Hzvagagsgsgs

win! HigH-tecH cookers, a fridge freezer, spa breaks, pet goodies, wall art & more www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

onlY

HUNDREDS OF GREAT-VALUE IDEAS FOR EVERY ROOM

affordable 9 9 £1. 548 ways to create august 2019

youR dReam home

Keep your cool with luxurious bed linens

Freshen your scheme with mellow mint tones

How to...

Reader homes

Tasty ways to preserve the flavours of summer

WIN! £6,94o0f worth PrIZES

3 cut the cost of travel insurance 3 choose the right pension for you 3 Hang shelves with confidence

WIth summer vIbes

ARTISTIc SEASIDE FLAT k HAMpTONS-STYLE FAMILY HOUSE k cHIc cOASTAL NEw-bUILD

k

Bright ideas for every room 3 Revamp your kitchen with a new worktop 3 Wake up to the latest showers & wetrooms 3 Be inspired by our garden room makeovers 3 Discover the secrets to vegan-friendly décor

Photo Lizzie orme

Welcome

EDiToR’S LETTER

We all long for a lovely balmy summer, but if all the sunshine leaves you feeling a little hot under the collar we’ve got heaps of great ideas to help you keep your cool this month.

For starters, our delicious summer drink ideas on page 100 are ideal for quenching your thirst on a sunny day.

Meanwhile, if a refreshing shower Nina, our YH canine correspondent, has been hard at work testing the latest doggie party is what you long for, then turn to accessories to celebrate National Dog Day (p.6). page 54 for our round-up of the sleekest, most stylish wetrooms and walk-in showers to suit bathrooms both big and small.

Having trouble sleeping on these warm nights? Then check out our beautiful bed linen feature (p.38), where you’ll find a host of cool cotton designs that will help you sleep more soundly. Plus, we’ve got lots of affordable finishing touches to complete your bedroom look, whether it’s modern, classic or feminine.

When it comes to colour, nothing is more refreshing and cooling than mint green. Forget the sickly pastel shades of old, we’ll show you how to use this new neutral to give every room a clean, contemporary feel Haven, shares Jenny Mason, owner of Vegan for making your that’s bang on trend (p.22). her tips with us on page 45 décor more vegan-friendly.

You can’t have failed to notice the popularity of vegan food, but have you ever Treat yourself or a loved one thought about how vegan-friendly your décor is? Turn to page 42 with our fantastic subscriber to discover how to give your home an ethical makeover that offer. See page 92 for details. looks every bit as good as it feels.

After a day at the seaside, many of us come home dreaming of living by www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk the water, but how easy is it to do? facebook.com/yourhomemag Check out the options, @Your_Home plus discover the pros instagram.com/yourhomemagazine and cons on page 106. pinterest.com/yourhomemag

Subscribe & save

Follow & share with us

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

Contents

30

Franka spruced up her sun room

38

Ideas to boost your bedroom

22

96

Mint hints for a fresh update

Capture summer in a jar

Cute – and kind – décor ideas

42 August at home 5

Pg 5

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

11 Household hints How to reduce pollen at home, airbeds tested, plus more helpful tips and best buys 15 Consumer news Pensions unpicked, plus this month’s latest news 18 Give plants a helping hand with a greenhouse Pick a light-filled shelter to nurture your plants all year round

Decorating

Pg 21

22 Trend alert: minty fresh Give your home a lift with this crisp neutral 38 Make your bed Luxe linen ideas for a beautiful bedroom and a restful night’s sleep 42 Chic vegan style How to decorate for a stylish and compassionate home

Makeovers

Pg 26

26 Now we have a light, bright, inviting space Lynsey transformed her sun room into a light dining area 30 We created the chic orangery of our dreams Franka bagged bargains to bring the outdoors in

54 Maximise your space with a minimalist shower Create a sleek and seamless space with a pared-back wetroom or walk-in design

Reader homes

Pg 73

34 We now have our very own chill-out zone Michelle made a space for her family to work, rest and play

74 As our lives changed, our house changed with us Fiona and Iain love the flexibility their contemporary new-build home has afforded them

Kitchens & bathrooms Pg47

80 I fell in love with the view the moment I walked in Christina drew on her love of French style to decorate her property

48 Boost your hub’s surface appeal Ensure your worktop and splashback steal the show with our pick of the most stylish – and practical – designs 52 I swapped my bath for a modern walk-in shower Ditching the bath made all the difference to Janine’s dank, windowless space

86 Our Victorian home flows much better now Lorraine moved to an older house and has woven her New-England style throughout

Have you missed an issue?

Call 01206 851117 to order back copies

PLUASGE!

Make it easy!

12-P PULL-OUT GUIDE

Pg 59

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

60

Delicate florals for the table Create a handy seed store

Food & entertaining

Pg 95

96 Summer preserved Capture your favourite ingredients of the season in jams and pickles so you can enjoy them all year round

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

100 Thirst quenchers Keep your cool with our selection of summery drinks

Home improvement Pg 105

111 Win! This month we’re offering two lucky readers each a Cuisinemaster Pro range cooker worth £1,119

106 Enjoy the benefits of waterside living From houseboats to modern riverside apartments, find out how you can live the dream near the water

118 Giveaways This month’s amazing prizes include a silk scarf, overnight spa break, and a new fridge freezer

Pg 113

114 In your garden this month…

Harvest fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for the house during this bountiful month

Stitch a hanging planter

Don’t miss out!

92 Subscribe to Your Home Take out a subscription this month for your chance to win a copy of recipe book Spirit & Spice by Ghillie Basan

Gardening

62

120 Shopping guide Find out where to buy everything in this issue 128 Eco news Make a difference one lipstick at a time, cork’s comeback, plus how to beat stains naturally

64 Plus, check out...

66 DIY masterclass Nail how to hang a mirror, shelf or cabinet 68 Ask the experts We answer your DIY and maintenance questions with a little help from the pros 70 Craft stash must-haves The latest creative buys and workshops

Removing stains, spills and party mishaps is one thing. Removing them without ruining the colour and finish of your paint, that’s something else.

View the range at crownpaints.co.uk

Available at

and Leading Independents.

200 times tougher than our standard matt emulsion

Feature Matilda Bourne

A trip to the country

This month we love...

For stockists see page 120

Pull on your wellies readers, because Countryfile is heading outdoors! This August the Countryfile team will be gracing the green grounds of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard as they bring the much-loved rural BBC programme to life at Countryfile Live.

Taking place at Blenheim Palace from 1st-4th August and at Castle Howard from 15th-18th August, visitors can expect to be immersed in all things outdoorsy, including kayaking and fishing on The Waterside; watching live sheep shearing; a pig agility course, and a cow milking demonstration at The Farmyard – you may even get the chance to have a go yourself! Tickets are priced from £13.75. To find out more information about the show head to www.countryfilelive.com.

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

Hidden Gem: House & Garden, Snape Maltings Originally opened in the 1980s, House & Garden is an Aladdin’s cave of all things interiors. Covering around 20,000 sq ft in rural Suffolk, it’s one of the county’s largest independent retailers displaying an array of homeware that reflects its picturesque and relaxed location. From kitchen cabinets and cookware, to lighting, tableware and throws, this delightful shop sits among seven other independent shops, covering food, fashion, art and gifts – it’s a must-see!

Find House & Garden at Snape Maltings, Snape, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1SP or visit www. snapemaltings.co.uk.

First impressions

Impress your guests this month with Anthropologie’s new range of alternative door mats.

Featuring the brand’s signature bohemian style, you can choose from seven intricate patterns, including standard or wider-width designs for an impressive entrance. Each one is made from vinyl-baked coconut fibre and is sweep-clean, so you can keep your front door looking shipshape all year round. Prices start from £38. See the collection at www.anthropologie.com.

Flourished Welcome doormat, £44, Anthropologie

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

5

GREAT IDEAS FOR...

National Dog Day Show your pooch some appreciation on 26th August! t

Throw your dog the paw-fect party with this handy all-in-one kit Pawty Party box, £11.25, Talking Tables

Star appeal

On your marks, get set, bake! With rumours that The Great British Bake Off is set to return to our screens this August, it’s time to brush up on your baking skills and get ready for tears, tantrums and top-notch tucker. If you’re looking to involve the kids, then this Stamp Your Own Cookies Kit from Not On The High Street is a great buy. Using the letter holder, you simply insert the message of your choice, then gently stamp it on to your cookie to add a bespoke touch. Or, if you’d prefer something a bit more roar-some, take a look at Lakeland’s silicone dinosaur cake moulds!

Stamp Your Own Cookies Kit, from £17.50, Not On The High Street; silicone dinosaur cake mould, £9.99, Lakeland

Everything’s coming up roses

A gardener’s work is never done – especially in August!

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, this month you should be pruning your Wisteria, deadheading flowering plants and harvesting sweetcorn. If you’re in need of a gardening tool upgrade, then take a look at Wild & Wolf’s new V&A range. Including garden forks, potting gloves, pots, trowels and much more, each product is emblazoned with the sophisticated and elegant patterns of famous artists such as JH Dearle and William Morris and will make great gifts for green-fingered friends. Find out more at store.wildandwolf.co.uk.

t

You’d have to be barking mad to not love this scatter cushion!

Woof slogan throw cushion, £7, George Home t

If dogs could talk, this is what they’d say.

What I Lick Before Your Face by Jamie Coleman, £9.99, Joe Browns

t

Every good boy deserves a bow tie!

Let your pooch get political with these politician dog toys

t

Dogs on Parade tartan collar, from £12, Laura Ashley

Pet Hates Theresa May and Donald Trump dog toy, £16.99 each, Prezzybox

6

V&A Clover glass water bottle, £18; garden multitool, £17, both Wild & Wolf

Prêt a portable If you’re planning a picnic this bank holiday weekend, then take a peek at Joules’s new accessories. Featuring an abundance of outdoor-friendly tableware, these handy portable packs are ideal for transporting your nibbles to an idyllic spot on a sunny day. We’re particularly loving this rucksack! Featuring enough cutlery, plates and glasses for four people, as well as a bottle opener, cheese knife, wooden chopping board, salt and pepper shakers and room for a separate drinks bottle, it’s great for every kind of alfresco feast. Take a look at the whole collection by visiting www.joules.com.

August 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Picnic Rucksack for four people, £59.95; Garden melamine beakers, £19.95 per set of four, both Joules

cordless power. made by STihl.

—

READY FOR ANY CHALLENGE

COMPACT CORDLESS SYSTEM WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERY Spring time – the time when tasks are emerging everywhere in the garden. Be ready to take on the challenge with tools from the STIHL COMPACT Cordless Power System. All the tools in the system are designed to be easy to use, light-weight and also quiet.

But they don’t compromise on performance. They are powered by a high-performance lithium-ion battery that can be used in all the tools in the system. That’s real cordless power. Made by STIHL.

AVAILABLE FROM APPROVED STIHL DEALERS AND SELECTED GARDEN CENTRES. STIHL.CO.UK/CORDLESS

*Buy any promotional set - which includes a tool, 2 x recommended batteries and a charger - and the price paid will include the second battery at half price.

Terms and conditions apply - visit stihl.co.uk/cordless for full details.

Your home needs You!

get In tOuch

H

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

H

H letter of H the month H H

Pooch perch “I made this seat for my poodles, harley and Bentley, thinking they deserved something more stylish than a large floor cushion. I took the top two drawers out, plus the side drawer risers, then painted it twice using everlong chalk paint in the shade Mercury. I filled the bottom drawer with a dog cushion topped off with a grey velour throw and then made little name plaques, which I glued on to the inside.”

Margaret Martin via email Your Home says harley and Bentley certainly seem to like their new home, and those name frames make a fab finishing touch! Congratulations on a great make, Margaret.

Knit and natter

Treasure chest

“We started our craft group two years ago in order to make new friends and share our skills. Since then we’ve become firm friends!

We make candles, découpage jars and many other things. I particularly enjoyed making our mosaic mirrors and delicate beaded wire hearts. Our future projects include macramé pot holders (very in vogue once again!) and big knits. Lots of inspiration always comes from looking at your magazine!”

Rozalind Bradbury via email Your Home says We definitely want to come and join in your crafty sessions, Rozalind. There’s nothing like a cuppa, some crafting and a good natter! Be sure to keep us posted on your group’s upcoming projects.

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

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

“I just wanted to share a stunning makeover that I created for my daughter Sephora’s fifth birthday. I took my old dark wooden box and sanded it down, before repainting it using a grey chalk paint. I then used stencils to paint on the fairy motifs, and spelled her name across the top using alphabet stickers.”

Lee Rackham, via email

Savvy storage “My friend thought my daughter would like her old dolls’ house, but sadly she showed little interest, so I decided to turn it into a storage unit for the landing. I used stain block paint to cover the tudor-style painted timbers, then stripped the wallpaper and gave it a fresh coat of paint to match the walls and carpet.

I finished it off with some storage baskets to neatly stow bathroom toiletries and rolled-up towels. I’m really pleased with the outcome, as is my friend!”

Avril England, via email Your Home says What an original idea! doubling-up this dolls’ house as a storage unit is a great way to save space. The miniature feature wall is so detailed as well. Congratulations!

Send youR TipS, phoToS and leTTeRS To: letters editor, your home, hubert Burda Media uK, The Tower, phoenix Square, Colchester, essex Co4 9hu or email yourhome@burdamagazines.co.uk l letters

Your Home says What a wonderful makeover, lee! The fairy stencils are so sweet and make a lovely contrast against the grey.

We’re sure Before Sephora loves it – we certainly do!

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

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

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

Enjoy the great outdoors this summer with our hints and tips

HOW TO... reduce pollen inside your home The summer months should be a time to make more of the great outdoors, but for many it can mean weeks of runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezes. There are a few steps you can take to reduce the amount of pollen in your home, making life a little more comfortable seems obvious, but the simple step of keeping windows closed can make a ✓ Itworld of difference, especially in the bedroom which should help you to sleep more easily. A fan and an air purifier will make bedtime more comfortable, and for those who really suffer, consider investing in a two-in-one purifying fan such as Dyson Pure Cool, £399.99, which cools and removes pollutants at the same time.

To keep on top of pollen, vacuum floors and curtains every few days, and wash bedding and children’s soft toys as often as possible. When dusting, use a damp cloth instead of a dry one which can disperse dust and pollen into the air.

Online pet store www.mypetneedsthat.com recommends keeping a dog brush outside to groom your pet before they come in from the outdoors, and to additionally wash your pet’s paws in shallow warm water to prevent them from walking pollens into carpets and flooring.

If you are returning from outside, especially if you have been to a place where the pollen count is high, remember to shower as soon as you get home and change your clothes straight away.

Try using an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm such as HayMax. Sweep under your nose and around the sockets of your eyes, and it will trap over a third of the pollen grains before they enter the body. HayMax is priced £6.99 and is available from Holland & Barrett, Morrisons, Boots and chemists nationwide.

✓

✓ ✓

Feature Laura Higgins Main image Laura Ashley

✓

Laura’s choice ‘Take the worry out of keeping your food cool on a camping trip with Halfords’ 24 litre electric coolbox.

Running off a 12V power supply, it will keep the contents up to 18˚C cooler than the outside – while if it’s warmth you require, it will ensure food is kept up to 65˚C.’ 24 Litre 12V electric coolbox, £65, Halfords

Q&A How can I clean baby toys without using harsh chemicals?

Nimble’s range of plant-based cleaning products is designed specifically with babies in mind. Wipe away mess and kill germs without the worry of exposing little ones to potentially harmful chemicals. The Sticky Stopper, now available to buy in Boots, is proven to kill 99.9 per cent of germs and is great for cleaning sticky and greasy dirt from toys and play mats, as well as high chairs, floors, bibs and potties.

Nimble Sticky Stopper, £2.99 for 250ml, from Boots and www.nimblebabies.com

▲

is there a better way to serve a margarita than in a cactus glass?

What to look out for

cactus plastic glasses, £8 for two; pineapple drinks dispenser; pineapple fruit bowl, £18 each; pineapple plastic cup, £5; plastic faceted glasses, £20 for four; plastic tumblers, £10 for four; palm Tree plastic tumblers, £12 for four; palm Tree plastic wine glasses, £16 for four, all Next

This monTh Great buy

Cleaning sponge, £1, M&S

▲

palm prints and pretty pink flamingos are a must have for any summer soirée

The perfect pitcher and wine glass set for serving a tropical punch this summer

▲

made insta-famous by social media influencers @mrshinchhome and @lauracleanaholic, m&s’s cleaning sponge has seen a 100 per cent sales increase, with many stores selling out. if you manage to get your hands on one of the non-scratch sponges, use it to remove even the most stubborn dirt and grime for a spotless finish, including non-stick surfaces. The durable £1 sponge has even been given it’s own nickname, ‘markeh’, by @lauracleanaholic.

miami flamingo palm tumbler, £2.50; miami flamingo hi ball, £3, both Sainsbury’s Home

▲ keep track of which glass is yours with these kitsch accessories

pineapple jug, £12.50; wine glass, £3.50, both M&S

Tropical fiesta drinks markers, £12 for six, Talking Tables

We test... airbeds

Things We considered l Was it easy to pump up? l Did it stay inflated all night? l Was it comfortable?

We tried out inflatable beds, this is what we found… halfords doUBle flocked airBed, £24 This was a fairly basic double airbed which needed to be inflated with a pump but it did the job perfectly and inflated and deflated quite quickly. It was great for camping: thanks to its size it fitted neatly inside a tent, but was equally handy for accomodating overnight guests at home, even in a compact space. The flocked surface meant it wasn’t slippery or sweaty to sleep on and it stayed inflated all night. A great all-rounder at an affordable price.

Vango doUBle flocked airBed, £28 We tested this double bed on a kids’ sleepover on a busy weekday night – and had our fingers crossed it would inflate quickly and stay up all night. It more than lived up to expectations, inflating in a few minutes with an elecrtric pump, and felt supportive and sturdy. The next morning it hadn’t deflated, despite having been bounced on by excited children. This is great value for the price and ideal for putting up impromptu guests comfortably.

9/ 10

8/ 10 8/ 10 12

BesTWay dreamair premiUm airBed, £79.99, roBerT dyas This queen-size version was perfect for hosting guests in a small apartment for a few nights.

The built-in pump had it ready to use in a matter of minutes and it deflated quickly in the morning so the room could be returned to normal during the day. The flocked surface was comfortable and didn’t squeak or slip. The raised height was easy to get on and off and it stayed firm all night, resulting in happy, well-rested guests.

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

symple sTUff acTiVe era airBed, £83.99, Wayfair This king-size bed was very supportive, so great if you are using it for a few nights. It was a good height, making it easy to get in and out of, and the soft flock and intergrated pillow made it comfortable throughout the night.

The integrated pump inflated the bed in just three minutes, and it deflated quickly too. It came with a handy travel bag for easy storage after use.

9/ 10

THE A-Z OF DECORATING FROM

Anaglypta to Zoffany A N D E V E RY T H I N G I N B E T W E E N

DECORATING HOMES since 1904 Visit brewers.co.uk to ямБnd your local store

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING STAIRCASE WITH NO MESS, NO FUSS AND BEST OF ALL NO BUILDING WORK The Neville Johnson Sale* means renovating your staircase into an exquisite feature is much easier and less costly than you’d imagine. In just 1-2 days and with no building work, we will transform the heart of your home, and add value to your property with a stunning, handcrafted staircase.

All in a style to suit you and your budget.

GLASS, STEEL & TIMBER DESIGNS NO STAIRCASE TOO LARGE OR SMALL BRITISH DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP NO BUILDING WORK TYPICALLY INSTALLED IN 1-2 DAYS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE BUY NOW PAY IN 12 MONTHS**

Sale NOW ON

visit nevillejohnson.co.uk

for our latest brochure or call 0161 873 8333 *Sale discount applies to orders placed between 1/6/19 and 29/7/19. Minimum order value £2,000 +VAT. **Buy now pay in 12 months is available with an upfront 30% deposit. Finance is subject to status.

THE LATEST CONSUMER NEWS

Smart savings If you prefer the taste of bottled water, and buy a 500ml bottle daily, this not only has a big impact on the environment, but could add up to a cost of at least £10 per month. Get the taste without the waste by investing in a reusable water filter bottle such as Brita’s Fill and Go Vital, available at Argos and priced at around £15.

YH fab find

Feature Lisa Hibberd Image iStock

For a cashback site with a difference, take a look at www.kidstart.co.uk. Sign up and click through the site to shop at one of its 1,500 partners and the money you receive will be put towards your child’s savings.

For example, every time you buy from John Lewis & Partners, you’ll receive back 1.5 per cent of your spend, which you can then save into your chosen child savings account. You can also invite family and friends to link their accounts to yours.

Savvy cut the cost of ways to... travel insurance If it’s likely that you’ll be taking a few trips over a year, it’s worth considering annual travel insurance. You’ll pay a little more initially but will save in the long run. n Certain bank providers, such as Barclays and Natwest, include travel insurance along with certain bank accounts – usually the ones with a small annual cost. It’s worth contacting your bank and asking if you have access to travel insurance, and if not, what it would cost you to switch to an account that includes it. n Certain credit cards, such as some of the rewards cards with American Express, offer travel insurance as a benefit. If the travel insurance provided works for your trip and the items you are taking are covered, this could cut the cost of insurance completely. n You’ll never have to pay full price again for your travel insurance with TopCashback.co.uk. Plus, you can get up to £48.27 on travel insurance with providers such as Sainsbury’s bank, Virgin Money, Travel Supermarket and More Than. n Many people are unaware that some home and contents insurances will cover the cost of personal belongings when travelling. If your insurance provider offers this, you can then save by excluding the personal belongings cover on your travel insurance policy. n Use comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Sites such as MoneySuperMarket and Go Compare display a list of providers and their Source: AppliancesDirect.co.uk insurance policies and features available.

FACT FILE

Brits spend 7.45 hours tidying each week, with 1 in 3 saying that they are inspired by tidying guru Marie Kondo.

tech news If, like us, you’re a big fan of upcycling furniture and often use spray paint, you’ll find the new PlastiKote colour finder app a useful addition to your smartphone. Take a picture or import an image from Pinterest, and the easy-to-use app will find the nearest colour match in the PlastiKote range. You can also browse the colour palette, find tips and inspiration, and watch useful videos. It’s available on the App Store or Google Play, just search for PlastiKote.

›› www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

15

Start saving for your retirement by taking out a pension scheme designed to make later life easier

I

f you’ve yet to start putting into a pension, now’s the time to consider all the options. As well as the State Pension, which we all receive if we’ve been paying at least 30 years of National Insurance contributions, there’s also a wide choice of personal schemes including stakeholder and workplace pensions.

STAKEHOLDER PENSIONS

Feature Hayley Gilbert Image iStock

What are pension scams?

Marianne Baxter, Chippenham

When the new rules came out in April 2015 allowing you to take some or all of your pension as a lump sum, scams became more common. These are fake investments designed to con you out of your money. Visit www.pensionwise.gov.uk for tips on how to avoid them. If anyone calls you out of the blue to discuss your pension, it’s likely to be a scam so hang up.

16

August 2019

Provided through banks, building societies, insurance companies or where you work: n You make regular payments into a pension n Check that you can comfortably afford the fund and this is then invested in stocks and contributions each month, as there may be a shares to give you an income when you retire. minimum payment. n Ask your employer if their scheme is a n Ask if you have to commit to regular personal or occupational pension plan. payments or if you can vary how much and The benefits from each are different. when you’ll pay. n If choosing your own personal pension, n Check what charges you need to pay too compare products from different providers – these can include administration fees, transfer using a comparison website or the Money charges, costs for managing your investments Advice Service. and any penalties if you miss a payment or take n Ask for the ‘key facts document’ for each your pension early. These are deducted from pension plan you are considering – this your fund and will affect the amount of summarises all the important points. pension you receive.

WORKPLACE PENSIONS

These are another type of personal pension that need to meet certain conditions set by the government. l Can be a great option for those who need something more flexible, as they enable you to vary the amount you pay as well as when you make the payments. They also have capped charges and charge-free transfers. l Stakeholder pensions tend to offer a smaller range of funds and investment options than personal pensions and the value of investments can go up or down. l Some employers will offer these.

Q A

PERSONAL PENSIONS

WHEN YOU’RE SELF EMPLOYED

Your employer must now enroll you into their workplace pension if you are eligible: You won’t be covered by automati c 3It’s called automatic enrolment and you are enrolment so it’s important to make entitled to join within two months of starting sure you plan ahead for the future: work. Ask personnel or n Saving into a pension is a tax-efficien t the HR department way of making provision for your for information. retirement income.

3You are eligible n As well as the usual personal and Before making a if you aren’t stakeholder pensions, there are also decision, it’s best to get already in a self-invested personal pensions advice from an independent workplace (SIPPs), small self-administered pension, are financial advisor. You can schemes (SSAS) and Master Trusts. aged 22 or find one at www.fca.org.uk. over, are under Never sign anything until State Pension you fully understand age, earn more the T&Cs. than £10,000 a year and work in the UK. l The Pensions Advisory Service is an 3Contributions are taken independent organisation that offers directly out of your wages and your employer free information and advice at will also have to make contributions. www.pensionsadvisory 3Occupational schemes offer final salary service.org.uk. (increasing as your salary rises) or money l Compare different pension plans purchase schemes (based on the amount paid and work out how much you’ll need in and how the investments have performed). at www.moneyadviceservice.

3You can opt out but it’s worth doing as you org.uk. also get tax relief on your contributions. l Visit www.gov.uk for information on the basic State Pension.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

top tip

Useful contacts

SP O E FF C ERIAL !

“Your family will love

Crazy Golf!”

SPECIAL OFFER!

Reg. Price £19.99

20 OFF Now £15.99 %

If you quote Ref: YH11A

Have fun in the garden, on the grass or the patio, or indoors, with this superb new Crazy Golf set!

This high-quality, two-player set, suitable for both left handers and right handers, includes six obstacles, plus two children’s clubs and three ‘lightweight’ golf balls, meaning no broken windows!

Completely safe and brilliant fun! Ages 3 to 12.

Box size approx. 58cm x 32.5cm

Buy Now! Call 0844

848 2823

quote ref. YH11A to receive your 20% discount. or visit www.happypuzzle.co.uk/golf

the

Happy Puzzle Company

Send coupon to: ‘Crazy Golf’ Your Home Offer c/o THPC, PO Box 586, Elstree, Herts WD6 3XY

YH11A

Order Code: Item:

Qty Was

Now

BTGLF

1 x ‘Crazy Golf’ SAVE £4!

