the basic structure of the planter complete, turn it upside down and drill several holes into the base – these will allow for drainage, to help stop your planter from becoming too wet whenever you water your plants.

STEP SEVEN Stand the planter the right way up again and apply three coats of stain or varnish to it. This will not only protect the wood from the elements but also give it a nice deep colour. We used a soft clean cloth to really work the stain into the grain of the wood.

STEP EIGHT Add your house number to the upper corner of the back board using small screws. Finally, drill a hole in the middle of the top of the backboard, then attach it securely to the front of your house.

Add potted plants to finish.

Project & Styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

REVAMP, REPAIR, RECYCLE

Add some foliage and flare to the front of your home by repurposing unwanted pieces of wood into this rustic planter. All items, stylist’s own

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

63

Snuggle up and stay warm in winter with this cosy felt hot water bottle cover

YOU WILL NEED O hot

water bottle O paper O pencil O 50cm length of 2mm thick 80% wool blend felt in melange natural, £10, Wool Felt Company O two sheets (20x30cm) each of 2mm thick 100% wool felt in natural ecru and 2mm thick 80% felt in melange mint, £2 per sheet, Wool Felt Company O washable ink fabric pen O scissors O pinking shears O dressmaker’s shears O pins O needle and thread O embroidery thread O sewing machine O silk ribbon

4

W

ith the long cold nights upon us, there’s nothing nicer than snuggling up in bed with a good book, a cup of tea and a hot water bottle.

Keep yours safely tucked inside this cosy cover, made from soft wool felt.

1

Begin by making a template. Lay your hot water bottle onto a large sheet of paper and draw around it. Add 2cm all around (this will allow for bulk and seam allowances), then cut it out.

2

Lay your template onto the melange natural felt and draw around it with a washable ink fabric pen. Cut the shape out with dressmaker’s shears and put it to one side – this is your front piece. Fold and cut your template in half lengthways, to give two shapes. Lay each of these onto your remaining melange natural felt and draw around them, then add an extra 3cm of fabric along each one’s straight cut edge – this will allow you to make an overlapping envelope back. Cut out the two back pieces and place them aside as well.

3

Draw a heart shape onto a scrap of paper, making it roughly three-quarters as wide as your front piece. Lay it onto a sheet of natural ecru felt, then draw around it and cut it out with dressmaker’s shears.

4

Take a pair of regular scissors and trim the paper template heart by 1cm all around, to make it slightly smaller. Draw around this onto a sheet of melange mint

felt, then cut the shape out using pinking shears. Trim the paper heart down by another centimetre and use it to draw and cut a third heart, this time using the natural ecru felt and dressmaker’s shears as before.

5

Lay the largest heart down, then place the melange mint heart on top of it, making sure it is central. Position the smaller ecru heart on top and pin in several places. Work a straight hand stitch all around the smallest heart, sewing 5mm in from the edge and making sure to work through all the layers to hold them together.

6

Place your hearts onto the middle of your front piece and pin. Work a straight hand stitch all around the edge of the largest heart, to secure them firmly. Take an embroidery needle and green thread and work two lines of straight stitch around the outside edge of the heart to decorate it.

7

With your front piece complete, lay it flat with right side facing down. Lay your two back pieces on top, overlapping them in the middle with right sides facing out.

Pin, then work a straight machine stitch all around, 1cm in from the edge, to hold all the layers together.

8

Use scissors to snip four 2cm long holes in both the front and back of the cover, around the neck. Take a length of silk ribbon and thread it through these holes, then tie in a bow at the front to finish.

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6 January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

SEW SIMPLE

Feature & styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme Project & Styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

Top tip Making this as a gift?

Embroider your recipie nt’s name onto the middle of the heart for a personalised touch.

Lightweight throw in green, £10; green cushion, £8, both Wilko. Other items, stylist’s own

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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masterclass DIY

Draught-proof your windows and doors to save on energy bills

E

ven a tiny draught can lead to a drop in temperature in your home and a rise in energy bills as you crank up the heating in a bid to battle the cold. Luckily, sealing up the areas where draughts are most common is a quick, easy and affordable way to eliminate them. By following our simple guide you can tackle all the gaps around your windows and doors for a more comfortable home all year round.

MissPrint Pebbles ladybird roller blind, from £29.95, Blinds2go

Curtains made from Paprika knitted velvet fabric, £30 per m; Zag Berber rug in Saffron, £400; Belsay rug in Brick, £450; Calia console table, £279; Tom Dixon Bell table lamp, £450; Designers Guild The Rose wallpaper, £65 per roll; Loaf Cupcake armchair in Bumblebee velvet, £1,299; Avoca Circus throw, £135; Nordlux Strap floor lamp, £240; Belgrave three-seater sofa in Harriet Mustard, £1,899; cushions, from £15 each; West Elm Silhouette pedestal dining table, £899; Tom Dixon Beat pendant light, £325; Philippe Starck for Kartell Masters chair, £173; Antique pedestal side table, £99; Le Creuset grand teapot in Volcanic, £45; Swoon Satre marble coffee table, £350; gold velvet pouffe, £65, all John Lewis & Partners

Feature Emma Thompson Caulk image Getty

MIND THE GAP

top tip Identify draughts by passing a lit incense stick or candle around the window. Anywhere the smoke or flame is blown is a problem area.

66

Q Self-adhesive weatherstripping is an affordable way to block draughts around your windows and doors. It also has the added bonus of cushioning the closing mechanism to silence slamming.

Q You install the strip on the inside of a window or door frame. The weatherstrip needs to be tightly compressed when the window or door is closed. The strips come in a variety of thicknesses and you should choose the thickest option that doesn’t prevent your window or door from fully closing.

Q Weatherstrips also come in a variety of materials, including felt, foam, rubber and vinyl. These vary in longevity and cost, but your choice will be mostly based on your preferred look and budget.

Q If you’re re-installing weatherstripping, pull away the old strips and remove leftover

YOU’LL NEED Essential O Self-adhesive weatherstripping O soapy water O lint-free cloth O scissors Useful O Measuring tape O adhesive residue remover

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Diall PVC and foam self-adhesive draught seal, £9.87 for 6m, B&Q

adhesive with oil or a specific adhesive remover.

Clean around the window or door frame with mild soap and water to remove any grease that might prevent the new weatherstrip from sticking. Thoroughly dry any surface you’ve cleaned before applying the new strip.

Q Measure the length of one side of the window or door frame and cut the weatherstrip to size, preferably in one length.

It’s better to cut it a little too long and trim down afterwards, because you want to get it right into the corners. Peel away the backing and press it into place. Repeat around all sides.

Q You can also apply the strips around the outer edge of the frame where it meets the recess or wall, and any other cracks or corners that could be letting cold air through.

SEAL THE DEAL Q Block draughts from the outside by filling gaps between the window or door frame and external walls with a silicone sealant. This will also prevent moisture from getting inside.

Q Choose a flexible silicone sealant to withstand weather and temperature changes, and it’s best to get one that is specifically designed for outdoor use.

Q Carefully remove any old sealant using a utility knife or scraper. You can cover the window frame with tape if you are worried about scuffs. Clean around the frame with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or grease that would prevent the sealant sticking. Dry the surface. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the area with methylated spirits if any residue remains, then dry.

Q If the gap is quite deep, push foam backer into it with a scraper. Use painter’s tape to tape off the frame and wall a few millimetres either side of the gap. This will help you get a crisp, clean line.

Q Squeeze the trigger of the caulk gun steadily as you move along the gap, wipe off any excess with a smoothing tool or a wet finger. Remove the tape before it dries.

Top tip

Draughty keyholes and letterboxes can’t be sealed shut. Instead, fit a metal disc to the top of your keyhole that swings down when not in use and insulate the letterbox with an internal brush.

Essential O utility knife O soapy water O silicone sealant O caulk gun Useful O painter’s tape O methylated spirit O lint-free cloth O foam backer O scraper O smoothing tool

Similar sealant and caulk guns, from £2.50 and £3.52 respectively, B&Q

Diall Glazing window film, £7.95, B&Q

DIY MASTERCLASS

Don’t forget to draught-proof internal doors. Apply self-adhesive foam strips around the frame and a brush or rubber strip along the bottom.

YOU’LL NEED

Safety first

GLAZE OVER IT Ivory sheepskin draught excluder, £80; doorstop, £40, both Baa Stool

GO WITH THE FLOW You need some air ventilation to keep your home fresh, dry and healthy. Don’t block up any intentional ventilation points, such as extractor fans, under-floor grilles, wall vents or ‘trickle’ vents on modern-style windows.

Q Window film is an easy and affordable way of adding another layer of insulation to windows and glass panes in doors. It acts similarly to double-glazing without the hefty cost of replacement: specifically designed thermal ones are best for this purpose.

Q It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your windows before applying the film. This will give you a much better finish and help the film adhere. Wipe around the frame with white or methylated spirit, then remove any excess with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Q You can buy kits with thin plastic film for very little money. If you’re using a kit, follow the instructions to stick the film to your window.

Q To apply thicker, decorative film, cut it to just larger than the window. Thoroughly spray the

window with water that has a few drops of washing up liquid in it and wet your hands to prevent leaving fingerprints.

Q Peel back a corner of the backing and place the adhesive side of the film onto the window, butting it into the corner. Slowly peel away the backing as you move along the window, pressing out large air bubbles as you go.

Q Use a window squeegee to remove the soapy water from between the film and glass. Trim away any excess film.

YOU’LL NEED Essential O window film O measuring tape O scissors O soapy water in a spray bottle O window squeegee Useful O methylated spirit O lint-free cloth

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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Ask the

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

Q

We’re planning a flat-roof kitchen extension for our semi-detached home. Please can you advise us on how we can best bring light into the space?

Grace, Carlisle

Feature Alice Butler

A

Carl Frederik Brünner Gierding, Business Manager of Vario by Velux, suggests…

For anyone considering a room extension, it’s important to understand how directional light can transform and improve a space. People often place a lot of focus on facade light, the type that comes in horizontally through facade windows or bi-fold doors, which is important for creating a good connection between the kitchen extension and the garden. But, when an extension is added the light will be moved outwards towards the garden, which often creates dark areas both in the extension and especially in the original part of the home.

To avoid this, vertical light through a rooflight is essential in extensions.

Flooding a space with vertical light can make a room seem much bigger and brighter, as the light is brought down across the entire room, rather than just coming from one side through a facade window. It’s also worth noting that a rooflight of the same size as a facade window, lets in twice as much light. It also allows you to capitalise on the sun when it’s at its brightest and hottest, during the middle of the day.

If a truly bespoke rooflight solution is what you’re after, the new Vario

by VELUX range offers a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any space. In addition, this new range allows you to be involved in the design process, creating a unique solution to fit your specific needs. We have developed an intuitive product configurator, which lets you play around with all of our rooflight sizes and shapes. With the Vario

by VELUX range of rooflights you can create a solution to fit your extension and interior design perfectly. You could create a simple glass-to-edge design that exactly fits the size of your dining area or similar. Prices start at £599 for The Round One, our circular rooflight, while The Rectangular One, the entry-level model of rectangular rooflight, is £1,289.

Q

How big is the threat of a water leak in the home, and what can I do to protect my property?

Bonnie, Fife

A

Craig Foster, Managing Director of LeakBot, offers this advice…

Water leaks are a common occurrence in the UK. Data collected by LeakBot devices has found that 43% of UK homes have suffered leaks, which amounts to around 50% of the total costs paid out by home insurers each year!

It’s particularly important at this time of year to make sure that any pipes next to exterior walls are properly lagged and insulated to prevent them freezing and cracking. It’s also a good idea to check regularly weak points such as the stop tap, feed pipes to appliances and toilets for signs of leaking, such as dampness.

Perhaps the trickiest piece of this puzzle is that the most leaks are not the sudden, explosive bursts that we imagine. They’re often small, hidden and hard to detect. Fortunately, leak detection devices are available to monitor your property’s plumbing 24/7. Leak detection technology can save thousands of pounds in insurance claims, as well as prevent the damage that leaks can cause to your home. Some devices will also put you in touch with a plumber who can find and fix the problem.

LeakBot is working with a number of UK insurers to roll out our patented leak detection technology to customers as part of their home insurance cover – so ask your insurer if they provide devices such as LeakBot! LeakBot costs £149.

• Visit www.leakbot.io

Q

My partner and I live in a rented property and want to put our own semi-permanent stamp on the bathroom. Is there any furniture that we could take with us when we move?

Kelly, Romford

A

Tom Parker, Category Manager for Bathrooms at B&Q, says…

A rented bathroom can be particularly frustrating, as you seldom have a say on how it looks or works.

The design may be outdated or impractical, and it can feel like the most limited room when it comes to improvements. But there are ways to use furniture and accessories to update the space that you can take with you when you move! Try some of the following options, which are all part of B&Q’s recently launched GoodHome Bathroom range: 1. Free-standing furniture allows you to use space you didn’t realise you had. B&Q’s Ladoga unit, from £60, fits neatly beneath basins.

