50+ HOME MUSTHAVES Fun&fabpick-me-ups ONLY £2.49 SEPTEMBER 2022 DIY STORAGE CRAFT DECORATING FOOD GARDENING GREAT VALUE! LOWCOST STYLE FIXES ADD WOW! 285 BUDGET UPDATES TIDY UP: SORT YOUR HOME OFFICE ADD FUN COLOUR TO YOUR HALLWAY MAKE YOUR KITCHEN LOOK BIGGER BRITAIN’S BEST VALUE HOMES MAGAZINE Splurge vs steal GIVE DININGYOURSPACEASTYLISHNEWLOOKFORLESS Be space clever WFITTEDARDROBEADVICE 10PLUSUNDER £10: WFH BASICS SMALL-SPACE SAVIOURS SAVVY STORAGE IDEAS COLOUR POP BOHO CHIC ACCENT PIECE
from just
ABOVE: See how Anna has transformed her home with vintage furniture, p42 LEFT: Space-saving home office ideas, p56 BELOW: Re-cover an old deckchair, p104 to Style Home £1.45
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per issue, plus receive a free Joules mug set, worth £16*. Visit PLUSmagazinesdirect.com/SAHSEPT22 Get the latest back issues at magazinesdirect.com/sahback *Terms and conditions apply. See magazinesdirect.com/terms for more information Contact us EMAIL styleathome@futurenet.com WEBSITE idealhome.co.uk/styleathome FACEBOOK facebook.com/styleathomemag TWITTER/INSTAGRAM @styleathomemag PINTEREST pinterest.com/styleathomemag MOVING HOUSE? To change your address or renew your subscription, email help@magazinesdirect.com or visit mymagazine.co.uk SEND US YOUR STYLING SNAPS ON INSTAGRAM #SAHSTYLISTSWE LOVE TO SEE YOUR FAB IDEAS! 3|SEPTEMBER 2022 EDITOR’S LETTER Love it
Heather Young, Editor I’m waging war on the daily chaos and clutter at home. How many times can I watch family members walk past the pile of stuff left on the stairs before I break and take it upstairs myself? Dare to open the Tupperware cupboard door and I’m assaulted by a barrage of projectiles (aka boxes and lids). Other skirmishes include continual extraction of dumped school bags in the hallway, the recovery of dirty plates from bedrooms and the relocation of empty toilet rolls from the bathroom floor to the recycling bin. Getting (and staying) organised is the ultimate prize. Storage wins are the name of the game, and we’ve got some great solutions in this issue. Here’s hoping the clever DIY storage hacks on page 66 will be my secret weapon for beating clutter for good! Hi there!
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BEST STOREIN Page 8Inside… Ways to spaceorganisedstayHomeworksolutions 98 96 Regulars 3 ED’S LETTER Come on in! 64 SUBSCRIBE and never miss an issue! Love it 18 ‘I REVAMPED IT IN UNDER A YEAR’ Emma’s banished the magnolia, making her rental a stand-out masterpiece 28 KITCHEN ISLAND Add food prep, dining and storage space in one hit 29 KITCHEN TILES Eye-catching designs 30 ‘IT WASN’T LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!’ A soft colour palette and natural textures have brought Antonia’s home to life 40 FURNITURE LAYOUT Max out your room’s potential 41 WINDOW SEATS Design options for a seat with a view 42 ‘I LIKE TO THINK ANYTHING GOES!’ Bold colour choices and eclectic pieces showcase Anna’s artistic flair 50 SPACE-SAVVY DESIGN Tricks to make the most of a small kitchen 51 GALLERY WALLS Inventive ways to display your artwork 55 THE STYLE BOOK Home offices 74 TRY A SPEEDY STYLE UPDATE Ways to make your hallway welcoming 82 ‘IT FEELS LOVELY AND ORGANISED’ Laurie’s spare bedroom is now a dream dressing room 86 FITTED WARDROBES Invest in floor-to-ceiling storage space 88 ‘IT’S OUR OWN TROPICAL OASIS’ Exotic planting and colourful pieces keep the holiday feel alive for Emily 92 NO-MOW GARDEN Easy-care options 96 HOME OFFICE STORAGE Neat ideas to bridge the home-work divide Buy it 7 RUSTIC TABLEWARE Bring country casual elegance to mealtimes 8 BEST IN STORE Our pick of the best high-street trends for the new season Make it andStep-by-stepcraftideasupcyclinghow-tos Cook it Our recipesfavetotryathomethismonth Do it projects,WeekendDIYadviceandstylingtips Love it makeoversandInspiringhomesroom Buy it Stylish musthave finds high-streetatprices SPLURGEvsSTEAL Page 80 |4 SEPTEMBER 2022
CONTENTS Love it Tweet us your comments at @styleathomemag –we’d love to hear what you think of your fave mag! Antonia’stouchesBohemianfillhome Reader inspirationgarden Pretty displaypot 30 102 16 12 MINT & VIOLET Take a fresh approach with sugar-sweet shades 14 BALEARIC BOHO Bring home Med magic with vivid blue and crisp white 73 WALLPAPERS WITH WOW Make a splash with sea-inspired designs 80 SPLURGE VERSUS STEAL Bring on the zing with fresh, juicy brights 110 BUY THE BEST Smart security cameras 122 TEN UNDER £10 Stylish stationery Do it 66 DECO IDEAS Storage solutions 93 STRIPED CHAIR Add patterned tape to rejuvenate a plain chair 95 TIME AT HOME Upcycle empty cans into handy herb planters 98 WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH Our easy DIY and cleaning hacks to get your home ship-shape 102 PLANT UP LEAFY GREENS Fill your garden – and plate – with fresh veg 104 REVAMP A DECKCHAIR Give your seat a smart new look 113 RUNNING A TELEVISION How to cut costs on your energy bills 115 HOUSEHOLD FINANCES Take control of your debt 116 DECOUPAGE STAIRS Step up your style to the next level Make it 16 PETAL PLANTERS Add a floral touch to plain terracotta pots 54 FABRIC MEMO BOARD A neat place for mementos and to-do lists 106 BEESWAX WRAPS An eco alternative to cling film 109 BOTTLE TOP FLOWERS Turn metal lids into a lasting floral display Cook it 108 BLACKBERRY OLIVE OIL BIZCOCHO Spanish sponge cake 112 MUSHROOM CHILLI Meat-free midweek meal SPOTTEDTREND Page 12 5|SEPTEMBER 2022
FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE For a rustic place setting, tie napkins with dried grasses and string Make mealtimes fancy with Primark’s new tableware collection. Elegant scalloped ceramics, dainty napkins and pleated placemats bring French country style that wouldn’t look out of place in a rustic chateau – all at Primark’s affordable prices! THIS MONTH’S Love it! Frill placemats, £6; two-pack floral napkins, £4; scalloped dinner plate, £5, all Primark 7|SEPTEMBER 2022 RUSTIC TABLEWARE Buy it
BestIN STORE Refresh your room schemes for the new season with our pick of the latest high-street trends SANTORINI BLUES Be inspired by the fresh whites and vibrant blues of a Greek getaway Fauxvase,pampas£15 cushion,Fringetrim£10 Floral set,panelborderduvetfrom£12 Grey reactive glaze dinner12-pieceset,£34 vase,texturedWhite£10 Dried grass andbouquet,eucalyptus£10 vase,Body£12 Shells duvet set, from £11 George Home |8 SEPTEMBER 2022 UNIQUEFINISH
Elisabete rug, from £40 Ochre£38vase, Pair of Grove chairs,dining£220 cushion,Stripe£12 LightMadelinebedsidetable,£199Cliftonwoodspindlefloorlamp,£175 ornament,Bird£10 Set of artwork,botanicalfour£100 CLASSIC COUNTRY Combine pale wood and bold ochre for a timeless look Next 9|SEPTEMBER 2022 BEST IN STORE CAST GLOWA Buy it
SEVENTIES VIBES Team retro shapes with blush and mustard tones La Redoute Linot pillowcase,washedplainlinen£25 Black table lamp with pillowcase,cottonAurèsshade,bamboo£69£8Noguflowershaperattanmirror,£60 naturalSamaïfibrehangingshade,£255 wardrobe,GabinmacraméNavanitawallhanging,£46solidpineandrattantriple£1,325fromjutefringedPanajirug,£145 FLAIRWALL
FEATURE HIGGINSLAURA DOPAMINE BRIGHTS Choose happy hues for a scheme brimming with positivity Jumbo cord two baskets,storage£12 Set mugs,fourof£17 Two-toneglassbowl,£16 Mid-centuryunframedA3print,£5 magazineMetalrack,£32 Terrazzocushion,tufted£18 wateringGlasscan,£12 Habitat Jean blockcolourdesklamp,£28 Grapefruit and cassis small scented candle, £6 11|SEPTEMBER 2022 BEST IN STORE ABOUTSPOUTIT! Buy it
W hether you go for wall-to-wall colour or pick out a few pieces to perk up your place, parma violet and mint green will bring you a little peace and tranquillity. If you’re searching for a feminine scheme but are bored with blush, then this is for you. The soft, muted combo is saccharine yet fresh, creating a soothing and restful space that’s pretty perfect. FEATURE HIGGINSLAURA Trend spotting MINT VIOLET& Revitalise your decor with sugary shades of fresh green and lilac CHECK MATE Serene bottle vase, £40, Sweetpea & Willow LILACWINE Lilac Georgegoblet,floral£3,Home SIT BACK Embroideredleafcushion,£10,Matalan GENTLEGLOW Effie table lamp, £43.20, Där Lighting CUTE COLOUR Joyful Lilac matt emulsion, £21 for 1ltr, YesColours SOFTSTROKE Make a Mint matt emulsion, £49.99 for 2.5ltr, Dowsing & Reynolds POT LUCK MasterClass Lilac casserole, £44.99, Quince & Cook IN BLOOM Dance of awallpaper,Dragonflythe£44roll,LustHome WAKE-UP CALL Newgate Charlie alarm clock, Cuckooland£25, LOCK UP Mustard Made The Roselocker,Shorty£139,&Grey LIGHT UP Henry £30,ChunkHollandlamp,Freemans STEP ON IT Mint oval jute rug, £36, The Braided Rug Company TEATIME KnowhandcraftedLondonmug,£25,&Love WHATDISH!A FILLERSOFA |12 SEPTEMBER 2022
Posters, from top left: Encre Noire No2, £9.95; Lacuna Invert, £14.95; Turquoise Wave, £12.95; Encre Noire No1, £8.95; Birds in Purple Sky, £15.57; Abstract Scenery Green No1, £12.95; Le Jardin No8, £14.95; Armored Invert, £14.95, all Desenio
13|SEPTEMBER 2022 MINT & VIOLET Buy it
Relax into a laid-back scheme of crisp white and dazzling blue New Look BALEARICBOHO
1. Build up hues
The
Estelle Navy bean bag, £100; Orelia three-seater White bouclé sofa, £800; Biwa pendant, £80; Halden ash veneer coffee table, £132; pebble table lamp, £45; wax resist wiggle cylinder vase, £14; terracotta jug with handles, £20; Gabby jute handwoven rug, £95, all Habitat
A vibrant hit of colour behind shelving or on a sofa will pack a punch, while accessories will carry the colour throughout the room without being overwhelming. Layer the accent shade with detailing on a rug or cushions on a neutral sofa.
|14 SEPTEMBER 2022
FEATURE HIGGINSLAURA
2. Use texture to add warmth A whitewashed canvas looks dazzling in the Med sunlight, but our cooler climate needs a little extra to warm things up. A tufted rug and bouclé sofa bring texture, while pops of burnt orange and terracotta will inject toasty colour.
For south-facing rooms that get a lot of natural light choose a cool white paint with a hint of grey, green or blue, and for darker, north-facing rooms, a warmer white with undertones of red or yellow works best. NATURAL Cleo pendant,bamboo£39.50,OliverBonas
Nail the style IBIZA VIBES Be inspired Mediterraneanbystyle
This breezy scheme owes its chilled-out vibe to the addition of ’70s-inspired pieces. The bamboo table, woven lampshade, squashy bean bag and squiggly patterns all add a boho feel and keep it casual.
4. Add nostalgicsomepieces
3. Pick the whiteperfectpaint
TERRACOTTATOUCH Large black print vase, £10, Primark LOOPYDETAIL Forehand loop side £107.99,table,Wayfair SINK IN Veeva bean bag, £43.99, Bean Bag Bazaar FAUX FOLIAGE fauxDieffenbachiaplant,£17.99,Homescapes WARM TONES Halmo Brick cushion,Dobbies£19.99, TOTAL £240 15|SEPTEMBER 2022 NEW LOOK Buy it
GO
Floral Brights botanical gift wrap, £2.50 for a 50x70cm sheet, Catherine Lewis Design at Not On The High Street FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM Makeit THIS MONTH’S Prettify terracotta pots with floral papers. Take a clean pot and apply decoupage glue. Once dry, paint with chalk paint. Cut out flowers from wrapping paper or découpage papers. Stick to the pots with glue, then seal with more adhesive. Jade (Crassulaplantsovata)areahardychoice |16 SEPTEMBER 2022 PETAL PLANTERSMake it
|18 SEPTEMBER 2022
ABOUT ME I’m Emma Davies, 46, and I have an online interior design service (@emmadaviesinteriors on Instagram). I live here with my husband, Damian, 50, a flooring fitter, our son Albie, 17, daughter, Emmie, 12, and cavapoo, Teddie. MY HOME A Wehousefour-bedroomedthree-storeymid-terracedinTodwick,SouthYorkshire.movedhereinMarch2021.
COME ON IN! ON TREND ‘This wall was grey, but I prefer the depth of the brown – it complements the mustard sofa’
AND NOW We’ve decorated in a dark, moody style with vintage lamps and religious iconography. STYLE TIP Don’t be afraid to mix old with new. Pieces from different eras can work well together. A room should always hold people’s interest. If it does, you’ve nailed it! ‘Irevampeditin
WHEN WE MOVED IN It was wall-to-wall magnolia with worn carpets and needed some TLC.
LAID BACK ‘As I like an eclectic look, I chose two Ikea sofas in the same style, but contrasting colours and materials’
Getting the look
Both the kitchen and living room have been decorated a couple of times with leftover paint. I started off with grey paint and then a midnight-blue feature wall in the living room, but I soon fell out of love with it. I’m much happier with the brown walls and Homebase wallpaper, which gives it some texture. The living room is my favourite space and best reflects
The lettings agency said we could decorate and I can always re-paint the walls in more neutral colours if we move on in future. Since getting the keys in March 2021, I’ve decorated the entire house, which was a horrible yellowy magnolia colour. As the hallway is the first room you see, I made this my first project. My husband Damian fitted a new stair carpet while I painted the walls in a warm browny pink colour. I already had the paint – Heart Wood by Dulux – as it’s one of my favourite colours. The red garage and front door had also seen better days, but a lick of teal paint made a huge difference.
