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win! a hot tub, gas bbqs, dishwashers, an eco mattress, a hi-tech bed package & more www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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Seasonal recipes that are sunshine on a plate

HUNDREDS OF GREAT-VALUE IDEAS FOR EVERY ROOM JULY 2019

Stunning

real homes

sereNe couNtry retreat k vINtage vIctorIaN coNversIoN k moderN famIly four-bed k

3 Improve your credit rating 3Bring the outdoors in with bi-fold doors 3Get the best deal on your mobile phone

Discover the fresh, new take on country style

Get crafty with our garden-inspired projects

WIN! £6,0th3o0f wor PrIZES

Summer style ideas FOR YOUR HOME & GARDEN

All the design advice you need 3 Learn the secrets to open-plan living 3 Give your neutral scheme the ‘wow’-factor 3 Mix it up with the latest kitchen trends 3 Make your tiny bathroom feel bigger

Photo Lizzie Orme

Welcome

EDITOR’S LETTER

Summer is in full swing and we’re loving it here in the Your Home office.

In this month’s issue we’ve got some fantastic recipes that celebrate the taste of summer using the very best of the season’s produce (p.100). And, if the warm weather has you reaching for the ice cream, then take a look at our mouth-watering ideas for Vicky Angell, John Lewis & Partners Buyer for Outd oor Living, offers her top tips on creating frozen desserts on page 96 – take it the perfect barbecue atmosphere (p.18). from me, the strawberry and coconut ice lollies are simply divine!

Our craft projects this month celebrate all that’s gorgeous in the garden at the moment, from our pretty makes with pressed flowers (p.60) and delicate napkins using the unusual hapazome technique (p.64), to the ingenious fold-down garden storage unit, made from a pallet, which doubles as an alfresco bar (p.62).

If the hazy days of summer leave you longing to escape to the country, then turn to page 38 to discover how to give your home an easy-to-live-with contemporary country look, even if you live in the city. Over on page 22, we continue the relaxed summer vibe, showing how Sophie has This month, our Craft Editor s to capture ect proj us geo to make laid-back neutrals work in gor e created som ms (p.60). the best of this summer’s bloo every room by mixing them up with plenty Download our digital version of interesting textures. for your mobile or tablet and Thinking of re-doing your kitchen? On page 48 we look at how you can take Your Home with to update your home’s hub using the latest mix and match you on the go. See page 110. combinations of colours and finishes. Although, if the thought of cooking indoors is making you feel www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk hot and bothered, check out our pick facebook.com/yourhomemag of the best BBQs so you can enjoy @Your_Home spending more time alfresco instagram.com/yourhomemagazine with family and friends pinterest.com/yourhomemag (p.18). Happy grilling!

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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 18

96

Get ready for BBQ season

Big ideas for a bijoux space

80

Explore Hayley’s pastel-fresh apartment

Cool off with our delicious frozen treats

54 38

Put a new spin on country style

July at home 5

Pg 5

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

11 Household hints Follow our helpful tips and see our best buys this month

Makeovers

Pg 26

26 We turned our loft into a hotel-style bedroom Suzie transformed a dusty storage space into a luxe, peaceful boudoir

15 Consumer news We focus on finding the best mobile phone deal, plus how to boost your credit score

30 Friends love staying in my nautical bedroom Maxine created the perfect guest retreat from a compact space

18 Get set to sizzle with a new barbecue Create an outdoor feast with our pick of the latest grills

34 We swapped rooms to create my dream space Jackie craved a dramatic scheme with storage

Decorating

Pg 21

22 Trend alert: The new neutrals Create a calm, understated scheme with easy-to-team tones 38 Contemporary country Bring rustic and traditional themes up to date with these style tips 44 In the zone Make an open-plan space work harmoniously using our clever styling tricks

Kitchens & bathrooms Pg47 48 Give your hub a personality upgrade Pick and mix colours and finishes to create a unique space you’ll love for years to come 52 We removed wall units to create a spacious kitchen Helen and Neill Waites teamed bright Formica doors, open shelving and industrial details to open up a cramped space

54 Super size your bathroom Transform your scheme from bijoux to beautiful with the latest space-enhancing ideas

Reader homes

Pg 73

74 I love the peace and quiet of our rural home Angela and Ian found decorative inspiration from the wildlife surrounding their house in the country 80 I want my home to be a reflection of me Blending fresh pastels and period details, Hayley Cairns brought a feminine touch to her Victorian flat 86 We’ve brought a dated house to life again Zoe Matthews renovated every room in a 1980s property to create her dream home

PLUASGE!

12-P PULL-OUT GUIDE

Make it easy!

Pg 59

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

60

Pretty makes for summer

62

Craft a handy outdoor hideaway

Food & entertaining

Pg 95

96 The big freeze Cool down with one of these icy desserts from super-healthy fruit popsicles to something more indulgent 100 Taste of summer Feast your eyes on these unique dishes filled with the freshest flavours and vibrant colours

Home improvement Pg 105 106 All you need to know about bi-fold doors Fit versatile bi-folds to seamlessly link your garden and home and channel light inside

Gardening

Pg 113

114 In your garden this month…

Celebrate the exuberance of your garden by spending as much time in it as possible

Don’t miss out!

9

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

92 Subscribe to Your Home Take out a subscription this month and you could win a copy of My Bedroom Is An Office by stylist Joanna Thornhill 111 Win! This month we’re offering three lucky readers each a barbecue bundle from Napolean worth over £460 Dye and sew a botanical napkin

64

118 Giveaways You’ll be spoilt for choice this month with a designer hot tub, smart bed, high-tech dishwasher, family craft show tickets and more!

Plus, check out...

120 Shopping guide Find out where to buy everything in this issue

66 DIY masterclass Learn how to tackle rotten wooden windows

128 Eco news Discover the latest ideas and top buys for a greener lifestyle

Have you missed an issue?

Call 01206 851117 to order back copies

68 Ask the experts We answer your DIY and maintenance questions with some help from the pros 70 Craft stash must-haves Cute card kits, colourful quilts, plus creative dates for your diary

Live & breathe colour.

Colour brings your home to life. And not only are there new colours from the Breatheasy® Matt & Silk emulsion range, but they’re 99% solvent free and CERTIFIED asthma and allergy friendly® allowing you to create a happy and healthier home.

Now you can really relax. View the range at crownpaints.co.uk Available at leading Independents & The CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® Mark is a Registered Certification Mark of ALLERGY STANDARDS LTD

Feature Matilda Bourne Image John Miller

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This month we love...

Telling Shakespeare’s everlasting tale of love, comedy and trickery, Quantum Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is heading outdoors this summer at a National Trust location near you! Following the tale of four star-crossed lovers and their adventures in the Athenian woodland, this alfresco production will be fun for all the family.

Scotney Castle in Kent is just one of the fantastic locations and is hosting this enchanting performance on Saturday 20th July.

Embrace the 14th-century castle’s romantic wooded estate, moat, and idyllic country house as you see Hermia and Helena journey down love’s tricky path.

Tickets start from £8, with children under five going free. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

For stockists see page 120

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

Hidden Gem: Inspired by the picturesque Cornish coastline, Poppy Treffry is known as the queen of freehand machine embroidery. Based in St Ives, with her own studio just down the road in Penzance, Poppy brings each of her sketches to life using her trusty 1930s Singer sewing machine before coordinating a team of Cornish seamstresses to cut, sew, package and sell all of her charming products. From tea cosies to purses, there is a huge range of quirky designs to choose from! Plus, you can even join Poppy at her workshop for an embroidery course on how to make your very own creations. Find Poppy Treffry at 42 Fore Street, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1HE, or visit www.poppytreffry.co.uk.

Pick your own kitsch

Get ready for a blast from the past, because fruit and veg ceramics are back! Previously confined to kitchens of the 1970s, The Contemporary Home has decided to revamp its range of ceramics to offer the modern-day homeowner a selection of kitsch and nostalgic buys. Whether it’s a yellow pepper plate, a blueberry pitcher jug, or that iconic cabbage bowl, this retro range is perfect for brightening up any barbecue! Prices start from £6, view the full range at www.tch.net.

Large blueberry pitcher jug, £18; ceramic yellow pepper plate, £9; high-sided green cabbage bowl, £18, all The Contemporary Home

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

July 2019

5

GREAT IDEAS FOR...

All the kit you need for a show-stopping weekend t

Don’t rain on my parade!

Emergency rain poncho, £1.95, Rex London t

No festival look is complete without a pair of stylish wellies

Molly mid-height wellies in Gold Botanical Bee, £44.95, Joules

t This bum bag is great for keeping

all your essentials accessible and safe

Whimsical Flowers bum bag in teal, £22, Eastpak t Save some space with this two-in-one portable phone charger and mirror!

Plump for a new pillow

Reader offer

The season of hot bedrooms and uncomfortable nights is upon us. If you’re struggling to sleep, it might be time to upgrade your pillow to one that’s tailored to you. Taking into account your height, weight, sleeping position and support preference, the Nanu pillow, £35, guarantees a good night’s sleep. If, during the 30-night free trial, you don’t feel like it’s for you, you can send it back for free and receive a full refund! To create your own pillow, head to www.nanusleep.co.uk. Use code home20 for 20 per cent off your custom pillow*! *Code valid 3rd June to 3rd July 2019

Return to the fold

Not everyone is born with green fingers. If you don’t have the time or space to maintain your own Garden of Eden, try crafting one instead! Now, with the help of Amy Spungen’s new book Paper Garden Bonsai, you can learn about the art of real bonsai trees and then how to craft a paper version for every season. Born from the realisation that she was too impatient to grow her own beloved Bonsai, Amy’s tree-filled tome features fully illustrated instructions on how to craft four separate paper designs – which should be a lot easier to look after than a living one! Pick up a copy today for just £14.99 at all good book retailers, or find out more at www.quartoknows.com.

Coco lite portable phone charger compact in Polka Dot, £29.95, Emma Bridgewater

t

Ditch your microplastic glitter and opt for an eco-friendly version instead!

Men’s and Ladies’ Championship towels, from £34 each, Christy

EcoStardust biodegradable glitter in Electrum, £6, Asos

6

Game, set, merch

It’s time to don those sun hats and open the Pimms, because Wimbledon is back on our screens from Monday 1st July – Sunday 14th July! If you want to get your hands on some official Wimbledon merchandise, you can now buy this year’s official towel from Christy. Holding the title of official Wimbledon towel supplier for over 31 years, Christy’s Wimbledon design has become an iconic part of the tennis tournament – right alongside strawberries and cream! Although yours won’t be covered in the sweat and tears of the likes of Serena Williams or Novak Djokovic, it’s a great gift for a tennis fan. Head to www.christy.co.uk to see the full range.

July 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

New lower price on solar and electric blinds!

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

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

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

Timeless Style

Introducing, Hunter Green.

A beautiful, rich and opulent dark green painted colour that is now available throughout all of our wonderful painted ranges.

Marlborough Hunter Green with Farringdon Grey

Scotland Galashiels

North Blackburn Bury Doncaster Fleetwood Grimsby Harrogate Leeds Lytham St Annes Macclesfield Morpeth New Mills Northallerton Retford Sheffield Wirral York

South

Midlands 01896 759944

01254 693765 01204 772870 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

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 Cheltenham Chingford Dorchester Esher Fareham Folkestone Fordingbridge Godalming Hazlemere Helston Hemel Hempstead

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 01242 251113 0203 9031813 01305 520848 01372 467464 01329 223406 01303 647022 01425 650235 01483 424466 01494 718585 01326 565522 01442 803303

Horley 01293 786116 Ingatestone 01277 350800 Ivybridge 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 Worthing

0118 9783393 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

gEt In touch

Your home needs You! We love to hear what you’ve been up to, so send us your letters, tips, projects and photos. this month’s prizes are provided by the Royal horticultural Society.

H

H

H letter of H the month H H

Honest heirlooms “this chair is an antique that came from my husband’s grandfather – it has been in his family for over 40 years! My husband and I repaired the chair and then reupholstered it with some traditional fabric. I love having a reminder of his grandad in our home.”

Kirsten Cantrill, via email Your Home says it’s lovely to see our readers breathing new life into treasured pieces. The fabric really complements the wooden frame too. you’ve done a fantastic job, well done Kirsten!

New arrivals “When choosing a colour scheme for my nursery, I wanted to make sure it had a natural theme. I absolutely love Scandinavian décor and I thought it would be relaxing for a new baby. I chose Easycare paint from Dulux and teamed it with round wall stickers from Sticky Lingo. I then added a Sleepyhead pod on top of the changing mat, two large Miffy and Mr Brown Bear lamps and some gorgeous prints from Roscoe Rules.”

Jessica Austin, via email

Bed and breakfast

Top tiles

“When I saw these two wooden beds going for free, I couldn’t believe my luck. We soon were transformed them into the front of our new kitchen breakfast bar. now we just need to finish painting and decorating the rest of the kitchen!”

Tracey Dobson, via email

“I absolutely loved the Winchester geo grey ceramic tiles you included in the ‘Splash hits’ April issue feature. I popped to my local Wickes and made this lovely pallet coffee table using the tiles as a surface. thanks for the inspiration!”

Michelle Curtis, via email

Your Home says This has got to be one of the most creative upcycles we’ve seen, Tracey! your new breakfast bar looks fantastic, well done!

Your Home says now this is a chic table top, Michelle. The grey tiles look fabulous against the dark painted sides of the pallet. Congratulations on a great make!

Your Home says We love this Scandi-style nursery, Jessica! The colour scheme is so on trend and the black and white prints make a great contrast against the cool wall colour – well done!

H Jessica’s letter has won her an RHS Birds door mat from Turtle Mat, worth £49.95. Send us your projects and photos 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

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

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

This issue’s letter of the month will receive an rhS Birds door mat, courtesy of Turtle Mat, worth £49.95. Three runners-up will each receive an rhS Gardener’s notebook, worth £14.99, and an rhS desk diary 2020, worth £13.99, courtesy of White lion publishing. Find out more about these products at www.turtlemat.co.uk and www.rhs.org.uk.

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING STAIRCASE WITH NO MESS, NO FUSS AND BEST OF ALL NO BUILDING WORK

Sale NOW ON

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**

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.

Make the most of the great outdoors this month…

HOW TO... plan a garden party Having guests over can be daunting, but entertaining outside is always much more relaxed and informal. There are just a few things to consider beforehand, so you can kick back and join in the fun when they arrive… out how much food to buy can be tricky but, on average, one burger, ✓ Working a sausage and skewer should be enough for each person. How many drinks you buy for your party depends on the group – your friends may be big drinkers, or they may prefer just a couple. Take this into account when calculating what you need and allow a couple of drinks for the first hour, then one for every subsequent hour. And don’t forget alcohol-free options for non-drinkers and kids.

If you are supplying all of the drinks it’s worth considering a service such as Majestic’s party delivery. With free delivery it includes free glasses, ice and chiller bin hire, and you can return all unopened wine and un-split cases of beer or cider. For more information, visit www.majestic.co.uk. Some supermarkets, such as Morrisons and Waitrose, also offer free glass hire when you buy the relevant drinks from them.

Keep kids and adults alike entertained with a few garden games, staying away from ball games if space is limited. Music is also essential to keeping everyone happy, so make sure you create a varied playlist beforehand, and think about how you will play it in the garden if it can’t be heard from the house.

Make sure you have enough seating for everyone. Consider which of your guests will need a chair, and who can sit on blankets and rugs.

Don’t forget about plates and cutlery – disposables are handy if you have large numbers, but choose options that are either biodegradable or compostable, such as 100 per cent bamboo designs. It’s worth noting that paper plates with a coating or those that have had greasy food on aren’t recyclable.

✓

✓

✓ ✓

Feature Laura Higgins

Laura’s choice ‘Cleaning the barbecue after grilling can be a tiresome task, so finding a product that makes it a little easier is always a bonus. Jeyes Smart Brush barbecue cleaner, £3.49, kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria and has a powerful gel formula that breaks down burnt-on food and grease in just 10 minutes, aided by the built-in brush. Available from Asda, Tesco, B&Q and Sainsbury’s, it’s a must-have for this summer.’

Q&A How can I keep white trainers looking as good as new?

Start by knocking off any dried-on mud, carefully using a blunt knife if you need to.

Remove the laces and soak these in a whitening stain remover solution. Use a microfibre cloth dampened with a solution of water and washing up liquid to gently buff away any dirt, paying attention to the sides, soles and toe caps as well, using an old toothbrush to get into any gaps. Wipe with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap. Allow to dry, then touch up any scuffs with a trainer whitener such as Kiwi Sports Trainer Whitener, £3.95, available from www.amazon.co.uk.

▲

pack up a picnic with this traditional wicker hamper

What to look out for

This monTh

Great buy Not only is this large ironing board perfect for family-sized loads of washing, it has a couple of clever features to make life easier too. The iron rest can be pulled out from the board, making space to position shirts properly so that pressing shoulders becomes less tricky. It also has an integrated extendable rail along the far side for larger items such as bed linen and tablecloths to be draped over to prevent them trailing on the floor. Plus, it has a stable frame and sturdy legs to support extra weight, and has space to hold both standard irons and steam generators.

picnic basket, £34.99, TK Maxx

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you’ll always have somewhere dry to sit with this handy rug, which easily folds away to carry home

picnic rug, £8, Primark

Vileda perfect 2 in 1 ironing board, £54.99, Argos and Amazon

▲

These chunky wooden salad servers will make the perfect addition to any garden party buffet table

▲

Take this gorgeous set to dine outside, safe in the knowledge that it won’t smash if dropped on the patio lisbon living outdoor dining, from £3.25 for a goblet, all Sainsbury’s Home

Tuscany siena servers, £12.99, T&G Woodware

We test... camping chairs We tried a selection of portable designs, here’s what we found…

Trekology yiZi go porTable camping chair, £29.99, amaZon There is a knack to pulling the seat over the frame on this chair, but it is very portable, lightweight and packs away into a tiny bag. The legs have adjustable heights and it has good lower back support. This compact design is better suited to smaller people.

kelsyus camping canopy chair, £44.99, argos The canopy on this chair is great in the sun, as are the breathable mesh panels. The canopy wraps around the chair creating a handy carry case with strap – it’s quite bulky to carry but not too heavy. It is initially comfy to sit in but there is a lack of lower back support.

Things We considered l Was the chair easy to unfold? l Was it lightweight? l Was it comfortable to sit in? beach seaT, £45, sunnylife This chair is incredibly lightweight to carry and simple to unfold making it ideal for visits to the beach. However, it is low to the ground so not ideal for those who may struggle to get in and out of it, and not overly comfortable after a lengthy time sitting.

Overall, it’s a good buy for teens and festival-goers.

embrace chair, £65, Vango This couldn’t be any easier to unfold and is by far the most comfortable chair we tested. It’s quite bulky, so not the right buy if you need to carry it around all day, but ideal for a camping break. It offers great support and padding and continues to be comfortable even after sitting in it for long periods of time.

9/ 10 7/ 10

6/ 10

12

July 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

6/ 10

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

THE LATEST CONSUMER NEWS

Savvy ways to...

boost your credit score

FACT FILE

47% of us dream of living ‘the good life’ on a smallholding, with 58% citing their main reason as wanting to live more sustainably.

Source: NFU Mutual

Feature Lisa Hibberd Lead image iStock

YH fab find For a retro take on a very modern gadget, we love this cassette portable USB charger from Rex London, which is in the shape of a classic cassette tape with a label ready to be personalised. Priced at £24.95, it includes a 10cm micro cable, a USB charging port and is suitable for smartphones, iPods, cameras and other small devices which use a micro USB cable.

If you have a low credit rating, there are several things you can do to start improving it.

We asked the experts at the Single Financial Guidance Body for their top tips – to see the full guide, visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. n Register on the electoral roll: if your name’s not on there, you’ll find it much harder to obtain credit. You can register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by post. n Check for mistakes on your file: even having just a slightly wrong address can have an impact on your score. So, make sure you check all the details and report any incorrect information immediately. n Pay your bills on time: paying a phone landline or internet contract on time is a great way to prove to lenders that you’re capable of managing finances effectively. n Check if you’re linked to another person: having a spouse, friend or family member’s credit rating linked to yours through a joint account could affect your rating if they have a poor score. n Check for fraudulent activity: if something on your credit report is incorrect or doesn’t apply to you, i.e. if someone applied for credit in your name without your knowledge, contact the With the halogen light bulb now being credit reference agency immediately. phased out from homes across the UK, n County Court Judgements (CCJs): receiving Signify’s Philips LED savings converter has any court judgements for debt will have a serious revealed that by making the switch to LED impact on your credit score. If you’re having bulbs, the average homeowner could save a problems keeping up with payments, find free minimum of £112 per year. That’s enough debt advice online. to cover the cost of over 30 of these LED n High levels of existing debt: ideally you should lightbulbs – an eliminate any outstanding debt before applying energy-saving choice for new credit. This is because banks, building that will benefit societies and credit card companies might be both the planet hesitant about lending you more if you already and your pocket. have a lot of existing debt.

Philips LED E27 n Moving home a lot: lenders feel more Edison screw 5.5W comfortable if they see evidence that you have (40W) light bulbs, £6.99 for two, Amazon lived at one address for a considerable period.

Be sure to bear this in mind.

Smart savings

tech news NatWest has recently undertaken a trial of payment cards which use biometric fingerprint technology to increase security. If the user places their finger on the corner of the card, contactless payments above £30 will be authorised, without the need to enter their PIN. Although it’s likely to be a long while until this type of payment tech could be introduced, the aim of the trial was for the bank to gain insight into the usefulness and uptake of this feature, so watch this space for future developments!

›› www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

15

Most of us can’t manage without a mobile phone, so make sure you’re getting the best deal

I

f you want the latest handset without having to spend hundreds of pounds upfront to buy it outright, a mobile phone contract is the perfect solution.

With so many to choose from, you can tailor the deal to suit you with the phone, inclusive calls, texts and data all for a monthly fee. Here’s how to navigate the networks and pick the right plan for your lifestyle.

THE PROS AND CONS

Feature Hayley Gilbert Image iStock

Weigh up the differences before you sign on the dotted line: l With a contract, you have the benefit of getting the latest handset and a good value monthly plan. The downside is that over the course of the contract, the final total you’ll be paying out is likely to be much more than if you’d bought the phone outright at the beginning. l While you will be paying more in the long run, in the short term a contract prevents you from having to stump up hundreds of pounds in one go. l Consider taking out mobile insurance, as for a small monthly fee you’re covered in case of loss or accidental damage.

HOW IT WORKS

Before you begin, work out what deal suits you and your budget: n With a mobile contract, you pay a single monthly fee for a fixed period of time, usually 18 or 24 months. For this, you get the handset and a monthly allowance of calls, texts and data. n You’ll never have to worry about running out of credit or topping up your phone and if you do go over your monthly allowance, you can still use your phone as you’ll be billed for the extra calls, texts or data at the end of the month. n At the end of your contract, the monthly payments carry on as normal until you upgrade to a new plan or cancel the contract. n If you want to save money, you could opt for one of the lower-end models rather than the latest iPhone or other smartphone. n You can also pick a pay-as-you-go phone instead, or go for a SIM-only plan if you already have an existing handset that you’re happy with.