£19.99

£15.99

BTGLF

2 x ‘Crazy Golf’ SAVE £8!

£39.98

£31.98

Standard Delivery (approx. 7 to 10 days) Please note that offer code also discounts delivery charge by 20% (regular p and p £4.95) FREE UK delivery on orders over £50!

Next Day Delivery - Order before 2pm and receive your order on the next working day (excludes weekends and Bank Holidays)

Total

£3.95

£8.95

Grand Total Title

Initial

Surname

Address Postcode

Daytime Telephone Number

I enclose a cheque / postal order, payable to THPC

Value £

Or please debit my credit / debit card

“We absolutely love this.

It’s good old-fashioned fun in the garden! Great stuff!” ★★★★★

Michelle Johnson, Rotherham Remember to quote YH11A to get your SPECIAL OFFER price

Card No. Expiry Date Print Name

Valid From Date

Issue No.

Signature

3 Digit Security Code.

Date

The Happy Puzzle Company would like to permit carefully chosen third party companies to contact you with special offers from time to time. If you don’t wish to receive this information, please tick here

* Our 0844 numbers cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.

Offer ends 11.59pm 29th February 2020!

RATED 9.3 OUT OF 10 FROM OVER 14,500 REVIEWS!

Give plants a helping hand I

Extend the growing season by investing in a greenhouse or growhouse to protect precious plants

f you’re a keen gardener, you’ll know that keeping plants protected is vital to ensure they have all the TLC they need. Greenhouses are great for providing a good growing environment, but there are many different kinds to choose from, whether you want to raise seedlings, grow crops that prefer a warmer climate, overwinter tender plants, or cultivate those which need protection all year round. The best glazing material is glass as it transmits and holds more light, but if you don’t have the space or budget available for a full-size greenhouse, consider an alternative such as a cold frame, growhouse or polythene tunnel. We’ve gathered together a few suggestions to get you started.

If planting space is at a premium, this mini greenhouse could be the perfect solution. It’s made from pressuretreated timber resulting in a 15-year guarantee against rot and fungal damage. With two independently opening lids and double doors, you can control airflow and temperature easily. Inside are two shelves and the base is the perfect size for a standard growbag

Feature Lisa Hibberd

s

This elegant design has an aluminium framework and 4mm toughened glass panels, making it a hard-wearing choice. It’s easy to customise the inside with a range of optional extras such as staging and shelving Superior greenhouse in willow grey, £1,995, Harrod Horticultural

Plastic greenhouse, £45, B&Q

Forest mini greenhouse, £259.99, Wyevale Garden Centres

18

August 2019

This affordable growhouse will create the perfect conditions for seedlings, young plants and flowers. It comes complete with shelving and all the fixings you need

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

BUYER’S GUIDE s

Keep twine, labels and other essentials neat and tidy with this useful caddy in luscious lime green Greenhouse caddy, £21.95, Annabel James

If you aren’t lucky enough to have a large garden but would still like to grow your own, take a look at this compact cold frame which will fit easily on a small patio Lean-to cold frame, £159, Harrod Horticultural

Made from dark stained pine and a plexiglass top, this cold frame has a simple raised lid and a lower slatted shelf for extra storage space Latchmere raised cold frame, £140, Garden Trading

Grow a range of flowers, plants and vegetables in this handy mini greenhouse.

The cover features double-stitched seams for extra durability, and allows plenty of sunlight in while keeping plants protected from the elements

s

Garden Grow premium portable four-tier greenhouse, £24.99, Thompson & Morgan

A potting shed that doubles up as a greenhouse, this clever design is a great space-saver. It offers plenty of storage for tools and other gardening paraphernalia, as well as a styrene glazed area for your plants 8in x 6in tongue and groove potting shed wooden greenhouse, around £799.99, Waltons

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

19

Wear your heart on your windows.

Don’t just like your blinds.

Love them.

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

Decorating Fall stylishly into autumn with the season’s new trends

Mini trend:

Bauhaus 100 years on

This year marks the centenary of Bauhaus, the iconic German art school that had a profound impact on modern design. The key style it produced is minimalist with a focus on shape and colour, often using monochrome and bold primaries. Try this softer, more tranquil effect with pastel shades paired with effortless linear and geometric shapes.

Tyler circular coffee table, £95; Griffin lamp base, £25; Ema 200cm circular rug, £350; double floor lamp, £80, all habitat

Bauhaus desk lamp, £55, pagazzi Stockholm Spring crewelwork cushion, £12, sainsbury’s home

Feature emma Thompson

Freya wool lounge chair, £139, Cult Furniture

Clear winners…

Photograph Andrew wood © CiCo Books

Display your personality Learn how to curate your very own wall display with the help of Creative Walls by Geraldine James (£16.99, CiCo Books) which is out on 13th August. Filled with inspiring imagery showcasing groups of everything from framed prints and floral China plates to driftwood and taxidermy, the book provides helpful tips on selecting pieces and positioning them to their full potential for your very own unique statement wall.

Reader treat

Three lucky readers can win a copy of Creative Walls. To enter, send your name, address and contact details to Creative Walls Giveaway, Your Home, HBM UK, The Tower, Phoenix Square, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9HU by 31st August 2019.

if there’s one decorative accessory you should collect in abundance, it’s vases. sure, their main function is to serve as a home for fresh flowers but when there are no blooms around they can still be used to style up shelves for a beautiful display. Choose a variety of interesting shapes, colours and sizes and they’ll soon be your go-to finishing touch across your home.

Hedria woodrose vase, £30.75, The Taylor

Smoked glass apothecary bottle vase, £7.95, melody maison

Clematis mural wallpaper, £185 for a w210cm x h320cm panel, sian zeng

Botanical beauty Transform your room into a romantic, almost magical getaway by hanging this botanical wallpaper by Sian Zeng.

It features delicate clematis flowers descending gracefully from the ceiling, reaching for your everyday furniture as if a meeting of fantasy and reality. Available in white, pink or blue and with a solid bottom half that prevents the room from looking cluttered, this gorgeous design will instantly transform any space.

CheCk ouT our new deCorATinG pAGes AT www.yourhomemAGAzine.Co.uk In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

August 2019

21

Trend AlerT...

fresh

Layer a mix of patterns in one shade on walls and furnishings, adding a hint of a complementary hue for contrast Spotty Stripe Smoke wallcovering, £56 per roll; Rectangular headboard in Lapland Stripe Smoke, Duck Egg, Hay, £60 per m; Quilt in Gypsy Garland Smoke, £54 per m; cushion in Plain Smoke, £52 per m, all Vanessa Arbuthnott

Feature Laura Higgins

Give your home a lift with this season’s crisp new neutral…

Mint is a naturally uplifting colour that will instantly freshen up your décor, whether you are using it across walls and furnishings, or simply as an accent. In a room filled with natural light it will look especially fresh and airy. Mint complements so many other tones that you could think of it as a neutral, using it as a backdrop, or for key pieces of upholstery, such as sofas, curtains and head boards. Just remember to pick a dark or warm colour to ground the scheme, whether it’s a warm wood flooring, or black and charcoal-grey furniture. Metallic accents are a beautiful touch too, but opt for warm tones such as brass, copper or gold, to add richness. For a harmonious scheme, choose to layer mint with different shades of green, such as sage or emerald; blue hues with complementary tones, or add bright pops of colour for something more daring – magenta, coral, orange and red all work well. Sandy neutrals will create a calm scheme, while combining it with other pastels makes it a great choice too. The possibilities are endless.

Lifestyle Editor

Kick-start your scheme with a key piece of furniture such as a sofa or an upholstered bed Nimbus four-seater sofa in mint chunky cord, £1,599; Nimbus accent chair in mint chunky cord, £899, both DFS

Exposed matt emulsion; Fiji matt emulsion, both £38 per 2.5l; Prism mint wallpaper, £50 per roll, all Graham & Brown. Green lantern, £7.99, HomeSense.

Whitwell grey green cushion, £40, Laura Ashley

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE These oh-so-soft cushions will freshen up an existing sofa Mohair Green Mist cushion; Lambswool parquet Eucalyptus cushion, £49.95 each, both Bronte by Moon

Hints of charcoal will keep this look feeling contemporary

Don’t forget the finishing touches to complete your scheme

Savanna wire magazine rack, £32; Savanna cage easyfit pendant, £45; Nordic grey velvet throw, £80; Home Collection grey sheepskin cushion, £45; Nordic grey velvet cushion, £25; standing planter, £25; hanging planter, £16; Matilde duvet cover, £50 for a double; green velvet throw, £80; green velvet cushion, £25, all Debenhams

Newgate Holland Park clock in Mint Ice Cream, £50, Amara

If a full-on mint scheme is not for you, just add hints with accessories such as wall art and upholstery OMG dining chairs, £338 per pair; Tropical palm leaf rug, £259; Birdy pendant lamp, £69; Glimps extending dining table, £589, all Cuckooland

Expert Tips ‘Bring the outdoors in with a cool and delicate colour palette of botanical greens and inky blue hues.

Green in the home feels natural and fresh, promoting relaxation. Mix and match textiles, glass and ceramic accessories to create an eclectic union of mint green and smokey blues.

While tonal bed linen, such as our multicoloured Matilde set, is perfect for making a colour statement in the bedroom that feels calm and effortlessly modern.’

Sophia Ridley, Head of Design for Home, Debenhams August 2019

23

Jute round rug, £100; Melena small side table in cream, £119; Harrogate high back armchair in Edie mustard, from £699; Cole & Son Great Vine wallpaper in Leaf Green, £100 per roll; Emily double bedstead in Erin grey, £399; Aralia duvet set, £65 for a double; Anthropologie Augusta yellow throw, £78; West Elm Terrace large side table in antique brass, £299; West Elm Terrace small side table in antique brass, £150, all John Lewis & Partners

House Dice wall shelf in green, £169, John Lewis & Partners

Add colour where you wouldn’t normally expect it, such as on this green wall shelf

To add depth build up the look by using different shades of spearmint, adding darker greens as well as lighter, lemon-tinted shades

Spend vs Save Create a calming bedroom scheme Ciao bed in mint clever velvet, £945, Loaf

With hints of pink, peach and mustard, this rug will look striking against a dark wood floor Budapest rug in multi, from £160, John Lewis & Partners

Hayllar bed in mint green weave, £549,Made

24

Contrast a pop of coral against a backdrop of green tones Solid wood shutters with custom colour, from £399, Hillarys

August 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE

Paper perfection

Break away from the norm, and choose a pale green sofa as a statement piece in your living room

These wallpapers will inject colour as well as pattern

Devonshire two-seater sofa in Taluca Green, from £1,599, Parker Knoll

Barbican 112013 wallpaper, £39 per roll, Scion

Salice 111469 wallpaper, £58 per roll, Harlequin

This pendant light will provide a flash of colour above an island unit or dining table Kaelan pendant in matt pale green, £43.99, Dar Lighting

Pineapple Royale 216325 wallpaper, £62 per roll, Sanderson

This hint-of-mint carpet adds a subtle wash of colour to an otherwise neutral scheme, for a light and airy feel Soft Touch Saxony carpet in mint, £44.99 per sq m, Carpetright

Ebru 311008 wallpaper, £70 per roll, Zoffany

Aiyko 111918 wallpaper, £49 per roll, Scion Bark 110261 wallpaper, £43 per roll; Miro 130356 fabric, £37 per m, both Scion.

Corduroy cushion, £7, Dunelm. Green diamond cut vase, £5.99, HomeSense.

Hidey Hole (307) Absolute matt emulsion, £45 per 2.5l, Little Greene

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

25

Total Cost

ÂŁ3,961

A sophisticated yet casual scheme, complete with Scandi influences and durable natural finishes, ensures Lynsey and Michael’s new-look sun room works well for everyone, including the couple, their guests, and Jackson, the dog

26

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

GARDEN ROOM MAKEOVER

Now we have a light, bright, inviting space Lynsey Arnold transformed a neglected room into an airy, Scandi-style dining area, perfect for entertaining

W

hen Lynsey and her fiancé Michael first bought their compact two-bedroom home in Gloucestershire, they were delighted to inherit a generous sun room, complete with large windows, a vaulted ceiling and garden access.

However, despite its proximity to the main living area, it soon became nothing more than a glorified storage space and makeshift office. A year after moving in and having lived with the problematic cramped ground floor layout, the couple knew it was time to realise the potential of the neglected sun room and, in turn, increase their living space.

A comfy compact armchair, on permanent loan from the spare room, offers a quiet corner in which to sit, relax and take in garden views

Before

Good idea!

No space for planters? Try hanging them up. Lynsey crafted her retro holders from knotted lengths of string, but ready-woven hangers are available from Ikea – suspend them from a branch for added style.

STEP ONE

The first task was to rid the space of office paraphernalia.

‘As I often work from home, I couldn’t pack everything away,’ explains Lynsey, ‘so after a few failed attempts at incorporating an office downstairs, we eventually settled on the more permanent and peaceful setting of our under-used second bedroom.’ The couple then opted to free up much needed space in the living room by moving the dining table into the sun room. ‘We love entertaining family and friends, so the aim was to create a dedicated eating area that not only effectively doubled our available living space, but also improved links to the garden,’ says Lynsey.

STEP TwO

The couple’s initial plan was simply to refresh the room with a coat of paint, but it soon became apparent that the floor tiles had seen better days.

The vintage-inspired double pendant fitting was specifically chosen for its ability to allow soft pools of light to illuminate the entire surface of the new oak dining table

‘What’s more, they felt rather cold and definitely not in keeping with my vision of a welcoming, sociable space,’ says Lynsey.

As a fan of all things Scandi, Lynsey was keen to introduce a relaxing mix of neutral colours and natural materials. She

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

27

A rough-sawn painted cupboard not only helps add instant character, but also provides a handy store for crockery, linens and glassware

ROOmPLAn

3.1m

3.5m

The deTAiLs Paint

£117

Flooring

£839.88

Furniture

£1,895

Seating

£445

Pelmets & poles

STEP THREE Lynsey opted to keep the décor simple with Little Greene’s chalky French Grey on the walls. She then added warm wood tones with a new oak dining table and bench.

‘They weren’t cheap, but I wanted a quality product that would stand the test of time, and we recouped funds by teaming them with our existing chairs,’ she says. In fact, repurposing items from around their home has served the couple well, including a cosy armchair – found languishing in the spare bedroom – and a handy pouffe. However, it was back to the high street for the striking metal light that now hangs above the table.

Good idea!

TOTAL

Hard-wearing, engineered timber flooring is far less likely to move or warp than solid wood, making it a prime candidate for sunny rooms, where temperatures can vary.

STEP FOuR Sheepskin rugs and linen pelmets, all hand sewn by Lynsey, add extra warmth and texture to the scheme and, as Lynsey points out, ‘they create a more intimate atmosphere when entertaining.’ Lush green foliage in the form of numerous planters help instil that must-have indoor-outdoor vibe. However, now that the room is complete, it is the quirky table lamp, donated by Michael’s mum, that tends to be a talking point when gathering with family or friends – in what is now a calm, relaxing space, perfect for socialising or simply taking time to enjoy the garden, whatever the weather. YH

3 of the best... plant stands £45 from Made

The Ariba planter will give your home a quick botanical update with a bold and eye-catching colour scheme.

Add a touch of rustic charm to your home with this set of two raised planters, with distressed steel stands and a textured green finish.

£185 from Nordic Mood

28

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£3,961.38

Shopping list Walls: French Grey intelligent matt emulsion, from £50 per 2.5l; woodwork: French Grey intelligent eggshell, from £31 per litre, both Little Greene. Brooklyn Pebble Herringbone engineered oiled oak flooring, £69.99 per sq m, direct Wood Flooring. Istra 3.1m wide-width linen, £110 per m, Romo.

Matt white curtain poles, from £25 each, dunelm. Arundel oak dining table, £1,485; and bench, £445, both neptune. Farmer cabinet, £329, Cuckooland. Vintage-style double pendant, £295, Bonds Lifestyle.

Raleigh side table, £81, Perch & Parrow.

Ihallig place mats, £4 each; 365+ plates, £2.50 each; Intagande green tumblers, £1.75 each; Fejka artificial potted plants, £4 for a pack of three; Kaffebona bamboo plant pots, from £3.50 each; Chiafron ceramic plant pots, from £3 each; Vindflakt gold planter with stand, £25; Bittergurka watering can, £8, all ikea. Tall black plant stand, £55, next. Rare breed sheepskin rugs, £95 each, eBay. Havana green ticking stripe vase, £12, sainsbury’s. Taupe Linen ribbon with frayed edges, £4.50 per 3m roll, not On The high street.

£185

£45

£49.99 from The Farthing

These Vivi plant stands, available in a range of sizes, are created from natural rattan with sophisticated black powder-coated steel legs.

£295

£49.99

Styling Jo Rigg Words Paula Woods Photos Lizzie Orme

persuaded Michael to invest in timber flooring and together they chose an oak parquet that offered both practicality and style. ‘Removing the tiles proved a nightmare and we had to hire a builder to level out the concrete sub floor,’ she recalls. However, Lynsey is adamant that the resulting finish was worth the effort.

Lighting

£369.50

Beautiful

...starts with a Moduleo floor When you re creating the perfect space, Moduleo is the place to start.

Continually inspired by the latest trends, design and performance we offer beautiful, practical and durable floors to enhance every room.

With new colours and designs available, each reflecting the distinctive textures of nature, let us exceed your every expectation.

Discover more at moduleo.co.uk/beautiful

THE WAY YOU LIVE INSPIRES US TO CREATE

Total Cost

£4,931

Franka loves relaxing in her stylish sun room thanks to a new colour scheme, comfy sofas and fresh indoor plants

We created the chic orangery of our dreams Franka Johnston recycled, upcycled and bagged tons of bargains to create the industrial-chic room she’d always wanted 30

August 2019

F

ranka Johnston, 29, moved into her three-bedroom home in Bury St Edmunds with husband Daniel and their 18-month-old son Hudson over two years ago, and the large garden and beautiful sun room were the biggest draws of the house. ‘I loved the open aspect of the room, with its high windows and wooden beams – the views into the garden

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

really grabbed my eye,’ she explains.

‘However, since we moved in, we’d forgotten what we loved about it. It had lost its purpose and was filled with clutter.’

With summer on the way, Franka wanted to breathe life and light back into the room to make it a space that they could all enjoy in the evenings. She wanted to ensure they could make the most of the stunning

Good idea!

GARDEN ROOM MAKEOVER

A large rug will help keep the noise level down on stone floors and add warmth during the winter months.

Sun rooms and conservatories can be cold, so adding a modern wood-burner keeps the room warm during the cooler months. The large wall clock adds impact to the brick wall and a comfy leather chair is the perfect place to relax A glass display cabinet provides a safe place to display the couple’s treasured trinkets, including some old photographic equipment and a vintage typewriter that was featured at their wedding

Before views, while relaxing in an environment that didn’t feel dated or cluttered.

STEP ONE The first thing the couple did was give the room a deep clean as it was looking a little worse for wear. ‘The wooden window frames were dusty and the brickwork looked awful,’ explains Franka. ‘The room needed a

spring clean before we could actually make any changes or improvements.’

Reflecting on this while cleaning, the couple realised that the existing logburner was ineffective due to its size, leading to the space often feeling chilly.

It was far from the cosy, usable space that the family desired. ‘I also wanted to turn the brick wall into a focal point, and decided that if there was any way we could install a new wood-burner within our budget it would not only give the room some warmth in the colder months but add style, too,’ she explains.

The couple contacted local company Opulence Stoves who visited the house to chat through the different designs. ‘I picked one that looked modern and would add impact without overpowering the space,’ adds Franka.

The couple were conscious of their budget

but managed to purchase an ex-display model from the company at half price, saving them money without losing style.

STEP TwO With the main focal point of the room sorted and having decided against dressing the windows with fabric so as to not spoil the garden views, Franka turned her attention to seating.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

31

Good idea!

rOOmPLAn

Adding lots of plants to frame the windows stops the room looking sparse and cold.

3.8m

5.1m

ThE dETAiLS Stove

£3,405

Sofa fabric

£896

Plants

£300

Rug

£230

Unit and trolley

£100

£4,931

TOTAL Rustic plant pots are the key to the evergreen feel in Franka’s sun room

STEP THREE Franka enjoys finding a bargain, so hunted out some online buys to stamp her style on the room. ‘I picked up the tall doctor’s cabinet at a local auction house,’ she explains, ‘and the old chest was found at the local tip.

I’ve even used an old step ladder as a side table – I will always re-purpose everything I can in our home!’ smiles Franka.

STEP FOUR Because the brick and

woodwork provided prominent colours, Franka decided to accessorise the sofa with lots of burnt orange, terracotta and dusky pink cushions and throws from Dunelm and Next. Finally, it was time to add some greenery. ‘As a sun room, we wanted this space to be an extension of the garden,’ Franka explains. ‘I wanted to put as many plants in as possible, so visited my local Wyevale Garden Centre.

After speaking to the indoor plant expert, I was able to make some great choices on which ones would thrive in the room.’

Franka filled old terracotta pots with the plants and repurposed an old rustic trolley into an eyecatching plant shelf. ‘I couldn’t be prouder of the room,’ says Franka.

Piazzetta E929 D-H wood burning stove, £3,405 (ex-display), Opulence Stoves. Sulis fabric in Charcoal and French Grey, both £56.50 per m, romo. Aztec flatweave rug, from £45; Ogee pattern cushion, £14; tufted pompom cushion, £20; metallic geo cushion, £16; lazy days sign, £14; shatter-proof metallic animal-print high ball glasses, £20 for four; ikat melamine plates, £16 for four; bowls, £16 for four; pink woven throw, £25, all next. Clock, similar to The Giant Electric, £300, newgate. Tall cabinet, similar to Fabrikor cabinet, £140, ikea. Cinnabar terracotta camel cushion, £14; elephant natural cushion, £12; llama cushion, £12; orange throw, £25, all dunelm.

Plants, from a selection, Wyevale Garden Centre. Trolley and wooden accessories, from eBay, local selling sites and vintage shops

‘We made the space what we wanted, on a reasonable budget – it’s now the perfect room for relaxing after work or chilling out with the family at the weekend. I just need to make sure that I don’t forget to water all the new arrivals!’ YH

3 of the best... graphic cushions £50 from Sweetpea & Willow

£70

The fabulous Lamu Cushion from Elizabeth Scarlett is a beautiful embroidered piece which will make a stylish accent for any home.

£70 from Maison Margot

The Zambezi design is inspired by Emma J Shipley’s travels to Botswana and features a fantastical elephant design on a peach base.

£71.95 from Wanderlost & Found

Featuring a vivid monochrome image captured in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, the Aviary² square pillow will brighten up any space.

32

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£50

£71.95

Feature and styling Zoe Bishop Photos Lizzie Orme

‘I’d inherited two old sofas from a family member, but they looked a little threadbare,’ she explains. ‘Structurally, however, they were still comfy and sturdy.

I searched for the perfect fabric and found some soft grey and charcoal linen at Romo Fabrics. I couldn’t decide which one I liked best, so went with both – one for each sofa.’ Franka then found a local upholsterer who was still training, so was able to cover both pieces for a very affordable fee.

The finished results look classy and expensive, but as they are upcycled, came in at a fraction of the normal cost.

Shopping list

HOME

|

OUTDOOR

|

LIGHTING

g a rd en trad ing.co.uk info@gardentrading.co.uk | 01993 845559

We now have our very own chill-out zone

Total Cost

£4,100

Michelle had a wooden retreat created to give her family another space to work, rest and play

W

ith two growing sons, Michelle Vanlint, 47, and her husband Neill wanted to create a usable indoor space at the bottom of their garden.

‘We moved here before having the boys,’ explains Michelle, ‘but now Miles, 17 and Louis, 15, both need their own space.’

The family decided that a garden room might be the perfect solution, so had a local company, London Garden Rooms, come round to talk about designs.

Good idea!

Opt for space-saving nesting tables that provide extra surfaces for impromptu guests without taking up too much room.

‘They suggested going full width across the garden with a patio area set at an angle,’ recalls Michelle. The designer also suggested cladding the room with cedar wood because it has a warm honey tone that would complement the garden perfectly.

With the building work set to begin, Michelle started thinking about decoration.

‘I wanted it to be a relaxing area for friends and family that could also be used for overnight stays,’ she explains.

The L-shaped sofa converts into a comfy double bed and has plenty of storage space too

Before

The small kitchen area ensures a well-equipped space for entertaining, so there’s no need for Michelle to dash back to the house for extra supplies

3

xxxxxxxx MAKEOVER

Michelle dots extra seating around the room when she’s entertaining

Michelle and her family make the most of their retreat and enjoy the view all year round

STEP ONE

High on the list of must-haves was the installation of running water so that Michelle wouldn’t have to keep dashing back into the house whenever she wanted to make a cup of tea. ‘It was important to all of us to have a self-contained garden room that would provide not only a living area (with a sofa bed for overnight stays), but also a bathroom and small kitchenette,’ she says. Providing an area for guests to sleep was vital – Michelle and Neill often have family from overseas to stay, and their sons love to escape with their friends at the weekend. ‘I wanted the boys to have their own space at the end of the garden to chill out in,’ adds Michelle, ‘that way I know they’re safe at home, instead of out roaming the streets.’

Once the structure of the room was designed, Michelle started to consider the colour scheme. She began by taking inspiration from the garden with a vivid green to paint the walls.

‘I wanted something bright and cheerful that felt like an extension of the garden,’ she explains. The next job to tackle was the flooring.

Wanting something practical, Michelle looked at solid wood to help insulate and keep the building feeling warm and cosy. ‘I chose oak to make it feel homely,’ she adds, ‘plus, it’s so hardwearing.’ Next, Michelle looked at incorporating a compact kitchen area.

‘I contacted G&C Kitchens and Bedrooms,’ she says, ‘who suggested a small run of units in a light-reflecting white gloss to hide away all the essentials.’ www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

35

rOOmpLAN Michelle adds plenty of storage solutions, including a grey gloss unit and wooden chests, to keep the space as tidy as possible 2.8m

8m

ThE dETAiLs Paint

£24

Flooring

£1,740

Kitchen units & appliances£849 Furniture

Adding lots of scented candles and planters to the room keeps it looking fresh and smelling fragrant all year round.