19|SEPTEMBER 2022 Love itMID-TERRACE RENTAL
Interior designer Emma Davies is on a mission to show how rented homes don’t have to be boring magnolia boxes
W e’d been renting a modern threebedroom semi in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, for about eight years when the landlord decided to sell it,’ says Emma. ‘Searching for another place wasn’t easy, as anything decent gets snapped up quickly. However, this three-storey house in nearby Todwick came up. Although it was a bit shabby and needed decorating, which put other people off, the village is lovely and the location was perfect, as it’s right by my daughter’s school. With four bedrooms, it was also much bigger, which was brilliant as I got the opportunity to buy more furniture!
UNDER A YEAR’
Getting started
WOODEN TOP Hazel rattan natural coffee table, £180, Habitat WINNING WICKER Abena rattan coffee table, £185, Beaumonde
FOR A 50S VIBE Esther rattan coffee table, £229, Tikamoon
IN FROM THE COLD ‘The rattan and glass coffee table is actually outdoor furniture from Dobbies, but I loved it so much I’ve brought it inside’
3 of the best RATTAN COFFEE TABLES
Every day’s a holiday with one of these woven beauties UBER COOL ‘I love the shape of this French Connection chair. The orange shade on my vintage lamp base is from Etsy’
|20 SEPTEMBER 2022 Love it MID-TERRACE RENTAL
IDEA TO STEAL Garden furniture can work just as well indoors, and is sometimes cheaper
21|SEPTEMBER 2022
MY‘THELIVINGROOMISFAVOURITESPACEINTHEHOUSEANDITBESTREFLECTSMYSTYLEOFDESIGN’
NEAT IDEA ‘This G Plan corner unit from eBay makes a great little drinks cabinet’
my style. It’s more of an evening room and the only place that’s always tidy! It took a while to get the position of the furniture right as there’s a big window in here. We thought about getting a large corner sofa, but if we move house it might not fit in the next place. Things fell into place when we got two new sofas from Ikea. It was a nightmare getting them in the house though – they wouldn’t fit up the stairs so they had to come in through the window!
Kitchen makeover I’ve made the best of the existing kitchen as well. The previous tenant had an Ikea island unit, so we bought a similar one for less after shopping around. I also took the doors off two of the wall cabinets to create some open display space. However, the biggest game changer was painting the walls a grey-brown colour
‘I GOT THE TABLE AND CHAIRS FOR £50 WITH A SIDEBOARD SOCIABLE SPACE ‘The freestanding island from The Natural Wood Floor Co gives us extra prep space and a place to store pans and casseroles’
Do it! TILE STICKERS
ON DISPLAY ‘I took the doors off two of the wall cabinets to show off my vintage crockery’
|22 SEPTEMBER 2022
Vinyl tile stickers or decals are ideal for adding interest to kitchen and bathroom splashbacks. If using on the floor, coat with an epoxy floor sealer for added durability. Clean the surface with sugar soap and warm water. Use a rubber spatula or credit card to smooth out air bubbles when applying, and a Stanley knife to cut around switches and sockets. If you’re renting, tile stickers can be removed with a hot air gun and a scraper. Try Quadrostyle, Studio, Walplus, Zazous and Etsy, who all have quality tile stickers. I DIDN’T WANT. I SOLD IT FOR £50!’ and covering the horrible beige wall tiles with stickers from eBay. My style has probably evolved over the years but I’d describe it as dark and eclectic, mixing contemporary and retro pieces. There are some great antique shops in Chesterfield and Matlock, or I’ll pick up a bargain at car-boot sales and Facebook Marketplace. Renting tips My mission is to encourage renters to be brave and make changes. As long as you’re making positive improvements to the property and you ask first, your landlord should be happy. I know people always recommend Command Strips for hanging pictures, but I prefer to use picture hooks instead. You can always fill in the holes afterwards and I’ve kept all the paint colours so I could touch things up. Lighting can also make a big difference. For instance, I wasn’t keen on the kitchen ceiling full of spotlights and
NEW LEASE OF LIFE ‘The display cabinet belonged to Damian’s grandma. I upcycled it with chalk paint and added spotty Homebase wallpaper on the back’ 23|SEPTEMBER 2022 Love itMID-TERRACE RENTAL IDEA TO STEAL ‘Scour car-boot sales for vintage framed paintings and prints’
FOLIAGE LAMP SHADE
CLASSIC STYLE ‘The Ikea chair is such a classic and looks good in any room’ Do it!
|24 SEPTEMBER 2022
If your room only has spotlights with no hanging central pendant, create a focal point around one or more of them with a DIY foliage lampChooseshade.a design with a mesh shade, so you can easily weave in faux foliage and dried flowers. Alternatively, you can staple foliage to a plain fabric lamp shade. As you won’t see much of the shade’s exterior, focus on the interior and pick a metallic reflective inner that will bounce more light around. Attach hooks to the ceiling on either side of the spotlight, to which you can attach the metal arms of the lamp shade.
STRIPED CHEST ‘I’ve printed off pictures of the New Romantics, as we both love that era. The frames were sprayed in gold to match the handles of the bombe chest from TK Maxx’
Power of paint
25|SEPTEMBER 2022 MID-TERRACE RENTAL Love it
Future plans Next we might replace the flooring in the kitchen with LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) as the high-gloss floor tiles are a nightmare to keep clean. The laminate in the dining
If you’re going to be living somewhere for five years, you need to make cost-effective changes. We’re not in a position to buy a home and I couldn’t live with magnolia walls, so paint was definitely the easiest option when it came to making the house feel like ours. It’s relatively inexpensive and makes a big impact. I normally get Farrow & Ball colours matched by Valspar and the quality is brilliant. Sometimes it can take me a while to get things right, but when I find a paint colour I love, I’ll use it in several rooms.
MAIN BEDROOM ‘We’ve had the bedroom furniture for ages. It’s good quality so I wouldn’t change it, and the dark wood works well with the Victorian Tapestry wall colour by Valspar’ wanted a focal point. Now I think it looks miles better after I attached a budget pendant shade over one of them with a hook, then dressed it up with a mix of dried and faux foliage.
‘MY STYLE IS DARK AND ECLECTIC, MIXING UP CONTEMPORARY AND VINTAGE RETRO PIECES’
The brown shade in the kitchen and living room, which is called Koala by Valspar, is a prime example.
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Colourful vinyl LPs and 45s make great artwork’ BEDROOMEMMIE’S ‘Emmie is a bit of a maximalist and loves displaying all her bits and pieces. She got the idea for mounting vinyl records on the wall from TikTok’ FEATURE WILSONKAREN PHOTOGRAPHS LEEKATIE |26 SEPTEMBER 2022
H&M HOME The ideal place for on-trend accessories, cushion covers and bedding that won’t break the bank.
GRAHAM & GREEN A go-to for inspirational homewares in rich jewel-like colours handpicked from around the world.
27|SEPTEMBER 2022 Love itMID-TERRACE RENTAL
There’s something different in store every week, making it a great destination for interiors magpies.
COLLARD MANSON A beautifully curated Sheffield clothing and homewares store with a boho edge that’s big on fair-trade products.
TK MAXX
SMALL TWEAKS ‘A lick of dark grey paint and some framed fake foliage has made a big difference to the bathroom’ Find more clever ideas to style up your home by going to styleathomemagpinterest.com/
Wheretobuy Emma’sstyle ‘I’D LOVE TO RIP OUT THE BATHROOM AND HAVE A FREESTANDING BATH, BUT YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH WHAT YOU’VE GOT’
TREASURED ITEM ‘The tapestry on the wall was created by my late nan, so it’s quite special’
area wouldn’t be my first choice either I’d also like to give the garden a makeover for summer. We try to do everything ourselves to save money. Luckily, you can always find DIY tutorials on Instagram or on YouTube for guidance. I’m also keeping busy doing an online interior design course at the National Design Academy in Nottingham. My degree was in Design Technology Teaching so I’ve already got a design background, but I’m really enjoying learning new things. Having lived in several rented properties over the years, I now offer an affordable online interior design service to help renters like me put their own stamp on their home.’
ROCKETT ST GEORGE Fun, quirky homewares that are perfect for maximalists.
IDEA
A KITCHEN ISLAND
An island is the single-most requested feature for new kitchens, which suggests they are very desirable. A well-designed island with plenty of space around it and room for stools will undoubtedly improve the value of your home, and your lifestyle.
The best islands have a ‘working side’, countered with a ‘social side’ that has seating for guests THAT ISN’T BIG ENOUGH - IF IT’S CRAMPED, UGLY OR UNUSABLE, IT COULD PUT BUYERS OFF N ot only do they look seriously impressive, a well-planned island unit can make light work of delivering dinner. Factors such as size, shape and special features all play a part in the price.
FEATURE CLAYTONLINDA PHOTOGRAPH LEEKATIE |28 SEPTEMBER 2022
Does it add value?
Thinking of installing an island unit? Read our guide on how to find the best fitted or freestanding unit for your budget
It’s possible to bag a freestanding design that will add prep space, storage and room for stools to your kitchen, for less than £350 (hello, Ikea’s Vadholma!).
How much does a kitchen island cost?
How much will a bespoke island set me back? As with anything that is made uniquely for you, it will always be more expensive than something mass-produced. There are too many variables to give an exact figure, but be prepared to part with upwards of £5,000 for something special. Can you buy a kitchen island on its own? Yes. As long as space allows, introducing an island can transform the functionality and look of your kitchen. Many bespoke kitchen makers are happy to create individual items, like island units.
How much does it cost to install an island? It doesn’t cost anything to install a freestanding unit bought off the shelf. The cost of installing a fitted island will depend on who is doing it and their fees. If you get a builder or fitter to quote a day rate, make sure they give you an idea of how many days it might take. Two days should be sufficient; however, extra costs to consider include work by a plumber or electrician, and don’t forget the worktop fabricator’s fitting charge, if applicable. TO STEAL Pick an island with in-built storage
Emma’s choice: BEWARE OF CRAMMING AN ISLAND INTO A KITCHEN
Metro kitchen tiles are a cool, contemporary go-to. Bring extra interest to yours by mixing up the material. Choose a marble or marble-effect stone cut into metro tile rectangular shapes. You’ll still achieve the chic, minimalist effect of classic metros, but with an added something. CO-ORDINATE COLOUR ON SURFACES
BALANCE A BUSY PATTERN WITH A PLAIN
When tiling multiple surfaces it’s tempting to mix things up, to add interest – using patterned tiles alongside plain designs. The rule of thumb is to choose one surface to use each style, to help balance the look. Using pattern on the floor in a kitchen will anchor the decorating scheme.
ADD INTEREST TO METRO TILES
PLAY WITH COLOUR, SHAPE AND PATTERN
4
Give walls and floors wow factor with eye-catching designs
1 2 34 PHOTOGRAPHS GROUPVERONAPIETRA,CA’FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, 29|SEPTEMBER 2022 MID-TERRACE RENTAL Love it
More sometimes really can be more. Instead of choosing shape, colour or pattern, why not have fun with all three? A shapely tile, in a bright colour, with a pattern. To make the look seem cohesive, choose a pattern which links each tile together, rather than creating a patchwork effect.
Add patterned tiles in a bold coloured kitchen to add further interest. Use your cabinetry as the starting point for your tiles. With a paint sample to hand, find a colour match to a patterned tile to use on the surrounding walls. The effect will be bold but also feel cohesive, so won’t overwhelm the eye. ways with… KITCHEN TILES
|30 SEPTEMBER 2022
‘It wasn’t love COME ON IN!
AND NOW The kitchen and dining rooms have been knocked through, creating a lovely open-plan space.
WHEN WE MOVED IN The property hadn’t been touched since the 1970s. The kitchen was small and closed off, there was flocked wallpaper on the walls, shagpile carpet on the floors and an avocado bathroom suite.
IDEA
OUR HOME A four-bed detached property in Torquay, Devon, built in the 1920s. We bought it in 2013.
MAKE IT POP ‘We inherited the piano. I painted it in coral chalk paint’ TO STEAL ‘Frame a map of somewhere you love for artwork that is personal to you’
STYLE TIP Coffee table books are great for inspiration, sourcing new ideas and helping you see how things you already own can be reworked and given a fresh look.
ABOUT ME I’m Antonia Kiddy, 40, and I work for the Positive Birth Company. I live here with my husband Sam, 42, director of a wholesale fishing company, and our two sons Solomon, seven, and Atlas, five.
Antonia and Sam have turned their outdated property into a everythinghomebohemianrelaxed,familyfilledwiththeylove
W
AT FIRST SIGHT!’
hen we first saw our 1920s home in Torquay, South Devon, it’s safe to say we needed a fair amount of vision,’ admits Antonia. ‘We’d been renting a one-bedroom flat and were keen to find a bigger property and start a family. The whole house resembled a bad 1970s sitcom, with walls covered in flocked, shiny peach wallpaper, a sea of pink shagpile carpet, and Artex covering every ceiling. There were also sinks in each room, the kitchen was small, dark and cut off from the rest of the house and, to top it all off, the bathroom had an avocado green suite!
Plus side
However, there were some plus points that really sold the house to us. First off, it was in a great location, close to the sea and directly opposite Sam’s wholesale fishing business, which meant he’d have no commute and we’d be able to spend more time together. The house also had four good-sized bedrooms and we knew with a little reconfiguration we’d be able to open up the kitchen downstairs. So we looked beyond the decor and with a deep breath, took the plunge!
31|SEPTEMBER 2022 1920S DETACHED Love it
CENTRAL HUB ‘Before the kitchen was opened up into the dining room, this space was never used. Now it is the heart of the home’
Leap of faith It was daunting when we first picked up the keys from the estate agents. We had a big project on our hands and every room needed tackling individually. I have a scattergun approach to doing things, but Sam is much more methodical and really wanted us to wait and do things properly. However, I couldn’t resist getting stuck in and every time he went to work I’d set about tearing off
KEEP IT CASUAL ‘We chose Shaker-style units in an off-white, teamed with a wood worktop and terracotta floor tiles to fit with our relaxed aesthetic’
3 Cut the fabric, then stitch up the seams, gather the fabric onto your pole or wire and fit it for a stylish alternative to a cupboard door.
2 Next, select your fabric. You may decide on something simple like a neutral linen or perhaps a pattern, such as gingham. Measure the width and height of the area, allowing a 5cm seam allowance at the bottom and sides, and a 10cm seam allowance at the top for your pole or wire. Remember that some fabrics can shrink when washed, so make sure you wash and fully dry your fabric before you cut it to size. If you’d like more gather in your curtain, add another half a width to the measurement.
WITHIN REACH ‘Open shelves mean daily essentials are easily accessible’
1 A curtain is a pretty and affordable alternative to a cupboard door and works for kitchens and other rooms in the home. Start by measuring the width of the cupboard and then get either a copper pipe or netting wire cut down to size.
Make it! FABRIC CUPBOARD CURTAIN
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Earthy terracotta tiles help warm up the look of a room’
Hidden treasure We were lucky to have help from my uncle Paul who runs his own building business (Forbes Construction), and he and my lovely mum, Lisa, came around every day for a month to help me tirelessly peel off the flocked wallpaper and rip up the pink shagpile carpet. A big highlight was discovering beautiful floorboards under the carpet and we sanded and stained them, with that natural wood eventually becoming the basis of the beach look we incorporated into the rest of the house.