GETTING THE BEST DEAL A bit of research will find the best phone and plan for you: 3If you’re not sure which handset you’re after, read the latest reviews at www.techradar. com, or www.trustedreviews.com.

3Next, check out the different networks to see what deals they’re offering on that handset – monthly cost, calls, texts and data.

3Much like inclusive minutes, most tariffs offer a set number of free texts each month, or in many cases, unlimited use.

3Data refers to anything you access online such as browsing the internet, online shopping and any apps such as Instagram and Facebook.

3Using your phone at home won’t use up any data if you have broadband, as you’ll simply be hooking up to your own wi-fi instead.

Q A

Can a mobile contract improve my credit rating?

Yvette McDonald, Preston

When you sign up, your provider will check your credit score before accepting your application to make sure you can make the monthly payments. Having a good history with mobile contracts will definitely help and conversely, late payments or ending your contract before it runs out could harm your credit score. So if you want out before the contract ends, be prepared to pay the termination fee for the remaining balance.

USING YOUR MOBILE WHEN ABROAD

Data roaming is when your phone uses data on a mobile network while away from home or when abroad: n If you’re off on your hols abroad this summer, turn your settings to ‘data roam ing off’ to avoid any unexpected charges. n You can still make the most of local wi-fi by asking for the password when in bars, hotels and restaurants. n Making, and sometimes receiving calls, when abroad can be expensive so if you plan to make a lot of calls, look for a good rate on international roaming.

Useful contacts l Compare different mobile phone contracts at www.uswitch.com. l Go to the big networks direct to view their latest deals at www.ee.co.uk, www.o2.co.uk, www.giffgaff.com, www.vodaphone.co.uk. l You can also search for plans at

www.carphonewarehouse.com and www.virginmedia.com. l Find different insurance quotes at www.gocompare.com or

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July 2019

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www.uk.protectyourbubble.com.

BEMPTON TICKING STRIPES

www.studiog.uk.com

Get set to sizzle

with a new barbecue

Ensure your bangers are cooked to perfection with one of the latest designs

S

ummer time is finally here! And although the ‘Great’ British weather isn’t always on our side, with it comes the urge to gather together with friends and family to cook up an alfresco feast. If your grill is looking a little worse for wear, or you’d like to invest in something larger and more sophisticated to cook for a crowd, take a look at some of these great buys to help you host the ultimate barbecue.

Different cooking options

Explore the versatility of charcoal barbecuing with this grill. The new ‘smoke’ setting on the bowl vents gives you even more control of the heat to create the perfect temperatures for smoking and roasting. Plus, you can choose from a range of compatible additional inserts such as a pizza stone, wok and griddle Master-Touch GBS E-5755 charcoal barbecue, £299, Weber

Feature Lisa Hibberd

Weber Genesis II E-310 barbecue, £899, Dobbies

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July 2019

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For a quick and easy grill on the go, try this simple portable bucket design Bucket barbecue, £10, Sainsbury’s Home

The perfect blend of function and form, this gas model is an ideal choice for any space. It’s ready to go in just five minutes, and has three burners with variable flame control. The high hood for convection cooking means you can even roast something as large as a 6kg turkey

s

This gas barbecue features three high performance, stainless steel burners and a large cooking area measuring 68cm x 48cm, making it plenty big enough to cook for the whole family.

It also offers a handy tuckaway warming rack, two side tables and six integrated hooks to keep tools close at hand

Sizzle in style

Everdure

by Heston Blumenthal Furnace 3 Burner Gas BBQ, £699, John Lewis & Partners

Expert advice Vicky Angell, Buyer for Outdoor Living at John Lewis & Partners, has these top tips for creating the perfect atmosphere for your outdoor party…

BUYER’S GUIDE

Great for large families

Ideal if you’re catering for a crowd, this multifunctional barbecue can cook up to 11kg of meat or vegetables. It also features a pull-out smoker box which, when filled with wood chips, creates a rustic smoked aroma Big Easy SRG, £299.99, Char-Broil

s

Made from energy-efficient ceramic, which distributes heat evenly for succulent results every time, this grill and oven can cook an array of tasty meals.

Plus, it’s easy to remove ash via the sliding air inlet in the base

l If you’re cooking for a social gathering, make the barbecue the hub of your outdoor space so chefs can be involved in the activity and conversations while they cook. By decorating the area with comfy rugs and cushions you’ll create a relaxed environment. l Carefully selecting your lighting, heating and rain protection can help make the most of the time spent outside, lengthening the days come rain or shine. Fire pits are a great investment and will provide the perfect focal point to your space. They not only give out light and heat, but are perfect for entertaining, encouraging family and friends to gather together late into the evening. s

We love the modern design of this colourful charcoal model.

The pull-over lid provides great ventilation and the handy ash tray is easy to empty.

The grills are dishwasher safe, so you can spend less time cleaning up after the party

Berghoff small ceramic barbecue and oven, £299, Amazon

Under £100

Rockwell 200 barbecue, £93, B&Q

If you have limited outdoor space and want a hassle-free option, consider an electric barbecue. Its 300ºC grill has enough space to cook for up to nine guests at once, while the cast aluminium lid allows you to cook a large joint of meat TravelQ Pro 285 electric grill, £339.99, Napoleon Grills

If you’re a serious grilling enthusiast, this gas model combines powerful burners with an enamelled cast-iron grid for fast and even cooking. The central grid can be removed and replaced with a range of inserts from the Culinary Modular System range which includes a wok, pizza stone, paella dish and roaster, offering a really versatile cooking experience Master 4 Series Classic LXS gas barbecue, £800 (inserts sold separately), Campingaz

Try something new Dan Cooper, Head Grill Master at Weber, shares his advice on this year’s top barbecuing trends… l Roast chicken is one of the nation’s most popular dishes, but it can be even better when cooked on the barbecue. Beer Chicken is so-called because beer is used in the cooking process to steam the inside of the chicken. Using an accessory such as a poultry roaster, pour beer into the well in the centre, sit the chicken on top and place over indirect heat on the barbecue. As the beer heats up it creates steam, leaving you with a deliciously succulent roasted chicken on the inside, while the heat of the barbecue on the outside ensures a crispy skin. l One of this year’s biggest barbecue trends is smoking, which delivers delicious and increasingly popular foods such as pulled pork, brisket and burnt ends. If you’re not ready to smoke low and slow, then it’s still easy to add smoky flavours to the likes of sausages, chicken and salmon. Simply add a small handful of soaked wood chips either directly onto the coals of a charcoal barbecue, or into a smoker box on a gas barbecue, then place your raw food onto the cooking grate. As the chips smoulder the smoke permeates the food for an additional depth of flavour.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

19

Wear your heart on your windows.

Don’t just like your shutters.

Love them.

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

Decorating whatever your style, it’s all in the finishing touches Urban Paradise leaf print double duvet set, £21, sainsbury’s home

Mini trend:

Japandi

we love a mash-up, don’t you? Japandi brings together the best elements of Japanese and scandi styles, fusing zen and hygge to build home décor that is simultaneously modern and timeless, clean and cosy, and beautiful to behold. it’s a simple, minimalist scheme with a strong focus on raw, natural materials, clean lines and functionality.

Tall ceramic textured vase, £6, neon sheep

Rattan storage baskets, from £18 each, a new tribe

Feature emma thompson

Mid-century masterclass

Cabinet of curiosities If you’re a collector of the weird and wonderful, delve into the Wonderland collection of accessories

by George Home and you’re sure to find something delightful. The intriguing ornaments include a flocked grey skull, bell jar lamp, coloured glassware and more, priced from just £6. See the full collection at www.direct.asda.com.

Before you embark on creating a retro-modern scheme, make sure you read Mid-century Modern Living: The Mini Moderns Guide to Pattern and Style (£20, Kyle Books). It’s full of beautiful photographs and packed with the design know-how of interiors pros Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire of Mini Moderns, who share their secrets on how to bring together the key colours, patterns and materials of the era to put your own spin on the popular look.

Can you handle this?

Photography Jan Baldwin

Are you bored of your cabinets, cupboards, wardrobes or drawers?

It can be an expensive hassle to replace them, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them as they are. Here’s our top tip: just update the hardware. It’s a quick and easy fix and it’s amazing how much of a difference a new set of pulls can make. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Lelah handle, £12; Penny knobs, £8 each, all anthropologie

CheCk out our new deCorating pages at www.yourhomemagazine.Co.uk In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

July 2019

21

Trend AlerT...

ew The nneutrals Create a calm, understated scheme with this season’s easy-to-team tones

As most of us know, trying to make something appear effortless is harder than it seems, and the same applies to decorating with neutrals.

Although this understated palette looks simple to create there are a few tricks to consider to avoid being left with a lacklustre, uninspiring scheme. The key is to build the right balance of texture and tone by layering a mix of several natural tones – stick to just one or two and your room will fall flat. Next, bring in a range of woods, choosing pale and medium, cool and warm shades. And, as you’re not using colour to add interest, you’ll need to rely on different textures as well as eye-catching shapes and designs. To anchor the neutrals, bring in a few darker accessories, such as a metallic or a charcoal grey, and draw the eye by adding contrast. Finally, work in just a hint of colour – a pale blush, peach or mint, or even a stronger rusty hue – for a pared-back but striking scheme.

Lifestyle Editor

To draw the eye, provide contrast with dark grey or dramatic black, like the dining chairs in this scheme

Feature Laura Higgins

A by Amara: ceramic Colne grey pitcher, £40; Prism dinner plates, £50 for four; Prism side plates, £45 for four; Prism bowls, £50 for four; Broadway stainless steel 24-piece cutlery set, £120; Drop wine glasses, £50 for six; rustic wood serving boards, from £15; wooden rope bowl, from £60; rustic wood serving bowl, from £25, all Amara

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July 2019

Harley Natural chenille, £36 per m; Bempton Natural linen, £19 per m, both Studio G. Heaton Turmeric fabric, £35 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Carla zigzag cushion, £12, Dunelm. Stock (37) Absolute matt emulsion, £45 per 2.5l, Little Greene

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE Expert tip ‘My advice for decorating with neutrals is to play with pattern. If I’m using a simple colour palette in my interior, I like to add interest with pattern or stand-out designs. By combining soft shades, such as grey and beige, with interesting accessories you can transform a bland colour scheme into something bold and striking.’

When decorating with neutrals, it’s all about layering. Build up this look up with a variety of shades and textures Karlson double bed, £599; Karlson bedside table, £199; Karlson three-drawer chest, £549; Erin pendant ceiling light, £99; Milan large mirror, £99; Paisley print bedding, £49.50; micro waffle bed set, £59; round rug, £100; bubble hi ball, £5; woven place mat, £12.50 for two; medium linear bulb vase, £15; Calm single candle, £7.50; overscale check throw, £29.50, all M&S

Sam Hood, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Amara The ornate detailing on this cushion will add interest Mancora embroidered cushion, £44.99, Very

This tasseled pouffe will instantly update an armchair Woodstock tasseled pouffe, £160, Amara Louise O’Bryan

Revive old furniture with a coat of creamy-tinted paint Chalk paint in Old Ochre and Country Grey, £19.95 per 1l, both Annie Sloan

Bring in a hint of colour, such as a burnt rust hue, to pop against the neutrals and add depth and warmth Lark tub chair in orange herringbone with dark feet, £299; Ezra four-seater sofa in beige combination, £1,399, both DFS

Add warmth with rugs, soft furnishings and luxurious drapes Dune Bandage arm sofa in grey, £399.99; Kent large sideboard, £379.99; Coastal grey ceramic table lamp, £25; Coastline check throw, £16; Coastline lit cloche scene, £16; Coastline standing bird object, £10; Herringbone rug in dove grey 120cm x 160cm, £30, all Argos Home

In association with

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July 2019

23

STYLE FILE Spend vs save Rattan furniture ticks all the right boxes for colour and texture Toba rattan dining chair, £159.95, Libra

Samira woven rattan armchair, £295, Cuckooland

Use a variety of wood tones to keep your scheme from looking flat Embrace left hand facing chaise leather sofa in fossil, £2,199, DFS

Texture is key to keeping this look interesting – choose tactile throws and cushions, woven baskets and rattan furniture A by Amara: Rocky Ridge flower pot, from £22; slotted wooden hurricane lamp, £75; Hanoi woven baskets, £180 for two; 500 thread count sateen white duvet cover, from £80; 500 thread count sateen white Oxford pillowcase, £40 for a pair; hand appliquéd grey cotton cushion, £55; embroidered textured cushion in ivory/ mushroom, £60; hand appliquéd grey cotton throw, £200; Fossil textured cushion, £75, all Amara

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July 2019

In association with

Herringbone Grey wallpaper, £54.50 per roll; Forfar Stripe Natural fabric, £47.50 per m; Bude Oatmeal fabric, £44.50 per m, all Ian Mankin. A by Amara Ethnic tassel cushion, £40, Amara. Mono (218) Absolute matt emulsion, £45 per 2.5l, Little Greene

www.hillarys.co.uk

STYLE FILE Look out for accessories with fine detail Coastal grey ceramic table lamp, £25, Argos Home

Pendant lighting An eye-catching pendant will make a focal point in your room

Wooden bead ceiling light, £89.99, Very

Choose wooden furniture in a variety of tones Round wooden side table, £99.99, HomeSense

Kubu rattan hanging lamp, £149, Cuckooland

Add a bold backdrop to offset pale-toned bed linen Ticking Stripe bed linen, from £14 for a standard pillowcase, Secret Linen Store

Give your floor cosy interest with a patterned rug Safi fringed pyramid rug, £54.99, Carpetright

Geneva easyfit pendant, £45, Debenhams

Hampstead pendant light, £100, Garden Trading

Woven baskets are great for adding texture while keeping your space clear of clutter Woven storage basket, £14.99, HomeSense Muuto Unfold nude pendant light, £149, Rume

Be inspired by natural texture and pattern Farmhouse bench, £159.99 for a pair; Farmhouse table, £249.99; Coastal Reed 30cm shade, £12; Coastline check throw, £16; set of eight hi ball glasses, £8, all Argos Home

In association with

www.hillarys.co.uk

July 2019

25

Suzie has created a peaceful and stylish loft bedroom with a Scandi scheme of stone greys, natural wood and snug textures

Total Cost

£4441

We turned our loft into a hotel-style bedroom Once a dumping ground for old toys and Christmas decorations, Suzie Attaway’s attic is now a spacious and peaceful boudoir

S

uzie Attaway, 44, husband Phil, 44, and children Sam and Mia have lived in their three-bedroom North London semi for over 13 years, and last year decided it was time to maximise the potential of the property. ‘We had planned to extend years ago but our busy work schedules and family life kept getting in the way,’ says Suzie. ‘I’d always wanted

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a bedroom with an en-suite, and my preteen daughter was growing out of her box room. Therefore it made sense to extend the loft so that Mia could have our old bedroom,’ she adds.

STEP ONE

The couple began by having plans drawn up by a local architect, which were then submitted to the council

BEDROOM MAKEOVER for planning permission. ‘The conversion of stormy summer nights, so we moved to was fairly straightforward – we knew we my mum’s for a few weeks,’ she adds. wanted an en suite, a walk-in wardrobe STEP THrEE With the main and a large dormer window with sliding structural work underway, Suzie started doors looking out over the garden. We thinking about the furniture and fittings waited a couple of months for the plans to for her new en suite. ‘I wanted to be signed off, and in the meantime we got quotes from builders,’ Suzie says.

Eventually they hired a company The en suite bathroom features a monochrome recommended by a neighbour, scheme of black, grey and white and whose estimate was within their £40,000 budget. ‘The basic building work was going to cost £35,000, which left us with £5,000 for decoration,’ she adds.

STEP TWo

Suzie likes to accessorise the bed with colourful, textured cushions and throws from HomeSense and Wilko

Good idea!

Adding an en suite bathroom made the most of the available space without causing too much extra work – and added value to the property, too.

Emptying the loft was a time consuming and messy task, as everything was covered in thick black dust. ‘I’d never been in the loft as we didn’t have a proper ladder. Phil had to pull himself up through the hatch while I held a step ladder below.

He handed me boxes and bags one by one, most of which contained old toys, baby equipment, Christmas decorations and my old vinyl, which I was quite pleased to bring out again!’ says Suzie.

Once the space was cleared, the builders commenced work. ‘There was a lot of banging and dust, and an unexpected water leak through our bedroom ceiling after a couple

The dormer window with sliding door gives the room a light and spacious feel

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

July 2019

27

rOOMplAn The industrial-style en suite bathroom features a monochrome scheme of black, grey and white 6.7m

A second-hand Oliver Bonas chest of drawers was a bargain buy from eBay

6.1m

ThE dETAilS

Paint

Wallpaper

STEP FOuR After just six weeks the loft conversion was complete, and Suzie started shopping for bedroom décor.

‘I love changing my cushions and throws each season, and so opted for a neutral Scandi-style scheme. After the room was

Good idea!

£245 from IKEA

Made from solid, hardwearing wood with soft leather handles, the Björksnäs chest of drawers will make a stylish addition to your bedroom.

Tiles

£650.75

Carpet

£449.80

Bed

£479

Bedside tables

£140

Chest of drawers

£100

Shower

£1,093.80

Bath, basin & WC

£1,212.29

TOTAL

plastered, we white-washed the ceilings, doors and built-in cupboards, and created a feature wall with the magical Woods & Stars wallpaper by Cole & Son; it was quite pricey but we only needed three rolls.

We chose a grey shag-pile carpet which feels like velvet underfoot, and found a fabulous grey upholstered bed at Bensons For Beds which toned perfectly with the scheme as well as giving us some muchneeded storage space,’ adds Suzie. YH

Dulux Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, £20 for 2.5l, B&Q. Cole & Son Woods & Stars wallpaper, £85 per roll, John lewis. White Gloss wall tiles, £26.45 per sq m; Dark Grey Rustic Wood floor tiles, £31.75 per sq m, all British Ceramic Tile. Vitra Nest Anthracite 60cm washbasin unit, £772.80; Vitra Nest wall hung toilet, £276.80; Vitra Neon double ended bath, £162.69, all Ergonomic designs.

Mira Platinum Digital shower, £557.95; Mira Leap sliding door, £375.17; Mira Flight low profile shower tray, £160.68, all plumbworld. Balta Anthracite Satino carpet, £22.49 per sq m, Carpets & Floors Online. Virage Ottoman King bed frame, £479, Bensons For Beds. Björknäs bedside tables, £70 each; Storjorm mirror cabinet with lighting, £195; Skold Sheepskin rug, £25, all ikea. Oliver Bonas chest of drawers, £100, eBay. Smoke small glass lamps, £20 each; charcoal faux Mongolian cushions, £6 each, both Wilko.

Scion Tetra Citrus throw, £95, Amazon.

Charcoal Thermal Eyelet curtains, from £25, dunelm. Velvet stool and appliquéd cushion, from a selection, homeSense.

£945

£245

£599 from Atkin & Thyme

This mango wood chest of drawers is delicately carved with pretty fern fronds to give a natural, organic aesthetic.

£945 from Loaf

Each piece of oak used in creating this piece is bandsawn to add texture and painstakingly laid out to create a stunning zig zag effect.

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£4,440.64

Shopping list

Fit a tall, slimline mirrored cabinet in a small bathroom to create the illusion of space.

3 of the best... bedroom storage

£255

£599

Feature Suzie Attaway Photos Olly Gordon

create an industrial look, and chose a monochrome scheme of white brick wall tiles and charcoal grey floor tiles.

At the top of Phil’s wish list was a spacious walk-in shower with rainfall shower head, and I longed for a large bath tub to relax in after a busy day at work,’ she says.

The builder came up with a plan to fit a sunken bath at the back of the en suite, which meant losing some space in the eaves, but the couple decided that it was worth the sacrifice.

£60

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Simply plug in the long 5m power cord into your mains and relax knowing you’re getting the job done safely and economically. The weed burner comes with a handy built-in retractable stand that locks into place when not in use allowing you to stand the weed burner off the ground when hot and protects it from getting damaged. The clever compact design also features a removable handle to allow for easy storage while not in use.

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Friends love staying in my nautical bedroom Maxine Brady wanted her guest room to be the perfect retreat for visitors – but she had to be clever with the layout to make the most of the compact space

Total Cost

£2,095 Before

W

hen Maxine Brady bought her two-bedroom terraced house, she had big ideas for her spare bedroom despite its small size.

‘The room is only 8.8 sq m, so it was a squeeze to even fit in a double bed in the space,’ she explains. ‘When it came to decorating, I took my time on the details to get it looking picture perfect.’

STEP ONE

Good idea!

Instead of a bedside table, use a small chest of drawers that can double up as storage space and a night stand

30

July 2019

Update a piece of furniture with copper knobs. They simply screw into place, making it an easy project for anyone to take on.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Before she started, Maxine played with the layout of the room. ‘I used masking tape to mark out a bed, wardrobe and bedside table to see what I could fit in here,’ she explains.

‘I wanted the space to be as flexible as possible. I soon realised I had to be clever with the space to fit in everything without it feeling cramped.’

Maxine’s first task was to rip out the cupboard housing the boiler, which she did herself. A carpenter then created a bespoke design that fitted flush to the alcove wall.

‘I couldn’t move the boiler, so I needed the cupboard to be as discreet as possible,’ she says. She then set aside a large proportion of her budget for repairing key elements of the room. The dated blue radiator was replaced, the electrics and light fittings were repaired, and a new uPVC sash window was fitted.

Every inch of the room was considered in great detail. ‘The bedroom door was re-hung so that it opened outwards, rather than into the room. This saved me about one metre in space, which meant I could fit in a double bed facing the window.’

Bedroom mAKeoVer

Good idea!

A large free-standing mirror will make a small bedroom feel bigger and brighter as well as providing a practical place for guests to get ready.

To blend unattractive cupboards into your bedroom, try wallpapering them – add the same design to your shelves to help them disappear into the walls

Like most makeover projects, this bedroom had a few hidden problems bubbling under the surface. One bank holiday weekend, Maxine started scraping the textured wallpaper from the walls and huge chunks of plaster came off with it, too. ‘I think the layers of painted wallpaper were holding the plaster in place,’ explains Maxine.

‘I realised I would have to have all the walls scraped back to the brick and re-plastered. The carpets were ruined by the time I had stripped back the room!’

STEP Two Deciding on the décor was easy for Maxine, who writes a lifestyle blog called We Love Home. ‘I had fallen in love with the bold Great Waves wallpaper

by Cole & Son the moment I saw

Having such a small space provided Maxine with a challenge, and meant she’d have to consider every detail to ensure it worked in harmony

Create a cosy bed for guests to sleep in with piles of plump cushions, quality sheets and layers of throws www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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31

RooMplan Blend vintage furniture into your scheme by painting it in a matching shade.

Maxine used an off-white eggshell

2.7m

3.2m

The deTailS Wallpaper

£468

Carpet

£441

Paint

£30

Lighting

£116

Blind Bed

Good idea!