STEP TWO Next up on the shopping list was furniture. ‘The room is quite small so it needed multifunctional pieces that would work extra hard,’ Michelle explains. While out looking for sofa beds, the family spotted an L-shaped design in IKEA that would work perfectly.

‘I was originally looking for a small sofa bed,’ Michelle recalls, ‘but this bigger version fits the room perfectly – and it has storage space inside, too.’ With the addition of plenty of patterned cushions, Michelle made it look cosy and welcoming.

The nesting tables were her next great buy, contrasting well with the green colour scheme and offering extra surface space.

‘I also wanted some outdoor furniture for the lawn,’ recalls Michelle, ‘and I

couldn’t resist the green bistro set from HomeSense. It’s perfect for eating outside when the sun comes out.’ Some tropical print cushions further brighten up the chairs and make them extra comfy.

STEP THREE For a super-relaxing ambience, Michelle scattered lots of scented candles around the space, then added a mixture of real and artificial flowers and plants to freshen up the room. The large sliding doors let in huge amounts of natural light, meaning the retreat feels bright and invigorating all year round. ‘We love how the room looks from the outside and in,’ smiles Michelle.

‘It’s enhanced the garden no end and now we get to enjoy it, come rain or shine.’ YH

3 of the best... candle lanterns £31 from Abode Living

The simple Nordic style of the Ova Bamboo lantern will add atmosphere to an traditional or contemporary home and garden setting.

£31

Carry on the summer festivities after sunset with this Bloomingville glass candle lantern, perfect for lighting up a table or patio.

£85 from Beaumonde

36

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£205

Radiator

£198

TOTAL

£35

£4,100

Shopping list GoodHome walls & ceilings Cabra Silk emulsion, £12 for 2.5l, B&Q. Sunset oak flooring, £57.99 per metre, Quick-step. TV unit, now discontinued, similar to Besta bench with drawers, £135; Friheten corner sofa bed, £450; Radviken armchair, £125; Grandboda nest of tables, £50 for a nest of three; Skurup floor lamp, £40; Sinnesro lantern, £7; Borrby lantern, £7; Sinnlig candle, £1.25; potted Areca palm plant, £20; Kaffebona plant pot, £18; Skarvfro cushion, £4; Turill cushion, £1.25; Rodplister cushion, £7, all iKEA. The Luggage wall clock, £60, Newgate. Diamond weave rug, £79.95, sisal & seagrass. Hanging round mirror, £33.99; Buxus hanging ivy plant in pot, £25.99; Fern plant in pot, £21.99; Rea side table, £49.99; Indira tassel throw, £33.99; zig zag throw, £25.99, all Wayfair. Clean Slate tall pillar jar candle, £25; Clean Slate jar candle, £10; Persian Lime jar candle, £10; Amber Noir reed diffuser, £12; grey glass tealight holder, £12, all shearer Candles. Pattered bowls, £4 for two; fruit-print cushions, £8 each; patterned plates, £4; tumblers, £5 for four; vase with faux flowers, £3.50, all primark. Abigail Ahern Ostrich lamp, £85, debenhams. Evoke steel blue pyramid kettle, £99.99, morphy richards.

Grey armchair, £125; leaf cushion, £12.99, both homesense. Forest in fog print, £21.95; black frame, £22.95, both desenio. White gloss kitchen units, £750, G&C Kitchens and Bedrooms.

Green bistro set, £199, pinestore & more.

Monterey electric heater, £198, dimplex. Fixed downlighters, £7.99, homebase. Faux cheese plant in pot, £18.75, Argos

£85

£35 from Hurn & Hurn

This grey ceramic lantern will instantly update your room and help create the perfect ambiance when filled with a lit candle.

Lighting

Feature and styling Emma Fishman Photos Lizzie Orme

Good idea!

£1,084

Make

Geo Squares cotton mix bedding set, from £18 for a single, Argos Home

your bed Luxe linens are the key to a beautiful bedroom – and a proper night’s sleep

Get up and Geo This Scandi-influenced colourblocked geometric pattern is the striking springboard you need to create an ultra-cool, modern scheme

Feature Emma Thompson

Lisbon Living ceramic planter, £14, Sainsbury’s Home

Offline bulb desk lamp, £18, George Home Offline geo mono cushion, £6, George Home

Happy days Create a refreshing retro look with bright pops of teal and yellow for mood-boosting mornings.

Clean, Scandi-style accessories add a sense of calm Extra large ceramic bottle vase with blue stripe, £33, Gisela Graham

Newstalgia reversible retro polycotton duvet set, from £12 for a single, Wilko

Abstract line teal and grey print, from £7.95, Abstract House Yellow custard cream cushion, from £32, NikkiMcWilliams on Etsy

38

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

DECORATING IDEAS

Good morning, sunshine

Top tip ‘Easy care bedding is perfect for renters and homeowners alike. It’s available in a range of patterns and styles all designed with quick-drying technology.’

Katie Traill, Senior Design Manager, George Home

Bedding as cheerful as this summery yellow sunflower design can only lead to waking up with an optimistic start to the day

Bees cushion, £38, Red Candy

Yellow sunflower print easy care cotton mix duvet set, from £10 for a single, George Home

Botanical leaves print, from £7.95, Mode Prints

Pompom belly basket, £29, The Find Store

Old-schOOl rOmance Giovanna Fletcher Whimsical floral cotton mix duvet cover set, from £30 for a single, Next (online only)

With a gorgeous floral repeat on pale grey, this design is the perfect balance of vintage and contemporary. We love this rustic styling but it would work in almost any scheme Artificial trailing ivy, £17.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

Rustic metal candle lantern, £18.95, Melody Maison

Fox & Ivy faux leather handle mirror, £15, Tesco

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

39

DECORATING IDEAS

Nearly Neutral

Oriental Crane cotton duvet cover set, from £40 for a single, Fat Face

If you like to switch up your look frequently, build a scheme of natural colours for an easy backdrop to complement any bedding Toba tall rattan planter, £45, Artisanti

Wonderland bell jar light, £35, George Home

Woven stripe cushion, £15, B&Q

Sweet dreams

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a sugary sweet scheme of ice-cream tones and cute decorations. This delicate-print bedding completes the look

Dipped tassel garland, £23, Bobby Rabbit

Extravagance super soft rug, from £39.99, Very

Fascination bulb desk lamp, £18, George Home

40

August 2019

Pink ginkgo leaf cotton mix duvet set, from £15 for a single, Tesco Home

Primary attraction Worried about pulling together a cohesive colour scheme? Stick to the iconic trio of red, yellow and blue with grey as a neutral – it’s easy peasy and looks super creative

Ingvar multicoloured reversible cotton mix duvet set, from £25 for a single, Debenhams

Navy monstera leaf print, from £7.95, Mode Prints Lizzie orange metal desk lamp, £25, Habitat

Woood Sammie FSC pine bedside table, £89, Cuckooland

Hollyhock meadow cotton duvet cover, from £55 for a single, Joules

Fresh Florals This flower-illustrated bedding finished with piping has a youthful yet sophisticated look.

Pare back accessories to give your bed the spotlight it deserves Rope door stop, £4.99, B&M

Coy plant pot, from £9.50, Red Candy Natural rattan flower wall mirror, £26.95, Melody Maison

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

41

Woven animal heads, from £38 each, Bohemia

Strong bamboo can be bent into beautiful shapes such as this starburst mirror

s

Handmade in Morocco from natural halfah grass, these quirky faux trophy heads have all the style without the need for hunting

Dane and bamboo mirror, £65, Abode Living

Berber rugs are traditionally made with sheep’s wool. This affordable cotton yarn version will look fantastic with almost any style of décor s

Hubsch Berber-style cotton rug, from £65, The Find Store

Chic vegan style Feature Emma Thompson

How to decorate for a stylish and compassionate home

O

ur homes are an extension of ourselves and we want them to be a space where we feel completely at ease. While we know vegetarians steer clear of leather and suede, vegans avoid using all animal-derived materials, including in their home décor choices. It might surprise

42

August 2019

you to learn how many day-to-day materials this sets off limits. So whether you’re an animal lover who’s redecorating, or you’re interested in knowing which materials are in your furnishings, read on for our pick of beautiful vegan-friendly homeware and tips for shopping consciously.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

DECORATING IDEAS s

Swap out wool for a veganfriendly acrylic or cotton yarn.

Check the filling isn’t feather – this pouffe uses polyester Pink cotton pouffe, £39, George Home

In its natural form bamboo is a fantastic vegan and eco-friendly material that can be used for furniture and processed to make soft yet durable textiles

s

Bamboo stool, £37.55, The Farthing

s This versatile seat or side table is handmade in the UK from reclaimed scaffolding boards Mini bench, £85, Vincent Trading

Organic cotton bedding, from £110 for a double set, Square Flower

s Linen is a plant-based and sustainable textile that will withstand years of use

s

Many vegans opt for organic cotton because traditional production often uses chemicals that harm ecosystems

Firera linen waffle blanket, from £55, Wearth London

Soy is a healthier choice for candles as it produces less black soot, especially when paired with essential oils Hedgerow neroli, rose and basil soy wax scented candle, from £15, Join

s With super-detailed embroidery and made from a vegan cotton and linen blend, how can you spend another day without these cute cushions?

Funky racoon and zebra cushion covers, £29.99 each, Vegan Haven

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

43

Bolga fans, from £28 each, Lola & Mawu

Cotton and polyester cushions, such as these, come in so many stylish designs and are fantastic finishing touches Cushions, from £9 each, B&Q

s These patterned fans are woven from 100 per cent straw – and the traditional leather handles have been left off to make them vegan friendly

s

We will be reusing this soy candle’s galvanised metal tin as stylish storage Paddywax thyme and olive leaf soy wax scented candle, £23, Hurn & Hurn

s

If you want the look and performance of leather without using animal products, PU-coated fabrics are a great lookalike at a fraction of the cost Stocksund sofa in Järstad antique-effect coated fabric, £495, IKEA

Terracotta plant pot, from £2, Scaramanga

s Handmade from nothing but recycled plastic bottles, this wool-feel rug helps prevent sea life being harmed by plastic pollution Kasbah Smoke rug, from £138, Weaver Green

s

Some glazes may contain shellac, a resin made from insects. Luckily, bare terracotta looks beautiful!

44

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

merciful materials

s

Mirrors are a must-have in every room – this one has a bamboo frame and a faux-leather strap

If you want a stylish vegan-friendly scheme, first find out which materials to look out for with these tips from Jenny Mason, Owner of Vegan Haven www.veganhaven.co.uk

Idyllic large wall mirror, £53, Hurn & Hurn

s

Cork is one of the most sustainable plant-based materials available – we love this minimalist design

s With notes of cream, cedar and sandalwood, this vegan-friendly candle smells divine Patchouli Sweetgrass soy wax scented candle, £21.95, Hurn & Hurn

Zuvier cork wall clock, £49, Cuckooland

s

If you’re building an industrial scheme, you’ll love this chic mag storage rack Black metal and faux-leather magazine rack, £30, Gisela Graham

Söderhamn sustainable cotton-mix three-seat sofa in Finnsta white, £510; Flådis sustainable seagrass basket, £13; Fado table lamp, £12; Industrial terracotta vase, £18; Vårkrage polyester throw, £4; Sanela golden cotton-velvet cushion cover, £6, all IKEA

Our aim is to provide you with a stylish and ethical lifestyle in line with our simple motto ‘live compassionately’. We’re committed to not using anything animalbased in our products, which only feels natural to us. If you’d like to extend ethical choices beyond the boundaries of your fridge, here are the materials to avoid and several great alternatives: l Keep a keen eye on soft furnishing labels, as silk can often be a small percentage of the composition in upholstery, rugs and bedding. Alternatively, silk-like viscose is a fibre manufactured from wood pulp that’s cruelty-free and affordable. l Wool from animals such as sheep, alpacas, bison, rabbits, goats and llamas covers a broad range of uses including carpets and upholstery but there’s nothing luxurious about its harvest. There are many kinder alternatives such as organic cotton, Tencel, flannel and polyester fleece. l Be sure to read the labels of downbased pillows, cushions and mattresses before buying. Nowadays, manmade ‘performance’ materials, such as memory foam, are more likely to give you a better-quality night’s sleep. l There are many incredible alternatives to fur and some of these are so convincing that it can be difficult to tell the difference.

We sell a huge amount of certified-vegan fur so you can shop with confidence. l Leather production is extremely harmful to the environment, but there are plenty of alternatives and clever initiatives available, such as Piñatex – a soft, lightweight and durable non-woven textile made from pineapple leaf fibre.

s

Wall hangings add texture and interest – use plant-based materials rather than wool for a vegan option

s Velvet can sometimes contain a small amount of silk so it’s worth checking the label

Palm leaf 120cm x 150cm wall decoration, £53, Hilary and Flo

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

45

Remarkable Television is on the hunt for more couples to take part in the next series of BBC TWO’s Your Home Made Perfect.

Are you stuck in a house that doesn’t fit your needs and is affecting your daily life? Are you and your partner desperate to transform your home but simply cannot agree how?

Imagine seeing our architects’ extraordinary solutions to your home in stunning visual effects - before deciding which to build in real life.

If you have a budget set aside and need help creating a magnificent new home in 2020, please register your interest by sending your name, contact number and a brief outline of your project to: house@remarkable.tv Any personal information that you provide as part of this process will be used by Endemol Shine UK Limited t/a Remarkable Television to select potential contributors for the project and (if you do take part) in the production and exploitation of the project. Full details about how your information will be used can be found here: https://www.endemolshineuk.com/ contributor-talent-privacy-notice/

Kitchens &BATHROOMS

Weave your way into this month’s top trends

Splash with dash If a uniform look just isn’t for you, then Gemini Tiles has the answer. New to its summer 2019 range, the Arles collection has everything you need to get experimental with pattern, tone and texture. With 12 designs included for each colour, you’ll have the choice of a whopping 36 patterns, as well as four plain tiles, all in a classic subway-style shape. The soft shades include Snow, Silver, Sea, Forest and Cream, with mixed packs also available which include a delicate assortment of Mediterranean-inspired designs; from £34.99 per square metre. To see the full collection, head to www.ctdtiles.co.uk.

Dream weaver

When it comes to adding texture to your bathroom, storage baskets are the way to go. Creating an eye-catching contrast against a bathroom’s smooth porcelain, these natural-coloured seagrassblend baskets from Zara Home are a great way to display and store your loo rolls, towels and other toiletries; you could even use them as planters, just be sure to line them first!

Priced from £9.99, find out more at www.zarahome.com.

Va va vibrant

Feature Matilda bourne

Pick of the day

Inspired by her Mexican travels, designer Georgia bosson’s new plywood trays are putting the fiesta into your food. Screen-printed by hand in her bermondsey studio, each design is influenced by the breathtaking churches, colours, and landscapes of this vibrant country.

Choose from three striking geometric designs, each one a vision of pink, aquamarine and navy shades, in three handy stackable sizes.

They’re perfect for serving up your summer drinks in style! priced from £48, visit www.georgiabosson.co.uk to find out more.

The sun is shining, the lemonade is on ice and the countryside is bursting with berries – it must be August! To celebrate the height of the fruit season, our favourite kitsch designer, Cath Kidston has launched a new homeware and clothing collection celebrating Britain’s best picks. The Wild Strawberry collection features a juicy new design, complete with a sprinkling of wild flora and fauna for good measure! We love the collection’s outdoor dining sets, they’ll perk up our bank holiday barbecue gatherings. Items start from £6; www.cathkidston.com.

Wild Strawberry melamine bowl, £7; plastic water jug, £18; glass water bottle, £18, all Cath kidston

vISIT WWW.yourhoMeMAGAzINe.Co.uk For More kITCheN & bAThrooM INSpIrATIoN www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

47

s

Team an affordable white metro tile with a fresh coat of paint on the walls for a modern and practical update

Feature Alice Butler

Regal Select Flat paints in Louisburg Green and Atrium White, from £21.50 for 0.94l, Benjamin Moore. Similar white metro tiles, £19.50 per sq m, Topps Tiles

BooST your huB’S

surface appeal Ensure your worktop and splashback steal the show with our pick of the latest stylish and practical designs

W

hen planning or updating your kitchen, choosing the right materials for your worktop and splashback is a key consideration. They need to be practical, hard-wearing and stylish – complementing the cabinetry and flooring and even providing a focal point. From luxury granite and marble to mid-price solid surfaces and affordable laminate lookalikes there is a huge choice of surfaces on the market and the good news is there’s a price point to suit everyone. s

Mix it up with a blend of quartz and solid wood worktops, textured split-face tiles and pale-green cabinetry Simply Burbidge Barnes kitchen in painted Alabaster and Soft Moss, from £7,500, Burbidge

48

August 2019

Top tip

‘When mixing finishes it’s important to think about tone. Combining complementary paint and material finishes across worktops and cabinetry will create points of difference that draw the eye.’

Joanne Emery, Marketing Manager, Burbidge

Compact laminates are hard-wearing plus heat, scratch and chemical-resistant. The core can be a contrasting white, grey or black which, when it’s cut or when drainer grooves are added, allows you to create a unique feature in your kitchen

s

True Handleless kitchen in Richmond Pebble Grey, from £1,824 for an eight-unit kitchen; Apollo compact laminate in White Peak, from £328 for a 3050mm x 645mm x 12.5mm piece, all Benchmarx Kitchens

KITCHEN IDEAS

Top tip ‘Thin profile worktops are a key trend this year. They’re ideal if you want a fresh, contemporary look plus they can help lift a design by adding an eyecatching but unshowy feature.’

Julia Trendell, Design Expert, Benchmarx Kitchens

s Unlike many solid surface worktops which have to be made to order and specially fitted, lightweight Maxtop can be bought off the shelf and is easy to install on site, reducing cost, order and installation time Alba worktop, £100 per linear m, Maxtop Quartz

This solid-surface Minerva worktop features dark blue and crystal-like particles to tone with the cabinets. Take your pick from Magnet Create’s 20 paint-to-order kitchen colours s

Integra Dunham kitchen in Midnight & Seagrass, from £4,507, Magnet

If you’re after a grout-free, heat-proof, easy-to-clean splashback, this aluminium design ticks all the boxes. It’s also available in a range of colours to suit your design s

Petrol blue splashback, from £109.00 for a 900mm x 600mm or 900mm x 800mm panel, Alusplash

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

49

Top tip

s Add interest with a patterned splashback.

These gloss tiles come in a range of crisp colours including a deep blue and rose pink Poitiers tiles in mint green, £49.99 per sq m, Gemini Tiles

‘Tiles are the perfect way to add a statement finish to your splashback. Arrange them in a herringbone pattern to create a truly individual look.’

Amanda Telford, Marketing Manager, Gemini Tiles

s For luxury on a budget, opt for an affordable marble-lookalike laminate Calcutta laminate, from £120 for 3m x 600mm x 38mm, Worktop Express

A block of patterned tiles makes a pretty and practical foil for the dark tones in this kitchen cabinetry Moroccan Impressions Joya tiles, £48 per sq m, Ca’ Pietra

s Add character and style by pairing a white Corian worksurface with a green laminate splashback and beautiful wood tones Barrington Road kitchen, from £10,000, Pluck Kitchens

50

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

This reversible laminate splashback – one side barrel-aged herringbone and the other a salvaged wood effect – is a practical way to fill the space between worktop and cabinetry s

A waterfall design will give your hub a modern focal point

Herringbone splashback, £199 for 3m x 600mm x 9mm, Worktop Express

Marquina Silestone worktop, available as part of a Showroom kitchen, from £1,678, Wickes

Top tip

s

Made of strong particleboard covered in a layer of hard-wearing oak, this design is good if you want to minimise your impact on the environment. Each unique worktop has a varied grain that can be sanded and surface treated for a rustic finish

‘Laminate splashbacks are made from the same high-quality fibreboard core as our worktops.

They are water-resistant and easy to cut and install.’

Tahnee Miles, Merchandising Manager, Worktop Express

Skogsga worktop, £150 for 186 x 3.8cm, IKEA

Which worktop is for you?

Do you know your quartz from your Corian? Find out which material is right for your design and budget with this expert guide by Raman Judge, Category Manager for Showroom Kitchens at Wickes: With such a wide selection of worktops to choose from, it’s important to take your time and think about factors such as design, price and durability. l Solid Surface Offering a super-contemporary look, these worktops are growing in popularity and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Made from a blend of mineral dust and resin, they can be moulded to give a seamless, join-free finish and can incorporate curves and integrated sinks. Brands include Corian by DuPont, Apollo Magna or Slab Tech. All Wickes solid surfaces are made to measure and fitted by specialist installers. From approx £300 per linear metre. l Stone effect If you want to mimic the look and feel of high-end granite, opt for engineered stone quartz. Comprised of around 95 per cent natural quartz and resin, a wide variety of colours and looks are available including metallic and glass-flecked finishes. Popular brands to look out for are Silestone, Apollo, Caesarstone and Maxtop. Finally, recycled glass worktops are similar in appearance to quartz and made from

80 per cent recycled glass for a uniform finish.

From approx £300 per linear metre. l Stone and wood Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth and incredibly easy to clean. No two pieces are alike, offering a unique finish that man-made substances can’t match.

Granite costs from around £200 per linear metre.

Solid wood worktops, crafted from hardwood staves joined together and finely oiled, have an antibacterial, smooth and water-repellent finish.

From £150 per linear metre. l laminate These designs offer affordable style and quality. They are long-lasting plus impact and stain-resistant and are available in wood, stone and concrete effects as well as matt, gloss and textured finishes in a wide variety of colours.

From around £30 per linear metre. l Slim profileS Ultra-thin worktops are a key trend and give the look of a solid surface worktop at a fraction of the cost. Our range of Zenith and Apollo compact laminate designs combine the latest looks with superior performance. Available as part of a Wickes’ Showroom kitchen, with prices starting at £1,678.

Find out how Wickes can guide you through every step of finding your new kitchen from design inspiration to installation at www.wickes.co.uk.

bATHROOM PRObLEM ROOM

‘I swapped my bath for a Ditching the bath has made all the difference to Janine de Pfaaf’s dank

W

Insider info WHO LIVES HERE? Janine de Pfaaf, 29, bought her two-bed flat in a converted Victorian building in Cheshire just over a year ago.

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE OLD BATHROOM? The cramped space was not only tired and dated, but there was little room to manoeuvre and even less storage. Plus, a possible damp issue around the bath was causing mould and a musty smell.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE ROOM? It’s now a bright and inviting space that I look forward to spending time in – what’s more I rarely notice the absence of a window.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS?

Feature Paula Woods Photos Lizzie Orme

Replacing an awkward tub and shower combo with a barely there walk-in enclosure will instantly open up a small space – and allow for a bath re-instatement in the future. Adding ample storage also stops clutter overwhelming a room.

the room while offering a modern streamlined finish,’ she explains. She did, however, decide to sacrifice a few centimetres of space in order to construct a false wall which provides the support for her ‘wow’-factor shower panel and space-enhancing wall-hung vanity unit and WC. The wall hides the ugly pipework and, ‘with nothing to distract the eye, it makes the room feel bigger,’ says Janine. What’s more, the wall offers extra storage in the form of a ledge.

In keeping with her sleek, contemporary look, Janine chose to tile both the walls and the floor using practical, stone-effect porcelain, found in a local sale. I think my choice of a warm, neutral palette and textural finishes helps add character while keeping things light and bright,’ she says. Cleverly mixing and matching finishes also adds interest, while a light-enhancing mirrored wall – which Janine had cut to size for £150 – is not only a useful addition in any bathroom but instantly adds to the feeling of space. A smart designer towel rail and warming coral accents complete the look in what is now an airy, inviting shower space with ample storage.

CREATE A FOCAL POINT

A bold shower panel makes a stylish statement and the addition of a practical hand-held shower offers flexibility

DOUBLE DUTY

Before 52

hen Janine de Pfaaf moved into her converted first-floor apartment she was delighted to inherit some great period features. However, as with many conversions, a less-than-perfect layout meant she also had to contend with a poky internal bathroom measuring just 1.9 sq m. ‘The lack of natural light, plus dated suite and tiles, did nothing to enhance its proportions, but my pet hate was having to make do with a poor shower over the bath,’ recalls Janine.

Janine was more than happy to sacrifice her bath in favour of a spacious shower area and thought a sleek, minimalist wet-room would be the ideal solution. However, her first priority was to address the damp issue. Fortunately, ripping out the bath soon revealed that the stale smell and mouldy grout were the result of leaky sealant and a rotting timber surround. ‘It was a huge relief that water had not made its way to the flat below,’ smiles Janine, ‘To ensure the room remains well-ventilated and mould-free, I decided to invest in a new extractor fan – which was £45 well spent!’

Having come to the conclusion that there was nothing wrong with the layout, other than the big and bulky existing fittings, Janine opted to install a walk-in shower with a slimline tray and frameless screen, rather than stick to her original plan of a wetroom.

‘My plumber suggested it would be a good fuss-free alternative that would also open up

In a busy compact room, opt for dual-purpose pieces such as this space-saving heated towel rail that ensures dry towels are always to hand August 2019

BATHROOM PROBLEM ROOM

modern walk-in shower’ and windowless bathroom

maximise Light and space Large expanses of mirror help create the illusion of space in a poky room

streamLine storage

A wall-hung vanity unit supported by a false wall provides plenty of storage

Luxe for Less Opt for a space-saving enclosure, complete with a low-level tray and minimalist screen, then team with porcelain stone-effect tiling for a look that offers wetroom style without the expense.

Turn over to discover more about walk-in enclosures.

Shopping liSt Urban Cashmere vanity 500mm and basin, £668; Carma mono tap, £135; Arlo wall-hung pan and seat, £265; Piazza towel rail, £507; Shimmer thermostatic shower panel, £1,275; walk-in shower tray 1700mm x 800mm, £389; wetroom screen with support bar 1000mm, £306, all Hudson Reed. Xpelair extractor fan, £45, Screwfix. For similar tiles, try Bone linear decor tiles, £24.95; Bone slate-effect tiles, £19.95 per sq m, both Walls and Floors. Cotton towels, from £6, Dunelm. Glass jars, £1.99, B&M

total coSt: £3,990 August 2019

53

Maximise your space with

A minimalist shower

Create a sleek and seamless look with a pared-back wetroom or walk-in design A simple glass showerwall is an ideal way to future-proof your bathroom. It’s easy to maintain and can be installed into most spaces Showerwall, from £286.80, Merlyn

W

Feature Alice Butler

ith the average bathroom roughly the size of two king-size mattresses – and shrinking all the time – sleek and spacious layouts are high on the agenda. One answer is to opt for a wetroom. This open-plan solution offers flexibility in even the most awkward space and is ideal for those with mobility difficulties – or if you’re thinking of future-proofing your room. However, you can achieve the same streamlined look, without the extra installation costs, by opting for a doorless walk-in shower. Read on to find out which will be best for you.