Getting a facelift
33|SEPTEMBER 2022 1920S DETACHED Love it
ART STATEMENT ‘I used a patterned cotton bed cover from Etsy as a stylish alternative to wallpaper’ wallpaper or pulling down a set of hideous floral curtains!
Initially, we just made everywhere more visually bearable with some plastering
THE MOMENT YOU OPEN THE FRONT DOOR’
‘LETYOURHOMEREFLECTYOURSTYLEFROM
3 of the best RATTAN PENDANT LIGHTS LOOSE WEAVE Bamboo/rattan bowl pendant shade, £36.99, Wayfair BELL BEAUTY Noko lampshade, £55, Where Saints Go STACK UP Rattan ceiling lamp, £75, Rose & Grey Weave this relaxed style into your room scheme ON BOARD ‘Surfing is a big part of our lives and this casual vibe has inadvertently become part of our home’ AU NATUREL ‘I love filling the space with plants and natural wood’ ‘THIS HOME JOURNEY HAS TAUGHT ME TO BE PATIENT WITH MAKING BIG CHANGES, AS TASTES CAN CHANGE AS THE PROJECT EVOLVES’ |34 SEPTEMBER 2022 Love it 1920S DETACHED
SPLASHBACK Metro tiles are a stylish but simple and affordable way of tiling a kitchen or bathroom and can be laid in many formations, from brick or straight to vertical and herringbone, with brick being the most traditional. For brick bond, first lay a single line of tiles, with wall grout to attach to the wall and tile spacers to ensure they are evenly spaced. Next, place the second layer above that with the edges of the tiles meeting up with the centre of the previous layer. There will be a half-tile gap on each layer so use a tile cutter to cut to the right size. Then repeat laying in this way –your finished tiling will resemble the look of a brick wall. Use tile grout between the tiles to finish the effect – you could always try a coloured grout for a standout look.
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Do it! BRICK-STYLE METRO TILE
MAKE IT WHITE ‘I find painting a room white gives you more freedom with other colour choices, like our Scott sofa from Made, which we picked out in gold’ and painting while we saved towards the bigger renovation work we wanted to do downstairs. Then, about six months later, we knocked the wall through from the small kitchen into the next-door dining room. We often have friends and family around and as the kitchen is the place people naturally gravitate to, it made sense for us to combine and open up the spaces. I was pregnant with Solomon by this time and it was pretty chaotic and dusty living here through the work, but the knock-through really did make the world of difference. We refitted the kitchen with simple white units from Howdens, but
IDEA TO STEAL ‘A neutral background allows bold furniture colour choices to stand out’
‘ITHINKIT’SIMPORTANTTOLIVEWITHTHINGSFOR
brought colour and quirkiness into the space with Mexican-style tiles and fun palm-print wallpaper. Where the original wall once stood there is now a kitchen peninsula that naturally divides the spaces. The kitchen and dining room are also now bright and open with beautiful light that floods in through the giant bay windows at the back of the house. We have a big table in the dining area, along with bar stools at the island, both of which provide a spot for people background and to pop’
CORNER DRESSING A neutral
allows plants
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to sit and chat to whoever is in the kitchen. It’s a much more sociable and multi-functional space that we can all use and enjoy, and it feels like it’s always been part of the house. Moving on Next up we decided to tackle the bathroom, and as I was now heavily pregnant I was keen to create a space to retreat to away from the rest of the house. We replaced the avocado
accessories
A WHILE TO SEE WHAT YOU TRULY WANT FROM A SPACE’
IDEA TO STEAL ‘A simple painted semi-circle adds a colourful focal point to a room’
TRAVEL
CHILLED OUT ‘The soft colour palette, plants and natural textures keep the mood tranquil in the bedroom’ FIND ‘I love inourthisthingscollectingandfoundhammockonhoneymoonNicaragua’
READING NOOK ‘A bench made from reclaimed wood has been built into the bedroom alcove’ bathroom suite with a simple, white stand-alone bath and sanitaryware, pretty patterned floor tiles and dark painted walls that create that all-important cosy vibe. Family home Two years after Solomon was born, Atlas came along to join us. I think the most important thing since having the children is that we’ve been able to have fun with our home and enjoy it. Having
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MAXIMUM IMPACT ‘In contrast to the rest of the house, dark colours make a bold statement in this room’
EBAY For one-off unique vintage pieces. ‘I love to find a preloved item to upcycle and give it a new lease of life,’ she says.
IKEA A go-to for plants, simple furniture pieces and Scandi-style, budget-friendly accessories.
Find more clever ideas to style up your home by going to styleathomemagpinterest.com/
Wheretobuy Antonia’sstyle TAYLORMARISHA PHOTOGRAPHS FRENCHJAMES
‘SIMPLE THINGS, LIKE CHANGING THE HANDLES, CAN BRING YOUR OWN TWIST TO FURNITURE’
FEATURE
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MIX IT UP ‘Using different styles and patterns has made a colourful, characterful room for the boys’
HOMESENSE Interesting and original accessories galore, plus soft furnishings at affordable prices.
two young boys and busy lives, it’s important not to take anything too seriously, and my relaxed, bohemian style has gradually permeated throughout the house. I used to paint everything in colour, but now I’m really drawn to the simplicity of white and the calming effect it has throughout the house. We travel a lot as a family and Sam is surfing mad, so these influences can be seen all over our home, from the soft sun-kissed Californian tones to the throws, bohemian swing, macramé and rattan pieces. I love picking up second-hand preloved furniture, rather than buying new and the vintage pieces I have add such character to the mix. Our home is very much a relaxed and lived-in space that’s personal to us and filled with all the things we enjoy. It might not have been love at first sight when we first saw this house, but we couldn’t be happier with it now – it’s just the way we like it.’
FARROW & BALL Beautiful choice of colours, whether you’re considering a monochromatic scheme or something brighter.
Begin by thinking about how you use the room You may use the space for watching telly, the kids doing homework, reading a book as well as entertaining friends. Considering its function will help you understand what lighting, seating and storage you need. Choose a focal point ‘In a family room, a TV will likely be the focal point,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf. ‘But it’s also one of the things I hate to see in a smart living room, especially mounted above the fireplace. That space should be reserved for something beautiful, such as a mirror or painting. The furniture itself could be the focus – for example, a statement armchair could add a wow factor when people enter the room.’
FEATURE WALSHHOLLY PHOTOGRAPH FRENCHJAMES |40 SEPTEMBER 2022
‘Always give furniture space to breathe,’ advises Lisa Mitchell, design director of Interior Style Studio. ‘Decide where you want the eye to focus, then layer around it. Contemplate the layout as you would a picture – a 10cm nudge to one side can make all the difference. A two- or threeseat sofa and a pair of armchairs opposite with upholstered pouffes balances well.’
Avoid common mistakes ‘Your home should reflect your personality, so don’t go too stark,’ says Charlie. ‘If you don’t need to make the room look larger, then don’t paint it white but opt for darker colours to make it cosy instead.’
Create a sense of space and balance
PURCHASE - EVEN THE BEST LOOKING SETTEE COULD BE DISAPPOINTINGLY UNCOMFORTABLE
FURNITURE LAYOUT
Y ou might feel your living room needs a bit of a redesign, or have plans to invest in new furniture or storage. Or maybe you’re looking to rejig what you have to give your space a style boost. Either way, there are plenty of tricks that can help you make the most of its potential.
BE SURE TO TEST A SOFA BEFORE MAKING A An footstoolupholsteredmakes a visually coffeealternativeinvitingtoaorsidetable
When it comes to a functional living space, it’s all about positioning your furniture in the right way – here’s our expert guide
TV’s Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen says, ‘The idea of a feature wall is to make one wall much stronger than the others. So why use the chimney breast, which is already a dominant piece of architecture?’
IDEA TO STEAL
Antonia’s choice:
Open wall shelving adds height and variety to a scheme
MAKE A READING AND TOY STORAGE ZONE
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The depth and side of this built-in shelving unit have been brilliantly used to create a space for this comfy window seat. The panelling on the front echoes that on the wall behind and everything is painted white for a calming, cohesive feel. With its deep cushion, the seat doubles as a daybed for napping, too.
BLEND SEATING INTO THE BACKGROUND
Built into an end-of-room alcove, every centimetre of space has been used to create this cosy reading zone, with its slimline bookshelf to one side and deep drawers for toys and games below. The design is even deep enough to fit a child’s mattress instead of a seat pad, so it can be used for a kids’ sleepover. PLAN YOUR STORAGE WITH A VIEW
Carve out extra seating and storage with a smart design
SLOT IN BESIDE A SHELVING UNIT
If you’re having structural work done, it’s worth considering the space around a new window or glazing. Creating an extradeep recess around the huge glass pane in this modern home has provided plenty of room for built-in storage above and to the sides, as well as a gorgeous and generous window seat below. ways with… WINDOW SEATS
Thinking about how to dress a bay window and incorporate seating? If the window looks out on greenery or the garden, hanging curtains that reflect the harmonious colours of nature will gently blend the seat into the view beyond. Matching the seat pad to the curtain pattern will further enhance the effect.
4
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MOODY BLUES ‘I love colour and this Hague Blue wall really adds warmth’
STYLE TIP I love having things around me that feed my soul, it’s a great way to live so I’d say just go with your gut when decorating.
‘I like to think
AND NOW It’s full of my personality and has a fun vibe, which I love. I have an eclectic style influenced by art, craft, vintage and curiosity.
ABOUT ME I’m Anna Lewis, 45, a jewellery designer and lecturer in Design Craft. I live on my own with my dog, Bella. MY HOME A three-bedroom 1930sstyle semi-detached in Mumbles, Swansea, on the South Wales coast. WHEN I MOVED IN I bought the house in 2017. It had no heating or electrics and needed someone to restore it to its glory days.
COME ON IN!
Creative Anna Lewis has transformed her 1930s semi using her love of vintage furniture, artisticcolouringmoodyandallherflair
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A fter a few dramatic life twists and turns, including a new job and divorce, I was loving single life and decided to take on a challenge with a new house that required major renovation,’ says Anna. ‘When I found this house in August 2017, I decided on the spot I wanted to buy it! Despite it being incredibly dated, I could see the potential immediately and fell in love with the chequered floor in the hallway. I knew it was a huge project, but I felt ready to do it, and over the next five to six months it became a labour of love.
ANYTHING GOES!’
Back to basics
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Picture frames make great mounts for wall decorations’
We started by taking the ceilings down, then chipped off plaster to expose old brick walls. Structurally the house was sound, but I decided to knock two rooms into one to create a larger living room.
LOUNGE LIVING ‘I’ve turned the alcoves into alternative-style gallery walls, with a mix of frames, prints and my quirkyfavouriteobjects’
Starting from scratch Even though the property was really run down, I still paid around £275,000 for it, but I knew I had a reasonable budget to carry out all the work. As soon as I got the keys, I was pulling up carpet in the living room to look at the floorboards, and decided the best way forward would be to get every surface stripped back, so I could start with a blank canvas. I called in the help of an old school friend, who’s a builder, to do most of the building work while I project managed.
With no heating or electricity in the house, I had the whole place replumbed and rewired. One of the best decisions, although costly, was to replace all the windows, which made a huge difference. I then had most surfaces replastered, which ensured we had good walls to work with. I couldn’t believe the amount of dust and dirt that was produced, so
I was relieved I could live with my parents for a few months while the initial building work took place. Once that was done, I started to plan what to do next. As the whole house needed renovating, everything needed to be done in stages, so I had to make a schedule to keep everything coordinated. There was some work that was essential – for example, I wanted to keep as many original features as I could, so fitting the old fireplaces with reclaimed surrounds and ensuring they were in working order was a priority. If an original SHELVBESPOKEING
‘I love my books for research and creativity, so wanted a central space to keep them all ‘
ZIG-ZAG STYLE Carina Berber rug, from £29, Dunelm BIG IT UP Cabana Black rug, £47.99, Wayfair GO ASYMMETRIC Afaw Berber-Style rug, £99, La Redoute
Anna loves Berber texture and style – as does Bella, her dog
WELCOME IN ‘The hallway tiles are my favourite part of the house. They’re original and I’m so happy I was able to preserve them’
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Fit shelves above doors to treasures’display
3 of the best BERBER RUGS
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Call in a carpenter: If you want to make more of an impact, a local handyman could create something like Anna’s feature wall. Plan your design in advance, including how many shelves and compartments you’d like and decide if your shelves are just for books or if you’d like to include a few display areas, too. Use a ready-made bookcase: Try installing several next to each other (an Ikea Billy bookshelf works well) and fix them together to ensure they are sturdy. Add a plinth along the top to tie them in, then paint them in a single colour for unity. For safety attach the bookcases to the wall so they can’t be pulled over. Make it!
DIY BOOKCASEA feature had been removed or was broken, I tried to have it recreated, as I love that nostalgic feeling and wanted my home to reflect my style and love of all things old. Stand-out style In the bathroom I reconfigured the space to make room for my roll-top bath. I’ve definitely got an eye for a bargain, so I bought the basics for both the bathroom and kitchen from trade to save money, but searched flea markets, salvage yards and online shops to get pieces that would add interest. The sink unit, for instance, was a junk shop find that I updated. The kitchen cabinets were also a simple white Howdens design, but I updated them with leather handles I made myself. I wanted to keep the background as subtle as possible so all the vintage buys would stand out and be the focus of the room. I’ve always known my style and felt comfortable with how I’d decorate the house. I think zoning areas worked for me, but by painting the living room wall in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue it helped set the SPACE AS AN EXTENSION OF MY SKETCHBOOK’
Floating shelves: If you have an alcove, fit floating shelves from floor to ceiling. Measure the average height of the books, so shelves can be evenly spaced to accommodate your collection.
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‘I THINK I’VE PRETTY MUCH NAILED MY STYLE AND IT’S IMPORTANT TO TREAT EACH GALLERY TRAIL ‘I love vintage buys and quirky objects I find in flea markets and salvage yards’
MULTI PURPOSE ‘I went to town with mixand-match styles here and added castors to an old workbench so I can move it around the room’
CLEVER LIGHTING ‘I zoned the lighting to highlight areas of the dining room, from over the bench to the dining table’
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Mix and match different prints, patterns and textures to create a visual impact. Remember to try and use the various mixes of patterns throughout to create continuity. Provide a focal point – an accent wall or strong piece of furniture. This draws your eye and can guide you on the rest of the decoration. Tie the scheme together with a similar colour palette in each room. Washed-looking hues have an eclectic, moody vibe. Don’t be afraid to mix furniture and style genres. It’s about being brave and creative. Do it! GET STYLEECLECTIC-ANHOME
UNIQUE UNIT ‘I’ve kept the kitchen quite simple with standard base units but bought a vintage wall unit to add character’
‘I BOUGHT THE BASICS FOR THE BATHROOM AND KITCHEN FROM TRADE TO SAVE MONEY, BUT I SEARCHED FLEA MARKETS AND SALVAGE YARDS TO ADD INTEREST’
PLANT LIFE ‘I’ve a few plants that help bring the room to life and give it some depth’
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Upcycle old paint tins for the perfect plant pot’
OUTSIDE SPACE
‘I even have a garden, which is perfect for sunny days’ room in motion and made it my favourite space. In fact, my whole house is full of items that I love, including antiques that sit alongside crafts that have been made by family and friends. I also like to mix and match furniture and styles – sometimes I’ll paint something or update the walls with a new colour, but I think I’ve pretty much nailed my style and it’s important to treat each space as an extension of my sketchbook.