Furniture

Replace your old wiring with fabric-wrapped electrical cord.

Maxine added a traditional rope cord to her pendant fitting and put a foam ceiling rose up above.

STEP THREE

Maxine splashed the cash on the designer wallpaper, a statement light shade from Vita and a made-to-measure white slatted blind.

TOTAL

£95.95

£4.50

£55.75 from The Taylor

This blue cushion (which comes complete with cushion pad inside) measures 50cm square and features a unique printed koi carp design.

£95.95 from Beaumonde

The Fleur de Sel lantern is a handwoven rattan and bamboo design with a genuine leather handle and inner aqua glass candle holder.

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£2,094.98

Great Waves Wallpaper, £78 per roll, Cole & Son. Devonia Plain carpet in French Grey, £49 per sq m, axminster. Slaked lime Intelligent eggshell paint (skirting and wardrobe), £30 for 750ml, little Greene paint Company. Geometric ceiling rose, £7, amazon. Carmina light fitting, £58, Umage.

Twisted satin sheen electrical cable, £3.99 per m, dowsing & Reynolds. Mode Horizontal column radiator 550mm x 507mm, £178, Vogue UK. Bespoke ottoman bed, £479.98, happy Beds. White wooden slatted blind, £89, hillarys. Puderviva quilt cover and two pillow cases, £55; Ranard clip-on wall light fitting, £20, all ikea. Abs Geo quilt, £45; Abs Geo cushion, £12.50, both Marks & Spencer.

Octopus cushion and velvet blue cushion with pompoms, £9.99 each; silver tray, £12, both homeSense. Peach fringed cushion cover, £19.99, Zara home. Kingston French Mirror, £332, exclusive Mirrors. Vintage chest of drawers, £20, department in hove.

Copper cupboard handles, £7.50 each, Grace & Glory. For a similar Copper table light, try Copper Z table lamp, £38, Trouva.

Vintage wardrobe, £30, British heart Foundation. Ghost chair, £89, Cult Furniture

3 of the best... nautical accessories This beautiful, original handmade seascape print comes from an original hand-painted watercolour and is priced from just £4.50.

£471

Shopping list

To save money, she found additional furniture in junk shops and bought accessories from charity shops. ‘I bought things as I could afford them,’ explains Maxine. ‘I got the bulk of the pieces from local Brighton vintage stores. Originally, I had a hand-me-down wooden bed which I replaced with this ottoman one from Happy Beds. I found the painted chest of drawers in a local junk shop for £20.’

She finished off her room with accessories collected from her travels.

‘My guest bedroom is so light and bright now. The bed has a great view over the rooftops of Brighton that friends love when they come to visit!’ YH

£4.50 from Mode Prints

£479.98

£55.75

Feature Maxine Brady Photos Rachael Smith

it. With such a small room I knew I could get away with being braver with my decorating choices.’

After being let down by several decorators, Maxine’s dad stepped in to help wallpaper the room. ‘He was a superstar and has done a better job than any professional, even wallpapering the shelves and the boiler cupboard doors for me. That saved me a fortune in decorating costs too.’

£89

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

Total Cost

ÂŁ4,864

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July 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Jackie wanted an intense and dramatic colour scheme to create a cosy bedroom accented with pops of colour

BEDROOM MAKEOVER

We swapped rooms to create my dream space Jackie transformed her new bedroom with a dramatic colour scheme and plenty of handy storage, too

J

ackie Palmer, 57, lives in a threebedroom house in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, with partner Roland Dyson and daughter Rosie, 28, and desperately wanted to increase her bedroom storage. ‘Rosie originally had the front bedroom, which was much bigger,’ she explains. ‘I actually preferred the smaller room at the back of the house, as it had a gorgeous view towards the garden.’ After struggling with a lack of space, Jackie decided to swap bedrooms with her daughter and start afresh with a whole new colour scheme. ‘Moving to the bigger room made sense, and I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like before I even began.’ With over 20 years of experience in curtain and cushion-making through running her business Kinky

Curtains & Cushions, Jackie is quite the interiors enthusiast and was used to updating her client’s homes. ‘It’s exciting that finally this was a design for me, and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!’ she smiles.

STEP

ONE The generous proportions of the room leant themselves to a dramatic colour scheme. ‘I wanted something dark, and thought about painting the walls black,’ explains Jackie.

‘With two large sash windows there was plenty of natural light, so I wasn’t worried about the colour being too overbearing.’

With her walls in mind, Jackie got thinking about the curtain fabric. ‘There’s nothing more luxurious, in my opinion, than sumptuous velvet – so that’s the look I went for,’ she says. ‘Bring on the luxe!’

With a huge stock of fabric samples at her disposal, Jackie picked out a vintage-style floral to create some curtains. ‘I’d had this Clarke & Clarke design in mind for ages,’ she explains.

‘It’s got such a pretty, feminine quality which is perfect for a bedroom.’ With the walls and windows sorted, Jackie started to consider furniture. ‘I’d also had my eye on a Swoon Editions bed for a while,’ she says, ‘so that was up next. Having a good quality bed was important for me – I love my sleep!’ Jackie chose a charcoal velvet-upholstered model that tied in perfectly with the existing dark grey carpet. ‘I went for a super king-size as the room is quite large,’ she explains.

‘Plus, who doesn’t love an extra-large bed to snuggle into?’

STEP TwO

Jackie toyed with the idea of adding builtin wardrobes but preferred the flexibility and look of free-

No longer having to put up with bulging wardrobes, Jackie’s new shimmery silver storage provides plenty of space

Before Jackie was able to create some gorgeous curtains from a length of vintage-style floral-print velvet and lined them to keep out the early morning sun rays

Good idea!

Line your curtains to shield the early morning sunlight ensuring the best night’s sleep possible.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

July 2019

35

rOOMpLAn

Jackie devoted a corner of the room to a silver dressing table with a bright ochre velvet armchair 4.1m

5.2m

ThE dETAiLS Paint

£139.50

Curtain fabric

£940.50

Lighting

£1,275

Bed

£949

Furniture

standing furniture. ‘I’m a fan of a more eclectic look,’ she explains. ‘I love mixing and matching different styles and colours – it makes it feel more personal.’

Jackie loves trawling around antiques shops and on one such trip spotted a pair of silver painted French-style wardrobes.

‘The owner seemed quite keen to get rid of them, so I did well to knock him down on the price,’ she laughs. ‘The only problem was getting them up the stairs – that was quite a scene!’ The silver finish contrasted well with the dark black walls and Jackie loved them so much she later went back to buy a matching dressing table.

STEP THREE

After finishing and hanging her new curtains, Jackie felt the room needed some pops of colour to set off the dark walls. ‘I’ve been collecting art for a while, so I was pleased to start adding

Use a dark colour palette to create an intimate feel, then brighten it up with splashes of colour. my favourite framed prints to the walls,’ she says. Next, an old chaise-longue got a mini makeover with some bright pink velvet. ‘I already had some leftover pink fabric hanging around and, with the help of a friend, re-upholstered the piece to give it a new lease of life.’

An ochre armchair was bought for the dressing table and, along with floral bed linen, throws and plenty of cushions on the bed, the room has been transformed.

‘It feels like my very own boudoir,’ smiles Jackie. ‘It’s dramatic, but at the same time it feels tranquil and cosy.’ YH

£269.95 from Melody Maison

Made with a wooden frame and glass top, the Tiffany two-drawer bedside table is lined in a deep red fabric for a luxe finish.

£4,864

TOTAL

Good idea!

3 of the best... silver furniture

£1,560

Shopping list

Pitch Black Estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball. Emeline Charcoal velvet fabric, £85.50 per m; Allure Magenta fabric, £31 per m, both Clarke & Clarke. Harvey upholstered bed in Granite velvet, £949 for a super king, Swoon Editions. Ector bedside tables, £135 each, both Wayfair. Silver wardrobes, £450; dressing table, £395, both from a local antiques shop, but similar to La Rochelle wardrobe, £699.99; French-style dressing table and mirror, £199.99, both homesdirect365. Ochre velvet tub chair, £445, Oliver Bonas. Brass and smoke table lamps, £195 each; Deco female head, £65, both rockett St George. Fade fringe floor lamp, £495 (now discontinued), The French Bedroom Company. Ceiling light, £390, heal’s.

Skold sheepskin, £130; Saralena cushion, £10; Snofrid cushion cover, £10; Sanela cushion cover, £6; Fladis basket, £13; Moalie throw, £45, all ikea. Fuchsia throw, £25; Pivoine grey duvet set, £38 for a super-king size, both dunelm. East End art print, £275, nelly duff. Arundel Tomb art print, £19.95, Tin design.

£299

£299 from The French Bedroom Co The Sylvia silver single drawer bedside table is finished in metallic silver leaf, with cabriole legs and a perfectly sized drawer for essentials.

£795 from Sweetpea & Willow

The metallic Astor cabinet is hand embossed and features a removable shelf, meaning the piece can be adjusted to suit your storage needs.

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July 2019

£269.95

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

£795

Feature Emma Fishman Photos Lizzie Orme

Growing up in East London, Jackie loves this framed map and the pink font adds a further splash of colour

Don’t know where to begin with your home renovation? Head over to KBB Ark. KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BEDROOMS

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!

KITCHEN BATHROOM BEDROOM

kbbark.com

T Country Contemporary

Tough & Washable matt emulsion paint in Admiral, £15 for 2.5l; vinyl matt emulsion paint in Cloud, £12 for 2.5l, both Wickes

Feature Emma Thompson

Bring rustic and traditional homes up to date with these sympathetic style tips

U Colour block boudoir Balance soft vintage French styling with the bold contrasts of this year’s biggest paint trend for a best-of-both-worlds scheme Arched grey mantel clock, £27.95, Melody Maison

Cream swirl candelabra with droppers, £10.95, Melody Maison

Orchard Ditsy duvet cover, from £55 for a single; Oxford pillowcase, £15; standard pillowcase, £12, all Joules

Pom Poms on Parade cushion in blush pink, £28, The French Bedroom Company

Navy organic cotton bedding, £110 for a double set, Square Flower

U Farmhouse chic

Choose rustic natural materials, a calming palette of blues, and keep accessories sparse to achieve this endearing, relaxed look

Kasbah ink rug, from £138 for 150cm x 90cm size, Weaver Green Blue handillustrated sketch, from £4.50, Mode Prints

Maxwell & Williams Boho navy shibori bowl, from £3.95, Creative Tops

U bold and bright

Start with a fresh, neutral base then bring in vivid colourful pops in a variety of prints and patterns. Complete the look with warm tones of wood and eclectic art

Tea floral cushion, from £25, Gail Myerscough

Joules Cambridge cotton four-seat sofa in navy floral combination, £999, DFS

Abstract 413 print, from £8.95, Abstract House

Marble foot white and gold floor lamp, £80.95, Melody Maison

Yellow stool, £22.99, Home Bargains

Jasper natural wood and faux leather dining chair, £129, Cult Furniture

mixed materials U

Pale woods, mix-and-match seating and plenty of greenery make this a relaxed setting while the metallic pendant lighting completes and modernises the look Gold potted faux cactus, £4.99, Home Bargains

Antiqued gold LED lantern lamp, £43.50, The Farthing

Woven jute laundry basket, £37.50, The Farthing

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Joe Browns floral stag wall art, £25; rabbit table lamp, £55; check print oversized cushion, £25; side table, £109; animal print cushion, £30; velvet corder cushion, £15; coffee table, £199; console, £199, all JD Williams Home

U Eclectic heritage Rather than minimising traditional elements, make them bigger, bolder and quirkier to give them centre stage in your home Magpie Beasties Mr Stag And Mr Fox coasters, £10 for a set of four, Hurn & Hurn

Silver metal wall-mounted replica stag head, £40.95, Melody Maison

Joe Browns animal accent chair, £349, JD Williams Home

U Super scandi Annecy extending dining table and four faux leather cross-back chairs, £1,195; Content

by Conran Elmari alcove shelving, £399; Gaucho ceiling light, £69, all Furniture Village

Modern Scandinavian design lends itself incredibly well to country interiors; a focus on natural materials, functionality and simplicity are core to both styles

Denby blue bowls in chalk and blue, £45 for a set of four, John Lewis & Partners

Dexter ivory ceiling pendant, £49, Atkin and Thyme

Tall rustic handled jug, £62.50, The Farthing

Umbra woodrow waste bin in spruce green, £20, Red Candy

U all natural

If you’re a lover of neutrals, try this effortless ‘greige’ scheme that links effortlessly with the outdoors

DECORATING IDEAS

Estate battery lantern, £39.99; Trentham battery lantern, £12.99; large Salcombe wooden battery lantern, £24.99; sage ceramic battery lantern, £8.49; botanical lantern battery fairy lights, £6.99, all Lights4fun

Atlas Berber rug, £250, John Lewis & Partners

Wooden laser cut 6in x 4in photo frame, £4, Wilko

Vintage wooden candle lantern, £250, Melody Maison

U upcycling dream

What’s the cheapest and easiest way to update traditional furniture? Paint it, of course. This rich palette is based on deeper primary shades built upon soft neutrals

Vintage pink ceramic floral drawer knob, £4.50, Dibor Walls in various colours of Wall Paint, £39.95 for 2.5l; walls and furniture in various colours of Chalk Paint, £19.95 for 1l; furniture finished with Clear Chalk Paint Wax, from £9.95 for 500ml; floor finished with Chalk Paint Lacquer, £24.95 for 1l, all Annie Sloan

Handpainted rose jug, £50, Made By Hand Online Anthropologie Marnie wide pot, £8, John Lewis & Partners

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U Monochrome museum The ideal modern update for period properties, this scheme of naturals, neutrals and dark accents oozes heritage and history with gorgeous depth

Flat Matt emulsion in Feather Pillow (on furthest wall), Cobalt Night (on bookshelf wall), and Spiced Honey (on side wall), all £29.16 for 2.5l, Dulux Framed 14in square botanical pictures, £115 for four, Modern Country Style Interiors

Small bronze lantern, £20, Modern Country Style Interiors

Seletti Looking Bird lamp, £135, Red Candy

Large black and gold skeleton wall clock, £80.95, Melody Maison

Photograph Adam Carter Styling Holly Phillips

U Farm fresh

This table setting has the perfect millennial balance of ultra smooth pastels, unique shapes for a handmade effect and laid-back coolness Tint Snug Mugs in mint and rose, £6.95 each, Maxwell & Williams

Organic cotton napkin in dark grey, £10, White Black Grey

Stoneware bowl, £20; Flo salt and pepper grinder in natural, from £44; blue carafe, £48; Vera vase, £65; pink teapot, £130; thrown porcelain plate, from £24; olive wood chopping board, £32, all Oggetto

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Natural woven palm fibre round place mat, £6, Gisela Graham

U Industrial domain

DECORATING IDEAS Elva four-seater sofa in camel suedette, £1,099, DFS

Create a chic barn-style home with all the modern comforts. Expose natural brickwork, hard floors and roof beams, or fake it with realistic lookalikes Burgundy woven bobble cushion, £10, Wilko

Casa brick slip-effect tiles, £32.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

Black geometric vase, from £4.99, Dobbies

Long arm eight inch pewter and copper dome wall light, £169, Industville

The Appledoe sofa bed in broad weave silver linen, £1,225, Willow & Hall

U Grey area

Build a plush scheme of mid to dark grey tones with plenty of texture and textiles, then soften with feminine blush accents Charcoal fan wave ceramic mini pot cover, £4.50, Gisela Graham

Cosmopolitan abstract grey rug, from £39.99 for 80cm x 150cm size, Carpetright

Cult Living Lunet boho fringed cushion in blush, £29, Cult Furniture

Suede emulsion paint in Soft Grey, from £23 for 2.5l, Crown Paints

July 2019

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In the

zone Make an open-plan space work better by zoning it using clever styling tricks

W

ith the way we use our homes changing and open-plan living more popular than ever, it’s really important that each little space has its own identity, especially when there aren’t walls separating it off. We’ve pulled together a range of furnishings and accessories that, with a little careful styling, will help define and divide your working spaces from where you relax, so you can use your home to its best potential. s

Used as a stylish, easy alternative to accordion-style walls, shutters provide well-lit privacy and can be easily moved out of the way too Tracked shutter in Silk White, from £315 per sq m including measuring and fitting, Hillarys

s

Top tip Doubling up attractive shelving as a room divider is a great practical option – just make sure it looks good from all angles and avoid clutter

Feature xxxxxxx

Kallax black-brown 147cm square shelving unit, £95, IKEA

To reposition a pendant light without the hassle of filling a hole in the ceiling, swap in a longer light cord and use a cup hook to hang it exactly where you’d like.

s Your furniture can be used to signal space boundaries by facing it in towards the area it belongs to. L-shaped sofas are great in bigger rooms Charlotte velvet corner sofa in Royal Blue, £999, Cult Furniture

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DECORATING IDEAS Oversized ochre galley easy-fit pendant, £20, Dunelm

Easyclean matt emulsion in Mellow Sage, from £25 per 2.5l; anti-bacterial kitchen paints in Pure Brilliant White and Spice Jar, both from £20 per 2.5l, all Crown Paints

s Pendant lights will ‘point’ at anything they’re hung over, such as a breakfast bar or sofa. Go for a statement, large or low-hanging shade to really draw the eye to the area you want s

Of course, painting the walls is a really affordable option. Ensure all colours complement each other, and use accessories that match one wall in the opposite space for easy cohesion

s

In a compact room, you can visually define a space with a rug; use it in the area you want to be the most relaxed. It’s worth spending a little extra to get the biggest design you can slot in

Peacock Saxony carpet in Mercury, £14.99 per sq m; Safi fringed pyramid natural rug, from £54.99, both Carpetright

Feature Emma Thompson

Top tip

Fab Hab Azores 180cm round indoor/ outdoor rug in grey, £89.95, Cuckooland

If you’re painting two halves of one wall different colours, use a plumb line and masking tape for a clean vertical join then hang art over the line to break it up.

s Moveable, versatile and easy to fold and store away, room divider screens provide really flexible privacy and are available in styles to suit every taste Dutchbone Rumour rattan room divider in natural, £199, Houseology

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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

Kitchens &BATHROOMS

This month it’s all about the great outdoors

Woodland wonders Good news bakers! The In The Forest ceramics collection by Mason Cash is back for a second year, but this time with a few new products to feast your eyes upon. Embossed with an idyllic enchanted woodland scene, the extended collection includes a brand-new honey pot and flour shaker, alongside a set of measuring cups and pie funnels – ensuring you get a crisp pastry crust every time. Available in an array of chic neutral colours and priced from only £4, these nature-inspired designs will look great on your kitchen shelves. Find out more at www.masoncash.co.uk.

Make it minimal Taking inspiration from Scandinavia, this year’s minimalist trend is all about plain colours, bare woods and barely there geometric patterns. New to John Lewis & Partners, this stripped-back bathroom collection is well suited to a background of subtle grey and white hues. We especially love this bamboo towel ladder – priced at £49 and complete with a handy basket, it’s great for adding storage to a small space. See the whole collection at www.johnlewis.co.uk.

Bamboo towel ladder, £49; black soap pump, £7; black toothbrush holder, £5; Arrow towels in Plaster, from £7, all John Lewis & partners

Dream team

Feature Matilda bourne

It’s marbleous!

If old, tired kitchen accessories are distracting from your chic kitchen design, Tower has the answer. Made for homeowners who love a slice of the luxe life, this new collection incorporates two of the year’s biggest trends – marble and rose gold. Choose from a huge variety of small appliances, including pans and flasks, a microwave and kettle.

Plus, not only is the range style-friendly, it’s kind to your budget as well, with prices starting from only £20. To find out more, or to see the full collection, visit www.towerhousewares.co.uk.

when it comes to colour palettes, it doesn’t get more iconic than modern day monochrome; from Art Deco glamour to sleek ultra-contemporary interiors, this bold tonal duo truly stands the test of time. we’re loving walls & Floors’ latest collection of mono tiles. This crisp oakham white scored design will look great in a modern bathroom (£4.79 each), or opt for the textured panoply faded-edge tile for a rustic Mediterranean feel (£6.59 each). For inspiration, visit www. wallsandfloors.co.uk

vIsIT www.yourhoMEMAGAzInE.Co.uk For MorE kITChEn & bAThrooM InspIrATIon www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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Give your hub a personality upgrade

Pick and mix colours and finishes to create a unique space you’ll love for years to come

Top tip ‘Using different textures can set a kitchen apart. For example, adding wood on drawer fronts, flooring or worktops is an easy way to warm up a painted kitchen as the earthy tone brings everything together. This is the same for exposed brick walls which are popular at the moment.’

Destiny Smith, Designer, Harvey Jones

This traditional design has been elevated with contrasting worktops, paint colours and glimmering metallic accents Original kitchen, from £18,000, Harvey Jones

T

Feature Alice Butler

he trend for mix-and-match kitchens has gathered momentum and now it’s all about being more adventurous – blending several textures, finishes and colours to create a bold, playful look. But how can you be brave in your choices and achieve a cohesive design that will stand the test of time? We’ve rounded up the latest ways to personalise your hub, along with expert tips to help you achieve your dream scheme.

If you want to stick to cabinetry in one colour, why not be adventurous with your worktops? This kitchen teams luxury laminate surfaces in white and copper-edge Italian walnut

Vogue Shaker Kitchen in Fossil Grey, from £1,817, Wren Kitchens

KITCHEN IDEAS For a cosy Scandinavian look team a grained oak finish with a bold colour Lastra kitchen in Fjord and Grey Grained Oak, from £3,000, LochAnna Kitchens

Top tip ‘Homeowners are becoming increasingly daring with their choice of colours for the kitchen, opting for bold shades and often mixing two or even three tones. It’s a fantastic way to create a unique space that is completely individual.’

Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager, LochAnna Kitchens

Lift a neutral handleless design with a bold feature wall, lush greenery and mix-and-match worktops Clerkenwell kitchen in Super Matt Grey, visit your local showroom for price, Howdens

Let your floor do the talking while complementing your cabinetry Organics Design Collection Jurassic Square vinyl tile, £46.80 per sq m, Harvey Maria

Temper cool white with a warm wood effect then add chrome bar stools for a nod to the industrial look Eton Matt White and Richmond Grey Oak kitchen, from £1,100, Benchmarx Kitchens

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Add interest to a neutral scheme with mix-and-match lighting and seating Small Lisboa pendants in Amber, Violet and Turquoise, £99 each (including classic pendant light kit), all Pooky. Find similar chairs at Cult Furniture

Dark navy and shimmering brass make the perfect partners. Get the look with metallic transfer leaf and chalk paint Chalk Paint in Aubusson Blue, from £5.95 per 120ml; brass transfer leaf, £5.95 for a book, both Annie Sloan

Top tip ‘With our Magnet Create paint-to-order service you can design the kitchen of your dreams.

We’ve chosen a palette of 20 classic yet vibrant shades that can be mixed and matched across two door styles for a unique, personalised kitchen.’