Don’t compromise on style in a compact space.

This versatile pivot door opens inwards and outwards and comes in a single panel as well as inline and double options for larger spaces

54

August 2019

Series 8 frameless pivot showerwall, £634.80, Merlyn

BATHROOM IDEAS

What to consider before installing a wetroom Neil Whitehead, Brand Manager at Impey Wetrooms, has the lowdown on creating the perfect open-plan scheme…

Create privacy in your open-plan space with this opaque design which has a subtle three-in-one frosted, tinted and ombré finish Aquaglass Mono 8mm tinted walk-in front panel, £565, Frontline Bathrooms

Top tip

Waterproof wall panels are a sleek and practical alternative to tiles. Choose from 30 colours and textures to suit your scheme

If you’re worried about splashes straying on to a nearby WC and basin, consider installing a simple shower screen if space allows.

Why a Wetroom? This flexible, open-plan space offers an ideal showering environment for every kind of home, from a compact modern apartment to a large family property. In a small bathroom it allows you to maximise the floorplan, and in a larger family space, you can combine a wet area and a bath for the ultimate ‘wow’-factor. A level-access entry offers a safe and accessible environment, ideal for wheelchair users, people with mobility difficulties and young children. Wetrooms are also ideal for awkward-shaped rooms such as a lofts, garage conversions, cupboards or even a basement refurb.

Flooring A wetroom can be installed on both timber and solid concrete floors. The most widely used and convenient flooring is a prefabricated floor former (often called a dec), such as Impey’s Aquadec Easyfit, which can be fitted quickly and easily.

Purpose made as a floorboard replacement, the dec sits on the structural joists to create an inbuilt drainage gradient of 1:40, ensuring that waste water flows directly towards the drain.

Drainage Standard gravity drainage usually works well for most wetrooms. For ground floor conversions or basements, pumped options remove the water away efficiently from the shower area. tanking Waterproofing is vital and ensures your space is watertight for the duration of its lifespan.

The most popular type is a thick waterproof membrane, such as Impey’s popular Waterguard system, which is adhered to walls and floors to turn the space into a watertight ‘tank’.

SurFaceS To add a touch of luxury and to ensure that the wetroom floor dries quickly, consider installing under-floor heating. Remember to choose a product that is suitable for your surface and available in multiple lengths to make fitting easier.

For more information, contact Impey on 01460 256 080; www.impeyshowers.com.

Selkie Board waterproof panel in Raindrop, £142.63 per panel, Rearo

A monochrome industrial scheme is ideal if you want the look of your wetroom to stand the test of time Soho wetroom panel, from £709.99; Aquadec linear floor former, from £778.35; Waterguard tanking kit, from £331.19, all Impey

Ensure your wetroom sanitaryware is easy to clean and durable. This basin has a bacteria and limescale repelling finish Cube Ceramics basin 60, £282.42, Grohe

August 2019

55

Bring the warm tones of wood into your enclosure with these practical porcelain tiles Country Khaki tiles, £19.99 per sq m, Tile Mountain

A walk-through enclosure offers maximum accessibility with luxe spa looks. This ultra-slim slate-effect tray is slip resistant and has a fast-flow waste Slate grey shower tray, from £321, Bathrooms to Love.

For a similar shower screen, try Iflo Linear panel kit, £280, Travis Perkins

Fit an end panel to prevent splashes straying on to furniture or flooring.

This design is power-shower proof and has a lifetime guarantee Svelte walk-in panel, £335, Crosswater

SPA-WORTHY SPRAYS Start your day with a reviving rainfall Piano 300 round ultra thin shower head with 90 degree arm, £383.40, Bathstore Square ultra thin designer matt black shower head, £215, Frontline Bathrooms

Aquariss square rainshower head and arm, £31.97, Bathroom Takeaway

56

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

These tiles are ideal for wetrooms as they have a safe matt non-slip finish

What to consider when choosing a walk-in shower

Barry Hoyne, Commercial Director at Merlyn, on how to achieve a sleek and spacious look

Kursaal soft grip floor tile in slate, £49.99 per sq m; Kursaal soft grip wall tile in Raven, £49.99 per sq m, both Gemini Tiles

Top tip When opting for a low-profile shower tray for your walk-in shower, ensure it slopes towards the drain for adequate water drainage.

Add interest to your enclosure with pattern.

These porcelain cement-effect tiles have a laid-back worn look Mezzo Opus pattern tile, £74.95 per sq m; White Alaska wall tiles, £29.95 per sq m; Mineral Portland Structured floor tiles, £59.95 per sq m, all Original Style

What is a Walk-in shoWer? This is an accessible, doorless space usually created with a level-access tray fitted flush to the floor to give a sleek wetroom look. By eliminating the step up into the shower it’s an ideal way to future-proof your space. And with the average bathroom becoming smaller, walk-in options are also a clever space-saving solution that can be easily installed into most spaces. size and shape of room With so many models to choose from, a walk-in enclosure is suitable for almost every kind of space allowing you to create a beautiful open-plan bathroom. For those who want the look of a luxurious walk-in without the room, we have extended our offering to cater for smaller bathrooms with a pivot showerwall. loW-profile trays A level-access design provides a seamless spa-like look to the enclosure. Make sure you consider a fast-flow drainage system to ensure waste is not restricted. Opt for a textured non-slip stone-effect surface, such as resin, that blends practicality with organic styling. Many trays are available in a range of colours to tone with your wall and floor. shoWer Walls and panels There is a wide variety of designs to suit your bathroom, including bespoke options. Think about what will be practical and the look you want to achieve, then consider, for example, a space-saving pivot, a minimalist-style frameless panel, a double entry or an on-trend industrial black frame enclosure.

Merlyn’s Arysto and Series enclosures come with a protective easy-clean coating, making them a practical choice for the family bathroom. For more details, visit www.merlynshowering.com.

Top tip Wetrooms are all about a pared-back minimalist style, so complete the look with space-creating wall-hung furniture and sanitaryware.

If you want the walk-in experience with the benefit of a splash-containing enclosure, opt for a screen with a hinged return Matte Black Collection shower screen, from £870, Aqata

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

57

Committed to exceptional performance, CDA’s collection of kitchen appliances, sinks and taps are the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen.

Craft a set of floral decorations to spruce up your summer table

Gather expert DIY tips Revamp a wooden seed storage box

W

e’re making the most of the summer heat and staying outdoors this month with crafty projects that are perfect for the garden. We’ve stitched up a hanging planter, perfect for smaller spaces, revamped a wooden box into handy seed storage, and made a collection of floral decorations that will look stunning at any summertime soirée.

Make, do & craft craft stash Must haves

Create a vertical garden with a hanging pocket planter

ask the experts

diy Masterclass

Catch up on the latest crafty news and workshop reviews

sew siMple

revaMp, repair, recycle

y s a e Make it

Make, do & Decorate your next summer soirée with these floral ideas

Top tip

Tea pot terrarium Make a quirky living centrepiece

Place on a bed of moss or a log slice in the middle of your table to present this centrepiece.

SHOPPING LIST

l glass teapot, £24.99, Wayfair l gravel l sand l succulent compost l reindeer moss l succulents and miniature plants

Begin by removing the internal wire mechanism from the teapot, leaving it 1completely empty. Clean it out with water,

then leave it to dry. Ideally you want to make sure there are no fingerprints or other marks on the glass. Once dry, add a couple of handfuls of gravel to the bottom – this will aid with drainage. Next, add a thin layer of sand.

Add around two inches of compost or soil to the teapot, patting it down lightly without compressing too much.

Place handfuls of reindeer moss on top – again, pat these down without applying too much pressure.

Add your miniature plants and succulents to the pot. For each one, clear the moss away a little and use a spoon to dig a small hole in the soil. Place the plant into position, then pat down the soil and reposition the moss around it. Repeat until the teapot is filled with plants. Replace the lid to finish.

2

3

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

1

60

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

2

3

1

Make, do & craft

Mini summer wreath

Add a touch of floral fancy to your seating with fabric flowers

SHoPPING LISt l 25cm cream Egyptian draping muslin fabric, £4.50 per m, Abakhan Fabrics l scissors l needle and thread l one fat quarter of green fabric l fusible interfacing l iron l pinking shears l green embroidery thread l 20.3cm grapevine wreath, £3, Hobbycraft l glue gun l pearlescent beads l one self-cover button

2

by making your blooms. For each flower, cut a 30cm x 5cm strip of muslin, then fold it over 1ontoBegin itself three times until it measures roughly 10cm

x 5cm and has three layers. Use sharp dressmaking shears to cut a wavy line down one long edge, working through all layers, then unfold. To make slightly smaller flowers, cut a narrower strip.

Use a needle and a long length of thread to work a straight, wide hand stitch down the straight edge of each fabric strip. Pull each thread gently to gather the fabric up until it coils round onto itself and forms a flower shape. Use a few small hand stitches to hold each flower together.

Affix heavyweight fusible interfacing to the back of a piece of green cotton, then use pinking shears to cut several leaf shapes out. Fold each one in half to mark the centre, then hand stitch down the middle of each to decorate. Use a dab of hot glue on the back of each leaf to attach them to one side of a grapevine wreath, then add the flowers on top. Finish by adding a pearlescent bead to the centre of each smaller flower, and a self-cover button (wrapped in muslin) to the middle of the largest bloom.

2

top tip

3

3

Wrap thin copper wire around the wreath before attaching the flowers for added sparkle.

Paper bouquet

Decorate your place settings with delicate little bunches of blooms by making the stems. For each flower, take five pieces of silver hobby 1wireBegin and hold them together. Wrap green

SHoPPING LISt l Oasis 18cm silver hobby wire, 90p, Hobbycraft l Oasis flower tape, £3, Hobbycraft l multicoloured tissue paper 20-pack, £3, Hobbycraft l scissors l glue l scrap of hessian fabric l scrap of twine

top tip

flower tape around them tightly to bind them. Next, cut the petals – for each Add a few sprigs flower, cut eight petal shapes from tissue paper, varying them slightly in size and shape for a more realistic finish. of eucalyptus to Make the stamen. For each flower, cut one 15cm x 2cm strip your bunch for from both yellow and orange tissue paper, then hold them together. Snip all along one long edge at 1mm intervals to fringe added greenery. the paper. Starting at one end, glue the fringed paper to the top of your stem, then wrap it tightly, adding a dab of glue every few centimetres. Leave to dry, then fan out the fringed paper.

One by one, glue the petals around the stamen, sticking and overlapping the bottoms of each one, then fanning them out to create the bloom. Gather your finished flowers together and wrap a piece of hessian fabric around them, then tie a length of twine around the bunch to finish.

2

3

1

2

3

Natural linen napkins, £4.99 each, Linen Me. Opulence 16-piece cutlery set, £28, Dunelm.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

61

revamp, repair,

2

3

Recycle

Create a gorgeous botanical chest to keep your seeds safe and organised

W

ith the summertime upon us, it’s time to head out into the garden.

Staying on top of all those bits and bobs can be tricky, especially in packed potting sheds. We took a plain wooden box and gave it a new look and a fresh purpose, converting it into pretty seed storage with a colourful découpage design.

6

8

You will need

330cm x 20cm x 13cm wooden box, £8, Hobbycraft 3sand paper 3cloth 3A4 plywood sheets, £9.99 for three, Amazon 3pencil 3ruler 3saw

3Soft Dark Wax, £4.95 per 120ml, Annie l, Sloan 3balsa cement, £3.49 per 24m Pipii Amazon 3napkins, £3.50 per pack, 3scissors 3PVA glue 3paint brush 3clear varnish 3Kraft paper 3alphabet ink stamp set and pad

1

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

Prepare your wooden box. Depending on the condition of it, you may need to sand it or strip old paint or varnish away. As ours was brand new, all we needed to do was give it a quick wipe all over with a cloth to ensure the surface was clean.

2

Cut the inner dividers. We used thin sheets of A4 plywood to create ours, as they are strong yet easy to cut. Measure the height and depth of the inside of your box and cut two pieces to this size.

3

Use a clean piece of cloth and a small amount of Annie Sloan dark furniture wax to colour and seal the box. Work the wax into the grain of the wood, both inside and out, then buff it to seal it in. Repeat to apply wax to both of the inner dividers.

Before

4

Position the two dividers inside the box, spacing them out to create three equal-sized sections. Mark the position of each one, then use balsa cement to glue them into place.

5

Measure the width of each section and cut another divider for each one to this size, then apply wax as before. Finally, stick these along the centre of the box, to divide it into six equal-sized sections.

6

Découpage the outside of the box.

Pull apart the layers of a patterned paper napkin and discard all but the top printed layer. Use scissors to cut out specific designs – for example, flowers, leaves, or birds – then use a 50:50 mixture of PVA glue and water to paste them into place on the outside of the box.

7

Once you’re happy with your découpage design, apply two coats of clear varnish to the outside of the box, to seal in the paper and protect it. Leave to dry thoroughly after each coat.

8

Make a set of seed packet dividers. We cut up pieces of patterned Kraft paper and used an alphabet stamp set to add the name of our seeds to the top of each. Pop these into the various sections of the box and add your seeds, to finish.

Top tip

revamp, repair, recycle

Use pretty paper bags to keep your seeds safe – we used a selection from Pipii, priced £2 for a set of 10.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

63

Save space with a hanging pocket planter

S

pace is at a premium in modern homes, especially if you have a compact garden. This hanging fabric planter is a great way to fill a spare nook – turning your walls into pretty vertical botanical displays.

You will need 3m hessian parchment fabric, £3.20 per m, Abakhan Fabrics tape measure pencil scissors iron pins sewing machine and thread RustOleum nature stencil pack, £4.97, B&Q green paint stencil brush wooden dowel, from a selection, B&Q twine

3

Turn the work over, so the back of the planter is facing upwards. Fold and pin both of the 60cm edges of the work over to the back by 7cm, then top stitch across the edge, 1.5cm in, to secure it and make a channel.

4

4

3 Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

2

Turn the work right sides out through the gap in the seam, then press it all over, ensuring the raw edge of the fabric along the gap is folded over to the wrong side by 2cm.

Work a straight machine top stitch all around the work, 2cm in from the edge.

With the back still facing upwards, measure and mark lines across the width of the work, 45cm and 90cm down from the top edge, to divide the planter into three equal sections. Cut two 7cm x 64cm pieces of hessian, then fold the long edges of each one over to the wrong side by 1cm and stitch to secure. Pin these across the planter at the points marked, then machine stitch along the long edges of each to create two more channels.

2

. . .

1

Lay out your hessian fabric, then measure and cut two 64cm x 153cm rectangles.

Pin them together, then work a straight machine stitch around the edges, leaving a 2cm seam allowance and a 20cm gap in one side.

64

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

5

Create the pockets. Cut nine 27cm x 25cm pieces from hessian fabric, then fold and press the edges of each one to the wrong side by 1.5cm. Pin, to hold the fabric in place, then work a straight machine stitch around each one, 5mm in from the folded edge.

6

Position your pockets. Place the first one in to the left hand side of the top section of the planter, laying its left hand edge 3cm in from the edge of the work. Pin this edge in place, then measure and mark a spot 16cm along from this. Pin the opposite edge of the pocket at this mark – it will billow out slightly.

7

Press and pin a single concertina fold on each side of the first pocket, so that the bottom lays flat. Work a straight machine stitch along the bottom of the pocket, to close it up and hold the folds in place. Repeat to add the second and third pockets to this section, leaving a 3cm gap between each one.

Do the same to add the second and third row of pockets, until they are all secured.

8

Use a stencil brush and green paint to add a floral stencil design to the front of each pocket. Finally, insert wooden dowels through the bottom and two middle channels of the planter, to add structure and strength.

Thread one last length of dowel through the top channel, and attach a length of twine to it, to allow for hanging.

7

sew simple

Skurar planter, ÂŁ4, IKEA

Top tip line each of your pockets with a plastic membrane before adding your plants to ensure they are waterproof.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

65

DIY

masterclass

Confidently hang shelves, mirrors and cabinets yourself

T

he ability to put screws in a wall is something all homeowners should have – especially those of us that like to change things up every now and then. While it may be tempting to call in a DIY-savvy friend, the truth is that you’ll get so much more satisfaction from having done it yourself. Learn how with our step-by-step guide, tips and advice.

Kallax four-cube shelving unit in white, £40 each, IKEA

You’ll neeD Essential l Power drill l masonry drill bits l wall plugs l screws l tape measure l screwdriver l stud and cable detector Useful l tape l spirit level l sand paper l filler l putty knife l hammer

Feature Emma Thompson Step-by-step images B&Q

Always follow manufacturer’s hanging instructions

North wall shelf, £39, Beaumonde

SIzIng up n First, find out what type of wall you’re planning

plug know-how So why do you need to use wall plugs?

A screw’s raised threads burrow into softer materials like wood, getting a good grip – this is why you don’t need to use a plug to screw into a wooden stud. However, in solid and plasterboard walls, which are more brittle, a bare screw would quickly come loose when holding any weight. Wall plugs are usually made from slightly flexible plastic or metal that can be pushed into a drilled hole with a small amount of wiggle room. When the screw is driven into it, the plug expands and creates a tight fit, gripping the screw securely in place.

66

August 2019

1

to mount on. Knock on the surface: a solid wall will make a dull thud but if it sounds hollow, it’s plasterboard. Universal plugs are fine in solid walls and for very light loads on hollow ones, but you should use the right kind. General-purpose plasterboard fixings are suitable for hanging light to medium weight objects while intercept fixings and spring anchors will hold up heavier loads. top tip n If your product came with suitable fixings, these Some manufacturers colour will be fine to use, but otherwise you’ll need to select code the sizes of their plastic wall a screw, wall plug and drill bit that are all compatible plugs, but this isn’t standardised [1]. There are so many styles and materials of screws so always double check. but for the majority of indoor mounting jobs, steel wood screws will be suitable. n The screw packaging will have the gauge and length of the screw written on it, e.g. 5 x 60mm means that the gauge is 5mm and the length from head to tip is 60mm. It’s a good idea to use the widest-gauge screw that will fit through the pre-drilled holes of the item you’re hanging but the most important factor is the length. Short screws are fine for light objects such as picture frames but heavier objects such as shelves will require longer screws.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry and use a longer screw than might be necessary. n Match the wall plug to the screw gauge. There will be a size guide written on the packaging of the plug but you can double-check by twisting a screw into a plug. It should be a snug fit but not need to be forced through. The right size of drill bit will also be noted on the plug packaging but if you’re unsure, drill a test hole on a scrap piece of material or thick cardboard and check the fit. n Measure and plan out where you need to put the screws, marking the spot with a cross. Use a spirit level and always double check your measurements – it takes less time than having to fill a hole and starting over.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

On tHe UP n Place either the plug or screw, whichever

is longer, beside the drill bit and use tape to mark off the length from the tip [2]. Use this as a guideline so that you don’t drill deeper than necessary. You won’t need to do this if you’re working on plasterboard, simply drill through it. n Place the tip of the drill on the centre of a marking cross and very lightly squeeze the trigger to make the initial indentation.

Keeping the drill bit square and steady, increase the speed and press the drill bit into the wall until you have drilled to the depth needed [3]. If drilling into brick or concrete, a drill with hammer action will make this easier but be sure to start off with the normal drill function for neat results. n Insert the plug into the hole. You’ll know

safety first Never drill into a wall without first checking for hidden pipes and cables with a multi-detector tool.

2

3

it’s the perfect fit when you can push the plug into the wall, only needing a hammer to make it flush with the wall [4]. The plug shouldn’t bend or feel too loose. At this point, you might like to hold the item you’re hanging in place and double check the accuracy of your markings, using a spirit level, before moving on. n Once all of the wall plugs are in place, position the item you’re mounting and insert the screw through the pre-drilled hole and into the wall plug. A screwdriver will be fine but if you have a compatible screwdriver head for your drill, it will make quicker work of the job. Don’t over-tighten the screws as this could loosen the plug.

4

PUll tHe PlUG

Feathers mirror, £145, Pooky

a smaller screw, insert it by just a few turns so that the plug won’t expand and grip. Next, use the back of a claw hammer or a pair of pliers to pull the screw out of the wall and the plug should come away with it. If you have an offcut of wood, drill a hole big enough for the plug to fit through and hold this over the area to protect delicate plasterboard. n To remove metal anchors, slip a pair of needle nose pliers under the collar of the anchor and pry it away from the wall. Continue around the collar until there is enough raised for you to grab (a bigger pair of pliers will make this easier) and wiggle and twist until the collar snaps off. Use a screwdriver to push the internal part of the anchor inside the wall. n To patch up holes left behind by both types of plug, sand away any loose material around the hole, wipe away the dust with a damp cloth and press filler into the hole.

Once it’s dry, lightly sand it smooth, wipe again and then touch up the paint for a good-as-new wall.

Northern Nest hooks, £40 each, Nest

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

67

DIY Masterclass

n Removing nylon plugs is very simple. Using

Ask the

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

Q

I’d like to upgrade our family bathroom and our installer recommended a thermostatic mixer shower as a solution for families with young children. What are the benefits?

Deborah Moorish, Whitley Bay

A

Tina Simpson, Marketing Director at Triton Showers, points out the following…

With so many factors to consider when designing a family bathroom, it may seem almost impossible to plan a space that combines style and functionality with the needs of its users. However, there are so many options available you don’t have to compromise when it comes to choosing a shower. A thermostatic mixer is a good option for families as it reduces the risk of scalding; and it regulates the water temperature so there aren’t any sudden changes, even if someone turns on the tap somewhere else in the house. Also, you can set a temperature stop so there is no risk of a child accidentally turning it up. When it comes to style, Triton’s Host digital mixer is available in three finishes: cloud grey, white or black to match any interior. For a quick and easy routine, you can also save your favourite settings from a choice of 16 temperature and 10 flow levels, enabling you to just turn on and step in. It also has an optional wireless start/stop remote with a warm-up feature that can be located outside the bathroom – so you can turn on the shower while grabbing a few minutes longer in bed. Host digital shower, from £400, Triton.

68

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Q

I’ve read that smart thermostats can save you money on your heating bills. Can you explain more about how they work?

Sara Brooks, Wellingborough

V3+ Smart Thermostat Starter Kit, £199.99, Tado

A

Christian Deilmann, Co-Founder of Tado Smart Thermostat, says: It might surprise you to know that 79 per cent of your home energy bill goes towards heating and hot water. With the average UK dual fuel bill standing well above £1,000 a year, cutting down on this expense makes financial sense and benefits the environment. One of the most cost-effective ways to save energy is to invest in a smart thermostat such as Tado’s which has many energy-saving features. For example, it uses your phone’s location to turn down the heat when it detects the last person has left home – ensuring that you never waste a penny heating an empty household. It takes into account local weather and sunshine to adapt the heating output and, when detecting an open window, it triggers the heating to turn down to prevent energy wastage. Combined, these features can save up to 31 per cent off your heating bill. On the comfort side, you can control your heating from anywhere, anytime. You can also check on your heating and view monthly energy reports in the app.

Q

I find after a day’s gardening that I have an achy back and sore arm muscles. I’ve heard that there are lighter tools available but are they strong, durable and easy to use?

Rosie Dreyfuss, Garboldisham

A

Georgina Taylor, Trade Marketing Manager at garden tool brand Fiskars, says: Finding the right kit for the job can make any task easier and it’s essential that gardeners are using products that are the right fit for them – if not, you’ll feel it the next day! Fiskars Light collection has been ergonomically designed to reduce back, wrist and hand strain and is ideal for all ages and strengths.

The tools are extremely lightweight thanks to their FiberComp and anti-corrosion material, making them easier on the back for older gardeners, or those new to gardening. When it comes to quality, the durable steel blades on the pruners, shears and loppers offer long-lasting performance while delivering superior cutting precision. As for comfort, the spade and fork benefit from a D-handle and a soft grip. This year the range has just been extended to include nursery tools, cultivators, a weed puller and forks to give everyone the chance to get out into the garden and do something they love, no matter their age or strength. Light tools, from £5.49, Fiskars.

Q

We have a large family and often have a smelly bin due to discarded chicken bones, veg waste etc. I’ve heard that waste disposers can easily deal with food scraps. Can you explain more about how they work, plus their benefits?

Tamara Steele, Elgin

A

Anne Kaarlela, Insinkerator Marketing Communications Manager, Europe and Russia, says…

Preparing food at home from scratch results in inedible food waste

that ends up in the bin. However, an Insinkerator food waste disposer is the ideal solution for getting rid of food and avoiding it ending up in landfill. Thanks to the innovative stainless-steel grinding rings, waste is safely ground into minutesized particles and rinsed away safely down the drain through the standard plumbing. Not only does this offer an alternative to traditional disposal methods by reducing food waste going to landfill sites, it also helps reduce greenhouse gases and the household’s carbon footprint. Plus, gone are the days when

you’ll have unpleasant food odours lurking in the bin. There’s an Insinkerator to suit every kitchen, family or lifestyle. The affordable M Series models have the same functionality as the rest of the range. There are three sizes: the Model 66 for the growing family (£235); Model 56 for small to medium households (£189); and Model 46 is ideal for individuals and compact spaces (£100).

Feature Alice Butler

Q

We’re planning an extension to create a kitchen-diner. Please can you explain the difference between sliding and bi-folding doors?

Michelle Black, Sale Steve Bromberg, Managing Director of Express Bi-Folding Doors, the aluminium glazing specialist, says…

Bi-folding doors are made up of panels connected by an aluminium framework that allows the doors to fold together in a zig-zag when fully open. If the space for the extension of the kitchendiner is less than four metres wide, then bi-folds might be the best option as they reveal a completely open space and full access to the outdoors. For a spectacular transformation of your home and space, the XP View, our premium bi-folding door, offers the thinnest frames and largest glass areas available. It is priced from £1,150 per panel including installation. When it comes to sliding doors, they’re ideal for a space over four metres although, ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Sliding doors are usually available with a choice of two, three, four, or six glass panels. One of our most popular sliding doors is the

state-of-the-art XP Glide which offers several benefits including multiple door options such as minimum aluminium profiles for unrestricted views and more natural light.

This is priced from £900 per metre installed.

