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EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome After we’ve taken down the fairy lights, wrapped up the baubles and popped the decorations back in the loft, our homes can tend to feel a bit flat, but we’ve all the ideas you need to make your place as uplifting as ever this January.

First of all, start with a good declutter – the eco-friendly way – to give yourself a blank canvas to work from (p11). Then turn to page 36 for clever décor tricks that will brighten your home. If one of the things you love about decking the halls is how charming and cosy the place feels, then try out the tips in 8 ways to add character to your home on page 124 – with some savvy DIY and a few well-chosen additions, even a new-build can have plenty of personality.

There’s something especially welcoming about coming home to a beautiful hallway, and this month our reader makeovers (p22) will inspire you to transform your entrance – all were completed on tight budgets, and are full of affordable ideas.

Finally, I’d like to introduce a new series – we all know how hard 2020 has been for independent shops, so we’ve decided to showcase a different unique boutique every month. This issue, we discover a Scottish gem filled with Scandi-style homewares (p138)…

Happy New Year to you all!

d discover Sho he a es ooksyean 18 he co o r of he ar on

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE Treat yourself or a loved one to a subscription and save 25%! See page 46 to sign up.

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36 Revealed! Décor tricks that will make your rooms feel lighter and brighter

Editor Mel Sherwood Features Editor Michelle Grady Production Editor Thomas Poad Staff Writer Sophie Demetriades Editorial Assistant Ella RhysJones Designers Sally Bufton, Beth Charlton Lucas Digital Editor Rebecca Messina Digital Editorial Assistant Thea Jeffreys Thanks also to Annalise Brant Advertising: Group Advertising Manager Laura Jones Advertising Manager Heather Golden Business Development Manager Sophie North Brand Sales Executives Phil Wallington, James Beckett Classified Sales Executive Sophie Roberts

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@yourhomemagazine

PINTEREST

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Ad Coordinator Bryony Grace Senior Ad Designers Andrew Hobson, Cee Pike Marketing & Production: Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris Direct Marketing Assistant Gemma Balding 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: 03301 358962 Overseas: +44(0)1604 973748 © Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, 2020, 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 Philip Sowels

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Contents 18

Shop the new year’s most tranquil trend

108

Transform festive leftovers into thrifty meals

36

How to make every room feel brighter and bigger

79

Steal style ideas from our inspiring real homes

January at home 8

8

This month we love Discover our favourite buys and events

11 Household hints How to declutter the JUHHQ ZD\ SOXV ZH WHVW KRW GULQNV ÁDVNV 13 Smarter shopper Get the new year off to a healthy start with our savvy tips 14 Consumer news We give you advice on how to keep your home secure

Decorating

17

18 Trend alert Dulux bring us the calm scheme we need with Brave Ground 36 Light the way with 16 bright ideas Shut out the January blues with ways to make your home brighter 42 Find your dream sofa for under £1,000 Invest in a couch that will stand the test of time

Makeovers

22 22 At last, our hallway feels like home After decorating the rest of her house, $OLVRQ +RUQ ÀQDOO\ WUDQVIRUPHG KHU dreary hallway 26 Everything is distressed or vintage to match the house Sabrina Hannan ZDQWHG KHU KRPH·V HQWUDQFH WR UHÁHFW its historical character 30 I created my own cosy library-style nook With a fresh blue palette, Debs Cutting has created a welcoming oasis

Kitchens & bathrooms

49 50 Cupboard love Pick the best styles, FRORXUV PDWHULDOV DQG ÀQLVKHV IRU \RXU kitchen storage 56 I look forward to using my kitchen now Dace Erdmane personalised her cupboards with copper handles and oak worktops to achieve a stylish look

58 Luxury looks for less Bring a high-end feel to your bathroom on a budget

Reader homes

79 80 We love the quirks of this house Lynn and Dan Ferrari breathed new life into the dated interior of their dream property 88 My home is a canvas for my love of colour DIY newbie, Sabrina McIntosh, unleashed a rainbow in her home!

94 We had two months to totally transform it Ruth and David van den Broek had to turn their renovation around on a tight timeline

Food & Entertaining

101 102 Veganuary Kicking off 2021 by going vegan? We make it even easier with these yummy recipes 106 Dry January You won’t miss the booze at all with our alcohol-free drinks

Plus!

12-PAGE T PULL-OU GUIDE

88

MAKE IT EASY! Update your space with homemade projects and new skills

66

Sabrina’s love of colour shines through in her style choices

Show off your photos with a trio of displays

70

108 What to do with turkey leftovers Put what’s left of your festive feast to good use with these delicious meals 112 What’s in store? Get organised with our top food storage container picks

Home Improvement

115 116 How to do up a listed home Get clued up on the rules and regulations before you take the plunge 120 Buyer’s guide Listen to your favourite tracks on a high-quality speaker 124 Eight ways to add character to your home Introduce all the charm and personality of a period property into your abode

46 Subscribe to Your Home Save a whopping 25 per cent when you sign up 64 Win! £1,500 to spend on bespoke curtains and blinds at Couture Living

72

Learn how to use floor stencils

100 Coming next month Take a sneak peek at our February issue 130 Prize draws Try your luck and enter online for a chance to win amazing prizes worth over £2,848 132 Shopping guide +HUH \RX·OO ÀQG ZKHUH to purchase everything in this issue 138 New! Boutique speak We chat to Susan Doherty, owner of independent Edinburgh-based shop, Lifestory

Don’t miss out!

10 Your letters We check out what you’ve been up to this month

Sew a set of storage hampers

Have you missed an issue?

Call 0330 1358962 to order back copies

Plus, check out…

68 Revamp, repair, recycle Upcycle a plain wooden tray into a geometric, modern clock 74 Ask the experts Your home improvement questions answered 76 Craft stash must-haves We give you the latest crafting news

THIS MONTH WE LOVE

BLANKET STATEMENT Continue the cosiness into the new year and beyond with these Scandinavian 100 per cent lambswool blankets from Lisa Comfort Home. Sourced from a Swedish, family-run business which uses fleece from New Zealand sheep, there are no synthetic nasties in these completely natural blankets.

To introduce a splash of colour to a neutral living room, drape one of these over an armchair or, for an extra layer of warmth, spread across the end of your bed. Available in a range of colours including aqua, blush and mustard, these blankets are sure to put a smile on your face throughout the winter months.

Priced at £50, lisacomforthome.com.

THIS MONTH

FOR STOCKISTS SEE P132

we love…

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

Instagram inspiration If you’re looking to create a rainbow-coloured home filled with pretty patterns and oh-so fabulous shelfies, follow @ambershomestyle.

Inspired by 1960s pop art, Amber isn’t committed to just one interior style but rather likes to mix and match homewares for a playful finish you won’t find anywhere else. Her handpainted wall murals are the stuff of dreams, worthy of any modern art gallery.

‘That’s what I’d like people to think when they walk in’, she says, ‘a fun home with lots to look at.’

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yourhomestyle.uk

THE GLAM LIFE One to add to your coffee table collection, Glamorous Living

by Jan Showers provides a window into some of the most sumptuous homes America has to offer. If you’ve a modern home that’s begging for a few antique touches, this is the book for you. Snoop around 20 never-before-photographed homes and take inspiration from their luxurious décor schemes for that old-meets-new pizazz. Room-by-room, Jan guides you through a New York apartment that screams glam, a historic residence in Austin and a country house complete with library and sunroom. Inspiration galore!

Glamorous Living by Jan Showers is published by Abrams for £45

Write in style For all those organisational new year’s resolutions, get your hands on some charming new stationery to ensure you get the tasks done.

Ceramicists and illustrators, Liv & Dom have teamed up with Papier to create a collection of notecards and writing paper inspired by the beauty and strength of the female form.

From Zodiac-themed productivity planners to pretty floral notebooks to scribble down all your thoughts, you can get your life back on track and your desk will look cute while doing so! If you’re a ceramics lover, be sure to check out Liv & Dom’s wonderful creations, but be quick – they sell out fast! Visit papier.com to view the full collection, prices start at £19.99.

SPROUT SOME LOVE For a modern take on terracotta, look no further than Poppy Poppy.

The new Swedish lifestyle brand has given mundane plant pots a complete makeover. Combining quirky patterns and lively splashes of colour, the launch collection comprises ten pots, each with its own inspiring design.

Forget Scandi minimalism, Poppy Poppy adopts the ‘more is more’ attitude and hopes to inspire others to embrace a more colourful approach to interiors. Priced at £44, visit poppy poppy.co to order.

GREAT IDEAS FOR… Burns Night 25th January

Accessorise with these tartan homewares as a nod to the national poet of Scotland Hexham table lamp satin chrome with tartan shade, £82.80, där lighting group

Recycled wool blanket in Stewart royal tartan, £50, The Tartan Blanket Co

Faux fur check cushion, £12, Matalan

Maestro tartan red rug, from £34.99, Carpetright

COME RAIN OR SHINE Honey checked woven throw, £32, Rose & Grey

Tartan bedding, from £13, George Home

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

The new rainbow collection from Sourced by Oxfam is sure to put a spring in your step as we start the year.

With profits going towards Oxfam’s response to the pandemic, the range offers a small gesture of hope for a loved one or yourself. If you’re still making regular trips to work, the Rainbow Bamboo Travel Cup, £7.99, and Lunchbox, £9.99, are eco-conscious alternatives to plastic Tupperware, and they don’t skimp on colour. For the tea aficionados, there’s the Hand Painted Rainbow Mug, £9.99, and Rainbow Tea for One, £12.99, a stackable cup and teapot set decorated with multi-colour stripes. They might not promise that little pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but they sure do offer a token of joy (and a nice warm cuppa)! The collection is available in Oxfam stores and at onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk.

January 2021

9

GET IN TOUCH

Your Home needs 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 Ecozone.

Letter of th monthe

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE I’ve recently renovated my children’s bedroom and would like to share the finished look. I wanted a bold patterned wallpaper but was looking to avoid an accent wall as I never know what colour to paint the surrounding spaces. The paper I chose was too much for the whole room, so I paired it with panelling. I’m really happy with how the room’s turned out, and hope it helps someone else in a similar position.

Katrina McGuigan, by email

+ Katrina’s letter has won her a bundle of Ecozone cleaning goodies, worth over £40!

Your Home says Wow, Katrina! What a lovely room. The safari-themed wallpaper contrasted with the white panelling makes a real statement.

New lease of life

Picture perfect

My 13-year-old daughter, Madaleine, and I love upcycling. She has her own social media page (managed by me) where she shares all of her creations. We’ve made everything from handmade candles and soaps to lovingly upcycled charity shop pieces, such as books and furniture. Upcycling old pallets is a favourite of ours, but we also loved creating an overhead bed light from an old plant pot and a metal bracket my husband found on a building site! Emma Watts, by email

I found this clear glass jug in a charity shop and decided to repurpose it. I used white gesso as a base then applied yellow ochre acrylic paint with a tissue before drying. I cut out the contrasting motifs from a photograph of a marbled pavement, inked the edges and sealed with a matte sealant. A painted black handle completed the look. I’m thinking of making similar items as Christmas gifts for friends and family! Messages can be sealed to the underside making for a unique present.

Lyn Howard, by email

Your Home says It’s so great to hear about your shared passion for upcycling, Emma and Madaleine! We love to see unwanted items repurposed and put to good use.

Get crafty Where once there was just junk, I now have an all-in-one office, craft room and studio. It feels good to finally have somewhere to go to ‘work’. I did it all myself on a budget – there was lots of upcycling involved. I’m proud as punch to have a space dedicated to crafting!

Lesley McLean, by email

Your Home says You’ve decorated your jug so beautifully, Lyn – such an inventive use of materials. Definitely one to put out on display!

Your Home says Lesley, what a gorgeous space to get creative! We love the pops of colour, especially the embroidered wall hangings.

EMAIL YOUR TIPS, PHOTOS AND LETTERS TO: yourhome@immediate.co.uk. Letters can be posted to Your Letters, Your Home magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST, but we may not see them for some time as we are currently working remotely. Letters may be edited. We apologise but photos cannot be returned. yourhomestyle.uk 10

Courtesy of Ecozone, the writer of this issue’s letter of the month will receive a bundle of cleaning goodies worth over £40. The three runners-up will each receive a cleaning bundle worth over £25. Find out more about Ecozone at ecozone.com.

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

Household

HINTS Freshen up your home with our handy tips and tricks

How to… start the year with an eco-friendly clear out

Charity shops are the perfect solution for unwanted clothes, books, furniture and home accessories. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people to continue to donate to its 730 shops across the UK. As long as the item is in good condition and one that you think someone would want to buy, the BHF would love to receive it. If you don’t feel comfortable enough heading to your local high street just yet, you can post your donations for free or have larger pieces of furniture collected direct from your door.

Visit bhf.org.uk/shop to find out more.

If you’d prefer to sell your unwanted items, try eBay, Gumtree or Depop. Just remember to send your items in eco-friendly packaging. Recyclable or reusable is best. If your items aren’t in a condition to be resold, HIPPO offers a reliable waste disposal service. Simply order a HIPPOBAG, fill with waste and book your collection when you’re ready. Over 95% of the waste HIPPO collects is recycled and thus diverted from landfill, so you can rest assured your waste is being disposed of responsibly.

We’ve all been recycling our food packaging for years now, so why not recycle unwanted clothes and textiles, too? If your clothes aren’t charity shop worthy, recycling is an easy way to prevent them from ending up in landfill. They can be made into new items such as cleaning cloths and industrial blankets. Check if your local council offers a collection service or drop them off at your nearest recycling point.

We’re big fans of upcycling at Your Home. If there’s a way to give an old item a new lease of life, do it. When it comes to furniture, a lick of paint and a bit of creative thinking can go a long way. It’s also super easy to repurpose clothes, and the best bit? You get a whole new outfit in the process!

Pinterest has an abundance of ideas, so why not transform that damaged knit into a cosy pair of socks this January?

ith bu tt ons, Jazz up old clothes paw tches ri bbons and

Q&A

I love to drink sparkling water but want to avoid plastic bottles. Are there any at-home alternatives?

With the average person in the UK using 150 plastic water bottles every year, it’s vital for our planet that we all look to cut down.

Luckily, sparkling water doesn’t have to become a thing of the past. Sodastream’s range of Sparkling Water Makers offer that desirable fizz at the touch of a button. You’ll get up to 60 litres of bubbles with each gas cylinder and if you run out, Sainsbury’s now offer gas exchange at 580 stores nationwide.

Editor’s Choice )LLQ[ PI^M \MIUML ]X _Q\P 4aV[Ma +ZWUJQM \PM »9]MMV WN +TMIV to create a range of cleaning products that look just as spick and span as the results they produce. Made with natural bamboo, the collection is an eco-friendly alternative to your regular cleaning tools. We love the handy Pink Fold Flat Basket, £15.99, a pretty laundry PIUXMZ \PI\ _WV \ \ISM ]X ^IT]IJTM [XIKM )VL for the ultra-organised, there are also the Scrub & Wipe Sponges, £5.29 for four – they are colour co-ordinated for different jobs around the home. See the whole range at addis.co.uk.

January 2021

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

Once the decorations come down, it often feels like a good time to clear the clutter – after all, a new year deserves a fresh start. But how to detox your home without affecting the environment? Follow these top tips to make your clear out as green as possible…

11

G eat Buy

What to look out for

Do you and your partner have different optimum sleep temperatures? Nanu’s Hot & Not duvet can provide ultimate comfort for the both of you. The duvet is split into two seamless halves so you can choose how cool or warm you want each to be.

Warmth levels vary from 4.5 tog, for those who prefer a cool night’s sleep, to a toasty 15 tog if you prefer the ‘snug as a bug’ experience. Hooray to no more restless nights! Prices start from £50, nanusleep.co.uk

THIS MONTH You’ll be spoilt for choice on the daily with this impressive coffee collection Mix and match premium origin instant coffee box, £25 for a box of six, Little’s

Hone your latte art skills with this stylish milk pitcher Dial in milk pitcher in Rose Brass, £24.99, Barista & Co

Brew your coffee in style with this 70s inspired filter HK Living coffee filter, £25.99, Coffee and Cloth

Take terrazzo outside the house with this on the go coffee cup

Finish off the perfect chai latte with a dusting of cinnamon

W&P The Porter terrazzo mug, £25, Amara

OXO baker’s dusting wand, £9.99, Lakeland

WE TEST… Hot drinks flasks WE TRIED OUT A SELECTION OF FLASKS – HERE’S WHAT WE FOUND… VACUUM BOTTLE 0.5L, £22.95, PRIMUS This medium-sized bottle comes in an array of pretty colours so there’s one for every member of the family. Its powder coated outer surface gives it good grip and it also offers a nifty click-close stopper for easy sipping. The lid doubles up as a cup and, although small, it’s a great size for short pit stops during leisurely walks. The double-wall design ensures that liquid stayed nicely warm throughout the day.

FOOD FLASK, £29.95, BLACK + BLUM This sustainable flask is small but handy if you’re often on the go. It lacks a cup but the lovely addition of a spoon makes this flask better suited for food. It keeps food hot for 6 hours, as it claims, making it ideal for your work lunch. The vegan leather strap ensures your spoon will be there when you need it and there are three colours to choose from: Olive, Ocean and Orange.

The one to go for if you’re a soup lover!

8/10 9/10

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yourhomestyle.uk

THINGS WE CONSIDERED O Did it keep the liquid warm?

O Was it leakproof?

O Was it easy to hold and use?

INSULATED TKPRO 750ML, £39.95, KLEAN KANTEEN Impressive in size and sleekly designed, this flask is worth the money if you drink a lot of tea or coffee or work long hours. It does as it says on the tin and keeps liquid warm for well over 12 hours. It also comes complete with a sizeable cup so there’s no need for lots of refills!

It is quite heavy to lug around throughout the day but the screw top lid ensures 9/10 there’ll be no leakage!

COFFEE WITH FLEX SIP LID £29.95, HYDRO FLASK Designed for coffee lovers, this flask is leak-proof and suitable for throwing in your bag during the morning rush. Although on the smaller side, it’s handy for your daily coffee consumption and fits snugly into cup holders. The liquid stayed warm throughout the day and the flex sip lid meant it was a joy to drink from. The handle makes it ideal for hikers but bear in mind that it doesn’t come with a cup.

7/10

CONSUMER NEWS

SMARTER

shopper

Get 2021 off to a flying start with our money-saving tips and tricks A new year, a fresh start – we all have good intentions when it comes to health and fitness in January. But before you invest in an expensive gym membership, check out our budget-friendly tips for a healthy lifestyle.

Savvy ways to…

Make healthy lifestyle changes If you have health goals for 2021, then start as you mean to go on with these ideas for improving your wellbeing, fitness and diet as well as your bank balance.

Q COOK SMARTER While it can be tempting to grab a ready-meal for a midweek dinner, ensuring you cook from scratch as much as possible will save you money – plus, it’s a much healthier option. A weekly meal plan will keep you organised, while tricks such as bulking out meat-based meals with extra veg will help to make your money go further. Minimising the amount of food you throw away is a must, so use up overripe fruit in smoothies and make a warming soup with vegetables that might otherwise be thrown away. Check out lovefoodhatewaste.com for some fantastic waste-reducing recipe ideas.

Q WORK OUT AT HOME The past year’s lockdown measures have given rise to a much wider range of online fitness classes and videos, many of which are free to access. If you find it hard to get motivated, why not arrange to do a workout with friends via Zoom? You’ll find plenty of options online, from HIIT-cardio workouts to calming yoga, so choose something that suits your fitness level and dig out those leggings.

Q JOIN LOCAL GROUPS If you love the great outdoors, look for local walking, running or cycling groups – you will make new friends and get fit quick. Beginning an exercise routine may seem like a daunting prospect but bear in mind that many people will be in the same situation and signing up to a group could be the push you need to get started. For details of walking groups near you, visit ramblers.org.uk.

Q GET TECH-SAVVY Exercise apps and fitness trackers may not be for everyone, but they are a useful way to monitor your daily exercise.

We’re big fans of the Couch to 5K app from the NHS; it’s a running programme for complete beginners, which can help you improve your fitness. It tracks your time and distance, works with a smartphone’s music player and connects you with other runners. Download it for free from the App Store or Google Play.

Q CHALLENGE YOURSELF Charities are more in need of donations than ever, so if you really need something to spur you on, why not create your own fitness challenge? Set up a JustGiving page, ask friends and family for donations, and raise money for a charity that’s close to your heart.

Who knows, you could be as successful as Captain Sir Tom Moore!

Britons waste £25 billion every year on subscriptions they don’t use.

Unused gym memberships are the biggest outgoings, with 12 per cent regularly paying for one but never using it. Source Research by NatWest

YH Fab find

SMART SAVINGS

i nd YaH bf F

It’s a well-known fact that staying hydrated is a big part of a healthy lifestyle, but if you struggle to drink the recommended amount of water every day, try an infuser bottle. It’s 100 per cent leak-proof and has a handy pop-up spout, plus the built-in infusion strainer allows you to add your choice of fruit or herbs to give tap water a delicious twist. A bottle of flavoured water costs around £1, so if you switch to making your own then you’ll cover the cost of the £26.99 Contigo 770ml Cortland Infuser bottle from Amazon in no time at all.

Feature Lisa Hibberd Photo Getty Images

Cycling is an affordable way to keep fit – and we’ve come across this nifty accessory from Kikkerland that will help to keep you safe on the roads. It’s essentially a rearview mirror, which you wear on your wrist and allows you to keep tabs on vehicles and other hazards without having to turn around and look. The Velcro strap makes it easy to pop on and off, and it’s reflective, too, for safer cycling in the dark. The Bike Watcher mirror costs £9.99 from Stanfords.

January 2021

13

CONSUMER NEWS

FOCUS ON:

Home security

GET SMART There are plenty of smart home solutions to invest in to make your property even more secure Q Benefits include easy installation, no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.

Q The Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit Home Security System works with Alexa and gives notifications on your smartphone when someone enters a room, opens a window or sets off the siren. It costs £249 at Amazon.

Q Smart doorbell cameras can also work with Alexa and come with motion detection, remote viewing from your smartphone and Cloud back-up. Currys has the Ring Video Doorbell (above), £179, and the Google Nest Hello, £210.

Q Yale has a Keyless Connected Smart Ready Door Lock, which works with Samsung SmartThings and can pair with a Yale Hub and Module for wifi connectivity. Screwfix sells it for £99.99.

Q NUKI is another name to look out for.

Its smart lock fits to the inside of your front door to turn your lock into a smart version and costs £259.

Q For Bluetooth Lock Boxes and Padlocks, check out Master Lock, with prices from £108. They also have a Biometric Security Safe, £199, to keep your prized belongings secure.

Q Brisant Secure has an Ultion smart lock, which looks like a traditional door lock but comes with voice activation and geo-unlocking as well as the option to use a real key. It’s priced at £229.

Make sure your property is fully protected with home security measures that needn’t cost the earth

W

e all want to keep our homes and what’s inside them as safe as possible. With a combination of common sense and a few additional measures, you should be able to rest assured that you’ve done everything you can. You can splash out on high-spec security systems but there are also much cheaper ways of keeping unwanted guests at bay. Here’s how…

EXTRA MEASURES As well as all the basics, there are lots of things you can do to boost your home security: Q Fit deadlocks or multiple locks on doors.

Q Get a security chain for the front door.

NEW LOCK NEEDED I’d like to get some extra door security. Where do I find a trusted locksmith?

Jess Williams, Horsham

Q Install outdoor security lighting and lay crunchy gravel on paths and driveways around your property, which makes a noise when tread on.

Q A camera or camera doorbell will help deter thieves.

Q Reinforced windows are also worth considering.

Anyone can advertise themselves as a locksmith so visit the Master Locksmith Association website at locksmiths.co.uk, which runs its own licensing scheme for its approved companies. Just type in your postcode and you’ll find a list of registered professionals in your area.

14

yourhomestyle.uk

Q Dummy alarm boxes on the front of the house are also a good idea as a deterrent.

Make sure you have contents as well as buildings insurance to protect your home’s valuables and everyday items.

Check you meet your insurer’s minimum security requirements, and take an annual check of what you currently own, to make sure you have adequate insurance.

Follow this everyday advice and make it part of your daily routine…

O If you have an alarm system, make sure you set it every time you leave the house.

O Secure all windows and doors and fix any broken locks.

O Keep keys in a safe place, away from the front door.

O Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on things if you’re going away.

O Use timer switches for lights or consider installing smart lighting solutions.

O Fit good locks on garages, sheds and any outbuildings.

Feature Hayley Gilbert

QUICK TIPS

Useful contacts s.co.uk, Find CCTV security cameras at argo k. swann.com or blinkforhome.co.u ms at Shop for smar t home security syste fix.com, amazon.com, currys.co.uk, screw store.ring. shop.nuki.io, ultion-lock.co.uk, com and masterlock.eu. check For smar t indoor security cameras, at store. out netatmo.com or try Google Nest google.com. at Compare home insurance policies mpare.com comparethemarket.com, goco or moneysupermarket.com.

Q Dogs are another great deterrent or even just a ‘beware of the dog’ sign could put unwanted visitors off.

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Decorating Step into the new year with pampas grass, chic Denby tableware and sustainable style Artificial pampas grass single spray, £5.50, Dunelm

Mini trend: Pampas

grass

We don’t know if you’ve noticed but pampas grass is everywhere at the moment – and there’s a good reason for it. This wheat-like plant is popular because its neutral colour complements numerous interior schemes, plus it’s a simple way to bring texture, warmth and a stylish statement to your home. Go bold with a tall floor vase and long stems or create a subtler nod to the trend with a pampas grass print instead.