Pride of place I have a huge collection of books, especially on art and design, my passion, so I had the carpenter create a bespoke bookshelf that sits across one whole wall This has also become my office space with an old retro-look school desk. A beautiful old haberdashery shop cabinet sits behind my desk and you’d
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MUCH‘I’VEREALISEDTHATANYTHINGPRETTYGOESONTHEWALLSINMYHOMETOCREATE IN THE DETAIL ‘I love decorativefabrics,beautifulbeads,andtouches’ IDEA TO STEAL ‘Use touches of gold and brass to add a luxe feel’ GALLERIESANDFOCALPOINTS’ |48 SEPTEMBER 2022
never know I found it in a scrapyard years ago! I’ve displayed all my finds I’ve collected over the years on my travels As I mentioned earlier, the hallway floor was one of the reasons I bought the house and I love the fact it’s the first thing you see when you walk in. I painted a small area in a deep blue and then fixed some of my favourite ceramic plates to the wall. I’ve realised that anything pretty much goes on the walls in my home to create galleries and focal points. Anything goes Another obsession of mine is vintage finds, especially French objects – like my chandelier in the living room. And I remember once going into a flea market and coming out with an oboe Find more clever ideas to style up your home by going to styleathomemagpinterest.com/ under my arm, which ended up having a plant growing out of it when I got home! During the decorating process I realised I could be as creative as I wanted without having to consult anyone else. Rustic paint tins are great for holding my plants and old crates make fab wall shelves. I think it’s the attention to detail throughout my house that really makes it a home, and bit by bit the place started to live again – it’s finally become a happy, peaceful space that I absolutely love living in.
LOWRI DAVIES (lowridavies. com) Anna’s home is full of Lowri’s wonderful ceramics. BATHROOM CHIC ‘I chose vintage American style in this room and added a roll-top bath, which was fitted with a shower’
Where to buy Anna’s style SIAN O’DOHERTY (Sianodoherty.co.uk) For beautiful, knitted textile collections including cushions, throws and lampshades.
EBAY You’ll always find an unusual bargain or retro buy.
‘These mydrawershaberdasheryareoneoffavouritebuys’ FEATURE BISHOPZOE PHOTOGRAPHS CANTMATT 49|SEPTEMBER 2022 PERIOD SEMI Love it
ROCKETT ST GEORGE It’s Anna’s go-to for eclectic unusual buys with a curiosity feel.
GRAHAM & GREEN Anna got a lot of her lampshades here.
SALVAGE YARDS Always worth checking out for pieces that can be used for upcycling or for that vintage eclectic feel.
ADD TEXTURE AND COLOUR ‘A hint of pink in the bedroom provides a feminine feel and sets off all my textured bedding and throws’ FIND
FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE Ideal if you want bargains that are local to where you live.
VINTAGE
Are dark shades a no-go?
What about flooring? As with kitchen cabinets and wall colours, light-reflective finishes and pale flooring will help make a small kitchen look bigger. The size and scale of flooring will also have an impact. Tiny tiles can make a small kitchen feel overly busy. Opting for large floor tiles in a small square kitchen will reduce the number of grout lines and create a visual illusion of more space. Or with a small, galley kitchen, choose directional flooring that draws the eye outwards and make the space feel larger.
SPACE SAVVY DESIGN
FEATURE FAZZINILISA PHOTOGRAPH CANTMATT |50 SEPTEMBER 2022
REMOVES VISUAL BARRIERS THAT CAUSE THE EYE TO STOP SHORT AND MAKES THE ROOM APPEAR LARGER
IDEA TO STEAL Update kitchen cabinets with leather tab handles
W hile a roomy kitchen is the dream, the reality is many of us are stuck with a small space to work with.
Anna’s choice: HAVING CABINET DOORS AND WALLS ONE COLOUR A herringbone-patternfloor ortilechevron-formatwillmakethefloorfeelwider
But there are lots of visual tricks and clever ideas to make a small kitchen look bigger that don’t involve knocking down walls or a major refurb.
How do I make a small kitchen look bigger? ‘Think about the work triangle,’ says Lizzie Beesley, head of design at Magnet. ‘One of the benefits of small kitchens is that you can easily access all working areas, making cooking and cleaning efficient. Try to place your cleaning, cooking and preparing areas into three separate zones, with plenty of floor space in between.’
Stretch your kitchen space with these clever tricks and easy updates that will make it feel miles bigger
Light-reflecting colours make a small kitchen feel bigger, so a combination of pale walls and kitchen cabinets in light tones and glossy, reflective finishes will help open up the space. White is an obvious choice, but pearly-sheened pastels and neutrals, as well as pale wood finishes all help to boost light levels.
Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean that you have to steer away from dark colours. Small doses of colour can help energise the space, but use them sparingly. Dark coloured base units can help ground the layout and if teamed with a paler colour at the top, the eye will be drawn upwards.
What colours work best?
GO ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH THE LAYOUT
A random assortment of pictures and frames can work well together, but it’s always a good idea to have some sort of unifying theme, shape or colour to link them. Start by positioning the most prominent piece centrally and at eye level, then work outward with smaller pieces to make a pleasing display.
A trick that stylists and designers often use when they’re putting a scheme together is the rule of three, where oddnumbered groupings look more natural and work better together than even numbers. Keep the arrangement symmetrical, with pictures hung horizontally three-in-a-row and spaced evenly apart.
FOLLOW THE DESIGN RULE OF THREE
CO ORDINATE COLOURS Use a gallery wall display to enhance the wider room by co-ordinating it with your colour scheme. In this bedroom the picture ledge matches the accent colour on the bedlinen, while the black frames and monochrome artwork tie in with the accessories and create a style statement. ideas for displaying artwork on any blank wall
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This pleasing assortment of frames brings personality to an all-white hallway space. The layout may look unplanned, but to the trained eye there’s evidence of precision to ensure all the different shapes and sizes work cohesively within the space. The matching frames bring unity, without it being sterile and symmetrical.
CREATE A POINT OF FOCUS
4 ways with… GALLERY WALLS Imaginative
Rose Garden in Mineral, £10.95m, Studio G at Curtains Made Simple. Try White vintage A4 frame, £5.50, Wilko FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM Makeit THIS MONTH’S Recover the back board of a frame with foam board cut to size and fabric with a 5cm allowance, using tape. Staple taut lengths of ribbon up and down. Push drawing pins in where the ribbons cross. Place back in frame and secure with tape. Slotbehindpostcardstheribbons |54 SEPTEMBER 2022 Make it FABRIC MEMO BOARD
P66 CLEVER STORAGE HACKS P56 COMPACT HOME OFFICES P74 HALLWAY COLOUR SCHEMES STYLE BOOK 22 OFPAGESDECOINSPO ROOM INSPIRATION CLEVER IDEAS STYLE UPDATES 55|SEPTEMBER 2022
Space-saving HOME OFFICES Floating £36,smallshelves,£300;two-draweroakdesk,largeoak£42each;oakboxshelf,allUrbansize Improve productivity by creating a dedicated home working space, however small or compact GREAT IDEA Pick a desk that includes handy drawer space |56 SEPTEMBER 2022
The space under the stairs is often wasted in homes. Instead of allowing it to become a dumping ground for bags and trainers, turn it into a stylish home office. If budget allows, go bespoke as you’ll be able to build in cabinetry to make the most of every available inch. ADD IN EXTRA STORAGE Build in as much storage as you have room for. Not all of it needs to be for office supplies; you can keep a cupboard for coats, and maybe a pull-out drawer for all the miscellaneous hallway paraphernalia.
Use... a neglected alcove
CLAIM BACK UNDER-STAIR SPACE
FLOAT A DESK TO TAKE UP MINIMAL FLOOR SPACE Choose a narrow, wall-hung desk that won’t protrude too much into the room and frees up floor space. Keep your home office essentials minimal, so you have less to hide away.
If you’re limited on space, using a bedroom alcove as a study area is a great solution. A neat wall-hung desk can easily double up as a dressing table – simply add a mirror and a comfortable chair to match your scheme.
Under the stairs can easily be transformed with built-in cabinetry
Utilise those unused nooks and abandoned spaces to fit in a clever home office with savvy storage solutions
TRANSFORM A BEDROOM ALCOVE INTO A COMPACT HOME OFFICE
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Use... wall space wisely
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Make the most of valuable wall space with a wall-mounted desk or fold-down storage solution
USE ALL AVAILABLE WALL SPACE When space is limited, it’s key to utilise every inch to the max. For a small home office or craft room, the key could be making the walls worker harder.
PICK FURNITUREMULTI-FUNCTIONAL A wall-hung cabinet that doubles as a desk is another smart solution. Simply fasten the bottom half away to hide all trace of the day’s work. With drawers and storage compartments it can also be used as a standard bedside unit to place a lamp etc. Add a small stool for when you’re using it as a desk. CREATE A SENSE OF CALM Pick a serene colour palette for a restful room scheme that promotes calm and creativity. Soft pastels are a contemporary choice, including pale grey/blue for walls. Brighten desk drawers by painting the fronts in complementary shades. Use an existing dining chair to double up as office seating
BUILD A BESPOKE MODULAR SYSTEM A wall-mounted storage unit with fold-down compartments provides ample space for a desk and storage without taking up floor space. You can choose to fold each section flat against the wall when not in use.
A wall-mounted unit with a flip-down surface doubles up as a side table and pop-up workspace GREAT IDEA A lampshadedownlightercreates a pool of task light SOURCE THE PERFECT SPOT Finding the right spot for your home office is key to productivity. You don’t necessarily need a huge amount of space, but you do need natural light and a place that is clear of clutter. CONSIDER BORROWING AREAS IN EXISTING ROOMS If you haven’t got the luxury of a separate room, the dining room or bedroom can often be the next best spot. The spare room is also an ideal place to work as it’s usually the quiet space in a home. Home office tips and tricks 59|SEPTEMBER 2022 Love itSTYLE BOOK
Introduce furniture with clean lines and metallic accents for an office space that feels chic and sophisticated GREAT IDEA Hide away chargers and cables in neat storage boxes ZONE AN OPEN-PLAN SPACE Simply working on the dining table or kitchen island won’t help to focus the mind. By effectively using rugs, bookshelves and lamps, you can create the perfect working zone, that blends with the open-plan interior, yet ensures a dedicated space for work. THINK ABOUT STORAGE Floating shelves or a tall bookshelf that extends to the ceiling will provide ample storage for files and paraphernalia, plus a place to showcase decorative items. Home office tips and tricks |60 SEPTEMBER 2022
Use... a beautiful backdrop
GET CREATIVE WITH PAINT Create an ombré effect by painting sections of the wall behind your desk in different shades, divided by floating shelves. Alternatively, cheat a flowing watercolour effect with wallpaper.
The view behind and in front of your screen are equally important, so make sure it’s functional and inspiring
STYLE UP OPEN SHELVING Open shelving offers a great base for creating striking wall displays in a home office. From pretty box files, books and magazines to family photographs and vases filled with flowers, anything that brings you creative inspiration deserves a designated space. BUILD A CURATED BACKGROUND While it’s important to consider the view from your desk, consider the backdrop from your computer camera, too. Think carefully about the wall behind you and the impression it will create on video Group items in odd numbers and keep space around them to create balance calls, as it is likely to be one of the most seen parts of your home.
THINK ABOUT LIGHTING Work in tandem with your lighting choices to ensure both your face and backdrop are perfectly lit, while avoiding irritating screen glare. A task lamp with an adjustable shade is the perfect choice.
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Don’t be afraid of introducing pattern into a nook or alcove behind a desk, as an interesting wallpaper or mural will cleverly distract from a messy desk and can play with the perception of space. Whether it’s in a designated home office or not, a bold design will also zone the area from the rest of the room.
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TAKE INSPIRATION FROM NATURE If you’re short on desk or floor space, or you’re not very green fingered, hanging botanical wall art or wallpaper can help you destress and set you in the right mood for a productive day. PICK A TRANQUIL COLOUR PALETTE Stick to calm shades so the effect is softer and easier on the eye when looking away from your laptop. Think pale greens, pinks and greys, along with natural wood finishes.
Introduce inspiring wallpapers to zone your home office space and promote a sense of calm and wellbeing A cluster of houseplants, in varying heights, leaf shapes and pot textures can help to instantly add an informal feel to a home office
TRANSFORM AN AWKWARD NOOK Sloping roofs are the perfect example of a space that might otherwise be redundant. It’s often tricky to make use of the half-height ceiling, due to the awkward measurements, but a desk will happily slot in.
USE PATTERN TO ZONE A SPACE
Use... print and pattern
You can afford to be a bit more daring with colours and patterns in a small space
Love it FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU Some people find bold colours and prints stimulating, while others prefer neutral hues to rest their eyes between screen sessions. ADD A LITTLE PERSONALITY While positioning reminders and to-do lists on a pinboard in your line of sight makes sense, balance these out with personal touches. KEEP IT SIMPLE Artwork that’s simple in design works best for home offices. Prints or canvases with a clean look will add interest without creating a distraction. Home office tips and tricks GREAT IDEA Choose air-purifying houseplants 63|SEPTEMBER 2022 STYLE BOOK
fromSubscribejust£17.50 This classic Joules Cambridge mug set features a beautiful hand-drawn floral pattern. Each mug has a different design – why not add a splash of colour to your kitchen with this wonderful set! WORTH £16 AND RECEIVE A JOULES MUG SET
UPGRADE TO A BUNDLE SUBSCRIPTION Available on iOS and Android Get instant access to the current issue wherever you are! Save 39% on the cover price Offer closes 1 September 2022. Offer open to new UK subscribers only. Subscribe and pay £17.50 every 12 months. We will notify you in advance of any price changes. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). Payment is non-refundable after the 14-day cancellation period unless exceptional circumstances apply. Your free gift will be delivered separately within 60 days after your first payment has cleared. Gifts only available to new subscribers on the UK mainland. The gift is not available on digital or overseas subscriptions. In the unlikely event that we run out of this gift, we promise to offer you an alternative gift of the same or greater value. For full terms and conditions, visit www. magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm and 10am-3pm on Saturdays, UK time excluding Bank Holidays or email help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call, and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ONLINE AT magazinesdirect.com/SAHSEPT22 BY PHONE 0330 333 1113 QUOTE CODE: A65X +44 (0) 330 333 1113 (from outside UK). Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and 10am-3pm on Saturdays (UK time, excluding Bank Holidays) GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE Every issue directlydeliveredtoyourdoor Brilliant value –receive a free Joules mug set worth £16 Never miss out on an issue of Britain’s most stylish homes magazine
STORAGE IDEAS Hang shoe cabinets in the hallway Attach in a grid format to give a wall of slim storage, plus a display surface. Wall-mounting keeps the floor clear and opens up the space. Give it a twist Build in an upholstered bench and hang a double row of cabinets so they form a back rest. |66 SEPTEMBER 2022
Reclaim your space with these simple but clever ways to stash away the clutter
Clever decorating
Trones White shoe storage cabinets, £22 for two, Ikea. Retro webbing stool, £129, Rose & Grey. Idrissa runner rug, £100, John Lewis & Partners. Aurora White feather pendant shade, £99, Graham & Green
Paint the whole unit the same colour for a interior-designedsleek,look
Poetae two-drawer table, £119.99, Wayfair
67|SEPTEMBER 2022 CLEVER DECORATING
Do it Panel and shelves in Coastal Fog 976 Regal select matte, £27 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore. Drum stools in Milton 01, £217 each, The Dormy House.