Both types of door come with the same guarantee and are equally robust. Sliding doors just offer that little extra ease when opening and can look better when closed as the large panels and minimal framework offer uninterrupted views. To see the whole range, visit www.expressbifolds.co.uk or call 0800 121 4809.

ask the experts

A

If you have a DIY or maintenance question, write to ask the experts, Your home, hubert Burda Media Uk, the tower, phoenix square, Colchester, essex CO4 9hU or email asktheexperts@yhmag.co.uk

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

69

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

a carnival of covers

Attracting over 25,000 visitors from all over the world, the Festival of Quilts is returning to Birmingham’s NEC from the 1st-4th August with more to see than ever before. With over 800 competition quilts, 400 workshops, social celebrations, market stalls and a whole schedule of lectures there’s sure to be something to inspire and delight any fabric enthusiast.

Tickets are on sale now priced £16.50 – Your Home readers can claim tickets at the special offer price of £14.50, using exclusive code YHOME19. For more information, visit www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk.

craft stash must haves

Feature Sophie Tarrant

learn a sKill:

Punch Needle Embroidery Punch needle is one of the simplest crafts to pick up – all you need is a ball of yarn, some fabric, a punch needle and a little time. Artist Arounna Khounnoraj is at the forefront of the punch needle renaissance, and has shared her techniques and ideas in her new title, Punch Needle (£14.99, Quadrille). Learn to make cushions, bags, wall art and more with a whole host of beautiful projects.

WorKshoP

The Makery For a decade, The Makery has been bringing the joy of creating to grown-ups and kids who want to get to grips with a new skill – and now it is partnering with haberdashery favourites VV Rouleaux at its beautiful emporium in Bath to host even more crafty sessions. ‘Our two brands are coming together to make a crafters heaven,’ says owner Kate Smith. ‘This magical new backdrop for our workshops is the ideal place to inspire creativity and fun.’ For a full schedule of courses, visit www.themakery.co.uk.

Magical mosaics

Keeping kids busy over the summer holidays can be tough, but idle hands will love these colourful mosaic kits from Teresa Mills. Designed to encourage creativity and concentration, the kits are handmade in the UK and each one comes in its own beautiful cotton bag. Priced £11 each, to see the whole range, visit www.teresamillsmosaics.com.

Weaving Wonders

If you’ve always wanted to give loom weaving a go but weren’t sure where to begin, the new range of kits from Wool Couture are the perfect starting point. Each one contains a gorgeous wooden loom, handcrafted in Yorkshire, plus assorted tools and yarns to make your first piece of woven art. Priced from £14.99, visit www. woolcouturecompany.com to choose your favourite.

Visit online today! extra content Check out our website www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk for even more inspiring features, videos and competitions. From craft projects to expert advice, tasty recipes and the latest decorating inspiration – we’ve got it covered!

Go digital Take Your Home with you on the go!

Snap up the digital issue of Your Home magazine for only £1.99, or subscribe to our annual digital package for only £14.99. Download the new app edition of Your Home on your iPad, iPhone and Android device or PC!

let’s get social If you’re social-media savvy why not keep up to date with Your Home online? Check out our exclusive competitions or get in touch with the Your Home team. We’d love to see what you’ve been up to.

Follow us facebook.com/yourhomemag @your_home instagram.com/yourhomemagazine pinterest.com/yourhomemag Search: Your Home Magazine UK

SUbScribe now! single issue £1.99 annual digital subscription £14.99

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

ab Water L

Unified

el 5 l/min

h/p.a.

100 kW LOW

ENERGY

HIGH

+ºC -ºC

l.eu aterlabe opeanw www.eur

Every drop counts, look for the Label in store or visit: www.europeanwaterlabel.eu

Unified

Water Label

Reader homes

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

86

Lorraine was inspired by New England when updating her Victorian home

Show off your hard work in Your Home Have you just finished decorating your home?

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

74

Fiona’s open-plan new-build keeps on adapting as her family grows

plus ideas to steal

91

85

80

Christina transformed a run-down apartment into a stylish coastal home

79

find more inTeriors To inspire you AT www.yourhomemAgAzine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

73

As our lives changed, our house evolved with us Fiona and Iain Monk love the flexibility their contemporary new-build home has afforded them at different stages of their lives Fiona and Iain bought the vintage dining table on Gumtree. The wooden orb chandelier is from Cowshed Interiors. The teal upholstered chairs came from Made

‘W

e feel extremely fortunate to have been able to make our home in this beautiful village on the edge of Edinburgh,’ Fiona shares.

‘Buying a new-build felt like the right thing to do when our daughters were born.

I wanted to be able to focus on them rather than undertake a major renovation and I was based at home for a number of years.’

When Fiona returned to work as a teacher, she and Iain felt ready to make some changes and they knocked down a wall

74

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

between the kitchen and the playroom, realising that an open-plan arrangement would work better for them. The results were great, but then work unexpectedly took them away from the house for a while, when Fiona found herself with a live-in job at a nearby boarding school.

‘We rented out our house for a few years and when we returned, it felt so good to be living in our own space again, we felt a renewed determination to make the house absolutely as we wanted it.’

REAL HOME

Feature Alison Gibb Photos Douglas Gibb

COME ON IN...

WE ARE Fiona and Iain Monk and our two daughters, Sara and Freya, aged 14 and 12.

OUR HOME Is a four-bedroom

contemporary detached new build on the coast outside Edinburgh. It was built in 2007.

MY BEST BARGAIN Was our solid-oak dining table with pedestal legs found on Gumtree for £200. To bring it up to date we distressed and lime waxed it.

Fiona wanted the island to be welcoming.

‘There are no built-in appliances so that I can lay out food for guests buffet-style. The more functional parts of the kitchen, such as the sink and hob, are discreetly tucked away,’ she explains. The glass pendant lights above the breakfast bar are by Cox & Cox

MY TOP TIP Is don’t be too matchymatchy with colours or designs as they might not truly reflect your style.

TO RELAX I love to read, walk along the beach and see family and friends.

FOR INSPIRATION I still love leafing

through interiors magazines even though our building and decorating work is finished.

Skylights flood the room with sunlight and oak trusses add character

MY FAVOURITE ROOM Is the kitchen and family room, overlooking the garden.

We’re so glad the kitchen isn’t all white or grey as we had originally planned.

Good idea!

Add an accent colour such as teal to break up a stark scheme and to help blend the different toned white surfaces.

FIRST FLOOR Bedroom 4

Bedroom 3

Previously, their daughters had shared a room in the staff accommodation of the boarding school, so Fiona wanted them to be able to enjoy reflecting their personalities in their own spaces. ‘It felt like a good way for them to express themselves and to celebrate our delight in our homecoming,’ explains Fiona.

‘Freya wanted her room to be like a cabin, whereas Sara went for a more luxurious look.’ In the same spirit, Fiona and The engineered oak flooring is Nordic Beech from the Deco collection by V4 Flooring which comprises six ultra modern wood floor designs. The oak top layer is lightly brushed to release the natural grain.

A coating of wood lye is then applied to create the deep lustre and bring out the distinctive oak tones and grain variations

Landing wc Storage

Kitchen Dining area

Utility

wc

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 1

wc

Family room

Hall

Front room

GROUND FLOOR

For stockists see page 120

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

75

REAL HOME

Fiona and Iain both love gardening and ensure their patio looks cheerful by planting vibrant bulbs that pop up at different times of the year, summer perennials and evergreens. Handmade Indian sequinned embroidered throws from Etsy add a fabulous splash of colour whatever the weather

Iain also tweaked the downstairs space again.

‘Now the girls are older, our family dynamic has changed again and the spacious open-plan solution no longer felt right,’ Fiona reflects. ‘We wanted to separate the living space from the kitchen-diner, so we installed pocket doors so that we can close off the living area; plus, we extended the kitchen into the garage.’ The pocket doors are glass,

REAL HOME A similar retro-style nest of tables is available from Amazon. The cushions are from TK Maxx and the throw is from Next

Good idea!

A pale fur throw adds texture to the room and is cosy for evenings watching TV, or reading, throughout the year.

allowing light to travel through both spaces, but wonderfully sound-proof and can be opened when we want to.’

Incorporating the garage has resulted in a dynamic, dramatic space, enabling them to install bright south-facing skylights that bring warm light into the room. Plus, the variation in ceiling heights adds lively interest. Fiona and Iain have also installed a stunning wall of glass overlooking the back garden, choosing a single pane sliding door. Both keen gardeners, they can admire their handiwork now, whatever the weather.

The kitchen design and installation were a major undertaking and went very smoothly thanks to the excellent skills and teamwork of the various tradesmen.

When it came to the kitchen, Fiona knew more or less what she wanted, but found the guidance she received from supplier Archispek, really supportive.

The blue trim framing one wall of units cleverly breaks up the different white tones in the space and the distressedwood veneer on the cabinetry adds further contrast. ‘I wanted the effect to be minimal, but not too clinical, and I feel we’ve succeeded,’ Fiona says. ‘We love the marble-effect laminate worktop around the room, it’s practical to have beside the hob and sink’. It’s made from a great value compressed laminate that can be cut without the need for an edging strip.

‘My mother was Spanish, so maybe that explains why a Mediterranean corner was needed in our otherwise very Scottish coastal cool abode!’

The family room is a fun lively space for listening to music and entertaining friends. The sofas and wallpaper – Sula

by Scion – are from John Lewis

The front room is a peaceful retreat decorated in a soothing palette, the perfect backdrop for Fiona and Iain’s collection of landscape paintings by Fiona’s late mother www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

77

REAL HOME ‘Freya wanted her room to be like a cabin, whereas Sara went for a more luxurious look.’

The Zara geometric metallic wallpaper in soft rose pink and gold is available from I Love Wallpaper

Freya wanted her bedroom to look like a wooden cabin. The results could be mistaken for a home in Cape Cod. The wood-effect wallpaper is from B&Q. The lights are from Wayfair. and the Randall grey-washed oak bedside table is in

by Swoon Editions

The clock, the boat mirror and cubbyhole organiser are from The Range

The breakfast bar has a wooden worktop which is less hard-wearing but more tactile than the marble-effect laminate, and helps to separate out the dining part of the layout.

The couple’s décor choices are clearly influenced by the seaside location and Iain’s birthplace in the Outer Hebrides.

There are subtle coastal touches throughout their home, suggestive of the

78

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Good idea!

Choosing a fun theme, such as this cabin look, makes a child’s bedroom even more special.

6

ideas to steal Add a touch of teal for a crisp summer look.

Dahlia fabric dining chairs, £89 each, Cult Furniture

Find vintage-style lighting to add character to your home.

Large white fishing pendant, £102, Grace and Glory

The master bedroom is an elegant sanctuary, with a luxurious adjoining shower room. The bed is by John Lewis and the chaise longue is from Laura Ashley

Bring the indoors out as Fiona and Iain have done on their patio.

Monaco living and dining set, £1,299, Next

Mirrored trays are a great way to bring glamour into your home.

The sanitaryware was sourced from Victorian Plumbing. The travertine-style tiles are from Topps Tiles

huge skies and endless views of water, redolent of life in the western isles.

Cool blues and soft greys are skilfully woven together, punctuated by their collection of beautiful artworks, many by Fiona’s late mother. Fiona and Iain are particularly attached to the impasto oil painting between the kitchen and dining area. ‘We bought it because we feel it is reminiscent of the type of atmospheric buildings often seen in the crofting landscape of the Outer Hebrides,’ Fiona shares.

However, when deciding on the scheme for the new living space, Fiona has stepped away from the soothing consistency that the rest of the house enjoys and has chosen punchier colours and patterns. ‘I found myself craving vivid tones and graphic patterns,’ she says.

‘My mother was Spanish, so maybe that explains why a Mediterranean corner was needed in our otherwise very Scottish, coastal and cool abode!’ YH

5A gold-effect tray, £29, Dunelm

Create a cabin feel with wood-effect wallpaper.

Wood wallpaper, £10 per roll, I Want Wallpaper

Bring a seaside feel with a rustic wood bedside cabinet.

Noirmoutier wooden chest of drawers, £324, Maisons du Monde

I fell in love with the view the moment I walked in Christina Dickinson drew on her love of French style to transform a run-down seaside apartment into a stylish coastal home

C

hristina Dickinson and her husband Nigel had often talked about living by the sea, so when Jess, their youngest daughter got married and left home, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. ‘We were living in a fourbedroom barn conversion which was just too large – it was the proverbial “empty nest,” says Christina. ‘Nigel and I decided we wanted to downsize to somewhere smaller by the sea, and give ourselves a fresh start.’

Christina and Nigel both like older properties, and focused their coastal

80

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

property search on the nearby seaside town of Exmouth. Shortly afterwards, they found a large Victorian maisonette apartment in an elegant white-painted terrace, a stone’s throw from the sea front. ‘I fell in love with the amazing sea views the moment I stepped across the threshold,’ says Christina. ‘The huge picture windows framed the sea like a painting.’ This was just as well, since the flat was very run down, and badly in need of an update. ‘I don’t think it had been touched since the 1980s,’ says Christina. ‘Since I’m an artist and designer, I chose to see it as a

REAL HOME

The soft-white walls and large mirrors make the living room feel more spacious. The grey striped sofa from Furniture Village, and co-ordinating cushions add to the coastal vibe. ‘The Victorian fireplace is an original feature,’ says Christina

Feature Jane Bowles Photos Colin Poole

COME ON IN...

Christina found the old teak shutters in a junk shop and gave them a coat of paint to create a French vintage look. The colourful painting is by local artist Tina Stokes

WE ARE Christina Dickinson, an interior designer and artist, and my husband Nigel, who works for a charity. We have three grown-up children. We also have a cross-breed dog called Dora.

Good idea!

OUR HOME IS A two-bedroom maisonette apartment on the sea front in Exmouth, Devon, built around 1840.

Painting dark wooden pieces, like the sideboard and wooden shutters, with a coat of whitewash gives them instant vintage style.

MY TOP TIP Is pick your palette and keep your colour scheme simple. Choose three main colours and use them throughout your home – it will make the space feel larger.

TO RELAX I love to go for great long walks on the beach, drinking in the fresh air and fabulous coastal views. I also enjoy painting in acrylics – there’s something very calming about working with colour on the canvas.

I AM INSPIRED BY France, where I lived

for ten years, and I’m constantly inspired by the French way of decorating, with its painted furniture and linens, soft chalky colours and light-filled interiors.

MY BEST BUY IS The pale turquoise metal garden chairs which we use in our kitchen-diner. We bought them for only £15 each in the B&Q sale.

Ensuite

Study

Bedroom 1

Storage

FIRST FLOOR Kitchen

Dining area

Hall

Bathroom

Lounge Bedroom 2

A space-saving sliding glass patio door leads directly on to the balcony which overlooks the sea. This is Christina’s favourite place to sit and relax at any time of the day. The sailing boat curtain fabric is by Clarke & Clarke

GROUND FLOOR

For stockists see page 120

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

81

REAL HOME The tall oak cupboard is one of Christina’s favourite pieces, and so far she’s resisted the urge to paint it. ‘I’ve moved house so many times and this has always come with me,’ she says.

‘I’d never even think of getting rid of it.’

This open-plan kitchen has high ceilings and large windows that make it feel airy and spacious. Christina chose pale grey laminate flooring from B&Q to co-ordinate with the décor and keep the scheme looking light and bright

‘It’s really important to create a sense of visual continuity, especially when decorating smaller properties.’

wonderful blank canvas.’ She and Nigel had renovated several properties over the years, so they weren’t put off by the challenge. ‘We’ve got a good team of local builders and tradesmen and Nigel is also very handy,’ says Christina, who took on the job of managing the project. She and Nigel decided to do as much stripping out as possible by themselves, to keep their costs to a minimum.

The apartment’s dated décor was rather dark and dreary, so Christina’s top priority was to make it feel more light and spacious. ‘I wanted to create a lovely large open-plan living space on the lower floor, with the kitchen and dining area flowing into the living room,’ she says. In order to achieve her goal, she decided to tweak the layout by swapping round the existing kitchen and guest bedroom, and taking down the partitions between the kitchen-diner and living area. She then commissioned a local carpenter to fit new painted kitchen cabinets to her design.

‘The old kitchen was very dark and poky, so the new open-plan layout works really

82

August 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

REAL HOME

Good idea!

Christina has used garden chairs at her dining table as they fitted the colour scheme and were a bargain, using cushions to make them more comfortable.

The iridescent mosaic tiles are Christina’s favourite feature in the kitchen. ‘I bought them at Fired Earth and they were a bit of an extravagant buy, but I love seeing them every day.’

well,’ she says. Two new bathrooms were also fitted, and old-fashioned carpets replaced with laminate flooring.

With the lion’s share of the building work completed in just three months, Christina then began planning the decorating scheme. ‘Nigel and I had lived in France for 10 years so I wanted a French country look, and as we live beside the sea, it was impossible to ignore the coastal influence,’ she smiles. ‘In the end, I combined the two styles – I like to call it ‘coastal with a French twist!’ Years of working as an interior designer has taught Christina that it’s important to create a sense of visual continuity, especially when decorating smaller properties. ‘I’ve learned that it’s best to choose three main colours, and use them in every room,’ she says. ‘Mix up the patterns and textures by all means, but stick to your three basic colours.’

Having splashed out on the bespoke kitchen units, she aimed to save money elsewhere in the flat by upcycling some of her favourite furniture from her previous home, rather than buying entirely new

Christina brought the glass-topped dining table and vintage kitchen dresser from her previous home to create a cosy dining corner. The roller blind fabric is from Clarke & Clarke.

‘The sailing boat pattern really sets the coastal theme,’ smiles Christina Christina designed the classic Shakerstyle kitchen herself, and had it built by a local carpenter.

‘It looks a lot more expensive than it actually was, and it was well within our budget,’ she says.

The blue kettle and toaster came from John Lewis www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

83

REAL HOME

Good idea!

Mix it up. ‘I chose different fabrics within the same range of colours to create a cosy, yet stylish feel,’ says Christina.

Christina has always preferred contemporary bathrooms and knocking down the partition between the en suite and the bedroom allowed space for a walk-in shower. The enclosure and vanity unit both came from Bathstore. Wall tiles from Devon Tiles add the finishing touch

‘I fell in love with the amazing sea views the moment I stepped across the threshold.’

Christina enjoys collecting new and vintage quilts. ‘I used one to reupholster the panels on the bed-frame,’ she says.

Christina painted the storage cupboard doors in duck-egg blue

Christina has continued the colour scheme in the guest room by using both sides of this lovely vintage-style quilt, and painting the wardrobe and shelf unit to match. The quilt came from Forever England.

Stripe cushions and rugs carry on the coastal theme

84

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

6

ideas to steal

This large wall clock is a useful addition in an entrance hallway.

Cream oversized wall clock, £12.99, Dunelm

Pale blue is a great choice for a coastal colour scheme.

Nice matt emulsion, £16 per 2.5l, B&Q

pieces. An old oak chest was given a new lease of life with whitewash, and a favourite French-style armchair was reupholstered in coastalthemed fabric. ‘It all works together well and I’m pleased with the result,’ she says.

Now that the renovation of the apartment is complete, Christina has found a new interest and has recently taken up painting. ‘I’ve always wanted to paint and now that my children are all grown up, I’ve got lots more time on my hands,’ she says. Several of her canvases hang on the walls, along with those of Simon her son, who’s an artist and fabric designer, and her friend Tina Stokes, a local artist.

Christina doesn’t have to look very far for ideas for her paintings, as the view from her window is a constant source of inspiration. ‘The sea is always changing, every minute of every day – there are boats setting sail, or coming into shore, birds and wildlife, and the ever-changing reflections of the sunlight on the water. Living this close to the sea is really so amazing, and I’m just so pleased we moved here.’ YH

Create an instant vintage feel in your bedroom with a pastel quilt.

Louise double quilted bedspread, £99, Forever England

Striped dining seat cushions strike a coastal note for dining.

Ticking stripe boxed seat pad in Storm, £15, John Lewis & Partners

This twig heart will add a rustic edge to any bedroom.

Large twig heart, £12, by The Chicken and The Egg at Not On The High Street

The generously-sized bath from Bathstore is the perfect place for a relaxing soak. Christina liked the Fired Earth mosaic tiles she’d used in the kitchen so much that she couldn’t resist using them in this bathroom too

Shimmery tiles will transform a kitchen or bathroom.

Aurora mix mosaic tiles, £15.95 per 30cm x 30cm sheet, Walls and Floors

Good idea!

Lorraine painted over the badly stained marble fireplace surround and the Laura Ashley mirror with chalk paint.

Our Victorian home flows much better now After moving from a new-build to a much older property, Lorraine McGill has woven her subtle New England style throughout the house

H

aving lived in a four-bedroom new-build house for seven years, Lorraine and Paul McGill were craving a period property. ‘We’d had older properties before and wanted a character house again, especially after visiting my sister’s period home in Stratford-uponAvon,’ says Lorraine.

Although Paul wasn’t keen to move, Lorraine had been lusting after a specific Victorian property in Ryton, west of Newcastle, that had been languishing on the market for almost two years. The

village had more of a community feel than their new estate in neighbouring Winlaton and as their daughters attended a school nearby, they already had friends in the area.

‘As soon as Paul saw the house, he fell in love with it too,’ she says. ‘It was so quirky and I absolutely loved the sun room and the loft space as well as the wooden windows and doors.’

Although the couple adored the original floorboards, they were stained a different colour in each room and the dizzying array of different wall colours felt

REAL HOME Lorraine lightened up the walls with Little Vines silver wallpaper from Laura Ashley and added a mix of blue and pink cushions from M&S. ‘We tend to come in here after 9pm,’ she says. ‘The L-shaped corner sofa from Barker & Stonehouse is really comfortable for watching films’

COME ON IN...

To stop the hall feeling too dark, Lorraine re-painted the pale gold walls in white along with the stairs and has brought in a mirror to bounce the light around. The grey patterned cotton rug is from H&M

WE ARE Lorraine McGill, an operations director of an IT company and owner of interior design business Willow & Maine, husband Paul, a project manager at HMRC, and daughters Kate, 13, and Emma, 10, plus Indie the Bichon dog.

OUR HOME Is a four-bedroom Victorian

detached house in Ryton, Tyne & Wear, where we’ve lived for almost seven years.

MY STYLE IS Hamptons/New England

with fresh, light colours and touches of wood and rattan, while Paul is a bit more industrial.

MY ADVICE Is to take into account other spaces. Rooms needs to complement rather than jar with each other. You don’t want to go for dark blue in one room if the neighbouring space is white.

OUR BIGGEST MISTAKE Was painting the walls in the living room a putty grey when I was after a soft grey. I’d got a tester pot but it looked different when the light hit it.

SHOPS I LOVE ARE The White Company, plus Dyvols and Nicky Jones Furniture & Interiors, both in Corbridge.

Bedroom 1

Study

Hall

Bedroom 3 Walk in wc wardrobe

Bedroom 2

TOP FLOOR

Lounge

wc Vestibule

FIRST FLOOR

Hall Dining room

jarring. Unifying the scheme, linking all the spaces and creating a cohesive flow was a high priority for Lorraine, who set about redecorating throughout in a New England/Hamptons style. ‘I prefer quite a minimal colour palette, with the exception of my daughters’ rooms, and tend to stick

to white, grey and pale blues throughout the house,’ she says.

The living room has been changed two or three times, most recently with a new carpet. ‘As there’s a cellar underneath, it was always cold, so a cosy flooring has helped,’ explains Lorraine, who has

Mezzanine

Sun room

Feature Karen Wilson Photos Katie Lee

The window panelling had already been stripped back when the pair moved in. ‘I considered shutters but thought it would look too regimented and wouldn’t work against the wood panelling,’ says Lorraine. ‘Instead, we opted for white wooden Venetian blinds which have really lightened up the room and cost a third of the price.’ The Aldsworth butler’s tray from Garden Trading is similar to this one. The Broadway star lamp is from Made

GROUND FLOOR Kitchen

For stockists see page 120

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

87

REAL HOME

Good idea!

Refresh kitchen units with an eggshell cupboard paint for a whole new look.

After changing the wall colour several times, Lorraine’s finally settled on Hardwick White by Farrow & Ball. The Stamford window mirror by Fairmont Park, Wayfair, has a similar look to this one

88

added IKEA ledges in here to display pictures of local scenes, holidays and work by local artists to give her home an individual twist.

In addition there’s a dining room, two-tiered sun room and garden room converted from a double garage, so the family are spoilt for choice when it comes to living and dining spaces. ‘We eat together every day, so in the winter we’ll be in the dining room and in summer we eat at the nook in the sun room,’ explains Lorraine. ‘The house is south-west facing at the rear so we get the sun all day until about 4pm or 5pm.’

Daughters Emma and Kate also have the luxury of a larch-clad garden room where they can hang out with friends. Formerly a dilapidated double garage with holes in the roof, Lorraine has unlocked its potential in recent years. ‘The walls were an unsightly grey engineering brick and there were garage doors where the double doors are now, which meant driving in a semi circle

August 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Painting the existing cabinets in Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball has totally transformed the kitchen. Lorraine has personalised the room with accessories such as the hob kettle from Garden Trading and the geometric tea towels from M&S

REAL HOME Lorraine spends a lot of time in the sun room in the summer. The sofa, dressed with cushions from M&S, used to be in the living room. ‘The antique washstand was the first piece of furniture we bought together so it has special memories,’ says Lorraine. The White Company has similar bunting and Dunelm stocks a similar rug

to get into it,’ she says. ‘So we’ve had the brickwork put right, as well as a new roof, windows and doors.’ The space also includes a utility room with tumble dryer, freezer and wine fridge, which frees up more cupboard space in the kitchen, and there’s a sofa bed for occasional guests.

Luckily, the existing kitchen and bathroom were fairly new so Lorraine simply refreshed both rooms with budget makeovers. She had the existing oak kitchen units professionally painted to lighten them up and kept everything in the bathroom except for the ancient shower.

At first the couple had their bedroom on the first floor at the rear while their daughters shared the front bedroom, which had a Mary Poppins theme.

However, they’ve since created their own luxurious master suite in the loft. ‘The previous owners had it as a cinema room with a projector and built-in bar, but we added a walk-in wardrobe and en suite,’ says Lorraine. ‘We call it the parent trap as you go up there to get something and end up missing for half an hour. I’ll be on

The woodwork in the sun room was previously blue but Lorraine has recently updated it with Farrow & Ball’s French Gray, and painted the garden gates the same shade to tie everything together. The rattan IKEA chairs create a relaxed indooroutdoor feel. For similar wooden letters, Try Letters Etc on Not on the High Street

As the varnished floor had an orangey tone, Lorraine painted it with Farrow & Ball’s Tanner’s Brown, covered the yellow walls with white and added radiator covers. ‘I pondered the shutter-effect wallpaper for the whole room but was worried it might be too much, so I limited it to create feature alcoves,’ says Lorraine

Good idea!