Beige Reeds No2 poster,, from £8.95, Desen Desenio

Our Home pampas grass print, £6, S Prints by Shauna

Artificial pampas grass in basket, £45, Next

Eco living

Primark is proving that sustainable homeware doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The store has expanded its eco-friendly collection with a number of pieces that have been made from recycled materials, including the likes of plastic bottles, nylon and cotton. These eco-conscious products range from woven baskets and duvet sets to diffusers and candles. To find the items in the sustainable collection, look out for the Primark Cares label in your local shop.

Panama floral double duvet set, £11; Woven large basket, £14, both Primark

REFRESH YOUR TABLE Upgrade your tableware with the brand-new Impression range from Denby Pottery. The collection has been made with simplicity and serenity in mind by blending tactile stoneware with soft shades of sky blue, charcoal, warm cream, and blush pink. The range also features four designs including Hexagon, Diamond, Spiral and Hourglass, so you’ll be spoilt for choice! The pieces in the collection start from £5.

January 2021

17

Feature Sophie Demetriades

Fluffy reed grass, £25, Hudson Home

STYLE FILE

Let the walls do the talking with minimalist furniture and smooth clean lines Brave Ground flat matt emulsion paint, £29.16 for 2.5l, Dulux

TREND ALERT…

BRAVE GROUND After a turbulent year, a calm and comforting home environment is much needed. That’s where Dulux’s Brave Ground comes into play…

W

ith Dulux’s announcement that Brave Ground is its Colour of the Year for 2021, neutrals are very much the mood of the moment. A warm and soothing beige, Brave Ground was chosen with courage and resilience in mind. It will ‘allow us to find certainty in the strength from the very ground beneath our feet, emboldening us to go forward and begin to live again’, says Dulux UK Creative Director, Marianne Shillingford.

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yourhomestyle.uk

As home and work places continue to blur, this trend will help us to create spaces in which we can both relax and be productive.

Neutral shades are endlessly versatile and you can easily adapt them to suit your interior vibe.

For a serene space that sparks creativity, blend Brave Ground with creams, browns and burnt oranges. To enliven this subdued colour palette, texture is your best friend. Think rattan lampshades, jute rugs and linen curtains alongside wooden accents and clay vases.

If you love this neutral trend but are a colour fiend at heart, take cues from one of the four complementary palettes Dulux has curated. The ‘Timeless’ palette incorporates yellows and ochre for a warming and positive feel. Or, be inspired by the world around you with the ‘Earth’ palette, a blend of sky blue, sage green and mellow navy. For a natural finishing touch, accessorise with dried grasses and energising houseplants.

In the living room, blend comfort and style with a mid-century sofa, monochrome accessories and a textured wall hanging

STYLE FILE

French Connection Zinc four-seater velvet sofa in Brave Ground, £1,199, DFS

Clockwise from top left: Lowland paint, from £1.50 for 100ml, Colourtrend; Beige impression No2 poster, £14.95, Desenio; Brave Ground flat matt emulsion paint, £29.16 for 2.5l, Dulux; Prague upholstery curtain orange fabric, £52.99 per metre, Yorkshire Fabric Shop Create an ‘au naturel’ bedroom with tonal hues, cotton or linen bedding and dried grasses Ercol Salina king size bed, £1,095, Furniture Village

Rafferty pendant light in natural, £81, Pooky

Textured rustic pot, £6.99, Homesense

Tall ridged glass vase, £29, Barker and Stonehouse

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

Tan desert lattice veranda chair, £538, Cielshop

A by Amara sand curve pots, from £18, Amara

January 2021

19

STYLE FILE

Agave in ceramic pot, £30, Sainsbury’s Home

Add cool blue accessories to your tablescape for an elegant take on Dulux’s Earth palette

Choose herringbone hardwood flooring in a similar shade to your kitchen cabinets for a flowing finish

Artisan reactive glaze collection, from £5; Organic linen napkins in steel, £15 for two, both John Lewis & Partners

Cadora fitted kitchen in Quail Egg Gloss, from £6,000, Hammonds

Dinner set, £40, George Home

Nantucket one light pendant cream, £91.80, Dar Lighting Group

Faux feather plume, £15, Barker and Stonehouse

Lisa Baa stool in Greige, £235, Baa Stool

Clockwise from top left: Natural linen cushion cover in Blackest Blue, £23, Chalk Pink Linen Co.; Ferm Living Shay patchwork quilt blanket, £145, Amara; Zouk velvet brushed cotton effect upholstery fabric, £48.99 per metre, Yorkshire Fabric Shop; Oblong cane mirror, £19.99, Homesense

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STYLE FILE

Spend Vs Save

TREAD GENTLY We’ve got your floor covered with these ravishing rugs Wooden mirror, £99.99, Homesense

Natural bamboo pendant light, from £85, Ella James

Rattan lamp shade, £21.99, Homesense

Layer natural textures and miniature houseplants in the bathroom for a spa-like feel Olympus 533 pierrot vinyl, £29.99 per square metre, Carpetright

100% per cent natural jute circular rug, £250, Joe Browns Calvin Klein rush rug blue beige, £60, Amara Jute natural circle rug, from £69.99, Carpetright

Muuto tip wall lamp copper brown, £175, Someday Designs

Abstract prints add interest to a neutral colour scheme Scandi shapes with lines art print, £15, Abstract House

Chevron knot jute rug, £300, John Lewis & Partners

Ferm Living apple braided storage basket, £75, Nest

Ferm Living eternal oval jute rug, from £185, Someday Designs

January 2021

21

HALLWAY MAKEOVER

At last, our hallway feels like home!

Alison Horn took her dreary hallway from dull to dynamic, with a clever combination of colours, a luxurious carpet underfoot and original artwork and ceramics

T

he hallway and landing in this 1930s, four-bedroom, semi-detached home in Hampton, Middlesex, had long been on Alison Horn’s to-do list. ‘It was the last space in the house to be decorated and it just didn’t fit in with the rest of the rooms, which was frustrating, but there was a good reason for waiting.’ Alison, an art teacher, and her husband, Erik, an import/export manager, bought the house 18 years ago, just before their children, Eleanor, 17, Amelia, 14, and Edward, ten, came along, knowing there was an awful lot to do.

They did what all builders advise, working their way down the house from top to bottom, renovating every room in turn and saving up for a project every few years, starting with the loft conversion. ‘The one thing we did in the hall when we had the carpenter in for the loft was to get him to replace the shaped bannisters for plainer ones, more suited to the 1930s style of the house.’ With a kitchen extension still to go, though, it wasn’t worth starting on the hallway just yet. ‘We knew the kitchen extension was going to be an upheaval, and all the dirt and rubbish would be coming out through the hall, as well as the debris from the bathroom on the first floor. So, we just painted it white and left it alone.’ With the kitchen completed last year, and the budget nearly wiped out, Alison could wait no longer.

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total cost £1,650

Alison Horn’s love of design and practicality come together in her colourful hallway, which she has decorated with original artwork, retro furniture and stunning ceramics

HALLWAY MAKEOVER STEP ONE Wanting to start with a neutral base and add colour on top, Alison and Erik chose a two-tone scheme of grey and off-white for the walls. ‘The usual thing is for the darker colour to go at the bottom, but I was very determined that the grey would go at the top and the off-white at the bottom. We love original art and silk screen prints, and I felt the layout would be better suited for creating a gallery feel.’ But when Alison got a quote for the painting, she was stunned. ‘The ceilings are high, and the guy wanted £3,000, which we didn’t have after putting in a new kitchen. So, Erik, who is quite handy, did it all himself, which saved us a fortune, although he was exhausted.’ It meant the couple could invest in a good-quality carpet for the stairs. ‘We went for something hardwearing that didn’t compromise on softness and warmth, in a gorgeous smoky blue-grey.’

STEP TWO Finding a solution to the ugly radiator in the hall was the next problem.

‘It actually worked fine, so it would have been madness to get rid of it. It just wasn’t very attractive.’ Alison looked online at radiator covers, and found one she liked, which would also provide a shelf on top.

‘You put it together yourself, but there was a handy video so it was actually quite easy.’

She left off painting it until she’d worked out the colour scheme. It was a signed print of her favourite guitarist, Johnny Marr, which tied the scheme together. ‘We’re big music fans, and we’d bought the silk screen print at one of his concerts, which is what

Feature Stephanie Smith Photos Colin Poole

While the original floorboards in the hall only needed a polish and wax, the outdated stair carpet has been replaced with a luxury wool blend, which will last and last, and the smoky blue also complements the walls A much-loved, signed print of guitarist Johnny Marr provided the colour scheme for the hallway. Alison covered an old radiator with a cover and painted it bright yellow

Good idea!

When you choo furniture, consid se an item of a dual use for st er whether it has or desperate for a age. Alison was chur made sure it ha ch pew but d plen space for her sh ty of oes.

January 2021

23

HALLWAY MAKEOVER

Good ideotao!frames

ph Bring inexpensive with durable em th g tin to life by pain tones – you can eggshell in bright d mix and use tester pots an urs. match the colo

The grey and white pairing on the walls continues up to the landing and prints with pops of yellow match those downstairs, while bright jugs on the window sill add character

Alison has boosted the hall’s natural light by placing a mirror adjacent to the window, making a feature of the vintage pew and creating a bright spot to sit

we often do. It has loads of yellows, oranges and reds in it, which all go very well with blue. We realised that other prints we had of The Who, Margate Seafront and a lighthouse also had those colours, so we could put them all up at last.’ Alison picked out a bright yellow from the print to paint the radiator cover.

STEP THREE Some form of storage was next on the list, and Alison was on a mission to find a specific design. ‘I always had a vision of a church pew in the space to the left of the door. Between us we have a lot of shoes, so I searched on eBay for one with a lift-up lid so we could use the inside.

It’s also really useful to have something to sit on when you’re putting your shoes on.’ A talented seamstress and upholsterer, Alison also made and covered her own seat cushion, making sure the fabric print echoed the yellows throughout the scheme.

Her major plans for the cupboard under the stairs were also realised. ‘It’s huge, and I could see we could put a little cloakroom 24

yourhomestyle.uk

ROOM PLAN

4.5M

2.5M

THE DETAILS CARPET

£640

FURNITURE

£169

PAINT

£238 £15

LAMPSHADE RADIATOR COVER

£152

CLOAKROOM

£305 £25

TILES

£106

ACCESSORIES The new cloakroom has compact sanitaryware, which doesn’t overwhelm the space, and the grey walls tie in with the top half of the hallway. The tiles match the ones in Alison’s loft bathroom

in there and still have room for coats at one end. It’s great for when we’re rushing in and out with the dog, Sidney.’

STEP FOUR With the cloakroom plumbed in and painted, Alison was keen to add bursts of colour on the walls and carefully curated ornaments. ‘I bought

inexpensive frames, painted them and put in favourite photos, as well as going through our print selection and putting up any that went with the scheme.’ She dug out vases and jugs that had been at the back of a cupboard, plus an old radio that used to belong to her uncle, Len. ‘It’s so us now, I smile every time I open the front door.’

TOTAL

£1,650

shopping list Bell twist carpet in Smoke, £39.99 per sq m m, Brintons. Church pew, £100, eBay. Cushion foam, £20, B&M Latex Sales. Dandelion Clocks fabric, £49 per m, Sanderson.

Radiator cabinet RO25, £152.47, Jali.

Painted in Trumpet intelligent eggshell, £32 per 1L, Little Greene. Walls painted in Hardwick White and James White modern emulsion, £49.95 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.

Picture frames, £5 each, Paperchase. Painted in Trumpet and Mischief tester pots, £4.75 each, Little Greene. Lampshade, £15; blue hall runner, £28, both Sainsbury’s. Mirror, £18, Attic. Grey cushion, £25, John Lewis & Partners. Cloakroom basin, taps and toilet, £305, Hampton Bathrooms. Brick tiles in Cream, £25 per m, Eurotiles & Stone. Vase, £20, Sunbury Antiques Market, Kempton Park.

3 OF THE BEST... music prints £32 from Betsy Benn Designs

£69

Can’t pick just one favourite tune?

Display 16 songs that are special to you and your family on this personalised cassette-motif print.

£16.95

£69 from MADE A graphic monochrome print will go with any scheme. This retro one comes framed and ready to hang.

£16.95 from Desenio Display black-and-white photography of iconic bands in a colour-pop frame for a retro 60s vibe.

£32

January 2021

25

HALLWAY MAKEOVER

Everything is distressed or vintage to match the house Sabrina Hannan combined colour, quirk and a dramatic floral wallpaper for a hallway befitting her character-filled, 400-year-old home

M

oving into a period property in the Hertfordshire countryside after living in London was a big change for Sabrina Hannan and her husband, David Giles, and they were determined to do the house justice. ‘We’d been in a 1920s place before, with a much more modern feel, but that just wouldn’t have been right for this house as it’s 400 years old with beamed ceilings.’ Sabrina, a medical rep, and David, a photographer, moved into the house in the summer of 2019, but took their time getting the décor just right.

‘There’d been some renovating done in recent years, but it was all very plain and beige and not really our taste. We decided to go dark and dramatic in most of the rooms, and the hallway was no exception.’ The walls had already been boarded halfway round, which the couple decided to keep, but everything else in there was earmarked for change.

‘There was too much wood on show. It’s a square space with four doors off it including the front door, so we had to think carefully about how we could give it personality and make it our own.’

STEP ONE Investing in some special wallpaper was high on the list. Sabrina had seen the stunning House of Hackney floral wallpaper on a black background ages ago and had been itching to use it somewhere. ‘It has such gorgeous colours in it, and there are

Good idu liveeaby! buying

yo Reflect where ssories that tie in. ce cushions and ac avid love watching D see Sabrina and eir garden and the birds in th aming around pheasants ro e fields. outside in th

Before 26

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HALLWAY MAKEOVER

Sabrina and David have freshened up the porch with a new bench painted green and a pale orange front door, which hints at the colour scheme inside

plenty to use when it comes to accessorising, so it was the inspiration for the scheme. Plus, it has a period feel to it that suits the house.’

Before they put the wallpaper up, the couple sugar-soaped the boarding and painted it a plain white to make the wallpaper stand out even more. ‘It’s the star of the show, you wouldn’t want anything to compete with it.’

STEP TWO A favourite hobby for the

total cost £1,696

couple is attending vintage fairs and pottering around antiques shops at the weekends, so they had high hopes of picking up key pieces of furniture for the scheme on a trip.

‘We wanted some sort of cabinet where we could store things and display our treasures, and we found one at the Newark fair. We both loved the shape and style of it, and we colour-matched an egg yolk yellow from the wallpaper and painted it.’ The couple also picked up various accessories on trips to Lancashire and the Peak District. Somewhere to sit was next on the list. ‘We measured the space between two of the doors and chose a small seat in orange velvet to provide somewhere to rest and put your shoes on.’

STEP THREE With two big bursts of colour in the space, they wanted all the doors leading off the hallway to be painted in the same shade for a co-ordinated look, so opted

January 2021

27

Feature Stephanie Smith Photos David Giles

A modernised hallway, with an overload of wood and plain black tiles, has been given oodles of colour and character with a mix of vintage pieces and new vibrant buys. The chequerboard flooring in traditional black and white has a distressed finish to suit the age of the house

HALLWAY MAKEOVER

Good idfoer ahal!lway

It can be easy tered with bits d up clut surfaces to en oose storage with lots and bobs, so ch and drawer space of cupboard top free for to keep the es. decorative piec

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yourhomestyle.uk

A vintage sideboard from an antiques fair has been renovated and painted a vibrant yellow hue picked out from the wallpaper, to provide a focal point and storage

HALLWAY MAKEOVER because they have rough edges and look like they’ve been there for ages.’

ROOM PLAN

STEP FOUR Attention to detail is a big part of the couple’s approach to decorating, and they spent time searching for appropriate light switches in an old-fashioned style instead of contemporary chrome, as well as key boxes with paintings on the outside and a vintage mirror to hang over the cabinet.

With all their treasures on display, the couple turned their attention to the porch for the finishing touches. ‘We painted the front door a light orange, which features in the wallpaper, so it all flows through when you open the door. Now we love stepping into the hallway as it instantly feels like our home.’

Good idea!

If you can’t of soft furnis find the shade and style changing th hings you like, think a em bo length of wh yourself. Sabrina bou ut ght a ite lace curt ain a warmer crea m by immers nd dyed it a in tea solution for a vintage g it in a feel.

2.5M

2.5M

THE DETAILS FURNITURE

£307

PAINT

£149

TILES

£156

CURTAIN

£90

LIGHTS

£90

WALLPAPER

£375

ACCESSORIES

£529

TOTAL

£1,696

shopping list

for a soothing dark grey on all four doors. The floor was the other major feature to decide on, keeping both style and practicality in mind.

‘The black tiles in there were too modern.

While we wanted to stick with tiles as they are more practical and easier to clean, they were the wrong ones. We’re both keen cyclists and walkers and we often come through the door in muddy footwear.’ So, they searched online and ruled out anything too new and shiny-looking or with a pattern that would detract from the wallpaper. The answer came with some black-and-white distressed tiles, which David laid himself. ‘They’re great

A handy seat fits snugly in the space between the door to the living room and a storage cupboard. Sabrina chose an exact orange shade from the wallpaper and added mustard cushions to make it cosy

3 OF THE BEST... bird accessories £3 from Poundland Perch this golden heron on a shelf or sideboard for a high-end look on a budget.

£3

£34.95

Moiety floor tiles, £25.95 per sq m, Walls & Floors. Cabinet, £80, Newark Collectors Fair. Cabinet painted in Autumn Beech satinwood, £24.99 per 2.5L, Valspar. Bench, £65, Screwfix. Bench painted in Green Orchid, £20 per 2.5L, Cuprinol at B&Q. Sofa, £139.97, Furniture 123. Artemis Black wallpaper, £125 per roll, House of Hackney.

Front door painted in Smoked Lox exterior wood and metal, £15.99 per litre, Valspar.

Interior doors painted in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.

Boarding painted in Pure Brilliant White satinwood, £24 per 2.5L, Dulux. Wall lights, £90 for two; lace curtain, £30 for 2m; small key box, £14, all eBay. Curtain pole, £60; Nellie hook, £18, both Anthropologie. Art Nouveau round dolly light switch, £109, Broughtons. Stool, £22, antiques market.

Flowered key box, £7; glass domes, £90 and £60, all Maltings Antiques. Pheasant cushions, £48 each, Orchid Furniture.

Yellow velvet cushion, £45; duck feet frames, £39 each, both Graham and Green.

Oval mirror, £14, Matlock Antiques. Purple throw, £28, Dunelm.

£35

£34.95 from Mint & May Hang this fun canary mirror above a sideboard to create a quirky hallway display.

£35 from Curated Living A plush velvet bird-print cushion will make a feature of a functional hallway seat.

January 2021

29

HALLWAY MAKEOVER

I created my own cosy library-style nook Debs Cutting used unusual white bookshelf paper, luxury carpet and a bargain statement chair to create a little oasis in her hallway

S

ince moving into their detached Edwardian home in Hampton, southwest London, 12 years ago, Debs Cutting and her husband, David, have been on a mission to renovate. ‘We’ve done a major kitchen extension to turn it into a kitchendiner with space for relaxing, and we’ve done up our living room as well. We put folding doors in between the two rooms to separate them, or they can be opened up to make one big party room. We’ve also put a wet room in under the stairs, turned the garage into a home office and redecorated the bedrooms.’

Debs, a finance director, and David, an airline load controller, realised the dated hallway and stairs was letting the house down, and even their son, Ross, 21, and daughter, Ali, 16, noticed. ‘We were all getting pretty fed up with the state of the hallway and going up the stairs to the landing.

We’d painted the dark wood banisters white when we moved in, but that was about it.’ A grubby brown carpet didn’t match the décor in the rest of the house and Debs felt there were too many doors in a small space.

Debs Cutting took her dreary hallway and stairs from drab to fab with stunning blue paint, fun wallpaper and a luxurious wool carpet underfoot – it’s now one of her favourite spots

Before

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yourhomestyle.uk

total cost £2,406

HALLWAY MAKEOVER STEP ONE The couple decided to block in the far door leading into the kitchen, which would enable Debs to create a relaxing area in front of the back wall, with no-one trying to get through to the door. ‘The carpet also had to go. When people came into the house they were getting the wrong impression and we were rushing them through into the living room.’

A key decision before choosing the carpet was picking out a shade for the walls. ‘I wanted something elegant and warm. Blue is my favourite colour; although some people don’t think of it as a warm colour, you just need to find the right shade. I also wanted something quite plain for most of the hall and landing, so when I saw Farrow

& Ball’s Oval Room Blue, I knew it was the right shade straight away.’

STEP TWO With the walls painted, Debs wanted to keep the dado rail to break things up slightly and had it painted white. ‘While we had the painter in, we also got the banisters repainted, with the handrail in a contrasting dark grey, which is more in keeping with the age of the house. It really makes it stand out.’

When it came to the carpet, Debs was set on something neutral and luxurious, but with a bit of a pattern and texture so it wouldn’t show the dirt. ‘We also went for a high-quality underlay; it’s lovely and springy underfoot, particularly first thing in

An elegant, small-scale chandelier fits in with the proportions of the hallway, and its faceted glass beads bounce light around the space for an airy feel

The 1970s glass in the front door was replaced with star-motif glass for an era-appropriate look. Its opaque nature still lets in plenty of daylight

Feature GAP Interiors/Stephanie Smith Photos GAP Interiors/Colin Poole

The dark grey chest of drawers was a bargain in a warehouse sale, and is somewhere for Debs to keep letters, hats and scarves

Good idea !

Add wind panes for ow film to existin ext g still allow ra privacy while ing light the space into .

January 2021

31

HALLWAY MAKEOVER the morning.’ A retro radiator was added and painted in the same colour as the walls to ensure it blends in with the scheme.

An extra space to sit is always a bonus in a busy house, and Debs has created a quiet corner to sit and read or have a coffee

STEP THREE When decorating the newly created space at the end of the hall, Debs knew exactly what she wanted. ‘I’d seen the amazing bookshelf wallpaper in a magazine and it gives the back wall a sort of library feel.

I’ve even had people ask if it’s real, although I’m not sure why I would only buy books with white covers!’ When it came to a chair, Debs knew where to look. ‘I got it in the Graham & Green warehouse sale, which is one of my secret weapons. They hold them a couple of times a year, and sell leftover and slightly damaged lines, so you get fantastic bargains, although you have to get there at the crack of dawn!’ She also found the dark grey chest when she was tracking down the chair and knew it would be great for storage.

STEP FOUR The large window on the stairs had always been a problem as it’s on an outside wall and made it cold on the landing, but Debs didn’t want fussy curtains there. ‘I found a lovely neutral, linen-style blind with a thermal backing, which has solved the problem, and all for £80.’ A silver mirror above the chest of drawers in the hall was next, and Debs found one in the sale. The finishing touch was putting up the black and white photos she’s collected over the years. ‘It just makes me want to smile when I open the front door. It feels glamorous and cosy and now fits in with the rest of the house.’

Good ideina-k!eeping

diator A traditional ra house looks good, e th of e t with the ag ea near the fron ar e th ns and mea so and warm – door stays cosy you step inviting when e! into the hous

A metal tray table is a handy spot for drinks or flowers, and can be folded away when it’s not in use for additional space

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yourhomestyle.uk

HALLWAY MAKEOVER The large window on the stairs was letting cold air in, so Debs added a neutral blind with a thermal lining to rectify this

ROOM PLAN

3M

2.5M

THE DETAILS PAINT

£272

CARPET

£899

FURNITURE

£520

LIGHTING

£110

GLASS

£95

BLIND

£80

WALLPAPER

£240

RADIATOR

£190

TOTAL

£2,406

shopping list Walls painted in Oval Room Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 per 2.5L; Woodwork painted in Wimborne White and Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 per 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Lockeridge Flint wool carpet from the Avebury collection, £44.99 per sq m, Cormar Carpets. Chest of drawers, £250; Chair, £200; Charcoal grey lampshade, £10; Metal folding table, £10, all Graham & Green. Mirror, £60 (on sale), Oliver Bonas.

White bookshelf wallpaper, £72 per sheet, Mineheart. Caprice bronze chandelier, £99.95, Daisy West. Star glass, £95, Middlesex Glass. Essential Oatmeal blind with thermal lining, £80, Tuiss. Traditional column radiator, £190, Radiating Style. Love letters, £12 for four, Squires Garden Centre. Butterfly cushion, £7, Asda. Blue tealights, £6 each, Homebase. Ceramic tealights, £4 each, Attic.

Grey vase, £15, Marks & Spencer.

Good idea !

Smarten going for up your banniste Debs has a monochrome rs by s o handrail, pted for a dark g cheme. rey on which tie chest of d s in with both the the ra upstairs wers and the lampshad e.

3 OF THE BEST... chandeliers £50 from Next

£79

A chandelier with clear beads will bounce light around the room and look luxurious.

This one is easy-fit for a quick update.

£79 from The Grey Works Bring glamour to a petite space with this petite-size chandelier – it has delicate glass droplets for a vintage feel.

£50

£113.99 from Dowsing and Reynolds This statement eight-bubble pendant design is a sleek, modern update on a classic chandelier.

£113.99

January 2021

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HOME TRUTHS Your home is your refuge, a place where you should be calling the shots, so let a smart meter help give you even more control

S

ometimes it feels like our homes have a life of their own, perfectly in-tune with our daily rhythms and routines from the moment we wake up to when our head hits the pillow.

At the end of a year where we’ve spent more time at home than perhaps any other, it’s all the more reassuring to feel in control of our domestic lives wherever we can. Often it’s the little things that make a big difference, like finding that perfect piece of space-saving furniture that fits in your sitting room just-so, or being able to make sure your house is as energy efficient as possible.

One way you can take control of your energy usage is with a smart meter.

Having a smart meter installed in your home may not feel like a huge change, but this clever yet simple bit of kit monitors exactly how much energy the appliances around your house use. It then sends that accurate information in near-real time to your energy supplier, as well as your handy in-home display unit, which you can keep anywhere.