Hayley Simmons, Head of Merchandising, Magnet

A white laminate worktop and brushed brass rail profile are the perfect accents in this dramatic two-tone matt kitchen Integra Soho in Coffee Grounds and Green Olives, from £4,354, Magnet Create

Top tip ‘Mix two or three colours and materials and add accents to create a sense of balance. Think about where to add contrast – splashbacks, walls and worktops work best – and in a small space opt for open shelving in a bold colour or a different material.’

Steve Tough, Commercial Sales Director, Masterclass Kitchens

Put a new spin on a rustic look by contrasting oak timber doors with a painted island

Cobham kitchen in Natural European Oak and Hague Blue, from £6,564, Optiplan Kitchens

Carnegie Kitchen in Terracotta Sunset and Scots Grey, from £12,000, Masterclass Kitchens

This coral island unit really pops against grey wall cabinetry. It’s a simple and understated way to lift a neutral look

On-trend dark green cabinetry and a walnut breakfast bar are balanced by whitewashed oak flooring and light-reflecting bronze accents Ladbroke kitchen, from £12,000, Naked Kitchens. Get the same look for less with bespoke door fronts, from £40, Naked Doors

Top tip

Photo Gemma Riggs

‘Mix colours, materials and textures to help the eye focus on different details in the space. A metallic accent, such as a bespoke splashback, is a good foil for timber and creates an interesting focal point.’

Jayne Everett, Creative Director, Naked Kitchens

While the lines of this kitchen are pared back, the blend of wood, colour and pattern makes a bold, modern statement.

Personalise your look with a choice of five woods and 11 laminate colours CDW18 kitchen in London Plane with Ritzy pink laminate and patterned Corian, from £10,000, Pluck Kitchens

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KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM

We removed our wall units Helen and Neill Waites used a formula of bright Formica doors, open shelving and

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Insider info WHO LIVES HERE? Helen, a furniture designer (www.instagram.com/_plyconic), and her husband Neill Waites live with their children, Marmaduke, four, and Winifred, one, in a three-bedroom Victorian semi in Walthamstow, East London.

WHat WaS WROng WItH tHE OLd kItcHEn? The wall units made the room feel poky, the worktop was stained and the style didn’t fit with the rest of the house.

WHat dO yOu LIkE mOSt abOut tHE ROOm?

Although it’s small, it feels open and more spacious now. I love the industrial feel that suits our house perfectly.

WHat dId yOu LEaRn duRIng tHIS pROjEct?

hen Helen first bought her house she knew which project would be at the top of the agenda. ‘When we moved in the kitchen was our main priority because it was so bland and lacked character.

The open-plan kitchen-dining area leads on to the garden so it was important the whole house had a cohesive look.’ Being fans of mid-century design, the couple felt they needed to tweak the kitchen to their style.

Helen started to put her stamp on the dining zone with dramatic black walls brightened up with green plants and colourful accessories.

However, this meant the kitchen now looked dated, plain and boring. On top of this the room was extremely cramped. ‘It was already compact but the wall units made the the space feel enclosed.’ The old wooden worktops needed constant oiling and cleaning, but Helen couldn’t get rid of the water stains inherited from the previous owners. ‘The kitchen always looked grubby and no amount of scrubbing would make it look sparkling clean.’

Helen started thinking about the redesign and wanted to inject some industrial elements into the space. ‘We found a stainless-steel kitchen company that made us a worktop with an integrated gas hob and sink. It took the majority of the budget but we knew it made sense to invest in good-quality materials that would last a lifetime.’ In order to open up the room and make it feel more spacious, Helen decided to remove the wall units and replace them with open shelving. There was nothing wrong with the base units, but the colour and

style didn’t suit Helen’s taste, so she decided to keep the carcasses and replace the doors.

‘I wanted a New York taxi yellow to add some brightness to the room. I bought Formica ply and had it cut to size by the cutting company that I use for my designs, R Concepts.’ Helen then stained some wooden handles that she bought from eBay. For the splashback, she picked up some striped tiles for the bargain price of £20.

After the units were removed, the walls were uneven with patchy plaster, so Helen chose some brick slips to give her kitchen a rustic feel that tied in well with the industrial-look stainless steel in the room. The ceiling and skirting were given a coat of jet-black paint to make the yellow doors pop even more. ‘The room seems like a completely different space now. It feels brighter and bigger. We love it.’

SMART SWAP

to create a feeling of space, Helen replaced her overbearing wall units with flexible slotted wooden shelving to display her collection of plants and jars

That you can totally transform the look and save a lot of money by keeping your old kitchen carcasses and then updating the doors and worktop.

WHat aRE yOuR tOp tIpS?

Feature Emma Fishman photos Lizzie Orme

Invest in a good-quality worktop that will be easy to keep clean and long lasting.

You won’t regret it.

HIGH CONTRAST

the bank of jet-black built-in appliances complements the yellow units while providing more storage in the tight space

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July 2019

KITCHEN PROBLEM ROOM

to make a spacious kitchen industrial details to open up a cramped space

GO FOR BOLD

To save money Helen kept her old cupboard carcasses and replaced the doors with bright yellow Formica plywood to contrast with the dramatic, black ceiling and skirting.

RAW APPEAL

Terracotta-colour brick slips disguise the uneven wall, warm up the room and complement the stainless-steel worktop

Shopping liSt

GROUND CONTROL

Cork flooring provides a natural warm and cushioned feel underfoot while having practical anti-slip properties, making it perfect for small children

Yellow Formica plywood, £500, ELS Panels. Hob, sink, tap and bespoke stainless-steel worktop, £4,750, Cavendish Equipment Ltd. Farrow & Ball Pitch Black matt emulsion, £46.50 per 2.5l, B&Q. Door handles, £1 each; stripe tiles, £20, all eBay. Natural red clay brick slips, £30 per sq m, Rustic Tiles. Cork mosaic floor, £200, Cork Shop.

Kenwood slimline dishwasher, £270; Beko black washing machine, £249, both Currys. Neff double oven, £100, eBay. Neff extractor hood, £270, AO. Vector black kettle, £39.99; Vector black toaster, £39.99, both Morphy Richards.

Drury Lane storage jars, £24 for set of three, Argos. Plywood plant stand, £18, Plyconic.

Artificial heather pot plant, £5.99; artificial orange cactus, £9.99; yellow tea towel, £5.99 for a set of three; stripe oven glove, £2.99; wooden storage box, £16.99, Homescapes.

Grey geo ceramic storage jars, £27 for set of three; ‘Eat’ galvanised word, £10; geo embossed dinner set, £48, all Next. Plants and pots, from £12 each, The Every Space. Stoneware mug, £20, Becca Does Pottery on Etsy. Patterned pots, from a selection, Rachel Ceramics. Patterned tea towel, £18, Cherie Did This. Flowers, from a selection, Flowers For Your Weekend.

total coSt: £6,589 July 2019

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Super Size

your bathroom Transform your scheme from bijoux to beautiful with our space-enhancing ideas CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Keep towels and accessories organised with tiered caddies, handy door hooks and multi-functional ladder storage.

Perfect that calm boutique look by decanting toiletries into matching pumps, soap dishes and canisters

Bamboo ladder, £49; black soap pump, £7; black toothbrush holder, £5, all John Lewis & Partners

Wooden over-door hook, £10, Dunelm

Feature Alice Butler

SEE THE LIGHT

To help your bathroom feel spacious and bright, introduce as much natural daylight as possible. Swap fussy window treatments for a pared-back blind or choose opaque privacy film to let the sunshine filter through.

If your space is windowless but budget allows, look at installing an internal window to steal light from a neighbouring space, or consider a roof light or sun tunnel. If artificial light is your only solution, choose recessed ceiling lights for an uncluttered look Centre pivot roof windows, from £243; Venetian blinds, from £76, both Velux

BATHROOM IDEAS Coast corner set bath, £1,395, Waters Baths of Ashbourne

HONE A HIDEAWAY

A sleek way to clear the floor and surfaces is to make the most of walls with open shelving. Opt for minimalist floating designs, an easy-to-reach recess, or make a focal point with an arrangement of storage cubes. Curate your display with eye-catching objects and you’ll have the perfect shelfie!

Uno mirrored square shelf, £44.99, MY Furniture

SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL

When it comes to choosing a space-enhancing palette, pale shades on the walls and floor will instantly open up the room. While white is the classic go-to hue, prevent the look from being too clinical with a warm cream or beige, or pick from the new neutrals such as subtle blues, greys and blush pinks. If you want to add personality, bring in splashes of colour and pattern with towels and accessories

Tegola Elite LVT in White Oak, £32.99 per sq m, Carpetright

Top tip ‘Our bathroom paint is specially formulated with built-in anti-mould technology to resist steam and condensation, keeping bathroom walls looking fresh and clean for longer.’

Judy Smith, Colour Consultant, Crown

Elements geo orange towels, from £8, Dunelm

Bathroom mid sheen paint in Wheatgrass, from £14.50 per 1l, Crown

Bathroom mid sheen paints in Platinum, Snowdrop, Soft Steel and Milk White, from £14.50 per 1l, all Crown

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KEEP IT STREAMLINED

To ensure your sanitaryware doesn’t crowd your scheme, look at slimline or compact designs with short projections and small dimensions. Back-to-wall and wall-hung basins and WCs free up the floor to create an uncluttered look with the added bonus of being easy to clean. If a bath is a must there are many styles smaller than the average 1700mm x 700mm, or consider a deep slipper or corner style.

Alternatively, choose a shower bath for more flexibility Orchard L-shape left-hand shower bath 1700mm with 6mm shower screen, £194.25, Victoria Plum

Terrazzo organiser, £8, George Home

Reflexion 8 sliding-door enclosure, from £415 for a 1200mm door, Bathrooms to Love

SHOWER WOW

There is a wide choice of compact shower solutions including space-saving trays and enclosures. With a corner or quadrant design you can fill a tricky nook while sliding, pivot and infold doors won’t encroach on the space. Alternatively, you could ditch the bath and opt for a wet room – just be sure to seek specialist advice on installation. Lastly, consider a modern minimalist walk-in look with a frameless glass panel Premium easy-clean wet room panel 700mm, £109.99, Soak

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BATHROOM IDEAS ON REFLECTION

Mirrors are an easy way to create a sense of space. Ask your building supplier or DIY store to cut a large sheet of mirrored glass to fit above your vanity area or bath. Position mirrored storage units near a window to capture sunshine and bounce light around the room

Linea fitted furniture pack (including washbasin and WC), £695, Frontline Bathrooms

Tavistock Transmit backlit mirror, £212, Pure Bathroom Collection

SLICK STORAGE

Cooke & Lewis Imandra gloss taupe deep mirrored wall cabinet 600mm, £125, B&Q

In a cramped space you need to be inventive and pack as much storage as possible into the design. Sleek fitted furniture will make the most of every spare centimetre and many designs house integral drawers, cupboards, mirrors, basins and WCs. Alternatively, modern ‘floating’ wall-hung units let the eye flow uninterrupted across the entire floor. Remember to choose a light-bouncing gloss finish in a pale colour to keep the look light and bright Royo oak solid structure vanity unit with ceramic basin 600mm, £695, Frontline Bathrooms

Top tip ‘Choosing tiles with a large surface area, such as a large-format design, will establish a clean and unfussy interior. If you have darker tiles but would rather not replace them, painting walls a contrasting lighter colour will brighten up the room.’

Sian O’Neill, Head of Marketing, Topps Tiles

Aquawall panel, £145 for eight tiles, Frontline Bathrooms

TILE STYLE

Plain, light-coloured oversized tiles will immediately create the illusion of space, providing a slick, uncluttered look. If you want to make a statement with a bold design, make sure you use matching tiles on the walls and floors and avoid mosaics with lots of busy grout lines. Alternatively, grout-free, easy-clean waterproof wall and shower panels are a cost-effective way of achieving a sleek modern look and come in a range of colours and styles including tiles, marble, slate and stone Ayton Sand tiles, £21.02 per sq m, Topps Tiles

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

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brings painting to Decorate, upcycle and style your home for modern living Visit www.frogtape.co.uk for more inspiration and ideas Sales enquiries: 03330 156600

Discover a new technique and make a set of botanical napkins

Catch up on the latest crafty news Get great advice from our team of experts

Make, do & craft diy Masterclass

Use dried flowers to create pretty decorations

ask the experts

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ith summer time here to stay, we took inspiration from our favourite blooms this month with pressed-flower creations, a set of leaf-printed napkins and handy garden storage with a clever fold-down door. Plus, don’t miss the latest craft news and workshop reviews, our DIY guide and all the tips and tricks from our panel of home and DIY experts.

craft stash Must haves

Turn an old pallet into a fold-down garden storage cupboard

sew siMple

revaMp, repair, recycle

y s a e Make it

Make, do & Add a touch of floral fancy with these pretty décor ideas

Dried flower hoop

Display your favourite blooms with this simple floral project

SHOPPING LIST l 1m white tulle fabric l scissors l 20cm embroidery hoop l fresh flowers l paper towels l two bricks l microwave l paper pencil l hot glue gun l dried flowers,

£13.99 per pack, Amazon

Begin by cutting a 40cm square piece of white tulle and securing it into a 20cm 1embroidery hoop. This fabric will be the base of

your design so ensure it is taut and held securely.

Press your flowers. You can either do this using a traditional flower press or alternatively, use the microwave method to speed up the process. Place a folded paper towel on top of a clean brick, then lay your flowers on top. Add another folded paper towel on top, then finally another clean brick.

Place this into a microwave and heat for short bursts of time – around 15-20 seconds is ideal.

Repeat until the flowers are dried and pressed.

Draw a heart shape onto a sheet of paper and lay it flat, then place your embroidery hoop on top, centering the heart beneath it.

Using the heart as a guide, begin to glue your dried flowers to the tulle. We used a mixture of our own pressed blooms plus some pre-dried extras for added colour and variety. Once the heart is filled, remove the outer part of the hoop, then place another piece of tulle over the top of the flowers. Replace the outer hoop to firmly secure the fabric, then trim away the excess from the edge to finish.

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Garden scissors, £22, Garden Trading

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

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Top tip Layer your blooms up and fill the heart densely to ensure good coverage.

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3

Floral paper lanterns

Make, do & craft

1

These delicate lights are simple to create

SHoPPING LISt l balloons l tissue paper l wallpaper paste l paintbrush l fresh flowers l paper towels l two bricks l microwave l glue

2

by partially inflating a balloon – blow it up until it has a diameter 1of Start around 10cm. Cut strips of white

tissue paper into small squares and use wallpaper paste to glue them onto the balloon to form the lantern shape.

Apply four layers of paper, allowing each to dry before adding the next.

Press your flowers. Place a folded paper towel on top of a brick, then place your blooms on top. Add another paper towel on top, then another brick, to sandwich the flower in between.

Place this into a microwave and heat for short bursts – around 15-20 seconds at a time is ideal – until the flowers are dried and pressed.

Stick your pressed flowers onto your lanterns. You can do this either with hot glue, or use PVA and leave to dry thoroughly. Once your lantern is decorated, carefully pull the balloon away from the sides of it then pop it to remove.

2

top tip Only use LED tea lights inside these lanterns for safety as they’re flammable.

Pretty plaque

Make a 3D relief using your favourite flowers

a large handful of clay and roll it out flat until it is around 11cmTake thick and at least as wide as

3

3

SHoPPING LISt l air drying clay, £4 for 1kg, Hobbycraft l rolling pin l fresh flowers l silicone cake mould, £4.99, Amazon l plaster

of Paris, £3.50 per 1kg, Hobbycraft l water l mixing jug

your silicone cake mould. Try to keep the surface of the clay as smooth as possible.

Take a selection of your favourite fresh flowers and press them into the clay, using the flat end of the rolling pin to apply light pressure. Remove the flowers – if any petals or pollen have been left behind in the clay, gently remove these using a toothpick.

Carefully pick up your clay and lay it down in the cake mould, trimming any excess from the edges to ensure a flush fit.

Mix up a batch of plaster of Paris and pour it into the mould, creating a 1cm thick layer. Leave to dry thoroughly, then gently peel away the mould and the clay to leave the imprinted plaster.

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top tip

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3

Lightly sand the edges of your plaque to remove any rough points.

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revamp, repair,

6

Recycle

2

Turn an old pallet into fold-down garden storage

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hether you use it as a handy hideaway for your outdoor tools or as a decorative DIY bar to make summer soirées a little more fancy, this fold-down cupboard is quick and easy to create from just one pallet and a few pieces of timber.

You will need

3pallet 3saw 3sandpaper 3tape measure 3timber, from a selection at B&Q 3pencil 3screws 3screwdriver 3glue 3matt emulsion paint in Heart Wood, £16 for 2.5l, Dulux 3Chalky Finish

l, Furniture Paint in Duck Egg, £5 for 125m lnicke 60cm 3 Rust-Oleum 3paintbrush effect continuous hinge, £4.45, B&Q 3screw hooks 3chain 3pliers 3Valeska stencil, £6.45, Annie Sloan 3Poppy Pod stencil, £4.45, Annie Sloan 3stencil brush, £6.95, Annie Sloan

7

1

Begin by assessing your pallet in order to decide where you need to cut. Ours had struts running across at the top, middle and bottom of the pallet, so we decided to cut it just beneath the centre strut, using this lower part (complete with the bottom strut) as the body of our cupboard. Use a saw to cut the wood where needed, then sand all over until smooth.

2

Cut timber to make the outer frame of the cupboard. Measure the height of your cut pallet and cut two pieces of timber to this length, ensuring your wood is at least as wide as your pallet is deep. Position these pieces on either side of the pallet and screw them into position, working through the timber and into the pallet to hold them securely.

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

3

With the side pieces of the frame in position, measure the width of the cupboard, working from the inner edge of one side piece, straight across to the inner edge of the opposite side piece. Cut two pieces of timber to this length and screw them into position at the top and bottom of the pallet to complete the outer frame.

4 Before

Make the door of the pallet. To do this, measure the width and height of the front of the cupboard. Cut and join lengths of timber together to make a panel to fit – you may, as we did, need to insert a couple of thinner pieces in between wider planks in order to get a perfect flush finish. Use glue to stick the planks together, then add two cross struts across the wood to strengthen them, ensuring that they each finish 2.5cm in from the edges of the door – this will allow it to sit neatly when closed.

5

Paint the cupboard all over. We applied two coats of Dulux paint in the colour Heart Wood to the outside and door plus two coats of Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Furniture Paint in Duck Egg to the inside.

6

Add the hinge. Lay your door down with the interior side facing upwards. Place the body of the cupboard against it, lining up the bottom of the cupboard with the bottom edge of the door. Place a continuous hinge along this join and, making sure it sits centrally, mark the points at which it will be screwed in to both pieces. Carefully screw it into position along these marks, first attaching it to the cupboard, then the door.

7

Add chains to hold the door in place when it is lowered. Mark a point 3cm in from each edge of the outermost strut on the inside of the door, then screw a hook into position at each mark. Screw a matching hook into position on the inside of the top of the cupboard at corresponding points. Attach chain between the two, cutting it to length using pliers so that when extended, the chain is taut and the door lays flat.

8

Finish your cupboard with a stencilled design. We used an Annie Sloan stencil and brush to stipple the Poppy Pod and Valeska designs on the front of our cupboard door, making sure to only add tiny amounts of paint at a time to ensure it didn’t spread outside the edges of the design.

revamp, repair, recycle

Garden scissors, £22; greenhouse tags, £10 for a set of six with chalk; 1.5l watering can, £25, all Garden Trading.

Burgon & Ball RHS stainless steel hand fork and hand trowel, £11.99 each; seeds, from a selection; Briers Allium cotton grip gloves, £5.99 for a set of three, all Dobbies

Top tip

Add a hook and eye catch to either side of the cupboard to finish, this will hold the door closed when it is folded up.

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Use a simple technique to create beautiful naturally

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iterally translating to ‘leaf dye’, the phrase hapazome was first coined by natural dyer India Flint in 2006 and is based on the Japanese leaf beating dye technique, tataki zomé.

The process involves beating leaves and flowers onto cloth to release the natural dyes within and stain the fabric. We’ve used the hapazome technique to colour a set of delicate napkins – you can use the same steps to decorate bed linen, tablecloths, bags and more.

2

You will need 1m bleached white cotton calico, £4.30 per m, Abakhan.co.uk ruler pencil scissors wood slice (or other hardwearing flat surface) fresh flowers paper towels hammer iron pins sewing machine embroidery needle and white thread embroidery hoop

1

Begin by cutting the fabric to make your napkins. We used a bleached calico cotton as the base for ours, and cut four 50cm squares from the cloth, using sharp dressmaker’s shears.

2

Place a flat wood slice down onto your work surface and lay your first napkin on top of it. Take a cutting from a plant – we experimented a little before we made ours and found that delicate green leaves and shoots worked better than petalled blooms. Lay the cutting down onto your fabric in the exact place you’d like the plant to dye the cotton.

3

With your cutting in position, place a paper towel down on top of the fabric, ensuring your cutting doesn’t move too much. Use a small hammer to repeatedly tap the paper towel and the stem beneath it. This should crush it a little and allow the natural dyes within the leaves and stem to leak out onto the fabric beneath.

3

dyed patterns

4

Check underneath the paper towel periodically to see how the process is going – you may need to tap a little harder in some parts. Continue tapping and checking until you’re happy with the result. Carefully peel away the paper towel and the cutting, leaving just the dyed fabric behind.

5

Move your napkin along the wood slice so that a fresh piece of fabric sits centrally on it. Repeat steps 2 and 3, cutting new pieces of plant and hammering them onto the fabric to release the dye until the entire napkin is covered in floral designs. Do the same with each napkin.

6

Use a warm iron to gently press your napkins. This will not only neaten them but also set the dye. Press a 12mm double hem along each edge and pin in place.

7

Work a straight machine top stitch along the edge of each napkin, 5mm in from the edge. Work a second line of top stitching 5mm in from the first, both to decorate the edge of the napkin and to further secure the border of the fabric.

8

Secure your napkin into a small embroidery hoop, centering it on one of your dyed designs. Embellish the print with embroidered stitches – we used small French knots to decorate our design, securing each one at the back and making sure not to carry the threads across to keep the back of the work neat.

Repeat to decorate each print. Press once more to finish each napkin.

6

Feature and styling Sophie Tarrant Photos Lizzie Orme

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sew simple

Top tip experiment with different flowers and foliage on a spare piece of cloth to find out which you like best.

Recycled glass tumblers, £36 for a set of six, Rockett St George.

Long wooden tray with five glass bottles, £11.49, Pipii. Bowl, £5, Tesco

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DIY

masterclass

Keep your timber windows healthy by tackling rot

Feature Emma Thompson Step-by-step images Dremel

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ooden window frames bring elegance, warmth and kerb appeal to your home. They’re fantastic insulators and sound-proofers and can easily be updated with a new stain or paint. However, if left untreated, they’re vulnerable to rot, a fungus that eats away at the wood and compromises the structure of the frame. Refinishing the wood every year or two will keep moisture out and prevent rot but, if it does appear, ignoring it can lead to a costly replacement frame – so it’s important to thoroughly remove it as soon as possible. Follow these steps for good-as-new frames in a weekend.