Paint wood flooring in on-trend dark grey. It anchors the scheme and is a more practical alternative to white.

‘We eat together every day, so in the winter we’ll be in the dining room and in summer we eat at the nook in the sun room.’

Instagram and my husband, who plays in a band, ends up playing music.’

Lorraine has enjoyed renovating the house so much that last year she decided to turn her love of interiors into a business called Willow & Maine offering design and styling advice, which she runs alongside her day job in IT. ‘My husband’s always been into music and I encouraged him to pursue that,’ she says. ‘So he turned it around on me and said I should do something with my passion for interiors.’

Now Lorraine has several projects on the go, including an Airbnb property for a developer. ‘Some people seem reticent about using a service like mine as they think it will cost a fortune when in www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

89

REAL HOME A characterful cobbled patio, with an adjoining decked area gives the family another area for alfresco dining. For a similar furniture set, try the teak circular folding table with four chairs from Sustainable Furniture. The white ceramic heart lantern is from Sainsbury’s and the throw and mugs are from M&S

Lorraine and Paul love having their own top floor retreat to escape to. They’ve made it an ultra-calm space with white walls and an en suite shower room. The bed and chest of drawers are from Barker & Stonehouse and the Symi slim table lamp is from Baytree Interiors

‘I prefer quite a minimal colour palette, with the exception of my daughters’ rooms, and tend to stick to white, grey and pale blues throughout the house.’

‘The Farrow & Ball Cornforth White wall colour was inspired by Instagrammer Semi in Suburbia,’ says Lorraine. Prints from Fy and The Poster Store sit about the IKEA Tyssedal bed

At the moment the garden room is a great space for the children to spend time with friends but eventually Lorraine hopes to reclaim this space as a studio for her interior design business, Willow & Maine.

The bamboo sun loungers by Vida XL make the most of the decked area outside the converted garage. The Banksy balloon girl wall decal is from Vinyl Revolution

90

August 2019

6

ideas to steal

Elements of light oak will complement the Hamptons feel.

Oxford 150cm solid oak dining table with Duke fabric chairs and bench, £419, Oak Furniture Superstore

Of youngest daughter Emma’s bedroom, Lorraine says: ‘She wanted a duck-egg blue scheme and we’ve also sourced reclaimed fireplaces for both of the girls’ bedrooms.’ The wardrobe is from IKEA. For a similar knitted star blanket, try the Mimmo from Trouva

High ceilings will show off a pendant shade with a colourful inner lining.

Extra large Hue pendant, £49, Made

Copy Lorraine’s idea for dining room alcoves with shutter-effect wallpaper.

Good idea!

Coordonne Andrea in aqua, £50 per roll, Wallpaperdirect

Pick a mirror with a ledge for extra display space to house plants and accessories.

Get the New England look with a decorative sail boat.

reality it’s not that expensive,’ she says. ‘I always ask prospective clients lots of questions to make sure the scheme is practical and find out their favourite things to get a feel for their style. You can’t just rely on buying everything new though, sometimes you have to work around existing pieces.’

Having decorated their home from top-to-bottom, Lorraine has already set her sights set on replacing the kitchen. Her plans include installing patio doors and a skylight in the flat roof above. ‘Ideally, I’d love a Juliette balcony off it, but since there’s a three feet drop down to the garden, it might look a bit silly.’

Despite loving the area, which is within easy reach of Hexham, Newcastle and Durham, Lorraine admits they won’t stay in the house forever. ‘When we bought it we agreed it would be for 10 years,’ she says. ‘So next I’d love a barn conversion or another older house further into the countryside.’ YH

Gisela Graham large striped wooden No1 sail boat ornament, £57, The Contemporary Home

Create a warm welcome with a trellis design runner.

Mode trellis grey hall runner, 60cm x 230cm, £39, Modern Rugs

Bunting will create a summery feel all year round.

White fabric bunting, £8.99, Ginger Ray

This space used to feature painted floorboards but Lorraine has recently put down a parquet-effect vinyl from Online Carpets and painted the mirror white. ‘I used the flooring in a client’s kitchen and thought it would look lovely in my bathroom,’ she says www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

91

FREE!

Free copy oF Spirit & Spice by Ghillie basan

when you subscribe today!

This month, we’re giving 10 lucky winners, selected at random, each a copy of Spirit & Spice by Ghillie Basan.

Spirit & Spice is a portrait of family living and eating in the Scottish Highlands, inspired by the country’s fabulous produce, wild food and whisky.

Join award-winning food writer Ghillie Basan as she delves into the Scottish larder, using her knowledge of spice cookery to shine a light on local ingredients, share her expertise in pickling, preserving, smoking, foraging and outdoor cooking, and open up new worlds of flavour with her food and whisky pairings; she will also find the perfect dram to go with any meal!

With chapters including Feeding Family and Friends; Sweet Contentment; Sugar and Spice; and Wild Food and Foraging, there is a huge variety of recipes to inspire, savour and share with friends. Plus, most importantly, alongside each recipe Ghillie explains the story behind the dish to paint an inspirational and heartfelt picture of family life in one of the wildest and most beautiful corners of Scotland.

Join Ghillie as she tells the story of her travels across the world and how she combines those flavours with the wild ingredients of Scotland.

Spirit & Spice is available nationwide from £25, published by Kitchen press. Find out more at www.kitchenpress.co.uk.

three easy ways to subscribe

u Lines are open 8.30am-5pm Mon-Fri

Order online at www.mymagazinesub.co.uk/your-home Quote: yhoM0819 Complete the form on the right and send to: Freepost hbM subscriptions (no stamp or any other address details required) Call our subscription team on 01206 849077u Quote: yhoM0819 l For subscription enquiries, email our subscription team at subs@yourhomemagazine.co.uk

= 10 winners will be randomly selected from new subscriptions taken out on or before 31st July 2019

=

"

just £4.95

per quarter fixed for 3 years

4

brilliant reasons to subscribe

no price increases!

Guaranteed for three years, no surprise price rises no contract Direct debit offer, you’re free to cancel at any time available to all Makes a great gift idea or why not treat yourself? We reward both loyal and new subscribers free delivery Hassle-free and delivered to your door

SubScribing iS eaSy: Send this coupon to: FREEPOST HBM SUBSCRIPTIONS choose from 2 easy ways to pay: Yes! I would like to pay £4.95 (UK ONLY) by Direct Debit every 3 months (complete form below) Yes! I would like to order the next 12 issues of Your Home for £19.99 by cheque or postal order your details Name ....................................................................................................

Telephone ..............................................................................................

Address ................................................................................................. ................................................................ Postcode ...............................

Email .....................................................................................................

Please send your Home as a gift to the person below Name...............................................................................................

Telephone ........................................................................................

Address............................................................................................ ...............................................................Postcode.........................

UK 1 year Europe (airmail) 1 year US/Canada (airmail) 1 year Worldwide (airmail) 1 year

£19.99 £45 £70 £82

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £ ................................................. made payable to Hubert Burda Media UK. Please charge my Visa/Mastercard/Switch/Amex £..............................

Name on card........................................................................................

Card no .................................................................................................

Start date (Switch only) ......................Issue no.(Switch only) .................

Expiry date.............................................................................................

Security code (last 3 digits on reverse) ....................................................

Signature ...............................................................................................

Credit card transactions are charged in £ sterling and converted at current rates.

I’m happy to be contacted by Your Home for relevant news and marketing purposes only.

You can find out about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy on our website.

instruction to your bank or building Society to pay by Direct Debit Please fill in the form and send to: FREEPOST HBM SUBSCRIPTIONS name and full postal address of your bank or building Society

Originators Identification Number

6 4 9 2 9 8

Cancel anytime (but we know you’ll love it!)

Never miss an issue of Your Home, full of everything you need to create your dream home on a budget!

To: The Manager

Bank/Building Society

Address

Postcode Name(s) of Account Holder(s)

Branch Sort Code

Bank/Building Society Account Number

Reference Number (for office use only)

y H o M 0 8 1 9 instruction to your bank or building society: Please pay Hubert Burda Media UK Direct Debits from the account detailed on this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Hubert Burda Media UK and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/ Building Society.

Signature(s) Date Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account

On sale now for just £1.99!

5

reasons to get your hands on HomeStyle...

GRAB A BARGAIN! Must-have furniture, accessories and more at prices you really can afford

GET INSPIRED Packed with savvy, quick and easy ideas to totally transform your home on a tight budget EXPERT ADVICE Need a hand with the practical side of creating your dream home? Our experts are here!

REAL HOMES Steal the style from over 40 pages of fab homes every issue UPCYCLING HACKS Our stunning on-trend ideas will literally save you a fortune

Or subscribe today!

ONLINE at homestylemag.co.uk ✆ CALL us on 01206 849077

8

CHECK US OUT

FaCEbOOK facebook.com/homestylemaguk TwiTTEr @homestylemaguk inSTagram @homestylemaguk PinTErEST pinterest.com/homestylemaguk

Food & drink Capture summer in a bottle with our jams and pickles overleaf

l Cut 450g halloumi into chips. mix 75g plain flour with 2 tbsp za’atar. roll the halloumi chips in the flour mix to coat. Fill a heavy-based frying pan with enough oil to come 1.5cm up the side of the pan. heat until sizzling, then fry the halloumi a few pieces at a time for 1-2 minutes, turning so they crisp evenly. remove and drain on kitchen roll. Serve with natural yogurt, swirled with rose harissa paste. l For a quick summer salad, griddle slices of halloumi for 30 seconds on each side until charred. Cool a little then mix with chunks of melon, watermelon works well, a handful of mint, a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Some bulgur wheat or couscous would bulk this salad out as a main meal. l Try this mediterranean bake. heat a little oil and fry 2 red onions, finely chopped, until softened. Add 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 3 aubergines, cubed; 800g tinned chopped tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato purée; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp chilli flakes, and season with sea salt and ground pepper. Add 200ml boiled water, bring to the boil and gently simmer for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF/gas mark 7. Pour the tomato mix into an ovenproof dish, stir in a handful of torn basil leaves and top with 450g sliced halloumi. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden. Serves 4.

If you do one thing this month...

This month we love... …pan frying La Famiglia Rana’s gnocchi, available in original (with a touch of ricotta), pumpkin and spinach flavours. Golden and crispy on the outside, with a squidgy, soft inside, they are available from Sainsbury’s and Ocado, priced from £1.80.

Try me...

Pimp up your summer tipples with Franklin & Sons Flavour Collection. The tonic pack includes rosemary with black olive; pink grapefruit with bergamot; rhubarb with hibiscus; and elderflower with cucumber.

Experiment by pairing with different types of gin as well as other spirits.

Available from Co-op stores, priced at £3.50.

‘Gin O’ Clock’ is a new experience from Waitrose & Partners, where an expert will come to your home and show you the art behind making the perfect G&T. The two-hour tasting includes five types of gin, which are then paired with a variety of Fever-Tree tonics. Priced at 400, for up to 6-10 people.

Eat me...

Buy me...

Try these wholesome but just as delicious sauces with your barbecue burgers and bangers. with natural ingredients, no added sugar, low salt and allergy-free, real good ketchup in tomato and smokey bbq flavours is a family friendly choice.

Available from Co-op, morrisons and ocado, priced from £2.20.

The Island Kitchen by Selina Periampillai (£26, Bloomsbury), takes you on a culinary journey around the indian ocean, with flavours from mauritius, the Seychelles, maldives, mayotte and madagascar. Enjoy beautiful dishes such as mustard and turmeric marinated tuna, and pineapple rum cake with cardamom clotted cream.

ChECk ouT www.yourhomEmAgAzinE.Co.uk/Food For morE TASTy rECiPES www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

95

Feature Laura higgins Main image iStock

3 ways with... halloumi

Summer preserved

Capture your favourite ingredients in delicious jams and pickles so you can enjoy them all year round

PRePaRation time 10 minutes Cooking time 35 minutes makes 1kg

Rhubarb and gin jam YOU WILL NEED 41kg rhubarb, trimmed 41kg Tate & Lyle Jam Sugar 450ml fresh lemon juice 4100ml gin

DIRECTIONS n Cut the rhubarb into 3cm lengths and place in a preserving pan. Scatter the sugar over the top and add the lemon juice and gin. Stir well, cover and allow to soak for two hours or overnight in a cool place.

Place 3 small plates in the freezer to chill overnight. n Sterilise the jam jars by washing in hot soapy water, rinsing and then drying them for 30 minutes in an oven that has been preheated to 150ÂşC/300ÂşF/Gas Mark 3. n Cook the rhubarb over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until all the sugar has dissolved.

Turn the heat up and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly for 20-25 minutes, remove from heat and test the jam for its setting point. To do this place a small spoonful of the jam on your chilled plate, allow to chill for 2 minutes before pushing your finger through the jam. If the surface of the jam wrinkles, then setting point has been reached, if not return the pan to the heat, bring back to a rapid boil and cook for another 2 minutes. Repeat this process until setting point has been reached. n With a large metal spoon, remove any froth from the top of the jam. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before ladling into the sterilised jars. Put on the lids straight away, leave to cool and then label. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year. n If gin isn’t your thing then simply replace with the same quantity of freshly squeezed orange juice or pink grapefruit juice.

Recipe courtesy of Tate & Lyle, www.tasteandsmile.com

food & drink orange, lime and chilli marmalade YoU WiLL nEEd 4800g oranges, or blood orange if in season 43 limes 41l water 41 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 41.5kg Tate & Lyle Preserving Sugar

dirECTionS n Squeeze the juice from the oranges and limes, reserving the pips. Put the juice into a preserving pan or large saucepan. Scrape the pulp from the orange and lime peel, put the pulp onto a large square of muslin with the pips. Tie up the corners tightly and put it into the saucepan. Add the water. n Use a sharp knife to shred the orange and lime peel finely and add to the saucepan. Cover and leave to soak overnight (this helps to extract more pectin, which will help to give a firm set to the marmalade). Put some small plates in the freezer to chill overnight. n next day, put the saucepan on the heat and bring to the boil. reduce the heat, then cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes to soften the peel, then remove the lid and simmer gently for a further 30 minutes, so that the liquid reduces by about one third. remove the muslin bag, squeezing it with a wooden spoon to push as much of the liquid as possible back into the saucepan. n Add the chilli to the saucepan, then tip in the Tate & Lyle Preserving Sugar and stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. increase the heat and boil steadily for 20 minutes, taking care to keep an eye on the marmalade to make sure that it doesn’t boil too rapidly. n Meanwhile, sterilise the jars by washing in hot soapy water, rinse well and dry them for 30 minutes in the oven at 150ºC/300ºf/Gas Mark 3. n Test the marmalade for setting point. To check, remove the saucepan from the heat, spoon a little marmalade onto a chilled plate and leave for 2 minutes – it should wrinkle softly when your finger is pushed over the surface. if this point has not been reached, return the saucepan to the heat and continue to boil for another 2-3 minutes. Test as before until setting point is reached. You may need to test several times, though be patient, as this testing is crucial to achieve the correct consistency. n Allow the marmalade to settle for 10 minutes, then pour into the hot sterilised jars. Leave to cool, then seal and label. Store in a cool place for up to 1 year.

PrEParation timE 1 hour Plus ovErnight soaking Cooking timE 1 hour 30 minutEs makEs 2.7kg

Recipe courtesy of Tate & Lyle, www.tasteandsmile.com

PrEParation timE 10 minutEs Plus infusing timE makEs 500ml

Elderflower vinegar YoU WiLL nEEd 450g elderflower heads, plus a sprig for the bottle 450g granulated sugar, to taste 4500ml white wine vinegar

Photo Mark diacono

dirECTionS n Shake the elderflower heads to get rid of any insects and trim off any woody stalks. Pack into a sterilised sealable 500ml jar. n Add the sugar to the jar, then pour in the vinegar. Give the jar a good shake and leave on a sunny windowsill for 2-3 weeks to infuse. n Strain out the flowers and pour into a clean bottle. Add a fresh sprig of elderflower to the bottle, if you like. Seal with a vinegar-proof lid or cork. The vinegar will keep for 12 months in a cool, dark, dry place.

Recipe extract from Pam the Jam by Pam Corbin (Bloomsbury, £20). Published 11th July 2019

August 2019

97

PreParation time 1 hour Cooking time 1 hour 30 minutes makes 2.7kg

Lemon and elderflower marmalade YOU WILL NEED 41kg lemons 41l water 41.5kg Tate & Lyle Preserving Sugar 4100ml elderflower cordial

DIRECTIONS n Squeeze the juice from the lemons, reserving the pips. Put the juice into a preserving pan or large saucepan. n Scrape the pulp from the peel and put it onto a large square of muslin with the pips. Tie up the corners tightly and put it into the saucepan.

Add the water. n Use a sharp knife to shred the lemon peel finely. Add the peel to the saucepan and leave overnight. Put some small plates in the freezer to chill overnight. n The next day, put the saucepan on the heat and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, then cover and simmer gently for 40 minutes to

soften the peel, then remove the lid and simmer gently for a further 15 minutes, so that the liquid reduces by about one third. n Remove the muslin bag, squeezing it with a wooden spoon to push as much of the liquid as possible back into the saucepan. Tip the Tate & Lyle Preserving Sugar into the saucepan and add the elderflower cordial. Stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat and boil steadily for 20 minutes, taking care to keep an eye on the marmalade to make sure that it doesn’t boil too rapidly. n Meanwhile, sterilise your jam jars by washing in hot soapy water, rinsing well and then drying them for 30 minutes in an oven that has been preheated to 150ºC/300ºF/Gas Mark 3. n Test the marmalade for setting point. To check, remove the saucepan from the heat, spoon a little marmalade onto the chilled plate

and leave for 2 minutes – it should wrinkle softly when your finger is pushed over the surface.

If this point has not been reached, return the saucepan to the heat and continue to boil for another 2-3 minutes. Test as before until setting point is reached. You may need to test several times, though be patient, as this testing is crucial to achieve the correct consistency. The marmalade will set upon cooling, so long as you have followed the instructions for testing the setting point, even though it looks quite runny when you first pour it into the jars. n Allow the marmalade to settle for 10 minutes, then pour it into the hot sterilised jars. Leave to cool, then seal and label. Store in a cool place for up to 1 year.

Recipe courtesy of Tate & Lyle, www.tasteandsmile.com

food & drink

Tomato and chilli jam YoU WiLL nEEd 41kg tomatoes (as ripe as possible) 44-6 red chillies, halved lengthways and deseeded 44 fat garlic cloves, peeled 43cm fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped 4200ml cider vinegar or wine vinegar 450ml balsamic vinegar 4finely grated zest and juice 1 unwaxed lime or lemon 4400g golden granulated sugar 41 tsp fine sea salt

Photo Mark diacono

dirECTionS n Blitz a quarter of the tomatoes to a smooth purĂŠe in a food processor with the chillies, garlic and ginger. Place in a large heavy-based pan or preserving pan. n Pulse the rest of the tomatoes several times in the food processor to roughly chop them up and add to the pan with the vinegars and the lime or lemon zest and juice. n Place the pan over a medium heat and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in the sugar, stirring until it has dissolved. Then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the mixture has reduced by roughly half to a richly coloured, glistening jam. n remove from the heat and season with the salt. Meanwhile, sterilise your jars and twist-on lids. Spoon the chutney into the warm jars, filling to the brim, and seal immediately. n Store in a cool, dark, dry place for up to a year. keep in the fridge and use within 3-4 months once opened.

Recipe extract from Pam the Jam by Pam Corbin (Bloomsbury, ÂŁ20). Published 11th July 2019

PreParaTion Time 1 hour 20 minuTes Cooking Time 10 minuTes serves 1.3kg

PreParaTion Time 30 minuTes Cooking Time 50 minuTes makes 800ml

spicy pickled fennel with chilli flakes YoU WiLL nEEd 44 medium fennel, washed and finely sliced 4sea salt 4500g malt pickling vinegar 460g sugar 41 tbsp chilli flakes

dirECTionS n Add the fennel to a bowl and toss with enough sea salt to ensure a light, even covering. Leave for a minimum of 1 hour. n Place the vinegar in a pan with the sugar and chilli flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. n drain the excess liquid from the base of the fennel bowl. Pack the fennel into a sterilised jar and cover with the vinegar. Seal and leave for a week before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Sarson’s

Thirst quenchers

Keep your cool with a refreshing

Non alcoholic

drink, perfect for sipping in the sun

Fruity summer cup YOU WILL NEED 4150ml tonic water 4450ml lemonade 45ml balsamic vinegar 4BerryWorld strawberries and raspberries 4orange, cucumber and mint, to decorate 4ice, to serve

DIRECTIONS n Combine the tonic, lemonade and balsamic in a large jug and mix well. n Add the fruit and ice and serve.

Recipe courtesy of BerryWorld

PreParation time 2 minutes serves 4

100

August 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

food & drink Watermelon smash YoU WiLL nEEd 4125ml Eisberg Alcohol-free Sauvignon Blanc 4100ml watermelon purée/juice 420ml lemon juice 450ml sugar syrup 4watermelon and mint leaves, to serve For the sugar syrup 4500ml water 4500g caster sugar

dirECTionS n first make the sugar syrup. Add the water and caster sugar to a large saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. When it reaches boiling point remove from the heat and allow to cool. keep refrigerated until needed. n Add the Eisberg Alcohol-free Sauvignon Blanc, watermelon purée or juice, lemon juice and sugar syrup to a mixing glass. Shake the ingredients in the mixing glass then strain into an extra wide coupe glass. n Use a melon baller to create balls of watermelon. Add to skewers along with mint leaves to garnish.

PreParation time 5 minutes serves 2

Recipe courtesy of Eisberg

Blueberry, lime and coconut water YoU WiLL nEEd 42 handfuls BerryWorld blueberries 4juice ½ lime 4coconut water

dirECTionS n Put 2 big handfuls of blueberries into a blender or smoothie maker, add the juice of ½ a lime and top up with chilled coconut water. Whiz until smooth. Add a little more coconut water if it’s too thick.

Recipe courtesy of BerryWorld

PreParation time 5 minutes serves 2

PreParation time 10 minutes serves 1

Beetroot, blackberry, apple and ginger juice YoU WiLL nEEd dirECTionS 41 raw beetroot 4½ punnet BerryWorld blackberries 41cm root ginger, peeled and chopped 4apple juice

n Scrub a raw beetroot well and trim away any roots and stalks, roughly chop and put it into a blender or smoothie maker. Add the blackberries and the ginger then top up with apple juice. Whiz until smooth. Add a little more apple juice if it’s too thick.

Recipe courtesy of BerryWorld www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

101

Alcoholic Lover’s sunset YOU WILL NEED 415ml apple schnapps 415ml peach schnapps 475ml lemonade 475ml Lambrini Very Cherry 4strawberries, cherries, citrus fruit slices and orange wedge, to serve

DIRECTIONS n Shake the apple and peach schnapps in a cocktail shaker and strain into the glass. Top up with lemonade and Lambrini Very Cherry and garnish with cherries, strawberries, citrus fruit slices and an orange wedge.

Recipe courtesy of Lambrini

PreParation time 5 minutes serves 1

skinny minnie YOU WILL NEED 4cubed ice 4100ml apple juice 4cucumber slices or ribbons 425ml gin 475ml Lambrini Skinny Original 46-7 mint leaves

DIRECTIONS n Add cubed ice to a jam jar glass with 100ml apple juice and a few slices of cucumber or a cucumber ribbon. n Add the gin and top with Lambrini Skinny Original.

Garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber ribbon.

Recipe courtesy of Lambrini

PreParation time 5 minutes serves 1

Honeysuckle fizz punch YOU WILL NEED 41 handful fresh or frozen mixed berries 44 tbsp runny honey 440ml lemon juice 440ml gin 42 sprigs fresh tarragon 475cl bottle Belvoir Elderflower Pressé 4½ sprig fresh tarragon, to serve 41 tbsp mixed fresh or frozen red berries, to serve

DIRECTIONS n Mix all the ingredients in a blender until the honey has dissolved.

Pour the contents into a tumbler or large wine glass and garnish with tarragon and berries. Leave out the gin and it makes a fab mocktail too.

Recipe courtesy of Belvoir Fruit Farms

102

August 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

PreParation time 5 minutes serves 1

food & drink arancia spritz PreParation time 5 minutes serves 1

YoU WiLL nEEd 455ml San Pellegrino Aranciata 430ml Campari 4ice 485ml Mionetto Prosecco doC Treviso 4orange slice 4fresh mint

dirECTionS n Combine all the ingredients in a wine glass, except the Prosecco. Add ice and stir to chill. Top with Mionetto Prosecco doC Treviso, and garnish with a slice of fresh orange and sprig of fresh mint.

Recipe courtesy of Mionetto

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

103

Homes up and down the country can now have historically inspired interiors in the style of one of the UK’s most iconic buildings, Victoria Baths, Manchester featured in TV smash hits Cold Feet and Peaky Blinders.

The new collection includes 50 new tiles varying in six different sizes and styles, spanning across seven primary colour schemes.

The unique new tile range features deep glazed green designs and rich terracotta and ochre colours.

Visit: tilegiant.co.uk A percentage of each tile sold will contribute to Victoria Baths Trust with the long-term aim of fully restoring these beautiful Baths.

Home Improvement

Turn the page to find out all you need to know about waterside living

pave the way to perfection

Mode Profiled in Graphite, from £67 per sq m, Bradstone

Feature Lisa Hibberd

Lee Dunderdale, product manager for Bradstone, shares his design considerations for anyone looking to re-design their garden patio this summer…

Positioning and privacy Think about where the sun is at different times of the day in your garden and whether there’s any view you want to be able to enjoy. Check whether the furniture you want fits in the area with plenty of room to walk around.

Choosing materials When planning your patio, are you opting for porcelain, natural stone or concrete? Each material will help create a completely different look, so research the advantages of each and decide which suits your home and lifestyle best.

If you were thinking of timber decking, why not opt for Bradstone’s Madera Antigua paving which looks sleeker and doesn’t come with the required maintenance of wood?

Don’t forget the technical bits It’s easy to get carried away with the aesthetics of the garden.