Not only does that mean you’ll just pay for what you use, but it could also help you make some changes around the home to cut down those bills.

Sometimes all it takes is something simple like turning down your heating ever so slightly to see a difference.

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The smart meter in-home display, allowing you to track your energy expenditure in near-real time

Future living However conscious we are of it, our days at home are often guided by a series of self-imposed deadlines. Shower on at 7.05am, dinner at 6pm, kids in bed at 8.30pm and so on. If our walls could talk, they would probably tell us more about our lives than we ever could!

We instinctively know the right times to carry out tasks in order to make our lives easier, so wouldn’t it be great if our homes could do the same?

In the future, smart meters could play a large part in making that a reality.

Combined with smart off-peak tariffs, the smart meter will be able to analyse

when energy is cheapest and charge our battery-powered devices during that time. The next-generation kettle, for instance, may only boil water using the lowest-cost electricity.

This smart analysis will in turn help our National Grid to be more efficient and responsive, which is vital if, as a nation, we’re to reach our goal of carbon neutrality. And, as time goes by, our families grow and our personal priorities change, we could have innovations like the smart meter to thank for helping us live cleaner, greener and more connected lives.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The future smart home

‘The smart home will take care of us’ BBC Science Focus contributor and tech journalist Jennifer Pattison Tuohy explains how the connected home will become our forever home.

‘The smart home of today is full of clever gadgets and gizmos that make our lives easier, but tomorrow it will truly coalesce into the ambient home. Powered by technologies such as connected sensors, voice control and artificial

intelligence, your home will monitor your daily activities and respond appropriately – from when you turn on the kettle in the morning to when you go to bed at night. It will be smart enough to know when something out of the ordinary occurs and send an alert to a loved one or the emergency services.

This type of smart home will make it possible for more than 80 per cent of Britons who want to stay in their homes as they get older to ‘age in place’ with dignity, comfort, safety and independence.’

JOIN THE QUIET REVOLUTION Getting a smart meter and making energy-saving changes at home can make a real difference. Need convincing?

64% of people with smart meters feel more in control of the energy they use at home.

Britain could save a total of

£5.6 billion on energy bills in the next 20 years with a smart meter.

Based on fuel prices in March 2019, a detached house upgrading from a G-rated boiler could save around

£300 a year.

Contact your energy supplier now to request a smart meter installation Eligibility may vary

January 2021

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STYLE ADVICE

Light the way with

16 BRIGHT IDEAS Turn away from the dark side and embrace these ways to illuminate your home

A

re you in need of a way to avoid the January blues? Start by brightening up the dark spaces in your home with our fool-proof tricks.

While knocking down walls or installing windows will let more light in, they’re – thankfully – not the only options when it comes to enlivening your space.

From glossy paint to colourful accessories, we give you our no-renovation-needed advice on how to welcome more light into your home.

1.Bring in metallics

Shimmery silver and gold accessories will transform your room from a dark lair into a shining space. Metallic mirrors, light fittings and decorative pieces will reflect light around the room, which will make the area feel bigger, brighter and more luxurious.

Bloomingville homeware, from £17, Amara

Zuiver retro ceiling light in Metallic Gold, £199, Cuckooland

2.Create contrasts

A low-lit room can feature a couple of subtle deep tones, if you pair them carefully with other shades.

Add a scattering of dark details alongside your main light hues to ensure the room remains bright. This laid-back living room, with its pale blue sofa and deep rust and navy accents, has the perfect balance.

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STYLE ADVICE

3.Refresh with paint

Muniellos light oak woodeffect tiles, £34.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

A compact, windowless room isn’t the place to experiment with a moody colour palette. The brighter the wall colour, the more light it will reflect, so opt for white, neutral or pastel shades to help bounce the reflection around the room.

Eggshell paint in Get Plastered, £49.99 for 2.5L, Dowsing & Reynolds

Eggshell paint in Sea Foam Party, £49.99 for 2.5L, Dowsing & Reynolds

4.Switch up your flooring To prevent the space feeling small and closed off, swap out dark flooring for a lighter alternative. If changing the entire floor is out of the question due to cost, an area rug makes for a quick and affordable fix.

5.Shine a light, or two If the dark room in question has no windows, then maximising artificial light is a must. Use warm white LED bulbs in tall standing lamps and manoeuvrable wall lights to bring as much brightness into the room as possible.

It’s best to avoid a central ceiling light, though, as this can make the room feel heavy; instead, use multiple lamps in the darkest places to open up the space and create a soothing glow.

Feature Sophie Demetriades

Round woven blue bamboo laundry basket, £45; Luce gold glass and marble floor lamp, £135, both Oliver Bonas

Benton single spotlight in Antique Brass, £22, Iconic Lights

January 2021

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STYLE ADVICE Wave Tahiti voile snow curtains, from £22.35, Curtains 2go

6.Update the curtains Do away with dark, heavy curtains that will suck up all of the natural light in the room and opt for sheer white or light-coloured voile window dressings.

7.Make the most of mirrors To make your space seem larger and brighter, bring in a couple of big mirrors. They will bounce light around the room, especially if they’re hung opposite a window where natural light can stream through.

Aurora glass wall mirror extra large, £225; Aurora glass wall mirror large, £135; Aurora grey curve full length wall mirror, £165, all Oliver Bonas

Pink floral art print, from £15, Abstract House

8.Work the walls A couple of bright posters or prints can add fun and character to a room, as well as lighten the space. When it comes to artwork in a dark room, minimalism is key. Avoid hanging too many pieces on the walls, as they will absorb the small amount of sunlight in the room.

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Vena Biana flat gloss tiles, £18.65 per sq m, Walls and Floors

9.Bounce light with tiles

STYLE ADVICE

Our expert says…

Pastel or pale-coloured tiles are the way to go if you want to bring light to a dingy kitchen or bathroom. Tiles with a glossy finish are also a great choice, especially if you have directional spotlights as these will help to bounce light around the room.

Palm Springs pink porcelain tiles, £66 per sq m, Porcelain Superstore

10.Go with gloss To bring light into a dull room, consider painting the ceiling with a high-gloss finish. Glossy paint is highly reflective, but make sure you smooth over any imperfections on your ceiling first as this type of finish will shine a spotlight on them.

Although there has been a move towards bold colours, beige and neutral flooring remain at the heart of most homes. Using these tones in a small, dark room can help make the most of its natural light, ensuring the room feels airy and spacious while also adding elegance and sophistication.

You should keep the overall look of your space simple with a considered blend of soft shades alongside a few pops of colour.

The natural brightness offered by a white scheme can also help to evoke a sense of calm, which will last throughout the year. To achieve this effortlessly cool look, start with a plain base on walls and floors, then layer textures and shapes to add interest and warmth.

David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright

Full gloss paint in French Gray, £64 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

January 2021

39

STYLE ADVICE

Chelwood reclaimed wood medium chest of drawers, £455, Modish Living

11.Control your clutter In a compact room, it’s best to scale back on unnecessary decorative accessories. Keep the room clear of clutter and either move items to a larger room or pack them away in a chest of drawers like this set from Modish Living.

12.Commit to light furniture As lovely as a dark wood table or chocolateleather sofa is, it’s bound to put a dampener on an already dingy room. So, invest in lightcoloured furniture or revamp some of your old pieces with new cushion covers or a lick of paint.

We know that white furniture, especially when it comes to a dining or coffee table, can be a little risky (cue wine spills and messy fingerprints), so look out for pieces that feature a protective layer of lacquer or varnish to avoid stains.

Heather bar stool with backrest in Sage Green, £119 each, Cult Furniture

13.Pot your plants Breathe new life into a dark and dingy room by strategically placing a mix of succulents and leafy plants. Look for varieties that prefer to be kept in low-light conditions to ensure they last.

The Little Botanical sansevieria snakey, £17.99, Dobbies

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The Little Botanical large monstera, £26.99, Dobbies

HAY dining table in Oak, £1,339; HAY halftime chair in Chrome, £279, both Amara

15.Use colour and pattern

Smart ways with lighting There are lots of well-known interior design tricks for making small spaces look larger – from huge mirrors on the walls to using paints and wallpaper to create optical illusions. Then there is lighting; a simple addition with game-changing effects. Use downlights in your kitchen or hallway to highlight dark corners and open up small spaces. By installing downlights, you can draw attention to feature elements that may be hidden in the shadows of overhanging cabinets or other kitchen appliances, plus they will open up a space and make it feel much larger and brighter.

There are also clever ways to include LED strips along the top of walls or underneath overhead cabinets, which will throw light onto your ceiling or walls – this will reduce shadows and make the room feel bigger and brighter.

14.Embrace pale wood A light-coloured wood will lift a dark room while simultaneously providing a warm, Scandi touch in the space.

STYLE ADVICE

Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky

16.Roll out a rug You may be tempted to choose a rug in a neutral shade, but this is one element where you want to bring some fun to the room with a cheerful pop of colour. Choose a splash of yellow or orange, or if it’s more in-keeping with your scheme, opt for a soft pastel shade – you’ll uplift the space instantly.

Not everything in the room has to be plain white. Inject some interest with a few splashes of pattern – one or two small accessories such as cushions and throws will add depth to the overall look. Less is more with this, though, as you don’t want the room to look too crowded. When it comes to fabrics, steer clear of heavy materials such as velvet, faux fur and wool, and choose light fabrics like cotton, linen and silk to help the space feel bright and breezy.

Chevron pattern chenille material in orange upholstery fabric, £48.99 per metre, Yorkshire Fabric Shop

Ikat cushion cover in Orange, £40, My Little Wish

Addison gold rug, £249.99, My Furniture

Asiatic Roman polypropylene Aztec patterned floor rug in Blue, from £119, Cult Furniture

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DECORATING IDEAS

FIND YOUR DREAM SOFA

For under £1,000 Has your settee seen better days? Invest in one of these affordable couches that will stand the test of time

The ultimate balance between timeless design and comfort, this sofa is the perfect pick if you’re looking for furniture that will never go out of fashion.

Cricket weave two-seater sofa in Mix Grey, £949, Sofology

Hunker down with this comfy corduroy number.

Its slouchy style, deep seats and spacious corner design makes it a go-to choice for a family home.

Cassie cord fabric L-shape corner sofa, £899.99, Furniture and Choice

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DECORATING IDEAS Also available in teal blue velvet, the Clarence sofa offers the luxe-for-less look with a tufted backrest, tapered legs and velvet fabric.

Under £250

Clarence three-seater sofa in Green Velvet, £249.99, DaAl’s

BEFORE YOU BUY… There are a few points you should consider – and Suzy McMahon, the Buying Director at Sofology, is here to tell you what to look out for…

• A new sofa should be seen as an investment, as it will likely be used every day. Avoid impulse buying based purely on sales and promotions – a sofa should be a considered purchase.

• Don’t compromise on craftsmanship and materials – choosing durable, hard-wearing fabrics that will withstand everyday wear and tear will increase your sofa’s longevity.

To add simple style to a compact space, choose this contemporary couch. If the Saga Grey tone isn’t to your taste, there are another 173 fabrics to choose from!

Wave fluted petite sofa in Saga Grey, £849, John Lewis & Partners

• A sofa should be a purchase you will love for years to come, so consider shapes, colours and patterns carefully to ensure you opt for a style that will work not only with your current scheme, but will also transfer seamlessly to a new look. If in doubt, opt for a neutral design where you can add patterns, colours and textures as and when trends change.

Form and function meet modern style with the Rosslyn. By day, it’s a super comfy sofa, but by night you’ll be able to catch some shuteye on its handy pull-out bed. Not only that, but there’s also useful built-in storage underneath.

Rosslyn click clack sofa bed with storage in Sedona Orange, £399, MADE.com

The Goswell blends period style and comfort with its jewel-toned fabric and backrest detailing, alongside deep-seat cushions.

Sofa bed bargain Feature Sophie Demetriades

Goswell two-seater sofa in Vintage Gold Velvet, £549, MADE.com

With sweeping curves, solid wood feet and soft chenille fabric, this blush pastel settee is a must-have for those looking to bring a touch of renaissance charm to their abode.

Zinola three-seater sofa in Castello Blush/Rose Mix, £999, Sofology

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Just

£500

FABRIC FOCUS A good retailer will allow you to see fabric swatches so you can perfectly match your sofa to your interior. But before you decide on the colourway, you should narrow down which material you want to go for.

COTTON This natural fibre is soft and breathable, but it can be a little more expensive than other options. To keep it looking fresh, make sure you opt for removable cushion covers so you can wash them.

Anita two-seater sofa, £560, Sweetpea & Willow

You can’t go wrong with a beige colourway or a classic shape like the Gainsborough sofa.

What’s more, this traditional couch has three generous-sized seats to curl up on.

Another natural material, wool usually comes in a broad range of colours and patterns and, due to its pile, will add cosiness to your living room. You may find that it’s sometimes blended with synthetic fabrics, but it will look just as good as the real deal for a fraction of the price.

Gainsborough beige fabric three-seater sofa, £999.99, Oak Furnitureland

LINEN

VELVET To add a touch of luxury to your home, choose deep-pile velvet. Well-made ones are surprisingly hardy, but it’s a bit of a magnet to cat and dog hair as well as dust

LEATHER This is one option that will only get better with age. Long-lasting leather is easy to care for and it’s a smart choice for family homes, too.

POLYESTER This synthetic material is incredibly durable and affordable so, once again, it’s an ideal choice for families with children and pets.

You’ll also find that it tends to come in a broad selection of colours, too.

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Chesterfield three-seater velvet sofa in Green, £500, Argos Home

This peacock blue dream is complemented with black and gold tapered legs and a panelled effect on the backrest. Plus, it has the look of soft velvet but the convenience of polyester fabric.

WOOL

More durable than cotton, linen is a better choice in homes with children and pets.

This material will give your sofa a lived-in look with creases that will soften over time, plus it’s breathable, so you won’t struggle to stay cool on a hot day.

The traditional roll-armed, dark leather Chesterfield sofa has been given an upholstered update with velvet-effect jewel green fabric.

But while the material has been given a modern edge, this Argos find still boasts the iconic deep buttoning and dark wood feet of the characterful Chesterfield style.

This handsome sofa will slot neatly into the corner of your living room and it also has a comfy footstool section, which can be repositioned to suit your needs.

Brunswick universal corner sofa in Dove Grey, £999.99, My Furniture

This mustard velvet piece draws on mid-century modern style, which will bring an air of elegance to your interior.

Belgravia two-seater sofa velvet upholstered in Mustard, £799, Cult Furniture

DECORATING IDEAS

The simplicity of the Finchley sofa is what makes it so appealing. With its clean lines, compact scale and button detailing, this settee is an excellent choice for small yet chic spaces.

Finchley two-seater sofa in Nordic Teal All Over, £899, Sofology

This contemporary, Scandi-style sofa has oodles of space and even features a chaise lounge style section at the end so you can relax and put your feet up or layer up with throws.

Habitat Mod reversible corner fabric sofa in Grey, £560, Argos Home

With deep-seat cushions filled with feather, foam and fibre, elegant side panel buttoning, and a durable linen-effect fabric, this long-lasting sofa ticks all the boxes when it comes to sophisticated style.

Ascot three-seater sofa in Calico, £899.99, My Furniture

Luxe for

Bring grace and comfort to your living space with this sophisticated addition in blush tones.

le�

The Rebel two-seater sofa in Blush Coral, £769, Snug

January 2021

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Kitchens

This month, get the marble look for less and tropical accessories

& BATHROOMS For a neutral, timeless look, marble is the material to go for. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the real deal, though, there are plenty of marble-effect finishes available for your bathroom. The Perla Marble furniture range by Bathrooms to Love will transform your bathroom into a soothing, spa-like fantasy. The wall-hung cabinets feature handleless, push-to-open drawers for that luxe, modern feel, enhanced by sleek silver hardware. Thanks to the minimalist colour scheme, you can be as bold or understated as you like with your tile choice. For a subtle statement inspired by nature, choose a contrasting tile in an earthy shade such as Forest Green. To make life that little bit easier, opt for the integrated lighting and motion sensor – it’ll automatically switch on when you walk by, so no more stumbling around in the dark on night-time trips to the bathroom!

Wine not?

Most of us have probably acquired a pretty impressive collection of wine over the festive period. So, rather than using precious cupboard space to store it, why not invest in a wine rack? The Winnoe wine rack, £65, from Cuckooland is made from natural mango wood and holds up to nine bottles of your favourite vino. With its brown leather straps and glossy black frame, it’s a sophisticated addition to both minimalist and country-style homes. Now, who’s for a glass of red?

Perla Marble 1,200mm double basin unit, £790; Perla Marble 1,200mm marble laminate top, £85; Luxey grey washbowls, £225 each; Vema Tamesis wallmounted basin mixers, £270, all Bathrooms to Love

Sink or swim Are you looking for a high-quality sink that won’t take up too much space in a smaller kitchen? The new Compact Granite Sink from Prima is compatible with a minimum cabinet width of just 450mm, rather than the usual 600mm. Designed to last, the sinks are 80 per cent quartz and boast heat-, scratch- and stain-resistance.

There are four sophisticated matt options to choose from: black, white, gun metal and grey. An affordable option that doesn’t scrimp on quality or style! The Prima+ Compact Granite Sink is priced at £183.

TROPICAL TEXTILES If spending so much time at home as left you feeling the wanderlust, why not pick up a few tropical bathroom accessories and create an exotic sanctuary? Inspired by Costa Rica, Clarissa Hulse’s latest towel collection features botanical prints in eye-catching colour combos.

The palm, bamboo and fern designs will transport you to the tropics as you relax in the tub and the luxurious cotton velour will ward off that postbath chill. Prices start at £14.

January 2021

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Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

The magic of marble

KITCHEN IDEAS

CUPBOARD LOVE With so many styles, colours, materials and finishes to choose from, here’s how to pick the best cabinets for your kitchen

W

hen planning a new kitchen, one of the first things to think about is the cabinets. Do you like the classic look of a Shaker style or a modern, high-gloss, handleless design? Or do you want to go dark and dramatic, add a pop of bright colour or bring the natural beauty of wood into the room? There are so many options in terms of style, material and colour, not to mention the handles, the internal storage solutions and statement features. So, we’ve given you a head start with our handy guide on how to create different looks.

Display colourful canisters behind glass-fronted cabinets and fill with tea, coffee and sugar or rice and pasta Large bamboo storage canister set, £29.99, Curated Pieces

Matt-finish units create a subtle, understated look and will add a pop of colour without being too overpowering. Blue is set to continue as a big trend in 2021 and it goes with pretty much anything Milano Elements kitchen in Smoke Blue, from £5,377, Wren Kitchens

If you fancy a change but not the expense of buying new cabinets, you could always paint them instead.

Greens and blues are classic kitchen hues Hornblower, The Lazy Range chalk paint, £19.95 for 0.75L, Frenchic Furniture Paint Free-standing dressers can slot into an existing scheme. This one offers a combination of closed and open storage to display favourite pieces and keep clutter hidden from view Milbourne Chalk dresser in Dove Grey, kitchens from £12,000, Second Nature

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Feature Hayley Gilbert

KITCHEN IDEAS

January 2021

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KITCHEN IDEAS OUR EXPERT SAYS… ‘Choosing contrasting colours that have a natural synergy with one another works really well. Whether it’s a contrast between both colours and styles, try to embrace the nuances in natural, tactile and textural elements.’

Mark Mills, Managing Director at Mereway

Painted wood inframe cabinetry offers a modern take on the classic Shaker look, for a traditional feel that won’t go out of style.

Go for contrasting colours with an island unit in a different shade to make a statement Painted Pebble Grey and Marine Slim Shaker kitchen, from £7,000, Trend Interiors

In a neutral scheme, pick a warm beige for a cosy, homely feel Château Grey chalk paint, £21.95 per 1L, Annie Sloan

Look for interior storage solutions that fit snugly inside your cabinets and make the most of every inch. A corner pull-out is especially useful for staples such as pasta and rice

Even the smallest of spaces can fit some canny storage in if it’s planned properly.

A two-tier system like this effortlessly glides out and can be slotted in next to the oven for oils and spices Spaceworks+ 150mm midheight pull-out, from £327 including cabinet, Crown Imperial

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Pebre Matt Anthracite softclose right-hand pull-out storage, £187, B&Q

Cutlery drawers, drawer dividers and knife blocks will keep knives, forks, spoons and utensils neatly tucked away and close to hand Roux Kitchens, start from £9,000

KITCHEN IDEAS

Maximise the space inside your existing cabinets with clever internal fittings and storage tricks, handy for smaller rooms with only a few units Adapt-a-Shelf extendable storage, £10.99, Lakeland

Choose natural timber cabinets to bring character to a classic or contemporary kitchen. Free-standing units and open shelving create a more relaxed, laid-back look ideal for open-plan spaces The Haberdasher’s Kitchen in Oiled Oak, from £30,000, deVOL

OUR EXPERT SAYS… ‘Wood is a beautiful option, as it’s tactile and strong. Each piece is different, so it seems to have a character that always makes a room feel more honest.’

Wood-grain doors can be expensive – a wood-effect melamine is a cheaper alternative. Look for something with plenty of knots and grains for character Arcos kitchen in Supermatt Nano Black laminate and Arcos E130 in Murphy melamine, from £10,000, Schmidt

Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL

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KITCHEN IDEAS OUR EXPERT SAYS… Hanging rails between wall cabinets offer extra storage for pots and containers, where you can keep fresh herbs and spices, bottles of flavoured oils and other handy cooking essentials KUNGSFORS wall grid, £15, IKEA

‘Minimalist designs excel in compact spaces, as they have a sleek, unfussy profile. That said, they can look outstanding in openplan spaces, especially when combined with a striking metallic profile.’

Darren Watts, Showroom Development and Design Director at Wren

If space allows, including a utility area in your kitchen is easier than you may think, as you’ll only need a few units, a sink and a small length of worktop Linear kitchen, from £20,000, Harvey Jones

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KITCHEN IDEAS

Teal cabinets will work with lots of accents, including punchy coral, soft pink and metallics Teal Royal Interior Wood Finish paint, £17.99 per 1L, Protek

Turn a walk-in cupboard into a fancy larder complete with base cabinets for storage and open shelving for cookware and ingredients. A marble worktop is great for rolling pastry and kneading dough Georgian walk-in pantry in Dust Grey and Dove Grey, kitchens from £25,000, 1909

OUR EXPERT SAYS… ‘Colourful gloss cabinets are a very contemporary style statement.

Handleless doors ensure an ultra-sleek finish while delicate metallic handles introduce a new texture in-keeping with the modern feel.’

Give tired cabinets an instant update with some smart new handles – just make sure you measure up and buy a like-for-like style so you don’t have to drill new holes Skyscraper 15cm knurled handle in Raw Brass, £21.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

Hayley Simmons, Head of Merchandising for Magnet

High-gloss slab doors can make smaller spaces feel larger, as the light reflects off the cabinets.

A handleless door creates a contemporary feel, while built-in appliances maintain the seamless look Integra Fusion kitchen in Blue, from £4,588, Magnet Consider breaking up the look with glass-fronted wall cabinets, where you can proudly display your attractive crockery, ceramics and glassware Bespoke kitchen, from £25,000, The Main Company

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KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM

I look forward to using Dace Erdmane removed walls, added more storage and created an eating

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INSIDER INFO WHO LIVES HERE? Dace Erdmane, an interior designer (@deinteriors_), her husband, Jurgis Erdmanis, who works in the shipping industry, and their children, Amalda, 21, and Nik, 16. The couple bought their 1930s semi in South Croydon in February 2015.

WHAT DESIGN ADVICE DO YOU HAVE? Pick patterns, colours and a kitchen style that you truly love because you’ll enjoy the room for much longer than if you make safe or high-fashion decisions. For a cohesive look, think of the house as one unit and pick a thread that runs through all the rooms – mine is navy blue and light grey.’

move to South Croydon marked the start of Dace and Jurgis’ new life in the UK – they’re from Latvia and have lived in Canada, Singapore and the USA. The couple found a house they liked in 2015, which needed redecorating from top to bottom. The kitchen was the hardest challenge, with the original coal room at the back taking up valuable space. Dace’s goal was to make the kitchen as big and open as possible. ‘We’d enjoyed open-plan living in the USA but we couldn’t extend here because of the sloping garden,’ she says. ‘We decided to take down the wall to open the kitchen to the lounge, and get rid of the coal room.

However, we later discovered we had to keep the disused chimney for structural reasons.’

With the new layout decided, it was time to look at the aesthetics of the space. At first, Dace wanted a navy kitchen, having moved away from their bright, Nordic taste in Latvia to a love of dark furniture and décor in Singapore. ‘While decorating our UK house, dark blue and light grey became the colours that tied rooms together and I wanted to carry that through to the kitchen,’ she says.

‘Though, at the time, a navy kitchen was hard to find in my budget.’

DO YOU HAVE ANY MONEYSAVING TIPS? The B&Q cupboards were a fraction of the price compared to other companies for the same number of units, and I loved that I could tailor the look with wooden worktops and copper handles.

CUSTOMISE A BUDGET KITCHEN Dace played around with cupboard sizes and produced a layout that uses top-to-bottom space along one wall, forgoing wall cupboards opposite to encourage light and openness.

The peninsular is a new addition and provides much-needed seating

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TRY A BRICK HACK Finding the bare bones of the original brick wall to be too white, Dace created a splashback with brick slips in tonal oranges and greys to match with the floor and worktop

KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM

my kitchen now area, and the transformation has renewed her love of cooking BALANCE PRACTICAL WITH PRETTY An easy-to-maintain black composite sink with a chunky hose tap is a functional choice for an industrial aesthetic. Dace moved the sink in front of the window to overlook the garden, a concept new to her that she’s grown to like since moving to the UK

shopping list

total cost:

CHOOSE ONE BIG IDEA Dace instantly fell in love with the pretty patterns and colours of the hexagonal floor tiles, which inspired the Moroccan look in her kitchen. A blend of 14 different designs meant plenty of choice to mix and match the layout as she pleased

While exploring cupboard options, the lively floor tiles came to Dace’s attention during research for a course through the British Academy of Interior Design.