You’ll neeD Essential l awl l sandpaper l safety goggles l safety gloves l dust mask l two-part epoxy filler l filling knife l lint-free cloth l sugar soap l painter’s tape l dust sheets l exterior wood paint Useful router tool l orbital sander l small sanding tool l utility knife l white spirit

Frames: Rapid Dry Satin paint in Pure Brilliant White, from £17.99 for 750ml; Shutters: 10 Year Exterior Satin paint in Soothing Green, from £17.99 for 750ml, all Sandtex

1

Cut the DeaDwooD n Begin by scraping away any old, flaking paint

from the window frame. To check for rot, use an awl to gently scrape along the wood [1], paying close attention to any crevices. Any soft spots, where the awl easily pierces the surface of the wood, indicate rot. n Use the awl to scrape out all of the rotted wood. It’s better to remove a bit of healthy wood than leave any of the infected material behind. You can use a router tool to make quick work of this [2]; keep it on a fairly low speed, don’t apply pressure and move slowly. n Next up, sand around the edges of the holes created by the removal of the wood rot. This is to create a smooth area that can be filled more easily. You can do this by hand but a small power tool (on a low to medium speed) [3] will make quicker work of it.

3 s Walls: Smooth Masonry paint in Pure Brilliant White, from £23 for 5l; Smooth Masonry paint in Light Grey, from £29 for 5l; Front door: Sandtex Rapid Dry Gloss paint in Seclusion, from £17.99 for 750ml, all Sandtex

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top tip You really don’t want to expose yourself to the harmful particles of wood rot fungus, so be sure to use safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask.

n Prepare your filler (see ‘Find your

filler’, below) according to packet instructions then use a filling knife to pack it into all of the holes and gaps [4].

Remove any excess with the filling knife; try to get it as level with the surface of the wood as you can. Let the filler dry completely according to the instructions. n Sand down the surface to prepare it for painting, ensuring a smooth transition between filler and wood. You can use an orbital sanding tool for flat surfaces and a sheet of sandpaper or a small tool to get hard-to-reach bevelled grooves [5]. n Clear away any dust from the surface with a dry brush, paying attention to crevices – a vacuum cleaner would do a quick and thorough job. Rub down the frame with a damp lint-free cloth to remove the last of the dust. Remove any residual grease with sugar soap, rinse again and then – very importantly – leave it to dry completely.

5

4

top tip s

In the fraMe

Walls and frames: Smooth Masonry paint in Pure Brilliant White, from £23 for 5l; Shutters: Rapid Dry Gloss paint in Oxford Blue, from £17.99 for 750ml, all Sandtex

Don’t forget to do both the inside and outside of your windows. If you can’t safely access the outside of upper windows, call in professional help.

brush up n Cover around the edges of the glass

DIY Masterclass

with masking or painter’s tape and protect your window sills and walls with dust sheets. Apply a weatherproofing exterior wood paint in thin coats, allowing the full drying time between each one [6]. n When you’re happy with the coverage, remove the masking tape – lightly score the edge with a utility knife if any dried paint is sticking it in place. n Once a year, check back on your window frames as catching wood rot early will prevent it spreading. When you’re sure the wood is sound, lightly sand any flaking paint and keep it waterproof by adding a new coat of exterior wood paint.

6

top tip If you get some paint on the window pane, don’t panic.

Gently scrape large drops off with a plastic tool, then wipe the glass with white spirit.

Find your filler

It might seem fine to use any wood filler for this project, but many aren’t suitable for outdoor use. We’d recommend using exterior-suitable products even on the inside of your window frame.

Two-part epoxy wood filler comes with the main filler and a separate hardener that you mix in before applying; it’s also water resistant which will help prevent future rotting.

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Ask the

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

Q

I’d like to upcycle an old dining table and chairs so that we can eat in the garden this summer. Can you advise me on how to get started?

Belinda Smith, Monmouth

A

Feature Alice Butler

Harriet Farquhar, Director of wood stain specialist Protek, has the following tips…

Eating outside with friends is a magical highlight of the British summer but not everyone can afford an expensive dining set to accommodate a large group of guests. A cost-effective solution is to upcycle an old table and chairs using a garden wood paint. Any type of wooden dining set, even indoor designs or inexpensive finds can be quickly painted up. To create a fun and relaxed setting, mix and match styles using chairs of different shapes and sizes.

To get started, bare wood is best, but old coatings can be painted over if they are water-based and correctly prepared.

Simply clean the wood with a damp cloth, strip off any loose paint then sand it down and wipe clean. Before painting, protect flooring with a waterproof dustsheet and choose a synthetic brush that will be small enough to manoeuvre. Protek Royal Exterior wood paint acts as a base coat so it can be applied without a primer. However, if you’re painting with a very pale colour you may need a primer and knotting agent. Two to three applications are recommended to build colour depth and sheen.

Ensure each coat is thoroughly dry before applying the next. You can create an upbeat scheme by mixing bright colours or classic greys and pastels.

Position the table and chairs in shady spot under a natural tree canopy, lay the table and roll on happy sunny days.

Table painted in China Clay, chairs (clockwise from top) painted in Mendip Mist, Teal, Antique Rose, Passionate Plum, Lemon Yellow and French Lilac Royal Exterior Superior Wood Finish, all £16.99 per 1l, Protek

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Q

We’re about to sell our home and our old and dated garage door is dragging down the look of the outside of our property. How easily can we update it to increase exterior kerb appeal?

Andrea Flintoff, Southampton

A

David O’Mara, Marketing Manager of Hörmann UK, has this advice…

Kerb appeal is all about your home’s exterior making a good first impression. While it’s easy to focus your efforts inside, it is important to remember that the outside is what everyone, from visitors through to potential buyers, will see first. In fact, those savvy homeowners who are keen to increase their property value can do so by ensuring paintwork is fresh, windows and doors are clean and the driveway and garden are neat and tidy. Garage doors make up a large part of your home and an outdated or scruffy design will instantly affect the look of your property. Nowadays there is so much choice that the previous one-size-fits-all approach is no longer commonplace. For instance, thermally efficient sectional garage doors from Hörmann (from £905) are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit all homes. We recommend choosing a door in a colour that complements the windows and doors. A stone-grey theme will create a harmonious modern look. To find a local stockist, call 01530 516888, or visit www.hormann.co.uk.

Q

I would like to fit a smart lock to my holiday-let property so that I can give remote access to guests and workmen. What type do you recommend and will it be easy to fit?

Lynn Major, Suffolk

A

Clarissa Morales, Head of Marketing and PR at Nuki Home Solutions GMBH, says…

The Nuki smart lock 2.0 will suit all of your needs. It fits over your existing lock and key in less than three minutes without replacing door fixtures. It’s fully compatible with Android and iOS so can be used to assign digital access via the companion app – so there’s no need to hide a key under a flowerpot! Plus, the Nuki Fob and Keypad are ideal for visitors who don’t have a smartphone.

If your guests are delayed then you can decide whether to greet them personally or remotely and let them unlock the door to the apartment themselves. Lastly, the Nuki Opener, which launches later this year, is a retrofit door release for intercom systems and can be applied to entrance doors of communal buildings which is a great solution for apartments. The Nuki Smart Lock costs around £190 from Amazon. For more information, visit www.nuki.io.

A

Inga Morris-Blincoe, General Manager at Lifestyle Floors, points out the following…

The hallway is often the first space people see, so naturally you want your home to create an eye-catching and welcoming first impression as soon as

Q

I’m about to paint the interior walls of my home and want to choose a neutral shade that won’t date. Which you would recommend, magnolia or grey?

Miriam Shand, Liverpool

A

Joanna Thornhill, Interior Design Stylist, has the following tips: Magnolia, once the go-to neutral tone for interior walls, has fallen out of favour in recent years while grey has been foisting it out of the way to take over the number one spot – and it is successful for good reason. With more than 50 tones and shades, it offers a nuanced backdrop that allows light to play off it in interesting ways. Grey’s almost chameleon-like qualities allow it to act as a neutral base for a range of schemes, flattering pretty much any colour it is paired with.

Finding the right ‘temperature’ of grey is key, however. Take into account the room’s natural light (cool usually warrants a warmer grey, and vice versa), other furnishings and decorative elements, as well as the style and ambience you want to achieve. Cool blue-grey tones ooze sophistication and work well with slick Scandi schemes (think monochromatic

you open your front door.

However, because it is the busiest room in the house, there will be a lot of traffic and a high demand on your floor. Therefore, practicality has to come in to play. So, how do you ensure your floor looks totally fabulous, stands the test of time and is easy to maintain while still being affordable?

For such a busy space we highly recommend luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which are available in almost limitless designs, including classic wooden herringbone. LVT has the aesthetic of luxury wood combined with the practicality of vinyl. It is waterproof, can be wiped clean and, unlike real wood, you won’t need to worry about warping and other damage as it is very durable and hard-wearing.

For a timeless scheme, our Herringbone 5G Clic flooring (above, around £29.99 per sq m) replicates the natural grain and look of traditional wooden herringbone while being more practical and affordable. Or, to create more of a dramatic statement,

with pops of colour), suiting airy, light-filled apartments.

For darker, smaller or period spaces, a grey with a warm undertone of yellow or orange – or even ‘greige’ (yes, a mixture of grey and beige) – can be more sympathetic. This sits well with natural wood and the warm metallic accents that are currently on trend. For more contemporary design tips, check out my latest book My Bedroom is an Office And Other Interior Design Dilemmas (Laurence King, £14.99).

For a chance to win a copy, turn to p.92.

our stunning Hallway Colosseum LVT in Offcut Art (left, £23.99 per sq m) will work beautifully, too. Both of these designs come with a 25-year wear warranty so they’re a solid investment. For more information, and to find your nearest stockist, visit www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk.

Photo Abi Dare www.thesefourwallsblog.com

I’m choosing flooring for my hallway and love the wooden parquet look. I need it to be practical and affordable so can you recommend the best material for my space?

Henrietta Ford, Oxford

ask the experts

Q

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 July 2019

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

a LittLe Kindness

We love the gorgeous range of card kits available from Stampin’ Up – they’re perfect for those looking to send cute notes to their nearest and dearest.

The Notes of Kindness set includes everything needed to create and send a variety of heartfelt greetings, with stamps, card bases, stickers, die-cut embellishments and more.

Priced £33, visit www.stampinup.com to see this and the rest of the collection.

craft stash must haves

Feature Sophie Tarrant

Working wonders

Be sure to visit the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft before 13th October to see the ‘Women’s Work’ exhibition which explores the daily lives of craftswomen who made a living from their skills between the two World Wars. The show focuses on pieces made by pioneering textile artists, weavers, ceramicists and silversmiths, which were inspired by the women’s experiences during the First World War and who were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Tickets are priced £7.50; for more details, visit www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk.

worKshop

West Dean

The West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in West Sussex is encouraging crafters to focus on selfdevelopment and experience a new skill this summer with more than 400 new short courses to choose from. With subjects as diverse as taxidermy, pottery, papermaking and willow weaving, each one will have an emphasis on the environment. For the full course schedule, visit www.westdean.org.uk.

The more you know

For those that love to delve into the background of their hobbies, Crafted: A Compendium of Crafts: New, Old and Forgotten by Sally Coulthard (£20, Quadrille) will become a firm favourite. Covering more than 70 of the most well-established crafts, the book delves into the history, materials and techniques used, explores the cultural changes that have grown out of making, and celebrates everything we love about craft. It is also full of beautiful illustrations by artist Louise Lockheart.

Learn a sKiLL

HanD quilting A new book by Susan Beal, Sew + Quilt: Techniques and Projects for Hand-Stitching and Patchwork (£21.99, Taunton) is packed full of gorgeous, colourful patchwork creations that are sure to inspire. With 20 step-by-step projects detailed within, we were totally spoilt for choice.

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Reader homes

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

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

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Hayley added fresh pastels to her period property

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Zoe and Aidan put their DIY skills to the test to create a family home

plus ideas to steal

79 91

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Angela took inspiration from her surroundings when decorating her house

find more inTeriors To inspire you aT www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

July 2019

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Angela and Ian took out a wall to double the size of the kitchen. They kept the existing units and bought more from Wren Kitchens to create the island, adding a granite worktop from C&J Stonemasonry. ‘We wanted a wide, light and open kitchen, perfect for parties and family gatherings,’ says Angela. ‘We included a window seat and now it’s one of my favourite places to sit and read.’ The limestone tiles on the floor are from Price’s Paving

Good idea!

Create a beautiful cushioned window seat: cover a length of thick foam padding with your favourite fabric and place on top of low fitted units.

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COME ON IN...

Feature Heather Dixon Photos Dave Burton

I love the peace and quiet of our rural home

REAL HOME

Angela and Ian found decorative inspiration from the wildlife surrounding their house in the country

A

ngela and Ian were looking for a place to renovate when they stumbled across a rural house standing all alone among fields and woodland. Angela couldn’t resist its Colonial-style veranda and boarded exterior, nor could she ignore its peaceful location.

‘You can stand outside and hear nothing but birds singing,’ she says. ‘We both lead busy lives and this place seemed very special, away from the noise of hassle of everyday life.’

The house needed lots of work, but Angela and Ian had renovated previous homes and had a clear vision for the dated property – which included turning a double garage into a dining room and creating a larger family kitchen.

WE ARE Angela Screeton, I’m an agronomist and I also run our home as a venue for rural retreats. I’m married to Ian, an estate agent.

OUR HOME Is a detached five-bedroom 1970s house near Howden, East Yorkshire.

MY FAVOURITE SHOP Is Barnitts in

York. It’s a family run business which sells just about everything you could possibly need for the home and garden.

The original kitchen was half its current size and was next to a small dining room, so Angela and Ian had the wall between them taken down and then extended the existing kitchen units, adding a large island in the middle of the room.

MY FAVOURITE ROOM Is the main bedroom because it has fabulous views.

MY TOP TIP Is to think big with

accessories in larger rooms to create balance.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE Was

pulling it all together after the renovation work was completed.

wc

wc

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 5

Bedroom 4

FIRST FLOOR wc

Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2

Dining area

Sitting room

Kitchen

Hall

Instead of wall units Angela chose larder-style cupboards along the back wall to house ovens, a fridge and a freezer. The island includes a wine rack and chiller either side of drawers full of wine glasses. ‘I wanted the kitchen to be practical and homely,’ says Angela

GROUND FLOOR

For stockists see page 120

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REAL HOME

Angela combines old and new in the kitchen with modern metro wall tiles and copper pans that she bought from an antiques centre Angela and Ian replaced a dated gas fire with a wood-burning stove and pulled the sofas and footstool – which they bought with the house – closer to the brick chimney breast for a cosier look.

The throws are from R&R Country

‘The sun comes into the house from all angles and there’s a strong link between indoors and outside.’

The cosy window seat is decked with cushions from Laura Ashley and R&R Country. Angela had the blind made to measure by Dunelm. On the walls, pictures from Bishops Manor in Howden and copper pans from Hemswell Antiques add to the relaxed style of the kitchen

The adjoining garage was insulated and plaster-boarded to create a new dining room, and new floors of limestone and wood were laid to replace old carpets.

‘We kept the rest of the house layout as it was,’ says Angela. ‘We think it might have been a dormer bungalow originally and later extended upstairs. The veranda was probably also built on at a later date.

As a result it feels very spacious and flows

76

from one room to the next. But the thing we like best is the light. It comes into the house from all angles and there’s a strong link between indoors and outside.’

The house has been decorated in neutral colours throughout for easy maintenance but Angela didn’t want the rooms to look stark or cold. ‘I love a combination of classic furniture, antiques, quirky pieces, handmade furniture and bargain buys,’ she says. ‘I like to create lots of warm, comfortable layers and for it to look lived in, which is quite a challenge in larger rooms. But it also had to be practical.

Ian and I enjoy the outdoors and we also love socialising, so I wanted a house that would be low maintenance. The kitchen

July 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Ian converted an integrated double garage into a stylish dining room. The table base was created by blacksmith James Godbold, and attached to a top which was cut down from an office meeting table. The Torino dining chairs are from MY Furniture

in particular had to be very practical, open and spacious so people can mill about without falling over each other.’

The sitting room is geared towards cosy evenings around the fire. Angela has pulled the sofas close to the woodburner, adding throws and plenty of cushions to create a luxurious, layered look. The bedrooms also feature a cosy blend of soft furnishings, pictures, plants and accessories.

‘I love buying things for the home,’ says Angela. ‘I don’t have a particular style – I like a home to evolve naturally – but Ian and I do spend a lot of our spare time browsing round antiques centres where we find all sorts of beautiful furniture and smaller bits and pieces that find their way back home.’

Most of the outdoor furniture on the veranda, along with the dining room

Good idea!

Quirky pictures, most of them bought directly from local artists, reflect Angela and Ian’s sense of humour.

The picture was found online and the stag head fabric was bought from and made into curtains by Dunelm. Angela picked up the lamp from a trade outlet www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

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REAL HOME

‘As soon as I reach the country lane that leads down to the house I feel myself starting to relax and unwind.’ table legs, have been made by family friend, James Godbold, a blacksmith from Egton, near Whitby.

Angela’s decorating style is influenced by her surroundings. The house is called Woodland Lodge for a reason, and the wildlife that surrounds their home – including foxes, deer, hares and a wide variety of birds – is reflected in her choice of fabrics and pictures.

‘I am planning to plant a wild flower meadow so that we can enjoy the blooms that grow naturally and bring them into the house too,’ says Angela. ‘It’s a great place for attracting and encouraging wildlife. I also love the fact that you feel part of the countryside and experience the full impact of the seasons here.

As soon as I reach the country lane that leads down to the house I feel myself starting to relax and unwind.’ YH

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July 2019

The chunky wooden bed and blanket box are layered with throws and cushions from Laura Ashley and R&R Country.

For similar try the Hadley oak bed and Oakland blanket box, both from The Cotswold Company.

Shelves were built into the wall of the adjacent en suite bathroom The bathroom fittings and tiles were already in, which saved Angela and Ian a lot of time and expense in updating the plumbing.

For similar tiles, try the Venetian Jasmin marbleeffect porcelain designs from Marshalls

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

The red tones of the floor tiles (for similar, try Cavern Red Sandstone tiles from Choose Tiles) bring warmth and texture to this en suite shower room which was already fitted when Angela and Ian bought the house

6

ideas to steal

Angela had a painted wood panel fitted to the wall to create a Colonial feel, adding pretty, vintage-style bedside tables from Hemswell Antiques

Quirky pictures are a great dinner party talking point.

Framed Submerged portrait #4 by Mineheart, £194, Lime Lace

Copper is de rigueur in any modern kitchen.

VonShef 1200w Copper Die Cast Stand Mixer, £174, Domu

Good idea!

To create a timeless Colonial style in the bedroom, paint and fit horizontal boards to a timber frame and then secure it to the wall.

Go large and create a cosy atmosphere with classic table lamps.

Ely table lamp base, £132, Där Lighting Group

The Normandy Rattan bed from The French Bedroom Company creates a luxe style in the guest bedroom, complemented with crisp white bed linen and contrasting satin cushions

Floral cushions add instant colour to a living room sofa.

Rose cushion, £39.95, Annabel James

A footstool or ottoman is a stylish way of creating subtle storage space.

Vittorio ottoman in amethyst, £149, Made

Add a touch of French chic to the bedroom with these bedside tables.

Chateauneuf rustic bedside table, £280, The French Bedroom Company

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I want my home to be a reflection of me Blending a passion for fresh pastels and period details, Hayley Cairns has brought a feminine touch to her Victorian flat

Good idea!

Hayley has filled a hanging painted wooden pallet with plants and fairy lights to make a great decorative piece.

REAL HOME

A

fter a spell living back with her parents in The Wirrall, Hayley Cairns couldn’t wait to buy her own home again and went on the hunt for a period property in the local area. ‘I tried looking at new houses but straight away I felt there was something missing,’ she says. ‘I knew I had to find somewhere with character and charm.’

A disappointing survey on one house she liked put Hayley in a dilemma and she half-heartedly came to see this ground floor flat in spring 2016. ‘I walked around and was completely smitten with the high ceilings, original cornices and dado rails – the rooms were stunning,’ she says. ‘The cute back yard and front garden were a bonus and made the whole place feel more like a house than a flat.’

COME ON IN...

I AM Hayley Cairns, a civil servant. I live

Together a pink fridge-freezer by Smeg and a painted pre-loved dresser create a retro vibe. ‘Finding sturdy second-hand furniture is half the battle to a successful upcycling project,’ says Hayley.

‘I like Rust-Oleum’s chalk paint – there’s no priming and a good colour range.’ Her IKEA table and chairs are second-hand buys

MY HOME Is a two-bedroom ground floor flat in a converted Victorian house, built in 1899. I live in Wallasey, The Wirral.

I LEARNT You don’t need to spend a

fortune on expensive paints. I used B&Q’s all-purpose white paint to update my kitchen cupboards and it’s worked really well.

SHOPS I LOVE Are IKEA for hacks and everyday pieces, Urban Outfitters Home, and Anthropologie for a splurge.

MY ADVICE Is to experiment. I was surprised how well Bedec’s Multi Surface Paint covered the shiny terracotta kitchen splashback and how well it’s lasted.

MY BIGGEST MISTAKE Was not

getting a fixed price for fitting the bathroom.

The project overran by a week and cost twice as much as I was expecting.

TO RELAX I practise yoga. I also like to be creative around the house. My favourite place to enjoy a morning tea is on the bench in the kitchen – it’s bright and warm by the window.

Utility

Feature Jane Crittenden Styling Marisha Taylor Photos James French

Things moved swiftly and soon Hayley had brought her belongings out of storage and settled in. She knew the bathroom – without a shower – and the tired kitchen would be her first projects. Luckily, the remaining rooms were inoffensively decorated in neutrals making it easy for her to bide her time and make plans before making any radical changes.

‘I’m a homely sort of person – that’s where my Instagram name, @homelyhazical, comes from,’ she says.

‘I knew I wanted to mix soft pastels with neutral tones for a feminine feel, and I didn’t want anything to look too new.’

Soon her boyfriend, Adam, had moved in and then the following summer, the

with my two Yorkshire Terriers, Pixie and Betty, plus Princess the cat.

wc

Kitchen Hall

Spare room

Bedroom

Curtains to replace water-damaged doors add to the Fifties feel.

‘The tiny star-print fabric looks really cute in here,’ says Hayley.

Shelves display everyday food jars and the Wilko clock and Dunelm drainer add a copper colour accent

Lounge

FLOORPLAN

For stockists see page 120 July 2019

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REAL HOME

Hayley made the voile curtains to hang across the lower half of the window. The bench seating area is teamed with a rug from Dunelm along with cushions from IKEA and Urban Outfitters Home. The brick wallpaper is from B&Q

‘Hanging voile curtains across the lower half of the window in a café style means I’ve still got privacy but they don’t block out the light.’ bathroom became too much to bear.

‘I hated not having a shower,’ she says.