2. A shower screen, such as B&Q’s Arkell Straight Single Panel Screen, £45, is a sleek alternative to a shower curtain. Also, upgrading your showerhead to a rainfall version can transform your shower.

3. A pop of colour is a quick and easy way to revamp your bathroom.

Invest in brightly coloured, fluffy towels for a feel-good factor, or purchase some fake plants that require no maintenance.

• Visit www.vario.velux.com • Visit www.diy.com 68

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Q

I’m updating my kitchen and want to go for a modern, grained wood look. What do you recommend?

Patricia, Swindon

A

Rob van Steen, Director of the DKG Group, the parent company of Keller Kitchens, suggests…

When deciding on a new kitchen, you need to think about what you want from the space. Do you want a kitchen that’s beautiful? Or one that is warm or rustic? Perhaps you want something that is very trendy? Whatever your preference might be, you can achieve it with a modern, grained wood look as there are so many options available.

Most wooden styles create a warm vibe, but there are lots of different tones and styles on the market for the various parts of your kitchen, from cupboard doors and drawers, to worktops and breakfast bars.

For a real grained feel, go for natural materials such as warm oak, ebony or ivory that offer a rough edge. Alternatively, you can use the ‘cheat’ method by choosing a wood-effect surface with a smooth finish. Although the rough edge is more authentic, a wood-effect smooth finish will give you the raw look without the hassle that comes with cleaning it. Keller

Kitchens has a similar style of product that can be wiped down to remove splashes, spills or grubby fingerprints.

For a modern, elegant look, mix warm wood and cool stone surfaces. Alternatively, if you prefer the trendy Scandi style, try combining a wood-look worktop with high-gloss elements, such as a splashback.

To get an idea of things before you settle on what to buy, try creating a mood board with

images from home interior magazines or online inspirations, and take it with you when you visit a kitchen specialist. Whatever colours, textures and finishes you prefer, there is so much choice available now that you can incorporate a modern, grained wood look into your home without compromising on personality.

• For more information visit www.kellerkitchens.com

Elba kitchen in Washed Oak, £15,500, Keller Kitchens

Q

I’m investing in a new shower and looking for one that offers a range of spray settings for different times of the day. What should I be looking for?

Rebecca Davies, Isle of Wight Simon Cornelius, Head of Marketing at shower specialist Methven, recommends…

All too often we get caught up in focusing on the design of the shower. But while how it looks is obviously a priority, it is also important to think about the shower’s performance as well as your experience of the appliance.

Many homeowners think that all a showerhead needs to do is provide hot water at a decent pressure and perhaps give you the option of a couple of different shower sprays.

But developments in shower spray technology mean that this way of thinking should be consigned to the past. Products that offer little besides looking great simply aren’t enough any more and showers need to deliver a tailored showering experience.

Methven’s Turoa collection of showers, which feature our patented VJet technology, put you in complete control of the appliance.

They allow everyone who uses the shower to enjoy a bathing experience tailored to their needs – making it the perfect choice for family bathrooms. A simple slide of a switch on the

ASK THE EXPERTS

A

▲ Concealed thermostatic mixer valve, £410, Turoa collection, Methven handset allows you to activate a seamless spray, which transitions from a firm blast to a gentle mist and everything in between. An invigorating blast is ideal for waking you up in the morning, while the calming mist can help you to relax and unwind before bed.

• For more information on the range, visit

If you have a DIY or maintenance question, write to Ask the Experts, Your Home, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST or send an email with the subject ‘Ask the Experts’ to Yourhome@immediate.co.uk

www.methven.com/uk

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

69

WORKSHOP

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

must haves

THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A sanctuary for all crafty individuals, whether you specialise in textiles or papercraft, The Creative Craft Show is a must visit this January. From 30th January to 1st February, head down to EventCity in Manchester and dive into practical workshops such as knitting, jewellery making and beading. Update your craft stash with the latest products and be inspired by experts who are on hand to offer their tips and tricks.

Tickets are £10 for a day pass but you can save £2 per ticket when you buy in advance. For tickets, visit www.stitchandhobby.co.uk.

LEARN A SKILL:

CRAFT STASH MUST HAVES

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

Marvellous Marbling Lucy McGrath is on a mission to pass on the techniques of paper marbling, a craft that has been listed as endangered by the Heritage Craft Association. In her new book, Contemporary Paper Marbling (£20, Batsford) Lucy shares her passion for the craft and guides you through the process of producing your own piece of chaotic beauty. Master a wide range of patterns including Stone, Swirl, Feather, French Curl and Chevron, and even learn how to marble in three dimensions.

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

A Glass Act Head to The Forge Gallery in Worthing to learn the art of fused glass with Siobhan Jones.

Siobhan uses a combination of transparent, opal and iridescent glass in her workshops as she teaches you how to cut, bubble and create voids in the material. Class sizes are limited to six and cost £160 for the day. For dates and availability, visit www.siobhanjones.com.

Modern makes Introduce a newbie to crafting with the stylish and sustainable kits from We Are Knitters.

Their Petit Point Kits, priced at £59, are a great way to add a piece of handmade art to your home and come in a range of designs including Koi, Miami Beach or Frida to suit your personal taste.

Available in beginner, intermediate and advanced. Find out more at www. weareknitters.co.uk

What a doll-ight!

A step up from your usual paint by numbers, this House of Crafts Kit lets you paint your very own set of five Russian dolls. The kit includes paints, a brush, a mixing palette, varnish and step-by-step instructions, making it a fool-proof way to get crafty this winter. Known as Matryoshka, Russian dolls are traditionally offered as a gift of friendship so why not treat someone close to you with a set of these handpainted dolls?

Get your hands on the Russian Doll Painting Craft Kit at John Lewis, priced at £21.00.

Fairford Charcoal Choose from over 75 kitchen designs in a variety of colours and finishes that will suit any home, style and budget. Bring your new kitchen to life with Howdens free home survey and planning service.

Together with a trusted trade professional, we can transform your kitchen.

VISIT HOWDENS.COM TO REQUEST A BROCHURE | TRADE ONLY Excellent Based on 6.606 reviews TRUSTSCORE 4.7 out of 5

Reader homes Turn over to discover three fabulous homes filled with ideas and inspiration

SHOW OFF YOUR HARD WORK IN YOUR HOME

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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@immediate.co.uk

PLUS IDEAS TO STEAL 85 78

Jade extended a twobedroom semi to make the perfect family house

74

79

80 Laura extended her gloomy 1920s house and now her home is filled with light

Lily, an artist, has created an inspiring place to live and work

FIND MORE INTERIORS TO INSPIRE YOU AT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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We’ve filled our dark and gloomy house with light Laura Dixon and her husband Mike Holmes have extended the back of their 1920s home to create a sun-drenched garden room

L

aura and Mike moved in to a house that was dark, dated and gloomy.

‘Any problems had been covered up rather than fixed, so we had a lot to sort out,’ Laura says. ‘It was so drab when we moved in; dark wood panelling lined the hall and stairs and the house looked like it had not been updated for decades.’

From the outset, the couple decided to combine the old with the new. ‘We wanted to add an extension, but we didn’t want to

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

simply add a modern box. Instead, we have tried to weave the existing period features in the house with the best of 21st-century living,’ Laura explains. So, the modern extension was built using the existing lath and plaster wall and the dark panelling in the original part of the house was painted an elegant ivory.

When it came to furniture, Laura continued the old and new theme by adding a modern table top to a pair of Edwardian Singer

Feature Alison Gibb Photos Douglas Gibb

REAL HOME COME ON IN...

WE ARE Laura Dixon, a design lecturer and Mike Holmes, a science lecturer.

OUR HOME is a detached four-bedroom house in Belfast built in the 1930s.

MY BEST BARGAIN is our two leather

good idea!

Take the b ackground colour in a wal design and lpaper match it with paint for cohesive re a sult.

Chesterfields. We bought them on eBay for £700.

Laura loves William Morris designs and chose his classic Blackthorn for an accent wall.

She painted the rest of the walls in a green colour she had specially mixed to match.

Laura and Mike had the woodburning stove installed and sourced the raw oak mantel in an architectural salvage yard

The bar cart and the brass coffee table were both gifts from relatives. Laura bought the green and blue Chesterfield sofas on Gumtree

MY TOP TIP don’t be scared of colours.

MY ADVICE is to be on site as much as possible. We both work full-time, so good communication was key.

TO RELAX I go out for dinner – we are both foodies. I also go for walks and check out fabulous wallpapers online!

SHOPS I LOVE H&M Home, it is such good value and so on-trend. I also love Gumtree and junk shops.

GROUND FLOOR

Utility room

Kitchen/ Dining room

FIRST FLOOR

Snug

Bathroom

Master Bedroom

Front room

Ensuite Lobby Spare Bedroom

Laura bought the Edwardian washstand in the hallway from an architectural salvage yard; Arts and Crafts pieces such as this complement the period details of the house, such as the gorgeous wood panelling that Laura has painted with a Valspar white interior wood paint

Spare Bedroom

Store

Study

For stockists see page 120 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

75

REAL HOME

good idea!

pieces e a few Choos furniture if l of meta to give your ke e. you’d li dustrial edg n in a e m ho

sewing machine bases and created a steampunk-style dining table. She also placed a stool made out of an old tractor seat next to a contemporary, concrete breakfast bar.

‘We bought the house in September 2017 and started renovating in October’ says Laura. ‘We had to move out at Christmas, though, because the work was getting too intense, plus we were planning our wedding for July 2018.’ The couple had a lot on their plate, so they moved into Laura’s parents’ home nearby and camped out in Laura’s childhood bedroom. Six months later, with their wedding and honeymoon behind them, they moved back in to the house –

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‘We bought the house because it is full of character and I love it all – the stained glass, the high ceilings, the picture rails and the mouldings.’ but there was still no kitchen floor. The couple discovered that the kitchen floor was an adventure yet to happen.

‘We wanted solid concrete but the wrong kind of concrete was laid, meaning the floor was not level and we had to drastically rethink. In the end we opted to top it with a micro cement instead and decided to use the same finish on the island unit.’

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

The floor problem was solved and the modern extension completed; with its stunning wall of glass it now serves as a garden room and gives the house a wonderful inside/outside flow. Laura loves botanicals and has used beautiful prints, real plants and pops of colour throughout the space. ‘I love pink and green and have used those colours as much as I can.’

The pale grey kitchen cabinetry is from Homebase. Laura added distinctive hexagon copper handles from Knobbles and Bobbles to the cabinets along the wall. The back wall of the kitchen is painted in Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball

The green velvet armchair is from a house clearance sale. The copper lamp is from Argos.

The small-scale sofa is from M&S. The grey armchair, metal table and rug are from IKEA

As a professional designer, Laura loves to come up with ingenious solutions and is never afraid to roll up her sleeves and tackle a project. ‘This is my hobby as well as my home,’ she laughs. Upcycling junk shop finds and even making furniture herself are all favourite pastimes. She describes her style as eclectic: ‘Every room is different.

We bought the house because it is full of character and I love it all – the stained glass, the high ceilings, the picture rails and the mouldings.’

Laura and Mike wanted to inject even more character into the house and used the original features as their inspiration

The chunky wooden shelves and the neon Hello sign are both from Amazon. Laura bought the industrial-style, metal dining chairs on eBay

REAL HOME Laura made a point of tiling the walls with metro tiles up to the ceiling. The Metropolis floor tiles are from Tons of Tiles. She bought the retro scalloped-edged basin complete with gold taps on Gumtree and the bath complete with black taps in a salvage yard. She painted it Canyon Hush, a Valspar eggshell, and bought the antique brass shower on Amazon. The Filthy bath mat is from Urban Outfitters

Laura painted the walls in the master bedroom Parma Grey by Farrow & Ball. The black metal bed is from Tesco Direct and the chest of drawers is by IKEA. Laura picked up the Toile de Jouy bedding from a market in the Dordogne. The rug is from a Danish chain store in Belfast, called Sostrene Grene

and starting point. They added all sorts of quirky finds, mainly from architectural salvage yards. The TV series Escape to the Chateau was a major inspiration: ‘I love to experiment and create treasures out of quirky bargains, mixing them with the odd extravagant purchase,’ Laura explains.

She also loves to pepper the interior with humorous touches: ‘I definitely don’t take interior design overly seriously – having fun is a huge priority!’

Laura and Mike love how their extension has turned out. ‘We managed to add an extra bedroom with an en suite and have a good-sized kitchen diner without breaking the bank,’ Laura says. ‘The house would not have been as comfortable or as homely if we had not extended the main living areas.’