However, if you are installing a patio yourself, take some time to consider access to your property, trees and drainage. The advantages of using a Bradstone Assured installer is they will ensure all groundwork and building regulations are covered.

Set a budget Decide what you’re prepared to spend and stick to it. But don’t forget to factor in the cost of a professional installer if you’re going to be using one. It’s worth remembering that only 20 per cent of the total project cost is spent on product, as this avoids any surprises further down the line.

For more information on Bradstone’s paving collection, please visit www.bradstone.com

Shed some light Our love of sheds has grown over recent years, so if you’re thinking of making your storage dreams a reality, check out the new Shed Manual from Haynes. This practical, step-by-step guide offers advice on all aspects of planning and building a range of different designs, including easy-to-follow photography and expert tips from authors John Coupe and Alex Johnson, who will guide you through every stage of creating your perfect hideaway.

Shed Manual, £24.99, Haynes

rent for life According to a survey of UK tenants by home interiors specialist, Hillarys, one in three Britons would be happy renting a home for the rest of their lives. When asked why, the answer at the top of the list was the freedom to move around, followed by the price of property, and not having to worry about repairs. Of those who said that they wouldn’t be happy renting forever, 34 per cent cited a lack of renters’ rights as their main reason.

Cordless lawnmower 2.0, £499, gtech

A cut above keeping up with the maintenance of the exterior of your home can be an ongoing task but, luckily, ensuring your lawn is neat and tidy needn’t be a chore. gtech’s latest cordless mower makes this task a breeze. Designed with convenience in mind, it charges in just one hour, and will power through your garden for up to 40 minutes. There’s a choice of 10mm height increments between 30mm and 80mm, ideal for a quick tidy up or a more thorough mow. once you’ve finished, put the battery on charge and fold the mower down – its lightweight frame and carry handle make it easy to store away in the shed.

For MorE ExpErT ADvICE AnD CAsE sTuDIEs go To WWW.yourHoMEMAgAzInE.Co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

August 2019

105

Photo David Curran

Stella Maris is a luxury self-catering holiday home in Truro, Cornwall, with its own private quay, artists’ studio and cinema den, www.uniquehomestays.com

xxxxxx

Enjoy the benefits of waterside living Feature Hayley Gilbert

A

Feel fresh and invigorated by spending more of your time near the water

ccording to a survey in 2018 by property experts Strutt & Parker, 61 per cent of respondents wanted to live near to water in the future and for one in 10 it’s a lifelong dream.

Whether you fancy a riverside apartment, beach-front property or even a houseboat, there are plenty of options for waterfront living. Not only will you reap the rewards of all that sea air or a tranquil river setting but properties are seldom overlooked so there’s plenty of privacy too. Here’s some help and advice to help you get started.

1

BUY A WATERFRONT HOME

Investing in a property by a lake, river or sea gives you the unique opportunity to benefit from both land and water but it’s important to take the right precautions before you buy.

On an initial viewing, look for any structural damage such as damp, mould and mildew and if you are interested in proceeding, get an expert buildings survey, elevation certificates, water quality tests and any other recommended inspections. There could be an increased risk of flooding so check how much the insurance would cost and also whether it’s had any flood damage in the past. Ask about any additional costs such as expensive water rates, docking fees and possible septic tank upkeep. Choosing an agent who specialises in waterfront property will help keep things simple.

Lake District holiday specialist Lakelovers has everything from dog-friendly properties to cottages with hot tubs, www.lakelovers.co.uk

Hang beach wall art for that laid-back waterfront vibe

Beach Coastal fine art print, £10 for a set of two at www.abstracthouse.com

A secluded self-catering Cornish beach hut in Millook, The Beach Hut was originally built in the 1920s as a tearoom, www. uniquehomestays.com

Pier at La Marina de Sotogrande in Cadiz is a development with stunning views, shared pool and garden. Prices from £477,600, www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Image Mark Watts Photography

2

HOLIDAY BY THE SEA

You don’t have to permanently up sticks and move to the water if you just fancy a break. Unique Home Stays offers a variety of self-catering properties such as beach huts, cosy cottages, clifftop hideaways and lake cabins. If you want to incorporate plenty of walking, check out Lakelovers for cottages in the Lake District.

English Heritage also has an unusual array of cottages and holidays with history. It may be that you are looking to sell up and move, so this can be a great way of trying an area to see if you like it. Check out the local amenities and activities on offer to make the most of your stay.

William Garvey Furniture Makers are experts in creating super yacht interiors, www.williamgarvey.co.uk

3

DO UP A HOUSEBOAT

There are many different types of boat that are suitable for living on, from narrow boats and Dutch barges to river cruisers and houseboats, which are permanently moored on floating barges or specially created platforms. Buying a secondhand houseboat not only saves money but also gives you the chance to design the interior exactly how you want. Boats don’t come with title deeds like houses so you’ll need to verify who owns it. You can find boats for sale in the classified ads of trade magazines as well as boat brokers and boat yards. A good broker will have all the info you need on its previous use, maintenance history and surveys but always have your own independent survey and insist on seeing a recent BSS (Boat Safety Scheme) certificate.

4

INVEST IN A PROPERTY ABROAD

If you want the sun as well as the sea, consider buying a holiday home overseas.

The general advice from the government is to start by researching and following local laws on buying and renting out property. Use an independent translator or interpreter and always seek independent legal advice. Get written confirmation of what has been agreed in any negotiations and insist on paper receipts for any money spent. Make sure the seller or developer owns the title deeds and can transfer them to you and that the deeds have not been offered as collateral for any loans. Check if the owner has any outstanding bills or local tax demands that you could be liable for once you own the property and make sure all utilities are connected. It’s also a good idea to talk to other homeowners in the area to learn of any issues.

TURN OVER fOR mORE ADVIcE

s

Photo David Lindsay

In association with Peter Mikic & Design Unlimited

Infinity Riverside is a development of two-, three- and four-bed homes by the River Tees in Stockton-on-Tees, www.infinityriverside. co.uk

Auchlochan Garden Village is a retirement complex in Lanarkshire with a mix of bungalows and apartments, many of which overlook one of the lochs in the village, www.nethanvaleretirementliving.org.uk

Top tips for narrow boat living

Useful contacts

Fenja Scarisbrick Jones, commercial manager at Gpad London (www.gpadlondonltd.com), has just bought a n www.riverhomes.co.uk is a waterside A ready-made home by the water narrow boat and this is now her permanent home. property specialist with sales, lettings and may be out of your price range, in ‘My boat is 14 sq m and with such a restricted floor houseboats too. which case a doer-upper may be the perfect area, layering the space is crucial. Something as simple n Find a specialist buildings surveyor at solution. Before you start, set a budget for as installing a shelf above a bin doubles the useable www.rics.org/uk. both the purchase and renovation costs and space. Ceiling hooks are great for extra storage. Opt n Search for the perfect summer retreat stick to it. Look for properties at local estate for warmer materials such as woods and fabrics at www.uniquehomestays.com, agents, online search sites and auctions. Put to reduce condensation as this builds on cold www.lakelovers.co.uk or word out as to what you’re looking for and surfaces. Creating open storage where air can www.english-heritage.org.uk. you may even get first dibs. You can also drive circulate is key. Bring storage away from n You’ll need a British Waterways Licence if you around areas you’re interested in and look for the boat’s outer edges to avoid intend to use UK canals or rivers and you can anything suitable that may be up for sale. If you damp build-up.’ find one at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk. think you’ll want to extend or significantly alter the building, check how easy it will be to get planning permission. Get a full buildings survey done and the surveyor should be able to tell you If you’re thinking long-term or looking for a family member, many of the latest retirement roughly how much the works will cost. complexes are being built close to the water for peace, tranquillity and luxury in one. Choose from riverside apartments, retirement villages overlooking a loch or even bungalows by the sea.

Daydreamer is a self-catering beach McCarthy & Stone and Retirement Villages are just a couple of companies who can offer this way of hut complete with hot tub and views living but a good Google search will bring up a wide variety of options. As with any new search, make over Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, sure you are happy with the range of amenities, quality of build and activities on offer before you buy. www.uniquehomestays.com

5

RENOVATE A WRECK

6

RETIRE IN STYLE

Photo Mark Watts Photography

s

If you fancy living on the edge of the River Thames in Windsor, Thameside by Shanly Homes has properties starting from £1,195,000, www.shanlyhomes.com

CASE STUDY ‘Nothing beats life on the water’

A

s Rowan is a classic steel-hulled narrowboat and, at 17 years old, is still in very good condition

wide interior came complete with a fitted kitchen/diner, sleeping area with a double bed and shower room with WC. ‘With such a small space it’s easy to fill it,’ says Claire, ‘So I didn’t need to buy much apart from a foldaway table and some storage.’

A new fridge is battery powered by solar panels, the stove uses bottled gas, heating for the radiators is fuelled by diesel and there’s also a woodburning stove. ‘It heats up very quickly when it’s cold outside, though it can be draughty and condensation is an ongoing problem,’ admits Claire.

Another issue is that Rowan has no permanent mooring, which means she has to move at least one kilometre every two weeks to keep her licence.

‘You have to move regularly anyway to reach the water and waste disposal facilities, so it’s all part of the routine,’ Claire explains. ‘As a “continuous cruiser” you’re always meeting people in the same situation. Canal folk look out for each other, which is one of the reasons I love my life on the water.’

The galley kitchen is equipped with a gas hob and battery-operated fridge

s

Feature Gill Rothwell Photos Claire Stapley

n affinity didn’t move quickly enough and with water she was sold to someone else,’ is most she regrets. Determined to find definitely in Claire a suitable replacement, she then Stapley’s blood. scoured marinas throughout the Born into a sailing south of England, eventually family, she helped settling on Rowan, a 58ft long her father build a steel-hulled narrowboat built in boat when she was 2002. To finance her purchase, s Though life on quite young and, Claire looked into the possibility a canal boat can while working in of securing a marine mortgage, be challenging, it Barcelona in her but was fortunate that, thanks to offered Claire an late teens, spent a legacy, mum June was able to help out. opportunity to six months living Fully equipped, although some of get on the on ‘a tiny boat’ it rather dated, Rowan’s compact 7ft property ladder in the marina. ‘I’ve always enjoyed Portholes on either side being on the water,’ says of the boat fill the cosy Claire, ‘and also I’m a bit of sleeping area with light a country bumpkin so when I moved to Bristol for work, I knew I didn’t want to live in the city.’

Working in Bristol’s Floating Harbour for a boat hire company, Claire rented a fully furnished canal-based narrowboat on a ‘try before you buy’ basis.

‘After six months I knew I wanted to buy her, but I

WANT iT | SEE iT | Buy iT

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

Come join us online today!

kbbark.com

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win!A stylish high-tech Leisure Cuisinemaster Pro range cooker

Worth £1,199 each!

I

s it your turn to host the family get together? Even the most experienced cook can end up red-faced trying to juggle a multitude of dishes at any one time. But luckily we’ve teamed up with Leisure to offer two lucky readers each a brand-new gas or induction 100cm Cuisinemaster Pro range cooker in black, worth £1,199 each!

This fab cooker boasts three separate ovens, including a large 75-litre capacity oven, separate grill, and a tall fan oven, making it perfect for batch cooking and family roasts. Plus, with its programmable technology, you can turn the oven on or off automatically and pre-set the Rules of entRy 1) The competition closes at midnight on 31st August 2019.

Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable.

3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over age of 18, except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize. 5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to participate in publicity if required. 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be entered into.

exact temperatures to ensure optimal cooking every time.

Leisure has a variety of cookers, ranging from 60cm to 110cm widths, in a choice of seven sleek colours. Whether you live in a compact modern apartment or have a traditional country-style kitchen, there’s one to suit every kitchen. Offering unbeatable performance and versatility, a Leisure range cooker is guaranteed to bring new levels of ease, joy and adventure to your culinary exploits.

For more information on Leisure’s collection of range cookers, recipe inspiration and list of stockists, visit www.leisurecooker.co.uk.

8) The winners are selected at random, from correct entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions may use your details to advise of products and services. Details are occasionally available to vetted companies. 11) Allow 8-10 weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this competition, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to prosecute offending parties. 13) Each prize includes one black Cuisinmaster Pro range cooker in a 100cm width. Winners can choose either a gas or induction model.

HoW to enter For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Q: How many separate ovens does the Leisure Cuisinemaster Pro include?

A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 Visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk to enter. Simply click the WIn! tab, then fill in your details including the answer to the above question, before the closing date of 31st August 2019. Good luck!

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

111

LIMITED TIME OFFER*

SAVE OVER

£150 AND GET FREE DELIVERY

Intuitive Innovation The Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0 INTRODUCTORY

OFFER

Cordless Lawnmower 2.0

Gtech’s upgraded Cordless Lawnmower has all the power to mow your lawn with the convenience of cordless

UP TO 40 MINUTES RUN TIME**

EASY TO STORE

LARGE 50 LITRE BIN

1 HOUR FULL CHARGE

RRP £499.99 NOW

£349.99

Plus FREE Garden Safety Kit

Intuitive Innovation We’ve ditched the trailing cables and messy petrol motors of traditional mowers. This 48V Lithium-ion battery delivers up to 40 minutes of runtime*. A charge time of just 1 hour, our fastest charging mower battery ever, adds flexibility to your gardening routine and offers even more convenience.

Performance Blade

Visit gtech.co.uk, add the Cordless Lawnmower 2.0 and Safety Kit to your basket and enter code 75DE at checkout to get this offer.

“

It is light, manoeuvrable and dream to use compared with the motormower it replaces!

”

Michael H. VERIFIED BUYER 5/5

The re-engineered blade maximises airflow, reducing the bogging down of grass by moving cuttings to the bin quickly and efficiently.

We’ve used carbon steel to offer a thick, durable blade designed for power and efficiency and 6 adjustable cutting heights mean you can achieve the perfect lawn, whether you want a quick tidy up or a more thorough mow.

Easy to start, use and store Our 3-step set up makes things easy and with large wheels, this

Cordless Up to 40 Minutes Run Time* Full Charge In Just 1 Hour 50 Litre Capacity Bin 6 Adjustable Cutting Heights Easy Storage 2 Year Guarantee

lightweight cordless mower makes manoeuvring around the lawn seem almost effortless, helping you move freely around the bends of your garden - not just in straight lines. Once you’ve mowed, charge the removable battery and fold the mower down for clutter free storage. Its lightweight frame and carry handle make it easy to transport to the shed and back, too.

Introductory offer!

To celebrate the launch of the new Gtech Cordless Lawnmower, Gtech are selling the CLM 2.0 for just £349.99, that’s a saving of £150 on the £499.99 RRP. Plus you’ll receive a FREE Garden Safety Kit worth £14.99 when you purchase, that’s a total saving of £164.99.

Simply go to www.gtech.co.uk/lawn and press ‘add to basket’, in the pop up window press ‘add to basket’ on the Garden Safety kit option and select ‘checkout now’.

Then enter 75DE in the ‘add offer code’ box at the shopping cart page.

ORDER TODAY for just £349.99 with FREE DELIVERY

0800 030 81 20

24 hour orderline

www.gtech.co.uk

Offer only available directly from Gtech. †Offer ends 31/07/2019 or while stocks last. *Runtimes quoted may vary depending on condition of grass being cut. Limited 2-year manufactures guarantee. See www.gtech.co.uk for full details.

CLMV1

Gardening Discover how to spice up your space plus sustainable swaps

Zing seats With summer in full swing, we’re jazzing up our outdoor space for impromptu gatherings. The vibrant Salsa furniture collection by John Lewis is sure to inject a bolt of sunshine on even the cloudiest day. ‘Colour is key for summer and we have redesigned Salsa in bold, clashing, ombré patterns to make a real style statement.

Adding cushions, lanterns and even a pouffe brings a bohemian feel and will help personalise your garden,’ says Elaine Flynn, Outdoor Living Assistant Buyer. With a new hanging chair and rocker in the range too, all you need is a long, cool drink and you’ll be set for the weekend.

House by John Lewis Salsa collection: garden chair in Palm, £140 for a set of two; two-seater garden sofa in Orange Sunrise, £120; garden chair in Orange Sunrise, £140 for a set of two; garden coffee table in Orange Sunrise, £110. bohemian summer pouffe, £120; Diamonds cushion in Paprika, £25; Totem cushion in Paprika, £30; solstice cushion in Paprika, £25; Yin cushion in Storm, £10, all John Lewis & partners

Events 1st August

Top of the swaps

Yorkshire Day Garden Games & Big 70th Birthday Picnic, RHS Garden Harlow Carr Bring a picnic, take part in the races and maybe win a prize or two; www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr.

If you’re looking for ways to garden more sustainably, B&Q is making the task easier with its range of ‘kinder’ products. Steve Guy, the brand’s Market Director for Outdoor, recommends the following alternatives:

12th August

14th August

Successional Planting talk, walk and Q&A, St Timothee Learn about key plants and methods that keep st timothee’s borders colourful from march to end of november. £15 from www.ngs.org.uk.

Slugs poisonous repellents contain harmful metaldehyde which we’ve ditched from our products. instead, deter them with woolbased mats and copper tapes. wool is a great repellent and biodegrades to provide nutrients to soil, while copper tape is the perfect barrier to hungry pests.

Go organic not only are natural fertilisers and lawn treatments better for soil microbes, they can also make your plants last longer, leading to a healthier garden.

Lush lawns grass is perfect for children and pets to play on. swapping a chemical treatment for an organic alternative is a failsafe way to enjoy peace of mind.

Plant pollinators why not plant some lavender in your garden? its fragrant purple flowers attract insects and bees and it is also easy to grow.

3 OF THE BEST... garden parasols This luxe lime-green twill design features a gold print handpainted in Bali.

Jane parasol 2m, £399, east London parasol company

Lightweight and rust-resistant, this has a handy crank and tilt function

Saltaire parasol 2.7m, £59.95, homebase

Verve Copper slug & snail tape, £3, B&Q

With UV50+ sun protection, this tilted design provides enough shade for a six-seater table

Feature alice Butler

Gardening in Shade, Barnsdale Gardens Discover the perfect plants for shady areas and clever ways to broaden your planting. £35 inc refreshments and gardens entry; tel: 01572 813200; courses@barnsdalegardens.co.uk.

Striped parasol 2.7m, £69, John Lewis & partners

For more expert aDvice anD inspiration go to www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

august 2019

113

Feature and photos Louise Midgley Image iBulb

Inthisyourmonth... garden Harvest fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for the house during this bountiful month

what to do in the flower garden tasks in the flower garden are ✓ Gardening far less strenuous in summer than during

spring and autumn, so take advantage of this quiet time by putting your feet up and appreciating all the beautiful flora and fauna that’s abundant this month.

Easy jobs to tackle when you have a spare moment or two include summer pruning wisteria (it will need doing again in February).

Cut back all the long whippy shoots that will have sprouted like bean stalks since flowering (above right). If your plant is relatively young, keep any that are needed to extend the main framework and prune the surplus shoots back to about five leaves. This pruning technique is done to encourage the formation of flower buds next spring (left) rather than a mass of foliage.

Take cuttings of Penstemons, Fuchsias, Salvias and Pelargoniums not just to

✓

✓

114

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

increase your stock but as an insurance against a hard winter.

By the time the cold weather arrives they should have developed good root growth and can be over-wintered in a heated greenhouse or a cool conservatory.

Collect ripened seeds from annuals and perennials on a dry day (top right). Leave them in a warm place to thoroughly dry out, an airing cupboard or sunny window sill would work. Put the seeds in labelled paper envelopes inside airtight containers and store in the fridge until spring.

Give your shed a makeover with a fresh coat of paint and, while you are waiting for it to dry, sort out the contents (right).

✓

✓

GARDEN INSPIRATION

what to do on the veg plot Plant of the month

Image RHS

From diminutive daisies growing in a lawn to the big round faces of summer sunflowers, members of the daisy family are bestowed with pure and simple beauty. A uniformly round centre encompassed by a circular array of petals provides the ideal landing pad for butterflies and bees to feed from.

Echinaceas belong to this popular group of plants, they are widely used in prairie planting schemes but also make wonderful border plants when grouped together or dotted amongst other perennials.

Give them an open, sunny site in well-drained, fertile soil and, once planted, leave alone as they resent disturbance. Keep an eye on emerging foliage in spring as it’s a favourite of slugs and snails.

Echinacea purpurea is widely available but new exciting varieties come in an array of pinks, purples, apricots, creamy whites, yellows and even green.

crops while they are young ✓ Harvest and tender, the older they get the less flavoursome they become.

Sow seeds of winter spinach (below right) before the end of August to give you fresh greens in autumn; small tasty leaves should be ready to be picked by October. Thompson & Morgan’s ‘Perpetual’ Spinach, £2.29 per packet, make wonderfully hardy plants which will overwinter and produce plenty of leaves the following spring.

Swiss Chard (right and below left) is another vegetable that crops for months on end and is easy to grow. One worthy variety, Rhubarb Chard, produces clumps of purple tinged leaves with vivid crimson midribs and makes a lovely addition to a border of flowering plants. It can also be grown in a large pot. The young tender leaves of Chard are packed with vitamins and can be used in stir fries, lightly steamed like spinach or added to salad dishes. The stems are equally delicious and can be cooked separately as you would asparagus.

✓

✓

you are growing a large pumpkin for ✓ IfHallowe’en, water it regularly and give

Image iBulb

a liquid feed every couple of weeks. Raise it off the ground onto a piece of wood or thick cardboard to prevent it rotting on wet soil.

Always water around the base of the plant and remove any of the old leaves that are shading the pumpkin from the sun.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

115

what to do in the fruit garden have been picked, prune the spent canes down to ground level, leaving just the new fresh green soft canes that will carry next year’s fruit.

If you want a continuous crop of fruit, then grow autumn fruiting raspberries too but keep the two groups separate as they

✓

require a different pruning regime. Autumn fruiting raspberries produce fruit on the current seasons new growth so all old canes need be cut to ground level after fruiting at some point during winter.

As soon as strawberries start growing actively they will begin to send out several new little plantlets. These are formed on the end of very long stems and referred to as runners.

Strawberry plants are productive for a limited period, usually around three years, and should be discarded after that so propagate some of the runners to use as replacements for old plants. This is a simple process, just lift the runner and peg the little plantlet into a small pot of compost and keep in situ, (right) remembering to water it regularly. At the end of the season cut the plantlet free from the mother plant as it will have formed its own root

✓

Image RHS

the end of August, when the ✓ Towards last of the summer fruiting raspberries

system. Remove any unused runners because the plant will produce a poorer crop if it is putting all its energy into the formation of too many new plants.

Christmas may seem like a long way away but if you want to grow Prepared hyacinths for your home, then now is the time to order the bulbs for planting from the end of the month onwards. Why not also grow some as presents for friends and family, everybody appreciates the time and effort lovingly invested in a homemade gift.

When handling Prepared hyacinths wear gloves as they can cause skin irritations. Bulb fibre is the best medium to grow the bulbs in because it is free draining and not too rich in nutrients. Cover the base of the container you

116

August 2019

are using with a layer of bulb fibre, place the bulbs on top, close together but not touching, and then fill in the gaps with more fibre, leaving just the noses of the bulbs showing at the surface.

Water the compost so it becomes moist but not overly soaked.

To force the bulbs into flower for Christmas, they need to be kept in a cool, dark, frost-free place to encourage root development. A dark corner of the garage, cellar or cupboard in a cool room would work well.

After roughly eight weeks, or when the shoots have reached 4-5cm in height, they can be brought out of the dark and placed in a cool, light room. After a few more weeks place them in the warmth to flower in time for Christmas.

Other lovely bulbs to grow for Christmas displays include ‘Paper White’ Narcissi (left) and Amaryllis (Hippeastrum, right).

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Images Taylors Bulbs

Going underground

soft fruit for preserves

Extend an invitation to wildlife

l A neat and tidy garden isn’t the best environment to attract wildlife. Insects, amphibians and birds prefer to make their homes in areas that offer some natural protection from predators. But that doesn’t mean we have to let our valuable outdoor spaces become overgrown and out of control, there are other ways to ensure our gardens can be shared harmoniously with wildlife. l A great project that children may want to get involved with during their summer holiday break is to make a bug hotel.

There are no rules on what shape or size the structure has to be, which presents a great opportunity to create something quite unique and make an interesting focal point in the garden. l Suitable materials that will provide nooks and crannies for little creatures to overwinter in include hollow bamboo canes or plant stems; old pieces of rotting wood; terracotta pots filled with straw or moss ; bark; pine cones and logs with drilled holes to name a few.

It will need to sit on a sound and level foundation and be well-constructed so it doesn’t collapse on a very wet or windy day. For inspiration on the various shapes and sizes of bug hotels look at the RSPB and Woodland Trusts’ websites.

Image Crocus.co.uk

Among the eclectic mix of Latin names for plants there are several with animal associations. The connection is often obvious and can be helpful when recalling the name of the plant. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’, Zebra grass, is one such example having a light and dark patterned appearance just like its animal namesake (below).

There’s also Dianthus erinaceus, an alpine commonly referred to as the Hedgehog Dianthus (erinaceus meaning like a hedgehog in Latin) because it forms a tight, dense cushion of sharp, spiny grey leaves that looks like a curled-up hedgehog (above).

Canina, caninus and caninum can be found attached to plant names and relates to dogs or can just mean inferior as in Rosa canina, the common dog rose which scrambles through hedgerows in the wild.

Image Crocus.co.uk

Latin Lesson

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about growing and preserving food to be eaten over the winter months and when fruit bushes produce a glut it’s a waste not to put it to good use – find great recipes on p.96.

If you haven’t grown any in your own garden, seek out one of the many ‘Pick Your Own’ farms dotted around the country and gather a few punnets of your favourite varieties. Alternatively, look for bargains at your local fruit and veg market, as locally sourced fruit in season is considerably cheaper than any imported out of season.

Carefully follow a good recipe for making jams or jellies so as not to end up with either a runny or solid end product. Some fruits contain high amounts of pectin (the setting agent) while other such as strawberries may require jam sugar which has added pectin. Thoroughly clean and sterilise old jam or Kilner jars so that the contents don’t spoil while being stored and if time is against you, freeze the fruit to use at a time that’s more convenient.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

117

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win!

We have £4,210 worth of fab prizes up for grabs!

Win tickets to the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show

Win an Overnight Reviver break for two

We’ve teamed up with ICHF Events to offer 25 lucky winners each a pair of tickets to the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show at Penshurst Place from 30th August - 1st September 2019.