‘Though on the flip side I was going to the gym all the time because I could shower there!’ she says. As soon as the bathroom was gutted back to bare bones Hayley discovered she couldn’t have the dark varnished floorboards she wanted because too many of them had been damaged or replaced over the years. Instead, she sourced patterned floor tiles. ‘I was disappointed at first but then I fell in love with these lovely blue and white tiles – it

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was a better outcome in the end.’

The free-standing roll-top bath was Hayley’s must-have item, but with a lack of space for a separate shower enclosure, she sourced a design that could be used with an overhead shower. Next, Hayley turned her attention to the kitchen but without a meaningful budget she decided to temporarily update the room. After a period of saving, she splurged on a pink Smeg fridge-freezer, and the kitchen sprung up around it. ‘I’ve wanted a pink Smeg for years,’ she says. ‘The pastel

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

REAL HOME The living room has pretty period detailing and tall windows that Hayley dressed in a plain voile. IKEA plants bring in fresh greenery and frame the eye-catching second-hand sofa which tones with the Wayfair Persian rug.

For a similar sofa, try the dark pink Metro Lane Chesterfield, also by Wayfair Hayley gave her unappealing back yard a makeover with white paint, circular paving stones and decorative gravel, all from B&Q TradePoint. ‘This gravel is cheaper and I prefer the colourful look,’ says Hayley.

The wood-burning stove was saved from a friend’s skip

Good idea!

For an affordable solution to dressing over-sized windows, hang two sets of matching off-the-shelf curtains.

The gold hostess trolley is a genuine vintage piece sourced locally. ‘I like to change up the shelves,’ says Hayley.

‘Next, I’m planning to display a pretty tea set here.’ The green round cushion is from Anthropologie

colour and the retro style is iconic – and reflects my look perfectly!’

Hayley kept the low-level kitchen cupboards and painted the doors but replaced the wall cupboards with open shelving to increase the feeling of space. She decorated the room white and added a brick-patterned wallpaper to emphasise the big window.

She already owned the Welsh dresser and was about to buy a new table when one she liked popped up on Facebook Marketplace. ‘I find lots of bargains there, as well as on Gumtree, eBay and especially in charity shops, which are a great place for one-off pieces while supporting a good cause at the same time,’ says Hayley. ‘The round table is perfect and finishes everything off www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

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The wardrobe fits neatly into the alcove and to the right Hayley has hung a selection of bags and hats on the chimney breast. ‘I like them on display so I can grab what I need as I go out,’ she says

‘Finding sturdy second-hand furniture is half the battle to a successful upcycling project.’

– I love my kitchen now and won’t need to change it for a while.’

Another lucky seconds was the pink velvet Chesterfield sofa in the living room.

‘I only paid £150 and I love the shape and button details,’ she says. ‘It’s a gorgeous raspberry pink velvet and makes a real feature in the room.’

Light floods through tall double-aspect windows and Hayley has added to the height with lofty potted ferns and a tall shelving unit. She customised the shelves with D-C-Fix’s self-adhesive leatherThe dressing table was Hayley’s first upcycle project. ‘I placed it by the window because of the natural light,’ she says. The stool is a charity shop find that Hayley upcycled with gold spray paint and faux fur. For a similar stool, try Maisons du Monde

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Hayley’s elegant furniture works in harmony with the classic period interiors.

‘I love the timeless style and they’re good-quality investment pieces.’ Find similar French-style furniture at Homes Direct 365 and curtains and chandelier pendants at Dunelm

effect film and sprayed the frame gold.

In the back yard, she applied her creative skills too – an old wood pallet makes an outdoor plant shelf, plus she has painted a second-hand chair and rescued a working wood-burning chiminea from a skip.

Hayley’s bedroom is the final – and ongoing – project, prolonged by a damp problem that still needs resolving.

‘However, I’ve been lucky as the flocked wallpaper happens to go well with my French-style bed and wardrobe,’ she says.

‘As soon as I saw the period details, I knew these pieces would look amazing in here.’

Hayley’s proud of her progress so far. ‘It’s lovely owning a home again and having all my things around me,’ she says. ‘I love the look and feel of the rooms as they’ve made my flat much more inviting. I can’t wait to finish my bedroom – I want a blush-pink fireplace and picture rail to go with a rug and cushion I bought in the sales.’ YH

Pretty floor tiles from Tile Mountain add interest to the white bathroom. ‘I like the patterns and the way they’re laid randomly,’ says Hayley. The upcycled cupboard is painted in Rust-Oleum’s Mustard chalk paint. Faux marble B&M shelves make ideal props for IKEA faux foliage

6

ideas to steal For a delicate feel in the bedroom, pick an elegant wardrobe with pretty details and curves like Hayley has.

Toulouse silver double wardrobe, £399, Dunelm

A gorgeous velvet sofa looks even more inviting in soft pink.

Orson threeseater in vintage pink velvet, £749, Made

Decorate your kitchen shelves with colourful glasses you’ll want to use every day.

Good idea!

If keeping plants alive is not your forte, why not fill your shelves with faux ones. They look just as good, and will last much longer!

‘I love an old chain mirror,’ says Hayley. ‘This one is from a charity shop and the bevelled edges are just gorgeous.’

The Winchester basin is from Victoria Plum and the white Metro tiles are from Tile Mountain Hayley maxed out the small space – the Dulwich freestanding bath from Victoria Plum has a straight end that fits neatly into the corner of the room and accommodates the shower too

Coloured pressed glass tumblers, £7 each, Primrose and Plum

A realistic faux pot plant will stay looking fresh forever – no effort required!

Floor tree in pot, £28.99, Wayfair

Add a pop of colour and a retro twist to your kitchen with this fridge-freezer.

Swan Retro fridge-freezer, £899.95, Robert Dyas

A plain wooden bench is a versatile piece that works in every room.

Norraker bench, £40, IKEA

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Rather than replace their solid and well-made dining table and chairs, Zoe painted them a pale grey to match the units. ‘My herringbone flooring isn’t real wood, it’s a very nice wood-effect vinyl from Carpetright, but one day I’ll get the real thing’

We’ve brought a dated house to life again Thanks to a flair for interiors – and her husband’s DIY expertise – Zoe Matthews has renovated every room in this 1980s property to create her dream home

T

aking on a 1980s house that hadn’t had anything done to it since it was built was a big challenge for Zoe Matthews and her husband Aidan. ‘A lot of people aren’t keen on houses of that era and would rather go for a period property or a new-build but it really suited us. The rooms are large and it meant we could get a four-bedroom property within our budget in our preferred area.

The detached house, on the outskirts of Portsmouth, also has a large wide garden that leads onto woods, another big plus.

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July 2019

‘We loved the idea of watching Jacob run around in the garden with the dog.’

Having previously transformed three properties in the area together, the couple are always able to see past the décor and layout and know what’s possible to achieve.

They bought the property in November 2017 after sizing up the potential. ‘We could see it had been a much-loved family home and it had a good atmosphere. It was just stuck in the 80s and ready for a total revamp.’ Knowing they were going to change everything and had a ton of work

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

ahead of them, the couple put in an offer which took into account what they had to do, and it was accepted.

‘Aidan is incredibly handy at DIY, which is one of the reasons we went ahead. We also got a lot of help from family. My dad is a retired builder and Aidan’s parents are also very hands on, so that’s probably where his interest comes from.’

REAL HOME

Feature Stephanie Smith Photos David Giles

COME ON IN...

WE ARE Zoe Matthews, an infant teacher, my husband, Aidan, an electrician, and son, Jacob, five, plus our dog, Juno, and cats, Cleo and Albus. ouR HoME IS A detached four-bedroom 1980s house on the outskirts of Portsmouth.

MY ToP TIP IS To have fun. Make a

Pinterest board of all the designs you like and then think about your space. Enjoy experimenting with colour and textures.

To RELAX I usually plan another project, whether that’s redecorating, upcycling or maximising storage solutions!

THE BEST BIT ABouT LIVING HERE IS It works well for both winter and

summer. The living room can be cosy with the fire on, but in the summer the shutters cast a gorgeous light into the room. It’s also a fantastic layout for parties and a young family.

The kitchen is the hub and we can shut off the living room or have it open-plan.

MY FAVouRITE RooMS ARE The living room, it’s so bright and cosy, but the kitchen is where I spend most of my time.

Good idea!

A string of bunting cheers up any wall and on a white background you can afford to go for bright primary colours.

Bedroom 2

Office

wc

Bedroom 1 Bedroom 3

A blue sofa at the end of the kitchen-diner was Zoe’s number one essential. She found the sofa she’d been dreaming of at Maisons Du Monde and teamed it with white Mosslanda picture ledges from IKEA and some bunting from Isabella Bird Designs The smart Mr Jones tiles from the Laura Ashley Heritage collection and the grey and white painted stairs make a welcoming entrance. ‘The tiles draw the eye, but they’re easy to clean and don’t show the dirt because of the pattern’

wc

FIRST FLooR

Kitchen Dining room cloak room Hall

Lounge

Garage

GRouND FLooR

For stockists see page 120

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87

‘Think about painting all your doors and radiators in one colour.’

The brand-new kitchen is the Carisbrooke in Taupe from B&Q, with surfaces from Oak Worktops Direct. ‘I just love the rounded ends of the units. It gives a much nicer feel and I’ve painted all the doors in the rooms with Valspar Toy Soldier to tie in’ ‘We’ve got a big garage off the kitchen where I keep the extra chairs, rather than clutter up the table when it’s just us. Jacob loves to measure his height on the over-sized ruler that my talented mother-in-law Sarah made’

88

July 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

The couple started by knocking down the wall between the kitchen and small dining room, opening it up into one big space, and putting in doors to the garden.

Choosing the kitchen was one of their biggest decisions. ‘We wanted to get it right because we’re not doing it again in a hurry. I didn’t want it to be too pale, so we’ve gone for a steely grey which looks great with white.’

But when it came to the space at the end of the new kitchen diner, Zoe knew exactly what she wanted. ‘I’d seen a picture once of a bright blue sofa at the end of a kitchen with a ledge of pictures and bunting above, and I was determined to have that in my new house. It’s my favourite place to sit.’

The living room was a plain rectangular space with a lacklustre gas fire set into a flat wall, so Zoe and Aidan knew they’d have to be creative. ‘My dad and Aidan built a proper fireplace out from the wall, using old bricks. This created alcoves either side, which were the perfect place for shelves. The fireplace looks like it’s

REAL HOME The exposed brick fireplace is a new addition to the house, built by Aidan and Zoe’s father. ‘I found a fantastic mantelpiece for £125 from a company called Traditional Beams, which really gives the impression of age’ To brighten up the study, Zoe taped off sections of the wall above her desk from Kuci Designs and used sample pots of paint in her favourite green and pink with gold lines in between

always been there. Then we added a wood-burning stove. It’s so cosy in the evenings, rather than staring at a flat wall,’ explains Zoe. When it came to the upstairs, Zoe wanted to add some colour and a bit of originality. ‘The rooms were all a good size and had built-in wardrobes, but they were very dull. We’ve laid new grey carpet everywhere, and I’ve tried to give each room some personality, either with vibrant colour, luxurious fabrics, or in Jacob’s case, an unusual bed.

Zoe keeps busy with her side business, @mumadukedesigns, which specialises in adoption-themed gift cards and prints

Good idea!

Mix up your cushions when it comes to colour and pattern for a more individual look.

The lovely old leather sofa was a gift from a relative who didn’t want it any more. ‘We snapped it up because I think leather sofas just keep looking better and better the older they get.

I’ve accessorised it with cushions from Dunelm which has a great selection’

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

89

The master bedroom at the front of the house receives the most light and Zoe has decided to reflect that with yellow accessories. ‘We’ve kept our original wooden bed and I’ve added in a lovely bright cushion and throw from Dunelm’

Good idea!

A bold blue feature wall has added vibrancy and interest to the guest bedroom, giving it an uplifting feel.

Having fitted wardrobes with plenty of storage was a bonus and Zoe has used wasted space to the side to create a shelving and laundry area with a striped basket from M&S

90

July 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

6

ideas to steal

Use brick tiles to smarten up a bathroom.

White gloss rustic metro tiles, £29.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

Add instant colour to plain walls with a garland.

‘I’ve tried to give each room personality with colour.’ for the home, which she runs from her newly decorated office. ‘I love words and prints that mean something, I’ve got them up all round my house.’ She’s also detailed the story of their house renovation on Instagram @the.girl.with.the.yellow.coat and has enjoyed the support of fellow home renovators, as well as discovering other small businesses. ‘For one-off personalised pieces, I love to support other people on Instagram.’

After a six months of working evenings and weekends Zoe is thrilled that all the hard work is nearly over for a while, and is looking forward to the first summer without building work.

‘We’ve had to come to a halt as we’ve spent our budget. But there’s only one big job left to do, the main bathroom. We squeezed in a revamp of our en suite, but it’s a lot smaller and we just went for a new basin and some tiling. It is difficult seeing how lovely the rest of the house is, and then walking into the bathroom, but it will happen.

I’m determined that every part of the house should look up-to-date.’ YH

Over The Rainbow tassel garland, £6.99, Ginger Ray

Bring in some sunshine with a yellow throw.

Zoe’s husband Aidan took a basic bed and built a mock house around it to provide a fun bedtime experience for Jacob.

‘All his friends love it and I think they’d like their parents to make them one too’

Ombre striped throw, £45, Cox & Cox

The shower in the en suite was decent, so the couple added a basin from eBay, mounted on a vanity unit from Gumtree and complemented the scheme with attractive tiles from Laura Ashley Paint a wall a vibrant, striking blue.

Sapphire Springs 3 matt emulsion, £29.16 for 2.5l, Dulux

Your kids will love bedtime with a fun house design.

Kids house cabin bed by Woood, £599, Cuckooland

A bright turquoise sofa will instantly revive a space.

Hatfield sofa, from £1,510 for a two-seater, Sweetpea & Willow

Zoe was keen to create a luxurious space for guests to relax in. ‘I liked the idea that it felt like a break from their normal routine. I’ve gone for deep blue walls and pink bedding, a sheepskin rug and lovely cushions, all from Dunelm,’ she explains www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

91

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image Jen Chanyi Photography / Interior Design by Ball & Claw Vintage

This month, we’re offering 20 lucky winners, selected at random, a copy of My Bedroom is an Office & Other Interior Design Dilemmas by stylist Joanna Thornhill.

Just moved into your new home? No idea where to start or what to do? Landlord won’t let you paint your walls? Hate your sofa but can’t afford a new one?

Interior design pro Joanna has the answers to all of your questions, from minor tweaks to bigger projects, even if you’ve never attempted DIY before.

Broken down into clear, easy-to-follow advice, with each topic tackling a real-life decorating dilemma, My Bedroom is an Office covers an array of challenges most homeowners or renters will encounter at some stage. This book is perfect to dip into for inspiration!

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Food & drink Fill your kitchen with summer flavours using our recipes overleaf

l to make a broad bean and feta minted cherry dip, cook 150g broad beans for 2-3 minutes until tender, then allow to cool and slip the beans out of the skins. roughly mash 100g feta cheese and season with black pepper and freshly ground nutmeg. Stir in with the cooled beans, 150g cherries, stoned and halved, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and chopped mint leaves. Serves 4. recipe courtesy of www.lovefreshberries.co.uk. l Smashed broad beans make a great side to lamb – in a food processor, blitz 300g skinned broad beans with 1½ tbsp olive oil, juice ½ lemon, sea salt and black pepper, until a chunky purée. heat in a pan until hot, then stir in 1½ tbsp olive oil and a handful roughly chopped mint leaves. Serves 4. l For a tasty green pesto, in a food processor, blitz 150g skinned broad beans, cooked, with 150g peas, cooked; flesh from 1 roasted garlic bulb; 2 tbsp pine nuts; 25g basil, leaves picked; 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a drizzle olive oil. pulse a few times, adding more olive oil as needed. Stir in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan. Serve stirred through hot pasta, spread over roast meat or as a bruschetta topping.

Feature Laura higgins

3 ways with... broad beans

This month we love...

If you do one thing this month...

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Rich, almondflavoured clotted cream ice cream, cherry ripples, buttery crumbs and almond chunks make Kelly’s of Cornwall Cherry Bakewell ice cream quite a treat. Available from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons, priced £3.99 for 950ml.

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Infused with juniper, citrus and spice botanicals, Caleno is a non-alcoholic spirit inspired

by Columbia and created to add some excitement for non-drinkers. Key to the flavour is the South American Inca berry, a sweet and tangy ingredient with pineapple, mango and citrus fruit notes.

Serve with tonic water, ice and a slice. £24 for 700ml, from Sainsbury’s.

oggS have launched a brand new range of vegan cakes, using natural, plant-based and ethical ingredients.

Choose from Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, salted caramel and chocolate fudge, available from waitrose and Sainsbury’s, as mini cakes, £4.25 for a four pack; 5” cakes, £4.95.

The Joyful Home Cook by rosie Birkett (£20, harpernonFiction), is a glorious celebration of seasonal produce, demonstrating how to use traditional skills such as smoking, brining and fermenting, as well as other methods of preserving, and how to be more resourceful to minimise waste. whip up dishes such as wild garlic gnocchi and peach eton mess, as well as pickled veggies and home-made jams.

CheCK out www.yourhomemAgAzIne.Co.uK/Food For more tASty reCIpeS www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

July 2019

95

the big

freeze

PreParatiOn time 10 minutes, Plus freezing time serves 4-5

Oaty berry and ginger instant ice cream YOU WILL NEED 4100g Flahavan’s organic jumbo oats 4250g natural yoghurt 450g crème fraîche 44 pieces stem ginger 44 tbsp stem ginger syrup 4500g frozen berries

DIRECTIONS

Cool down with one of these icy desserts, whether you fancy a super-healthy fruity popsicle or something a bit more indulgent…

n Place the oats in a food processor and whizz up into a fine crumb. n Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and blend until smooth.

Add in an extra splash of the ginger syrup to loosen the mixture if required. n Pour into a container and place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up a little before scooping into bowls to serve.

Recipe courtesy of Flahavan’s

elderflower sorbet YoU WiLL nEEd For the sorbet 4150g caster sugar 4550ml water 4strip lemon peel 4250ml Belvoir Elderflower cordial 4gin, to taste 4lemon slices and biscuits, to serve

food & drink dirECTionS n Put the sugar, water and strip of peel in a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes until a syrup forms. Stir in the cordial and cool, then chill in the fridge. n Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions or pour into a freezer container and place in the freezer, stirring every hour until frozen. This should take about 6 hours. n To serve, remove from the freezer about 10 minutes before scooping into tea cups. Garnish with a slice of lemon and drizzle over the gin. Serve with biscuits.

PreParation time 25 minutes, Plus freezing time serves 6

Recipe courtesy of www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk

YoU WiLL nEEd

PreParation time 45 minutes, Plus freezing time serves 6

For the base 4115g pecans 4180g dates 42 tbsp cacao powder For the peanut butter layer 43 tbsp peanut butter 42 tbsp maple syrup 41 tbsp coconut cream 4400ml oppo Salted Caramel ice cream For the chocolate layer 42 tbsp coconut oil 4 4 tbsp Sweet freedom Choc Shot 4dark chocolate shavings and fresh cherries, to garnish

dirECTionS n for the cake base, blitz the pecans in a food processor for a few seconds to crush them into smaller pieces. Add the dates and cacao powder and blend again until well combined. n Pour this mixture into a loose-bottomed cake tin and press down into the base. Pop this into the freezer to cool while you prepare the other layers. n remove the ice cream from the freezer to allow it to soften slightly so it’s ready to spread over the cake base. n in a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup and coconut cream until smooth. Spread this over the base and return the cake to the freezer. n When the ice cream is soft and easy to scoop, spread this over the peanut butter layer and smooth over the surface. Leave this in the freezer for 4 hours or overnight.

n To make the chocolate drizzle, gently melt the coconut oil and combine this with the choc shot. Pour the chocolate mix over the top of the cake and decorate with some chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

Recipe courtesy of Charley’s Health, www.charleyshealth.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

97

Fruity coconut popsicles YOU WILL NEED 44 strawberries, hulled and sliced 42 fresh apricots, stoned and chopped 41 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced 450g blueberries 4mixed fresh herbs such as peppermint, lavender, basil, rosemary, chopped 4400ml Alpro Coconut Unsweetened drink 42 tbsp icing sugar 44 liquorice sticks, optional

DIRECTIONS n Divide the fruit pieces and chopped herbs among 4 popsicle moulds. n Blend the Alpro and icing sugar until smooth. Slowly and carefully pour the Alpro mix into the popsicle moulds until they are full. Insert one liquorice stick or lollipop stick into each mould. n Set in the freezer overnight or until frozen solid.

Recipe courtesy of Alpro, www.alpro.com/uk

PreParation time 15 minutes Plus Freezing time serves 4

YOU WILL NEED PreParation time 10 minutes Plus Freezing time serves 4

475g frozen blueberries 4500g Alpro Plain Unsweetened alternative to yoghurt

DIRECTIONS n Defrost the frozen blueberries a little to soften the mixture, and gently crush some of them. n Using half the berries, evenly divide between the 4 popsicle moulds. Using half the Alpro, layer on top of the berry layer.

Repeat the layering using the remaining berries and Alpro. n Freeze for 15 minutes before adding the lolly sticks into the mixture and then freeze overnight.

Recipe courtesy of Alpro, www.alpro.com/uk

food & drink strawberry and coconut ice lollies YoU WiLL nEEd 4400g Jubilee Selections strawberries, washed and hulled 43 tbsp icing sugar, sieved 4400g coconut Greek yoghurt

dirECTionS

PreParation time 20 minutes, Plus freezing time makes 8 lollies

n Using a blender or food processor, purĂŠe 200g of the strawberries with the icing sugar. Pour through a sieve to remove the seeds. n in a large jug, mix the strawberry purĂŠe with the coconut yoghurt and fill the lolly moulds, but not quite to the top. n Slice the remaining strawberries and divide these between the moulds, pushing them down carefully so they are evenly distributed throughout the lolly. n Push in the lolly sticks and freeze for at least four hours, or until frozen solid. Warm the moulds with your hands or under warm water to release the lollies.

Recipe courtesy of www.jubileestrawberries.co.uk

taste of summer Feast your eyes on these unique dishes filled with the freshest flavours and vibrant colours

PRePaRation time 10 minutes seRves 4

Radish gazpacho YOU WILL NEED 4400g radishes 42 cucumbers 41 garlic clove 475g cooked beetroot 4120g Greek yoghurt 42 tsp red wine vinegar 4dash Tabasco sauce 41 tbsp chopped chives 42 tbsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS n Slice 4 radishes and set aside to use as the garnish later. n In a food processor, blitz together the cucumbers, garlic, cooked beetroot, Greek yoghurt, red wine vinegar and the rest of the radishes, then season to taste. n Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour and stir well before dividing between four bowls. n Serve topped with the Tabasco, sliced radishes, chives and a drizzle of olive oil.