Make a designer-look media unit Fix an MDF panel to the wall and mount your TV and two floating shelves on it. Hide junk in a drawer unit and drum storage stools. Give it a twist Painting the area black or slate grey will camouflage the television.
|68 SEPTEMBER 2022 CLEVER DECORATING
Attach bed slats to make a hanging rack
This wall rack is a set of webbingmounted bed slats hung from a couple of wall hooks, providing space to hang kitchen essentials. Give it a twist Use it as a pinboard/storage solution in a child’s bedroom or utility room. Do it Luroy slatted bed base, £15, Ikea. The Hairpin Leg Co White wall hooks, £9.95 each, Amazon. Maple bread board, £10; Oroshiki grater, £15; ladles, from £15 each, all Objects of Use. Elca oven glove, £33, Tori Murphy
Build an banquetteupholsteredbench
|SEPTEMBER 2022
We used an Ikea Havsta TV unit as the bench Oslo dining table, £1,949; Cover chairs in Sand leather, £539 each, all Heal’s. Concrete and ash wood ceiling pendants, £105 each, Forest & Co. Rustic amphora vase, £29.99, Zara Home. Coffee pot, £45, Lillian Daph
Back-to-wall seating means you can push your table right back with handy storage below. An upholstered seat and backrest makes it cosy. Give it a twist Make space for a glass-fronted cabinet to keep dining essentials close to hand. 69
Havsta Grey two-door cabinets with plinth, £125 each, Ikea. Hive brass T-bar handles, £14.99 each, Dowsing & Reynolds. Amalfi Feather Grey velvet king-size bed, £489, Danetti. Hex bedside table, £229, Atkin & Thyme a bed-end console Boost bedroom storage with a row of low cabinets at the end of the bed – great in a study-bedroom for books and paperwork. Choose a unit that matches the bed width. Give it a twist Increase the impact of a feature wall by using offcuts of the same wallpaper to panel the cupboard inserts. cupboardsthetotheheadboardforacohesivelook
|70 SEPTEMBER 2022
Add
Match
Do it Woven rope stool, £165, Cox & Cox. Laundry baskets, £170 each, both Ashcroft range at Neptune. Cream tags, £1 for 10, Hobbycraft. (On stool) floral towels, from £7.99 for a hand towel, Zara Home
Utilise an alcove for a laundry store Chunky shelves and some lovely woven baskets is all it takes to create a home for linens. Fix the bottom shelf high enough to fit laundry baskets beneath. Give it a twist Hang a simple linen curtain on a rail across the alcove when you want to hide it all away.
FEATURE PHILLIPSNICKY PHOTOGRAPHS HENDERSONJOANNA STYLING GEARGEMMA 71|SEPTEMBER 2022 CLEVER DECORATING
WONDEROCEAN Coral in Peach Blush, £80 a roll, MissPrint Catch an underwater-inspired motif that’s sure to make a splash SHORE LINE Ride the Wave in Denim, £45 a roll, Scion FISH TALES Lagoon in Multi, £13.99 a roll, Albany Wallpaperat Direct INTO THE DEEP Moby, £62 a roll, Bobbi Beck Wallpapers WITH WOW SEA SHAPES Shell Yeah! in Pale Pink and Pastels, £49 a roll, Lust Home FEATURE HIGGINSLAURA 73|SEPTEMBER 2022
From a palette of bright colours to dark schemes check out our colour ideas for hallways
Create a comforting, cosy vibe in your hallway with beautiful rich tones, such as the berry colour on this panelled wall. This look is super snug and wintry, with a draughtexcluding curtain that will keep your home wonderfully warm. Mix in blues and whites, like the blue and white leaf-print curtain pictured to make sure it’s more than suitable for the sunniest of seasons, too. This colour works a treat for a rustic look with natural wood flooring and distressed furniture, but it’s also great for smarter styles. Give it a glam edge with gold details and accessories and a plush runner on the floor. Make a great first impression in your hallway with a calming, soft grey shade. Create a restful feel with dove grey by using two shades on the wall for contrast. This soft mid-tone grey makes a great neutral base. Create a subtle contrast by painting the wall under the dado rail a darker tone and use a paler shade above. GO FOR SOFT GREYS
Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE
2
|74 SEPTEMBER 2022
1 Make deepimpactanwithpurple
4 Liven up a white hallway with colour on the stairs
WELCOME HINTS OF3
An imaginative staircase can do wonders to transform a hallway in an instant. Add some personality to a white hallway with the addition of an accent colour painted on the stairs. Less is so much more with this modern approach to a hallway colour scheme. Go for any colour you love, painting it on staircase risers and drawing attention to them with brilliant white treads and backdrop.
A ladder for storing blankets makes a stylish feature
NATURAL GREEN 75|SEPTEMBER 2022 EASY UPDATES Love it
Get back to nature with beautiful botanical shades and motifs in your hallway. Even a soft hint of green on the walls adds impact when looking to create a serene and welcoming space. If you have period features, put them centre stage with pared-back hallway colour schemes. Or you could use a different paint colour to highlight features such as dado-height panelling or skirting boards.
Hang striking artwork Choose a large-scale artwork or a collection of pictures and hang it in your hallway for an easy way to add character to your colour scheme. Pick something you love, as you will inevitably see it a lot while moving throughout your home. Consider your choice of wall paint and how it will best show off your artwork – the brilliant white walls here look fantastic, and really show off the bright blue details.
MIX AND MATCH YOUR5
Use your hallway as a place to experiment with complementary colours. This cheerful scheme has boldly mixed coral pink with a teal blue – opposite colours on the colour wheel – and it works so well. The pink tone of the wallpaper is matched with a runner to add an element of co-ordination, allowing the blue painted sideboard to really stand out. 6
COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS |76 SEPTEMBER 2022
7 Live naturelau
8 WELCOMEAMBIENCEWITHDARKAND
‘PUTPERIODFEATURESCENTRESTAGEBYUSINGDIFFERENTPAINTCOLOURSTOHIGHLIGHTMOODYCOLOURSDADO-HEIGHTPANELLINGORSKIRTINGBOARDS’
Add an extra shot of colour with ombré furniture
77|SEPTEMBER 2022 EASY UPDATES Love it
Brooding dark walls are becoming more popular in modern homes and hallways are no exception. Using bold shades can create a dramatic effect and bring a cosy feel to the space. It’s often a misconception that a dark colour on the walls can make a room feel smaller, which can be the case in certain spaces. But more often than not it actually increases the sense of space because of the way the intense colour works to almost push the walls out.
Let nature take centre stage, the way it does in this hallway, which is packed with natural elements, from the colour palette to the rustic materials in the wooden stairs and exposed stone wall on the landing at the top. Pick a stone-inspired grey shade for hallway walls to tie in with the natural tones. For tighter spaces, opt for a lighter grey to help bounce light around, but if your space is flooded with light make an impact and go for added drama with a dark grey. Choose a stair runner to co-ordinate with the walls – a vertical stripe leading up the stairs is a clever trick for a narrow space as it draws the eye up to the light to give a feeling of more space. White woodwork and ceilings are another stylist’s trick to boost the light levels.
9Make cheeryhappyhallwayawithyellow
Make a allspindlesbanisterswoodscheme.modernisecontraststaircasetheimpact.thebench,sunshinecomplementsstaircolour.powerfuladdingschememonochromepopbyasmallbutpunchofThelemonrisertheyellowaddingjustrightamountofPickingoutwoodworkonainaboldcolourwillyourHere,ablackstainmakestheandstandoutfortherightreasons.
10 ADD A BOLD ‘CREATE A HALLWAY THAT CAN CHANGE WITH YOU USING A MIX OF COLOUR, PATTERN AND HARDWORKING FURNITURE THAT’S EASY TO LIVE WITH’ CONTRAST Cut motifs from wallpaper and mount in a frame as botanical art |78 SEPTEMBER 2022
Let the sunshine in with cornfield yellows and rustic woods – all inspired by nature’s best. Light up a gloomy understairs space with a rich butter-yellow wallcovering featuring a super-sized foliage motif – the perfect spot for a clever hallway storage idea like the one shown here, which includes a bench with hooks for bags and coats and a handy shelf below. To make that ‘wow’ first impression, the key is to be brave with colour combinations and even pattern. As this stunning hallway proves, an accent pop of sunshine yellow looks light and inviting when paired with brilliant white. Keep the look focused using accent colours purely on woodwork or a feature wall and stick to a neutral shade in the main areas.
FEATURE WALSHHOLLY PHOTOGRAPH DULUX
DECORATE WITH11 12
a look that will relax you as soon as you walk through the front door. Lighten the look by mixing in painted wooden furniture in a classic country style. Avoid bold blues in favour of soft stone, pale sand, pebble-grey and shell pink.
Think chic without the shabby! Swap the floral-patterned wallpapers of classic country style for crisp, painted walls and matching woodwork for a simple streamlined backdrop. Go for sun-bleached simplicity
DUCK EGG BLUE 79|SEPTEMBER 2022 EASY UPDATES Love it
This new modern rustic style takes elements of traditional country looks, but gives them a smarter edge that will suit any home.
Bring homeholidaythevibewitha relaxed, characterfulreclaimed-woodcoastalscheme.beach-inspiredCombineweatheredcolours,unfussyfurnitureandseasidemotifsfor
Combine fresh, juicy brights to add some zest to your decor SPLURGESTEAL versus Blow the budget with these top picks SPLURGE £238 Pair of outdoorBlissbarchairs,Cuckooland £42 TwillNationalthrow,YellowTrust £32.99 Mint Green wall clock, Homescapes £78.99 Lemons picture frameWayfairpainting, £28 Diggins set of two puddingceramicbowlsinBurntCustard,Loaf £275 School pendant light 7200 Green with White interior, Original BTC PULL UP A SEAT |80 SEPTEMBER 2022
Twilight Ditsy wallpaper in Gold, £48 a roll, Joules x Graham & Brown FEATURE HIGGINSLAURAALLOW A BUSY PRINT ON WALLS TO REALLY POP BY FRAMING IT WITH PLAIN PANELLING BELOW STEAL Grab a style bargain with these budget buys £8.95 Graphic Amalfi poster, Desenio £36 Kinsley metal shade in Gloss Green, £36, Där Lighting £24 Acctim Clocks Rhea Cool Mint wall£24,clock,Very £199 Anyday pair of spindle dining chairs in Mustard, John Lewis & Partners £10.95 Dipped glaze Yellow bowl, The Northern Line £19.99 Woven throw, £19.99, M&Co TOEASYFIT 81|SEPTEMBER 2022 SPLURGE VERSUS STEAL Buy it
|82 SEPTEMBER 2022
‘It feels lovely TOTAL £5,984 TURN OVER FOR MY SHOPPINGLIST
ABOUT ME I’m Laurie Davidson, an interior stylist and (@lifeofaninteriorstylist).writerIlive in a three-bedroom 1930s semidetached in Ewell, Surrey, with my boyfriend Wayne, an IT engineer, and our cats Chas and Dave. We bought the house in 2010. THE CHALLENGE I was using our spare bedroom as a bit of a dressing room previously, but it had open rails and always looked messy. Plus with nothing in the middle of the room it felt like an underused space. MY WISH LIST Storage, and lots of it, for all our clothes! I wanted to shut them all away behind closed doors, but still have the feel of a dressing room.
CLEVER CORNER ‘The doors here open right back so it’s easy to access everything’
COME ON IN!
TROPICAL TREAT ‘I went for a bold print wallpaper, but made sure it had some green in to tie in with the wardrobes on the other side of the room’ IDEA TO STEAL ‘Keep bags and hats off the floor by hanging them on hooks or a ladder’
Coming up with a plan After doing lots of research on Pinterest
I knew I wanted something smarter, where my clothes were hidden away but easily accessible. That’s where My Fitted Bedroom came in… They sent a designer round who gave us lots of advice on how we could best use the space. He brought lots of different door samples, so we could see the styles and colours close up.
Transforming a spare bedroom with fitted wardrobes not only gave Laurie plenty of clothes storage, but also created her dream dressing room
Our spare room has never really been used as a bedroom, but it also didn’t do its job as a dressing room particularly well,’ says Laurie. ‘We’d put in a wall-hung open rail system and in my mind, the room was going to look lovely and sophisticated. In reality, it just looked messy and the middle of the room was empty. And unless you have a carefully curated capsule wardrobe (which I definitely don’t), the clothes don’t look ordered or neat.
Smart storage After measuring up, the designer created a proposed design on his iPad, with rails, drawers and pull-out sections it really helped bring it to life, as we could see it from every angle and could be sure we were happy with the finished design. What I really liked was that all the wasted areas we’d had before, like the corners of the room, would now be
and ORGANISED’
Now, usually I go for a neutral colour palette, but as soon as we saw the Luna door fronts in Clover a gorgeous deep green, we loved the look of them. I thought I knew what I wanted, but the designer had so many ideas I wouldn’t have thought of. He suggested an island unit to make the most of the middle of the room, which I loved, as it gave it a glamorous touch, plus even more storage!
83|SEPTEMBER 2022 Love itDRESSING ROOM MAKEOVER
COMPARTMENTSCOMPACT ‘I bought little compartmentsstoragetoputin the drawers, to keep make-up neat and easy to find’
MAKE-UPSTATION ‘I thought about wall lights here, but I prefer the table lamp as it gives a soft glow’
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Add LED strip lights above the wardrobes for aambience’sophisticated
Think about the space you need – you may not have a spare room, but do you have extra floor space in a bedroom or even an alcove?
Fitted wardrobes make the best use of space. Choose your rails and drawers depending on how you prefer to store your clothes. Don’t forget to factor in storage for shoes, handbags and accessories. Get the lighting right. Position a dressing table next to a window if possible, or opt for spot lighting to highlight a mirror. Do it! PLAN A ROOMDRESSING
Before you begin, decide if your dressing room will be for clothes only, or if you’ll need a dressing table too. And do you want a glamorous or minimalist look?