The building process was slow, frustrating and exciting all at the same time. ‘We had never managed a project or

78

a substantial budget before but we are over the moon with how it looks and so glad that we bit the bullet when we did,’ she reveals. ‘The house was crying out for some TLC and I think we gave it just that.’

The couple also admit to making a few mistakes. Laura regrets having carpeting installed in the hall, for instance. ‘It has not worn well,’ she explains. ‘We’ve had to learn to be patient during the project, partly in order to stick to our budget but also to get exactly what we wanted.’

By taking their time and using creative alternatives, Laura and Mike are nearly there and now it is only the garden that needs to be completed. ‘We have a beautiful home in an area we love,’ Laura says.

Surrounded by leafy streets, friendly bars and characterful restaurants, and with the bonus of family living nearby, she has no plans to move any time soon.

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

REAL HOME IDEAS TO STEAL Solve storage problems with an elegant magazine rack.

Bold Monkey No Magazines Here! wall rack, £59,

Add a little magic to an accent wall with patterned wallpaper.

Charlotte Jade wallpaper in Midnight Madagascar, £120 per roll, Charlton Island Bring colour and style with these Celtic designs.

Orla Kiely storage tins, £29.95 for a set of three, Hurn & Hurn

Add a touch of copper with a glamorous table lamp with marble base.

Conway Arc table lamp, £69, Cult

Make a fun night in extra special with a glamorous bar cart.

Gold luxe drinks trolley, £228, Audenza

The spare room has Swallows wallpaper by Sanderson. The IKEA Hemnes sofa bed unfolds into a king size.

The rug is from Dunnes Stores in Belfast Laura had the olive emulsion mixed by Valspar and painted the floorboards white

A smart sofa bed is the ideal addition for a spare room.

Margot Click Clack sofa bed in blue velvet, £499, Made.com

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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My home is the perfect place to live and work Textile artist Lily and her mum Nicola combined their passion for colour and textures to create a live-in studio for Lily in the garden of their family home

W

hen Lily Van Lennep moved back home from London, she needed space to develop her growing career as a textile artist. ‘I moved in with Mum and Dad initially, but there was nowhere for me to spread out and create a proper studio,’ says Lily.

The solution was literally on the doorstep. In 2005 her parents, Nicola and Dirk, had converted a cart shed in the grounds of their home into offices.

The building had been partially rebuilt, fitted with new electrics and plumbing, underfloor heating and solar panels on the roof. The original openings were turned into arched doors and windows and the interior divided into two large office areas.

‘By the time Lily came home, we no longer needed all that office space, so we got planning permission to turn it into a residential property for her,’ says Nicola.

The interior walls were redesigned and divided up to include an entrance hall/ studio, bedrooms, bathroom and utility.

‘I couldn’t afford to set up a studio in London and I love living in the

Lily’s eye for colour, which she has used to help theme different areas of the house, has allowed her to create a cohesive and inspiring space in which to live and work

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

good idea!

nit, chen u ble kit ’s block a e v o Am cher l-style y’s but like Lil ith industria way w il t e d teame ls, is a versa e for o ac o p t s s r e or ba ting m bar or of crea p, a coffee e r p b d a le. foo kfast t a brea

Feature Heather Dixon Photos Dave Burton

REAL HOME COME ON IN...

The traditional Lincolnshire cart shed has been turned into a light-filled home and studio for artist Lily Van Lennep Lily wanted the kitchen to blend seamlessly into the open-plan living area, choosing Howdens units and stools from Nkuku to create a semi-unfitted style

I AM Lily Van Lennep, a 26-year-old textile artist.

MY HOME IS A two-bedroom converted 19th-century cart shed in north Lincolnshire, which was formerly an office.

MY FAVOURITE ROOM IS The main bedroom because of the mix of pink and green. Sleeping in the four-poster bed makes me feel like a princess.

MY FAVOURITE FEATURE IS The view and the open-plan style of the house.

The two go hand in hand.

MY DESIGN TIP IS Always bring fabric and paint samples home so you can see them in situ. Be open minded about where you buy from and don’t be afraid to mix and match.

MY BEST BARGAIN IS The dough bin, which I use as a stand, in my bedroom. It was ÂŁ180 from Hemswell Antiques and is just a beautiful piece of furniture.

MY TOP DECORATING TIP IS Traditional furniture can be transformed with modern soft furnishings and splashes of bright colour.

Bedroom 1

Work area

Bedroom 2

Utility

wc

Kitchen

Living area

GROUND FLOOR

For stockists, see page 120 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

81

REAL HOME Lily’s vibrant jewelled creations are inspired by her love of nature, ‘It’s amazing to have that close link with it here, while I work’

To break up the back of the sofa, Lily has propped one of her colourful pictures underneath a pair of glass console tables

The bedroom chest was once a baker’s dough bin. The kimono from One Hundred Stars was chosen for its beautiful colours

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

countryside, so it was the ideal solution,’ says Lily. ‘Mum and I are both creative, but she is very good with the technical details and is a skilled upholsterer, while I am more of an ideas person. Since I came back, we’ve worked between us to create a light, modern home, which is perfect for me – I have independence and a workroom, yet I’m still living close to Mum and Dad.’ Furnishing the single-storey home has been a gradual process. To save money, Nicola bought dust sheets and painstakingly turned them into eight pairs of curtains for the bespoke windows, and got curtain specialist Merrick & Day to insert the eyelets.

Nicola also attends upholstery classes and demonstrated her skills on tired old chairs, while Lily searched for sofas, cushions, bedding and lamps. They often go shopping together, scouring the nearby Hemswell Antiques Centre for interesting bargains or heading further afield for unusual fabrics at A Shufflebotham & Son in Macclesfield.

‘One of the most important aspects of my home is the view over the garden and then across to open fields,’ says Lily. ‘Most of my artwork is inspired by nature, so it’s amazing to have that close link with it while I work. My Dad is very knowledgeable about birds, and his passion for them has definitely rubbed off on me. He helps me to get the correct balance and proportions for my subjects, while I focus on their vivid colours using

REAL HOME ‘Since I came back, Mum and I have worked between us to create a light, modern home, which is perfect for me.’

good idea!

A corne r sofa w perfectl orks y in a living are n open-plan a , where room ne eds divid the ing into distinct areas losing it without s sense of space .

The shower room has basic fittings from a local bathroom store, which have been enhanced by Travertine floor tiles and a bamboo ladder chair from IKEA

Lily chose a large Limona Oka corner sofa to divide the sitting area from the rest of the room, adding cushions from Oka, Hemswell Antiques and covers made by Nicola Lily creates her artwork with the help of beautiful fabrics and trims that she collects

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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REAL HOME

textiles from all over the world to build up the layers in intricate detail.’

In fact, Lily’s colourful textile bird pictures, which have been displayed in Fortnum & Mason, inspired the overall look of her new home, where antiques and family pieces sit alongside bright, modern colours and soft furnishings.

‘It’s great to have that mix of old and new working side by side,’ says Lily.

‘Sometimes you can take a dated piece of furniture and, with a bit of imagination, completely transform it but I also love modern pieces. The property isn’t huge but the light and layout make it feel a lot bigger than it is,’ she adds. ‘I’m not afraid to use big pieces of furniture – such as the bed and the sofa – to shape a room, then I use art and colour to build them up gradually. I keep clutter to a minimum.

The only really busy area is my work space’.

‘Although the cart shed is compact, it’s really good to be able to live and work in the same place and to have this fabulous natural light to inspire me. It couldn’t have turned out better.’

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

The iron fourposter bed was made by a metal worker to Nicola’s design and she made the headboard using Indian tweed from The Loft. She also reupholstered the sofa, which was a £40 bargain from eBay. Lily has added Indian cut-cloth bedding from Portobello Road and a TK Maxx throw, along with a rug from The Loft

The bedside table, from John Lewis and Partners, is home to an antique lamp base teamed with an IKEA shade

REAL HOME Lily uses vivid shades and textured textiles from around the world to create her pieces

IDEAS TO STEAL Small, round tables are versatile and stylish. Lily uses hers as a bedside table.

Set of rustic, round wooden tables, £162.95, Melody Maison

Lily’s compact workroom is full of great storage ideas. Customise your storage with a trellis wall grid.

Trellis wall grid, £37, Red Candy Give your sofa a warm winter facelift with a cosy blanket.

Revontuli mohair blanket in rustbordeaux, €155, Lapuan Kankurit

good idea!

Bring bold co lours into a bedroom with a stunning kimono or a se t of beautiful scar ves draped over pretty ha ngers.

Bold colours are mixed and matched together to create a tropical corner in the guest bedroom.

The lamp from Pooky stands on a bedside table from The White Company. The vase was inherited from Lily’s grandmother, while the flamingo picture is one of Lily’s favourite creations

Nicola upholstered a small chair covered in brown corduroy with Harlequin fabric from Carol Bird Interiors. The choice of colour in this room was inspired by the original abstract painting by Dan Feit.

Nicola also made a headboard and cushion covers that tie into the scheme

Lily uses a ladderback chair to keep towels handy in her bathroom.

Odin storage unit in white and bamboo, £130, Habitat

Artificial flora lifts any home all year round. Make a statement with something big and bold.

Faux pussy willow, £29.95 for three stems, Audenza

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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I finally got my 1930s dream home With four-bedroom properties beyond their budget, Jade and Liam Simpson extended a two-bedroom semi to create the perfect family house

A sofa with a gentlemen’s club feel was high on Jade’s wish list. ‘I got this from Very,’ she says. ‘I love the style.

It’s not massively comfy but that’s ok as we spend more time in the family room.’ The pink cushion is by Sofa.com and the insect print is from Next

H

aving renovated three different homes before the age of 30, Jade and Liam Simpson were eager to tackle their fourth. Their first project was a straightforward refurbishment, the second was a derelict Victorian terrace, while the third was a new build house that they extended. However, after living there for two years, Jade had itchy feet.

‘Everyone was surprised we wanted to move, but I never loved the last house as

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

it didn’t have any character,’ she says. ‘I’d grown up in a 1930s house and knew I wouldn’t be happy until I got one.’

Since their budget wouldn’t stretch to a four-bedroom property, the couple targeted two-bedroom homes that had space to extend near Chester-le-Street town centre in County Durham.

‘The choice came down to two houses,’ says Jade. ‘However, one wasn’t suitable for an extension as it was too close to the road so

The living room was the first to be decorated as it wouldn’t be affected by the planned extension. After starting with a lighter sage green, Jade repainted the living room a rich bottle green paint by Next, now discontinued. ‘I’d always wanted a posh, green front living room,’ she says. ‘It pairs well with the darker wood flooring’

Feature Karen Wilson Photos Katie Lee

REAL HOME COME ON IN...

WE ARE Jade Simpson, 30, a home design consultant at Next, my husband Liam, 32, a cricket development officer, and our children Harry, eight, and Libby, five, plus dog, Teddy.

OUR HOME is a three-bedroom 1930s semi in Chester-le-Street, Tyne & Wear.

THE BEST BIT ABOUT LIVING HERE is being within walking distance of the town centre and Liam’s work.

MY BEST BARGAIN was our bed from Dreams, reduced from £500 to £99.

SHOPS I LOVE are Next, which has some lovely, different pieces and is really good quality. Dunelm is good for affordable accessories and Very is great for furniture.

MY TOP TIPS are have a changearound every year by selling homewares on Facebook Marketplace before getting any new pieces.

Jade found the singer sewing machine base in the street while walking her dog, Teddy. ‘It had been left out for the scrap man so I dragged it about half a mile home and Liam made a wooden top for it,’ she explains. The round shelf and vacant cushion are from Next Painting the mahogany fireplace white makes it stand out better against the Graham & Brown Botanical Black wallpaper, while the frameless 1930s antique mirror really suits the age of the house

MY ADVICE is just go for it and don’t be scared to get things wrong.

GROUND FLOOR Kitchen/Dining room Hall

Living room

FIRST FLOOR

Utility

Garage

Bedroom 3

Bath room

Bedroom 1

Bath room

Hall

Spare Room Bedroom 2

For stockists see page 120 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

87

REAL HOME

we bought this place. It had been rented out and had magnolia walls and brown carpets, but I loved the garden as we’d only had a yard when the kids were growing up and our previous garden was on a slope. The bay windows and driveway also appealed.’

In November 2017, the family moved in and had plans drawn up for a two-storey side extension. ‘Most people create a large master bedroom with en suite when they extend to the side, but it was too narrow for that,’ says Jade. ‘Instead we created a bedroom for Harry, a spare room in case we have more children or need an office, and a shower room in between that everyone can

88

use. Downstairs we created a much bigger kitchen diner and a utility room.’

A corridor to the new bedrooms was created by stealing space from the massive walk-in shower in the family bathroom, and the bathroom window at the side was moved to the rear to make way for Harry’s new bedroom.

Six months after moving in, the building work began. However, when the kitchen and bathroom were being ripped out and the boiler broke down, the family decided to go and stay with Liam’s parents for six weeks.