‘I instantly loved the pattern and colour combination of blues, greys and brick orange,’ she reveals. ‘I visualised a Moroccanindustrial look, which I added to with the brick splashback, glass and brass pendant lamps, and copper stools and handles.’

By now, Dace was on the verge of choosing IKEA’s black cupboards when one of Jurgis’ work colleagues told them about their

Feature Jane Crittenden Styling Marisha Taylor Photos James French

Santini kitchen cabinets in Anthracite (22 units), £4,100; Cooke & Lewis Galvani Black Composite Quartz 1.5 bowl sink and drainer, £198; Cooke & Lewis Ithaca Black kitchen twin lever mixer tap, £150; GoodHome Annatto copper-effect steel bar cabinet handle (L) 220mm, £8 for two, all B&Q. Prime Oak worktop 40mm thick, £1,024, Worktop Express. Hotpoint FFU4D.1X_SS fridge freezer, £569, AO.com. Bosch HBF113BR0B Serie 2 built-in electric single oven is similar, £299; Bosch HMT75M451 microwave is similar, £129; Bosch PKE611D17E ceramic hob black, £319; Hotpoint HFC3C32FWUK 14-place extra efficient freestanding dishwasher is similar, £359; ElectriQ 60cm sloping black glass chimney cooker hood is similar, £80, all Appliances Direct. Moroccan Mix Hex floor tiles, £35 per sq m, The Porcelain Superstore. Brick slips, £40 per sq m, eBay. Clear 660x1050mm 4mm-thick glass splashback, £110, Splashbacks UK. Raw Silk in Midnight Blue wallpaper by Architects Paper, £58 per roll, Wallpaper Direct. Track light system, £193, Modern Lighting Solutions. Clear glass lantern in antique brass, £65 each, Wayfair. Xavier Pauchard Tolix-style 65cm metal stool in Copper, £69 each, Cult Furniture. Blue table runner, £7, Sainsbury’s Home. Blue and white check tea towel is similar, £6 for two, Ocado.

£8,245

B&Q kitchen. ‘I thought there wouldn’t be enough variation in the cupboard options to get the custom look I wanted,’ she says.

‘When I designed the layout on B&Q’s design platform, I discovered I could put shallow cupboards in front of the chimney and still keep the line across the rest of the cupboard run. There was plenty of choice and the same ergonomic features you’d find in more expensive kitchens for a much cheaper price.’

Dace settled on Anthracite grey gloss cupboards and chose a navy wallpaper for the walls. Real oak worktops and copper handles complete the customised look. Once the building work was finished, the couple built the flat-pack kitchen. Dace also tiled the floor, which helps to zone off the main kitchen area from the rest of the space while highlighting the room’s new, larger layout.

‘Mixing and matching tiles in different combinations was the most enjoyable part of the project,’ she says. ‘I’m pleased the kitchen has our own stamp and won’t look like anyone else’s.’

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BATHROOM IDEAS

LUXURY

LOOKS for less

Bring an upmarket feel to your bathroom without splashing the cash

Monochrome and chic go hand in hand.

Break up an expanse of white wall with a chic black roller blind, then add a splash of colour with ochre towels Multi Lux black waterproof PVC roller blind, from £22.95, English Blinds

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BATHROOM IDEAS

Fragranced with lavender, orange and cedarwood, this relaxing bath oil smells as good as it looks

Go faux for evergreen foliage

Calm bath oil from the Apothecary collection, £8, Marks & Spencer

Artificial fern plant, £8.99, Homesense

Turn a plain wall into a work of art with colourful, water-resistant stickers that you can apply over existing tiles, producing an expensivelooking antique mosaic effect PVC mosaic tile kit, £20.99 for 24, Wayfair

Box in an inset bath, arrange storage to above floor level and use the same patterned tiling on the wall and floor to boost space and light in a windowless bathroom Mrs Jones blue patterned porcelain tiles, £17.99 per sq m, Tons of Tiles

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f you love the idea of soaking or showering in an indulgent, top-end bathroom but don’t have the budget to match, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to transform your existing scheme into a sumptuous sanctuary without breaking the bank. From replacing tired accessories and refreshing the décor to rethinking your storage or giving the room a complete overhaul, with these brilliant buys, easy updates and clever cheats you can create a luxurious look for minimal outlay.

Replace dull taps with top brass to give an existing sink an update

Feature Andrea Dean

HAMNSKÄR basin mixer tap, £85, IKEA

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BATHROOM IDEAS Treat yourself to a soothing scent in a glossy gold diffuser Metallic diffuser, £25, Oliver Bonas

SPA STYLE ‘With luxury, less is quite often so much more – choose a simple aesthetic to lower the cost of decorating and create a modern minimalist feel. Buying fewer items means you can concentrate on higher quality bathroom pieces. Co-ordination and planning are key, plus they’re free!’

Susan Hilton, Heating and Bathrooms Buying Manager for Big Bathroom Shop

Frosted self-adhesive window film is a purse-friendly alternative to fancy etched glass, providing privacy while letting light in, and it can be fitted in minutes. Go bespoke by incorporating a subtle motif Made-to-measure frosted window film with shower head motif, from £18, Brume

A free-standing bath is the ultimate in luxury, so show yours off against contrast painted walls. Go as dark as you dare, and position mirrors carefully to reflect pools of light around the room Walls in Aura Bath and Spa Charcoal Slate paint, from £30.50 for 0.94L, Benjamin Moore. Find a wide range of free-standing baths at Better Bathrooms

Large-format porcelain tiles have the timeless elegance of natural marble but at a fraction of the price and are suitable for both walls and floors Calacatta matt white glazed marble effect 600 x 300mm tiles, £13 per sq m, Wickes

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BATHROOM IDEAS Upgrade your shower in a jiffy by swapping it for this SmartActive model, which indulges you with a choice of three spray patterns Rainshower SmartActive handshower, from around £86, Grohe

With its slim-profiled frame and grid, this shower screen is virtually identical to fashionable Crittall, but at an affordable price (and it’s easy to clean!)

Arezzo screen with digitally-printed grid, from £99.95, Victorian Plumbing

KEEP IT SIMPLE ‘Keep the layout the same, as moving and refitting fixtures could become costly. You could also try your hand at smaller jobs, such as painting and re-grouting tiles, as these are often fairly straightforward. In addition, replacing items such as taps and accessories can make a huge difference – swapping out chrome for matt black can really create impact and style.’

Paul Bangs, Category Director for Kitchens, Bathrooms, Tiles and Flooring at Wickes

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BATHROOM IDEAS Hard-wearing, slip-resistant and warm to walk on, this black and white zig-zag cushioned vinyl flooring adds drama underfoot and costs far less than real stone Mardi Gras Sagres sheet vinyl, £17.99 per sq m, Carpetright

Recreate the look of a spa with a wet-room style shower with a walk-in glass enclosure. Opt for a hidden waste and complete the streamlined aesthetic with wall-hung furniture GoodHome Beloya mirror glass shower panel from £170; Imandra Taupe wall-mounted vanity unit and basin set, from £225, both B&Q

NATURAL CHOICE ‘As a general rule, a luxury look is best achieved through neutral colours and natural finishes like marble, wood and stone for a bathroom that feels expensive and bespoke. Keep shelving and hooks to a minimum and focus on low-level or wall-hung storage units.’

Gemma Taylor, Head of Bathrooms at B&Q

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BATHROOM IDEAS

SURFACE VALUE ‘Walls provide a blank platform to bring in warmth, colour and personality, while mirrors reflect any natural light and create an illusion of space. Throw a new lick of paint on your walls, bring in pops of colour and pattern through accessories and display good quality smellies on a ceramic decorative plate.’

Scarlett Blakey, Co-founder of Ophelia Blake Interior Design

This geometric soap dispenser has big style for a small price tag Soap dispenser, £1, Poundland

Bold print wallpaper makes an extravagant statement, and even a single roll can make a big difference if used in select areas – just make sure it’s in a spot that won’t get splashed constantly Flow Black wallpaper, £60 per 10m, Graham & Brown

Install a double basin for way to take your bathroom upmarket that’s immensely practical, too, especially when teamed with a clutter-busting vanity unit HEMNES/ODENSVIK washstand with double basin, from £314, IKEA

These Egyptian cotton towels are a real soft touch Cotton towels, from £3.50 each, Soak&Sleep

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PRIZE DRAW

WIN! A gift voucher for Couture Living, worth £1,500 1 LU C KY WINNER

Add an air of sophistication with expertly handcrafted window dressings

Personalise your home with a bespoke set of curtains

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s a luxury and bespoke company, Couture Living creates handmade curtains and blinds to any size or design, as well as a high-quality selection of wallpapers, in order to ensure that the customer’s unique vision for their home is realised in full, in every stitch and seam.

With over 30 years’ experience making handcrafted curtains and blinds, it’s no surprise that many of these window dressings grace luxury London apartments, sublime Maldivian beach homes, five-star hotels, high-end cruise liners and elegant villas throughout Europe and the Middle East. But now, you can enjoy the very same level of expertise, quality and

exquisite craftsmanship from the comfort of your own home.

THE PRIZE This month, Your Home has teamed up with Couture Living to give readers the chance to win one £1,500 gift voucher to spend on a bespoke set of curtains and blinds. All you need to do is settle on the dimensions, style, design and colour, and Couture Living will do the rest. And, because every element of your finely handcrafted curtains can be customised, you can also specify special details that will define your individual sense of style and add personalised panache to your living space.

Couture Living’s experts have decades of experience between them; they apply timeserved skills and know how to make curtains, blinds and wallpapers to the very highest standards. Couture Living works directly with leading fabric houses too, so you will get the best selection of designs to complement your individual décor scheme.

FIND OUT MORE To find out more information about the bespoke range of curtains, blinds and wallpapers, visit coutureliving.co.uk.

TO ENTER, visit yourhomestyle.uk, choose the WIN tab, find the prize draw you’d like to enter and fill in your details. The closing date is 31st January 2021 at 11.59pm.

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 PD\ VKDUH WKH GHWDLOV RI WKH ZLQQHU ZLWK WKH SUL]H SURYLGHU IRU WKH SXUSRVHV RI IXOÀOOLQJ GHOLYHULQJ WKH SUL]H 7KH 3URPRWHU H[FOXGHV OLDELOLW\ WR WKH IXOO H[WHQW SHUPLWWHG E\ ODZ IRU DQ\ ORVV GDPDJH RU LQMXU\ RFFXUULQJ WR WKH SDUWLFLSDQW 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 prize does not include installation. 10 The prizes are nonUHIXQGDEOH QRQ WUDQVIHUDEOH DQG QRW IRU UHVDOH 7KH SUL]HV FDQQRW EH XVHG LQ FRQMXQFWLRQ ZLWK DQ\ RWKHU RIIHUV SURPRWLRQV RU GLVFRXQWV 7KHUH LV QR FDVK DOWHUQDWLYH 7KH 3URPRWHU UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR VXEVWLWXWH WKH SUL]HV ZLWK RWKHU SUL]HV RI WKH VDPH RU JUHDWHU YDOXH &ORVLQJ GDWH IRU HQWULHV LV SP RQ VW -DQXDU\ :LQQLQJ HQWULHV ZLOO EH FKRVHQ DW UDQGRP DIWHU WKH FORVLQJ GDWH IURP DOO HQWULHV 7KH ZLQQHUV ZLOO EH QRWLÀHG RI WKHLU ZLQ ZLWKLQ GD\V YLD HPDLO :LQQHUV PXVW FODLP WKHLU SUL]H ZLWKLQ GD\V RI QRWLÀFDWLRQ ,Q WKH HYHQW WKDW D ZLQQHU FDQQRW EH FRQWDFWHG RU IDLOV WR FODLP WKHLU SUL]H ZLWKLQ GD\V WKH 3URPRWHU UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR RIIHU WKH SUL]H WR DQRWKHU HQWUDQW RU WR UH RIIHU WKH SUL]H LQ DQ\ IXWXUH SURPRWLRQ 7KH 3URPRWHU·V GHFLVLRQ DV WR WKH ZLQQHU LV ÀQDO DQG QR FRUUHVSRQGHQFH UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURPRWLRQ ZLOO EH HQWHUHG LQWR 7KH SUL]H LV DV VWDWHG DERYH (QWUDQWV PXVW VXSSO\ WR ,PPHGLDWH 0HGLD &RPSDQ\ /LPLWHG WKHLU IXOO QDPH HPDLO DGGUHVV RU GD\WLPH WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU 7KH 3URPRWHU ZLOO XVH HQWUDQWV· SHUVRQDO GHWDLOV LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH ,PPHGLDWH 3ULYDF\ 3ROLF\ LPPHGLDWH FR XN SULYDF\ SROLF\ 7KH VXUQDPH DQG county of residence of the winners will be available upon request by sending an SAE to Your Home -DQXDU\ *LYHDZD\V (DJOH +RXVH &ROVWRQ $YHQXH %ULVWRO %6 67 ZLWKLQ WZR PRQWKV RI WKH FORVLQJ GDWH RI WKH SURPRWLRQ 7KH 3URPRWHU ZLOO FRQWDFW WKH ZLQQHUV EHIRUH UHOHDVLQJ WKLV LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG SURYLGH WKH ZLQQHUV WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR REMHFW RU OLPLW WKH DPRXQW RI LQIRUPDWLRQ VKDUHG 7KH SURPRWLRQ LV VXEMHFW WR WKH ODZV RI (QJODQG

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y s a e MAKE IT

YOUR HANDY

Pull-out guide

Discover the latest news and product releases in the world of cra ft

Stitch yourself a set of handy storage hampers

Upcycle a wooden tray into a modern geometric clock

Make a trio of stylish photo displays for your cherished memories

B Turn to our DIY Masterclass to learn how to give your floor a bold new look for less using stencils

egin the new year with a fresh batch of crafty projects to get stuck into. Start off by making a set of photo holders ready to display all your favourite snaps, then try your hand at sewing a trio of storage hampers.

Next, give an old wooden tray a creative update by transforming it into a clock, and finally, save £££ on your next tiling project with our floor stencil tutorial.

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MAKE, DO & Show off your precious memories in style with these three photo displays

Top tip

HEART HANGER We love how easy this hanger is to make!

If you plan on hanging this somewhere where the reverse may be seen, back the hearts with another piece of card.

SHOPPING LIST 30cm x 6mm dowel rod Acrylic or emulsion paint Paintbrush Pencil 2m waxed cotton cord Coloured paper (including one glitter/metallic) White card Scissors Strong clear craft glue Glue stick Sticky tape Three 2p coins Mini pegs

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Paint the dowel rod in your chosen colour to match your scheme. Leave to dry. Using a pencil, lightly mark three points along the dowel at 3cm, 15cm and 27cm.

Tie a 50cm length of cord around each point on the dowel rod in a double knot.

Secure each knot in position with a small amount of glue. Tie a knot at the end of each of the cords – this will help to secure the cord to the geometric hearts when you attach them later. Tie a length of cord to either end of the dowel to create a loop to hang your photo display from.

Draw a geometric heart template that is approximately 8 x 8cm. Fill the heart with interconnecting triangles. Layer three coloured papers together and use the heart template to cut triangles out of all three pages at once.

Using a glue stick, assemble the triangles onto white card in three heart shapes, mixing up the colours. Carefully cut out the hearts and attach them to the end of the cord lengths with sticky tape. Using craft glue, secure a 2p coin to the reverse of each heart as a weight so they hang better. Attach your chosen photos to the cords with mini pegs, to finish.

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WIREWORK FRAME

Top tip

1

Emulsion tester pots are great for a small project like this – you can get the precise colour you want without having to mix your own shade.

Transform a tired frame into a bright photo holder SHOPPING LIST Sandpaper Medium-sized frame, ours is 30x40cm Map pins Hammer Pliers Acrylic or emulsion paints 6m x 0.8mm copper wire Mini rose gold binder clips

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Sand down the frame and wipe away any dust. Paint a white base coat and allow to dry. Apply a top coat of your chosen colour. Leave to dry fully. Apply a second coat of paint to the frame, if necessary.

Once the frame is dry, turn it over.

Mark your pin placements into the groove on the back of the frame, spacing them evenly around the frame and symmetrically. Hammer the map pins into each marked point.

Secure one end of the wire around a pin, then wrap around the head of the pins and link together to create a web. To create a geometric pattern, wrap the wire horizontally and then diagonally, keeping the wire as straight and taut as possible. Use binder clips to attach your photos.

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CLAY STANDS

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SHOPPING LIST Air-drying clay 2mm copper wire Round nose pliers Wire cutters Pencil Acrylic and emulsion paints (including a metallic shade) Strong clear craft glue

Mould the air-drying clay into a heart shape with a flat base measuring 2 x 5 x 5cm. Smooth the surface with a damp cloth. Make a hole in the top centre of the shape slightly wider than your wire and 2cm deep – this is where you will insert the wire. Leave to dry fully following the packet instructions.

Hold the end of the wire with pliers and curl to make a two-looped spiral, which gradually increases in radius. Once happy with the spiral, bend the wire back at a right angle and straighten. Trim to 10cm in length. Squash the spiral flat.

Once the clay base has completely dried, use a pencil to draw a geometric heart design (draw an angular heart outline, then fill with interconnecting triangles) onto the clay. Paint the triangles in your chosen colours, outline in black and leave to dry. Add a small amount of glue into the hole in the top of the heart and insert the straight end of the wire. Hold in place while the glue sets. Slot a photo into the wire spiral, to finish.

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Projects and step photos Heather Nugent Photos Philip Sowels Styling Sally Bufton

Have fun moulding air-drying clay with these sweet stands

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REVAMP, REPAIR,

Rec cle

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Transform a wooden plate into a stylish geometric clock

W

e love the look of sleek marble combined with minimalist wood and pastel shades – but real marble décor can be expensive to buy. So, we made use of a clever paint technique to create our own instead, for a fraction of the price.

5 7

YOU WILL NEED Wooden plate, tray or board Pencil Ruler Gimlet tool Electric drill Clean cloth Sandpaper (optional) Frogtape Rust-Oleum All Surface Paint in White and Rose Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Furniture Paint in Anthracite Paintbrushes Feather Kitchen roll Leather strap or an old belt Nuts and bolts DIY clock mechanism kit Screwdriver

1

Begin by finding and marking the centre of the wooden plate with a pencil and ruler.

Use a gimlet tool to make a small hole through the wood at the middle point, then swap to an electric drill and gently bore a hole wide enough for the centre of the clock mechanism to poke through.

Once you’ve drilled the hole, use a clean cloth to wipe away the dust and debris. If the plate is varnished, it’s best to sand down all over to make it easier for the paint to adhere to it. If the plate is made from plain untreated wood, you won’t need to do this.

Decide where you’d like the different segments of the clock face to be, and use a length of Frogtape to mark off the first one. We decided to paint roughly half of the clock face with a white marble effect, so we used the tape to mark off the halfway point.

With the tape firmly adhered, use a soft brush to apply two coats of Rust-Oleum All

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Surface Paint in White across the part of the clock face you’ve sectioned off. Leave to dry thoroughly in between each coat.

With the segment still taped off, add a marble effect. To do this, dip the tip of a feather into a little water-based grey paint (we used Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Furniture Paint) and drag it lightly across the white to mark out the basic marble vein pattern. Scrunch up a piece of kitchen roll, dip in water to dampen and dab gently over the work to slightly blur the lines and add a hint of colour to the rest of the segment.

Scrunch up a dry piece of kitchen roll and blot all over the work. Mix a little water-based white paint into the grey paint to make it paler, then dip a fineline brush into it and go over the veins once more. Blot again with the damp and dry kitchen towels, then repeat until you’re happy with the finished effect.

Once the marble effect is completely dry, peel away the tape. Cut another length and

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mark off the section that you want to be painted pink – this can overlap the marble section slightly if you like. Apply two coats of Rust-Oleum All Surface Paint in Rose, leaving to dry thoroughly in between each coat, then remove the tape.

With the face of the clock painted, it’s time to add a strap so it can be hung on a wall. Cut a length of leather – or trim an old leather belt as we have done – making sure it’s the correct size for the height at which you want your clock to hang. Mark the point at which you want the straps to be attached to the clock and use small nuts and bolts to secure the strap to the outside of the clock, drilling through the wood to make a hole at each point.

Finally, add the clock mechanism. Insert the central rod through the hole you drilled in step one, working from back to front. Screw it into position and attach the clock hands as instructed, to finish. Use the strap to hang the clock from the wall to display it.

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Top tip

Project and step photos Sophie Tarrant Photos Philip Sowels Styling Sally Bufton

Use an oil-based paint for the white base of the marble so it won’t wear away easily when dabbed with the damp paper towel (unlike the water-based chalk paint used to create the pattern).

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Organise your home using this trio of simple-to-make

K

ick off the new year by decluttering your house and keeping your space spick and span with this trio of storage baskets. With a mix of sizes, pompom and tassel trims, and a block-colour design, they’re not only a practical storage solution, but they also have a fun and stylish look.

YOU WILL NEED Heavyweight craft interfacing 2m calico fabric 1m contrast cotton fabric Sewing thread Yarn or wool Fabric scissors Erasable fabric marker Pinking shears (optional) Fabric or paper clips Sewing machine

1

Cut three strips of the craft interfacing: 30 x 95cm, 40 x 125cm and 50 x 158cm. Cut two calico circles of each size across the diameter: 33cm, 43cm and 53cm. Cut three strips of calico fabric: 63 x 97cm, 83 x 129cm and 77 x 161cm.

Cut a strip of the contrast cotton fabric to measure 27 x 161cm.

Mark a circle piece 1.5cm from the edge all the way around. Take the other circle piece of the same size and sew them wrong sides (WS) together, using the marking as a guide.

Repeat with the other circle pieces. To create the colour-block strip, sew the contrast fabric strip to the 161cm calico strip along one long edge, right sides (RS) together. Open out and press.

Fold the fabric strips in half RS together so the short edges align. Pin and sew the short edges together with a 1.5cm seam allowance to create tubes. Fold the fabric tubes in half WS together, aligning the long raw edges, and press. Use fabric scissors to make small snips along the raw edges within the seam allowance; this will help when sewing the bases.

Insert the interfacing in between the two layers of the folded tubes, making sure it is pushed up to the fold. Using fabric clips, secure each tube to its corresponding base, ensuring you flap out the cut tabs so they sit neatly.

2

3

4

storage baskets

5

Sew around each base to join the tubes and the bases together, following the line of stitching on the bottom to guide you. Trim away the excess with pinking shears or finish the edges with a zigzag stitch on your machine.

Turn the baskets RS out and fold the top edges over to create the cuffs, then smooth the bases out to create a flat surface.

To make the tassels, wrap the yarn around your open fingers, about 24-28 times.

Thread a length of yarn through the top loops of the wound yarn and pull them tightly with a double knot. Smooth the strands down and wind a second length of yarn around the strands.

Knot to create the ball of the tassel.

Snip the looped ends on the tassel and trim them to the same length. Once you have made enough to space evenly around the basket edge, trim them all to the same length.

Using a darning needle, stitch the hanging yarn through the edge of the cuff. Tie a double knot to secure. Attach the pompoms in the same way, securing the thread on the inside.

6 7

8

9

4

2

5

8 Stitch your tassels to the cuff edge for a neat finish

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Top tip

Project and step photos Samantha Claridge Main photo Philip Sowels Styling Sally Bufton and Beth Charlton Lucas

You can decorate your storage baskets however you like. Why not try other trims like ribbon and ric-rac, too?

January 2021

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DIY ma e class How to transform your floors with stencils!

I

f you’re looking for a quick, easy and costeffective way to spruce up your kitchen, hallway or bathroom floor, then stencilling might just be the answer. You can use this technique on wooden and concrete floors – as long as they are properly prepped then it doesn’t matter if they have old paint and varnish on them. And with a different paint, and a stencil of the right size, you can also work this magic on old plain tiles to transform your walls!

Whether you choose a timeless sophisticated pattern or something more fun, you can accomplish this entire project in a weekend.

YOU WILL NEED Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Floor Paint (two colours) Small foam roller and tray Large roller and tray Paintbrush Sander Stencil Cloth Masking or painter’s tape Paint stirrer

1

If you are working on a wooden floor, then lightly sand, vacuum, and wipe completely clean before painting. Concrete floors should be vacuumed, wiped clean and allowed to fully dry.

Take your Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Floor Paint base colour (we used Chalk White) and paint around the edges of the room, carefully cutting in a couple of inches with a paintbrush.

Using your large roller, get to work on the main area of the floor. Start at the furthest corner and move backwards towards the door, making sure to leave yourself an escape route.

You will need at least two coats – allow four hours between them. The thinner the coat, the more hardwearing it will be, as it will dry harder.

Measure the floor to locate its centre. Using masking tape, position the stencil at the centre so that it does not move while you are painting.

Take your second paint colour (we used Anthracite) and apply a small, even amount of paint to the small foam roller, rolling away the excess in the tray.

Apply the paint to the stencil. To avoid bleeding, make sure that there is only a small amount of paint on the roller at all times.

Remove the stencil and reposition it. Depending on your stencil, you may need to wait for your design to touch dry to avoid smudging the previous stencil. Repeat until the whole floor is covered.