Recipe courtesy of www.loveradish.co.uk

food & drink griddled courgette, spinach and cherries with thyme dressing PreParation time 20 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes serves 4

YoU WiLL nEEd 44-5 medium courgettes, trimmed and sliced lengthways about ½ cm thick 41-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4200g fine green beans, trimmed 4200g spinach leaves 4200g cherry tomatoes, halved (use red and yellow if possible) 4handful black olives, stoned 4300g British cherries, pitted and halved 43 spring onions, finely sliced 4lemon wedges for serving For the dressing 43 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 41 tbsp red wine vinegar 4juice ½ lemon 41 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or marjoram 4pinch sugar

dirECTionS n in a large bowl toss the courgettes with the olive oil and season well with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Heat a griddle pan and cook the courgettes, undisturbed, for about 2-3 minutes or until the underside begins to show char lines. Turn and cook the other side until done. repeat until all are cooked. Put to one side. n Meanwhile, add the green beans to a pan of boiling salted water and cook for about 4-5 minutes until just tender but still with a bite to them, then drain and refresh in cold water so they retain their colour. Cut them in half and put to one side. n To make the dressing, mix all the ingredients together, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, taste and adjust as needed. n To assemble the salad, add the spinach leaves to a bowl, top with the courgettes and beans, drizzle over a little dressing then top with the tomatoes, olives, cherries and spring onions and drizzle over the dressing to serve.

Recipe courtesy of British Cherries

Chilli roasted sweet potato with asparagus and strawberries YoU WiLL nEEd 4600g sweet potatoes, scrubbed, skin left on, cut into chunky wedges 42 tbsp olive oil 41-2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 4400g asparagus, trimmed 4100g feta, crumbled 4400g Jubilee Selections strawberries, halved and quartered 41 lime, cut into wedges, for serving 4drizzle extra virgin olive oil 4drizzle pomegranate molasses 4handful mint leaves

dirECTionS n Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºf/Gas Mark 6. Toss the sweet potatoes with the olive oil and chilli, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Put in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until golden. Toss the asparagus with the remaining oil and throw into the roasting tin for the last 10 minutes. n remove from the oven and scatter over the feta and strawberries with a squeeze of lime. Then drizzle with olive oil and pomegranate molasses and add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with mint leaves and the remaining lime wedges and serve.

PreParation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes serves 4-6

Recipe courtesy of www.jubileestrawberries.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

101

Halloumi with spiced pickled raspberries YOU WILL NEED For the spiced pickled raspberries 4100ml cider vinegar 41 star anise 44 peppercorns 4½ tsp fennel seeds 4pinch chilli flakes 41 tbsp sugar 4100g raspberries 43 radishes, thinly sliced 4½ small red onion, thinly sliced For the sourdough croutons 4100g sourdough, preferably a day old 41 garlic clove, halved 41 tbsp olive oil For the salad 4150g halloumi 42 tsp olive oil 4mixed salad leaves

PreParation time 15 minutes, Plus marinating time Cooking time 5 minutes serves 2

DIRECTIONS n For the pickles, warm the vinegar in a small pan with the star anise, peppercorns, fennel, chilli and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly. Add the raspberries, radishes and onion and leave to marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight, until you can see the ingredients changing colour and turning the vinegar pink. n For the croutons, preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/Gas Mark 6. Slice the sourdough, rub the cut side of the garlic over the bread, then cut it into cubes. Drizzle with the olive oil and bake in the oven for 5 minutes until golden and crisp. n Pat dry the halloumi with kitchen paper and then slice the block into 6 pieces. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the slices and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning until golden on both sides. n Divide the leaves between two plates and add the halloumi. Finally, spoon over the pickles and croutons, which can have been made the day before.

Recipe courtesy of www.lovefreshberries.co.uk

PreParation time 10 minutes Cooking time 5 minutes serves 4

Hake with tomato and olive salad YOU WILL NEED 4500g ripe mixed-colour vine tomatoes 4200g mixed manzanilla and black hojiblanca olives 42 garlic cloves, crushed 4handful fresh oregano, leaves picked 4handful flat leaf parsley, leaves picked 42 tbsp white wine 41 tsp sherry vinegar 44 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle 44 x 200g hake fillets

DIRECTIONS n Slice the tomatoes and arrange on a platter with the olives. Scatter with the garlic, herbs and plenty of sea salt and black pepper.

Whisk the white wine and vinegar with a little seasoning then whisk in the olive oil and pour over the tomatoes. Leave to stand. n Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan, season the hake and fry, skin side down, for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crisp and the fish almost cooked through. Flip over and cook for a minute on the other side, then serve with the tomato and olive salad.

Recipe courtesy of Olives from Spain

102

July 2019 www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

Blackberry and rose knickerbocker glory YoU WiLL nEEd 4600g driscoll’s Victoria sweet blackberries, halved, leave a few whole for topping 43 tsp caster sugar 42 tsp rose water, to taste 4100g pecan nuts 44 scoops good-quality vanilla ice cream 4200ml double cream, lightly whipped

dirECTionS n Add a handful of blackberries to a pan, along with half the sugar and the rose water, simmer gently until the blackberries break down and the juice thickens slightly. remove from the heat, crush with a fork and leave to cool completely. n Toss the pecan nuts with the remaining sugar and add to a clean frying pan, cook for a few minutes until the nuts begin to coat with toffee. remove and leave to cool. Chop some of the nuts for the topping and leave some whole. Put to one side to cool. n now layer in tall glasses. divide the blackberries between the glasses, top with a scoop of ice cream and then drizzle in the syrup from the crushed blackberries. Top with whipped cream and decorate with whole and chopped pecan nuts and blackberries to serve. dig in straight away!

Recipe courtesy of www.uksweetblackberries.co.uk

PreParation time 15 minutes Cooking time 10 minutes makes 4

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Home ImpRovement

Turn the page to bring more light into your home with stunning bi-fold doors

Glow getter Whether you’re rummaging in the garage, searching through the loft or working outside late into the night, this handy work gadget is a must-have, producing up to 800 lumens of light. Choose from three modes – single beam, low ambient and floodlight – so you can have the most suitable illumination for the job at hand. It’s powered by a 22v lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which offers up to eight hours of runtime on a single charge.

Work light, £129.99, gtech

Do you dream of a stylish log cabin to escape to, but worry that you don’t have enough space? Now, even those of us with less-than-sprawling estates can get in on the act with Waltons great range of affordable compact designs which include the Mini Log Cabin Studio, shown here. Measuring just 2.5m x 2m, it offers that valuable extra room without dominating a small garden. The interlocking 19mm tongue-and-groove cladding creates a strong, robust and weatherproof structure for a long-lasting build, plus you can take advantage of Waltons installation service if you’re not keen on doing it yourself. Other options include the 3m x 3m Corner Log Cabin, which helps to maximise space in a compact outdoor area.

Mini Log Cabin Studio, from £949.99, Waltons

On the deck If you plan to update your outdoor space with decking this year, don’t forget about the substructure. Although the main boards should ideally be elevated off the ground and made from wood that has been treated for external use, there is still a risk of deterioration over time. Composite decking brand Trex has recently launched Trex Protect tape, designed for use on wooden joists and beams to shield them from the moisture that can lead to rot and wood decay. So, as well as Trex composite decking being warrantied to last for 25 years or longer, you can now take that extra step to make sure that your decking substructure lasts for as long as possible.

Feature Lisa hibberd

Room with a view

Quick hit If you’re thinking of selling a property in the near future, take a look at window furnishing company Thomas Sanderson’s online tool, which helps to give you an idea of how hard it is to sell a home in different parts of the UK. Simply input a postcode or the name of a town or city, and the tool will use data from online property sites to present you with the average number of days it takes to sell a home in that area.

To have a go yourself, visit www.thomas-sanderson.co.uk/resources/ property-sell-by-dates.

Trex Protect tape, around £17.99 per roll, Trex

FOr MOre experT aDviCe aND CaSe STuDieS gO TO WWW.yOurhOMeMagaziNe.CO.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

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According to research from Origin, 94 per cent of homeowners use their space differently after installing bi-fold doors

All you need to know about bi-fold doors Feature Andrea Dean

B

i-fold doors provide a spectacular finishing touch to a renovation project or a new extension. They’re comprised of two or more glazed, hinged panels which allow an entire wall to be opened up, filling rooms with daylight and effortlessly connecting inside and out.

Good quality bi-folds are a big investment, so take time to consider panel and aperture sizes, materials and configurations, and look into manufacturers and suppliers, so that you can make the right choice for your home and budget.

Fit versatile bi-folds to seamlessly link your home and garden and channel light inside

1

Bi-fold or sliding?

Both have their pros and cons, so work out your priorities. Pulled right back, bi-folds expose up to 90 per cent of the aperture, giving an unobstructed outlook, whereas sliding doors open to a maximum of 75 per cent – and just 50 per cent if there’s only room for two panels.

Starting at around £500 per square metre, bi-folds are less expensive, but sliding doors allow for more minimal framing and wider expanses of glass, so the view is less interrupted when they’re closed – as is the case for most of the year.

The living room in this light-filled home – once a derelict barn – is fitted with aluminium six-panel bi-folds with integrated double blackout shades, www.centor.com

The garden can be admired from every angle of this extension, which features Supreme aluminium doors, from £2,289, Vufold

2

In the frame

There are several options for the frame. Sustainable hardwood adds character and warmth, so is ideal for a period property, although it needs repainting or varnishing from time to time or it will start to deteriorate. If you don’t relish the regular upkeep, a composite – comprising a timber frame with an aluminium exterior – is a low-maintenance alternative. Slimline aluminium also requires minimal care and has become the go-to material for contemporary frames as it’s super strong and can support larger glazing panels than timber, reducing the number of sightlines. uPVC is more price-friendly but isn’t as durable as wood or aluminium, and frames tend to be thicker. Bi-folds can be either double or triple-glazed, though the latter isn’t necessarily more energy-efficient.

3

DesIgn possIbIlItIes

Most bi-fold doors open outwards so they don’t encroach into the living area, though if space is tight – for example in a narrow terrace – check there’s enough room for them to fold back fully. Opt for the smallest number of panels as possible, bearing in mind that the maximum panel width is about 1.1 metres, though this varies according to the height, frame and glazing. Think about incorporating a traffic door – a single panel that opens independently to access the garden easily – and ensure the bi-folds are completely weather-resistant by fitting a rebate in the doorway. This is a narrow upstand which prevents moisture leaching inside and can be sunk below floor level so that the threshold is virtually flush.

Bi-folds come into their own on a sunny summer’s day, when they can be fully opened up to create the ultimate indoor-outdoor room. Aluminium bi-folds, from a wide range, www.anglianhome.co.uk

Timber-framed bi-fold doors bring warmth and character and let in more light than French windows. Oak veneer 1.8m doors, from a selection, www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk

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operatIon anD InstallatIon

Depending on how their weight is supported, bi-folds are either bottom rolling or top-hung. While a bottom rolling system runs on a track set into the floor, with a top-hung system you don’t have to worry about dirt getting trapped in the base and affecting the smooth operation. Plus, the mechanism can often be concealed in the frame for a neater finish. However, a new lintel or steel beam may be required to cope with the load, so seek advice from a structural engineer. Your bi-folds must be professionally installed, so if this service isn’t provided by the supplier as part of a package, find a FENSA-approved installer.

turn over for more aDvIce Eurocell’s uPVC-framed bi-folds glide along effortlessly, require minimal maintenance and come in a range of finishes s

Blinds 2Go’s Clickfit pleated blinds click into the frame for instant shading. No tools are needed, and they’re child-safe with no hanging cords or loops, from £24

In this south London kitchen extension, the garden was lowered and bi-folds installed to create a flush patio, allowing the open-plan interior to connect fluently with the outdoor space. Project by www.plusrooms.co.uk

Expert advice ‘Bi-fold doors are a fantastic way of maximising the open space on the rear wall without any obstruction. They offer great visual aspect to the outside and, if you’re short on room inside, they help create the illusion of space. The n Visit www.fensa.org.uk to find an installer cleaner and wider the view onto the outside, the bigger Far from being only suitable for who’s approved to self-certify compliance with the inside will feel. French or double doors and windows all external use, bi-folds make the relevant building regulations. clutter up the back wall and miss the opportunity to show practical and stylish room dividers. n www.myglazing.com offers advice on off space, but bi-folds offer a great visibility. Even if your They’re particularly effective in choosing glass for home improvements. garden is not that big, the fact that your eye continues open-plan layouts where an internal n Search www.architecture.com for a local beyond the back of the house and out into the wall has previously been removed to architect specialising in glazed extensions. exterior really boosts the sense of space.’ create a double living room or a combined n www.pilkington.com and James Bernard, Director of design and kitchen-diner. Adding a set of bi-folds will www.planitherm.com are leading build company Plus Rooms, enable you to switch the area back into two manufacturers of high-performance glass. www.plusrooms.co.uk cosier rooms when you need to, reducing noise n Get inspiration by checking out ideas on levels and giving you greater privacy. Solid doors www.pinterest.co.uk. provide complete separation but obstruct the flow of light when closed, whereas fully or partly glazed designs keep rooms bright and let Although solar glass – with a special coating to regulate how much heat and light passes you keep an eye on the kids. through – will go a long way towards maintaining an even temperature, you may wish to add a

5

Useful contacts

Internal affaIrs

6

Internal bi-folds boost privacy without sacrificing light. Bespoke solid wood doors with American black walnut frames, www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk

screen savers

window treatment to dress your doors and prevent neighbours from looking in at night if your home is overlooked. Curtains detract from the streamlined effect, so pick blinds which are either incorporated into the doors, or sit within each frame so they can be opened individually and don’t rattle against the glass or move around in the breeze. If you’re after a top-end solution, Centor’s integrated doors have built-in shades and screens to control sunlight, privacy and insects.

Remember to include a door that opens separately from the other panels. With slim aluminium frames, these XP View doors start from £1,150 per panel including installation, www. expressbifolds.co.uk

s

CASE STUDY ‘We pushed the budget to get the bi-fold doors we really wanted’

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Feature and photos Gill Rothwell

incent and Catherine Hoare had explored all the options for extending their home before deciding on a showstopping new s Catherine plans kitchen with a to re-landscape the run of bi-fold garden now that doors at the back. the new extension ‘We had thought is complete of extending upstairs to give our two girls bigger bedrooms but soon realised it wouldn’t be long before they flew the nest and that the extra space was really needed on the ground floor,’ explains Catherine. The original kitchen was quite small and the only place to eat was in a dining room at the front of the house so, with the help of an architect,

they drew up plans for a large kitchendining room extension to give them a sociable family space at the back.

The Hoares weren’t fazed that the 8m by 4m extension would encroach on the existing patio as, being north facing, they didn’t use it often but were keen to ensure it would capitalise on the view of their well-established garden. ‘Bi-fold doors were the obvious choice but as they’re so expensive, we looked into cheaper alternatives, from sliding patio to French doors, but nothing matched up to our expectations,’ says Catherine. ‘Eventually we decided to push the budget and have what we really wanted. I love the versatility of being able to open just one or two doors or the whole lot, depending on the weather’. Other plus points are the low maintenance aluminium frames and the integrated blinds. ‘You could argue we didn’t need blinds as we’re not overlooked but we like how they make the room feel

The bi-fold doors frame the view of the garden perfectly

s Bi-fold doors across the width of the extension let in tons of light and bring the outdoors in

cosier and change the atmosphere at night,’ she continues.

More light floods into the extension through a large side window and a trio of rooflights, one of which opens by remote control and is fitted with a rain sensor in case it’s left open accidentally. The roof, walls and floor all have high levels of insulation and, combined with under-floor heating, ensure that the extension is never cold.

Now their longterm extension plan is complete, the family enjoys spending time all together in the big open-plan space. ‘We love the convenience of cooking, serving and eating food together in the same room,’ adds Catherine. ‘Now we have the sociable family space we’ve always wanted.’ *All building work and bi-fold doors by New Forest Doors and Glazing, www.nfdg.co.uk.

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!

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Win! A barbecue bundle from napoleon, worth over £460!

Three lucky winners

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e’ve teamed up with Napoleon, an expert in grills and outdoor kitchens for over 30 years, to give three lucky winners an incredible barbecue bundle, worth £462.98 each!

Each impressive prize will include the Rogue 365 gas barbecue, plus a slick two-piece stainless-steel tool set – all of which is sure to spark an outdoor cooking revolution in any home!

The Rogue 365 is ideal for those looking to upgrade their current model in order to become a true grill master.

Featuring two main burners, a warming rack and dual-level sear plates, this compact gas design allows you to cater for a crowd in no time at all.

The searing plates instantly vaporise any grease that falls from food, creating flavour, not flare-ups – plus, with a 15-year Rules of entRy 1) The competition closes at midnight on 31st July 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.

warranty included, you’ll have true peace of mind too. The Rogue 365 barbecue also offers durability and stylish good looks with its black porcelain enamel lid, single panel door and handy cabinet to store your extra-long spatula and soft-grip tongs included in the bundle.

Napoleon specialises in gas, charcoal and portable barbecues, as well as bespoke outdoor kitchens, Patioflame tables and a wide range of accessories. For more details, visit www.napoleon.com or find the brand on Instagram on @napoleongrillsuk.

HoW to enter For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

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.

Q: How many years is the napoleon Rogue 365 barbecue warranty?

A) 5 years B) 10 years C) 15 years 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 July 2019. Good luck!

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AGAPANTHUS TWISTER

rare | unusual | exciting

Well worth the wait and sure to cause a stir

BUY 3

£6

POTS FOR JUST

FINALLY, IT’S HERE – THE INCREDIBLE TWISTER

EACH LIMITED OFFER

Trumpets with rich blue bases open from white buds and cluster to form stunning flower heads from July to September. Held on strong stems above evergreen strap shaped foliage, they are great as cut flowers, lasting up to two weeks in a vase. Prefers moist well-drained soil in full sun. Height 50cm (20"). Spread 40cm (16"). Fully hardy perennial. Your order will be confirmed along with a copy of our latest catalogue and your 9cm pots will be delivered within 14 days with our No Quibble Guarantee.

ORDER • ONLINE hayloft.co.uk • PHONE 0844 335 1088 QUOTE YH0719 YH0719

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

PLEASE SEND

ITEM CODE

PRICE QTY TOTAL

1 × AGAPANTHUS PTAGA01-YH0719

£12

3 × AGAPANTHUS PTAGA03-YH0719

£18

P&P (UK ONLY)

£4.95

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TOTAL DUE Please enter the last 3 digits of your security code (CV2)

I enclose Cheque/PO made payable to Hayloft Plants Ltd or please debit my Mastercard/Visa/Maestro Card no.

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Thank you for your details which will be kept securely and will not be shared with third parties. We may send Hayloft gardening catalogues in the future, if you prefer not to receive them, please call 01386 562999. Occasionally the advertised delivery date may change, however, this will be clearly stated on your order confirmation.

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

Gardening Petal-inspired paints, plus ideas for budding gardeners

Colour by… flowers Inspired by the beautiful palette of the English garden, the new outdoor paint collection by Alitex couldn’t have picked a more fitting venue when it launched recently at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Whether you’re jazzing up a wooden bench, sprucing up planters or giving your shed a makeover, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the 15 contemporary shades including Burnt Orange, Plaster Pink and Wood Sage. Made by the brand’s sister company M&L Paints, the colours are available in exterior and interior eggshell, masonry, full gloss and chalky interior matt. The Alitex Collection by M&L Paints is priced from £25 per 1l.

Events 1st-7th July

We love…

Budding stars

It’s the perfect time of year to spend time with kids outdoors and National Children’s Gardening Week (25th May 2nd June) has plenty of fun projects to encourage the smallest of green fingers.

Spell out a name in rocket seeds and watch it grow; create a pallet garden; build a bug hotel – these are just a few ideas to inspire young gardeners. Find more at www.childrensgardeningweek. co.uk/fun-things-to-do.

Hozelock’s Plant a Pot campaign.

Pledge to grow a planter of bee-friendly plants or bulbs and you could be in with a chance of winning over £5,000 of prizes including a cottage holiday in Devon and HTA National Garden vouchers. For details, visit www.plantapot.info.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, Surrey enjoy the colour and scents of the Floral Fiesta, talks and workshops and a wild garden Banquet, all topped off with a cooling glass of Pimm’s. www.rhs.org.uk.

14th July

Sheffield Gardens, Yorkshire a chance to visit three inspiring yet individual gardens designed by the Landscape architecture department of sheffield uni: two in the city centre and one in a nearby village. www.ngs.org.uk.

15th July

Cherry Fair, Brogdale Collections, Kent a family-fun homage to the small red fruit including a no-hands pie eating competition, pip spit challenge, cookery demos, plus a display of rare and heritage varieties. www.brogdalecollections.org.

3 OF THE BEST... kids gardening kits

Personalised Kids Grow Your Own Edible Garden Kit, £14.95, not on the high street

Create a beautiful flower garden to attract insects and bees Little Gardeners Shake & Sow Wildlife Flower Mix, £3, Johnsons

Each month children will receive crafts and gardening activities to tie in with the seasons

Feature alice Butler

Gnome helpers guide children through planting easy-to-grow veg, herbs and edible flowers

Children’s subscription box, from £8.95 a month, mud & Bloom

For more exPert advice and insPiration go to www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

July 2019

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Feature and photos Louise Midgley Main image Westland

Inthisyourmonth... garden Celebrate the exuberance of your garden by spending as much time in it as possible

what to do in the flower garden invested time and money in your ✓ Having containerised summer displays, it would

be a shame to let them wither when you go on your summer holiday. If you don’t have a kind neighbour to pop in and water them, group all the pots together in a shady corner. It’s safe to bring houseplants out too. Give them a thorough soaking, add a layer of mulch to slow down the evaporation and stand each pot on a saucer filled with water.

Drill holes in the lids of large plastic bottles, then fill them with water and place them upside down into the soil. The water will slowly percolate through the holes of the lid.

Alternatively, invest in an automatic irrigation system; many designs are solar powered so you

✓

don’t even need an outside power source.

Deadhead any repeat flowering roses after their first flush of blooms have faded. They perform best if the soil around their roots doesn’t dry out, so water them regularly (in the evening) during hot periods. Not all roses repeat flower; some do so once and then produce beautiful hips (above right), which not only look vibrant but will feed birds in winter.

Cut back the spent flowering stems of Delphiniums (top right) and Lupins to promote further flowers later in the season.

Look out for plain green shoots on variegated shrubs. They need to be removed to prevent the plant reverting back to the original form found in the plant’s parentage.

✓

✓

✓

William Morris pots, from £7.99 each, Woodlodge

GARDEN INSPIRATION

what to do on the veg plot is a great month for both harvesting produce ✓ July and sowing more to keep the season productive. during high summer that onion bulbs begin ✓ It’s to swell. Keep them well watered and give them

a nitrogen feed to prevent them bolting (this happens when a plant is under stress and puts all its energy into forming flowers, as a result the onion bulbs shrink).

Crops that can be sown for autumn and early winter use include spinach, pak choi, rocket and lettuce.