Unfortunately issues with the builders meant that costs quickly escalated. Eventually Jade

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

and Liam employed different trades to finish off the job. ‘We had checked out the builder’s Facebook page, but looking back I wish we’d asked for references from customers who’d had the same kind of extension done.’

Having spent so much on the building work, the couple found that they had to bargain hunt and find creative ways to save money when it came to finishing off the interior. For instance Jade opted for an IKEA kitchen rather than the handmade dark blue units that she would have preferred. She also found some fantastic wood-effect vinyl flooring costing just £300 for the kitchen and family room. Liam played his part

Jade picked grey sofas from DFS and retro style Arthouse wallpaper. The new woodburner is one of Liam and Jade’s favourite buys as it makes up for poor wall insulation.

‘It warms the whole house, and in winter we find it hard to move away from,’ she says

‘There’s nothing I’d like to change and I’m sure we’ll be here long term as we’ve got all the space we could possibly need now.’

good idea!

bureau ge £20 he A vinta match for t r in eat is a gr le wallpape ty retro-s ving room. the li

The built-in bench seat butted up against the island was an idea the couple saw in IKEA’s showroom. It has handy pull-out drawers on each side rather than a flip-top, which is ideal for children’s toy storage. ‘Liam made the breakfast bar from scaffold boards and the dining table from leftover roof trusses, so it only cost around £50 for the hairpin legs and stain,’ says Jade. Cult Furniture has similar Tolix style metal bar stools

Jade picked white doors from IKEA to contrast with the blue Leisure Cookmaster range cooker, tying everything together with patterned tiles from B&Q and finally Wilko Misty Blue wall paint

‘This was a bit of a dead space so we decided to cover it with chalkboard paint,’ says Jade. ‘It was Liam’s idea to put the calendar on so we wouldn’t forget anything’

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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REAL HOME Jade and Liam live next door to a joiner who made the New England-style built-in wardrobes. ‘If I had free-standing wardrobes I’d end up changing them all the time, so I prefer to have them fitted,’ says Jade. The yellow chair and rug are both from Argos

good idea!

For bu iltsave m in cupboard s, o intern ney by using al doo r s r a t than s peciali her st wardr ob e doors.

Jade was keen to banish the original white walls, brown carpet and striped feature wallpaper to go dark in her master bedroom using Sapphire Salute by Dulux. ‘It’s very similar to Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue,’ she says. ‘I’ve used it a few times with clients and although they were nervous to begin with, they loved it in the end.’ Yellow accessories provide colour pops, including cushions from Debenhams and bedside lamps from Asda As his favourite colour is green, Harry picked a graffiti pattern wallpaper from Muriva and wanted walls painted in Dulux Putting Green.

‘I did see some lovely cricket bat wallpaper, as Harry’s cricket-mad like his dad, but it was about £100 so we just put some bats on the shelf instead,’ says Jade. The bed is from Argos and the red H cushion is by Johnny’s Sister

too, making use of wood that was left over from installing new roof trusses to make a dining table with hairpin legs as well as some bedside cabinets. He also fashioned a breakfast bar, kitchen shelves and bathroom basin unit from scaffolding boards.

Having recently completed a degree in Interior Design, after several years spent working in admin, Jade’s confidence in her choices has certainly been boosted.

‘The design course is one of the best things that I’ve ever done, apart from having children and getting married,’ she says. ‘I’m usually quite instinctive with design but on the course you have to justify why you’ve chosen everything.’

Interior design had been an obsession for Jade from an early age. ‘When I was seven years old I was constantly changing my bedroom around and wallpapering my doll’s house,’ she says. There’s no doubt her style has changed considerably over the years though. ‘Looking back I cringe at the style that I liked when I was younger,’ she

90

explains. ‘Now I try to go for a classic style, that won’t go off trend too quickly, without playing it too safe. It’s important to work with the age and style of the house too.’

Now that she’s working as a home design consultant at Next, Jade is enjoying helping customers venture outside their comfort zone. ‘People get scared of doing things a bit differently, especially if they have one eye on selling up in the future,’ she says. ‘Personally though, we have found that every house we’ve done up has sold really quickly, and I think it is precisely because each has been a little bit different.’

Although the couple still need to finish off the rear garden and decking area, Jade is delighted with how the house has turned out in the end. ‘There’s nothing that I’d like to change and I’m sure we’ll be here long term as we’ve got all the space we could possibly need now. Although living among the mess with the kids was hard work at the time, I’d still love to do another renovation project – but next time on the side.’

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

REAL HOME IDEAS TO STEAL Bring some tropical magic to your chimney breast.

Arthouse tropical palm wallpaper, £13 per roll, Wilko

Yellow colour pops work well against dark walls.

Albert table light in mustard yellow, £39, Made

Dotty Rose Gold wallpaper

by Graham & Brown was the starting point for Libby’s bedroom scheme teamed with Chalk Pink paint by Laura Ashley and white painted floorboards to balance out the pink. The threequarter size bed from Very has been dressed with a Katy Rabbit duvet cover from Dunelm and a crocheted blanket that came from Jade’s grandma’s loft

This rug is based on a traditional design but with a mid-century modern twist.

Shina berber rug (140cm x 200cm), £60, Next Pick a versatile chair that would work in a bedroom, living room or hallway.

Hyde accent chair in mustard velvet, £129, Cult Furniture

Add an edge to a plain kitchen with a fun splashback.

Batik patchwork blue tiles, £47.84 per sq m, Topps Tiles

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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Food & drink

Get the year off to a good start with our seasonal recipes

If you do one thing this month...

Teach your kids how much fun healthy eating can be with Little Cooks Co, a monthly subscription-based recipe kit that’s posted through your front door. Each kit includes all the dry, organic ingredients needed for that month’s recipe, which is always free from refined sugar and can be dairy or wheat free on request. The January healthy eating bandwagon is not just for grown ups! It costs £12.99 a month or you can save by choosing a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription. Head to www.littlecooksco.co.uk for more information.

3 ways with... Seville oranges O For a classic marmalade, boil 500g whole oranges in 2L water for 2 hours,

or until very soft. Pour the liquid into a large pan, then cut the oranges into wedges, remove the pips and squeeze the juice over the pan. Thinly slice the squeezed wedges and add to the pan along with 1.5kg jam sugar. Boil for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a drop of the mixture on a chilled plate wrinkles when you push your finger through it. Leave to cool slightly before storing it in sterilised jars.

O The marmalade recipe above can be used to jazz up some basic pancakes.

Make a pancake batter using equal parts flour, eggs and milk. Fry in a hot pan until you’ve used up all the mixture and then keep the pancakes warm in a low oven. Put 1tbsp of marmalade per person into the hot pan and heat to bubbling. Pour over the plated pancakes and serve.

This month we love...

Part of M&S’s Cook With range, these pastes are great for adding rich flavour to any savoury meal. Transform a pasta sauce with the Smoked Tomato Paste, stir the Vegan Mushroom & Roasted Garlic Paste through a risotto or use the Soy, Ginger & Garlic flavour to jazz up a stir-fry. Prices start at £1.30.

Try me…

Eat me…

Buy me...

The Linda McCartney brand is a firm favourite in the world of vegetarian food. Its latest addition is a meat-free alternative to Southern-Style Chicken.

Covered in a crisp, golden coating, these sumptuous chicken-style pieces are sure to impress even the most stubborn meat eater. Available from Sainsburys, for just £2.

Inspired by the taste of New Orleans, Tilda’s Limited Edition Jambalaya is guaranteed to add a flavoursome touch to any dish. The delicate blend of Cajun flavours will partner perfectly with chicken, prawns or black beans to make an easy, exotic-tasting one pot meal. Priced at £1.59, it is available in major retailers.

Featuring 100 recipes each using a quintet of ingredients, Katy Beskow’s Five Ingredient Vegan is a simple guide to bringing more plant-based food into your diet. From pasta with creamy white wine mushrooms to pretzel and popcorn fridge cake, Katy proves vegan meals are varied and delicious.

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

O Seville oranges add a fruity twist to savoury dishes such as roast duck. Once the duck has been roasting in the oven for an hour, heat 4 tbsp marmalade in a pan, then brush half of it over the duck and return it to the oven. Brush the remaining marmalade over the duck 15 minutes before removing it from the heat. Rest the meat for 10 minutes then enjoy.

CHECK OUT WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOR MORE TASTY RECIPES www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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FOOD & DRINK

Conscience-free comfort

We crave filling food when it’s cold and dark outside, but choose dishes that deliver satisfaction without the stodge PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

Tiger prawn and fish stew

Feature Emma Lewis

+1 tbsp olive oil +1 leek, finely chopped +1 small fennel bulb, finely chopped +½ tsp sweet smoked paprika +1 tbsp tomato purée +2 tsp sherry vinegar (or white or red wine vinegar) +200g tomatoes, roughly chopped (or a 227g can chopped tomatoes) +500ml Waitrose Cooks’ Ingredients fresh fish stock +220g pack Big & Juicy whole Madagascan tiger prawns, defrosted +4 x 120g white fish fillets (such as cod or hake) +handful flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped

96

Q Heat the oil in a large sauté pan or shallow casserole. Add the leek and fennel with a pinch of salt, cover and sweat for 5 minutes, then uncover and fry for another 5 minutes until soft and turning golden.

Add the paprika and tomato purée, then fry for 2 more minutes.

Q Stir in the vinegar and tomatoes, fry for 1 minute, then add the fish stock and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the shells from the prawns, leaving the tails on, if liked. Nestle in the prawns and fish, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes, until the fish is cooked right through and the prawns are a pinky orange colour.

Q Check the seasoning (it will probably benefit from a pinch of sugar or honey) and serve in shallow bowls, scattered with the parsley. Serve with a dollop of mayonnaise or crème fraîche, if liked, and crusty bread.

Recipe and image courtesy of www.waitrose.com/recipes

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

Greek-style braised mushroom and leeks +500g chestnut mushrooms, halved +3 tbsp olive oil +1 onion, finely diced +2 leeks, washed and finely diced +6 garlic cloves, crushed +1 tin chopped tomatoes +1 tbsp tomato puree +2 bay leaves +1 tsp dried oregano +½ tsp allspice +2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped +salt and pepper To serve +bread or cooked rice +feta cheese Q Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and add the onion. Fry over a gentle heat, stirring until it begins to soften.

Q Add the mushrooms and leeks and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the mushrooms are starting to brown.

Q Add the garlic and stir through before adding the tinned tomatoes. Fill the tin with cold water and add that too.

Q Add the tomato purée, herbs and allspice and stir thoroughly. Put a lid on the pan and allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the tomatoes have cooked down to create a thick sauce.

Q Season with salt and pepper and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve warm with bread or rice and feta.

veggie Roasted papaya with vanilla ice cream +2 papayas +the juice of 2 limes +2 tbsp light brown soft sugar +4 scoops vanilla ice cream, to serve +1 tbsp shredded mint

Recipe and image courtesy of www.justaddmushrooms.com

PREPARATION TIME 5 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4

leaves, to serve Q Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas Mark 7 Q Halve the papayas and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon.

Arrange cut-side up on a baking tray and squeeze over the lime juice. Sprinkle over the sugar and roast for 15-20 minutes.

Q Serve half a papaya per person with a scoop of ice cream and a scattering of shredded mint.

Recipe and image courtesy of www.waitrose.com/recipes

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FOOD & DRINK PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 4

Roasted pumpkin, blueberries and spiced lentils +100g of blueberries +1 whole pumpkin or 1.3kg butternut squash (peeled and deseeded) +2 tbsp avocado oil +1 can cooked green lentils +1 pomegranate +100g pecans +1 tsp smoked paprika +½ tsp cumin +2 tbsp maple syrup +2 tbsp olive oil +salt and pepper

veggie

Q Preheat the oven to 200°C /180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6.

Q Cut the pumpkin up into big chunks. Rub in the avocado oil, cumin, smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 40 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Q While this is cooking, place the maple syrup and pecans in a pan, toast the pecans in the maple syrup for 3 minutes, stirring well until they are golden then leave to the side to cool.

Q Remove the seeds of the pomegranate.

Drain the lentils from the can.

Q When the pumpkin is cooked through, throw in the blueberries, lentils, a pinch of salt and the olive oil to the roasting tray and stir well. Place the tray back in the oven for 5 minutes to roast a little longer then remove and serve with the pomegranates and pecans sprinkled over the top.

Recipe and image courtesy of Love Fresh Berries (www.lovefreshberries.co.uk)

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FOOD & DRINK Baked rainbow chard with apricot and walnuts +40g walnuts, whole or halved +1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced +200g Swiss chard, roughly sliced into strips 2cm thick, stem included +1 fresh apricot, stoned and sliced into thin segments +2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling +sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Q Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6.