Love itDRESSING ROOM MAKEOVER
Focusing on decor With the wardrobes on order, I turned my attention to the rest of the decor and flooring. Originally the room had carpet, but it was old and I decided on hard flooring instead. I would have liked a light wood, but our flooring downstairs is grey and I wanted the two to work together so in the end I went for a greige. I also wanted to add some pattern to the room to give it some interest, which I did by introducing a bold wallpaper on one wall – it’s a tropical bird print from 1838 Wallcoverings. It’s a brave choice for me, but the toucan print makes me smile. I also chose a gorgeous blind from Scion Living for our large window with curtains on top to make the scheme feel indulgent. Make-up station Lastly, I chose a new dressing table – a wood and rattan design that sits in the alcove right next to the window and gives me a space to put on make-up. The wardrobes were fitted in just two days transforming the room the instant they went in. I can’t tell you how much I love them and the whole space feels super glamorous – I wish I’d done it years ago!
Where to buystyleLaurie’s Bespoke Luna wardrobes in Clover, £5,000, My Fitted Bedroom. Quick-Step Vibrant Greige Oak laminate flooring, £17.95sq m, Flooring Mountain. Made-to-measure blind in Tocca Putty, from £20.80m, Scion Living. Cartmel Linen voile, £66 per curtain, Dunelm. For a similar dressing table, try the Nijkerk console, £217.99, Wayfair. Le Toucan Emerald Green bird wallpaper, £85 a roll, 1838 Wallcoverings. Natural bamboo ladder, £35; Natural Tahiti table lamp, £55; beauty products, from a selection, all Next. Milan large round mirror, £99, Marks & Spencer. Wish wooden chair, £159, Cult Furniture. For a similar pendant light, try Wild woven rattan pendant, £219, Maisons du Monde. Yamazaki Tosca accessory stand, £22.40, John Lewis & Partners. 85|2022
–ICANPUSH
SHOE IN ‘Pull-out shelves for shoes, drawers, display cubbies and a full-length mirror make a perfect, flexible wardrobe’ STYLISH STORAGE ‘We chose to have the island in white, rather than the same green, to break it up a bit.’
SEPTEMBER
GILESDAVID ‘HAVINGCASTORSONTHEISLANDISGREAT
ITASIDEIFIWANTTOPUTLAUNDRYINHERETODRY’
FEATURE DAVIDSONLAURIE PHOTOGRAPHS
used, so we gained lots of storage. We were asked if we wanted the wardrobes taken up to the full height of the room, but decided to leave a little bit of space above for LED lighting and a few plants.
You can discover more handy tips on creating a smart dressing room at idealhome.co.uk
TO BRING IN DETAIL THROUGH CHOICE OF FINISH AND DOOR STYLES
How deep should they be?
Laurie’s choice:
In general they do, although in a period property with high ceilings, coving and picture rails, it’s best if they didn’t cover over these architectural features.
Having fitted wardrobes installed is a big investment, so you may choose to play it safe and opt for a neutral. But if later down the line you want to add a splash of colour, you can, provided you use the correct materials. Use a specialist primer, such as Zinsser, to ensure the paint adheres to whatever the surface is. Once prepped, you can use furniture paint of your choice. Can they cause damp? This can be a problem if wardrobes are fitted to an outside wall, as the air inside can become trapped against the cold outside air. Many bespoke fitted wardrobes will be made without a back panel to avoid this possibility. Can you remove fitted wardrobes?
Need to revamp your bedroom storage? Investing in fitted wardrobes will provide you with heaps of extra space
Old fitted wardrobes can be removed if you want, or replaced by more modern designs. In theory, they can be dismantled and removed to relocate – say if you’re moving house and want to keep them –but it’s not ideal due to the bespoke nature of the designs. Walls will simply need to be repaired and redecorated to the same finish as the remaining walls.
M any of our homes lack the bedroom storage we really need, but fitted wardrobes will max out every scrap of space, whether a made-to-measure or budget-friendly, off-the-peg solution.
Should fitted wardrobes go from floor to ceiling?
FITTED WARDROBES
IDEA TO STEAL Add a versatile island on castors
FEATURE PARKERJACKY PHOTOGRAPH GILESDAVID |86 SEPTEMBER 2022 Love it DRESSING ROOM MAKEOVER
FITTED WARDROBES ARE A GREAT WAY Use the height as well as the width of the room but leave enough floor space so it isn’t cramped
According to Hammonds, the minimum internal depth for hanging clothes is 55cm, which seems to be the industry standard. A manufacturer that designs its own fitted furniture can create any depth of wardrobe to suit the customer’s needs. Can you paint them?
Name Address Postcode Tel Email PANSYRUFFLES COLLECTION StyleAtHomeReaderOffers T&Cs: Offercloses31stAugust2022.PleasenoteyourcontractforsupplyofgoodsiswithHayloft,Manor Farm,Pensham,WorcsWR103HB.FullT&Csavailableonrequest.Allitemsaresubjecttoavailability. Allorderswillreceiveanorderacknowledgement.Occasionallytheadvertiseddeliverydatemay change,however,thiswillbeclearlystatedonyourorderconfirmation.OfferavailabletoUKaddressesonly.Readeroffercannotbeusedinconjunctionwithanyotherpromotionsordiscounts. CODEDESCRIPTION PRICEQTY TOTAL ROSH-31PR5 PansyRufflesCollectionx5(1ofeach) £15 ROSH-31PR10PansyRufflesCollectionx10(2ofeach) £22 ROSH-31PR15PansyRufflesCollectionx15(3ofeach) £30 ROSH-31PF1 PlantFood1kgbagx1 £17 Postageperorder £5.951 £5.95 TOTAL Aflamboyant flurryofbi-colouredspring blooms,these cottagegarden favouriteshave beenspeciallybredtogiveupright growth andruffled, heat-tolerant flowers.FromMarch to July,frillyflowersin complementary shadesofpurple,pink, yellow andwhitebloom above compact, evergreenfoliage,illuminating your garden.Perfect forfillingbaskets, windowboxes, containers,borders, androckeries.Suppliedasyoung plants, deliveryfromSeptember. FROMJUST £2 EACH Card number Startdate Expirydate Issueno CV2 Or send coupon to Style At Home ReaderOffer,POBOX 2020,PershoreWR109BP TOORDERVISITHAYLOFT.CO.UK/ROSHORCALL01386426245QUOTEROSH rare|u nusual |exc iting In association with Wanttogettheverybestoutof yourplants?Tryournew,exclusive, anduniqueblendofplantfoodfor evenmorebloomsthroughoutthe season.Thisuniqueblendofwatersolubleplantnutrientswillencourage strongerandmorevigorousgrowth, simplyaddtoyourwateringcan.A 1kgbagwillmakeupto2,000litresof premiumfeed. DON’TFORGETYOUR PLANTFOOD! PurplewhiteRim Yellow SoftLavender DarkHeart Wine
COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Crowley-Wroe,Emilyagarden designer (april-house.co.uk), and I live here with my husband Shaun and daughters Eve, 12, and Eleanor, eight, in a 1880s fivebedroom, semi-detached, listed house in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.
IDEA
‘It’s our own
to make
so
CHOOSING PLANTS ‘The deep bed here allows me to play with larger plants. Diverse foliage gives structure, texture and colour’ SPLIT LEVEL ‘The raised dining space is framed by a green-oak pergola with beams in one corner for a swing seat. If we have people over, we can move the table to the main area’ TO STEAL ‘I asked a local company horizontal panels spaces you can’t see through them’
|88 SEPTEMBER 2022
without
THE CHALLENGE Our L-shaped rear garden had broken fence panels and was pretty empty and devoid of atmosphere. MY WISH LIST We wanted a garden full of exotic plants, along with an area where we could place furniture or exercise.
Once I was sure about what I wanted to include, I set about factoring in where everything should go. I surveyed the space, which included measuring the boundaries in relation to the house, noting the position of the sun throughout the year, checking the soil type and drawing a scale plan to create the new design. It’s an important part of designing an outdoor space and something that really helps make a garden a success.
Focus on plants I also made a separate plan for the planting, which was equally important as this helped me decide where to put each plant depending on its growth habit and whether it likes sun or shade. For our garden, I looked for hardy exotic
Faced with a drab garden, decidedEmilytofillit with exotic plants, vibrant colour and a flexible outdoor living area
TROPICAL OASIS’
W hen we moved house in 2017, we realised the rear garden had been glossed over in the particulars,’ says Emily. ‘It had broken fence panels, depressing flagstones and some sad-looking pots. It needed to be given a new lease of life and some personality added to it. Luckily
TOTAL £8,800 TURN OVER FOR MY SHOPPINGLIST 89|SEPTEMBER 2022 GARDEN MAKEOVER Love it
I began studying garden design in 2018, so the timing was right to use our own garden as a case study for the course.
Perfect vision I knew I wanted an outside room that felt spacious and connected to the modern rear of our house, with lots of exotic plants that would transport us somewhere far away and dreamy… a complete contrast to the cottage garden at the front. I started developing my wish list, which included having an area where we could eat, several spaces to sit and pockets of planting that would be roomy enough for some big feature plants to add atmosphere to the garden
Next steps
|90 SEPTEMBER 2022
There are four different types of lighting when it comes to outdoor spaces: ambient (to add atmosphere), task (so you can see to barbecue or read), security (for safety and to deter intruders) and feature lighting (to bring your garden to life). To begin with, decide on the areas you want to light and what your key features are. Will you need more light in your cooking and eating areas, for example? Do you have steps or a steep incline that you’ll need to illuminate? Vary heights, from floor lanterns and floor spots set into decking, to overhead pendants, wall lights or a canopy of twinkly fairy lights. Highlight areas of the garden, such as trees or borders, water features or sculptures. LED spike spotlights can be pushed into the ground and angled upwards, or combine two or three spotlights for an elegant result. Add drama by positioning lights so that they make an exciting feature of your trees and foliage after dark.
LOTS OF LAYERS ‘Having raised beds and ground-level beds means I can add height and create a layered look. It’s easier to maintain raised beds and there’s less digging into compacted ground, too’
Do it! PLAN YOUR GARDEN LIGHTING
TOP TIP ‘An outdoor rug adds colour and helps define a seating area’
FEATURE HILLKATE PHOTOGRAPHS ORMELIZZIE
For similar blue chairs, try Acapulco in Blue, £85 for two, Homebase. For a similar swing seat, try Reelak, £195, La Redoute. For a similar outdoor rug, try Green Decore, £58.99 for a 120x180cm design, Robert Dyas. For similar orange chairs try Southbury 2, £179.99 for two chairs and a table, Wayfair. For similar lanterns, try Bloomsbury lantern candle holders, £40 for two, John Lewis & Partners plants in complementary colour combinations with striking foliage.
The transformation took four weeks and we spent £8,800, not including the labour. Even though it’s a small garden, we have plenty of space for a multitude of activities all year round. We’ve had nights around the fire pit, yoga and HIIT sessions and we have also discovered that it makes an excellent dance floor!’
Where to buy Emily’s style
‘THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE GARDEN, BOTH DAY AND NIGHT AND EVEN IN THE RAIN WITH THE SOUND
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Potted plants can be moved for seasonal variety in the planting and decking areas’ lights above it, along with a few lanterns dotted about on the decking. I chose a bright turquoise dining set, along with a hanging chair, and chairs and a coffee table for another seating spot. I went for vibrant colours, and added outdoor rugs and tropical-look cushions Year-round fun
You can discover more handy tips on creating a smart garden at idealhome.co.uk
SEATING AREA
‘The hanging chair offers a more relaxed way to spend time outside – plus it’s easy to store away in winter’
91|SEPTEMBER 2022 GARDEN MAKEOVER Love it
Maximising space As the garden is just 57 square metres, I decided to deck the whole space and add a mix of planting beds and raised beds for height. The decking is laid on a 45-degree angle to make the space feel larger, especially in the narrower part of the garden. Cutting the boards at an angle was time-consuming, but this was key to making the garden feel more expansive, and we added lighting in the area where there’s a step to make it safe at night. That’s not the only lighting either – we also added a pergola and strung fairy OF DROPLETS ON THE BIG LEAVES, IS WONDERFUL’
F rom creating the perfect patio to delightful decking spaces, these grass-free garden ideas are perfect for those who don’t have the time, space or energy for a lawn.
Emily’s choice:
NO-MOW GARDEN
Pile on the patio tiles
You don’t need a long rolling lawn to achieve that English country garden look – nestle a variety of different flowers in pots among deep gravel to give the space that well-tended feel. Alternatively, create a perennial beach vibe with a shingle landscape – think deckchairs as seating and plant rosemary, sea kale and cabbage palms, among others.
If a small garden is something you’re struggling with, choose easy-to-care-for decking. Hard landscaping can leave some feeling a little cold, so combine timber decking and gravel for a warmer feel that will soften a garden without grass. Lay gravel or shingle
Swap the time and effort of looking after a high-maintenance lawn for these easy-care grassless garden alternatives
Widen your borders Losing a lawn doesn’t have to mean sacrificing greenery. Take your borders deep across the width of your garden, leaving small channels of moss or wood chippings so you are able to easily tend to plants and shrubs. Go faux with fake grass Swap the lawn mower for a vacuum cleaner – yes, a vacuum cleaner – and lay artificial grass. The latest designs are far more realistic than you might imagine.
FEATURE CUTMOREAMY PHOTOGRAPH ORMELIZZIE |92 SEPTEMBER 2022
After adopting one of these no-mow schemes, you can sell or give away that mower, freeing up space in the shed.
Laying decking at a 45-degree angle makes Emily’s 57sq m garden feel much more expansive
KEEP MAINTENANCE LOW BY PICKING PLANTS
IDEA TO STEAL Include a raised bed to add height to borders
AND SHRUBS THAT REQUIRE LITTLE UPKEEP, SUCH AS FATSIA, BAMBOO AND HYDRANGEAS
For a contemporary way to cover your garden, use extra-large paving slabs. You will cover the ground fast, with minimal gaps between where weeds might grow. If you want to take a patio further, run limestone paving slabs throughout, with paths leading to individual areas for dining, sunbathing and pottering with plants. Use flower beds to soften the landscaping. Optforeasy-caredecking
Similar washi tape, from £2.85 for three, Hobbycraft FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM Do it THIS MONTH’S Brighten up a plain wooden chair with rainbow stripes. Cut lengths of different colours and patterns of washi tape and stick around the back of the chair, leaving irregular gaps between each. Join at the bottom so the overlap can’t be seen. Pick retro tapes in co-ordinating colours and patterns 93|SEPTEMBER 2022 STRIPED CHAIR Do it
TH EH OM EO FG RE AT ID EA SF OR MOR ET HA N1 00 YEARS ◆ RO OM DE CO RI DE AS ◆ EX PE RT BU YI NG GU ID ES &R EVIEWS ◆ RE NO VATI ON &D IY AD VI CE ◆ HO USE MA NU AL MU ST -R EA DS Brand new look!
CLEANING STORAGE FINANCES GARDEN DIY GREAT STUFF TO EAT, TRY & DO!INSIDE Upcycle tin cans to make colourful herb planters. Make sure they’re clean and dry, before spray-painting the outside of each can in a different colour. Leave to dry and apply a second coat if needed. Once completely dry, fill with potting mix and plant with your favourite herbs. Display on a windowsill ready to snip leaves to add to your recipes. TRY THIS... P99 DE-GRIME DECKING P96 HOME OFFICE STORAGE FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM QUICK PICK P106 MAKE BEESWAX WRAPS 95|SEPTEMBER 2022
MOUNTAPEGBOARD
Home office STORAGE
You could buy an off the shelf board, or have a go at making this one yourself. All you need is a piece of MDF cut to size and a drill with a 15mm bit for the holes. Use tester pots to create a two-tone paint job and slot in pieces of dowelling to hang Washi tape, and other stationery.