A quintessentially British day out, these tickets are valid for two adults, plus children under 16 go free, so you can make a real family day of it! Featuring a fantastic range of 150 home and garden product stands, hands-on traditional and contemporary craft workshops, fairground rides, falconry displays, outside play areas, artisan food and drink from a variety of local producers, and even live music from The Haywood Sisters and Crooked Style, this show is not to be missed. To find out more, visit www.ichfevents.co.uk.

Enter now to win an Overnight Reviver Break for two people at Ragdale Hall Spa, Melton Mowbray*. Kick back and relax as you enjoy an overnight stay in a Superior room at this luxurious location. Your break will include a three-course dinner, lunch, plus breakfast delivered to your room; then during the day you can experience Ragdale’s newly opened rooftop infinity pool, thermal spa, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, tennis courts, and a full programme of exercise classes.

You’ll also each enjoy a 50-minute Blissful Face and Back Therapy, complimentary robe hire and Ragdale Hall flip-flops.

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

25 pairs to win

*Travel is not included. Arrival from 2pm; departure up to 6pm the following day (check out of room at 11am but locker and luggage storage facilities provided). Prize valid Monday to Thursday. Valid for over 16s only.

Competition closes 9th August 2019.

Four lucky winners

Win a silk scarf from David Watson This month we’ve teamed up with David Watson to give four lucky winners each a beautiful silk scarf from its British artist collaboration collection. Featuring the designs of William Morris, the 19th-century British textile designer, poet, novelist, translator and social activist, each scarf and pocket square in the collection is made in Britain from 100 per cent silk twill and finished with smart rolled hems. Associated with the British Arts and Craft Movement, Morris was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. Enter now for the chance to win one of these elegant Morris-inspired scarves. Find out more at www.davidwatson.uk.

118

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Worth £544!

Win a LeakBot smart leak alarm system A hidden water leak in the home can be a costly and chaotic affair for homeowners. Escape of water accounts for over a quarter of all household insurance claims, and the damage caused by one slow, undetected leak can cost thousands of pounds. LeakBot monitors your plumbing 24/7, alerting you to hidden leaks via your smartphone before they can cause serious problems – as well as saving potentially thousands of litres in wasted water. With LeakBot’s preventative technology in place, alongside rapid assistance offered by expert plumbers, you’re provided with complete peace of mind from water damage in the home. That’s why this month we’re giving two lucky winners each a LeakBot smart leak alarm, plus free home installation and a leak identification visit! To find out more, visit www.leakbot.io.

Two lucky winners

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win!

Win a Hoover AXI fridge freezer!

Win a pet-lover prize bundle

7 lucky winners

Celebrate your love of pets and enter our giveaway to win a bundle of cat- and dog-inspired gifts for you and your home, in collaboration with PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity.

Every year the dedicated teams at PDSA’s 48 pet hospitals work tirelessly to provide 2.7 million veterinary treatments to over 470,000 much-loved pets. PDSA’s online shop stocks a wide range of products for your pets alongside on-trend home and gift ranges which are both eclectic and classic. Shopping with PDSA makes a real difference as every purchase helps to provide millions of treatments to much-loved family pets. To discover the full range, visit www.pdsapetstore.org.uk/yourhome.

Win £100 to spend at Lola Design

One fab prize

We’ve teamed up with Hoover to give one lucky reader the chance to win a Wi-Fi-enabled AXI fridge freezer.

This high-tech model is part of a range of fully connected kitchen appliances which can be controlled and monitored remotely through the Hoover Wizard app. Using Wi-Fi, the AXI fridge-freezer has an Inventory Coach which helps you to keep track of your fridge contents and will let you know when your groceries are approaching their best-by date. Plus, for those who like a cool beverage on a hot summer’s day, the Ice Drink Coach monitors and alerts when each individual drink is chilled to perfection. Find out more at www.hoover.co.uk.

Four lucky winners

Treat your home to a mini makeover this summer thanks to the lovely Lola Design, who is offering four lucky Your Home readers the chance to win a £100 voucher to spend at www.loladesignltd.com. Renowned for its stunning Wildlife Botanical art range – guaranteed to bring a splash of colour to your walls this summer – Lola Design also produces beautiful luxury notebooks and greeting cards, so this prize could be just the ticket to treat yourself or to share with a loved one!

Win a Deluxe Spa Break in Newbury

One lucky winner

We’ve teamed up with Donnington Valley to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a luxury one-night Deluxe Spa Break for two, worth £570, at its Berkshire-based setting.

With this fabulous prize, the winner and guest will each enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, overnight stay, Full English or Continental breakfast, plus a 55-minute aromatherapy massage per person and full use of the relaxing spa facilities.

Enjoy your chosen treatments in its Good Spa Guide-rated relaxation lounge before retiring for a peaceful night’s sleep in an Executive room, complete with marble bathroom and Egyptian cotton sheets. Plus, all rooms feature air conditioning, stylish interiors and peaceful views over the rolling hills of beautiful Berkshire. For more information on spa days and breaks at Donnington Valley, visit www.donningtonvalley.co.uk.

To enter, visit www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk, click on the WIN! tab, then fill in your details.

Rules of entry 1) The competitions close at midnight on 31st August 2019, unless otherwise stated. Winners will be notified after the closing date. 2) Subject to availability, non transferable or refundable. No cash alternative will be given. Prizes include delivery but not installation or removal of existing products or appliances, where applicable. 3) Open to residents in the UK (mainland), over the age of 18, except employees of Hubert Burda Media UK or companies involved in these promotions. 4) Entrants must be homeowners where decorating/renovation work is required for the prize.

5) Only one entry per person. 6) The winners must be willing to participate in publicity if required. 7) The Editor’s decision is final. Correspondence will not be entered into. 8) The winners are selected at random, from correct entries received, after the competition end date. 9) Prizes are valid for six months after the date of the draw, and the prize will be withdrawn if it is not claimed within this period. 10) Hubert Burda Media UK and companies involved in these promotions may use your details to advise of products and services. Details are occasionally available to vetted companies.

11) Allow 8-10 weeks from selection to completion. 12) Reproduction of this competition, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Hubert Burda Media UK reserves the right to prosecute offending parties.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019

119

Shopping guide A

Abakhan Fabrics 01745 562133 www.abakhan.co.uk Abode Living 01273 621116 www.abodeliving.co.uk Abstract House 020 8947 3934 www.abstracthouse.com Alusplash www.alusplash.com Amara 0800 587 7645 www.amara.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 www.annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 www.anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476 www.anthropologie.com Aqata www.aqata.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk Arlo & Jacob 0330 094 5855 www.arloandjacob.com Artisanti 0345 259 1410 www.artisanti.com Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644 www.atlanticshopping.co.uk Autentico 01206 618920 www.autentico-paint.co.uk

45

B

B&M www.bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 www.diy.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway www.bathroomtakeaway.com Bathstore www.bathstore.com Baytree Interiors 0808 168 9242 www.baytree-interiors.co.uk Beaumonde www.beaumonde.co.uk Benchmarx Kitchens www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benjamin Moore www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Bloomsbury www.bloomsbury.com Bobby Rabbit 0114 321 7000 www.bobbyrabbit.co.uk Bohemia 0131 555 2485 www.bohemiadesign.co.uk Bonds Lifestyle 01789 297729 www.bondslifestyle.co.uk Bronte by Moon 0870 743 7410 www.brontebymoon.co.uk Burbidge 02476 671600 www.burbidge.co.uk

C

Ca’Pietra 01380 735886 www.capietra.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk Cath Kidston 0333 320 2663 www.cathkidston.com CICO Books 020 7025 2200 www.rylandpeters.com Clarke & Clarke 01706 242010 www.clarke-clarke.com Clarks 01458 899904 www.clarks.co.uk Countryfile Live 0844 209 7324 www.countryfilelive.com Cowshed Interiors 01789 488670 www.cowshedinteriors.co.uk Crosswater 0345 873 8840 www.crosswater.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 www.cuckooland.com

Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 www.cultfurniture.com Cultivar 01978 810103 www.cultivar.com

D

Dar Lighting www.darlighting.co.uk David Watson 020 3581 5900 www.davidwatson.uk Debenhams 0344 800 8877 www.debenhams.com Desenio www.desenio.co.uk Designer Furniture Ltd 0800 170 1228 Devon Tiles 01404 811209 www.devontiles.co.uk DFS 0808 250 7246 www.dfs.co.uk Dimplex www.dimplex.co.uk Direct Wood Flooring 0330 808 8777 www.directwoodflooring.co.uk Donnington Valley 01635 551199 www.donningtonvalley.co.uk Dowsing & Reynolds 0113 819 9985 www.dowsingandreynolds.com Dunelm 0345 165 6565 www.dunelm.com

E

Earthborn 01928 734171 www.earthbornpaints.co.uk East London Parasol Company www.eastlondonparasols.com eBay www.ebay.co.uk Etsy www.etsy.co.uk Express Bi-folding Doors 0800 121 4809 www.expressbifolds.co.uk

F

Fads 01778 562803 www.fads.co.uk Farrow & Ball 01202 876141 www.farrow-ball.com

Fat Face 0330 124 0000 www.fatface.com Fired Earth 01295 812088 www.firedearth.com Forever England 01935 811970 www.foreverengland.com Frontline Bathrooms 0845 470 2424 www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk Fy www.iamfy.co

G

G&C Kitchens and Bedrooms 020 8592 1923 Garden Trading 01993 845559 www.gardentrading.co.uk Gemini Tiles 0800 014 2994 www.ctdtiles.co.uk George Home www.direct.asda.com Georgia Bosson www.georgiabosson.co.uk Ginger Ray 0845 680 2975 www.gingerray.co.uk Gisela Graham 020 7708 6396 www.giselagraham.co.uk Grace & Glory 01271 370095 www.graceandgloryhome.co.uk Graham & Brown 0808 168 3795 www.grahambrown.com Green Matters www.greenmatters.com Grohe www.grohe.co.uk Gtech 0800 030 8794 www.gtech.co.uk

H

H&M 0844 736 9000 www.hm.com Habitat 0344 499 4686 www.habitat.co.uk Halfords www.halfords.com Harlequin 0845 123 6815 www.harlequin.uk.com

Where to buy everything in this issue Harrod Horticultural 0333 400 6400 www.harrodhorticultural.com HayMax 01525 406600 www.haymax.biz Haynes www.haynes.com Hilary and Flo 07712 835837 www.hilaryandflo.co.uk Hillarys www.hillarys.co.uk Hobbycraft www.hobbycraft.co.uk House & Garden 01728 688303 www.snapemaltings.co.uk Homebase www.homebase.co.uk HomeSense 01923 473561 www.homesense.com Hoover www.hoover.co.uk House by John Lewis 0345 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com Hudson Reed 01282 418000 www.hudsonreed.co.uk Hurn & Hurn 01603 559250 www.hurnandhurn.com

I

I Love Wallpaper 01429 869980 www.ilovewallpaper.co.uk IKEA 0845 358 3363 www.ikea.com Impey 01460 256080 www.impeyshowers.com Insinkerator 01923 375349 www.insinkerator.emerson.com

J

Joe Browns 0113 270 6655 www.joebrowns.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 0345 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com Join www.joinstorelondon.co.uk Joules www.joules.com

K L

Kitchen Press www.kitchenpress.co.uk

Lakeland www.lakeland.co.uk Laura Ashley 0333 200 8009 www.lauraashley.com LeakBot 0800 783 9866 www.leakbot.io Linenme 020 8133 3853 www.linenme.com Little Greene www.littlegreene.com Loaf www.loaf.com Lola & Mawu www.lolaandmawu.com Lola Design 01904 675514 www.loladesignltd.com London Garden Rooms 020 8418 9498 www.londongardenrooms.co.uk Lovestruck Interiors 07976 707465 www.lovestruckinteriors.com Lush 01202 668545 www.lush.com

M

Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200 www.marksandspencer.com Made 0845 557 6888 www.made.com Magnet www.magnet.co.uk Maisons du Monde www.maisonsdumonde.com Mangle & Wringer 01451 833600 www.mangleandwringer.co.uk Maxtop Quartz www.maxtopquartz.co.uk Melody Maison 01302 741000 www.melodymaison.co.uk Merlyn Showers www.merlynshowering.com Mode Prints www.modeprints.com

Modern Rugs www.modern-rugs.co.uk Morphy Richards www.morphyrichards.co.uk

N

Neptune 01793 427300 www.neptune.com Newgate 01691 679994 www.newgateworld.com Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk Not On The High Street 020 3318 5115 www.notonthehighstreet.com

O

Oak Furniture Superstore 0800 324 7379 www.oakfurnituresuperstore.co.uk Oak Furnitureland 0800 440 2254 www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk Online Carpets 0800 970 5705 www.onlinecarpets.co.uk Opulence Stoves 01284 768542 www.opulencestoves.co.uk Original Style www.originalstyle.com

P

Pagazzi 0344 257 1908 www.pagazzi.com Parker Knoll www.parkerknoll.co.uk PDSA 0800 731 2502 www.pdsapetstore.org.uk Perch & Parrow 020 8629 1166 www.perchandparrow.com Personalised Gifts Shop 01604 419704 www.personalisedgiftsshop.co.uk Pinestore and More 020 8559 1213 www.pinestoreandmore.com Pipii www.pipii.co.uk PlastiKote 01223 790332 www.plasti-kote.co.uk Pluck Kitchens www.pluck.kitchen Pooky 020 7351 3003 www.pooky.com Prezzybox 01827 839041 www.prezzybox.com Primark www.primark.com Purple Holly 01522 789748 www.purpleholly.co.uk

Q R

Quick Step www.quick-step.co.uk

Ragdale Hall 01664 434831 www.ragdalehall.co.uk Rearo 0141 440 0800 www.rearo.co.uk Red Candy 0121 224 7728 www.redcandy.co.uk Richard F Mackay 0131 440 4402 www.richardfmackay.co.uk Robert Dyas 0808 164 5500 www.robertdyas.co.uk Romo 01623 756699 www.romo.com

S

Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636 262 www.sainsburyshome.co.uk Sanderson www.stylelibrary.com Scaramanga 01334 657642 www.scaramangashop.co.uk Scion www.stylelibrary.com Screwfix 0333 011 2112 www.screwfix.com Shearer Candles 0141 445 1066 www.shearer-candles.com Sian Zeng 020 8691 7770 www.sianzeng.com Sisal & Seagrass 020 8558 0887 www.sisalandseagrass.co.uk

Square Flower www.squareflower.co.uk Sustainable Furniture 01726 884123 www.sustainable-furniture.co.uk Swoon Editions 020 3137 2464 www.swooneditions.com

T

T&G 01275 841841 www.tg-woodware.com Tado www.tado.com Talking Tables www.talkingtables.co.uk Taylors Bulbs 01406 422266 www.taylors-bulbs.com Tesco Home 0800 323 4040 www.tesco.com The Contemporary Home www.tch.net The Cotswold Co 0333 200 1725 www.cotswoldco.com The Farthing 0344 567 2400 www.thefarthing.co.uk The Find Store www.thefindstore.co.uk The Poster Store www.theposterstore.co.uk The White Company 020 3758 9222 www.thewhitecompany.com Thompson & Morgan 0333 400 0033 www.thompson-morgan.com Tile Giant www.tilegiant.co.uk Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262 www.toppstiles.co.uk Travis Perkins 0330 123 3846 www.travisperkins.co.uk Triton Showers www.tritonshowers.co.uk Trouva 020 7193 6444 www.trouva.com

V

Vanessa Arbuthnott www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk Vango www.vango.co.uk Vegan Haven 0333 990 0138 www.veganhaven.co.uk Very 0800 092 3355 www.very.co.uk Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878 www.victorianplumbing.co.uk Vida XL www.vidaxl.co.uk Vincent Trading www.vincenttrading.co.uk Vinyl Revolution 01865 959022 www.vinylrevolution.co.uk

W

Waitrose www.waitrose.com Walls and Floors 01536 314730 www.wallsandfloors.co.uk Waltons 0800 029 1000 www.waltons.co.uk Wayfair 0800 169 0423 www.wayfair.co.uk Weald of Kent Country Craft Show 01425 277988 www.thecraftshows.co.uk Wearth London www.wearthlondon.com Weaver Green 0844 414 2155 www.weavergreen.com Wickes 0330 123 4123 www.wickes.co.uk Wild & Wolf 01225 789909 www.wildandwolf.co.uk Wilko 0800 032 9329 www.wilko.com Willow & Maine 07709 320692 www.willowandmaine.co.uk Worktop Express www.worktop-express.co.uk Wyevale Garden Centre 0344 272 3000 www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Z

Zara Home 0800 026 0091 www.zarahome.com Zoffany www.stylelibrary.com

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

01509 234000 - www.floorsofstone.com enquiries@floorsofstone.com

Summer sale now on!

Cut out the Retailer

Quality Kitchen Handles ––––– Since 2011 –––––

Elgar 2 seater sofa £469

Oakridge •• Sofas • L 25% SPECIA ITH W F F O CODE

NO RISK 21 DAY HOME TRIAL 5 YEAR FRAME GUARANTEE FACTORY DIRECT PRICES

YH719

Tele 01685 844944 www.oakridgedirect.co.uk To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

www.yesterhome.com www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Classic Verandas

Great British Furniture direct from the manufacturer

BUY NOW, PAY LATER*

Vintage Chesterfield 3 seater sofa only £1859

PLEASE SEE OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE ONLINE NOW

●

Direct from our UK workshop ● 21 day money-back promise ● 5 year hardwood frame warranty

For a free brochure call 01443 771222 or visit www.thomaslloyd.com

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Nationwide Verandas are designed to provide a stylish & practical area to enjoy outdoor living whatever the weather

0800 179 9839

For a FREE brochure Call us today on or no obligation design consultation or visit us online at www.nationwideltd.co.uk *Only available with a 20% deposit and the Buy Now Pay Later finance option. Subject to application and status.

Nationwide Home Innovations is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Makers of Fine Leather Furniture Since 1981

9 ve ff 71 Sa o YR % 25 ode c

ith w

Great British Furniture

OWN A BESPOKE NATIONWIDE VERANDA TODAY

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

GREAT BRITISH SOFAS

DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR HOME AT FACTORY PRICES

SOFAS FROM ONLY £399 AND CHAIRS FROM ONLY £279

Use t discoun 19 7 code YH25% for extraJuly off in

Over 60 models to choose from . No risk 21 day moneyback home trial . 5 year hardwood frame guarantee . Direct from the manufacturer RATED EXCELLENT BY TRUSTPILOT

OVER 2500 REVIEWS

For a free 2019 brochure call 01495 244226 or visit

www.sofasofa.co.uk

Re-Silver Plating

T R ADITIONAL BRITI S H UPHOLSTERY SINCE 1987

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

INTO THIS…

• Cutlery Sets/Pieces • Trays and Bowls • Tea/Coffee Sets • Trophies

• Ornaments • Candlesticks • Jugs/Tankards • And much more!

Summer Savings 25% off with code YH719

www.kirkdale.co.uk

Call now for your free brochure 01495 243999 To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

NO OBLIGATION QUOTES R P Day & Co

0114 2467240 www.steelcitycutlery.com/plating www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

I find it difficult to change my duvet. Is there such a thing as an EASY-FIT one available?

Maureen, Hertford There certainly is; these duvet covers have zips on all four sides, so bedmaking is a lot simpler. Price starts from £35. Colours are 5 plains and 5 patterns in all four sizes. www.easyfitbedding.com or call 01902 734375

A

Excellent product and idea. I bought this duvet for my 70 year old mum who has limited use in one arm and she was over the moon that she is now able to make her bed unaided thanks to your design. Will definitely be recommending Easy-Fit Bedding to our friends and family to buy this product. I also have purchased in the past for myself and bedmaking in my house is so much easier and quicker.

Thank you Easy-Fit for prompt delivery.

Jane - London SE A modern and convenient way of dealing with the nightmare of fitting covers over duvets. Well done to this company for facing up to the challenge of what, after all, must have been quite a simple problem. Why other manufacturers have not displayed similar initiative I cannot understand.

Mr T - Vale of Glamorgan I saw Easy-Fit advert on TV and ordered a strawberry superking. Had a speedy delivery and absolutely love this product. Where have you been all my life, you have made it so much easier to change my bedding and the strawberry pattern looks sooo good on my bed. Thank you so much. Will definitely be ordering more.

Alison - West Midlands

Melody Maison Furniture | Mirrors | Home Décor www.melodymaison.co.uk Call: 01302 741000 Use Code: MMYH10 for 10% Off! Expires 31st October 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Q

SHOPPING DIRECTORY To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Download the NEW app edition on your iPad, iPhone, Android device or PC!

Our handy NEW app lets you carry pages of homes, crafts, food & decorating inspiration with you wherever you go. View sample pages for free, or subscribe to explore the entire magazine on the go.

Download the app for FREE. Search for today!

Single issue £1.99 Annual Digital Subscription £14.99

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

To place an advert here please call 01206 851117 ext 258

Green livinG What a corker!

Eco

news

Ocean four-fish pot stand, from £16.99; whale pot stand, £10.99, both t&G

Eco expert

join the lippy ShAke-up

We speak to Vanessa Willes, founder of Mangle & Wringer, on how to beat stains without using harsh chemicals…

‘Most people don’t realise that tackling stains with natural remedies is often far more effective than chemical stain removers. Eucalyptus oil is fantastic for oil stains, and milk is great for removing ink. My golden rules are: no hot water on protein stains, no soap on tannin stains and no heat on grease stains until the stain has been removed. The one thing I couldn’t live without is a Bette’s Bar. It’s made entirely from coconut oil, doesn’t contain petrochemical ingredients or palm oil, plus it’s plastic-free; you can clean just about everything with it!’

Is your make-up bag contributing to plastic waste? Every year between 800 and 900 million lipsticks are bought globally, many of which include plastic components. In a bid to reduce waste, Lush has joined the re-fill revolution with its new reusable lipstick case, priced at £7.95.

Inspired by vintage Hollywood make-up, simply choose from over 40 Naked Refill lipstick shades, insert into the case and you’re good to go! Then once it runs out, you can do it all over again. To find out more, visit www.lush.com.

Website Watch... www.greenmatters.com If you want quick, informative updates on environmental news, then Green Matters is the website for you. Read up on eco-friendly travel and parenting tips, and get the latest on global renewables around the clock as Green Matters continues to shed light on the important issues facing our planet.

128

August 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Did you know?

You could provide life-changing educational equipment for vulnerable children all over the world through the Clarks Shoe Share partnership with Unicef. For every tonne of shoes collected by Clarks, a donation is made to Unicef which goes towards schemes such as School in a Box; inside each one is a variety of educational tools that can transform any space into a learning area for up to 40 students. To take part, simply drop off your old or unwanted shoes at a Clarks store – you could even organise your own shoe collection! To find your nearest store, head to www.clarks.co.uk.

Image iStock

Save money and energy with our best buys

Cork is one of the world’s most important renewable forest materials, and its purpose extends far beyond keeping your vino fresh! As well as producing stoppers for 4,000 bottles, a single tree can forge fashion, homeware and kitchen products – just like this mat and trivet from T&G. Every nine years the bark from a cork oak tree is stripped off in a thick cylindrical layer and left to stabilise outdoors for six months before being transformed into a wide variety of products, including bottle stoppers, shuttlecocks and floor tiles. To take a look at T&G’s sustainable cork kitchenware, visit www.tg-woodware.com.

Modern Elegance

Introducing, Inkwell.

Transform your kitchen with this bold yet elegantly sophisticated shade.

Inkwell’s beautifully rich colour is now available in our Sutton range.

H L I N E. Sutton Inkwell with Farringdon Grey

Scotland Dunfermline Galashiels Glenrothes Kirkcaldy

Midlands 01592 774474 01896 759944 01592 774474 01592 774474

North Blackburn Doncaster Fleetwood Grimsby Harrogate Leeds Lytham St Annes Macclesfield Morpeth New Mills Northallerton Retford Sheffield Wirral York

01254 693765 01302 364809 01253 283786 01472 343853 01423 862286 01133 910179 01772 631316 01625 464955 01670 789599 01663 746851 01609 780289 01777 707656 01246 416642 0151 6321670 01904 479792

Dudley Duffield Gloucester Hampton-in-Arden Henley-in-Arden Hereford Leicester North Leicester South Ludlow Northampton Nottingham Stamford Towcester Wolverhampton Worcester

South 01384455755 01332 842534 01452 310451 01675 442705 01789 488899 01432 262820 01530 833960 01455 561200 01584 871960 01604 385050 01159 842842 01780 654321 01327 358180 01902 710545 01905 335408

East Anglia Ipswich Norwich Royston

01473 742200 01603 666161 01763 271991

Abingdon Arundel Basingstoke Bideford Bourne Bourne End Bradford-On-Avon Brighton East Bristol Camberley Chelmsford Chingford Dorchester Esher Fareham Fordingbridge Hazlemere Helston Hemel Hempstead Horley Ingatestone Ivybridge

See what else is new at: masterclasskitchens.co.uk/new

01235 554773 01243 696700 01256 810460 01237 423444 01778 420700 01628 528712 01225 783118 01273 628618 01179 246002 01252 522400 01245 392792 0203 9031813 01305 520848 01372 467464 01329 223406 01425 650235 01494 718585 01326 565522 01442 803303 01293 786116 01277 350800 01752 897800

London - Fulham 0207 3840511 London - Perivale 0208 6162722 London - Watford 01923 369706 Lymington 01590 678767 Polegate 01323 409222 Purbeck 01929 422345 Ringwood 01425 484731 Romsey 01794 338555 Sailsbury 01722 328777 Seaton 01297 22559 Sherborne 01935 817111 Staines upon Thames 01784 463909 Storrington 01903 741004 Tiverton 01884 251675 Tring 01442 827997 Uckfield 01825 766976 Wadebridge 01208 813231 Waterlooville 02392 176380 Whitstable 01843 593069 Winscombe 01934 844144 Witney 01993 704105 Wokingham 0118 9783393 Worthing 01903 201901

Wales Aberdare Abergavenny Cardiff East Cardiff West Dyffryn Ardudwy Haverfordwest Hay-on-Wye Nefyn Newport St Asaph Swansea

01685 813869 01873 850911 02920 485888 02920 593969 01341 242015 01437 763623 01497 821374 01758 721081 01633 252187 01745 582786 01792 790088

Channel Islands & Isle of Man Guernsey Isle of Man Jersey

01481 710500 01624 623222 01534 865750