Q Toss all the ingredients into a large roasting dish with plenty of salt and pepper.

Q Bake in the oven for 18–20 minutes until the chard has slightly crisped up, then remove from the oven and serve with a drizzle of extra oil if needed.

veggie

PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 2

This goes well with poached eggs or pan-fried or poached white fish such as bream or sea bass.

Recipe and image courtesy of The Doctor’s Kitchen: Eat to Beat Illness by Dr Rupy Aujla (Thorsons, £16.99)

Chicken thighs with red onion, apple and chestnuts +2 tbsp olive oil +400g bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (2 or 3 pieces) +½ red onion, thinly sliced +½ red apple, thinly sliced +30g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped (or use unsalted walnuts or hazelnuts) +100g savoy cabbage, finely chopped (or kale, chard or spring greens) +10g fresh

PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 2

sage leaves, roughly chopped For the sauce +1 tsp yeast extract (e.g. Marmite) +1 tsp tomato paste +½ vegetable stock cube +100ml hot water Q Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6.

Q Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat. Lay the chicken thighs in the pan skin-side down and sauté gently for 6 minutes until the skin browns, then flip them over to cook on the other side.

Q Drain off any excess fat, add the red onion, apple and chestnuts and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes.

Q Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Add the cabbage, sage and sauce to the frying pan and transfer to the oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (if you don’t have an ovenproof frying pan, just transfer the contents of the pan to a baking tray). Remove from the oven and allow to cool a little before serving.

Deglaze the pan with a little red wine, after plating the chicken and vegetables, to make a jus to dress the chicken.

Recipe and image courtesy of The Doctor’s Kitchen: Eat to Beat Illness by Dr Rupy Aujla (Thorsons, £16.99)

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FOOD & DRINK

Veganuary inspo!

Brighten up winter with these seriously tempting plant-based recipes

Easy vegan risotto +25g Flora Original +2 tbsp olive oil +1 large onion, finely chopped +2 cloves garlic, crushed +225g Arborio rice +700 ml hot vegetable stock +300 ml vegan dry white wine (optional but increase stock to 1 litre if not used) +250g frozen petit pois +125g asparagus tips, each cut into three +175g spinach, washed and drained +75g vegan parmesan cheese, grated +pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Feature Emma Lewis

PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

Q Heat the Flora and olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion and garlic until soft but not browned.

Q Add the rice and stir well. Pour in the wine and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and cook gently, while stirring, until the liquid has been absorbed.

Q Stir in 300ml stock and repeat until the stock has been absorbed.

Q Add half the remaining stock, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until the risotto has a creamy consistency.

Q Add the peas, asparagus and remaining stock to the rice. Bring back to a simmer and continue stirring as the liquid is absorbed and the rice becomes tender.

Q Stir in the spinach, with a little more stock if necessary, and sprinkle in the vegan cheese, stirring until melted through. You can leave this ingredient out if you prefer but it will affect the consistency a little.

Q Finish with cracked black pepper and vegan parmesan and serve straight away.

Recipe courtesy of Flora, www.flora.com/gb/recipes

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FOOD & DRINK Vegan tomato soup with spinach ravioli +2x 300g packs Waitrose 1 Red Choice tomatoes, halved +3 medium leeks, trimmed and roughly chopped +5 garlic cloves, peeled and halved +4 thyme sprigs +2 tbsp olive oil +400g can butter beans, rinsed and drained +500ml Waitrose fresh vegetable stock +2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle +250g pack Waitrose & Partners Vegan Spinach Ravioli +handful basil leaves

PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 6

Q Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas Mark 6. Put the tomatoes, and any vines (for extra flavour), in a large roasting tray. Add the leeks, garlic and thyme; drizzle with the olive oil and season. Roast for 25 minutes, then add the butter beans, stock and 250ml water to the tray; return to the oven for another 15 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Q Remove and discard any woody thyme sprigs and tomato vines from the tray, then tip the contents into a large blender with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Whizz until smooth, loosening with more water if needed and adjusting the seasoning (you may need to add a pinch of sugar or honey, too).

Q Cook the ravioli according to pack instructions, then drain and toss with the remaining 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Reheat the soup if necessary and divide between bowls. Top each bowl with a few ravioli and basil leaves.

Recipe courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes

Vegan portobello waffles

PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4

For the topping +4 portobello mushrooms, sliced +3 tbsp olive oil +1/5 tsp five spice +3 garlic cloves, crushed +2 tbsp chives, chopped For the dressing +250g soy yogurt +1 tsp tamari +1 tbsp maple syrup +freshly ground black pepper For the waffle batter +250ml almond milk +1 tsp lemon juice +2 tbsp olive oil +175g spelt flour +1 tsp baking powder +pinch of salt Q Combine the ingredients for the dressing and set aside.

Q Mix together the almond milk and lemon juice in a jug and leave to stand for 5 minutes. In the meantime, heat and oil the waffle iron. (If you don’t have a waffle iron, make pancakes instead, frying a ladleful of batter at a time. Flip when the pancakes start to bubble.)

Q In a bowl mix together the olive oil, flour, baking powder and salt. Add the almond milk and stir together to make a thicker batter. Pour a ladleful of the mixture onto the iron and cook the waffles, one at a time, until golden and crisp.

Q Meanwhile, make the mushroom topping. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and add the mushrooms. Fry them over a gentle heat, stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft.

Q Add the five spice and garlic. Stir through. Cook for a further minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Q Serve the waffles topped with the mushrooms, a drizzle of the dressing and a sprinkle of chives.

Recipe courtesy of www.justaddmushrooms.com

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FOOD & DRINK Chana masala with coconut chutney PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 2

+300g cherry tomatoes, sliced +400g can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained +2–3 tbsp coconut yoghurt +½ tsp coconut sugar +sea salt flakes (optional) For the spice paste +2 tbsp rapeseed oil +1 large onion, roughly chopped +2 tsp cumin seeds +6 garlic cloves, peeled +thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped +2 tsp ground coriander +¼ tsp dried chilli flakes +40g fresh coriander, including stalks, roughly chopped +1 tsp ground turmeric For the coconut chutney +50g unsweetened desiccated coconut +thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated +½ small green chilli, deseeded +juice of ½ lime +2 tsp rapeseed or flaxseed oil ½ tsp black mustard seeds +½ tsp cumin seeds +6 curry leaves To serve +toasted hazelnuts +fresh coriander leaves Q Make the spice paste by adding all the paste ingredients to a food processor, blender or pestle and mortar. Blitz (or pound) to a chunky paste. Set aside.

Q Next, make the chutney. Add desiccated coconut to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 10–15 minutes for the coconut to rehydrate and soften. Drain and reserve about 125ml of the soaking water. Add the softened coconut, ginger and chilli to a food processor or spice grinder.

Blitz until smooth, then add some of the reserved coconut soaking water to loosen if needed. Add in 1½ teaspoons of salt and the lime juice.

Q Pour the oil into a small frying pan and, once hot, add the mustard seeds. Fry gently until the seeds start to pop, then add the cumin seeds and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds. Add the tempered spices and oil to the chutney and mix well.

Q Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the spice paste. Fry for 5 minutes, add tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes, until beginning to soften. Pour in 200ml of water, turn down the heat to simmer gently for 30 minutes. Add the chickpeas to the pan, stir to combine, then stir in the yoghurt and, if using, the coconut sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Q Serve the chana masala topped with coconut chutney, toasted hazelnuts and coriander.

Recipe courtesy of Rebel Recipes by Niki Webster (Bloomsbury, £22)

Tropical fruit fool with coconut, papaya and passion fruit +2 papayas, peeled, deseeded and roughly chopped +2 tsp icing sugar +3 x 125g tubs Co Yo Vanilla Coconut Milk Yoghurt +2 passion fruit +ginger biscuits, to serve If you like you can vary the flavour by substituting the papaya with two peeled and stoned mangoes Q Put the papaya flesh and icing sugar into a food processor and pulse until you have a smooth purée. In a bowl, beat the coconut yoghurt until smooth, then fold in the papaya flesh until combined.

Q Halve one passion fruit, scoop out the pulp and stir gently through the papaya mixture. Spoon into glasses and chill for an hour. When you’re ready to serve, top with the pulp of the other passion fruit and serve along with some ginger biscuits.

Recipe and image courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES CHILL TIME 60 MINUTES SERVES 4

FOOD & DRINK Vegan strawberry tarts +100g rice flour +50g tapioca flour +40g ground almonds +15g cocoa +25g caster sugar +100g soya margarine +2 tbsp cold water +100g dark chocolate (check packaging, not all brands are gluten / dairy free) For the strawberry ‘cream’ +100g cashew pieces +1 tbsp cornflour +2 tbsp caster sugar +½ lemon, juice only +225g strawberries, hulled, quartered +1 tsp vanilla paste or extract To decorate +675g strawberries, hulled, halved Q To make the pastry, add the rice and tapioca flour, ground almonds and cocoa to a bowl or food processor.

Add the sugar and margarine and rub in until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Add the water and bring together to make a smooth dough.

Q Lightly knead the dough until smooth then cut into 6 pieces. Press each piece over the base and up the sides of a 10cm individual fluted tart tin with fingertips, pressing the pastry a little above the top of the tin to allow for shrinkage.

Prick the bases with a fork and chill for 15-30 minutes.

Q Add the cashew pieces for the filling to a bowl, cover with boiling water then leave to soak for 30 minutes.

Q Preheat the oven to 180°C /Fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4. Line the inside of each tart with non-stick baking paper to cover the base and sides then fill with baking beans. Put the tarts on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and cook for a further 3-5 minutes until the pastry is crisp.

Q Pare a few curls from the underside of the block of chocolate, using a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler. Reserve.

Break the remaining chocolate into pieces and divide between the bases of the hot tarts. Leave until melted then spread over the base and up the sides of each tart with the back of a teaspoon. Leave to set. This stops the pastry going soggy when you add the creamy filling.

Q To make the strawberry ‘cream’, add the cornflour, sugar and lemon juice to a small saucepan and stir together until smooth. Add the strawberries and cook over a low heat, stirring for 4-5 minutes until the strawberries are soft.

Increase the heat and stir until thickened. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.

Q Drain the soaked nuts and blitz in a food processor until very finely ground. Add the cooked strawberry mix and blend until smooth. Cool, if needed.

Q Take the tart cases out of the tins and put on to serving plates. Spoon the strawberry cream into the tarts then pile the remaining strawberries on top. Sprinkle with the reserved chocolate curls and serve.

Recipe from Love Fresh Berries, www.lovefreshberries.co.uk

PREPARATION TIME 40 MINUTES CHILL TIME 30 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 6

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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N E W C U R TA I N S & R O M A N BLINDS COLLECTION

CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK

Home IMPROVEMENT

Turn the page to find out all you need to know about buying a new build home

Clear advantage

Feature Hannah Tribe

Keep winter weather at bay with the Stormproof range from Evolution windows. These alternatives to timber windows have all the beauty of traditional wood without any of the complicated maintenance.

They provide strong defence from wind and rain, and they’re highly energy efficient, meaning your home will stay snug no matter what the British climate throws at it. Prices start from £500 excluding installation. Visit www.evolutionwindows.com

Fresh cuts January is the perfect month to prune apple and pear trees as they’re dormant in the cold winter months. Create a shape that lets light through the canopy and remove branches growing inwards. You can also prune shrub roses now by cutting away weak stems and making space for new growth. Use strong, sharp tools such as these from Niwaki to create clean cuts and reduce strain in your hands and arms. To find out more visit www.niwaki.com

Bright as a penny Illuminate dingy winter mornings and long, cold evenings with modern outdoor lighting.

Place lights around entrances to make it easier to find your keys in the dark or use them to spread a warm glow over exterior walls. The surface of these raw copper lights will gently weather over time, changing from a glossy orange to develop a beautiful patina with a unique texture like a long-serving penny coin. Up & Down light in raw copper, £50, Garden Trading.

Visit www.gardentrading.co.uk

Moku u pru uning ssaw, pruning £49, Niwaki

L Loppers, £ £79, Niwaki

M Mainichi ssecateurs, £39, Niwaki

Space for waste It may not feel like the most glamorous purchase, but a neat bin store could instantly transform your front garden. Unsightly wheelie bins will be hidden away, and unruly recycling bins will be safe and secure. Storing bins in a purpose-built structure also means that animals such as foxes will be discouraged from trying to rummage in the refuse. Choosing an option with a green roof will mean that you’ll have extra space for displaying plants.