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THREE OF THE BEST: FLOOR STENCILS Mock up a beautifully tiled floor with these pretty patterns

Use the border stencils in this pack to give an intricate edging to your floor Faux Bone Inlay, £24.95 for three stencils, Annie Sloan

Transform 8-inch tiles with this classic pattern – we love it in a duck-egg blue Whiteshill Tile stencil, £2.20, The Stencil Studio

Create a folk-inspired pattern underfoot with this simple Scandi style design Lund stencil, £14.99, Nicolette Tabram Stencils

Top tip

Project and photos Rust-Oleum

The stencil needs to be totally secure to ensure a crisp edge to the pattern.

Affix with masking or painter’s tape on all sides and corners.

January 2021

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Ask the

Q

EXPERTS

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

Q

My dishwasher has had a lot of use over the past couple of months and now it doesn’t seem to be getting the dishes as sparkling clean as it used to. Do you have any tips on how to keep it working at its best? Katie Nugent, Staffordshire Lauren Clark, Large Appliance Expert at AO.com, says…

Dishwasher salt is what makes your pots sparkle as it prevents limescale buildup in the appliance. The salt compartment is on the base of the unit – we’d recommend checking your manual for salt measurements before adding it to the dishwasher. Make sure you use rinse aid as it will help with drying and ensuring there’s no water left behind on the dishes, especially in hard water areas. The rinse aid compartment

Feature Lisa Hibberd

A

can be found on the door next to the detergent section but refer to your manual if you’re unsure.

We’d suggest doing a deep clean on a monthly basis, using a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of lemon juice or white vinegar on an empty cycle. This helps eliminate odours from your machine and keep the dishes sparkling. It’s also a good idea to clean the filter once a month.

The filter is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher – remove it and rinse with hot water to remove any residue then replace.

You should always scrape excess food into the bin but there’s no need to pre-rinse.

Dishwasher detergents need to be able to grab onto dirt to clean dishes. If dishes are going in already cleaned, then your detergent is just being washed down the drain without cleaning properly. After every cycle, clean the seals of the dishwasher with a damp cloth to remove bits of grime that may have surfaced.

To see the full range of dishwashers, visit AO.com

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My children’s school shirts have lost their whiteness – do you have any suggestions for how I can bring them back to their former glory ready for the new term? Patricia Walker, Perth Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor, says…

The school term marks the beginning of the never-ending spin of the washing machine to make sure uniforms are kept spick and span. It’s almost impossible to stop your child from spilling paint on their crisp, white shirt or getting grass stains on their socks from playing outside. However, Dr. Beckmann’s Glowhite restores and retains the whiteness of your fabric. If your school shirts have faded, use this specialist laundry whitener in every wash to bring them back to their former pristine state.

Dr. Beckmann’s Glowhite ULTRA takes it one step further and helps revive dull whites in just one wash.

The intense formula will remove the toughest stains and make sure your child’s uniform is glowing white for the new school term.

A

Glowhite, from £1; Glowhite ULTRA, from £1.50, both Dr. Beckmann

Q

I’m planning to replace my guttering, but I live in a period property so I’m hoping to find something a little more traditional. Do you have any suggestions? Lukas Collins, Winchester Paul Wadsworth, Specification Manager at Brett Martin, offers his advice… Traditional cast iron guttering has been around for 150 years but it’s expensive, heavy and time consuming to install and repair. If you want a traditional look for your property without the extra cost, then the Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil System is a great alternative and will add kerb appeal to your home. The system has been designed to replicate original features, dimensions and detailing, and includes four gutter profiles, a soil system and a selection of hoppers. To find out more about Brett Martin’s products, visit brettmartin.com.

A

The Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil System from Brett Martin

Q

We are in the midst of a property renovation and I am currently deciding which doors to install. Do all of our internal doors need to be fire doors? If so, is there only one type of door available? Lucinda Merry, Sunderland Mark Lester, Internal Door Manager at Hörmann, explains… Fire doors are usually required when a property is more than two storeys, either as an original build or when a loft has been converted, for example. If the property has an integral or adjoining garage, the door in between must be fire-rated.

Many people choose to fit them in more vulnerable rooms, such as kitchens, offices or a living room with a fireplace.

A

Unlike normal doors, they are designed to reduce the rate at which fire spreads through a building, providing time for all those within the home to escape safely. They are manufactured with a solid core construction with fireresistant materials, which provide different levels of protection – there are a range of ratings that

indicate how long the product can withstand heat and flames.

However, having a fire-rated door doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. The majority of the products in Hörmann’s BaseLine and DesignLine Concepto collections are available as heavyduty, fire-rated doors. For further information, visit hormann.co.uk.

DesignLine Concepto collection from Hörmann

Q

I’m looking to invest in a new rug for my living room but would like something washable.

Do you have any advice?

Sandra Gillespie, Chepstow

A

Daniel Prendergast, who owns and runs therugseller. co.uk, says…

While many rugs can be spot cleaned, if you’re buying one that you know will need to be machine washed regularly then go for a rug that is clearly labelled ‘washable’.

Only ever machine wash products that say to on the label and have washing instructions.

Usually, the production methods for washable rugs are adjusted to reduce glues and other products that can be affected by heat.

They’re generally quick-drying and retain their shape after washing.

You can also find rugs that can be cleaned easily due to their fabric make-up. Man-made fibres are generally more repellent to stains, and materials such as nylon can be steam cleaned. Look for rugs made from a 100 per cent polypropylene

Echo Revel soft shaggy plain washable rug in Navy Blue, from £70, The Rug Seller

yarn some these benefit from n – som me of th hese benefi it fr rom being machine washable, stainresistant, anti-shed and hard-wearing – or polyester is another good option.

There are also water-resistant and wipe-clean rugs; these are frequently categorised as outdoor rugs but can be used indoors as well.

Stains should always be blotted then treated with a stain remover and you should test any cleaning products to ensure that they don’t cause damage or marks to your rug.

the full washable To see th he fu ull rrange ang ge of wash hable rrugs ugs available, visit therugseller.co.uk.

WE NEED YOUR QUESTIONS! If you have a DIY or maintenance question, write to Ask the Experts, Your Home, Immediate Media, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST or email asktheexperts@yhmag.co.uk

January 2021

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CRAFT STASH Find the latest crafting news, workshops and brilliant buys

Workshop

must haves

Nature’s needlework For truly original handmade artwork, head over to Ovo Bloom. From £65, you can purchase beautifully crafted embroidery, which you’ll cherish for years to come. Each bespoke piece is created by Helen D Wilde, a textile artist from Derby, who creates abstract embroidery inspired by nature.

TURN TO TERRAZZO

Pen to paper

Top off your coffee table with colourful terrazzo coasters. This workshop with Tea and Crafting will teach you how to make your own using Jesmonite, which is a versatile material made from cement, water and resin, and produces a different finish each time so every coaster will be unique. The best part about this £45 class is that you can attend it either online or in person – keep your eyes peeled for the new-year dates on the website.

Add to your fancy notebook collection with this latest offering from The British Craft House, which includes a new range of charming floral notebooks like this one, available for just £17. Every book has been carefully pieced together using a Coptic stitch for the binding and detailed Japanese printed Chiyogami paper.

Washi wonder

Feature Sophie Demetriades

If you’re into journaling or scrapbooking, you can jazz up your craft with this gorgeous watercolour washi tape from Under the Rowan Trees. The tape is 15mm wide and around 10 metres long and includes a light adhesive so it will easily stick to any surface without damaging it or leaving behind marks. From only £2 a roll, it’s an affordable and prettier alternative to sticky tape when you’re adding tickets, photos and other mementos into your scrapbook or journal.

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THE BEE’S KNEES Beeswax wraps have become popular in recent years as we have all become more aware of our plastic waste, but instead of buying them, why not have a go at making your own? With this simpleto-create kit, it should only take you an hour or two to make six pretty printed wraps. Inside the £17 package from And So To Shop, you’ll find organic cotton, British beeswax, crushed resin, waxed paper and access to an online video tutorial where you’ll be talked through each step of the project.

Co-op Legal Services

How can you make sure your loved ones are provided for after you’ve gone?

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Put your affairs in order for one clear fee.

Call 0330 0417 825 or request a call back at co-oplegalservices.co.uk Co-op Legal Services.

A name you can trust.

Co-op Legal Services is a trading name for Co-operative Legal Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under registration number 567391.

Down at Tyrrells Farm in Herefordshire this +PZQ[\UI[ _M JMTQM^M XMZNMK\QVO ÆI^W]Z[ Q[ R][\ I[ QUXWZ\IV\ I[ MV[]ZQVO W]Z [X]L[ IZM spot on. After all, nothing teases the taste J]L[ Y]Q\M TQSM \PM J]ZTa SQKS WN KQLMZ ^QVMOIZ IVL \PM []J\TM aM\ [I\Q[NaQVO [\QVO WN [MI [IT\ ;W QN aW] ZM OWQVO \W JZMIS aW]Z KZQ[X K]ZNM_ aW] UQOP\ I[ _MTT LW Q\ QV [KZ]UX\QW][ [\aTM

Love a tasty crunch on our crisps?

Why not try a nibble on our nuts this Christmas.

Reader homes Peek inside properties packed with fresh ideas for decorating updates

Show off your hard work in Your Home Have you made the most of time spent at home by decorating? If so, we’d love to see your photos of your new-look place – it may even be featured in a future issue! Share them on Instagram using #YHlovemyhome and #YourHomemagazine, or email yourhome@immediate.co.uk

88 Unique upcycled pieces fill Sabrina’s Victorian terrace with personality

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A pastel palette throughout makes Ruth’s property a cohesive, calming haven

AL

TE PLUS IDEAS TO S

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transform Lynn took on a fixer-upper and home into her dream, hotel-inspired

ed it

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REAL HOME

We love the quirks of this house They stumbled on their dream property by chance, but it took more work than Lynn and Dan Ferrari anticipated to give new life to its outdated interior

L

ynn Ferrari first set eyes on this house during a routine online search for dream properties that, realistically, she didn’t expect to be buying anytime soon.

Comfortably renting with her husband, Dan, the couple had plans of home-ownership in the future, but weren’t actively looking to make the leap just yet. ‘Dan and I hadn’t planned on buying a property when I came across this house,’ Lynn says. ‘However, it offered everything we wanted from our first home. It was in a location we loved, had a lot of character and looked to be a bit of a renovation project, which interested us both.’

Situated on a quiet road within walking distance of Waterford city and boasting a big back garden, this unexpected find checked too many boxes for Lynn and Dan to walk away from. They knew they were unlikely to come across such a good match a second time, so they decided to take the plunge and made it their first owned home.

‘The walls in the hallway were green and the floor was in a bad condition,’ Lynn remembers.

‘We went for a bold, statement tile to add interest to this space as it’s the first thing you see when you walk into the house. We painted the walls white to brighten what was previously a drab area of the house’

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Good idea !

For

a n ea sense of sy way to create fl a open-pla ow and cohesion n, multi-u in se r use the s ame colo ooms, u rs througho ut.

REAL HOME

COME ON IN...

To bring depth to the white living area, Lynn painted the brick wall behind the fireplace grey.

‘It made sense from a practical standpoint too, as white might have got dirty over time due to smoke from the fire,’ she explains

‘I wanted to incorporate some of the colours from the kitchen into this room so that it worked as a joint living space,’ Lynn says.

‘There’s no door between the kitchen, dining room and living area so the spaces all need to work together’

WE ARE Lynn Ferrari, 32, a creative director for an American publishing company, her husband, Dan, their daughter, Farrah, aged eight months, and dog, Otis.

OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom semidetached property from the 1950s in Waterford, Ireland. We bought it in May 2018 and moved in five months later.

MY TOP TIP IS When painting a room, be conscious of whether it is north- or southfacing as it will affect the tone of the paint.

For example, if you’re painting a north-facing room grey, you’ll need to go for a hue with red undertones to balance it out.

Kitchen Utility room

Dining room

Office

Living room

GROUND FLOOR

Feature Abbi Henderson Photos Georgia Burns

Porch

Bathroom

Bedroom

FIRST FLOOR

Bedroom

Bedroom

January 2021

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REAL HOME Prepared – and excited – to get their hands dirty in the name of DIY, Lynn and Dan had a lengthy list of aesthetic updates to make to their new home’s dated décor, but they weren’t quite aware of the extent of work required.

‘We liked the flow of the house, so we thought most of the work would be cosmetic. We were clueless,’ Lynn remembers. ‘There were purple and cream walls throughout, cracks in the

ceiling that had been covered with wallpaper (not the cool kind) and the kitchen needed a complete overhaul.’

It wasn’t until the couple began renovating, however, that they learned of the huge project they had acquired.

The house needed insulating and many of the ceilings were in need of repair.

The plumbing required improvement and the extension needed an entirely new roof due to a leak. And that wasn’t

‘We had originally planned to only replace the countertops and spray the kitchen cabinets to keep costs down, but our carpenter advised us to get new cupboard doors, too,’ Lynn says. ‘We kept the carcasses in place and chose new Shaker-style doors in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue, plus a solid oak worktop’

Lynn and Dan had hoped to simply update their old kitchen, but when they started work they discovered fire damage and unsafe wiring. ‘All this spurred us on to do a bigger renovation of the kitchen, which we’re delighted we did now,’ explains Lynn

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REAL HOME

Good idlighteafe!atures

Jazz up ceiling to introduce using faux foliagee greenery some easy-car e. into a spac

‘I love the faux white buffalo skull against the white wall,’ Lynn says. ‘It adds a subtle rustic touch to the room’

‘I think it’s important to have a ‘golden thread’ running through your home’ Formerly purple, with uneven floors and a leak in the ceiling, ‘the dining room was extremely dark when we first bought the house,’ Lynn says, ‘so we painted it white.

Now, light enters the large patio doors and bounces off the walls to create a bright space. We also had to get a new roof and insulation, but it made the whole ground floor so much warmer’

January 2021

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REAL HOME

Goode loidcalecaha!rity

Search th ch lampshades kits shops for tion of the cost at a frac s. of new one

‘The pink lampshade came from a vintage furniture store in Dublin and cost €10,’ Lynn says. ‘It doesn’t fit on the stand too well, but I love it so much that I made it work’

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REAL HOME ‘The bar cart was my husband’s grandmother’s,’ Lynn shares. ‘We were thinking about painting it, but I actually quite like the reddish tone of the original stain on it, so we just added new handles’

all. ‘One of the first things we wanted to tackle when we bought the house was the kitchen,’ Lynn says. ‘We thought we could get away with sprucing up what was already in place, but when we stripped back the tiles behind the cooker there was bad fire damage and some nasty wires. We were lucky to find out the problems when we did.’

Almost overnight, the quick, cosmetic makeover had become a much bigger and more daunting task than Lynn had anticipated. In order to make the workload more manageable, the couple decided to split the renovation into two phases. ‘Phase one included revamping the kitchen, turning one of the bedrooms into a walk-in wardrobe, replastering the ceilings and fixing a leak in the dining room ceiling, which resulted in an entire new roof on the extended part of the house,’ Lynn says. Phase two turned out to be even more gruelling and involved a utility room renovation made tricky by mould growing in the walls, a loft conversion and an out-of-the-blue roof replacement, plus new insulation, too. Meanwhile, Lynn became pregnant with baby Farrah. With every success story came another couple of setbacks.

Lynn has made a feature of this corner, which could easily have gone unused, with simple shelving and a tall plant

To create a calm and cosy ambiance, Lynn opted for a deep teal hue for the sitting room walls. Teamed with the velvet sofa and metallic trim, it gives the space that glam, boutique hotel look she had aspired for

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REAL HOME ‘We had new floors fitted as soon as we bought the house,’ Lynn shares. ‘Before even moving in our brand-new flooring had marks and scratches from the building work that went on for months after it was laid. It was a real rookie mistake.’

They made it through the many challenges, though, and it meant they relished the more creative side of things even more. Taking inspiration from plush hotels, Lynn decorated the interior with a mix of moody and muted tones, rich textures and heaps of boutique B&B elegance. Schemes flow seamlessly from room to room, and the entire interior, which Lynn shares snippets of on Instagram @myoldbrandnewhome, appears polished and intentional. Achieving this coherent feel throughout the home was something Lynn

Goodliseiddsperaay!paint

Use specia bathtub exterior a to refresh udget-friendly b for a update.

Lynn found her maximalist wallpaper on Etsy from a supplier called Murwall, and she painted the wardrobe doors in the complementary hue of Studio Green by Farrow & Ball. ‘I bought the bedside hanging lights for €13 each from a vintage shop in Dublin,’ Lynn says. ‘They’re ideal if space is at a premium and there isn’t enough room for bedside tables’

‘The bathroom was in pretty good shape, and came with a beautiful free-standing bath,’ Lynn says. ‘We painted the bottom half of the walls white and the top half and ceiling black, which provides the illusion of increased space in the room’

‘We recently renovated this bedroom to create a nursery for our daughter, Farrah,’ Lynn says. ‘The first time we decorated we chose to keep this space really simple and pared-back so that it would be quick and easy to transition if and when I became pregnant’

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REAL HOME

‘When I’m planning a room, I create a moodboard of design elements to include, then I add images of other rooms in the house to ensure they sit well together’

IDEAS TO STEAL Pep up light fixtures with velvet, tasselled shades Velvet tassel pendant, £59.50, Oliver Bonas

‘I created a really easy wall mural in the office using masking tape and sample pots of paint,’ Lynn shares. ‘I think it creates a fun focal point for the room’

Spruce up surfaces with glam, gold candle holders, like Lynn has Candle holder, £2.50, Primark

Add a rustic edge with quirky faux animal skull ornaments Antelope skull ornament, £5, George Home

Metallic tones can make a kitchen appear more elegant and high-end Metal kitchen bar stool, £99, Cult Furniture

Wall art adds charisma and helps to define the room’s personality Tropical Watercolour Monstera print, £35, Abstract House

had in mind right from the start. ‘I think it’s important to have a ‘golden thread’ running through your home,’ she says. ‘It’s the element that ties the whole house interior together, making it look and feel cohesive. For me, it’s colour. You’ll find shades of pink, green and blue in every room, and not by accident.

When I’m planning a scheme, I create a moodboard of design elements to include, then I add images of other rooms in the house to ensure they sit well together.’

Despite the many setbacks, the pair persevered and, as a result, have their dream family home, which seemed like a bit of a pipe dream in the early days. ‘We have come a long way since the day we bought this house,’ Lynn says. ‘Our family and friends weren’t 100 per cent convinced when they saw the state it was in at first, but we could see past all of the repairs and renovations, and knew that – if we could pull it off – we’d have a house we’d be proud of.’

Open-framed coffee tables help to increase the feeling of space Gold Arch coffee table, £140, Next

FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 132

January 2021

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REAL HOME

My home is a canvas for my love of colour With no DIY experience, Sabrina McIntosh has decorated every room in rainbow VKDGHV VR KHU KRPH UHÁHFWV KHU RXWJRLQJ YLEUDQW SHUVRQDOLW\

B

ack in December 2019, Sabrina and her boyfriend, Ben, bought their first home together, a two-bedroom Victorian terraced house in North Birmingham. ‘Before we moved in, I had a clear vision of what I wanted our new home to look like, and bold colour featured high on my wish list,’ she says.

‘As soon as we got the keys, I was desperate to crack open paint tins and start decorating.’

The couple, who moved in with Sabrina’s parents to save up for a deposit, found their

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new home following a short house hunt.

‘After several years living in Manchester and London, I moved back home to Birmingham as I missed my family and the area,’ she explains. ‘I knew exactly what I wanted. I discounted many properties without even looking at them because I knew they weren’t right for us. The location of our new home was crucial and, after several houses, we found this property ideally placed just outside the centre of Birmingham.’

REAL HOME

The gallery wall above the sofa is Sabrina’s latest addition to her living room. ‘I call it my ‘Brummie’ wall as everything on there is Birmingham-related, including a cityscape.

When friends come to visit, they point out sites they know’ Sabrina found her drinks cabinet discarded on the street. ‘Originally, it was dark brown wood, so I painted it the same colour as the walls and then added vinyl to the doors and inside. The records above are Ben’s – we love to play music in the evenings’

The house has lots of original features, including the wooden fireplace and sash windows.

Sabrina painted a feature wall in Emerald Temple

by Valspar before moving in. She has gradually added prints, artwork and furniture to the scheme. ‘The sofas were our first big purchase. I made the blinds myself with material from Terrys Fabrics.

I’ve never made anything like this before so I followed online instructions.

It took a long time to make but it saved us so much money’

COME ON IN...

WE ARE Sabrina McIntosh, a maths teacher, 33, her boyfriend, Ben Watson, a computer SURJUDPPHU DQG WKHLU FDW -HUU\

OUR HOME Is a two-bedroom terraced KRXVH EXLOW LQ

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MY TOP TIP Is to try your hand at XSF\FOLQJ &KDULW\ VKRSV DUH IXOO RI inexpensive furniture. I share my projects on ,QVWDJUDP DW #KRXVHBRIBGHYL]HV

I LOVE SHOPPING AT H&M Home, and 'XQHOP LV DOZD\V D ZLQQHU ,·P D KXJH IDQ of British Heart Foundation charity shops for EDUJDLQ ÀQGV WRR

MY BEST IDEA WAS To upcycle a sideboard into a mini bar, and create tables out of drawers.

GROUND FLOOR

Kitchen

Bathroom

Study

Dining room

Living room

Bedroom

FIRST FLOOR

January 2021

Bedroom

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Feature Maxine Brady Photos Rachael Smith

‘I practically live in charity shops, picking up things for our home. I’ve even found furniture in the street that I have given a new lease of life.’

REAL HOME

Good idea! eces

g pi Don’t discard existin fit your n’t do of furniture if they ina plans to br scheme right now. Saning chairs di r reupholster he to match the décor.

The house had been owned by a builder so all the structural and building work had been done to a high standard. ‘The previous owners had renovated the floors and skirting, and renovated all the wooden doors,’ she says. ‘I loved that it was an older building with lots of original features. Thankfully, it didn’t need anything doing to it, which was good for us as we don’t have the time or money right now to take on a building project.’

Having spent years living in rented accommodation, Sabrina was a self-confessed DIY and decorating newbie, but keen to learn. ‘I love crafting. I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember. When we bought our house, I moved on from knitting and crocheting to painting and upcycling, learning as I go,’ she says. ‘I’ve never decorated or painted a home before. This was all new to me. I spent hours on YouTube learning how to tackle DIY projects myself.’

Before they had unpacked, Sabrina cracked on with the living room. ‘Although the house was in good shape, it was decorated with patterned wallpaper, which looked dated,’ she

explains. ‘I tackled the living room, painting

The couple were gifted the wooden table and chairs from Sabrina’s parents.

She plans to change the upholstery fabric on the chairs to a brighter pattern to complement the rest of the scheme Next on Sabrina’s todo list is her kitchen.

The current plan is to paint the cabinets a bright pink and add brass accessories.

‘I moved in with no tools – now half of the kitchen is taken over with my DIY materials,’ she explains.

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REAL HOME The IKEA bed is one of the few pieces of furniture that the couple brought with them, and Sabrina spray-painted its frame white. In the room, she painted up to the dado rail (including the radiator) in rust shades, and drew attention to the chimney wall with a complementary orange tone

For an instant and affordable fix, Sabrina upcycled her bedside table and dressing table with decorative vinyl. ‘I picked them up from Facebook Marketplace for next to nothing,’ she explains. ‘The 1970s armchair with original covers is Ben’s – it matches perfectly with the room’

a feature wall in emerald green. It made sense to get decorating before we properly moved in – that way, our belongings weren’t in the way where they could get splattered in paint.’

Using a Pinterest board as her starting point, Sabrina painted the walls and furnished the room with velvet green sofas from Dunelm. Slowly decorating throughout her home, Sabrina stamped her personality on each and every room. ‘If I had my way, I would have painted every room green as it is my favourite colour, but we decided to mix things up throughout the house. I decorated the bedrooms in warmer tones and put up a decorative blue mural in the bathroom,’ she explains. ‘I’ve always been drawn to brighter shades and that has been reflected in the way I dress. Now my love of colour is reflected in my home style, too.’

Sabrina found the stool on eBay and upholstered it with white fur. She’s dressed the bed in paisley-patterned bed linen from George Home and a throw from H&M Home.

The cushions are from small online business, Boh Home, made from repurposed rugs

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REAL HOME ‘I’ve always been drawn to brighter shades and that has been reflected in the way I dress. Now my love of colour is reflected in my home.’

Sabrina made the rope shelves herself, figuring out how to make them as she went. ‘I spotted the idea on a website and loved it for this room. I had the macramé cord already and I found a piece of wood in the garage, so I thought: why not?’

After painting the ceiling and a border in Faded Henna by Valspar, Sabrina added black stripes using washi tape. The metal day bed is from The Range and can be turned into a comfy bed for guests. ‘Eventually this room will become my crafting room so I have a space for my projects,’ she explains

Goohdi taipde toeaup!date

Use was with stripes, your walls Sabrina. just like

The couple had to start from scratch when it came to furnishing their home. ‘All we had was a bed and a wardrobe that we couldn’t physically get out of my parents’ house. We had to buy everything for the house, so we paid for things as we went.’ This is when Sabrina turned her hand to upcycling secondhand finds. ‘I practically live in charity shops, picking up things for our home. I’ve even found furniture in the street that I have given a new lease of life.’

When decorating her guest bedroom, Sabrina hit a stumbling block halfway through the makeover. ‘I started painting the ceiling in a peach shade but I ran out of paint after the first coat. Lockdown had just started, so I struggled to get more of the same colour from anywhere.’ It didn’t take her long to find a solution, though. ‘Luckily, I found a company that would colour-match this shade so I could complete the project,’ she says.

Next on the list for Sabrina’s home is her kitchen. ‘I want to paint the cabinets in a cerise shade and replace the black metal handles with brass ones. It’s going to be wild. I haven’t told Ben my ideas yet! But he understands that decorating my home is my creative outlet when I come home from work.

I love nothing more than decorating at the weekends and I can’t wait to do more.’