Stash your stationery and organise your paperwork to keep on top of things at home OUT OF SIGHT
The latest WFH trend, a ‘cloffice’ is a combination of ‘closet’ and ‘office’ – or in other words, a desk in a cupboard. It has the benefit of everything getting hidden away behind closed doors when work is done.
Only a few years ago, working from home was something most of us did very rarely, if at all. But how things have changed! Now, and possibly forever, our routines will involve some element of home working – meaning keeping your office-related essentials neatly stored at the end of the working day is vital in ensuring you keep your home and study space separate. Almost any space in our home can work as a place to do business. But regardless of whether you have a separate study, are conference calling from a desk in the bedroom or are working on the kitchen table, good storage will make things a lot easier.
HIDEEVERYTHINGINA‘CLOFFICE’
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WAKEUP YOURWALLS Keep clutter from overtaking a small desk with this feature wall idea using Ikea kitchen storage. Start with a pinboard as your anchor point and add a couple of wall-mounted pockets and mini shelves dotted around it to hold all your smaller bits and bobs.
SPACEWORKMINI WORK
OF DRAWERS 97|SEPTEMBER 2022 Love itSTORAGE
Just because you have to have this bulky office gadget to hand doesn’t mean it has to impose on your decor. By removing the second-from-bottom drawer from a chest of drawers you have a neat space for a printer. For an extra decorative touch change the legs on the chest, to offer a less ‘officey’ look.
PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM HOUSE
Keep all the bits and pieces you need to hand by storing them in a mobile storage cart. Go for a trolley on castors that can be slotted underneath a desk so it can be rolled out of sight when you’ve finished working. Choose a tiered trolley to help you keep the contents organised and use plastic cartons and shallow trays inside each tier so you can keep small-scale items separate. Try Ikea or Hobbycraft for a similar trolley on wheels.
OTHERWISE BORING STATIONERY AND PAPERWORK AWAY, A DRAWER ORGANISER WILL KEEP YOUR WORKSPACE NEAT’ IN A
SETUPAFREESTANDING FAMILYHUB Keep the dinner table free by squeezing in a mini landing table for the family laptop. Go for a compact, floor-standing design, with a couple of shelves and position by a memo board for notes and reminders.
AMY CUTMORE, DIGITAL EDITOR YOUR PRINTER WITH MOVEABLE FURNITURE ‘IDEAL FOR HIDING CHEST
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Whattodo THIS MONTH
A s summer draws to a close, you’ll want to continue to enjoy your home, indoors and out. Set aside a dry day to scrub up your decking, and try our natural deterrent to keep dozy flies at bay. How about creating a movie night outdoors? And if you’re in the mood for a bit of DIY, spruce up your front door with pretty house number planters. Choose a headboard with storage
Get your home organised and looking its tip-top best with these easy cleaning and DIY hacks
If bedroom storage is in short supply, ditch the usual style of a metal or upholstered headboard in favour of a wooden design with a shelf for storage and a surface area where you can place things. This means you can do away with bulky bedside tables, as you’ll have a convenient spot to stash your bedtime reading. Go one better and install wall lamps, too.
GIVE REFRESHDECKINGYOURA
TIME AT HOME Do it
3 Depending how much moss and algae has built up will determine whether or not you need the addition of a pressure washer. If you have a composite deck, avoid using a pressure washer as it can damage the surface. Warm water and washing up liquid should do the trick instead.
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PERK UP TIRED DECKING WITH A LICK OF FRESH PAINT OR USE A STAIN TO PROTECT THE WOOD KEEP FLIES AWAY
2 To gently remove any surface dirt and grime, use a solution of washing up liquid in warm water. Be careful not to over-scrub with anything harshly abrasive and avoid rubbing against the grain, as that can leave marks.
The best way to get rid of flies is by making sure your home is clean and free of any sugary substances, spills or uncovered kitchen waste. Also, anything that contains essential oils such as lemongrass or peppermint will help keep flies at bay. These natural fragrances give off a strong smell that deters flies from entering your home. They also hate the scent of cinnamon, so you could use a cinnamon-infused air freshener or scented candle – although you might not want your home to smell like a Christmas grotto during the summer months!
4 If your decking is particularly dirty, then a more stringent cleaning option might be required. Ronseal Decking Stripper will leave your decking pristine. Leave it on for around 30 minutes then scrub with warm water and wash off with a hose.
MAKE A SPACE TO RELAX
1 It’s best to work when the day is clear and the deck is totally dry; allow a few days to pass if there has been a downpour. First, give the decking a thorough sweep, using a brush to get debris from between the grooves as best you can.
5Apply at least two coats of your chosen colour, sanding and cleaning in between each coat. Once dry, carefully remove the tape.
2For old, previously painted boards, make sure any holes or dents are filled, dust and dirt is removed, then give them a light sand and a wipe down with a damp cloth.
IF YOUR PAINT IS WATER-BASED, USE A SYNTHETIC BRUSH AS NATURAL BRISTLES CAN SOAK UP TOO MUCH PAINT MAKE AN OUTDOOR CINEMA
GREAT NEAT FINISH
1Using masking tape, stick down the edge of newspaper or sheeting as close to the skirting boards as possible so there is no gap between the floor and the board. This avoids any drips or slips damaging your flooring.
3Next, apply decorators’ tape along the base of the wall, where it meets the top of the skirting to ensure a crisp, clean line and prevent paint getting on the walls.
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Aside from a screen, a projector and your chosen movie, to create the perfect outdoor cinema experience you might want to think about setting up a cosy seating area for you and your friends to relax in. Warm blankets and cushions will go down a treat, especially as the evening turns cooler. Snacks and refreshments are a must-have, too, so grab a cool box or set up a barbecue nearby for interval snacks a-plenty.
PAINT ABOARDSSKIRTINGLIKEPRO
4For new, unpainted boards, using a primer will give a better finish, although some paints have it built in. If not, apply primer with a good quality brush, leave to dry, give a light sand, then wipe. Follow with a second coat. Before starting with the first layer of chosen paint, give it a light sand and wipe again.
Create numberhouseplanters Jolly up your doorway with fun numbered planters. You’ll need large-ish terracotta pots and paint in a couple of colours. Use masking tape to create the outline of your door numbers, then with a small brush, fill in the shapes with paint. Allow to dry then do a second coat. Remove the tape and decorate around the numbers with simple freehand flowers using a fine brush.
FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COMTRADING;GARDENVALSPAR; 101|SEPTEMBER 2022 Do itTIME AT HOME
FRAME IT!
EASY GROWER A tasty spinach leaf from Italy, ‘Erbette’ has tender green leaves and stems
T he satisfaction of picking your own fresh produce is unbeatable. It’s the healthier option too, as you can grow things organically. Planting veggies is a great way to get the freshest greens on your plate, and just because we’re most of the way through summer doesn’t mean it’s too late. There are plenty of crops you can grow that will go on through the cooler months. Opt for easy vegetables like cut-and-comeagain winter leaves. They’re front runners in the time/reward ratio. Planting in raised beds or troughs is a good idea, as it adds a layer of protection if the ground freezes. Some easy-grow veg have the added benefit of aesthetic appeal. Swiss chard has lovely ornamental value, while kale can be worked into mixed planting, so they both can be stars of the kitchen garden.
Plant up GREENSLEAFY
Swiss chard’s colourful stems mean it’s an ornamental attraction too, particularly in winter when there’s not much other colour around in the garden. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to Perpetual spinach This grows well in even the toughest conditions, producing nutritious leaves all year round from just two sowings. A sowing in late summer will produce plants to keep you in leaves all winter and into the following spring. Sow seed in rows 45cm apart, with 30-40cm between them. If you want baby salad leaves grow them closer together as a cut-and-come-again crop. Leaves are ready for harvesting eight weeks after sowing. On large plants you can either cut the whole thing, or take a few leaves each time. Either way the leaves will shoot up again. Although it will produce leaves all winter without any special treatment, cover with a cloche to make sure they stay tender. Perpetual spinach is the easiest to grow but the leaves tend to be slightly coarser than those of annual spinach. However, the latter has a tendency to bolt in summer whereas perpetual spinach doesn’t.
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Now is the perfect time for growing lush leafy greens, which will keep your plate piled high until winter Chard This classic vegetable will keep you supplied with fresh green leaves virtually all year round. They can be used as cut-and-come-again leaves for your salads or allowed to grow larger to use as a fresh vegetable.
SOW A RAINBOW ‘Bright Lights’ is a variety of chard with ruby red and yellow stems
Kale
There are lots of varieties of this healthy veg, from dark green to deep red
The alternative at this time of year is to buy plug plants. Kale seedlings should be positioned 45cm apart, and planted firmly to the depth of the first set of leaves. Add granular fertiliser such as chicken manure pellets to improve the soil and keep the plants watered during dry spells. Harvest leaves while they are still young and tender, as older leaves can become tough and bitter. Start from the crown of the plant and work outwards, removing the stems with a sharp knife. This will encourage the plant to bush out and produce more tender side shoots.
GROWING YOUR OWN GREENS IS A REWARDING WAY TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR FOOD BILLS OVER THE WINTER
Salad leaves There’s a huge variety of easy-to-grow leaves you can try to keep your salad bowl filled through winter. Grow them right outside the back door in pots for handy snipping. The more you pick, the more leaves appear. For a constant supply with a bit of variety, choose a combination of any of the following: chicory, mizuna, rocket, mustard greens or lambs lettuce. They all look pretty and taste delicious. You can buy young plants, but it’s super-easy to sow your own seeds, and you’ll see results in a week or so. For an autumn crop, sow seeds in rows in late summer, protecting plants with cloches as temperatures start to cool.
FRESH AND FAB
This completely frost-hardy leafy green is a must in the winter vegetable garden as young leaves can be picked and enjoyed from autumn to mid-spring. To raise kale the traditional way for winter and spring greens, you’ll need to have sowed seeds from mid to late spring.
PRETTY GOOD Mix colourful veg with flowers to make this edible display attractive grow; it takes any amount of neglect, yet still looks good and produces leaves. Sow in a seed tray first then plant out the seedlings. Space them about 45cm apart. Sow in late spring for summer and autumn picking, and in late summer for a winter crop, although the first sowing will often carry on producing well into winter. You’ll get the best crop if you cover the plants with cloches to protect them from the worst of the weather.
SALAD DAYS Just-picked leaves from young lettuce plants like these are so sweet
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FEATURE WILSONSARAH: PHOTOGRAPHS PHOTOSTOCKALAMY
Revamp a worn-out DECKCHAIR SEAT
4 SEW THE SIDE SEAMS Fold the long edges of the fabric under by 1.5cm, then pin. Stitch the seams on both sides using a sewing machine, strong thread and a 100 or 110 size needle. Remove the pins as you go.
To work out the width of the channels your wooden dowels will slide into, measure from the top bar to the inside bar on both sides of your deckchair frame. This will be around 10cm.
WHY NOT PAINT THE WOODEN FRAMES IN A BRIGHT, CHEERY SHADE BEFORE RE-COVERING?
TAKE A SEAT Make a matching head-rest and secure in place with ribbons allow enough space for the wooden dowels to slide through. Repeat on the other side and sew in place.
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I f you have a preloved deckchair in the shed that’s seen better days, then now’s the time to give the seat a revamp so it can have its time in the sun again. Make sure to choose a hard-wearing outdoor fabric, such as cotton canvas, to ensure it withstands the elements and your efforts last for years to come.
7 ATTACH TO THE FRAME Thread the channels of your finished canvas sling into the deckchair frame. Insert the wooden dowels into the top and bottom channels to secure in place.
Give old deckchairs a new lease of life by re-covering in durable outdoor fabrics
YOU WILL NEED Deckchair SandpaperframeClear varnish Canvas fabric Tape measure Fabric scissors Sewing machine Strong thread 100-110 machine needle
6 CREATE THE CHANNELS Fold the first short edge of your fabric over by this channel measurement. Pin in place 2.5cm from the fold to
2 PREPARE THE FRAME Give the frame a good clean with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt or dust. Once dry, lightly sand the surface to remove any varnish or rough patches. Tighten any loose screws and replace any that have rusted. Apply a coat of clear outdoor wood varnish to help weatherproof the frame. Leave to dry.
3 CUT THE FABRIC Measure the length and width of the frame. Add a 3cm seam allowance to the width measurement. Cut canvas fabric to size using fabric scissors. If using a patterned fabric, be mindful of how the design will look on your finished deckchair.
1 REMOVE THE FABRIC Detach the existing canvas sling seat from the wooden frame. Either dispose of it if it’s unsalvageable or use the material for other projects.
5 MEASURE CHANNELSTHE
FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPH BARBER/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COMCAROLYN IDEA TO STEAL Co-ordinating outdoor cushions make great extra seating CHECK IT OUT Similar outdoor fabric, £39.50m, Just Fabrics 105|SEPTEMBER 2022 TIME AT HOME Do it
6 HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WRAPS To clean used wax wraps, wash them in cool water with a mild washing-up liquid. Store out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like hot pans.
YOU WILL NEED Cotton scrap fabrics Pinking shears Baking tray Baking paper Wax drops Paintbrush
WRAPSBEESWAX
Sprinkle wax drops onto fabric on a baking tray
3 ADD THE WAX DROPS Sprinkle some wax drops on top of the fabric, spreading the drops out to the very edges. Put in the oven on a very low heat, around 100C/below Gas 1, for five minutes. It’s possible to oversaturate your fabric, so it’s best to start with a small amount of wax first. Once the first amount of wax has melted, you can add more to the gaps on the fabric if needed.
Make reusable
DON’T EXPOSE YOUR WAX WRAPS TO HEAT, INCLUDING WASHING THEM IN WARM WATER, PUTTING THEM IN THE OVEN OR MICROWAVE, TO AVOID MELTING
2 LINE THE BAKING TRAY Line a baking tray with baking paper and position the fabric on top. Make sure the paper covers the tray entirely to avoid any wax getting on the tray.
For an
4 SPREAD THE WAX Once the wax has begun to melt slightly, remove the tray from the oven (remember to use oven gloves!!) and spread the wax around with the paintbrush until the whole surface is covered in melted wax.
FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPHYANDPROJECT CLEMOESME
Spread melted wax to cover the fabric
5 LEAVE TO SET Return the baking tray to the oven until the wax has completely melted. Peel the wax wrap from the baking paper and hang up to set. Once the wax has set, which should take about two minutes, they’re ready to be used to seal bowls, cover food and wrap up leftovers.