Towards the end of the month, plant some second cropping potatoes for a late autumn/ Christmas harvest. These special varieties are available Potato planters, from mail order companies and will have been kept £12.95 for in cold storage to keep them dormant and delay their three, Mr growth. They are best grown in potato bags, which Fothergills can be moved into a frost-free environment in Image Mr Fothergills autumn. Potatoes take about 12 weeks before they are ready to be harvested. The tubers can be left in situ once they are ready as long as they are under cover and the soil is allowed to completely dry out.

Pick runner beans when they are young and before they become stringy and hard to eat.

The more you pick the less chance they have of setting seed, which in turn stops the formation of new beans.

✓ ✓

At the heart of the most beautiful gardens lie plants that can be relied upon to flower endlessly over the summer. Gaura Lindheimeri ‘RosyJane’ belongs to this group of ‘plants with stamina’, flowering profusely from May to October. It’s a beautiful hardy perennial, producing an abundance of willowy stems clad in delicate white and pink flowers.

Each bloom resembles the silhouette of a butterfly, which accounts for its common name, whirling butterflies. The plants form a light and airy clump rather than spreading out across the soil. They develop a deep tap root making them heat and drought tolerant – once established in free-draining soil that sees the sun for a good part of the day, they will happily thrive with little attention.

✓

Image Dobbies

Plant of the month

what to do in the fruit garden fruit grown in containers needs ✓ Citrus a fortnightly feed of a specialist citrus

fertiliser as the nutrients in the compost become increasingly depleted over time. They also prefer to be watered with rain water if you have any stored in a butt. Give them a good soaking, then wait until the compost has completely dried out on the surface

before watering again. Check the drainage holes at the base of the pot are clear to allow the free flow of excess water. Citrus trees need plenty of protection from frost in winter, so it’s not wise to plant them into borders in UK gardens.

Established plum, cherry and apricot fruit trees that need to be pruned can be tackled on a warm day. Pruning when the weather is cold and damp makes them vulnerable to contracting silver leaf fungal disease which will kill any branches it comes into contact with. Remove any diseased, damaged or dead branches first and then tidy the shape if it is outgrowing its space. Fruit that has stones belong to the Prunus family of trees and fruit with pips, such as apples and pears, belong to the Malus family.

Make refreshing cordials and smoothies with any excess berries you have in the garden, such as blackcurrants, strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries. It’s an easy and tasty way of boosting the recommended five a day portion of fruit and veg.

✓

✓

Plum Tree Opal, £21.95 for a bare root tree, Pomona Fruits

Lemon Eureka, £35 for a 5l pot, Suttons

Image RSPB

Heritage medium birdbath, £49.99, Woodlodge

Image Michael Partridge/British Hedgehog Preservation Society

Extend an invitation to wildlife

m

l Spells of hot weather in summer can make life tough for the wildlife that inhabits our gardens. Yet just a few small measures can make all the difference to the very survival of some vulnerable creatures. l During a heatwave, lack of rain water dries the soil and hardens its surface, so insects retreat deep into the ground to find cool, moist conditions. This means birds and mammals struggle to find food. This is one of the reasons the RSPB recommends that if you have been feeding birds in winter you continue to We’ve teamed up with do so in summer. Little and often will help immeasurably. the RSPB to give three lucky winners l Wildlife will also struggle to find water, so leave a shallow saucer on the a Bumper Bird Food Gift Box with ground in the evening for hedgehogs and small mammals. A birdbath for Feeders. To enter, send your name, our feathered friends will keep them hydrated while also allowing them address and contact details to Bird to keep their feathers in good condition. Containers should be kept Feeder Giveaway, Your Home, HBM UK, scrupulously clean to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

The Tower, Phoenix Square, l Pay particular attention to watering any flowering plants because Colchester, CO4 9HU the nectar flow decreases when plants become thirsty. by 31st July 2019.

Reader offer

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July 2019

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk

herbs to preserve Going underground

Midsummer may not feel like the right time to be planting bulbs, this is a job we instinctively do in autumn (for spring flowering bulbs) or spring (for summer flowering bulbs). But there is another rather unique group of plants that put on a beautiful show in autumn, reviving beds and borders that have lost their summer sparkle. You will easily find them at your local garden centre and July is the month to get them in the ground.

Among the best are a collection of crocus-like bulbs that include Colchicum autumnale often nicknamed ‘naked ladies’ (above left). Their super-sized goblet-shaped flowers emerge through the soil in September, bereft of outer garments. Their foliage will have made an appearance in spring and died down well before any flowers appear. Plant them under the canopy of a tree or shrub to give their delicate flowers some protection from heavy downpours.

Crocus speciosus, the autumn crocus, is similar in habit to its big sister but has smaller flowers. For greatest effect, plant the bulbs in drifts in a lawn where they will multiply over time.

Sternbergia lutea (above right) commonly known as the autumn daffodil (for colour not shape), needs a well-drained position in full sun to to reach its full potential. The reward of golden yellow goblet-shaped blooms brightens any garden as the summer comes to an end.

Latin Lesson

In the past when botanists wanted to emphasise the great beauty of a plant they would attach a descriptive Latin adjective that indicated its good looks. Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist named Amaryllis belladonna in the 18th century. Belladonna simply means ‘beautiful lady’ and describes the pretty pink and white complexion of the large trumpetshaped flowers. Amabilis and amabile indicate the plant is lovely as in the exquisite shrub Kolkwitzia amabilis (commonly referred to as the beauty bush) which has a profusion of soft pink and white flowers in early summer. Latin names may also describe the beauty of fruit and berries. The term callicarpa indicates the plant has extra beautiful fruit, as in Callicarpa bodinieri, the beautyberry shrub which produces an abundance of bright purple berries in autumn (above right).

Kolkwitzia amabilis, £12.99 for a 3.5l pot, Thompson & Morgan

Amaryllis belladonna, £2.49 per bulb, Crocus

If your herb plants are producing more foliage than you can possibly use, now is a good time to preserve some to use over the winter months. Herbs with a high-water content in their leaves, such as basil, chives, mint, coriander, dill, tarragon and lemon balm can easily be frozen and will last for up to a year in the freezer.

Strip the foliage from the stalks and chop it finely. Pack the chopped leaves into individual ice cubes, top up with water and freeze.

The herbs will retain their full flavour and can be added to soups, casseroles or pasta sauces.

More adventurous cooks may want to make a selection of herb butters to freeze.

To do this, allow your butter to soften to room temperature. Prepare some fresh herbs in advance by washing them and allowing them to thoroughly dry several hours before chopping them into tiny pieces. Mix these in with the butter and store either in moulds or freezer bags.

Herb butter is delicious when added to poultry, fish dishes or fresh bread.

www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk July 2019

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Win a Helsinki AirJet hot tub from Lay-Z-Spa

One lucky winner

We’ve teamed up with Lay-Z-Spa, one of the nation’s favourite premium inflatable hot tub brands, to give one lucky winner a Helsinki AirJet hot tub!

This Nordic-inspired design features Lay-Z-Spa’s new and unique Freeze Shield technology, meaning you can enjoy your hot tub all year round. From warm summer days to icy cold winter nights, the Helsinki AirJet’s innovative pump allows you to experience true relaxation 365 days a year. Coupled with the ultra-strong drop-stitch construction and featuring a realistic wooden design, this tub is perfect for unwinding. To find out more, visit www.lay-z-spa.co.uk.

Win a home tech package from Bensons for Beds Worth over £1,000!

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If you love home technology, then you’re in luck because we’ve teamed up with Bensons for Beds to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a luxurious smart bed package.

With this prize, the lucky winner will be able to relax and watch their favourite films and box sets from the comfort of their duvet, thanks to the high-quality Montero upholstered TV bed, complete with a 32-inch LED screen which automatically lifts into view. Finished in a beautiful plush grey, the bed’s side rails also contain a neat under-bed storage space to hide unruly media devices or games consoles.

In addition, the tech-savvy winner will also receive a sleek Kuban bedside table with dimmable night light and dual USB ports, allowing them to charge their phone or tablet without the clutter of plugs or cables. Operated by a smart touch sensor switch, there won’t be a struggle to find the switch in the dark either! To find out more, visit www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk.

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One of the UK’s favourite large home appliance brands, Beko, is offering you lucky Your Home readers the chance to win one of three brand-new Beko AutoDose Connected dishwashers, each worth £399!

Compatible with Amazon Alexa*, this WiFi-enabled dishwasher notifies you when the salt needs replenishing, when the filter needs cleaning, as well as downloading new wash programmes and setting the dishwasher to start at off-peak times when electricity is cheaper. Plus this hightech appliance will order your detergent automatically through the HomeWhiz app, with either Amazon’s Dash Replenishment System (DRS) or Finish 365. This AutoDose technology means you won’t need to refill the detergent with every wash – it even detects how dirty the dishes are and dispenses the right amount of detergent! Find out more at www.beko.co.uk.

Three lucky winners

* Prize does not include an Amazon Alexa device

Win tickets to the Henley Country Craft Show Calling all crafters! We’ve teamed up with ICHF Events to offer 25 lucky readers a pair of tickets to the beautiful Henley Country Craft Show at Stonor Park from 23rd-26th August 2019. Plus, with these tickets, children under 16 go free, so the whole family can enjoy the show!

Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, the show is bursting with activities and crafts. With over 150 artisan makers and upcoming designers to see, alongside fun and creative family-friendly crafting demonstrations and even a pop-up petting zoo, the Henley Country Craft show is the perfect day out for the whole family. To see the full list of activities and exhibitors, head to www.ichfevents.co.uk.

25 pairs to win

One up for grabs

Win an eco-friendly mattress from Silentnight Enter now to win an Eco Comfort Breathe mattress from Silentnight! This state-of-the-art, earth-friendly design will provide a clean and fresh night’s sleep, and is completely foam and chemical free. Each mattress is made from Eco Comfort fibres, created from recycled plastic bottles, which are crushed and spun into a soft fibre to form a breathable comfort layer.

To find out more about the mattress that won’t cost the planet – or your pocket – head to www.silentnight.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 July 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 July 2019

119

Shopping guide A

Abakhan Fabrics www.abakhan.co.uk Abstract House 020 8947 3934 www.abstracthouse.com Alitex 01730 826900 www.alitex.co.uk Amara www.amara.com Amazon www.amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168 www.anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476 www.anthropologie.com Argos 0345 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com Asos www.asos.com Atkin and Thyme 01727 227500 www.atkinandthyme.co.uk Axminster 0800 371 822 www.axminster.co.uk

38

B

B&M www.bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 www.diy.com Barnitts in York 01904 625601 www.barnitts.co.uk Bathrooms to Love 0800 877 8899 www.bathroomstolove.uk Beko 0333 207 9710 www.beko.co.uk Benchmarx Kitchens www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Bensons For Beds 0333 222 6800 www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk Bishops Manor 01430 431201 www.bishopsmanor.co.uk British Ceramic Tile 0845 618 7144 www.britishceramictile.com

By Ruby www.byruby.co.uk

C

C&J Stonemasonry 01405 806300 www.marble-granite-quartz.com Campingaz www.campingaz.com/uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 www.carpetright.co.uk Carpets & Floors Online 0800 090 3646 www.carpetsandfloorsonline.co.uk Cath Kidston www.cathkidston.com Char-Broil 01993 705217 www.charbroil.eu Christy 0845 758 5252 www.christy.co.uk Clarke & Clarke 01706 242010 www.clarke-clarke.com Cole & Son 020 8442 8844 www.cole-and-son.com Creative Tops 0121 604 2222 www.kitchencraft.co.uk/brands/creative_tops Crocus www.crocus.co.uk Crown Paints 0330 024 0281 www.crownpaints.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 www.cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 www.cultfurniture.com

D

Debenhams www.debenhams.com DFS 0800 110 5000 www.dfs.co.uk Dibor 0800 408 0660 www.dibor.co.uk Dobbies www.dobbies.com Dowsing & Reynolds 0113 819 9985 www.dowsingandreynolds.com Dremel www.dremeleurope.com/gb/en Dulux 0333 222 7171 www.dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565 www.dunelm.com

E

Eastpak 0800 783 1941 www.eastpak.com eBay www.ebay.co.uk Emma Bridgewater 01782 210565 www.emmabridgewater.co.uk Ergonomic Designs 01604 643736 www.ergonomicdesigns.co.uk Exclusive Mirrors www.exclusivemirrors.co.uk Express Bifolding Doors 0800 121 4809 www.expressbifolds.co.uk

F

Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com Fiskars www.fiskars.co.uk Foxhole Spirits www.foxholespirits.com Frontline Bathrooms 0845 470 2424 www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk Furniture Village 0800 804 8879 www.furniturevillage.co.uk

G

Gail Myerscough www.gailmyerscough.co.uk Garden Trading 01993 845559 www.gardentrading.co.uk George Home www.george.com Gisela Graham 020 7708 6396 www.giselagraham.co.uk Grace & Glory 01271 370095 www.graceandgloryhome.co.uk Great Little Trading Company 0344 848 6000 www.gltc.co.uk Gtech www.gtech.co.uk

H

Happy Beds 0333 444 0180 www.happybeds.co.uk Harvey Jones 0800 389 6938 www.harveyjones.com Harvey Maria 0330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com Hemswell Antiques 01427 668389 www.hemswell-antiques.com Henley Country Craft Show 01425 277988 www.thecraftshows.co.uk Hillarys 0800 121 7216 www.hillarys.co.uk Hobbycraft 0330 026 1400 www.hobbycraft.co.uk Home Bargains www.homebargains.co.uk Homebase www.homebase.co.uk HomesDirect365 01642 455589 www.homesdirect365.co.uk HomeSense 01923 473561 www.homesense.com Houseology 0333 254 2440 www.houseology.com Howdens www.howdens.com Hurn & Hurn 01603 559250 www.hurnandhurn.com

I

Ian Mankin www.ianmankin.co.uk IKEA 020 3645 0000 www.ikea.co.uk Industville 020 7971 7871 www.industville.co.uk Insinkerator 01923 375349 www.insinkerator.emerson.com

Where to buy everything in this issue

J

James Godbold Blacksmiths 01947 895562 www.wroughtironsmith.com JD Williams Home www.jdwilliams.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 0345 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com Johnsons www.johnsons-seeds.com Joules www.joules.com

K L

Kilner 0151 486 1888 www.kilnerjar.co.uk Kuci Designs 0333 577 2015 www.kucidesigns.co.uk Laura Ashley 0333 202 1196 www.laurashley.com Laurence King Publishing 020 7841 6900 www.laurenceking.com Lay-Z-Spa 0345 576 0261 www.lay-z-spa.co.uk Libra 01223 895800 www.thelibragallery.co.uk Lights4fun 01423 816040 www.lights4fun.co.uk Little Greene 0845 880 5855 www.littlegreene.com Lochanna 01204 328720 www.lochannakitchens.co.uk

M

M&L Paints www.mandlpaints.com Made 0344 257 1888 www.made.com Made By Hand Online www.madebyhandonline.com Magnet www.magnet.co.uk Maisons du Monde 0808 234 2172 www.maisonsdumonde.com Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com Mason Cash 0151 486 1888 www.masoncash.co.uk Masterclass Kitchens 01443 449499 www.masterclasskitchens.co.uk Maxwell & Williams www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk Melody Maison 01302 741000 www.melodymaison.co.uk Mode Prints www.modeprints.com Modern Country Style Interiors 0333 880 2458 www.moderncountrystyleinteriors.co.uk Morrisons 0345 611 6111 www.morrisons.com Mr Fothergills 0333 777 3936 www.mr-fothergills.co.uk Mud & Bloom www.mudandbloom.com My Furniture 0800 092 1636 www.my-furniture.com Myakka 0345 460 3122 www.myakka.co.uk

N

Naked Doors www.nakeddoors.com Naked Kitchens www.nakedkitchens.com Nanu 0330 041 9763 www.nanusleep.co.uk Napoleon www.napoleon.com National Trust 0344 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Nelly Duff www.nellyduff.com Not On The High Street www.notonthehighstreet.com

O

Pipii 01342 823921 www.pipii.co.uk Pluck www.pluck.kitchen Plumbworld 01386 800750 www.plumbworld.co.uk Pomona Fruits 0844 326 2200 www.pomonafruits.co.uk Pooky 020 7351 3003 www.pooky.com Poppy Treffry 01736 795494 www.poppytreffry.co.uk Prices Paving 01677 470999 www.pricespaving.co.uk Primrose and Plum 01372 388210 www.primroseandplum.co.uk Protek Wood Stain 01749 344697 www.protekwoodstain.co.uk Pure Bathroom Collection 0845 634 4321 www.purebathroomcollection.co.uk

The Farthing 0344 567 2400 www.thefarthing.co.uk The French Bedroom Company 01444 415430 www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk The Range www.therange.co.uk Thomas Sanderson 0800 688 8082 www.thomas-sanderson.co.uk Thompson & Morgan 0333 400 0033 www.thompson-morgan.com Tile Mountain 01782 223822 www.tilemountain.co.uk Tin Design www.tindesign.co.uk TK Maxx 01923 473561 www.tkmaxx.com Topps Tiles 0800 023 4703 www.toppstiles.co.uk Tower 0333 220 6066 www.towerhousewares.co.uk Traditional Beams 01287 348040 www.traditionalbeams.com Trex uk.trex.com Triton Showers www.tritonshowers.co.uk Trouva 020 7193 6444 www.trouva.com Turtle Mat 0345 600 3478 www.turtlemat.co.uk

Q R

U V

Oak Worktops Direct 0345 222 2644 www.worktop-express.co.uk Oggetto 01305 881010 www.oggetto.com Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com Optiplan Kitchens www.optiplankitchens.co.uk

P

Quarto 020 7700 6700 www.quarto.com

R&R Country 01757 638555 www.randrcountry.co.uk Red Candy 0121 224 7728 www.redcandy.co.uk Rex London 020 8746 2473 www.rexlondon.com Robert Dyas 0800 707 6677 www.robertdyas.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391 www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk Ross & Brown 0345 600 3315 www.rossandbrownhome.co.uk Royal Horticultural Society 020 3176 5800 www.rhs.org.uk Rume www.rume.co.uk Rust-Oleum 0191 410 6611 www.makeityours.com

S

Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262 www.sainsburys.co.uk Sandtex 0330 024 0303 www.sandtex.co.uk Secret Linen Store www.secretlinenstore.com Silentnight 0333 123 0892 www.silentnight.co.uk Smeg 0344 557 0070 www.smeguk.com So Just Shop 020 8678 0334 www.sojustshop.com Soak 0333 004 6333 www.soak.com Square Flower www.squareflower.co.uk Studio G www.studiog.uk.com Sunnylife uk.sunnylife.com Suttons www.suttons.co.uk Swoon Editions www.swooneditions.com

T

T&G Woodware 01275 841841 www.tg-woodware.com Tado www.tado.com The Contemporary Home www.tch.net

Umage www.umage.com Urban Outfitters www.urbanoutfitters.com

Vango www.vango.co.uk Velux 01592 778225 www.velux.co.uk/wheretobuy Very 0800 092 3355 www.very.co.uk Victoria Plum 0344 804 4848 www.victoriaplum.com Vogue UK 01902 387000 www.vogueuk.co.uk

W

Waitrose & Partners 0800 188 884 www.waitrose.com Walls and Floors 01536 314730 www.wallsandfloors.co.uk Waltons 0800 029 1000 www.waltons.co.uk Waters Baths of Ashbourne 01332 824166 www.watersbaths.co.uk Wayfair 0800 169 0423 www.wayfair.co.uk Weaver Green 0844 414 2155 www.weavergreen.com Weber www.weber.com/gb Westland 01480 443789 www.gardenhealth.com White Black Grey 07799 820479 www.whiteblackgrey.co.uk Wickes 0330 123 4123 www.wickes.co.uk Wilko 0800 032 9329 www.wilko.co.uk Willow & Hall 020 8939 3800 www.willowandhall.co.uk Woodlodge www.woodlodge.co.uk Wren Kitchens www.wrenkitchens.com

Z

Zara Home 0800 026 0091 www.zarahome.com

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Q

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

Albany 3 seater washable sofa was £669 - now only £499 For a free 2019 brochure call 01495 244226 or visit

www.sofasofa.co.uk

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

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Quality Kitchen Handles

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Green livinG Put a new twist on the table

Eco

news Save money and energy with our best buys

When it comes to practical artisan homeware, So Just Shop’s Ugwafu range has got it covered. Featuring a dreamy pale blue palette finished with a romantic lustred effect, these table mats will look great within a minimalist or coastal dining scheme.

Made by talented female artisans in the tri-border post-conflict area of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania, each design is created using natural ugwafu grass which is woven and then arranged in a beautiful spiral design.

Choose from three convenient diameter sizes: 23cm, 28cm and 36cm, priced from £9.50, and visit www.sojustshop.com to find out more details.

Just the spirit With chefs including Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall joining the war on waste, more and more suppliers are feeling the pressure and joining the cause – including Hyke gin! its artisan spirit is made from the According to a study conducted by juice of the discarded grapes GlobalWebIndex, more than half of consumers which don’t make the say they have reduced their single-use plastic supermarket shelves. According consumption, citing Sir David Attenborough’s to the fruit supplier and importer, Blue Planet II TV series as a key influence. If you’re a richard Hochfeld, the equivalent fan, then The Unofficial David Attenborough Activity of 1.4 million punnets of Book by Nathan Joyce is a must-buy. With fun facts, its grapes are lost in the quizzes, dot to dots and transportation, packing and some of the naturalist’s supermarket criteria processes. best quotes – it’s a great Thanks to Hyke, these grapes are way to learn more about now pressed for their juice which is Britain’s most-trusted then fermented into wine, distilled to celebrity*! produce a grape spirit and blended with a grain spirit and aromatic botanicals.

The skin, pulp and pips are then sent for anaerobic digestion. Priced at £24 for The Unofficial David Attenborough Activity 50cl, find Hyke exclusively at Tesco, Book by Nathan Joyce, or for more information, visit £7.99, Urban Outfitters www.foxholespirits.com/hyke.

Feature Matilda Bourne *According to a 2018 survey on www.onepoll.com

The Attenborough effect

Eco expert We speak to Georgie Hopkins, founder of Myakka, on how to source eco-friendly furnishings…

‘A good starting point for research is the Good Shopping Guide, the world’s leading online ethical shopping reference site. It shows some of the major retailers that are making a strong commitment to sourcing sustainable wood. Mango is a fantastic hardwood: initially grown for fruit production, it is only felled once it reaches maturity and stops producing fruit. Responsibly sourced reclaimed timber is also a great eco option! For rugs and carpets, check for GoodWeave labels.

This inspirational organisation aims to end child labour in the carpet industry.’

Website Watch... www.kilnerjar.co.uk Known for its preserving prowess, Kilner is now helping tackle plastic pollution one jar at a time. With a shocking 7.5 billion plastic bottles ending up in landfill every year, switching to reusable and BPA-free glass containers is a great way to cut down your waste. From reusable breakfast jars for your overnight oats to its Fresh Storage glass clip-top range, the Kilner website is a great source for recipes, plus tips on how to make your storage sustainable.

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July 2019

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Quality bathrooms without splashing out