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REAL HOME

IDEAS TO STEAL Fill your walls with botanical art like this cool zebra print Tropical zebra art print, £40, Abstract House

Mix and match patterned vases for an eclectic shelf display Tribal print vase, £6, Wilko

Go for a tonal look in your bedroom in sunset hues with this cosy throw Dos recycled cotton throw in Yellow, £29.50, Oliver Bonas

Put your feet up on this velvet footstool in a botanical print Baltimore low stool upholstered in velvet botanical print, £79, Cult Furniture

The house already had a brand-new bathroom, but had plain white walls.

The Shinrin-Yoku mural by Rebel Walls was made-to-measure for the space.

‘This design jumped out at me as I was attracted to the blue tones, which I complemented with Hicks’ Blue from Little Greene. This was my first time wallpapering and it was much easier than I thought. The mural website had lots of easy to follow ‘how-to’ videos, which made the task much simpler’

Nesting tables are a handy addition to any living room. Pop a plant on top to copy Sabrina’s styling Celina nesting tables, £105 for two, Homebody Decor Keep clutter at bay with a set of woven pink baskets Pink baskets, £20 for three, Very

Above the bath, Sabrina made a pole and hung plants in macramé hangers from independent shop, From the Garden Room. ‘I bought the planters to support a small business’

FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 132

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REAL HOME

We had two months to totally transform it!

Ruth and David van den Broek opted for a project property with heaps of potential, but with only two months to renovate it, they had their work cut out

I

n 2015, Ruth and David van den Broek had an unpleasant shock when the landlords of the flat they were renting announced that they were selling up. ‘They assured us that they were trying to find a buyer who would let us continue living in the flat but there were no guarantees, so we started looking for a new home,’ Ruth remembers. ‘It wasn’t until we sat down to do the numbers that we realised, with some help from a friend, we could scrape together enough money to buy a house.’

‘I love this home because it feels like us. We designed it, we renovated it, it’s ours.’

The couple focussed their search in Didcot, where properties were affordable and the architecture, shopping, art and culture of picturesque Oxford are easily accessible.

However, the house hunt was far from straightforward, and finding a property that met all of their needs proved to be a big challenge. ‘I have Cystic Fibrosis, so David

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Our cabinets and hardware are from IKEA, and our walnut countertop is from Worktop Express,’ Ruth says. ‘We chose classic metro tiles to finish off the look’

REAL HOME ‘I love the breakfast bar,’ Ruth says. ‘We weren’t going to have one but changed our minds at the last minute, and I’m so glad we did as we use it all the time. The bar stools were an incredibly cheap eBay purchase’

COME ON IN...

The kitchen, like much of the house, was crying out for an update. Ruth and David opted for classic Shaker-style units with a butcher block countertop and slate floors for a fresh, sophisticated look

OUR HOME IS A three-bed 1930s terrace in Didcot, Oxfordshire. We have lived here since May 2016.

WE ARE: Ruth van den Broek, 31, my husband, David, 30, and Elsa, our English Cocker Spaniel.

MY TOP TIP IS To decorate at a pace that suits you. You might be a person who needs to do things slowly, or you might prefer to get everything done at once. Either way, go at your own speed – you’ll be much happier and calmer that way!

FOR STYLE INSPIRATION I get a lot of ideas from Instagram, but nothing compares to flicking through home interiors magazines.

GROUND FLOOR

Feature Abbi Henderson Styling Harriet Langsbury Photos Georgia Burns

Dining room

Bathroom

Conservatory

Living room Kitchen

FIRST FLOOR

Main bedroom

Guest bedroom

Study

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REAL HOME and I had specific criteria, such as needing a loo both upstairs and downstairs, which we couldn’t compromise on,’ Ruth shares. ‘We viewed a number of properties, but very few offered what we needed within our budget.’

The compromise, in the end, was to opt for a project property they could make their own.

One that ticked boxes in terms of Ruth’s health requirements, had lots of potential and was comfortably within budget.

After their offer was accepted and the keys to the new house were collected, Ruth and David had two months until moving day, which wasn’t long given the amount of work

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needed to make the property liveable. It had bubbling lino, peeling wallpaper, smelly, worn carpets and smoke-stained ceilings, and it all had to go. ‘It was very tight,’ Ruth recalls.

‘I was very unwell during the process and so couldn’t offer any practical help at all, which made it tighter still. I did all of the designing while I was in hospital for a few weeks, and David and I would frantically email measurements and photos back and forth. It wasn’t easy, but we made it work.’

In order to meet their looming deadline, the couple hired a contractor to install the bathroom while David turned his attention to

REAL HOME

‘A cohesive colour palette is one of the best things you can do for your home.’

Good idea !

Rut

h and bookshelv David made the es MDF skir using low-cost ting b and trim oards .

‘The bureau was a second-hand buy from eBay that I upcycled with white paint, and the navy armchair was another eBay steal, which I reupholstered in velvet,’ Ruth says.

‘The latter was my first ever project – luckily it worked out alright’

‘The dining room had red and yellow wallpaper and sliding doors that barely opened,’ Ruth remembers. ‘We added a skylight, as it has a flat roof, which has made the room so much brighter! The dining table was an eBay buy, and I love how much character it has,’ Ruth says.

Craving a calm, cosy space, the couple chose muted hues for the living room, and accessorised with pastel pink and navy touches to add depth and link to the décor in the rest of the house

gutting rooms and stripping walls and floors back to a blank canvas. Many family members pitched in to help turn the house around in time for the fast-approaching move, but even with all of their joint efforts, there was still a last-minute rush to get the flooring laid the night before the big move. ‘Thankfully, the floor was finished and we managed to move out of our flat in time,’ Ruth says, ‘but the house wasn’t yet done. We lived without a kitchen for a couple of weeks, washing our pots and pans in the bath!’

Before its makeover, the kitchen was in a very sorry state. There was mould on the cabinets, grease and smoke residue

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REAL HOME Ruth chose Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue for the office walls to give it a rich and elegant appearance and added contrast with white shelving and storage.

‘The desk is made from a piece of plywood that I stained and David mounted to the wall,’ Ruth says. ‘It’s simple and sturdy’

‘At first, we painted the guest bedroom white and just left it,’ Ruth says. ‘In September 2018 I had a double lung transplant.

By December, I felt much stronger and wanted to celebrate by painting the spare room, so in three days over the Christmas period David and I totally transformed it. I chose a punchy hue – Valspar’s Winter Spruce – to reflect our joy at my new-found life and energy’

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Ruth and David turned what was originally a closet into an upstairs loo and painted the walls of the main bedroom in Farrow & Ball’s Dimpse, a blue-toned grey. ‘I chose to keep it light and airy with crisp white bedding and pink cushions and accessories,’ Ruth says. ‘I painted the artwork above the bed using tester pots of paint used around the house to ensure it would be a perfect match’

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REAL HOME

Previously, the bathroom had a green-brown suite, mould and a hole in the outside wall. The couple reconfigured the layout to allow more floorspace and redecorated with a white and grey palette for a fun, classic-meets-modern feel

IDEAS TO STEAL Metro tiles are versatile and budget-friendly Metro Whitechapel White Gloss tiles, £10.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

Add extra texture with pastel accessories Crinkle cushion in Pink, £25, Habitat

Simple, modern light fixtures make a scheme look more sleek Ledbury ribbed contemporary wall light, £145, Fritz Fryer

Pep up plain walls with abstract art prints, like Ruth’s Bright abstract shapes art print, £40, Abstract House

everywhere, wood chip was falling off the walls and pipes protruded in odd places. ‘It was very old, very beige and very dirty. We had to start from scratch’ says Ruth. ‘We decided on a classic Shaker-style farmhouse kitchen with white framed doors and a walnut butcher block countertop. I was so relieved the day that it arrived and David could fit it!’

The finishing touches took a little while to come together, as Ruth meticulously decided on colour palettes and furnishings.

‘Everything had been primed white ready for colour and creativity, but it took me some time to settle on the details,’ she says.

After some time spent mulling it over, Ruth opted for a sophisticated palette of fresh and soothing tones – white, light grey and touches of navy and pastel pink – to be woven through the entire house. Some spaces, such as the kitchen and main bedroom, have light walls while others, such as the office and guest bedroom, boast bold, dark walls. Still,

every room flows seamlessly thanks to the continued colour scheme. ‘I honestly believe that a cohesive colour palette is one of the best things you can do for your home, and your sanity!’ Ruth shares.

Proud of the mammoth task they have both achieved despite her being unwell, Ruth is happy with how their house turned out. However, there’s always something that can be tinkered with. ‘Ironically, since these photos were taken, I have repainted almost the whole house,’ she says. ‘I’m not very good at staying still for too long, and I’m always thinking of ways I would’ve done things differently. The great thing is, décor can always be changed.’ Ruth likes to share snippets of her home’s ever-changing interior on Instagram @roundatnumber51 where, unsurprisingly, she inspires her some 13,000 followers with her ongoing design escapades.

‘I love this home because it feels like us. We designed it, we renovated it, it’s ours.’

Ruth’s wooden dining table has plenty of character Shay rustic oak dining table, £569.99, Oak Furnitureland

Velvet will add an elegant air to your scheme Velvet and chenille armchair, £395, Oliver Bonas

FOR STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 132

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Money - saving ISSUE

LUXE LES’S FOR r re a d e r s Ou ome s stunning h av v y are full of es as st yle id

YH

LOV ES

,QVSLULQJ KRPH RI FHV transformed on a budget

How to upholster a headboard and other amazing craft ideas!

Cheap and cheerful meals to satisfy the whole family

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/YHP263

Food & drink Our favourite foodie finds this month plus warming January recipes

3 ways with... Leeks Enjoy the trusty leek with these subtly sweet winter dishes For a cheesy leek and bacon pasta, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan with 250g leeks and 2 tbsp water. Cook for 10 minutes until soft, then add 6 chopped rashers of bacon and fry until cooked. Meanwhile, cook 300g pasta according to packet instructions, drain and reserve a mug of cooking water. Spoon 75g herb and garlic soft cheese into the leek mix along with the reserved water. Toss through the cooked pasta and season.

To make a vegetarian leek and goat’s cheese tart, cook 2 sliced leeks in 1 tbsp butter until soft. Stir through 2 tbsp chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Set aside. Unroll a 375g pack of ready-rolled puff pastry and prick the base with a fork.

Spread the leeks on top leaving a 1cm border. Crumble over 150g goat’s cheese, 50g crushed walnuts, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until golden.

For a warming haddock and leek risotto, cook 1 sliced leek in 1 tbsp butter in an ovenproof dish until tender. Add 300g risotto rice and stir for 2 minutes. Add 700ml vegetable stock and simmer for 5 minutes then lay 300g sliced haddock on top. Cover with a lid and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Fold in 3 tbsp crème fraîche and 100g spinach. Cover and rest for 3 minutes before serving.

If you do one thing this month...

this month we love…

Do you often resort to takeaway lunches because you’re rushed for time? Huel is here to help. Its nutritionally complete Hot & Savoury range offers warm instant-meals that pack a powerful punch. Ready in under five minutes, these 100% vegan offerings don’t cost the earth, with prices starting from only £2.36 per meal. Choose from a fragrant Thai Green Curry or a mellow Tomato & Herb at uk.huel.com.

Try me…

Eat me…

Buy me…

Bring all your friends to the yard with the new Shaken Other Dairy-Free range of shakes. Coconut milk is the main ingredient, resulting in a creamy, plantbased milkshake.

The only tricky decision: chocolate or strawberry? £1.60 from Tesco.

A chocolate that virtually everyone can eat, PLAYin CHOC is made from just three natural ingredients: cacao, Madagascan Bourbon vanilla and coconut.

It’s free from the 14 major allergens and doesn’t slack on taste either.

Expect melt in the mouth goodness! Prices start from £1.96.

One for the cookie monsters, 100 Cookies by Sarah Kieffer offers exactly what it says on the tin. From classic chocolate chip to marshmallow peanut butter brownies and snickerdoodles, all your sweet tooth cravings are covered. Published

by Chronicle Books for £21.99.

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Feature Ella Rhys-Jones Main Image Getty Images

Forget plain porridge oats. Break your fast with one of MOMA’s new and exciting flavour combos. Evoke memories of toffee apples and fireworks with Apple, Date & Caramel, boost your antioxidants with Raspberry, Chia & Pumpkin Seed or indulge in the rich nuttiness of Peanut Butter & Maple Syrup.

Simply add your choice of milk and microwave for two minutes, then dig in! Available at all major supermarkets, £3 for seven 35g sachets.

VEGANUARY

Whether you’re going vegan throughout January or just looking to reduce your meat intake, these vibrant meals will become your go-to recipes

Smoky bean stew YOU WILL NEED

PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes SERVES 4

Olive oil, for frying 3 shallots, finely chopped 1 jalapeño chilli, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 x 400g tin aduki beans, rinsed and drained 1 x 198g tin sweetcorn, drained 1 tsp chilli paste ½ tsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp garlic purée Pinch of black pepper 300g passata Juice of ½ lemon or lime To serve 1 avocado 4 tbsp plant-based yogurt 2 handfuls spinach leaves Small bunch of coriander

DIRECTIONS Q Heat some olive oil in a pan, then add the shallots, chilli and garlic and cook over a medium heat until softened.

Q Tip in all remaining ingredients, along with 125ml water. Stir to combine then simmer for 20 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.

Q Serve hot with any toppings of your choice.

Recipe and image courtesy of Brett Cobley (@epivegan on Instagram), author of What Vegans Eat

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FOOD & DRINK

Garlicky roasted peppers and cannellini beans YOU WILL NEED PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 50 minutes SERVES 4

250g cherry tomatoes, halved 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced 1 orange pepper, thinly sliced 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Few sprigs of rosemary 1 bay leaf 2 garlic cloves, crushed Zest of ½ lemon 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp chilli flakes Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS Q Add the tomatoes, peppers, rosemary and bay leaf to a large roasting tin. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and toss everything together. Roast in the oven at 180°C/Gas Mark 4 for 40 minutes.

After 30 minutes give it a good stir.

Q In the meantime, mix the cannellini beans with the rest of the oil, crushed garlic cloves, chilli flakes, lemon zest and a pinch of salt.

Once the peppers have been roasting for 40 minutes, stir through the beans and cook for another 10 minutes.

Q Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs then serve with some crusty bread.

Recipe and image courtesy of Happy Skin Kitchen, happyskinkitchen.com

Vegan portobello waffles YOU WILL NEED 250ml almond milk 1 tsp lemon juice 2 tbsp olive oil 175g spelt flour 1 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt For the topping 4 portobello mushrooms, sliced 3 tbsp olive oil ¼ 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

PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 20 minutes SERVES 4

Q Mix together 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.

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 and stir through. Cook for a further minute then season with salt and pepper.

Q Serve the waffles topped with the mushrooms, a drizzle of the dressing and a sprinkle of chives.

Recipe and image courtesy of The Mushroom Bureau, justaddmushrooms.ie

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

DIRECTIONS

TOP TIP If you don’t have a waffle iron, the batter works just as well for pancakes!

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FOOD & DRINK

Sweet hoisin cauliflower with glass noodles and lettuce cups YOU WILL NEED 1 large cauliflower, broken into even sized florets 2 tbsp cooking oil 4 tbsp smooth peanut butter 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp chilli garlic sauce 120g sweet hoisin sauce 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 spring onions, sliced finely 1 cucumber, halved and sliced thinly into 4cm lengths Pickled red chillies 140g dry weight glass noodles, cooked as per packet instructions 1 tsp sesame oil 2 heads of little gem lettuce

DIRECTIONS

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes SERVES 4

Q Preheat oven to 220°C/Gas Mark 7. Line a tray with baking paper, add the cauliflower and drizzle with oil.

Toss with your hands and roast for 15 minutes.

Q Mix the smooth peanut butter with the rice vinegar and slowly add 100ml boiling water, stirring it thoroughly until you get the consistency of double cream. You may not need all the water. Set aside.

Q Mix the chilli garlic sauce, sweet hoisin sauce, garlic and 100ml water together. Toss in the cauliflower and return to the oven, turning it down to 200°C/Gas Mark 6 and roast for a further 10 minutes.

Q Remove the cauliflower from the oven, garnish with the spring onions and serve with the cucumbers, peanut sauce, pickled chillies, glass noodles tossed with sesame oil and lettuce leaves.

Recipe and image courtesy of Lee Kum Kee, uk.lkk.com

Peanut and coconut curry YOU WILL NEED Oil, for sautéing 3 banana shallots, finely diced 3 tbsp red curry paste 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter 400g tin coconut milk 1 tsp mango chutney 250g firm tofu, dried and sliced into 1cm pieces 200g spinach or baby kale, washed To serve 1 red or green chilli, finely sliced Handful of coriander leaves 2 limes, halved Rice or flatbreads

DIRECTIONS Q Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over a medium heat and add the shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the shallots are completely soft and translucent.

Q Stir in the curry paste and cook for a minute until fragrant, then stir in the peanut butter, coconut milk and mango chutney along with 200ml of water. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down to low.

Q Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan and cook the tofu for 2 minutes each side until golden.

Q Stir the tofu and spinach through the sauce until the spinach has wilted.

Q Spoon the curry into bowls and top with the chilli, coriander leaves and lime. Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.

Recipe and image courtesy of Whole Earth, wholeearthfoods.com

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PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes SERVES 4

FOOD & DRINK PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 20 minutes SERVES 2

Caramelised grilled apples with coconut cream and granola YOU WILL NEED 2 Jazz apples 1 tsp coconut oil 2 tbsp coconut sugar A sprinkle of cinnamon For the coconut cream 50g plain coconut yogurt 50g creamed coconut To serve Granola A generous sprinkle of flaked almonds

DIRECTIONS Q To make the coconut cream, melt the creamed coconut in a small pan on a very low heat. Once completely melted, transfer to a small bowl, add the coconut yogurt and mix together until it forms a thick cream. Place in the fridge while you prepare the rest.

Q Slice and core each apple into 4 pieces. Place them on a baking tray and drizzle the coconut oil and cinnamon on top.

Bake in the oven at 180°C/Gas Mark 4 for 10 minutes until slightly soft.

Q Meanwhile, make the caramel. Place the coconut sugar in a pan with 2 tbsp water and bring to the boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken and becomes a sticky caramel. Turn the heat off and set aside.

Q Remove the apples from the oven and place them on the barbecue or grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve the apples with a generous drizzle of coconut caramel, coconut cream, granola and flaked almonds.

Recipe and image courtesy of JAZZ Apple, jazzapple.com

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes SERVES 6

Vegan chocolate mousse YOU WILL NEED 400g silken tofu 200g vegan chocolate (at least 72% cocoa) Grating of tonka bean Pinch of salt 1 tbsp icing sugar Good quality white and dark vegan chocolate to garnish

DIRECTIONS Q Break up the chocolate and melt in a bainmarie or microwave. Set aside to cool slightly.

Q Using a hand blender, mix together the silken tofu, salt, icing sugar and a light grating of tonka bean to create a smooth mixture.

Q Slowly add the cooled chocolate then mix thoroughly. Fill 6 small bowls or ramekins with the chocolate mixture and put in the fridge to chill for 2-3 hours.

Q To serve, garnish liberally with shavings of white and dark chocolate.

Recipe and image courtesy of Whole Earth, wholeearthfoods.com

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FOOD & DRINK

DRY JANUARY After the indulgences of the festive period, swap the booze for these fabulously fruity alcohol-free drinks

Elderflower pressé

Pomegranate and blackberry nojito

Caleño Collins

Jazz apple, orange and turmeric tonic

YOU WILL NEED

YOU WILL NEED

YOU WILL NEED

YOU WILL NEED

50ml Everleaf 30ml elderflower cordial 20ml fresh lemon soda Soda Lemon zest Thyme sprig, to serve

½ lime, halved 4-5 mint leaves 4 blackberries 170ml pomegranate juice 80ml lemonade Fresh mint sprig, to serve

50ml Caleño Light & Zesty 10ml fresh lemon juice 10ml 2:1 sugar syrup or gomme Soda Lemon zest

2 Jazz apples 1 orange, peeled and chopped ½ lemon, peeled A thumb size piece of ginger, peeled A small piece of fresh turmeric, peeled Sparkling water

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Q Add the Everleaf, cordial and lemon soda to a highball glass.

Q Add ice cubes and stir, then top with soda.

Q Garnish with lemon zest and a long thyme sprig.

Q Add the lime and mint to a tall glass and bash with the back of a spoon to release the flavours.

Then, add the blackberries and top the glass up with ice.

Q Pour in the pomegranate juice and lemonade and mix everything together with a tall bar spoon. Top with a fresh mint sprig, to serve.

Recipe and image courtesy of @shaman.coffee, shaman-coffee.com

Recipe and image courtesy of Results Wellness Lifestyle, resultswellnesslifestyle.com

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DIRECTIONS Q Pour the Caleño, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a glass full of ice. Top with soda and a slice of lemon zest, to serve.

Recipe and image courtesy of Caleño, calenodrinks.com

DIRECTIONS Q Juice all the ingredients then serve with plenty of ice and some sparkling water if using.

Q If you don’t have a juicer, place all the fruit into a blender and whizz until fairly smooth.

Strain through a muslin cloth.

Q Store the juice in an airtight bottle. Best served immediately.

Recipe and image courtesy of JAZZ Apple, jazzapple.com

A BIG

THANKS TO OUR

To donate to the NHS please go to

nhscharitiestogether.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

WHAT TO DO WITH

TURKEY LEFTOVERS Put what’s left of your festive feast to good use with these mouth-watering recipes

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 40 minutes SERVES 4

Turkey and mushroom pie YOU WILL NEED 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 25g butter 1 onion, finely sliced 4 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tbsp plain flour 300ml semi-skimmed milk 400ml chicken stock 300g crème fraîche 2 bay leaves 1 tbsp thyme, chopped Salt Black pepper 500g pre-cooked turkey meat, sliced into bitesize chunks 600g cooked vegetables of your choice 10 roast potatoes, sliced 50g cheddar cheese Olive oil 108

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DIRECTIONS Q Preheat the oven to 180°C/ Gas Mark 4.

Melt the butter in a deep frying pan and add the onion. Cook over a gentle heat, stirring constantly until the onion is soft.

Q Add the mushrooms and continue stirring until they are just cooked. Add the garlic and flour then carry on cooking for another minute before adding the milk and stock, a little at a time, stirring to avoid lumps.

Q Stir in the crème fraîche, bay leaves and

thyme, then season well with salt and pepper.

Add the turkey and vegetables, then transfer into an ovenproof dish.

Q Lay over the sliced potatoes, sprinkle on the cheese and drizzle with olive oil.

Q Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until hot and bubbling.

Recipe and image courtesy of The Mushroom Bureau, justaddmushrooms.com

FOOD & DRINK

Jewelled roast turkey and couscous salad YOU WILL NEED 200g wholewheat couscous Spring onions, thinly sliced 200g cold pre-cooked turkey, shredded 100g dried apricots, chopped 100g pistachios 100g pomegranate seeds 28g coriander, chopped Juice of 4 satsumas 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp salt Black pepper

DIRECTIONS Q Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour over 300ml of boiling water. Cover with clingfilm and leave for 5 minutes. Stir gently with a fork, then allow to cool.

Q Stir in the onions, cold turkey, apricots, pistachios, pomegranate seeds and coriander.

Q Mix together the satsuma juice, oil, salt and a little black pepper, then stir into the salad.

Recipe and image courtesy of LoSalt, losalt.com

January 2021

Feature Sophie Demetriades

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 5 minutes SERVES 4

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Bubble and squeak YOU WILL NEED Olive oil 150g Savoy cabbage, cut into strips 200g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 100g roast potatoes 400g leftover turkey breast, shredded 4 eggs 4 large cornichons 4 slices of ham, roughly shredded 2 tbsp olive oil Mayonnaise, to serve Fresh parsley, chopped, to serve

DIRECTIONS Q Heat the olive oil in a large sautĂŠ pan and add the cabbage and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes until softened.

Q Add the potatoes and turkey breast, then continue to cook until heated through.

Q Cook the eggs in a frying pan. Divide the bubble and squeak between four plates, top each with ham, a fried egg and a cornichon, then serve with the mayonnaise and a scattering of chopped parsley.

Recipe and image courtesy of The Mushroom Bureau, justaddmushrooms.com

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 20 minutes SERVES 4

Turkey casserole PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 40 minutes SERVES 4

YOU WILL NEED 50g butter 50ml oil 2 onions, sliced 250g bacon lardons 650g leftover turkey meat, shredded 8 pickled walnuts, halved 200g carrots, sliced 25g flour 700ml chicken stock 250ml white wine Salt Black pepper 100g frozen peas 4 jacket potatoes, to serve (optional)

DIRECTIONS Q Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/ Gas Mark 4.

Heat the butter and oil in a shallow pan. Add the onions and bacon lardons. Fry them until the onions have softened and the lardons have browned.

Q Place in a casserole dish together with the turkey, walnuts and carrots.

Q Stir in the flour well and pour over the stock and wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Q Cover tightly and bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes.

Q Remove from the oven and stir in the frozen peas. Re-cover and return to the oven for 10 minutes.

Q Serve with crispy jacket potatoes.

Recipe and image courtesy of Opies, opiesfoods.com

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Turkey and apple pot pie

FOOD & DRINK

YOU WILL NEED 4 tbsp unsalted butter 1 white onion, diced 3 carrots, diced 105g potatoes, diced 1 apple, diced 110g frozen peas, defrosted 2 tsp garlic, finely chopped 32g all-purpose flour 475ml chicken stock 280g leftover turkey meat, diced 1 egg 1 tsp milk 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed to packet instructions Salt Black pepper 1 tbsp lemon juice For the herb bundle Butcher’s twine 1 sprig thyme 2 sprigs sage 1 bay leaf

DIRECTIONS Q Heat a large sauté pan over a medium heat.