Single bin store from Rowlinson, £104.99, www.robertdyas.co.uk

FOR MORE EXPERT ADVICE AND CASE STUDIES GO TO WWW.YOURHOMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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The Zero Carbon Smart Homes in Rock are eco-friendly. www.verto homes.com

Feature Andrea Dean

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Buy a new build for peace of mind A brand new home could be your best move here’s all you need to know

F

rom large-scale developments to boutique schemes and one-off houses, new-builds have many advantages over existing homes. They’re in pristine condition, no one’s lived there before and once you move in you can simply unpack and get on with your life without the upheaval of renovations and repairs. New homes are highly energy-efficient so bills are much lower, and are designed for today’s lifestyles with open-plan layouts, en suites, utility areas and smart technology. Residents may also have access to shared amenities such as a concierge, gym and play area. On top of all this, the purchasing process is easier as there’s no onward chain – and you may be lucky enough to qualify for a financial boost or incentive.

l

BE SHOW-HOME SAVVY

Show homes are designed to be as enticing as possible, but make sure you look beneath the surface so you’re not disappointed. Find out exactly what’s included in the price, whether you’re able to choose your own kitchen and bathroom fittings, flooring and tiles, how much the service charge is and what the parking arrangements are. Ask whether the garden will be fully landscaped, which way the property will face, what the view will be and when work on the site is due to complete. Check ceiling heights and room sizes, and whether there’s sufficient storage, and watch out for tricks such as using small furniture and mirrored surfaces to make rooms look bigger and lighter than they really are.

Timber Yard comprises apartments for owner-occupiers, first-time buyers and investors surrounded by landscaped courtyard gardens

Live at The Timber Yard in Birmingham’s Southside area, by Galliard Homes, and you’ll have a private gym and screening room.

106 January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk From www.galliardhomes.com

Cherry Tree Lane in Ewhurst, Surrey, has Help to Buy on some properties. www.millwood designerhomes.co.uk

HOME IMPROVEMENT

In new houses at Countesswells, near Aberdeen, part exchange, paid LBTT (the Scottish version of stamp duty) and free flooring are incentives. www.barratthomes.co.uk

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BOOST YOUR BUDGET WITH HELP TO BUY

Since its introduction in April 2013, the government’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme has assisted more than 220,000 households in buying a new-build by providing a loan of up to 20% of the cost (40% in London).

Purchasers need just a 5% deposit and require a 75% mortgage, giving them access to better deals than when borrowing a higher proportion of the value. The maximum property price is capped at £600,000, and the loan is interest-free for five years and repaid when the home is sold. Help to Buy’s currently available to both new buyers and existing home owners, but from April 2021 will be restricted to firsttimers, with regional price caps.

Green Park Village, Reading, has New England-inspired houses.

From www.berkeleygroup.co.uk

3

OPT FOR SHARED OWNERSHIP

Shared ownership is targeted at aspiring homeowners whose budgets don’t stretch to purchasing 100% of a home, allowing them to buy a stake they can afford and pay subsidised rent to a housing association on the balance. It’s mostly available on dedicated new-builds, though secondhand homes do come up for sale, and open to households with a total income of up to £80,000 (£90,000 in the capital). Deposits are much lower than when buying on the open market as they’re only needed for the share being bought, which can be as little as 25% of the full value, though there’s always the opportunity to increase it through a process known as staircasing.

4

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Some house builders offer inducements in a bid to get their homes sold. These can include stamp duty and legal fees paid, furnishing packages, appliance upgrades or free season tickets, and although they may sound tempting, make sure you do the maths before committing to buy. Compare costs of similar homes at other local developments and if you’d rather have money off the purchase price instead, ask if there’s wiggle room on price. Part-exchange may be a far more practical incentive when upsizing, as the developer will buy your current home from you at an agreed price based on independent valuations. This means you won’t have the hassle of hiring an estate agent, finding a buyer or getting stuck in a chain.

Miller Homes now has a handy app that allows customers who have reserved a plot to check on things including build progress

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Denham Film Studios comprises new and converted apartments and newbuild townhouses designed around the original Grade II listed Art Deco film studio HQ and laboratory buildings. Residents have access to a restored cinema and bar. From Weston Homes, www.weston-homes.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

5

COOL CONVERSIONS

A common criticism of new-builds is that they’re lacking in character, so why not think outside the box and consider a freshly converted home with a history? Up and down the country, schools, factories, hospitals, hotels and a myriad of other redundant buildings are being given a new lease of life as comfortable, stylish homes combining original details with contemporary features such as double or triple glazing, and high-spec kitchens and bathrooms.

Examples include The Denham Film Studios in Buckinghamshire, from Weston Homes, which includes a restored Art Deco cinema where Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott once screened movies, and Haseley Manor, a magnificent Warwick manor house that’s being renovated and converted by Spitfire Bespoke Homes.

Get the best of both worlds at Henderson House at Marine Rise in Gullane, East Lothian, where Cala Homes has converted the landmark Marine Hotel into apartments

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EXPERT ADVICE ‘Buying off-plan gives you the potential to secure the best price and have first choice on a great plot. Make sure you think about what the area will look like once the development is finished: wider plans for it could indicate that your property is likely to experience capital growth. You’ll be given the opportunity to add a personal touch to your home by selecting fixtures and fittings, making it your own from the very beginning.’

Lynnette St-Quintin, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Southern Counties

6

useful contacts ■ Meet developers, housing assoc iations and financial advisors at the next First Time Buyer Home Show, www.ftbhome show. com, taking place in London on 7th March.

■ The HomeOwners Alliance, www . hoa.org.uk, has information on buyin g new-builds. Find out about affordable routes onto the housing ladder at www. ownyourhome.gov.uk, including Help to Buy and shared ownership.

■ Visit www.sharetobuy.com to find shared ownership homes, and www . propertybooking.co.uk for both shared ownership and Help to Buy properties.

■ www.whathouse.com lists new homes nationwide at all price points.

AFTER SALES SERVICE

Most new homes come with a 10-year warranty, usually provided by the National House-Building Council (NHBC). For the first two years it covers most defects but after that it can only be used for major issues, such as structural problems. As soon as you move in, or beforehand if you have access, make a note of anything that needs fixing and report it to the housebuilder, who is legally obliged to remedy all faults. Check for cracks, chips in paintwork, uneven finishes and leaking taps and consider paying for a professional snagging survey to pick up things that you might miss. Keep copies of all correspondence and if the issues aren’t resolved, contact the NHBC or other warranty provider.

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

CASE STUDY ‘Thanks to Help to Buy, we’re better off than when we were renting’

Everyone’s settled in and Bhupinder, an IT consultant who works from home, has turned the fourth bedroom into an office

The well-connected new neighbourhood is surrounded by green space, and there’s a new school nearby too

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Feature & Photos Gill Rothwell

The open-plan kitchen/dining room is spacious and includes integrated appliances and a breakfast bar

oelle Tosti and her husband Bhupinder Singh had had enough of renting in Rugby but didn’t think they’d be able to afford to buy a home big enough for themselves and their three boys, aged four, eight and ten. But the Help to Buy equity loan scheme came to their rescue, and they’re now the proud owners of a four-bed house at Crest Nicholson’s Hansford Park development in Houlton, a new community on the outskirts of the town.

‘We decided to look into the costs of buying and, when we discovered Help to Buy, we realised that we had already saved enough for a deposit,’ says Bhupinder.

‘We’ve upsized from renting a three-bedroom house to

owning a four-bed. Our monthly rent on the smaller home was £1,100, and our mortgage on the larger property is around £950, meaning we’re saving £150 a month! The added benefit is that this is a new-build, so the quality is high. The design of the house is perfect for us – modern, with an open-plan layout that makes it very light inside.’

As well as enjoying more space, they’re delighted to have a primary school nearby, and a secondary is due to open in a couple of years. ‘All our children go to the new primary school, St Gabriel’s, which opened in September,’ says Joelle. ‘It is a huge bonus to have this on our doorstep, especially as when we were renting we couldn’t find a school for the children, so had to take them to Coventry every day. When the secondary school is built and they are old enough, the kids will go there.

We’re really happy with the community here. It’s unique and our neighbours are lovely – it’s like one big family.

Our experience with Crest Nicholson was great. The sales team were very friendly and helpful, which made all the difference for us.’

Hansford Park is a mix of one, two, three and fourbed homes, ideal for first-time buyers, upsizers and downsizers. Help to Buy, part exchange and other incentives are on offer. www.crestnicholson.com

Bhupinder and his family now have a bigger house and their mortgage is lower than their rental used to be

GET CREATIVE AND LEARN

a new skill

Thinking of a change of career or want to do something different in your spare time? We’ve got some great ideas for creative courses and practical workshops

River Cottage Ever wanted to become an expert forager or a topnotch baker? Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s organic smallholding River Cottage, near Axminster in Devon, is the ideal place to expand your knowledge.

The range of courses includes everything from veggie and vegan cookery to beekeeping and seashore foraging, so you can spend a day doing whatever takes your fancy. Prices start from around £145 for a one-day course. You can combine your course with a stay at River Cottage’s beautiful old farmhouse. Visit www.rivercottage.net for more information on all available courses, or to book.

Courses at River Cottage range from gardening and outdoor courses to crafts and watercolour painting

Feature Lisa Hibberd

The Goodlife Centre

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The Goodlife Centre provides tools and all you need – including aprons and cups of ‘builders’ tea

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Why not embark on a course to improve your DIY skills? The Goodlife Centre is an independent learning space near Tate Modern in London, and offers a fantastic selection of practical workshops to help you gain confidence in any area you choose.

Classes are open to all and geared towards complete beginners, so you don’t need any experience. There are no evaluations, just a relaxed learning environment. Classes are small, so your tutor will have plenty of time to give you support. Courses take place on weekdays, weekends and evenings so you can choose a time to suit you. DIY courses available for 2020 include tiling, woodwork and DIY in a day. Prices start at £70 for a morning.

Visit www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk for more information.

Waitrose cookery school

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, there’s bound to be a course to suit you at Waitrose Cookery School. With a choice of three locations; Finchley Road or King’s Cross in London, or Salisbury in Wiltshire, classes range from just one hour long to a whole day. Waitrose’s expert chefs will guide you through every step using quality ingredients, tapping in to the latest food trends, from street food to Italian classics. Prices start from as little as £10 for an hour, so what are you waiting for? Log on to www.waitrose.com to find out more.

If you love preparing and eating good food you’ll love the handson approach to learning at the Waitrose Cookery Schools

it’s a date A Waitrose evening class is the perfect recipe for a fun night out, complete with a glass of wine.

Upcycled Creative

Give your old furniture a new lease of life by going on an upholstery course at Upcycled Creative

Situated in the historic market town of Wirksworth in the Peak District, Upcycled Creative is the perfect spot for some creative therapy. This award-winning small business was founded in 2012 by Lee Richards, who was determined to show that reclaimed items could be given a new lease of life, instead of being thrown away. Home to a glorious array of upcycled furniture to buy, the studio offers workshops in painting, upcycling or upholstery.

Choose from different upholstery workshops, an upcycled lamp workshop, or furniture painting for beginners or those more advanced. Prices start at £60, so there’s no need to blow the budget. You might even leave with your own unique creation, or at the very least a new set of skills to impress friends and family. Log on to www.upcycledcreative.co.uk to find out more. www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

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HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

School of Wok The popularity of Asian cuisine is still on the rise, and what better way to enjoy it than to cook an authentic meal yourself instead of ordering in a takeaway? Established in 2009 by chef Jeremy Pang, School of Wok is a specialist cookery school in London’s Covent Garden, providing classes to suit all abilities and tastes. The extensive range of classes for 2020 includes understanding the wok, Chinese takeaway classics and sushi making, all of which are sure to inspire you to get cooking at home. Prices start from £30 for an hour-long course. Visit https://schoolofwok.co.uk to find out more or to book a course.

Courses at School of Wok range from three hours to a week of full-day classes

$Ź ZULWH From Japanese to Thai, and from Vietnamese to Chinese, you can become a master of different types of east Asian cuisine. Besides wok cookery you can learn about steaming, sushi, pho, bao and dim sum!

Leave the tablet or laptop behind and go back to some good old-fashioned handwriting.

Alice Gabb calligraphy Creating beautifully-written cards and letters is a real skill, so why not learn from an expert? Alice Gabb is a calligrapher, illustrator, lettering artist and stationery designer in Hackney, East London.

Beginners could get going with ‘modern calligraphy for the new and curious’ – a two-hour session. You start with a cup of tea and an introduction, then some practise exercises, before moving on to replicating Alice’s signature lettering style. Each class includes refreshments, help and inspiration from Alice herself, and your own basic calligraphy kit to take home and continue practising.

Visit www.alicegabb.com to find out more.

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk Try the genteel art of calligraphy

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

0L[ LW XS On a sugarcraft course you’ll learn to create super-smooth icing and pretty sugar flowers.