7 GIVE THEM A REFRESH If there are any creases that appear in your fabric wraps after use, simply sandwich them between two pieces of baking paper and use an iron on a very low setting to iron out the crinkles.
reusableturnalternativeeco-conscioustoclingfilm,yourscrapfabricintowaxwrappers
1 HEM YOUR FABRIC Begin by trimming the edges of your fabric scraps with pinking shears (scissors with a zig-zag edge). If you don’t have a pair, it’s a good idea to hem the fabric to stop it from fraying. Do this by turning all four edges over by 5mm, press, then turn over by another 5mm and press again. Machine sew close to the folded edges.
F or those looking to swap out single use food coverings like cling film and plastic sandwich bags, reusable wax wraps are the perfect eco-friendly alternative Once coated in a thin layer of beeswax, the cloths become waterproof and flexible to fold and mould around food items or containers. The heat of your hands will help release the natural adhesive to create a tight but breathable seal that will keep food fresh. If your wraps start to lose their stick, don’t throw them away! You can easily refresh your homemade wax wraps every six months or so simply by repeating steps 2-5 Your wraps will be as good as new again!
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IDEA TO STEAL Pick cotton prints to match your decor Look for wax drops with beeswax as well as pine resin, and either jojoba oil or coconut oil to help them stay flexible 107|SEPTEMBER 2022 TIME AT HOME Make it
TAKES 1HR 25 MINS, PLUS COOLING SERVES 10 125g natural yogurt 150ml extra virgin olive oil (we used Picualia) 275g caster sugar 3 eggs Zest of 1 orange and 2tbsp orange juice 375g plain flour 1tbsp baking powder 175g blackberries Icing sugar, to decorate (optional) YOU WILL NEED 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin, greased and lined with baking parchment
BIZCOCHOOLIVEBLACKBERRYOIL
|108 SEPTEMBER 2022 TIME AT HOMECook it
Put that punnet of berries to good use with this twist on a traditional Spanish sponge cake FRUITY FILLING
FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPHANDRECIPE FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM THE WEEKEND Something for
1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, olive oil, sugar, eggs, and orange zest and juice. Beat for 10 mins using an electric whisk. 2 Sift in the flour and baking powder, and stir gently until smooth. Gently fold in the blackberries, then tip the mixture into the prepared cake tin. 3 Bake for 50-55 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool the cake in the tin for 15 mins before running a knife along the sides and removing from the tin. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack. Dust the cake with icing sugar.
TRY USING A STENCIL TO CREATE A STRIKING PATTERN WITH ICING SUGAR ON THE TOP OF YOUR CAKE
Raid your recycling box for tin can lids and bottle tops to craft these upcycled flower toppers FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPH EUROPEOFPELARGONIUMS Makeit THIS MONTH’S Spray a tin can lid and bottle tops in your chosen colours. Once dried, use hot glue to stick a top in the middle of the lid and around the edge to create ‘petals’. Decorate with waterproof markers and glue the flowers onto wooden sticks. Push into pots of geraniumscolourful 109|SEPTEMBER 2022 BOTTLE TOP FLOWERS Make it
IDEA TO STEAL ‘Place your security camera indoors, facing the entrance’
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The standout feature of this cylindrical design is the ability to identify faces, not just react to noise and motion. As a result, you can be told when the kids get in from school, whether they’ve come back with ‘new’ friends and even receive a text when the cleaner shows up. The face detection technology isn’t flawless but it is reliable once it sees a face a few times and you can set the camera to only record unknown faces, so you don’t feel spied upon once you’re all home. Full HD 1080p video quality is great even in low light and thanks to the 8GB MicroSD card, you can store a week’s worth of content without the need for a cloud subscription.
REASON TO BUY The local storage, and can be linked up to a RATINGgoodTrickyREASONsecuritywidersystemTOAVOIDtofindareplacement
Buy the best SMART CAMERASSECURITY Install an app-controlled security camera and you can keep an eye on your property 24-7 wherever you are in the world BEST COMPLETE SECURITY SYSTEM CAMERA NETATMO WELCOME POWER EXTRASTWO-WAYRESOLUTIONWireless1080pAUDIO?YesCompatiblewith Alexa DIMENSIONS H15.5xDia4.5cm PRICE £180
Motion sensors trigger the camera to instantly start recording and send an alert to your smartphone if someone walks into shot. With more advanced wireless security cameras you can choose where in a room it senses motion. Noise sensors listen for extremes in sound before alerting you, such as breaking glass. This isn’t available on all wireless cameras.
The majority of Wi-Fi security cameras offer 720p HD resolution, which is perfectly acceptable for most needs, but cameras with 1080p HD will have sharper images.
YOUBEFOREBUY
Some Wi-Fi cameras work using voice-control systems, so you can simply say ‘set the alarm’ or ‘is the front door locked?’ To get the best features and memory capacity, you generally have to pay (from £2.99 to £7.99 a month) These services allow you to save between 14 and 31 days.
PRICE £179 Designed by the hugely respected Yves Béhar, Hive View is a stylish little camera. It can be mounted almost anywhere and the 5.6cm cube can even be removed and used remotely for up to an hour. We had no issues with setting up and adjusting settings is straightforward. It took a while to get the sensitivity levels on the alerts right, but it’s worth persevering to avoid false alarms. You get 24 hours of cloud recording for free, so you can look back over the day’s events, though you can upgrade for £3.99 per month which stores clips on the cloud for 30 days.
You’ll find plenty of Wi-Fi cameras costing around £70-100, but some can cost upwards of £150-200 per camera. These generally have the best image quality and most useful features.
REASON TO BUY Siren and spotlight included REASON TO AVOID Battery needs recharging RATING LENS ANGLE. MOST CAMERAS ARE 120-150° , BUT THERE ARE 180° MODELS AVAILABLE’
Mains powered wireless cameras can often have more features as battery life isn’t an issue, but you’ll have to hide more cables. Battery operated cameras are popular as you can install them anywhere.
Night vision is essential if you’re using the camera outside – with infrared LEDs they can pick out surprising levels of detail.
This outdoor camera has an LED spotlight and in-built alarm. Use the camera’s two-way audio to talk to someone outside, and you’ll receive an alert when motion is detected. The 110dB siren can be activated from your device and serves as a warning to your household and neighbours and a deterrent for unwanted visitors. All of this plus live view (available on your phone, tablet or PC) are included, and you can pay for a Ring Protect Plan if you want to record footage.
Smart cameras remotely alert you to unusual activity inside and outside the house – depending on where your cameras are. They can also be linked to smart products including Alexa or Google Home speakers so that, for example, if motion is detected by the front door, connected lights or sirens can be activated automatically.
111|SEPTEMBER 2022 TIME AT HOME Buy it
The majority of Wi-Fi cameras are designed for indoor use, but brands are developing all-weather designs with long-lasting batteries that can be mounted outside.
Work out which model best suits your needs
REASON TO BUY Two chic colourways available REASON TO AVOID You might like something more discreet RATING FEATURE HASLAMCHRIS ‘LOOK FOR A CAMERA WITH THE WIDEST POSSIBLE BEST CAMERA OVERALL RING SPOTLIGHT CAM BATTERY POWER PRICEDIMENSIONSEXTRASTWO-WAYRESOLUTIONWireless1080pAUDIO?YesLEDspotlight,sirenH12.6xW7.59xD6.91cm£180
BEST STYLISH SECURITY CAM HIVE VIEW POWER Wireless or wired RESOLUTION 1080p TWO-WAY AUDIO? Yes EXTRAS Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT DIMENSIONS H13.7xW8.8xD8.8cm
3Add the tomatomushroomsprocessedandthepuréetothepanandcookfor5 mins,stirring.Addtheredwine,kidneybeansandchoppedtomatoes,bringtotheboilandsimmerfor15mins,untilthickandreduced.Stiroccasionally.
MUSHROOM CHILLI TAKES 35 MINS SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS750gmixed mushrooms
2tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, chopped 2 carrots, diced 1-2 red chillies, chopped 1tsp cumin seeds ½tsp smoked paprika 3tbsp tomato purée 150ml red wine 410g tin of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 400g tin of chopped tomatoes TO SERVE 500g potato wedges Soured cream Grated cheese Salad 1 Slice 250g of the mixed mushrooms and set aside. Blend all of the remaining mushrooms in a food processor.
MAKE IT VEGAN BY SWAPPING THE GRATED CHEESE
2Heat the oil in a large pan and add the onion, garlic, carrots, chillies and spices. Cook on a low heat for 5 mins. Add the sliced mushrooms, turn up the heat and cook for a few minutes.
4 Meanwhile, cook the potato wedges according to the packet instructions. Spoon the mushroom chilli into bowls. Top with soured cream and grated cheese, and serve with the potato wedges and a side salad. AND SOURED CREAM FOR DAIRY-FREE ALTERNATIVES
DINNER TONIGHT? What’sfor &NICESPICY FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE
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TIME AT HOMECook it
This tasty, meat-free midweek meal is cheap, quick and easy, as well as super filling. Why not make extra for a leftovers lunch? PHOTOGRAPHANDRECIPE FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
1 AUTOMATIC BRIGHTNESS CONTROL An overly bright TV costs more to run, so look for those that have light sensors to detect the room’s brightness and will adjust the screen accordingly.
What runningincreasescost? Leaving the TV on standby will increase the annual running cost. ‘TVs and game consoles, which are usually left on standby, account for a worrying 19% of total electrical use in the average household, or 9% of the nation’s energy bill,’ says Matt Manning, group carbon and environment manager at Currys. HowelsecanIcutthe costofrunningaTV? If choosing a smaller TV screen isn’t an option, one way to save is to turn down the brightness. Factory settings are typically brighter than is necessary for most homes. Take it down to the lowest you’re happy with to reduce consumption. Any energy-savingothertips? Have the TV on less. While we’re not suggesting you limit yourself to one show a night, there are many of us who flick the TV on out of habit without really watching it. If it’s background noise you like, try putting on the radio, music or a podcast instead of reaching for the TV remote.
3 POWER ENERGY-SAVINGAND MODE
Rather than keep toggling the brightness settings on your TV, this mode will dim the backlight to help reduce your power consumption by up to a third. Great for the daytime; it can be switched back at night if needed.
3waysto SAVE ENERGY
113|SEPTEMBER 2022 TIME AT HOME Do it
2 SLEEP TIMER Whether you’ve nodded off or forgotten to switch off the TV before leaving the room, a sleep timer will turn the TV off after a few hours of no interaction.
How much electricity does a TV use? Plus easy ways you can trim your energy bills Y our television can be the most power-hungry of all your entertainment equipment, particularly the largest sets,’ says Brian Horne, senior insights and analytics consultant at the Energy Saving Trust. ‘The larger a TV screen, the more energy it will consume, regardless of its energy rating. ‘Even the most efficient 60-inch TV is still more expensive to run per year compared to the lowest-rated 32-inch model. By choosing a smaller TV, you are generally saving more energy.’ TVs are rated for energy efficiency on a scale of A–G, but since the scale was revised in March 2021, most will have an E-G rating. For an idea of energy usage, look at the kWh/1000h number on the label to work out how much it’ll cost to run over an average year (1,000 hours a year adds up to around two to three hours per day or about 19 hours a week). According to the Energy Saving Trust the national average price (as of April 2022) per pence/kWh of electricity is 34.1p. We have rounded it to 34p for illustrative purposes. Howmuchdoesa TVcosttorun? An example 55-inch LED TV (rated G) uses 103kWh over 1,000 hours of viewing. This means that it’ll cost £35.02 when in use. A similar 55-inch QLED TV (rated F) uses 77kWh over 1,000 hours of viewing, costing £26.18 to run. Size it up and the impact is noticeable. A G-rated 75-inch LED TV uses 171kWh over 1,000 hours of viewing, meaning that the cost is £58.14, while an E-rated QLED 75-inch uses just 107kWh in comparison, costing £36.38.
RUNNING TELEVISIONA PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
How to cut costs
Theone-stopeditofthe best modern styleinspiration anddesignideas
Kalpana Fitzpatrick shares her financial wisdom on how to combat increasing debt Take control of YOUR DEBT pay off the balance). Use an eligibility checker to make sure you are accepted – the best 0% deal will require a good credit score. Take a break If all you need is some breathing space to get back on your feet, then you may be able to use the government’s break in payments scheme, which lets you temporarily stop payments for 60 days without facing charges. To be eligible, you must live in England or Wales (in Scotland it’s the moratorium period) and have at least one qualifying debt, such as a credit card, rent, overdraft, utility bills, mortgage or tax payments. Apply via a debt charity such as Askfor ADVICE Use the Turn2Us missorg.uk)(benefits-calculator.turn2us.calculatortomakesureyoudon’toutonanybenefits.Ifyourcircumstanceshavechanged,seeifyoucangetacounciltaxreductionatgov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.Gethelpwithbudgetingatmoneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting.
T he rising cost of living has taken a grip recently, and many households are now feeling the pinch as energy prices, fuel, food and other everyday essential costs go up. One in three people* admit that they are struggling with essential bills and credit payments. If you are worried about falling into debt, there are some things you can do to tackle it.
If you have credit card debt and are paying interest, then shifting it to a credit card that offers a 0% balance transfer could save you hundreds of pounds. Some providers offer as much as 34 months’ interest free, meaning you can chip away at your balance without extra costs. There is a transfer fee, so do the maths first. (There are fee-free ones, but you’ll have fewer months to calculator at getrightcalculator.aspxdebt-info/debt-consolidation-stepchange.org/toseeifitisforyou.Youshouldalsofinancialadvicefirst.
Editor of TheMoneyEdit.com
If you have multiple debts, such as credit cards, buy now/pay later or personal loans, then you could bring them all together into one pot with a debt consolidation loan. But remember, this is not right for everyone; make sure that you can afford the monthly repayments and that you are reducing your costs. If you have a low credit score and a lot of debt, then again it may not be your best option. Use the StepChange PRIORITISE IMPORTANT DEBTS, SUCH AS MORTGAGE OR RENT, COUNCIL TAX, BILLS AND FINES
FEATURE FITZPATRICKKALPANA PHOTOGRAPH IMAGESGETTY *STEPCHANGE
Consolidate debt
StepChange (stepchange.org) or the National (nationaldebtline.org).DebtlineButremember,thisisonlyabreakinpayments–youwillhavetomakeupforthepaymentsonceitends.
TIME AT HOME
Shift to 0%
What do you owe? List all your debt and work out how much it is costing you by looking at the annual percentage rate (APR). Aim to shift the debt with the highest APR as fast as possible, as this is costing you the most. But be sure to make minimum payments on all your other debts first, including priority debts which should never be ignored. These include: mortgage/rent payments, secured loan arrears, utility bills, council tax, TV licence, tax payments, hire purchase agreements, child maintenance, missed payments owed to the government, and court fines.
115|SEPTEMBER 2022 Do it
Roundabouts RHS decoupage papers, £11.95, Annie Sloan FEATURE DURRANTSTEPHANIE PHOTOGRAPH SLOANANNIE Do it THIS MONTH’S Add wow with decoupage papers on stair risers. Make sure the surface is clean and dry, then cut the papers to size. Use decoupage glue to carefully adhere the papers, brushing out bubbles from the centre. Once glue is dry, seal with clear varnish. Paint the stair treads in ashadecomplementaryortone |116 SEPTEMBER 2022 DECOUPAGE STAIRSDo it
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