Melt the butter and add the diced carrot and onion. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Q Add the potato, apples, and peas and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Q Sprinkle flour evenly over the top of the vegetables then stir to coat them in the flour.

Add 475ml of turkey or chicken stock and stir to combine. Add the herb bundle and let it simmer on a medium/low heat for 10-15 minutes for the gravy to thicken.

Q Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it soften according to the directions.

Remove the herb bundle from the pan and season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.

Pour the mixture into a casserole dish or divide into four small ovenproof bowls. Allow to cool in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Q Preheat the oven to 190°C/ Gas Mark 5.

Meanwhile, make a wash by whisking 1 egg and 1 tsp milk until thoroughly combined.

Q Remove the filling from the fridge and stir in the leftover turkey. Brush 1 inch of the top outside of the dish with egg wash. Drape the puff pastry over the top of the casserole dish or cut it into smaller portions if you’re using four bowls. Trim the dough so that it hangs over the edges by about 1 inch. With a paring knife, score shallow hatch marks across the top of the pastry then brush the top with the egg wash.

Q Place the casserole dish or four small dishes on a baking tray and place in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter and serve warm.

PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 1 hour 15 minutes SERVES 4

Photo Getty Images

Recipe courtesy of JAZZ Apple, jazzapple.com

January 2021

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STORAGE IDEAS

WHAT’S IN

STORE? Dreaming of pleasing kitchen shelves or a convenient way to carry food on the go? Get organised this new year with our selection of the best food storage containers MasterClass airtight large glass food storage jar, £10.99, KitchenCraft

Turn every picnic into an astronaut’s mission with this children’s lunch box made from bamboo Space kids lunch box, £8.50, Sophie Allport

Up your shelfie game with this collection of minimalist canisters and mixing bowls Marble chopping board, £25; Borough bread bin, £35; Borough canister, £11; Brompton utility basket, £26; Ithaca side bowls, £12; Rialto mixing bowls, £30, all Garden Trading

Ted Baker lunch stack and cutlery set, £25, Amara

STACK THEM UP Bamboo storage trio jungle print, £30, Clarissa Hulse

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Rosti Margrethe mixing bowl, £45 for three, Amara

Joules set of three nested cake tins, £29.95, Annabel James

ProCook nesting storage set, £10 for five, ProCook

STORAGE IDEAS

1L Blackboard lid jar, £3.50, Wilko

Organise your cupboards with these simple yet stylish storage jars Smoked glass canisters, from £6, Dunelm

Fill these glass and bamboo jars with your everyday essentials like cereal, rice and pasta Audley storage jars, from £8, Garden Trading

These clear storage jars stack together for a neat and tidy finish OXO POP containers, from £5, Lakeland

Set of tupperware, £8.99, Homesense

Orla Kiely flower bamboo storage boxes, £25 for three, John Lewis & Partners

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

Skip Hop stackable food storage containers, £10, John Lewis & Partners

Emma Bridgewater Dancing Mice set of four snack tubs, £10, Daisy Park

January 2021

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THE WOODWARM ECO RANGE The next generation of ultra low emission Eco Stoves have arrived. In partnership with UK charity, Trees for Cities, we have committed to planting a tree for every Eco Stove sold.

Energy Rating

01884 35806

woodwarmstoves.co.uk

Home

Turn over to discover how to DIY a listed home

IMPROVEMENT Divisions, divisions If you’re set to work from home for the foreseeable future, creating a designated workspace is probably high on your agenda. B&Q’s new Alara range, a collection of modular dividers, allows you to segment your room into a multi-purpose space. Partition off a small section of the lounge to create a distraction-free zone for your home office, or alternatively split a shared bedroom into two personalised spaces for squabbling siblings. You’ll save on the cost of building a permanent wall and, as the dividers are easily removable, it’s a renter-friendly option. Whoever said you can’t find the right balance between work and play? The full range is available to shop at selected stores and online at diy.com. Prices start at £11.25 for a small panel.

Eco-friendly fire The first thing that comes to mind when we think of a warm and cosy home for winter?

A woodburning stove. For a sustainable fuel solution, look to Coffee Logs. These ecofriendly fire logs are made from used coffee grounds, which saves an estimated 80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions compared to those grounds sitting in landfill. What’s more, the logs burn up to 20 per cent hotter and longer than your regular kiln-dried wood or coal.

Priced at £6.99 per bag.

The nights have well and truly drawn in, and if your outdoor lighting isn’t up to scratch then it might be getting pretty impractical. For a sleek solution, look no further than EGLO’s smart lighting and motion detectors. Thanks to EGLO Connect, you can control these outdoor lights at the touch of a button. No more getting out of bed to check you’ve switched them off.

Alternatively, if you prefer the completely hassle-free lifestyle, opt for motion detectors. That way, your entrance will light up when you arrive home and automatically switch off again – great if you tend to have your hands full! Wall lights start from £33.90, eglo.com/uk.

BLINDINGLY RIGHT Proof your home against unnecessary heat loss this winter with the help of the Duette blinds from Apollo Blinds. Proven to reduce heat loss by up to 46 per cent, the blinds are designed with effective insulating properties, which can save you worthwhile sums on your heating bills. They’re an efficient way to keep your home warmer for longer while not using any extra energy, especially with many of us working from home at the moment. Whether you’re looking for blackout blinds in your bedroom or a lighter fabric for a bright and airy workspace, there are over 350 fabric options available in a variety of shades. You can also expect year-round benefits thanks to the shade they provide during the summer months. Prices start at £162.

January 2021

Feature Ella Rhys-Jones

Stumbling solutions

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Give original wood panelling a new lease of life with Linda Barker Paints. Shown here in Pocket Fluff, from £33.99 for 1l, at lindabarkerpaints.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

The owner of this 350-year-old property on the edge of Dartmoor has lovingly transformed it into a beautiful family home

HOW TO DO UP A LISTED HOME

Feature Hayley Gilbert

W

hether you’re lucky enough to already live in a listed property or you dream of finding your perfect protected pad, listed buildings aren’t straightforward when it comes to decorating and DIY. Many buyers long for a listed home as they look so attractive with their original features such as wooden beams, open fireplaces and stone mullion windows – it’s easy to see why so many of us fall in love at first sight. Every listed property is also unique, which appeals to those who don’t want an identikit new-build design. However, in order to bag a bargain, it may be that you have to take on a bit of a project. In which case, you need to know the dos and don’ts of renovating and restoring a listed property to ensure you don’t fall foul of the local planning office.

Get to know the renovation rules and regulations before you take the plunge

KNOW THE RULES

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There are three types of listed status for buildings in England and Wales: Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II (which make up 92% of all listed buildings). If you own one, it’s vital to know the difference in terms of what you can and can’t do to them. A listed status protects the building’s historical and architectural importance from damage and inappropriate alterations. It’s best to assume that no part of the building is exempt, and every property will be assessed individually. You’re more likely to have like-for-like changes approved, for instance replacement sash windows rather than modern uPVC examples. Many changes will need prior consent and sometimes, planning permission. Unauthorised changes can be subject to criminal prosecution so, when in doubt, contact your local council conservation officer. Homes in Conservation Areas may also be subject to restrictions so, again, speak with a conservation officer before starting works.

Curtains that run on tracks are a good idea, as the small brackets mean they’re easy to fit. Meadow Storm

by Clarissa Hulse, from £45.75 at curtains-2go.co.uk

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This Georgian four-bed is a Grade II-listed home in Nottinghamshire, which was on the market for £745,000 with Gascoines. Sheep not included!

HOME IMPROVEMENT

A beautiful Grade II-listed property in West Sussex was on the market with Hamptons International...

...and has been subject to sympathetic renovations, turning it into a modern family home

CHECK WHAT YOU CAN DO

APPLY FOR CONSENT

AIM TO BE AUTHENTIC

According to Historic England, you need to apply for listed building consent for any work that involves altering, extending or demolishing your home where it affects its special architectural or historic interest. Any fixed items are likely to be affected – while you may be able to change the kitchen or bathroom without consent (but do check first), any historic fixtures like original floor tiles and fireplaces should be retained.

If decorative finishes are clearly recent, you should be able to repaint and re-hang wallpaper, but removing paint and other finishes to reveal original materials beneath is likely to need consent.

As a general rule, it’s all about retaining rather than replacing, preserving rather than renovating and repairing with like for like.

Always apply for listed buildings consent before starting work, as retrospective applications can be rejected and the work would need to be undone, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Applications can be submitted online or by post and you can find the relevant forms on your local planning authority’s website or at the Government’s Planning Portal, which is also a wealth of information.

If you have a Grade I or Grade II* listing, speak to the local planning authority and the statutory heritage body, Historic England, at the preapplication stage as they can offer you initial advice for any works. You should know the result in around eight weeks from application and if your plans are refused, you have six months to appeal the decision.

If you’re willing to put the effort in, there are plenty of ways you can re-create a truly authentic home. For any repairs, seek out joiners or tradespeople who have experience in dealing with listed building projects or specialists in restoring or repairing historic interiors. Visit auction houses and architectural salvage yards or their websites for original period items such as doors, knockers, handles, sinks and taps, light fittings and furniture. You can always give freestanding furniture a modern update with chalk paint.

Period paint palettes can also be used to evoke a certain time and place. Try and find old photographs of your home or replicate the style of any similar neighbouring listed properties to authentically re-create the original look.

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It’s all in the detail: handcrafted light switches – like this from Wandsworth Electrical – and plug sockets can make all the difference

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4

This five-bedroom Grade II-listed home in Wiltshire, packed with original features, was sold through Hamptons International Bristan’s Wallmount 12 mounting bracket comes with most of its bar showers, enabling you to retrofit without damaging existing tiles.

Carre thermostatic shower, £345

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

The Hadlow Estate in Kent needed restoration works on some of its listed buildings, repairing or replacing the traditional Kent peg tiles. Specialist craftspeople removed, cleaned and put back each tile in the exact same place. Any damaged tiles were replaced with reclaimed ones found elsewhere on the estate

EXPERT ADVICE

GET SPECIALIST HELP

USEFUL CONTACTS Find out if a property

is listed by visiting

historicengland.o For larger jobs that need ‘I love listed houses. Wood panelling often rg.uk.

Download relevant professional help such as takes centre stage in these properties, but application forms for any major works at windows, doors and roofs, for those that might have inherited lacklustre planningportal.gov .uk.

Look for professiona it’s worth asking your local woodwork apply a water-based, natural eggshell l trades with conser vation accred itation at aabc-regis planning department if they can paint to transform them without damaging the ter. co.uk (Register of Arc hitects Accredited recommend any specialist fitters wood. Paint skirtings, doors, architraves, door and in Building Conserva tion), rics.org/uk or companies nearby. The aim is window frames to get a uniform look that isn’t (Royal Institute of Ch artered Surveyors), to preserve the original style, so overpowering. Rich colours have historic appeal ihbc.org.uk (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) or ist it’s usually a case of repair rather or, for a neutral look, off-whites and greys ructe.org (The Institution of Structura than replace and of using similar will still have a transformative effect.’ l Engineers).

Expert conser vators materials and products.

Linda Barker, interior designer can be found at conservationregist Having the right team can not and TV presenter er.com.

For help and advice only save you money but, as they from others in the same position, visit will also be familiar with all the The Listed Property Owners Club at lpo c.co.uk. rules and regulations as well as any potential problems, they could save FIND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE you time, too. Look for professionals who use conservation accreditation As the proud owner of an important piece of history, you may be entitled and certification schemes. Consider to a grant for any repairs or alterations from your local authority. Contact the benefits if working with a them directly to see whether they are currently offering any funding. qualified architect, chartered building You could also try The Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England. If you’ve surveyor, quantity surveyor, structural yet to purchase your listed property, the best thing you can do is to take into engineer or conservator, who will account the potential cost of any renovation work and negotiate the purchase have the specific knowledge, skills price accordingly. This way you won’t be stuck with a dilapidated old house and experience for the job. that you can’t afford to maintain.

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A bespoke shutter or pleated blind makes a feature out of an unusual window. Find a wide selection at apollo-blinds.co.uk

This cosy corner is painted in Olive Green interior chalky matt, £25 for 1L,

by M&L Paints for a warm, traditional feel

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CASE STUDY ‘We bought a former church and restored its historic charm’

Anne and Bill Munroe were married in Greystead church and currently live in the old rectory next door, where they raised their four children

The 19th-century Grade II-listed former Georgian church now has four ground floor bedrooms with a spacious mezzanine housing a large kitchen, dining and sitting area

The Grade II-listed Greystead Old Church was very familiar to Anne Munroe, as she grew up in the old rectory next door. It was also where she married Bill in 1987 and, just over a decade later when the church had been closed and deconsecrated, the couple decided to buy it. ‘It went for a relatively small amount due to a number of restrictive covenants placed on it by the Church of England,’ recalls Anne, ‘it could only be used for storage rather than be converted into a home.’

After several years of negotiations, some of these covenants were lifted and the couple were able to convert the church into a holiday let. ‘We live in a national park where the rules relating to redundant buildings meant the conversion was only allowed for business rather than residential use,’ explains Anne.

It needed extensive renovation and the Munroes worked closely with their architect and heritage specialists to restore its historic charm. ‘We also had a fantastic team of expert builders,’ says former art historian and museum curator Anne. Obtaining planning permission was by far ‘the longest and most complex part of the project,’ Anne reveals. Eventually, work got under way in 2013, with completion six months later.

‘We tried to keep as many original features as possible to showcase the church’s past,’ adds Anne. Such features include the Victorian stained glass window and tiling, the imposing Gothic archway and the original Georgian stonework and panelling. ‘Everything we did is reversible. Our architect designed a new mezzanine floor, with bedrooms below that would fit inside the original space but could be removed.’ A new central corridor preserves the view of the full-height stained glass window. Anne and Bill are keen to add that ‘none of this would have been possible without grants from Northumberland Uplands Leader and from the Northumberland Park’s Sustainable Development Fund for the restoration of the windows.’

To book a stay at Greystead Old Church, visit skyescottages.co.uk or call 01244 617683.

Feature Gill Rothwell

In the ground floor seating area, the original stone window, Georgian panelling and Victorian tiled floor have been beautifully restored to their former glory

The impressive entrance hall looks very much as it did when the former church was built, complete with the original double doors and elaborate ironwork

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BU ER S GUIDE BUYER’S

8 OF THE BEST:

Music systems We give you the low-down on the highest-quality speakers for the most affordable prices

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istening to tinny Spotify music through your phone’s speaker just isn’t the same as hearing your favourite tunes played through a top-quality system. But before you splash the cash on a high-end model, allow us to enlighten you on what to look out for when buying star-rated, budget-friendly speakers.

Start by considering how much space you have for a hi-fi system. If you have plenty of room to play with then a stack of speakers might be the way to go, or a surround-sound home-cinema system could be worthwhile, especially if you want to hook it up to the TV for a movie-theatre experience at home. If you’re limited on space, then a one-box audio unit, like a bookshelf speaker or a high-quality soundbar, is a more feasible option.

To enjoy the crisp sound of your favourite playlist, you don’t have to break the bank either.

There are some simple-to-use hi-fi options

available that start at reasonable price points, especially if you’re going for a one-box audio unit – some of the best and most affordable brands are listed in our top eight.

Remember, before you buy, consider how you want to listen to your songs. Do you need the speaker to connect to the TV so you can play DVDs as well as music? Or perhaps you use a streaming service like Apple Music or AirPlay, Amazon Music or Spotify and want to link this to your smartphone, in which case you’ll need a wi-fi or Bluetooth speaker connection.

Finally, before you buy, you should think about what features are going to be the most important to you. Do you want a speaker that is portable or one that looks as good as it sounds so it slots in with your interior style? Speakers come in a range of shapes, styles and sizes, so let us help you choose one which is right for you and your home.

BOSE HOME SPEAKER 300 IN BLACK, £259, VERY An impressive room-rocking bass speaker with a built-in smart assistant – what’s not to love about this home music system?

• Bluetooth, wi-fi and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity • Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant voice control • Surround sound • Access to the personalised Bose Music app • Works with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars

Jargon busters Whether you’re a smart-tech newbie or a hi-fi aficionado, you may not be clued up on all of the technical terms you come across when looking for a new speaker. Here are some tips to help.

Source This refers to the place where the music is coming from, for example, a Bluetooth speaker.

Hi-fi This stands for ‘high fidelity’, which is the term used to refer to a high-quality reproduction of sound.

Bookshelf speakers Usually sold as a stereo pair or home-theatre package, they are a compact size and are intended to be placed on a raised surface, like a bookshelf or dresser.

Subwoofer If you love the sound of hard-hitting bass, then a speaker with a subwoofer is the way to go. It’s a loudspeaker designed to reproduce dramatic, low-pitched audio frequencies known as bass and sub-bass. If you have a

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small bookshelf speaker that doesn’t include a subwoofer, then you can buy one separately and attach it to your speaker.

yourhomestyle.uk

Satellite speaker Usually, this is a speaker in a home-theatre system that is placed behind or on the side of a listening area for surround sound.

Soundbar A loudspeaker that projects music from a long, wide enclosure. Its shape makes it easy to slot under a computer monitor or TV screen.

B aces Internal braces are sometimes placed inside a one-box loudspeaker to stiffen the panels and reduce vibrations from inside the box when you play music.

AURA SPEAKER, £44.99, GROOV-E For a simple sound system that will do the job without all of the fancy gadgets, choose the Aura speaker.

• Bluetooth connectivity • Touch control • LED lamp with three light modes • Wireless charging base • Easily portable

SONOS ONE, £199, SONOS With this smart speaker, you get superior quality for a steal. Its exceptional sound has met with rave reviews and on top of that, it has a whole host of additional useful functions, which you’ll struggle to find for this price anywhere else.

• Voice control with built-in Google Assistant and Alexa so you can play music, check the news and set alarms easily • Wi-fi connection • You can pair two Sonos One devices together in the same room for even more detailed sound • Includes Sonos Radio with over 60,000 stations • Easily portable

SONY SRS-XB23 EXTRA BASS PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER IN OLIVE GREEN, £79,VERY Rockers and dance-track lovers of any age will appreciate the powerful bass that this compact, portable speaker offers.

• Bluetooth connectivity • Easily portable • Up to 12 hours of battery life

• Waterproof • Includes an Extra Bass mode for deep, intense sound

EDIFIER BLUETOOTH R1280DB, £129.99, AMAZON For classic bookshelf speaker style paired with easy-to-use Bluetooth connectivity, pick the Edifier.

• Bookshelf speaker • It can connect to an iPhone, Android, tablet, PC or MacBook • Bluetooth connectivity • High-quality studio sound • Remote controlled

This speaker is great value for the price, especially with a built-in subwoofer for bass lovers and the smart voice-control function.

• Voice-controlled wi-fi speaker • Play music from popular streaming services, such as Amazon Music and Apple Music

• With the Alexa function, you can ask questions, set diary reminders and get news updates

• Use the speaker to control other smart devices in your home

• Includes a built-in subwoofer

LG SURROUND 3D MULTIROOM HOME CINEMA SYSTEM, £299, AO.COM Do you want to listen to tunes and have surround sound for films? Look no further, this is the system you’re searching for.

• Mixed speaker sizes for excellent audio output • 1,000 watts of audio power for superior sound • Bluetooth connectivity • Free-standing and satellite speakers for high-quality surround sound

• Blu-ray player included

BRONZE 100, £325, MONITOR AUDIO Because sometimes one is just not enough – this pair of speakers will spread deep, intense sound across the entire room.

• Bookshelf speakers sold as a pair • Use of smart technology to produce live-like music and a deep sound

• Available in four finishes • Winner of the Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product and EISA Best Product awards

• Braces placed inside the speaker prevent

unwanted vibrations when playing loud music

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Feature Sophie Demetriades

AMAZON ECHO STUDIO WITH ALEXA SPEAKER, £189, AO.COM

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CRAFTY PROJECTS TO INSPIRE YOU

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IDEAS FOR YOUR BEST CHRISTMAS

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ALL YOU NEED FOR YOUR PERFECT

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DECORATE YOUR HOME IN STYLE

Real homes and an nd makeovers makeovvers

Tour reader homes and steal ideas from amazing room makeovers… all at the click of a button

Looking for your next creative endeavour? find craft projects aplenty at YourHomeStyle.uk!

Get crafty WE’VE GOT A NEW HOME ONLINE…

YourHome Style.uk .uk YourHomeStyle Explore our new-look website for décor inspiration, household hacks and craft ideas, plus recipes and competitions galore

Let’s eat!

We’ve got mealtime ideas for everything from seasonal lunches to delectable desserts

S ep by steps to success With cleaning tricks and DIY projects, our guides help you turn your house into a home to be proud of

And so much more…

If you love Your Home magazine, we know you’ll love our brand new website – take a look today!

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

8 WAYS TO ADD CHARACTER TO YOUR HOME From makeshift ceiling roses to feature fireplaces, here’s how to introduce the charm and personality of a period property into your own home, no matter its age…

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here are plenty of perks to living in a newer property – they’re more energy efficient, have fewer maintenance issues and you can reap the benefits of brand spanking new fixtures and fittings. However, if you long for the grandeur of a Georgian townhouse or Victorian terrace, or have your eye on a chocolate-box thatched cottage, a characterless home just won’t cut the mustard. Here, we suggest simple ways to introduce heritage style into your home; whether you’re looking for budget-friendly DIY or larger-scale renovations.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

1

PRETTY PANELS

Wooden wall panelling is an easy way to bring character to a space, and it can often elongate a room and make a low ceiling feel lofty.

Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable!

Though it’s easy enough to attempt panelling yourself with a few supplies from a DIY shop (more advice coming in our February issue) there are plenty of companies that supply ready-made MDF designs, such as The English Panelling Company. Whether you opt for cosy half-height Georgian tongueand-groove or a statement wall of Jacobean squares, your home will soon be filled with period drama…

Panelling, from £24 per sq m, The English Panelling Company

Embossed iron tile effect wallpaper, £92 per roll, Lime Lace Wayoh red brick effect wallpaper, £59 per roll, Woodchip & Magnolia

2

PUT IT ON PAPER Feature Sophie Hannam

If your home feels like a collection of white boxy rooms, wallpaper is a sure-fire way to introduce colour, texture and personality. Brickeffect designs give a stripped-back, industrial vibe that’s perfect for kitchens and living spaces, whereas an embossed tile wallpaper echoes the patina of age you’d find in an older property. Don’t fancy wall-to-wall pattern? You could opt for a feature wall – try papering above an old-fashioned dado rail (which can easily be glued onto a wall), or get crafty and découpage the back of a bookcase or cupboard.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

3

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Brass Gothic door knocker, £59, Period Features Ltd

Although new-build houses often come with traditional panelled internal doors, contemporary polished chrome or brushed nickel hardware in angular shapes can give a harsh feel. Swap these handles for a pair of classic beehive-style doorknobs in a warm antiqued bronze, such as these from Grace & Glory Home, to give an instant heritage hit. Plus, it’s an easy DIY job to complete in an afternoon! To up the style statement, try painting the door in a contrasting hue such as slate grey or blush pink.

HOW TO INSTALL A

HERITAGE FIREPLACE Annabelle Carvell, PR Officer at Stovax & Gazco, shares how you can install a period-style fireplace ‘Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of installing a traditional open fire is the character they add to a home. Stone mantels, matched with decorative arched insert fireplaces, create a sense of grandeur.

On the other hand, Stovax’s range of Victorian tiled convector fireplaces offer added interest, and can be installed as a gas fire.

Beehive large door knobs, £68.50 for a pair, Grace & Glory Home

Even if you already have a working chimney, maintenance is essential for any kind of stove or fireplace installation. Your chimney will need to be assessed by a professional for its structural integrity, as well as checked for build-up of tar or creosote, which can accumulate over time.

Victorian ceiling rose (moulded from listed building in Kent), £19, Cornice Direct

It is possible to install any fireplace that requires a flue in almost any home, even if you don’t have a working chimney.

A prefabricated system works in the same way a conventional chimney would and can be added to most properties – it simply comes down to your budget and personal preference to the work involved. Your best option is to speak to your local expert retailer.

Whether you opt for a real flame, gas or electric fireplace comes down to personal taste. New-build homes tend to be relatively airtight, which means they do not require a great deal of secondary heat. However, factors such as the size of your home, or the condition of your windows, all have a part to play in how much heat a room requires. It will all combine with the overall look and feel that you want for your home, so I suggest always talking through your options with a local expert.’

4

LIGHT IT UP

For a traditional feel, forgo cooltoned spotlights in favour of a dramatic central ceiling pendant.

Those with glass lantern-like shades and accents of brass or copper will create a focal point in a room and help to emit a cosy, golden glow. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, installing a decorative ceiling rose around the light fitting will help to create that classic, period feel. These ornate plaster numbers are cast from historic buildings and are best fitted by a professional, but you can also pick up polyurethane and polystyrene roses that you can glue directly onto the ceiling.

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Hydra pendant, £195, Pooky

HOME IMPROVEMENT EXTRA

5

MADE-TO-MEASURE

From bespoke storage units and wardrobes to alcove shelves and bookcases, few things feel more characterful (and look more expensive) than custom-built furniture, and it was a craft beloved by the fashionable Georgians and Victorians. Many companies offer design and installation services, but if you’re DIY-savvy then why not attempt to build something yourself? Don’t forget to fill the open shelves with an array of books, photographs and other knickknacks for a look that oozes individual charm, and pick up an old ladder from a charity shop or salvage yard for an old-fashioned library feel.