Squires Kitchen has expert tutors who give you guidance every step of the way

Squires Kitchen International School Squires Kitchen believes that anyone can bake beautifully, master the art of cake decorating and sugarcraft and make chocolates like a professional – all you need is confidence. With a range of courses from one to six days long, you can learn all sorts of new skills. One-day classes include subjects from making the perfect macaroons to a masterclass in buttercream piping skills. Prices for these start from around £125 per day. If you’re looking for something a little more in depth, why not consider the five-day chocolate school? You’ll learn chocolate techniques such as tempering, colouring and using moulds, perfect if you’ve ever thought about turning a love of chocolate into a business. Simply browse the website to find the course you are looking for, then request a booking online. Classes take place at the Squires Kitchen International School in Farnham, Surrey. Visit www.squires-school.co.uk or call 0333 223 4466 for more information.

West dean college Nestled in the beautiful South Downs near Chichester, West Dean College has an international profile for conservation and arts education. It’s a unique place to study, and there’s a course for everyone. With over 800 to choose from, tailored for all levels of ability, you can nurture an existing talent, or learn something new, with small class sizes and under the guidance of expert tutors. Facilities include fully-equipped workshops and studios, a pottery, a forge, a fine metals workshop and a sculpture courtyard. We’re tempted by ‘throwing and turning for beginners’ – a brilliant introduction to the potter’s wheel, where you will be shown a range of techniques and finish the course with a number of unique pieces to take home. You can also turn your learning experience into a mini break by staying as a residential student, waking up to the characterful charm of the beautiful period property, set in acres of parkland. Visit www.westdean.org.uk for the full range of courses.

‘Throwing and turning for beginners’ is one of 800 courses on offer at West Dean

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Melody Maison Furniture | Mirrors | Home DĂŠcor www.melodymaison.co.uk Call: 01302 741000 Use Code: MMYH290 for 10% Oďż˝! Expires 29th February 2020

Next month in…

Be inspired by our stunning reader homes

£ T HE £

Find gorgeous craft projects to make for your home

MON EY

SAVI NG I SSUE

Discover clever ways to revamp your rooms on a budget

Try our delicious recipe ideas for affordable family meals

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SEVEN AMAZING PRIZE DRAWS TO ENTER! • SEVEN AMAZING PRIZ

We have fabulous goodies up for grabs this month!

Win one of five One4All Gift Cards worth £100 each

Win a year’s supply of Rekorderlig Botanicals Cider

Five lucky Your Home readers will each win a £100 One4All Gift Card, the UK’s leading multi-store gift card! One4all Gift Cards can be used in over 55,000 stores nationwide, including John Lewis, M&S, Topshop and Boots, or to dine out in restaurants, including Wagamama or Bella Italia. You can use your One4all Gift Card to help spruce up your home by spending it at B&Q or book a holiday to a range of destinations at home through selected high-street travel agents including Kuoni. Find out more at one4all.com.

Rekorderlig, the premium Swedish cider brand, is offering two lucky Your Home readers a year’s supply of its Botanicals Cider.

Each winner will receive four deliveries of 48 bottles of Rekorderlig Botanicals Cider over the course the year – a prize with a total value of £390. So whenever you fancy a few flavourful drinks, Rekorderlig will be on hand to quench your thirst.

Rekorderlig Botanicals Cider is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, and comes in a range of delicious flavours, including RhubarbLemon-Mint, PeachBasil, GrapefruitRosemary and the brand-new flavour BlackberryTwo Violet-Juniper. lucky Find out more about the cider at winners rekorderlig.com.

Five gift cards to win

Win a bundle of toys and games for the whole family

Win a Tutti Bambini Siena cot bed and sprung cot mattress

A bumper pack of toys and games will be going to the lucky winner of this prize draw. The bundle of family fun includes three Pub Quiz Books (carltonbooks.co.uk), an iBeani tablet stand and case (ibeani.co.uk), a Pindaloo game (mypindaloo.co.uk), the Amazing Mystery Box (theamazingmysterybox.com), Dot Art sticker book (prestel.com), OjO Story Creations and OjO Shape Factory (learnwithojo.com) and a Beat That! game (johnlewis. com). A second-prize bundle is also up for grabs containing the Amazing Mystery Box, Dot Art Win a sticker book, OjO Story Creations and OjO family fun Shape Factory and Interaction board game (rudy-games.com). Two runners-up will be pack also receive the Pindaloo ball game.

Tutti Bambini’s Siena cot has been designed with a Scandinavian influence. Made with solid beech trim and a calming white frame, this cot bed, worth £374.99, will be the focal point of your nursery. The Siena cot bed is suitable for children from birth to six years of age and has three modes to match their development: cot, junior bed, sofa/day bed. The prize includes Tutti Bambini’s deluxe pocketsprung mattress, worth £89.99, to ensure a perfect night’s sleep for your child. See tuttibambini.co.uk for more.

Cot & mattress to win

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

ZE DRAWS TO ENTER! • SEVEN AMAZING PRIZE DRAWS TO ENTER!

Win a £200 voucher for Posterlounge This month, five lucky winners will receive a £200 voucher to spend at the online art shop Posterlounge, where you can find everything from the great masterpieces of Claude Monet and William Turner to modern graphic designs or vibrant photographs.

There is something to suit all tastes at Posterlounge and with its expansive range of premium posters and prints available on canvas, wood, acrylic, glass or aluminium (and in different sizes to suit your space) you can complement your interior and give your walls a unique twist.

Why not update your wall decor according to the season with wintery street scenes or warm, golden fires? Head over to posterlounge.co.uk to browse through the full collection.

Five vouchers to win

Win an online business course for interior designers

Win a two-night bed & breakfast stay for two

We’ve teamed up with Your Interior Business to offer one lucky reader a place on an online business course worth £550. The Your Interior Business course teaches you everything you need to know to set up and grow your own interior design business.

Your Interior Business is an online business toolbox for interior designers who want to start and/or expand their business.

Through a wonderfully creative website, the course is simple to access and offers easy-to-follow modules providing the knowledge, tools and finesse to help your interior designs business thrive.

Your Interior Business is specifically tailored to interior designers and provides a step-by-step guide to creating Win a profitable a design business. For more visit yourinterior course business.com

Immerse yourself in Cornish coastal life by winning a two-night stay at the idyllic Tolcarne Beach Village. With rooms situated just metres from the shore you can wake up to the sound of waves, watch the surf from your bed and be on the sand in seconds.

With superb views throughout the village you can take in the morning sun, bathe in the afternoon warmth or simply admire the evening sun setting over the sea. Visit tolcarnebeach.co.uk to find out more.

Win a luxury break

To enter, visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk, choose the WIN tab, find the prize draw you'd like to enter and fill in your details. Closing date 11.59pm 31 December 2019 TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1 Promoter: Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited. 2 The promotion is open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, aged 18 years or older, except the Promoter’s employees or contractors and anyone connected with the promotion or their direct family members. 3 By entering the promotion, you agree to be bound by all the rules of the promotion including these terms and conditions. 4 The Promoter may share the details of the winner with the prize provider for the purposes of fulfilling/delivering the prize. 5 The Promoter excludes liability to the full extent permitted by law for any loss, damage or injury occurring to the participant arising from his or her entry into the promotion or occurring to a winner arising from his or her acceptance of a prize. 6 The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions or to cancel, alter or amend the promotion at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, or if circumstances arise outside of its control. 7 Only one entry per prize draw will be permitted per household, regardless of method of entry. Bulk entries made by third parties will not be permitted. Entries received after the closing date of the promotion will not be considered. 8 No responsibility accepted for lost, delayed, ineligible or fraudulent entries. 9 The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable and not for resale. The prizes cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, promotions or discounts. There is no cash alternative. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prizes with other prizes of the same or greater value. 10 Closing date for entries is 11.59pm on 31 December 2019. 11 Winning entries will be chosen at random (after the closing date) from all entries. 12 The winners will be notified of their win within 28 days. 13 Winners must claim their prize within 28 days of notification. In the event that a winner cannot be contacted or fails to claim their prize within 28 days, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to another entrant, or to re-offer the prize in any future promotion. 14 The Promoter’s decision as to the winner is final and no correspondence relating to the promotion will be entered into. 15 The prizes are as stated above. 16 Entrants must supply to Immediate Media Company Limited their full name, email address or daytime telephone number. The Promoter will use entrants’ personal details in accordance with the Immediate Privacy Policy (immediate.co.uk/privacy-policy). 17 The surname and county of residence of the winners will be available upon request by sending an SAE to Your Home January 2020 Giveaways, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST within two months of the closing date of the promotion. The Promoter will contact the winners before releasing this information and provide the winners the opportunity to object or limit the amount of information shared 18 The promotion is subject to the laws of England.19 With regard to the design course competition, by entering you agree to participate in post-competition publicity for the prize provider.

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Shopping guide A

Alice Gabb www.alicegabb.com Alternative Flooring Company 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com Amara 0800 587 7645 www.amara.com Annie Sloan www.anniesloan.com Aoos-neon www.ebay.com/str/aoos Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk Arthouse 0333 016 4134 www.arthouse.com Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com Atkin & Thyme 01727 227 500 www.atkinandthyme.co.uk Audenza 0116 298 6393 www.audenza.com

B

Baa Stool 01824 790882 www.baastool.co.uk Barratt Homes www.barratthomes.co.uk Baked Earth 01423 875944 www.bakedearth.co.uk Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 8899 www.bathroomstolove.uk B&Q 0845 609 6688 www.diy.com Bazaar Group 01670 594 133 www.bazaar-group.uk Beautify 0161 833 5442 www.beautify.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Berkeley Group www.berkeleygroup.co.uk Best Heating 0333 272 6360 www.bestheating.com Blinds2go 0800 862 0464 www.blinds-2go.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 0114 321 7000 www.bobbyrabbit.co.uk

C

Cala Homes www.cala.co.uk Caple 0117 938 1900 www.caple.co.uk Carol Bird Interiors 01482 886222 www.carolbirdinteriors.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk Charlton Island 020 3951 0169 www.charltonisland.com Clifton Carpet Centre 01904 691626 www.cliftoncarpetcentre.co.uk Concrete & Wax 07825 759666 www.concreteandwax.com Cormar Carpets 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk Cotswold Co 0333 200 1725 www.cotswoldco.com Cox and Cox 0330 333 2123 www.coxandcox.co.uk

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Cuckooland 01305 231 231 www.cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 www.cultfurniture.com Curry’s PC World 0344 561 0000 www.currys.co.uk

20

D

Deal4Doors www.ebay.co.uk/ str/deal4doors Debenhams 0344 800 8877 www.debenhams.com Deco-house www.ebay.co.uk/str/ decohouse Dog & Dome www.doganddome.com DFS 0808 274 5074 www.dfs.co.uK Dulux 0844 481 7817 www.dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565 www.dunelm.com

E F

Earthborn 01928 734171 www.earthbornpaints.co.uk English Blinds 0121 439 6770 www.englishblinds.co.uk Farrow & Ball 01202 876141, www.farrow-ball.com Find me a Floor 01244 533332 www.findmeafloor.co.uk Frontline Bathrooms 0845 470 2424 www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk Fruugo 0161 938 0150 www.fruugo.co.uk Furniture 123 0871 984 1924 www.furniture123.co.uk Futon Company 0345 609 4455, www.futoncompany.co.uk

G

Galliard Homes www.galliardhomes.com Garden Trading 01993 845559 www.gardentrading.co.uk Gemini Tiles 0800 014 2994 www.ctdtiles.co.uk Genefy Prints www.etsy.com/sg-en/ people/genefyprints George Home www.direct.asda.com Go Stationery www.gostationery.net Graham & Brown 0800 328 8452 www.grahamandbrown.com Green & Blue 01872 858658 www.greenandblue.co.uk Grey September 07977 629 467 www.greyseptember.co.uk

H

H&M Home 0344 736 9000 www2.hm.com Habitat www.habitat.co.uk Happy & Co www.happyandco.com Harlequin 0203 4575 862 www.stylelibrary.com/harlequin/ Hemswell Antiques Centre 01427 857234

January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

www.hemswell-antiques.com Heritage Bathrooms 0330 026 8503 www.heritagebathrooms.com Hillarys 0808 239 9730 www.hillarys.co.uk Homebase 0345 077 8888 www.homebase.co.uk Honeybeebeautiful 07889 221393 www.honeybeebeautiful.co.uk Hot Bin Composting 0808 168 8499 www.hotbincomposting.com The House Outfit www.thehouseoutfit.com Howdens www.howdens.com Hurn & Hurn 01603 559 250 www.hurnandhurn.com

I

Iconic Lights 0161 837 6092 www.iconiclights.co.uk IKEA 08453 583363 www.ikea.com I Love Wallpaper 01429 869980 www.ilovewallpaper.co.uk Industville 020 7971 7871 www.industville.co.uk

J

JD Williams Home 0345 071 9018 www.jdwilliams.co.uk J & J Oak Craft Ebay.co.uk/str/jnjoakcraft Jack Laverick Designs www.jacklaverick.co.uk Jamie Oliver www.jamieoliver.com