Bespoke fitted furniture, from £3,000 + VAT, Neville Johnson

Sherbourne fitted bookcases in Dove, the Home Living range, from £1,500, Sharps

Harlem Iconic Capri Chevron and Verona Herringbone (below) vinyl flooring, both from £13.49 per sq m, Lifestyle Floors

6

TAKE TO THE FLOOR

Exposed wooden floorboards are the perfect way to instil a sense of characterful charm in your living space, dining room or hallway – but parquet or herringbone designs are the ultimate in simple sophistication. There’s a reason they were chosen for the Palace of Versailles! Installing reclaimed parquet blockby-block can be pricey and time-consuming, however new vinyl tiles in a distinctive herringbone or zigzag design is a way to achieve the look for a fraction of the cost.

Simply top with a traditional sisal or Persianstyle rug for an understated, chic finish.

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7

WINDOW SHOPPING

Though we’re not all blessed with characterful sash windows, old-fashioned shutters are an easy way to transform uPVC frames into something far more glamorous.

When used in street-facing windows they offer your home serious kerb-appeal with privacy from the outside world and, when paired with a blackout blind or curtains, provide near full darkness for bedrooms.

Though custom-built wood designs can be a little pricey, nowadays it’s easy to achieve a similar look on a budget with shutters made from plastics or polymers. Opt for a colour that’s in-keeping with the rest of your scheme to create a look that’s cool and considered or, for real character, we recommend going bold with a striking shade.

Thomas Sanderson shutters are made-tomeasure so prices vary

Velvet Evening flat matt emulsion, £21.50 for 2.5L, Crown

8

BLAST FROM THE PAST

A little more muted and gentle than contemporary shades, paint colours inspired by heritage properties will bring understated elegance to your home – and we’re particularly enchanted by the Period Collection from Crown.

This moody Velvet Evening shade would make a living room or bedroom feel beautifully cosy. Use the same shade of matt or eggshell paint across the walls, skirting boards and any cupboards or internal doors to create a cohesive and considered look. Plus, it’ll allow any prints or artworks you display to truly shine.

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Olive Colour absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5L, Little Greene

We Are Iconic We are here to inspire you with the latest, upcoming lighting trends and season must haves. Iconic Lights helps \RX WUDQVIRUP \RXU KRPH ZLWK RXU KXJH UDQJH R QVSLUDWLRQDO \HW D RUGDEOH OLJKWLQJ ZLWK D YDULHW\ RI FROOHFWLRQV WR VXLW individual tastes. We’ve curated a huge lighting range for you WR GLVFRYHU ZKLFK ZLOO VSDUN LQWHULRU LQVSLUDWLRQ VR \RX FDQ QG the perfect mood and light for your space.

Discover lighting makeover at www.iconiclights.co.uk Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration: @iconic_lights

EIGHT AMAZING PRIZE DRAWS TO ENTER!

We have fabulous goodies up for grabs this month!

Win The Good Life board game

15 lucky winners

Win a MEGABAG from HIPPO

worth £164.99 each

For a fun, easy-to-play board game for all the family, enter our prize draw for your chance to win The Good Life board game. In the game, you use your wheelbarrow to move around the board to collect fruit, vegetables, pigs and chickens and the winner is the first to fill their garden. Seems simple enough? It is, but the Green Fingers cards create unexpected twists and turns, which means you’ll have to protect your chickens from foxes, sell your crops and livestock at the village fair, and avoid drought and animal escapes.

If you’re ready to take on The Good Life, enter for your chance to win one of 15 games, worth £26.95 each.* To top it off, Allingham Games is also providing a 10 per cent exclusive reader discount to Your Home so you can buy the game straight away. Simply enter the code ‘fox’ at the checkout on the website.

For the latest games and more information, visit thegoodlifegame.co.uk. *Includes p&p

If your new year’s resolution is to finally get stuck into that house or garden project, then a MEGABAG is a must-have item – and you can win one of three MEGABAG and collection packages by entering the Your Home prize draw.* HIPPOBAGs are available in three sizes, are easy to order online or over the phone, and are a hassle-free way to make space in your home and garden. Better still, particularly given the Covid circumstances, there’s no waiting around for your HIPPOBAG to be collected, as they can be taken away without you being at home.

HIPPOBAGs make trips to the local dump a thing of the past, so you can focus on your next renovation project. HIPPO ensures that over 95 per cent of your waste is recycled, including the HIPPOBAG itself. For more information and for HIPPO’s T&Cs, please visit hippowaste.co.uk/ terms-and-conditions/. *This prize draw is not open to residents of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Cornwall or the Channel Islands.

Win a £50 voucher for Motif Photos

Win a decorative screen, worth £450

10 lucky winners

Motif Photos is a free-to-download app for iPhone, iPad and Mac users to create beautiful photobooks, calendars and cards using their own pictures. Personalised presents are often appreciated by loved ones, but this is especially true now as many of us have struggled to meet friends and family face-to-face over the past year. So, enter the Your Home prize draw for a chance to win one of ten £50 vouchers for Motif Photos.

Whether it’s cuddles with your dog or candid snaps of your family, Motif Photos helps to bring your pictures to life. Motif Photos integrates directly into Apple Photos to ensure that your snaps are high quality, with no duplications. The app also uses interactive layouts that automatically import your photos, so you can make the perfect personalised gift in a matter of minutes. For more information, visit motifphotos.com.

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1 lucky winner

Combining a desire for beautiful spaces with excellent design, Screen with Envy is a British company offering decorative indoor and outdoor screens made from aluminium to bring stunning style to any space. You can win one of these decorative displays, worth £450, by entering the Your Home prize draw.* Screen with Envy’s array of indoor screens offer exquisite design as well as practicality, being used to divide up a space to create cosy reading nooks, a home office and a myriad of other possibilities. People with compact apartments will benefit from their enrapturing decoration while creating the feeling of more rooms in one space, and those with larger areas can use them to divide a room or place it against a wall to act as a decorative display. For more information, visit screenwithenvy.co.uk. *Please note that the image shows an outdoor screen, however the indoor screen design is identical.

EIGHT AMAZING PRIZE DRAWS TO ENTER! Win a £500 voucher from Town & City Gift Cards Your Home has teamed up with the generous folk at Town & City Gift Cards to offer readers the chance to win a £500 voucher.

With it, you can choose one of over 50 towns and cities to visit around the UK and you can spend the voucher in a wide range of shops, restaurants and services, too.

You’ll be able to spend your voucher in most well-known stores and small local independents, and best of all, you’ll be supporting the towns and cities that need your help, especially after a turbulent 2020. If you can’t wait to see if you’ve won the prize, then you can buy a Town & City Gift Card online and get it delivered straight to yourself or family and friends with a gift message attached.

For more information, visit townandcitygiftcards.com.

Worth £500

Win a dinner party bundle, worth over £500 Part of the joy of going to a top restaurant – along with eating the fabulous food, of course – is the impressive presentation.

Tableware is the canvas for chefs to showcase their creations and there is now a massive trend for tablescaping to make your dining room look beautiful. The UK’s top restaurants know just where to get the perfect plates, creative cutlery and gorgeous glassware – and that’s Goodfellow & Goodfellow.

Your Home has teamed up with the brand to offer one fortunate reader a stylish dinner party bundle fit for six people, including bone china plates, cutlery and glasses. The company carefully sources some of the best brands from the around the world, offering the most in-demand and stylish tableware.

The good news is that you can now replicate professional styling at home with tableware from goodfellows athome.com.

1 lucky winner

Win a multifunctional work-from-home setup worth over £500

1 lucky winner

This year, lots of us have adapted to the ‘work from home’ lifestyle and realised that the right home working setup can really help us thrive outside of the office.

In celebration of the release of Bisley’s iconic MultiDesk, we’re giving away all the Bisley furniture in the workspace pictured to one lucky Your Home reader. The winner will receive a MultiDesk with stylish hairpin legs and MultiDrawer storage, complete with a selection of stationery organiser insert trays. They’ll also get a desktop MultiDrawer with a MultiTask top tray to prioritise paperwork, and hanging accessories to keep pens and small necessities tidy.

Discover the new MultiRange at bisley.com/multirange.

Win a £500 voucher to spend at JYSK

1 lucky winner

JYSK is an international chain of stores with Scandinavian roots, which sells everything you could possibly need for your home.

It’s well known for high-quality, on-trend products – and Your Home has teamed up with JYSK to offer one reader a £500 gift card to spend on absolutely anything at JYSK! The brand has earnt a worldwide reputation for expertise and knowledge in sleeping culture and specialises in these products, which are created by experts, including mattresses, duvets, pillows, bedframes and bases.

JYSK’s Scandinavian design ethic and stylish approach to interiors has made the brand known and loved across the world. For more information, visit jysk.co.uk.

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TERM MS AN ND C 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 SUL]H SURYLGHU IRU WKH SXUSRVHV RI IXOÀOOLQJ GHOLYHULQJ WKH SUL]H 7KH 3URPRWHU H[FOXGHV OLDELOLW\ WR WKH IXOO H[WHQW SHUPLWWHG E\ ODZ IRU DQ\ ORVV GDPDJH RU LQMXU\ RFFXUULQJ WR WKH SDUWLFLSDQW DULVLQJ IURP KLV RU KHU HQWU\ LQWR WKH SURPRWLRQ RU RFFXUULQJ WR 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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ÀHG RI WKHLU ZLQ ZLWKLQ GD\V :LQQHUV PXVW FODLP WKHLU SUL]H ZLWKLQ GD\V RI QRWLÀFDWLRQ ,Q WKH HYHQW WKDW D ZLQQHU FDQQRW EH FRQWDFWHG RU IDLOV WR FODLP WKHLU SUL]H ZLWKLQ GD\V WKH 3URPRWHU UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR RIIHU WKH SUL]H WR DQRWKHU HQWUDQW RU WR UH RIIHU WKH SUL]H LQ DQ\ IXWXUH SURPRWLRQ 7KH 3URPRWHU·V GHFLVLRQ DV WR WKH ZLQQHU LV ÀQDO DQG QR FRUUHVSRQGHQFH UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURPRWLRQ ZLOO EH HQWHUHG LQWR 7KH SUL]HV DUH DV VWDWHG DERYH (QWUDQWV PXVW VXSSO\ WR ,PPHGLDWH 0HGLD &RPSDQ\ /LPLWHG WKHLU IXOO QDPH HPDLO DGGUHVV RU GD\WLPH WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU 7KH 3URPRWHU ZLOO XVH HQWUDQWV· SHUVRQDO GHWDLOV LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH ,PPHGLDWH 3ULYDF\ 3ROLF\ LPPHGLDWH FR XN SULYDF\ SROLF\ 17 The surname and county of residence of the winners will be available upon request by sending an SAE to Your Home January 2021 Giveaways, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST within two months of the closing date of the promotion.

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Shopping guide A

Abstract House 020 8099 9243 abstracthouse.com Addis 0800 515 300 addis.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon 0800 279 7234 amazon.co.uk And so to Shop andsotoshop.com Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 713 089 anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com/en-gb AO.com 0161 470 1200 ao.com Apollo Blinds apollo-blinds.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Attic 020 8943 9626 discoverattic.com

B

B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Baa Stool 01824 790882 baastool.co.uk Barista & Co. 01202 619500 baristaandco.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 8899 bathroomstolove.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Better Bathrooms 0871 244 0935 betterbathrooms.com Betsy Benn Designs 01242 255646 betsybenn.com Big Bathroom Shop bigbathroomshop.co.uk Black + Blum 020 7633 0022 black-blum.com Boh Home bohhome.co.uk Brett Martin 028 9084 9999 brettmartin.com Brisant Secure 01924 410200 brisant-secure.com Bristan 0330 026 6273 bristan.com British Heart Foundation 0800 138 6556 bhf.org.uk Broughtons 0116 234 1888 broughtons.com Brume brume.co.uk

C

Caleño calenodrinks.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Chalk Pink Linen Co. 01872 492192 chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk Chronicle Books chroniclebooks.com Cielshop 01273 443837 cielshopinteriors.com Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055 clarissahulse.com Coffee and Cloth coffeeandcloth.co.uk Coffee Logs bio-bean.com Colourtrend colourtrend.ie Contigo 0800 169 4080 mycontigo.com Cormar Carpets cormarcarpets.co.uk

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Cornice Direct 01843 500074 cornice-direct.co.uk Crown Imperial 01227 742424 crown-imperial.co.uk Crown Paints 0330 024 0309 crownpaints.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 0208 185 6960 cultfurniture.com Curated Pieces curatedpieces.com Currys 0344 561 1234 currys.co.uk Curtains 2go 0800 862 0463 curtains-2go.co.uk

D

DaAl’s daals.co.uk Daisy Park 01769 579077 daisypark.co.uk där lighting group 01295 672200 darlighting.co.uk DE Interiors 07986 245765 de-interiors.co.uk Denby 01773 740899 denbypottery.com Desenio 020 3318 2047 desenio.co.uk deVOL 01509 261000 devolkitchens.co.uk Dobbies dobbies.com Dowsing & Reynolds 0113 8199985 dowsingandreynolds.com Dr. Beckman 0161 359 4130 dr-beckmann.co.uk Dulux 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565 dunelm.com

E

eBay ebay.co.uk EGLO 01604 790 986 eglo.com/uk Ella James 01572 759 190 ellajames.co.uk Emma Bridgewater 01782 210565 emmabridgewater.co.uk English Blinds 0121 439 6770 englishblinds.co.uk Etsy etsy.com Eurotiles & Bathrooms eurotilesandbathrooms.com

F

Farrow and Ball 01202 876141 farrow-ball.com Frenchic Furniture Paint 01276 469757 frenchicpaint.co.uk Fritz Fryer 01989 567416 fritzfryer.co.uk From the Garden Room fromthegardenroomuk.com Furniture and Choice 0333 015 0000 furniturechoice.co.uk Furniture Village 0800 804 8879 furniturevillage.co.uk

G

Garden Trading 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk Gascoines 01636 813245 gascoines.co George Home 0800 952 0101

42 direct.asda.com Grace & Glory Home 01271 370095 graceandgloryhome.co.uk Graham & Brown 0808 168 3795 grahambrown.com Graham and Green 01225 418200 grahamandgreen.co.uk Grohe 020 8283 2840 grohe.co.uk Groov-e 020 8839 0978 groov-e.co.uk

H

H&M Home 0344 736 9000 hm.com Hammonds hammonds-uk.com Hampton Bathrooms 0208 287 4343 hamptonbathrooms.co.uk Hamptons 020 7758 8488 hamptons.co.uk Happy Skin Kitchen happyskinkitchen.com Harvey Jones 0800 389 6938 harveyjones.com Hillarys 0808 239 6672 hillarys.co.uk Homebase 0333 003 7084 homebase.co.uk Homebody Decor homebodydecor.co.uk Homesense 01923 473561 homesense.com Hormann 01530 513000

hormann.co.uk House of Hackney 020 7062 6121 houseofhackney.com Hudson Home hudsonhome.co.uk Huel uk.huel.com

I J

Iconic Lights iconiclights.co.uk IKEA 020 3645 0000 ikea.com/gb

Jali 01227 833 333 jali.co.uk JAZZ Apple jazzapple.com Joe Browns 0113 270 6655 joebrowns.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 0345 610 0359 johnlewis.com

K

Kikkerland kikkerlandeu.com KitchenCraft 0121 785 4149 kitchencraft.co.uk Klean Kanteen 01539 766619 kleankanteen.co.uk

L

Lakeland 015394 88100 lakeland.co.uk Lee Kum Kee uk.lkk.com Lifestory 0131 629 9699 lifestoryshop.com Lifestyle Floors OLIHVW\OH ÁRRUV FR XN Lime Lace 0330 058 4158

Where to buy everything in this issue limelace.co.uk Linda Barker Paints lindabarkerpaints.com Lisa Comfort Home 0207 354 4120 lisacomforthome.com Little Greene 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com Little’s 01884 822 808 wearelittles.com LoSalt 013552 38464 uk.losalt.com

M

M&L Paints 01730 779911 mandlpaints.com MADE 0845 557 6888 made.com Magnet magnet.co.uk Maltings Antiques 01279 723124 maltingsantiques.co.uk Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.com Master Lock masterlock.eu Matalan 0333 0044444 matalan.co.uk Matlock Antiques 01629 760808 matlockantiques.co.uk Microplane microplaneintl.com Middlesex Glass 020 8568 7207 middxglass.co.uk Mineheart 01487 831 034 mineheart.com Modern Lighting Solutions 0203 805 2288 modernlightingsolutions.co.uk Modish Living 01273 499057 modishliving.co.uk Monitor Audio 01268 740580 monitoraudio.com My Furniture 0800 092 1636 my-furniture.com My Little Wish 0203 432 7747 mylittlewish.com

N

Nanu 03300419763 nanusleep.co.uk Nest 0114 243 3000 nest.co.uk Neville Johnson 0161 873 8333 nevillejohnson.co.uk Next 0333 777 8000 next.co.uk Nicolette Tabram Stencils nicolettetabram.co.uk Nuki nuki.io/en

P

Period Features Ltd 01538 372202 periodfeatures.co.uk PLAYin CHOC playinchoc.com Pooky 020 7351 3003 pooky.com Poppy Poppy poppypoppy.co Porcelain Superstore 0330 094 0304 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk Poundland poundland.co.uk Prima prima-appliances.uk Primark primark.com Primus primus.eu ProCook 0330 100 1010 procook.co.uk Protek 01749 344697 protekwoodstain.co.uk

R

Radiating Style 07413 140883 radiatingstyle.co.uk Rebel Walls 0203 002 1116 rebelwalls.com Results Wellness Lifestyle resultswellnesslifestyle.com Rose & Grey 0161 926 8763 roseandgrey.co.uk Roux Kitchens 01937 862202 rouxkitchens.com Rust-Oleum 0191 410 6611 makeityours.co.uk

S

Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636262 sainsburys.co.uk Sanderson 0203 4575 862 stylelibrary.com/sanderson Schmidt home-design.schmidt Screwfix VFUHZÀ[ FRP Second Nature Kitchens sncollection.co.uk Shaman shaman-coffee.com Sharps 0800 789 789 sharps.co.uk Snug snugsofa.com Soak & Sleep 01483 616 616 soakandsleep.com

Sofa.com 0345 400 2222 sofa.com Sofology 0800 140 40 40 sofology.co.uk Someday Designs 020 8305 7265 somedaydesigns.co.uk Sonos 0800 0 265 565 sonos.com Sophie Allport 01778 560256 sophieallport.com Splashbacks 01630 638389 splashbacks.co.uk S Prints by Shauna sprintsbyshauna.co.uk Stanfords 020 7836 1321 standfords.co.uk Stovax & Gazco stovax.com Sweetpea & Willow 0345 257 2627 sweetpeaandwillow.com Swyft 0203 488 4726 swyfthome.com

T

Tea and Crafting 020 7097 1314 teaandcrafting.co.uk Terrys Fabrics 01782 566666 terrysfabrics.co.uk Tesco 0800 505555 tesco.com The British Craft House thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk The English Panelling Company 01453 731305 theenglishpanellingcompany.co.uk The Grey Works 01444 456161 thegreyworks.com The Hadlow Estate hadlow.com The Main Company 01423 330451 maincompany.com The Mushroom Bureau 020 7010 0800 justaddmushrooms.ie The Range 0345 026 7598 therange.co.uk The Rug Seller 0161 876 4566 therugseller.co.uk The Stencil Studio 01453 731233

thestencilstudio.com The Tartan Blanket Co. 0131 516 9229 tartanblanketco.com Thomas Sanderson 0800 688 8082 thomas-sanderson.co.uk Tons of Tiles 02477 500004 tonsoftiles.co.uk Trend Interiors trendinteriors.co.uk Tuiss 0800 862 0464 tuiss.co.uk

U V

Under the Rowan Trees undertherowantrees.co.uk

Valspar 0344 736 9174 valsparpaint.co.uk Very 0800 11 00 00 very.co.uk Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878 victorianplumbing.co.uk

W

Wallpaper Direct 01323 430886 wallpaperdirect.com Walls and Floors 01536 314 730 ZDOOVDQGÁRRUV FR XN Wandsworth Electrical wandsworthelectrical.com Wayfair 0800 7564357 wayfair.co.uk Whole Earth wholeearthfoods.com Wickes 0330 123 4123 wickes.co.uk Wilko 0800 032 9329 wilko.com Woodchip & Magnolia 01254 241100 woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk Worktop Express 0345 2222 644 worktop-express.co.uk Wren Kitchens wrenkitchens.com

Y

Yorkshire Fabric Shop 01924 728 753 yorkshirefabricshop.com

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0

Oak Furnitureland 0800 440 2254 oakfurnitureland.co.uk Ocado 0345 656 1234 ocado.com Oliver Bonas 020 8059 2414 oliverbonas.com Ophelia Blake 07368 290374 opheliablake.com Opies 01795 476154 opiesfoods.com Orchid Furniture 01264 811111 orchidfurniture.co.uk Oxfam Online Shop 0300 200 1252 onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk

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SHOPPING DIRECTORY

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The revolutionary alternative to standard storage heaters Higher Performance. Lower bills.

Designed to operate on any off-peak tariff Economical and virtually maintenance free Attractive, state-of-the-art design 24/7 control system with LCD display Now with Wifi control via app Heat always available on demand Responsive to external temperature

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SHOP OF THE MONTH

Boutique SPEAK Behind the scenes with Susan Doherty, founder of Edinburgh’s Scandi-inspired store Lifestory Describe a typical day Each day involves serving my customers, both in-store and online. I usually begin by going into the shop at around eight or nine o’clock – with my puppy, Indi – then I process online orders, have a team catch-up and squeeze in some styling before opening the store. The shop is open every day of the week and involves a combination of delivering, restocking, styling and speaking to the lovely customers. Coffee features heavily in the shop as there’s a café, which serves locally roasted brews. I also manage the social media and marketing strategies, so I spend most afternoons organising these.

What is your favourite interiors trend?

Not so much a trend, more a way of life, Scandinavian style is definitely my favourite – and it’s what Lifestory is all about; timeless design that is made to be long-lasting and enjoyed. The products on the shelves are a balance of Scandinavian items from Danish design houses such as Ferm Living, Notem Studio, HAY and Skagerak. These are alongside smaller makers that share the same Nordic influences such as Wolf & Moon, Viv Lee and Kinshipped.

the start. This should be someone who has set up a shop before and can help you jump over inevitable hurdles. I now mentor others and am increasingly conscious of the importance of guidance when starting a business.

‘Each piece I source is something I would have in my home’

What inspired you to set up a shop?

Tell us about your products

Lifestory is my second business, so I’m definitely a creator at heart. In 2007, I set up a health-inspired food and juice bar, which I recently sold to a new operator.

My earlier career was in the design world and in business start-ups, and I’ve got a passion for minimalist Scandi style as well as coffee culture. These interests began when I was living in Melbourne many moons ago and from visiting Scandinavian cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm. I felt inspired to bring a similar vibe to Edinburgh, so I wrote a one-page business plan and once more took the entrepreneurial leap of faith!

I source by eye and instinct and each piece is something I would have in my home. I love working with designer-makers and sourcing unique products that are not available anywhere else. My main products fall into lifestyle homewares, furniture, prints, jewellery and stationery. Examples of my recent popular items include the Ferm Living Ripple Champagne glasses (£35 for a set of two), Lex Pott candles (from £25), journals and notebooks (from £7.95), and the Abel unisex perfumes from Amsterdam (from £32).

What do you wish you knew before you opened the store?

Oh, that’s such a good question! There are so many things I could say that all retailers will identify with, but one of the overarching points is that it’s good to have a mentor from

What’s next for Lifestory?

It’s been a challenging year, but I’m positive and hopeful for a better future for indie stores. My plans for Lifestory are about expansion but not in an obvious way – that’s all I can say for now. To stay up to date, follow @lifestoryedin on Instagram. 53 London Street, Edinburgh; lifestoryshop.com

My favourite things 1. ‘I love these stoneware pots as they always bring a smile to our customers’ faces. They’re also really versatile, and can be used as a cheery plant pot, or even a pen, teaspoon or utensil holder.’ Ferm Living Mus pot, from £19 2. ‘This is my very own first print product! It’s a line drawing of Edinburgh’s architectural skyline in collaboration with Studio Romuu and is based on my own photography.’ Edinburgh old town skyline print, £39 3. ‘I adore the new sculptural knot candles from Honey Flamingo in Korea – we’re one of the only stores to stock them in the UK.’ Knot candles, £42

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Special Introductory Offer!

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L IA R! ECFE SPOF

123 Football Club Jigsaw Puzzles Reg. Price £19.99

20 OFF Now £15.99 All puzzles are updated for 2020/21! when you quote Ref: YH22A

Each one is available as a 400 piece puzzle.

There are an amazing 123 clubs to collect. Each different jigsaw features a stunningly illustrated cartoon image of a football club, with club honours, fabulous facts and so much more. All 92 clubs in the top four divisions in England are available, as well as various non-league clubs and 18 teams from Scotland.

The finished puzzles have been updated for 2020/21 and are an impressive 47cm x 32cm when built and all are available as a 400 piece puzzle (ages 7 to adult).

Is your team available? Choose from any of these!

Aberdeen Accrington Stanley AFC Bournemouth AFC Wimbledon Arsenal Aston Villa Barnet Barnsley Barrow Birmingham City Blackburn Rovers Blackpool Bolton Wanderers Bradford City Brentford Brighton & Hove Albion Bristol City Bristol Rovers

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“What a fabulous idea. We’ve all had a blast creating the jigsaw and the kids have learned a huge amount about the history of the club. Great stuff and highly recommended!”

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RATED 4.6 OUT OF 5 FROM OVER 21,000 REVIEWS!

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Please Note: The Football Crazy jigsaw puzzles are not official club merchandise or licensed products. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

Buy Now! Call 0844

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Send coupon to: ‘Football Crazy’ Your Home Offer c/o THPC, PO Box 586, Elstree, Herts WD6 3XY Name of team

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quote ref. YH22A to receive your 20% discount. or visit www.happypuzzle.co.uk/footy

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