Johnny’s Sister 01935 873186 www.johnnyssister.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 01935 873186 www.johnlewis.com Jurianne Matter www.juriannematter.nl Jysk 03300 883818 https://jysk.co.uk

K

Karndean 01386 820100 www.karndean.com Kersaint Cobb 01675 430 430 www.kersaintcobb.co.uk Kilner www.kilnerjar.co.uk Kitchen Makers 024 7667 1600 www.burbidgekitchenmakers.co.uk

L

Lakeland 015394 88100 www.lakeland.co.uk Lapuan Kankurit www.lapuankankurit.fi Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999 www.lauraashley.com Leisure Cookmaster 0333 207 9918 www.leisurecooker. co.uk Lily Van Lennep www.lilyadele.co.uk 07833 956874 Loaf 020 3141 8300 www.loaf.com LochAnna Kitchens 01204 328720 www.lochannakitchens.co.uk London Ribbons www.ebay.co.uk/usr/londonribbons

Where to buy everything in this issue

M

M&S 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com Made 0845 557 6888 www.made.com Magnet www.magnet.co.uk Manufactured Culture www.manufacturedculture.com Mapiful www.mapiful.com Masterclass Kitchens 01443 449499 www.masterclasskitchens.co.uk Melody Maison 01302 741000 www.MelodyMaison.co.uk Merlyn 0808 101 1429 www.merlynshowering.com Merrick and Day 01652 648814 www.merrick-day.com Millwood Designer Homes www.millwood designerhomes.co.uk Mira 0800 001 4040 www.mirashowers.co.uk Mirrors2Home www.ebay.co.uk/usr/mirrors2home Moccis www.moccis.co.uk Muriva 01282 507077 www.muriva.com My Bed Frames 01234 834693 www.mybedframes.co.uk MY Furniture 0800 092 1636 www.my-furniture.com

N

National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk Naked Kitchens www.nakedkitchens.com Neptune 01793 427450 www.neptune.com Nest 0114 243 3000 www.nest.co.uk Nest and Burrow www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/NestandBurrow Next 0844 844800 www.next.co.uk Ninja https://ninjakitchen.eu/uk/ Nkuku 0333 554 9391 www.nkuku.com Noa & Nani 01303 872957 www.noaandnani.co.uk Nordic House 01872 223220 www.nordichouse.co.uk Nordic Nest 020 3002 1196 www.nordicnest.com Notonthehighstreet.com 0203 318 5115 www.notonthehighstreet.com Nunido 0208 068 8769 www.nunido.co.uk

0

Oak Furniture Land 0800 440 2254 www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk Oka 03330 042042 www.oka.com Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110 www.oliverbonas.com One Hundred Stars 0114 281 4167 www.onehundredstars.co.uk Original Crate www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/OriginalCrate

P

Peg & Board www.pegandboard.com Pepper Sq. 020 8243 8559 www.peppersq.com Polyflor 0161 767 1111 www.polyflor.co.uk Pooky 020 7351 3003 www.pooky.com Posterlounge www.posterlounge.co.uk Prestigious Textiles 01274 688448 www.prestigious.co.uk Pretty Little Party Shop 01737 668010 www.prettylittlepartyshop.co.uk Purlfrost 020 8992 4024 www.purlfrost.com

R

Rekorderlig Cider www.rekorderlig.com Red Candy 0121 224 7728 www.redcandy.co.uk Retro Kids www.retrokids.com River Cottage 01297 630300 www.rivercottage.net Robert Dyas 03331036677 www.robertdyas.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391 www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk RSPB Shop 0345 034 7733 https://shopping.rspb.org.uk

S

A Shufflebotham & Son 01625 423304 www. ashufflebothamandson.co.uk Sainsbury’s 0800 636262 www.sainsburys.co.uk Scaramanga 01334 657 642 www.scaramangashop.co.uk Screwfix 0333 011 2112 www.screwfix.com SketchBook Design UK www.etsy. com/uk/shop/SketchbookDesignUK Smeg www.smeguk.com Snug Shack 020 3095 6555 www.snugshack.co.uk Society6 www.society6.com Soak and Sleep 01483 437 762 www.soakandsleep.com Sofa.com 0345 400 2222 www.sofa.com Solidor 0808 163 6442 www.solidor.co.uk Solsken 01373 474753 Solsken.co.uk Sostrene Grene www.sostrenegrene.com Squires Kitchen School 0330 223 4466 www.squires-school.co.uk String Furniture stringfurniture.com Sunnylife https://uk.sunnylife.com Sue Ryder www.https://shop. sueryder.org Swoon 020 3319 6332 www.swooneditions.com

T

The Basket Company 01202 422600 www.thebasketcompany.com The Good Life Centre www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk The Future Kept www.thefuturekept.com The Little Jones www.thelittlejones.com The Rug Seller 0161 876 4566 www.therugseller.co.uk The White Company 020 3758 9222 www.thewhitecompany.com The Wholeleaf Company 0207 183 6648 www.thewholeleafco.com This Modern Life 01525 306262, www.thismodernlife.co.uk Tile Mountain 01782 223822, www.tilemountain.co.uk TK MAXX 01923 473561 www.tkmaxx.com Tolcarne Beach Village 01637 872 489 www.tolcarnebeach.co.uk Tons of Tiles 02477 500004 www.tonsoftiles.co.uk Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262 www.toppstiles.co.uk TV ViIllage 01877 382 173 https://tv-village.net

U V

Upcycled Creative www.upcycledcreative.co.uk

Valspar 0344 736 9174 www.valsparpaint.co.uk Vegware 0330 223 0400 www.vegware.com Verto Homes 01872 672 737 www.vertohomes.com

Very 0800 092 3355 www.very.co.uk Victoria Plum 0344 804 4848 victoriaplum.com Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878 www.victorianplumbing.co.uk VonHaus 0161 833 5442 www.vonhaus.com

W

Waitrose & Partners www.waitrose.com Wallpaper Direct 01323 430886 www.wallpaperdirect.com Waters Baths 01332 824 166 www.watersbaths.co.uk Wayfair 0800 169 0423 www.wayfair.co.uk West Dean College 01243 811301 www.westdean.org.uk Weston Homes www.weston-homes.com Wickes 0330 123 4123 www.wickes.co.uk Wilko 0800 032 9329 www.wilko.com Withings www.withings.com Wool Felt Company 0115 956 9468 www.woolfeltcompany.co.uk Woolly Mahoosive https:// woollymahoosive.com Wren Kitchens www.wrenkitchens.com

Y Z

Your Interior Business 01416399170 www.your interiorbusiness.com

Zyliss Kitchenware 0870 160 1319 www.zyliss.co.uk

80

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

121

EDITOR’S CHOICE

If you love all things weird and wonderful then you won’t be able to resist this quirky zebra head vase! It’s available from Audenza in two styles – wall-mounted for £31.95 and standing for £52.95.

Just fill with flowers for an exotic and eye-catching display.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk January 2020

123

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Qua l i t y K i t c he n Ha nd l e s ––––– Since 2011 –––––

www.yesterhome.com + Ć‚PF KV FKHĆ‚EWNV VQ EJCPIG O[ FWXGV +U VJGTG UWEJ C VJKPI CU CP '#5; (+6 QPG CXCKNCDNG! Maureen, Hertford There certainly is; these duvet covers have zips on all four sides, so bed-making is a lot simpler. Price starts from ÂŁ35. Colours are 5 plains and 5 patterns in all four sizes. ĂœĂœĂœÂ°i>ĂƒĂžwĂŒLi``��}°V�� or call 01902 734375

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Excellent product and idea. I bought this duvet for my 70 year old mum who has limited use in one arm and she was over the moon that she is now able to make ďż˝iĂ€ Li` Ă•ďż˝>ďż˝`i` ĂŒďż˝>ďż˝ďż˝Ăƒ ĂŒďż˝ Þ�ÕÀ `iĂƒďż˝}�° 7��� `iwďż˝ďż˝ĂŒi�Þ Li Ă€iV���iďż˝`��} >ĂƒĂžďż˝ ďż˝ĂŒ Bedding to our friends and family to buy this product. I also have purchased in the past for myself and bedmaking in my house is so much easier and quicker. /ďż˝>�� Þ�Õ >ĂƒĂžďż˝ ďż˝ĂŒ v�À ÂŤĂ€ďż˝ďż˝ÂŤĂŒ `i��ÛiÀÞ° Jane - London SE Ä? ��`iÀ� >ďż˝` V��Ûi��iďż˝ĂŒ Ăœ>Ăž ďż˝v `i>���} Ăœďż˝ĂŒďż˝ ĂŒďż˝i ��}ďż˝ĂŒďż˝>Ă€i ďż˝v wĂŒĂŒďż˝ďż˝} V�ÛiĂ€Ăƒ over duvets. Well done to this company for facing up to the challenge of what, after all, must have been quite a simple problem. Why other manufacturers have not displayed similar initiative I cannot understand.

Mr T - Vale of Glamorgan Ăƒ>Ăœ >ĂƒĂžďż˝ ďż˝ĂŒ >`Ă›iĂ€ĂŒ �� /6 >ďż˝` �À`iĂ€i` > ĂƒĂŒĂ€>ĂœLiÀÀÞ ĂƒĂ•ÂŤiÀ���}° >` > ĂƒÂŤii`Ăž delivery and absolutely love this product. Where have you been all my life, you have made it so much easier to change my bedding and the strawberry pattern ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝Ăƒ Ăƒďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ }��` �� �Þ Li`° /ďż˝>�� Þ�Õ Ăƒďż˝ �ÕV�° 7��� `iwďż˝ďż˝ĂŒi�Þ Li �À`iÀ��} more.

Alison - West Midlands

Elgar sofa was ÂŁ469 - now ÂŁ349 RISK 21 DAY HOME TRIAL Oakridge .. NO 5 YEAR FRAME GUARANTEE Sofas . FACTORY DIRECT PRICES

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LE ON SA W O N

TRADITIONAL BRITISH UPHOLSTERY SINCE 1987

GREAT BRITISH HANDMADE LEATHER SOFAS DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

was £1959 Autumn Sale price £1469

Ava 3 seater was £1269 - now only £949

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Call now for a brochure or visit

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Highly water resistant :LOO QRW IJDNH RU SHHO

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UV resistant Contains no biocides or preservatives Safe for use on children’s toys Easy to apply 5 New colours for 2018

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Classic Colour Collection 7UHDWH[ &ODVVLF &RORXU &ROOHFWLRQ LV D KLJK TXDOLW\ RSDTXH ZRRG ÄąQLVK suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications. Available in 21 colours.

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Fenton

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GREEN LIVING HOT STUFF Turn your Christmas leftovers into nutrientrich compost that’ll be ready for spring with this super speedy hot compost bin.

The Hotbin insulates kitchen and garden waste as it decomposes, transforming waste into compost up to 32 times faster than cold composting and giving you rich, crumbly compost in 30 to 90 days. Prices start at £150 for the 100 litre Hotbin Mini from www.hotbincomposting.com.

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TRUE BLUE Ideal for crafters, the dreamy blue hue of this organic cotton project bag comes from woad, a plant that’s been used as a natural dye for centuries. This vegan-friendly bag has deep internal pockets, which will hold all your tools, and is finished with raw linen handles. A neat drawstring opening will keep your unfinished projects safe and sound until you’re ready to pick them up again. Woad dyed drawstring project bag, £75, thefuturekept.com.

Save money and energy with our best buys HEROIC HEMP Hemp is a bit of a wonder crop because it’s fast-growing, high-yielding and requires much less water to farm than cotton. The harvested hemp is processed to create soft, breathable fibres that are perfect for luxurious bed linen and the fabric becomes even softer after each wash.

Allergy prone sleepers can rest easy knowing that it’s also hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Housewife pillowcases, £30 a pair from www.soakandsleep.com.

A DROP OF GOLDEN SUN Combat winter coughs and sneezes with naturally antibacterial raw honey. The honey available in supermarkets is usually heat treated and microfiltered to remove trace elements such as pollen and wax and these processes often remove the beneficial properties of honey, such as enzymes and vitamins.

Raw honey retains all its natural goodness and buying directly from the beekeeper helps to support native honey bees. Raw Welsh honey, £6.50, www.honeybeebeautiful.co.uk.

3 of the best... biodegradable partyware The most eco-friendly tableware will always be the kind you can reuse, but if you can’t bear the clean-up, here are the prettiest disposable and biodegradable options for your celebrations.

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2 Hula paper cold cup 9oz, £5.03 for 50, Vegware 3 Gold Stars wooden cutlery, £3.69 for 18 pieces, Pretty Little Party Shop

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January 2020 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Feature Hannah Tribe

1 Large hexagonal Palm Leaf plate, £7.50 for 25, The Wholeleaf Company

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T: 0845 519 5991 www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk Charlton & Jenrick brands: