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HUNDREDS OF GREAT-VALUE IDEAS FOR EVERY ROOM

Gorgeous real homes full of tips and tricks 50 SUNNY UPDATES Bright buys from just £4

QUICK DINNERS and fresh picnic treats

Extreme makeover 6 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A FIXER UPPER

THRIFTY MAKES for crafting on a budget LET’S SHOP! All the latest must-haves

stylish ideas YH

LOV E S

! e n i h s n Hello su

■ EASY DIY PROJECTS l Whatever your skill leve ■ ECO KITCHENS Simple green switches ■ GO OUTDOORS! The best garden finds

The tap that does it all 100°C BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER With a Quooker in your kitchen you always have 100 °C boiling water alongside regular hot and cold.

Add a Cube and you will also have chilled, filtered sparkling water – all from the same tap. Interested?

Book a virtual experience with a Quooker expert. You control the appointment and what you see.

For further details and to book your appointment, scan the QR code or visit quooker.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER

You can

Editor’s portrait Jesse Wild

do it! ere at Your Home, we love to see your decoration, DIY and craft projects, and I really do believe that you are the most creative lot. Like our cover star, Karen, who turned an unloved garage into a gorgeous garden room that’s tailor-made for parties in the sun. She squeezed in a kitchen, shower room and an outdoor bar, all on a tight budget!

The transformation is packed with ideas to steal, so turn to page 36 to take a look. I also think Bryony’s three-bed Victorian terrace (p84) is fab – she’s found the perfect balance between colourful and classic, with her timeless décor choices.

Their homes are sure to inspire you to pick up a paintbrush, and we have lots of creative ideas you’ll love to try this issue. From clever ways to use up wallpaper scraps (p66) to how to make a tipi playhouse (p114) – they’ll all save you money too! For more Real style ways to cut costs without ideas from real homes sacrificing style, don’t miss ‘Luxury lookalikes’, on page 40, where we show you how to create high-end looks for less.

Subscribe to Your Whatever projects you take on, Home this month to save we’d love to see the end results. 15% on the shop price, Send your decorating photos and we’ll also send you a pretty Sara Miller travel in to us (addresses on page 10) wallet worth £32! Turn to and you might win a prize! page 26 to sign up while

H

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22 Shop a trend that’s cool in every sense

102 78

119

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

58 Get luxe for less... or splash out!

stocks last.

MEL SHERWOOD EDITOR

CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE...

44

21

Blend indoors and out with new transitional pieces

Soak up the sun with these joyful buys

July at home 06

This month we love Sweeten your home décor with strawberries, plus our pick of the best summer buys around 11 Household hints Freshen up your front door and top tips for keeping your home cool; plus, we test ice lolly moulds 17 Smarter shopper Discover budget hacks to trim your household costs 19 Focus on Travel in confidence with our guide to holiday cover

Homes & makeovers

28 ‘We brought summer getaways to our garden’ Online tutorials helped Monika and Konrad Nowak save a fortune on their garden reno 32 ‘I turned our summer house into a craft retreat’ Rachel Lovell decorated her crafting space with light, soft shades to inspire her projects ‘My unused garage is now a 36 boho family hideaway’ Karen Cook converted her garage into a haven with a handy kitchen and shower room 54 Problem room: ‘I’ve proven that small bathrooms can still feel luxurious’ Smart planning has given Mel Sinclair’s bathroom the spa treatment 78 ‘I added seaside charm with icecream shades’ Rosie Connor injected personality into her new-build with a palette of cheerful pastels and whites 84 ‘I future-proofed our home with a timeless colour palette’ Bryony Critchley and her partner, Mark, created a home that can evolve with their style 90 ‘I modernised every room so we didn’t need to move’ Catherine Chowler extended her 1960s terrace and gave it a coastal makeover

Style & decorating

22 Spotlight on Carve out a refreshing scheme in your home with the timeless appeal of stone and marble décor 40 Luxury lookalikes Flex your styling and decorating skills to achieve the high-end look at high-street prices 44 50 summer updates under £50 Give your home a dose of seasonal style with sunny accessories for all budgets

114 Construct or buy a charming den to delight little ones

Your features 50

Go green in your kitchen Reduce, reuse, recycle your way to an ecofriendly kitchen with long-lasting style 58 In perfect harmony Enjoy a mindful moment with a Japandi fusion of soft minimalism and natural textures 108 How to buy a fixer-upper Research, redesign and renovate a dated property to unlock its hidden potential, space and value 112 Buyer’s guide Equip yourself with a comprehensive tool set to tackle DIY jobs and furniture repairs in your home DIY it or buy it? Learn to make a 114 fun garden hideaway for little ones, plus alternatives you can buy instead 120 In your garden this month Plant a summery riot of colour, plus the best rambling roses to perfume your garden

102 Fuel your summer adventures with tasty picnic recipes

THRIFTY MAKES

YOUR

handmade HOME

Update your space inside and out with these budgetfriendly craft projects

66

Work crafting magic with wallpaper scraps

36 Karen’s unloved garage is now a boho paradise

68

Food & drink

6 50

Perk up your home with zesty high-street finds

Set a greener routine with an eco-friendly kitchen scheme

Turn disused pots into rustic planters

98 Speedy summer suppers Whip up quick, tasty dinners that can be on the table in under an hour Pack up a picnic Soak up the 102 midday sun with these vegetarian and vegan recipes fit for a summer’s day

Don’ t miss out!

10 Your letters All your latest home improvement and upcycling projects – don’t forget to send us your photos!

26 Subscribe to Your Home Sign up today to receive a Sara Miller travel wallet and save 15% off the shop price Win! Three chances to win £500 of 62 outdoor tiles from Tile Giant 96 Coming next month Take a sneak peek at the features waiting for you in the August issue 116 Ask the experts Your home improvement dilemmas answered 124 Prize draws We’ve got amazing prizes up for grabs, including a garage makeover, outdoor candles and more!

126 Shopping guide Find out where to buy everything in this issue 130 Boutique speak We speak to Harry Mc Anulty, founder of Belfast-based plant shop, The Plant Alchemist Look out for our brilliant cover stories!

70

Keep garden tools close with this botanical apron

Also inside…

72

Try something new Make your glassware sparkle with the art of etching 74 Craft stash must haves Discover the latest news, craft kits and products

THIS MONTH WE LOVE HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET

Matalan Transport yourself to the White Island for a summer of entertaining with Matalan’s Ibiza summer 2022 range. Marine blues combine with rattan, jute and macramé for a laidthe look with an outdoor rug and lots of greenery to bring a holiday vibe to your summer gatherings at home.

Tie dye tassel bolster cushion, £10

Coasters, £6 for four

Small woven basket, £10

Tall woven grey vase, £25; oil and vinegar pouring bottles, £8; runner, £12; jute cushion, £12; lined basket, £5, all Matalan

we love…

THIS MONTH

FOR STOCKISTS SEE p126

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

Smooth as satin

Revamp wood and metalwork with Annie Sloan’s new range of satin paint.

The soft-sheen formula differs from chalk paint, as there’s no need to apply wax or lacquer after painting. Choose from neutral hues such as Canvas, or the rich tones of Carnaby Yellow and Knightsbridge Green.

Satin paint in Carnaby Yellow, £24.95 per 750ml; wall paint in Carnaby Yellow, £55.95 per 2.5L; chalk paint in Amsterdam Green, £23.95 per litre, all Annie Sloan

FLAUNT YOUR FLOWERS If you need some colourful vases to pop your blooms in, dried flower specialists The Happy Blossoms’ collection will make maximalists’ hearts sing. From textured glass to wild leopard print, there’ll be something to match (or clash) with your scheme.

The Small Trunk Vase in Pink, £26; The Origami Vase in Orange, £33; The Modern Leopard Vase, £30, all The Happy Blossoms

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yourhomestyle.uk

THIS MONTH WE LOVE

1

The great outdoors

Say hello to summer with John Lewis & Partners’ ANYDAY Brights garden furniture collection. Whether you’re overhauling a patio or accessorising a balcony, add a splash of colour for an instant cheery uplift.

5 OF THE BEST…

2

Strawberry Prints

It wouldn’t be summertime without this staple, so celebrate with these berry-print picks

1. Pure cotton strawberry print beach towel, £12.50, Marks & Spencer 2. Jubilee strawberry serving platter, £6.50, Next 3. Fruit Market poster, from £4, eyeforcolourstudio on Etsy 4. Strawberry fields duvet cover set, from £18, Home Essentials 5. Red strawberry bathmat, £29, Urban Outfitters

3

ANYDAY 2-seater metal garden sofa in Melon Yellow, £95; ANYDAY banana bunch cushion, £15, both John Lewis & Partners

4 SCANDI STYLE Scion’s latest collaboration with Next mixes soft blush tones with zingy citrus shades for a fresh twist on the brand’s signature Nordic-inspired prints. The range includes curtains, cushions, throws and wall art to liven up your summer interiors.

5

Pajaro cushion, £22; Scion framed art, £80 for three; Pajaro throw, £36, all Scion Living by Next

inspiration Propagate: How to Regrow your Houseplants, £12.99 Learn how to regrow a range of houseplants from cuttings with stepby-step instructions, photography and illustrations. You don’t have to be a pro already, as there are lots of projects for beginners and minimal equipment is needed to get started.

We’re following… @thewilliswoodyhouse_ Sam loves to bring a room to life with colour and texture. She says: ‘Bright and colourful spaces are my vibe, but I’ve also created a neutral nursery and will add texture and colour over time. My style is about choosing good colours that you can keep adding to so that you never get bored of a space.’

We’re watching…

The Great Garden Revolution Discover inspiring tips and tricks to spruce up your garden with the return of this makeover series. Each week, the show’s team of gardening experts transform a domestic garden in the UK and also get a sneaky look at a celebrity guest’s outdoor space.

Watch the series on Channel 4 and catch up on All4.

July 2022

7

Feature Sophie Ellis

We’re reading…

GET IN TOUCH Every letter featured wins a prize!

YOUR

Thanks to Zhoosh, our star letter wins a £50 voucher to spend on its paints, while each runner-up receives a £25 voucher. Find out more at zhoosh paints.com.

Letters

The chance to win a prize is open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, aged 18 years or older.

We love hearing from you! Send us your tips, projects and photos using our details below…

Tropical twist

In tune

My beloved vintage radio was in a terrible mess, with the leather-effect cover peeling away. So, I took it all off and very carefully painted the material underneath with fabric paint. I’m really pleased with the result, which Minnie, my Lakeland terrier, also approves of.

Sally Dearlove, Lancashire

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

Sophie, Editorial Assistant, says: You’ve made it look as good as new, Sally, so we’re not surprised Minnie is a fan.

Bold and beautiful This vintage kitchen cabinet was going to be thrown away, but I cleaned and sanded it down as I thought it would make a good coffee and storage table for my lounge.

I painted the doors with Valspar interior wood and metal paint, and upholstered the cabinet with some Frida Kahlo fabric by Alexander Henry. I added retro-style copper legs and a pom-pom trim to finish it off.

Katie Conlon, Gloucester Michelle, Acting Deputy Editor, says: We love that you saw the potential in an old cabinet and transformed it into

I decided it was time to replace our dark-oak display cabinet with something more modern to match our living room. As always, I began by looking in the second-hand ads and found exactly what I was looking for, at just £10! I spent another £10 on a roll of wallpaper to decorate the back to match the new ‘jungle’ theme in our room. It’s really brightened up the whole room and makes me smile every time I look at it.

Sue Houston, Dumfries and Galloway

Dare to DIY

My husband made the garden trug featured in the Revamp Repair Recycle section of April’s issue. It’s proving to be very useful!

Anne Stairs, Anglesey Tom, Section Editor, says: We’re so pleased we’ve inspired you with this project, Anne. We hope it’s handy for gardening, as well as being a stylish addition to your shed!

Beth, Deputy Art Editor, says: Wow, Sue – it shows what can be done with second-hand furniture and some creativity.

Star letter

such a fun and colourful piece, Katie.

It’s thrifty and stopped the piece from going to landfill – win, win!

Visit yourhomestyle.uk for more crafty inspiration

Your Home, Our Media, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST. Tel 0117 927 9009 Email YourHome@ourmedia.co.uk Instagram @yourhomemagazine Facebook @yourhomemag Twitter @your_home

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yourhomestyle.uk

els with C lean gla ss door paanr for a diluted white vineg ish gleaming fin

Household

HINTS Freshen up your home with our handy tips and tricks

Photo @fromcity2suburb on Instagram

HOW TO... transform your front door After creating your dream interior scheme, the front door might look a little flat next to your fresh décor inside. But a new door can be costly, so follow our top tips to give your existing one a makeover…

thorough dust with a dry microfibre cloth. Spray hinges and locks with WD40, then wash the door with warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth.

• For a quick style update, switch out any old, rusty hardware with co-ordinating handles. Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas, either – add a splash of colour with faux or real flowers for a cheery welcome.

• If you have glass in or above your door, why not transform it with window film? It’s self-adhesive, is often made or cut to size and, if you have a steady hand, easy to stick on yourself. Choose from bespoke designs that feature your house number, delicate repetitive patterns or even replica stainedglass window effects to add character.

• You can paint your door if you’re still not keen on it – but, depending on the material, it may involve lengthy prepping and drying times. Remove any hardware and ensure the door has had a thorough clean. Use decorating tape to mask off anything you can’t remove (block out glass panels by taping down paper that’s been cut to size). Sand the door with medium grade sandpaper, then go over with fine grade sandpaper. Remove any dust with a sugar soap solution before painting. We love Julie’s (@fromcity2suburb on Instagram) bright entrance (top right) – she’s also painted her kitchen cabinets the same shade to create continuity in her home.

Buy it once If you’re a keen cook or upcycler, you may be left with stubborn food or paint odours on your hands. Stainless steel is known to neutralise odours, but instead of turning to your cutlery drawer, keep this stainless steel soap, priced at £5.95 from Clean Living, by your sink. To use it, simply rub it on your hands under cool running water to banish scents.

HACK Remove particularly difficult hard water stains on stainless steel taps and bathroom accessories by soaking a piece of kitchen towel in white vinegar. Wrap the towel around the tap and leave for 30 minutes. Remove and wipe away any remaining residue. The acid in the vinegar will break down the limescale found in hard water marks, leaving you with a sparkling bathroom.

July 2022

11

Feature Sophie Ellis Photo Getty Images

• Firstly, clear away dirt by giving the door a

BEST BUYS FOR... keeping your home cool

1.

Make your home more warm-weather friendly with our top picks for keeping cool in a heatwave 1. Make your own DIY air conditioning by placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan Desk fan 12 inch in Oak Effect/White, £45, John Lewis & Partners 2. Moisture-wicking materials, such as this cotton and lyocell blend, will keep you cool throughout the night Comfortably Cool Tencel™ rich pillowcases in Powder Blue, £16 for two, Marks & Spencer

2.

3. The honeycomb shape keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and diffuses harsh sunlight

5.

3.

DuoLight Ash Grey thermal blind, from £23.35, Blinds 2go 4. Replacing old bulbs with LEDs will not only cut down your energy bills, but it’ll make your home feel cooler as less energy is wasted as heat. For a decorative touch, we love this dimmable bulb CALEX E14 4W 150lm candle Extra Warm White LED dimmable filament light bulb, £5, B&Q

6.

4.

5. Draw your curtains in the heat, if you can, to stop the sunlight from overheating your home. Instead of buying a new set, simply fasten these linings to the back of your existing pair Pencil pleat blackout curtain linings, from £12, Dunelm 6. Swap out your winter duvet for a lighter tog, if you can’t sleep without one Säfferot 4 tog duvet in double, £10, IKEA

WE TEST… Eddingtons Squeezies ice lolly moulds, £5.95, Harts of Stur Unlike other hard plastic moulds, these four moulds are made from flexible silicone to make them easy to squeeze – and take up less room in the freezer. You simply pour fruit juice or yogurt into the moulds and then put the lids on ready to freeze.

As the moulds are so flexible, the lids can move out of place while carrying to the freezer, so make sure you check that the contents don’t spill. They’re also slightly tricky to clean due to the tube design, so you’ll need a long cleaning brush.

Otherwise, they’re a quick and easy way to make a summer snack.

8/10

12

yourhomestyle.uk

Ice lolly moulds Things we considered: Are they easy to store? Can the lollies be easily released?

Adventure ice lolly maker, £2.25, Wilko A useful drip-catching area with an attached straw ensures there’s no wastage with these fun lolly moulds. However, we found that a lot of warm water from the tap and some elbow grease was needed to release the lollies, and the handles did feel a little delicate when pulling them out. We also like the colourcoded moulds, so family members can choose their preferred option and not get mixed up. Overall, these are a family-friendly budget buy for frozen treats.

7/10

Lolly moulds, £6, ProCook Those with limited freezer space might struggle with this set as the moulds must be stored upright: the handles sit on top instead of twisting or clipping on securely. We found it best to leave the mould out for a while to defrost, or run under a warm tap, before attempting to take the lollies out as they were a little tough to remove – but the handles themselves feel super sturdy and easy to hold. The moulds are also dishwasher safe, so there’s no scrubbing at awkward angles.

9/10

Bonnie The Bunny ice lolly mould, £4.95, Rex London This mould makes six darling little lollies, with bunny ear handles and even a cute round tail! Tailor-made for smaller hands, the handles are easy to grip and, as the lollies are small, they go down before too much mess is made, even though there is no drip-catching area.

The mould stands up nicely in the freezer, and the frozen lollies release quickly and easily after a splash under the hot tap. A fun buy for endless chilly treats all summer long, at a good price, too.

8/10

A-Z OF DECORATING from Anaglypta to Zoffany

YOUR FIRST & SECOND PURCHASE Pick up a Brewers Card in-store or register online

Over 180 stores nationwide. Visit brewers.co.uk to find your nearest.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

‘Our Wren designer blended traditional charm with modern touches for our dream kitchen’ Wren’s extensive range of unit and colour combinations and expertise enabled Sarah Payne and Lee Butt to design a kitchen that exceeded their wishes Combining seating, a wine rack and storage, the curved island is a much-loved, much-used focal point in this family-friendly kitchen

W

Sarah’s redesigned kitchen has become the heart of her home

hether you’re starting from a blank canvas or would like to incorporate existing tiles or appliances into the scheme, it can be difficult to know where to begin when designing your new kitchen.

With many of us using the room for not only cooking but also as a home office, social hub and entertainment zone, this hard-working space needs to deliver on both form and function. That’s where the experts at Wren come in – a knowledgeable designer can take you through each step of the design process.

For more inspiration, search #wrenovation 14

yourhomestyle.uk

From understanding your individual needs and suggesting storage options, to showing you the layout using virtual reality, each and every detail is considered. Here, as part of the #wrenovation series, which shines a spotlight on real customer kitchen renovations, Sarah Payne and Lee Butt share how they collaborated with Wren to create a traditional kitchen packed with modern conveniences.

MAKE IT INDIVIDUAL Soon after Sarah and Lee moved into their bungalow in 2016, work began on their kitchen extension and renovation. Keen to maximise

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Sarah and Lee’s Shaker kitchen is packed with clever storage, such as deep drawers for pots and pans and a washing machine concealed behind stylish doors

Tonal greys brighten the low-lit room, with the Gullwing Shaker island taking centre stage against the inky Ermine Charcoal cabinets

Storage was given a further boost with the inclusion of an island. As the couple have two young children, they selected curved, smooth edges for the island to prevent any accidents.

The island is now the couple’s favourite part of the kitchen: ‘we are so glad that we have a separate island,’ smiles Sarah, ‘it’s something we get lots of compliments about.’

the light and to complement the rest of their home, the couple knew they wanted a neutral scheme. Ample storage and space for built-in appliances were also priorities, especially with two growing children – Ivy, six, and Oliver, five. A lack of utility space was another issue for Sarah and Lee. At the top of the appliance wish list was a large fridge-freezer, which the new layout would need to incorporate.

Having decided on their fridge-freezer, the couple visited their local Wren showroom to browse kitchen styles. ‘We were immediately impressed with the large showroom, wide range, and colour and style combinations on offer,’ recalls Sarah. ‘There was so much more choice than we were expecting.’

Looking for neutral tones to co-ordinate with their home’s décor, the couple worked with their Wren designer, Daniel, to create a tonal grey scheme. They chose the combination of Shaker Ermine Charcoal Matt for the cabinets with Shaker Gullwing Matt for the island to create a timeless feel.

FAMILY FOCUSED DESIGN With the kitchen’s colour palette selected, the all-important storage was next on the list.

‘The collaboration with Daniel was brilliant,’ says Sarah, who was able to fit their fridgefreezer into the design with Daniel’s guidance.

‘He helped with all the dimensions and suggested different layouts and options,’ adds Lee. Deep drawers provide plenty of room for crockery and make access easy while cooking, and the children can help themselves to the cereal cupboard at breakfast time.

Due to the tight space requirements of the kitchen, seeing their design with Wren’s Virtual Reality experience helped the couple understand how the layout would work and ensured that their choices were functional.

Daniel came up with clever solutions to include all of the sleek, integrated appliances Sarah and Lee sought, which include an AEG fully integrated dishwasher; NEFF induction hob; NEFF built-in double multifunction oven; and Zanussi integrated washing machine.

Once they had designed their dream scheme, Daniel arranged for members of the Wren team to measure Sarah and Lee’s existing kitchen and make sure their chosen layout would fit in the space before ordering all of the components. The delivery and installation were as seamless as the design process, as Sarah’s dad, David, fitted the kitchen following Wren’s instructions without any problems.

The couple are thrilled with their new kitchen, and their Wren experience from beginning to end. ‘I love hosting family and friends in my open-plan kitchen. The big island means I still feel included while I’m preparing food,’ says Sarah. Pairing sleek integrated appliances with Shaker units has created the traditional-meets-modern design the couple were after: ‘Our kitchen has become the heart of our home. We always hang around together in here now,’ shares Sarah.

July 2022

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Feature Thomas Poad

SEAMLESS SET-UP

Spacecraft

Double your useable space with our sofa beds

Experts in small space living 21 stores | futoncompany.co.uk

CONSUMER NEWS

Only boil the amount of water you need and sa up to £11 a yearve

SMARTER

shopper

Cut back your household spend with these budget hacks that should leave more pounds in your pocket

SAVE ON

daily living costs

With the price of everything from energy and fuel bills to Netflix subscriptions on the rise, direct debits are going up for many of us. Bring these increasing costs down with these lifestyle and energy-saving changes to make your money go that bit further.

Limit the half-loads. Wait until your washing machine or dishwasher is full before starting the cycle and wash at 30°C – this can save up to £28 a year on your laundry bill. Give your washing an extra spin cycle once the wash is finished, which should reduce the need for a tumble dryer.

Watch the water. Shorten your showers to four minutes, which can save the average household up to £70 a year. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth or washing your face and fix any drips or leaking taps to prevent wasted water. Collect the water while waiting for your hot taps to warm up and use it to water your houseplants or lawn.

Think smart. Get a smart meter installed to keep a close eye on the energy you’re using. Swap driving to the supermarket for online deliveries to reduce fuel costs, which should prevent impulse buys in the aisle, too. And don’t forget to switch the light off as you leave the room to save up to £20 per year.

Save up to £55 on your annual electricity bill by turning your appliances off standby mode – games consoles and televisions drain the most energy while on standby. Source Energy Saving Trust

Fab find

Brush up on your financial know-how with the free Money Saving Expert Academy of Money course on the Open University. The six two-hour sessions cover the key aspects of personal finance, including budgeting, mortgages and retirement.

You can study at your own pace and pick the topics that are most relevant to you.

SMART SAVINGS Feature Thomas Poad Photos Getty Images

£55

Trim the cost of making dinner by batch-cooking meals with a slow cooker. Fill the Swan 3.5L slow cooker, priced at £29.99, with your chosen recipe – think stews, chilli, curries and more – which you can enjoy the same day or freeze for a later date. It’s an easy way to use up your fridge leftovers and enjoy a nutritious meal, while keeping a lid on expensive takeaways!

July 2022

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CONSUMER NEWS

FOCUS ON

Holiday rights If you’re hoping to holiday abroad this summer, find out where you stand regarding refunds and insurance

HOW TO... make sure you’re fully covered International travel should be easier this summer but there’s no guarantee. Always check the entry requirements for the country you’re planning to visit before you leave and make sure you have adequate insurance that covers you for Covid-19.

• For current advice, check the Foreign Office website (see Can I get a refund for extra costs if I’m quarantined overseas? For unforeseen expenses, such as extra accommodation or a new flight home, start by asking your travel agent to see if they can help. You might be able to claim the money back through your insurance, which is why it’s important to choose the most comprehensive Covid-19 cover. Look for a policy that includes ‘disruption to travel’.

If everything is closed when I arrive, can I get any money back?

Only if you purchased a package that included a specific attraction and that was the main reason you booked the holiday. In this case you could argue

USEFUL CONTACTS

• Head to gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice for the latest information on travel.

To find out the latest information on cancellation policies from the major airlines, Eurostar, holiday companies and Airbnb, visit moneysavingexpert.com At citizensadvice.org.uk you’ll find lots of advice on your holiday rights.

•

•

that the attraction being closed counts as a ‘significant change’ under the Package Travel Regulations.

If my cruise is cancelled or changed, can I get my money back? You’re entitled to a full refund if your holiday is cancelled by the cruise company, but always check their policy before you book. If, however, it still goes ahead but with a different itinerary and you don’t want to go, ask for a refund or credit to spend on another cruise.

If you do one thing..

• If the travel company cancels a package holiday, you should get a full refund within 14 days. When a flight is cancelled, you’re due a full refund from the airline within seven days, or an alternative flight. If they try to give you a voucher instead but you’d prefer to have your money back, stand firm.

• Any other cancellations, such as the hotel bookings and car hire, should issue a refund, although this can be tricky if you’re dealing with a company overseas.

• In cases where the outbound flight is cancelled but the return flight isn’t, you can choose between a full refund or an alternative flight. Get in touch with the airline in the first instance.

Compare travel insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19 at You’ll also be covered if you paid with a debit or comparethemarket.com, moneysupermarket. credit card, so ask your bank or card provider and com or gocompare.com. Look at emergency mention the chargeback scheme or Section 75 if medical and repatriation costs as well as you paid over £100 on a credit card. cancellation for anyone who returns a positive coronavirus test in the two If you’re entitled to a refund from the travel weeks before travel and additional company or airline, you should follow this up with protection against transport them first rather than claiming on the insurance. and accommodation.

•

•

• In cases where the holiday goes ahead but you want to cancel, check first where you stand in terms of a refund.

A better idea is to try and change the dates instead.

July 2022

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Feature Hayley Gilbert Photo Getty

Frequently asked questions…

‘Useful contacts’ below) and the website for the British embassy of the country you’re visiting. The Foreign Office’s wording can affect travel insurance if you need to cancel.

For example, if it advises against ‘all but essential travel’ or ‘all travel’ and you ignore this, you may not be insured.

EAS QUALITY YOU CAN M

URE

L TIME

E MADE TO L ESS STYL AST

Rated as Excellent by our customers

T O B O O K A F R E E A P P O I N T M E N T C A L L 0 8 0 0 5 8 7 6 4 8 0 O R V I S I T U S AT H I L L A R Y S . C O . U K

tyle & S DECORATING Sweeten your styling with candy colours, switch up your garden seating and then read on to discover the decorating might of marble

Candy couture

Acrylic Tickle your tastebuds with the Candy sugary-sweet tones of bubblegum, pitcher, £18.99, lilac and butterscotch in your Dobbies home. Just like a sweet shop, layer these joyful tones together to create a fun-packed space that Wavey Casa Pink and Peach draws the eye to discover a new check cushion treat every time. Fill a wall with cover, £25, Selfridges & Co Rainbow Dust prints, swap your bedding for Laurie velvet click a candyfloss clack sofa bed in Yellow, £289.99, cloud or put Homescapes your feet up on a lemon drop sofa.

Livia Pale Blue glass storage pot, £16, Oliver Bonas

BASK IN COMFORT Soak up the sunshine on the new Hosta range of outdoor sofas from DFS. Crafted to withstand the elements, the furniture features fixed cushions stuffed with recycled plastic wadding for eco-friendly comfort. Each piece comes with a waterproof cover for peace of mind if the weather takes a sharp turn. Pictured are the three-seater sofa (£899) and armchairs (£599 each) in Alfresco Express Light Grey.

YH

LOV ES

Feature Thomas Poad

MINI TREND

Candy Shop assorted prints, from £12.95 each, Desenio

Nature’s bounty Cast an uplifting scent throughout your home with candles and diffusers from The Cotswold Company. Invigorate your morning routine with the citric scent of Daybreak; revitalise with minty Kitchen Garden; envelop your senses with fruity Summer Days; or ground yourself with the violet and musk aromas of Gathering. Priced from £20 for a twin-wick candle.

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Next has joined forces with the iconic decorating brand Graham & Brown to release a collection of exclusive matt emulsion paints and patterned wallpapers to make your interior dreams come true. Set the backdrop with muted emulsion in blues, greens and greys to make a floral, geometric or metallic wallpaper really pop.

Matt emulsion in Rose Pink and Soft Blue, both £32 per 2.5L; Chinoiserie Bird Trail wallpaper in Blue, £25 per roll; Leaf Sprigs wallpaper, £25 per roll

July 2022

21

Continue your flooring choice up the walls as well for floor-to-ceiling elegance Invisible Marble Gloss wall and floor tiles, £23.99 per sq m, Tile Mountain

SPOTLIGHT ON

COOL STONE Carve out a sleek, refreshing scheme in your home with the timeless appeal of stone and marble décor

S

eek solace from the blazing sun and ensure your decorating efforts stand the test of time with the strength of stone. From luxurious marble favoured by ancient Greeks and modern boutique hotels alike, to grey granite that’s a mainstay of minimalism, raise your home’s style foundations with these cool-to-the-touch materials. Sculpt a

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new bathroom with sanitaryware from Victorian Plumbing; reimagine your kitchen with marble-effect splashbacks from AluSplash; create a grotto with Wallsauce and Lust Home wallpaper prints; and sink back in comfort in tonal seating from Marks & Spencer. Summer 2022 sees a softened palette of dove grey, cream and pale blue for a breath of cool air.

STYLE FILE Elevate a monochrome or neutral bathroom with a veined marble basin Arezzo Gloss White Marble-effect curved countertop basin, 500 x 390mm, £119.95, Victorian Plumbing

Pure cotton ombré towels in Grey, from £6, Marks & Spencer

Pair a marble splashback with metallic appliances, accessories and handles that have a slight sheen for understated luxury Cordless hand mixer, £90; cordless hand blender and chopper, £100; On The Go blender, £100, all Cuisinart

Continue the colour scheme into your bedroom with piles of pale grey and cream linen bedding for a tumbled, hewn look The Linen Yard Stonehouse washed cotton linen look duvet and pillowcase set in Grey, from £35, Next

Vico table lamp, £59.50, Oliver Bonas

Swap dated kitchen tiles for a slick marble-effect splashback – the aluminium surface is easy to clean, too

Feature Thomas Poad

Leckford stoneware jug in White, 2L, £22, John Lewis & Partners

Elements White Carrara White splashback, from £139, AluSplash

Sandstone Texture poster, from £13, Postery

July 2022

23

STYLE FILE Swap painted walls for marble excellence with a made-to-measure mural – choose furniture that matches the coloured veins for a co-ordinated scheme White Marble wallpaper mural, £30 per sq m, Wallsauce.com

Play with texture by pairing roughtextured ceramics with smooth soft furnishings Soft Grey ceramic bottle lamp, £125, Cox & Cox

Marble-effect soap dish, £4, Dunelm

Anya marble rug, from £69, Dunelm

Stone door knobs, £6.50 each, Pushka Home

Amalfi mug in Grey, £4.50, Dunelm

Castello Bottle, large, £10, Garden Trading

£10 AND UNDER Get the look for less with these quick updates

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yourhomestyle.uk

ANYDAY Pearlised soap dispenser, £10, John Lewis & Partners

Saar Earth cement plant pot, 14 x 13cm, £9.99, Hortology

Mix and match marble in a neutral scheme to add timeworn texture – enhance the rustic appeal with aged wood and brass touches Planet II 592 Stromboli vinyl flooring, £32.99 per sq m, Carpetright

STYLE FILE

Prestigious Textiles Heartwood Marble cushion, £28, Next

Add warmth to a stony scheme with pops of pink and blue on your walls, accessories or even an item of furniture Moonlight Drive wallpaper in Rose Quartz and Twilight Blue, £40 per roll, Lust Home

Boost the soft glow of polished stone with taupe or sand-toned blinds that let daylight gently reflect off the smooth surface Filix Sand patterned roller blinds, from £24.25, English Blinds

Dakota large twoseater sofa, £499, Marks & Spencer

The moodboard Engrave a wealth of character into your home with marble tiles, stone paints and crushed fabrics

7

6

1 2 8

3

9 4 5

10

1 Marble Prussian fabric, £42 per metre, ILIV 2 Aura Marble Gold wallpaper, £12 per roll, Dunelm 3 Clove Bark fabric, £26.40 per metre, Prestigious Textiles 4 The Room Marble White Matt porcelain tile, £59.99 per sq m, Tile Mountain 5 Willow Dove wallpaper in Grey, £47 per roll, Graham & Brown 6 Layton Hexagon light grey stone-effect tile, £30.34 per sq m, Victorian Plumbing 7 Valverdi Indoor-Out Canterbury White tile, £29.84 per sq m, London Tile Co 8 Nesta Carrara marble-effect floor tiles, £49.93 per sq m, Victorian Plumbing 9 Paled Mallow wall paint, £55.95 per 2.5L, Annie Sloan 10 Serene Pink emulsion, £21 per 1L, YesColours

July 2022

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July 2022

27

GARDEN MAKEOVER

‘We brought summer getaways to our garden’ Learning DIY skills from online tutorials, Monika and Konrad Nowak saved a fortune by building everything in their holiday-inspired garden themselves

M

onika and Konrad finally finished renovating their Merseyside house at the end of 2019, after months of work squeezed into weekends and in between work and school runs. All that was left for them to do was the garden, but, ‘as we’d spent all of our budget on renovating the house, we decided the garden would have to wait until summer 2020,’ recalls Monika. ‘But then, as we prepared to start work on it, Covid-19 happened. My husband was put on furlough for a month, and we decided we may not have an opportunity again for him to have the time to do it, so the bulk of the garden work had to

BEFORE

Green scredeenn

ga r Paint the tch the a m fences to make it to plants u’re feel like yo by d surrounde y r e green

DIY ideas

STEP INto my garden…

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Monika Nowak, 35. I’m a Support Worker and I also work with adults with autism. I live in the Wirral, Merseyside, with my husband Konrad, 36, a Line Manager at a furniture factory, our son, Anthony, nine, and our daughter, Mia, five.

WHAT WAS UPDATED? We’d spent all our budget on the house (see my Instagram @interiorsbymn), so the garden had been left behind.

WHY THE CHANGE? Konrad was furloughed during the first lockdown, so we took the plunge and started while he was at home.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? Konrad was only at home for a month, so we had exactly four weeks. We did most of it but finished off the bar the following summer.

TOTAL COST

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£701

yourhomestyle.uk

Create a laid-back holiday vibe in your garden with Monika’s budget-savvy hacks

1.

Use stencils and paint to revitalise an old patio and get the look of patterned tiles, rather than spending on new slabs.

2.

You’d be surprised at what you can make yourself – we built our garden bar with the help of online tutorials. Start small with a planter to develop your skills.

3.

Add a roof to a pergola to create a sheltered patio or decking area for lounging and socialising.

It’s a fairly simple DIY job using polycarbonate roofing sheets.

Using reclaimed wood and bricks for the majority of the project meant Monika could create her dream garden without going over budget

GARDEN MAKEOVER The plot was tired and uninspiring, and had been used as a dumping ground during the house renovations – a far cry from the family-friendly, relaxed outdoor space Monika and Konrad wanted to create.

So, they came up with a plan to maximise their tight schedule and budget to make it a garden they could enjoy spending time in after a busy year of house renovations.

THE PROJECT

A keen crafter, Monika made her own versions of stylish cushions she’d seen on the high street using jute bags and rope, tassel, and raffia grass trims

Before the couple could start creating their outdoor scheme, they needed to do some structural work on the garden wall. ‘We realised that we’d have to get the back wall fixed, as it was falling down in places,’ says Monika. ‘Obviously, as it was during lockdown, we were pretty restricted with

getting supplies, so knew we would have to be really organised.’ With Monika leading the project, they decided that they would split the garden into two areas – a patio seating area, and a grass area for the kids to enjoy – but, most importantly of all, it needed to be low-maintenance. ‘While I love gardening, I don’t have much time for it, so I wanted the space to be easy to maintain, but still look gorgeous and inviting,’ Monika explains.

Taking care of the practical elements first, the couple started with rebuilding the back wall. They knocked it down, cleaned the bricks and, with the help of a local bricklayer, it was rebuilt and made safe. They then spent a week removing all the rubble and concrete slabs, before laying the patio and building the pergola. ‘Luckily, Konrad is really hands-on and confident working with wood, so he did all the building himself,’ says Monika.

The couple built raised flower beds at the side of the garden and added some wide ledges to use as seating. The building work lasted three weeks and, in this time, they had rebuilt the wall, laid the patio, put the pergola up and built the flower beds. ‘We used reclaimed bricks and wood to keep the

July 2022

29

Feature Zoe Bishop Photos Lizzie Orme

WHAT WE DID

GARDEN MAKEOVER

Sitting pretatisyed

to r Add a step to double plant beds a seating up as extr you’re for when ing entertain

Monika designed a zoned layout with lots of seating options. A built-in bench running the length of the garden means there are plenty of socialising spots when friends visit

costs down and shopped around, but it was becoming harder to work around lockdown restrictions, so we took a break and enjoyed what we had already done,’ explains Monika.

of the best decisions we made,’ says Monika.

‘It’s amazing, particularly now that we can see friends again. We spend lots of time in the garden – especially at the bar!’

HIGHS & LOWS

THE FINAL DETAILS

Although they were pleased with their work so far, the couple still felt that the garden wasn’t quite working as they’d like. ‘While it was a much nicer space than it was before, it didn’t really feel finished. So, we spent the winter working out what to do next,’ says Monika. They decided to add a sun-reflecting roof to the pergola, ‘which would make it more secluded and watertight, and keep the sun off as well, as it gets really hot at that end of the garden when the sun’s out.’

They also had an idea for an extra fun element, too: a garden bar. And, of course, keen DIYer Konrad decided to build it himself using reclaimed wood. The couple designed a small bar to go at the back of the garden next to the pergola. ‘It really was one

Next, it was time for Monika to put her creative skills to good use with upcycled finishing touches. ‘I used some jute bags and made them into cushion covers,’ she says.

She also updated an old IKEA parasol by adding some fringing. ‘I do love the bar, but the corner with the pergola, where we’ve positioned the sofa, is a great spot for relaxing at the end of the day and we can watch the kids playing on the grass,’ says Monika.

‘It may have taken a year to finish the garden and make it the social space I’d always wanted, but it really was worth it. When I think about what we’ve been up against these last few years, I’m so pleased I have a space to take it all in and grab a drink or two in my own back yard,’ she smiles.

3 OF THE BEST.. garden bar buys £12 from Matalan Keep the drinks flowing without needed to go back indoors with this Bubble drinks dispenser. £4.99 from Auburn Fox You’ll need a bottle opener to hand if you’re entertaining. Keep this Palm tree one on display for a tropical vibe. £5 from B&M Add boho rattan textures to your outdoor space, like Monika has, with a wrapped carafe.

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Konrad built the bar with the help of online tutorals.

Monika gave it a fun, tiki twist with straw trim

GARDEN PLAN

9M

7M

THE DETAILS PAINT FURNITURE

£50 £371

GRASS

£50

UPCYCLING MATERIALS

£30

ACCESSORIES

TOTAL

£200

£701

SHOPPING LIST Corner sofa, from £189, Aldi. Egg chair, £149; Michigan bar stools, £18 each; plants, from £5, all B&M. For a similar throw try Jenson herringbone throw in Coral, £12; for a similar parasol try 3m Royal Craft crank and tilt parasol in Ivory, £75, both Dunelm. Cream plain throw, £10, The Range. Garden rug, £25, B&Q. Wicker chairs, £20 each, Facebook Marketplace.

Bamboo tray, £7.99, JYSK.

A third of every bottle is real rhubarb juice, born and bred in the British countryside.

Call us traditionalists, but we think rhubarb gin should actually contain some rhubarb.

We throttle tonnes and tonnes of real farm-grown rhubarb until we have enough for every bottle.

Real gin has the countryside in. warnersdistillery.com

GARDEN ROOM MAKEOVER

‘I turned our summer house into a craft retreat’ Bringing her bright and cosy decorating style outside, Rachel Lovell created a summer house craft space filled with her favourite shades to inspire her creations

R

achel Lovell had been making driedflower accessories for herself for about three years when, in August 2020, she decided to turn her hobby into a business by selling her designs and running workshops.

‘Initially, I was working at the dining table,’ she explains, ‘but it’s quite a messy job, and having to tidy up at the end was a pain.’

Rachel and her husband, Alex, had already considered getting a summer house, so it seemed like an ideal solution that would give Rachel somewhere to work on her business.

BEFORE

THE PROJECT

STEP INSIDE..

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Rachel Lovell, 48. I’m a Campaign Manager for Aviva and also run my own business making dried-flower creations, @kittiwake.hoops. I live with my husband, Alex, 49; our daughter, Erin, 10; our cat, Roxy; and our cavapoochon, Willow. Our home is a four-bedroom, detached new-build, in Portishead, Somerset, which we bought in April 2019.

WHAT WAS UPDATED? We bought a summer house that could double as an office and craft room.

WHY THE CHANGE? I’d been working on my designs in the house, but it was messy. And, as for many people, lockdown made us rethink our home office space.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The project took a couple of months, as we were just doing it at weekends.

TOTAL COST

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£2,621

yourhomestyle.uk

First, they needed to decide on the right spot in their garden. The garage runs along the side, ‘and there was a scrappy piece of land that we’d never quite got around to making nice,’ recalls Rachel. ‘So, we decided to use it and butt the summer house up against the garage.’ The couple researched different designs and Rachel originally had her heart set on a hexagonal one. ‘But I realised most of the space wasn’t usable, with all the different angles. Then, I spotted the Regency Acapulco

My style tips BRING THE INSIDE OUT I chose the same colours as inside the main house so that the summer house matches my style. Plus, it makes it feel more homely.

SHOP SECOND-HAND Crafting tables can be prone to scuffs and wear, so buy second-hand and upcycle – you can always repaint to give it a refresh.

ADD HANGING STORAGE The wooden frame of sheds and summer houses give you lots of places to add hanging storage.

I added thick dowel wall hooks to hang my floral hoops.

As wires and scissors can easily scratch surfaces, Rachel didn’t want an expensive desk, so found the chair for £5 and table for £20 on Facebook Marketplace. ‘I like the character that comes with pieces like this, so updated them with chalk paint,’ she explains

‘I love to be surrounded by pretty things and I enjoy creating beautiful rooms. I didn’t want to do anything differently just because this is a summer house, so I just approached it as another interior project,’ Rachel says

Branch out to Use string ch from n a r b suspend a e wall, then hooks in th ers from hang flow lay or it to disp dr y them

summer house, which, as a ten-by-six-foot rectangle, seemed far more useful.’

WHAT WE DID The couple took down a rotting wooden pergola, removed an unattractive water fountain and cleared the site. Then, Alex levelled the base to create the foundations.

‘He’d never done anything like this before,’ Rachel says, ‘so, he watched instruction videos on YouTube and got advice from a local carpenter, who recommended building a wooden structure to make sure that air flows underneath to prevent damp. There was a lot of research and labour to do beforehand to make sure we got everything right.’

Once the summer house was up, Rachel wanted to make it her own, starting with the floor. ‘Originally, the flooring was wooden planks, so I decided to put patterned tiles down,’ she explains. ‘I had to lay thin concrete sheets onto the wooden base first so that the floor wouldn’t bounce and crack the tiles.

Then, I used a flexible tile adhesive to secure the tiles and finished the look with beige grout. Although there were a few errors, I’m proud that I did it all myself.’

HIGHS & LOWS Rachel and Alex had spent months looking at summer house designs so they could be

July 2022

33

Feature Lisa Moses Photos Caroline Mardon

Alex made the crate out of a wooden pallet and then Rachel painted it in the same colour as the table and chair. It now doubles as a prop for stall displays when Rachel goes to craft markets

GARDEN ROOM MAKEOVER

ORS O D T U O / S R O O IND as if it

oom Style the r oor setting d were an in g prints, or by hangin them up so p simply pro change the n a you c look easily

‘I love making things with dried flowers – from flower hoops to bouquets and posies – as it’s all eco-friendly, sustainable and longlasting,’ says Rachel

ROOM PLAN

1.8M Rachel’s rattan cabinet is a stylish place to hide away extra dried flowers and trims when the summer house is being used for family socialising

3.4M

THE DETAILS SUMMER HOUSE

sure they made the right choice. But the delay ended up unexpectedly eating into their budget. ‘The impact of lockdown meant that wood and materials had become more expensive. The price of the summer house went up by a quarter and cost us an extra £500,’ Rachel says. They saw it as a long-term investment, however, so ‘we decided to go for it anyway,’ she says.

THE FINAL DETAILS Rachel wanted to make the summer house feel like an extension of the family’s home. ‘It came in big panels so it only took a day to put

up but, when it arrived, the panels were all orange pine,’ she says. ‘So, after sealing all the knots in the wood, I painted the interior in white and the exterior with Cuprinol’s Muted Stone. And then the fun bit was dressing the space with second-hand furniture that I’d painted, and lots of my pretty hoops.’

The finished summer house is mainly used by Rachel for her work, but ‘in the summer the whole family uses it for al fresco breakfasts. And our daughter, Erin, had a birthday party out there. So, it’s been worth the extra money as we’re really getting the most out of it.’

3 OF THE BEST.. crafty storage From £24 from The Braided Rug Company Threads, dried flowers, twine, yarn – this pretty basket will keep them all under wraps in pastel style. £24.50 from Oliver Bonas Getting organised will be a joy with this luxe Loire gold and glass pen pot. £30 from Hobbycraft In a multi-use space like Rachel’s, look for flexible storage options like this nifty trolley.

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yourhomestyle.uk

£2,000

TILES

£90

PAINT

£67

FURNITURE

£355

ACCESSORIES

£109

TOTAL

£2,621

SHOPPING LIST Regency Acapulco summer house, from £2,212, Elite Garden Buildings. Solstice Woven rattan 2-door sideboard, £280.50, Maison du Monde. Bamboo-effect 4-seater garden sofa set (only chair shown), £400, Argos. Bordeaux Arcachon floor tiles, £45.82 per sq m, TileFlair.

Diamond Pink throw, £42, National Trust.

For a similar crate try Beautiful wooden crate, £17.99, Premium Wooden Crates on Etsy. For similar desk try Sienna two-drawer desk in Ice Grey, £370, Perch & Parrow.

Arles wicker-wrapped glass jug, £25; Arles wicker-wrapped glass, £6.50, both John Lewis & Partners. Yellow checked seagrass storage basket, £22.50, Oliver Bonas. For a similar ladder try bamboo ladder, £35, Next. Anchovies decorative storage tin, £9.95 for two, The Northern Line. Chalk paint in Antoinette, £23.95 per 1L, Annie Sloan. Cuprinol Garden matt wood paint in White Daisy, £22 for 2.5L, B&Q. For similar chair try Painswick Cotswold farmhouse kitchen chair, £130, The Cotswold Company.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A tropical

twist

THE PERFECT SERVE Packed full of flavour, Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin cocktails like never before.

Planning a garden party? Make it your best one yet with Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin

A

t last, summer has arrived and you can celebrate it in style with the new Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin. Made using 100% natural flavours and the highest quality ingredients, this tropical tipple has been carefully crafted to balance the botanicals in the original Gordon’s London Dry with punchy passionfruit for a deliciously crisp and juicy taste.

Ideal for blissfully balmy days in the garden, this delectable gin can offer you a splash of the exotic and is the perfect pour for all your al fresco gettogethers. In fact, why not take a leaf out of Gordon’s book and make your next soirée a tropical-inspired one?

If you’re passionate about interiors and design, you’ll want your event to look as good as it tastes. From pineapple cocktail shakers to paper lanterns, here are some fun décor ideas to get you started…

NE W TROPICA L PA S SIONFRUIT

TROPICAL TOUCHES Nothing sets the tone of a party like the décor, and the tropical-themed possibilities are endless. A self-service bar station is sure to be popular with your guests and you can take yours up a notch by turning it into a pop-up tiki hut bar with the addition of colourful garlands and exotic cocktail garnishes, like passionfruit quarters. If you really want to go to town, buy a pineapplestyle cocktail shaker and cups too.

Your tablescape presents the perfect opportunity to flex your creative muscles and make some of your own decorations.

Instead of spending money on flowers, create your own palm fan leaves out of card and add those to your vases. You could even nestle them into napkins or scatter them along the length of the table for some added pizzazz. Flower garlands are another must-have, and

Combine 50ml of Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin* with 150ml tonic, then garnish with a passionfruit quarter for a refreshing gin and tonic.

To create a delicious passionfruit martini, mix 50ml of gin* with 50ml of passionfruit purée or pineapple juice, and 12.5ml of lime juice and vanilla syrup. Finish with a passionfruit slice. *1.8 units per serve

if you don’t have time to make your own, you can easily purchase them online or in craft stores. They work well hung over the back of chairs – or you can have guests pop them on when they arrive.

Running paper lanterns along your garden fence will also add to the celebratory feel, and if you want to keep the good times going after the sun goes down, consider installing some twinkly fairy lights.

To find out more about Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin, visit gordonsgin.com July 2022

35

GARDEN ROOM MAKEOVER

‘My unused garage is now a boho family hideaway’ After looking at the unsightly garage at the bottom of her garden for years, Karen Cook finally set about converting it into a haven for summer socialising Karen wanted to achieve the best finish she could without a big spend as, ‘at the end of the day, it is only a summer house,’ she says. Her one splurge was on the Crittall doors: ‘the great quality means they won’t ever need replacing’

BEFORE

STEP INSIDE..

WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Karen Cook, an interior designer (upstyleyourhome.co.uk). I live with my husband, Stuart, who works in finance, and our three children: Emilie, eight, and twins, Sammy and Sebby, five. We bought our detached Victorian house in Teddington in January 2018.

WHAT WAS UPDATED? We added a kitchen, new flooring and a pergola and updated the shower room to create a multi-use space.

WHY THE CHANGE? The original building was a red-brick eyesore at the bottom of the garden. I wanted to create a beautiful room that we could all enjoy.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It took six weeks to get it to a plastered finish so I could do the fun bit – the décor and styling.

TOTAL COST

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£4,259

yourhomestyle.uk

W

hen Karen Cook’s dream house came on the market, she and her husband, Stuart, agreed they could turn it into their forever home. But it came with a squat, utilitarian and unloved garage that sat at the bottom of the garden. Initially, any spare cash went into doing up the main house, so it was just used as a storage space.

But, after a few years, Karen began thinking about how to transform it.

THE PROJECT Although she didn’t start working on the garage until they’d lived in the house for a

while, Karen had spent that time coming up with ideas for how to maximise the space. ‘The building was always on my mind,’ she says. ‘It wasn’t being used as a garage and it seemed a shame not to make the most of it.’

Karen thought it would be great for summer entertaining and as a hangout for the children.

Stuart wanted to use it for exercise, too, so, ‘the design had to work hard to achieve the multi-functional space we wanted,’ Karen explains. The couple got some initial ideas from an architect, which included changing the garage’s roofline and the structure of the building, but they concluded the cost of

The space is north-facing, which could make a white wall feel stark and cold, so Karen went with soft colours to create a relaxed vibe and painted it in Threadneedle by Mylands, a barely there, warm pink

STEP TO IT rts

suppo Karen had e ceiling put into th eight of a ew to take th ladder, then e decorativ ux foliage added fa pas and pam

the ugly, up-and-over door with stylish Crittall designs. ‘I also decided to glaze the roof of the pergola to give the outside a longer window of use throughout the year,’ she explains.

HIGHS & LOWS The conversion came with a few challenges.

‘We had to work around the difficulties of the building being at the bottom of the garden. We looked into putting more power down there,’ Karen says, ‘but the quote was so expensive we decided to work with what we had. So

we bought an immersion system that just heats water and added lots of insulation and underfloor heating to keep the room warm.’

As the reno progressed, the work came to a standstill when Karen discovered a hole in the

My style tips USE NATURAL MATERIALS Plants – real or faux – aren’t the only way to tie your garden room in with the rest of the outdoor space. Layer up natural materials, such as jute, bamboo and rattan, for plenty of texture.

PILE ON SOFT FURNISHINGS

WHAT WE DID Karen already knew some trusted builders from her house renovations, so got in touch with them to see if they could turn her vision into reality. ‘I sent a brief with my wish list to builders we’d used before, which included adding a pergola, re-fitting the shower room and creating a stylish living space outside as well as in,’ says Karen.

With this in mind, she decided to clad the red-brick exterior with cedar wood and replace

Feature Lisa Moses Photos Caroline Mardon

the work required wasn’t worth it, so Karen decided to work on the plans herself.

Bring home comforts outside with plenty of soft furnishings, but choose durable, outdoor-friendly materials (and bring them inside during bad weather).

ADD CONTRAST WITH BLACK I’ve tied my Crittall doors into my scheme with lots of black – I love how the contrast brings out warm wood tones and greenery.

Karen gave her hanging egg chair an easy update by spraying it black, and converted a second-hand IKEA sideboard into a stylish cocktail bar by sanding it and painting it black to match

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37

th summer wanrsmcan

che Glossy kit ical in an n li c o , feel to living area n la open-p ooden so go for w and s p workto handles

As the kitchen is part of the main living area, its style was as important to Karen as its practicality, and this blue IKEA design fit the bill on a budget

ROOM PLAN 5M

10.5M

THE DETAILS GARDEN FURNITURE KITCHEN

ceiling. ‘All the wood under the felt was rotten,’ she explains, ‘so we had to replace the roof, which added on time, materials and costs.’

THE FINAL DETAILS

Karen installed a space-saving pocket door into the shower room, and chose tiles that mirror the colours in the rest of the summer house

With most of the budget unexpectedly blown, Karen had to be extremely savvy with spending on the interior. ‘I created a moodboard, which helped me hone my ideas,’ she says. ‘That was really useful, as I usually love gold accessories, but they didn’t look right for this space, so I went with natural materials.’ She splashed out on tiles for the new shower, but chose a contemporary, budget-friendly kitchen from IKEA, ‘and then I upcycled furniture for the outside bar.’

‘It was hard work,’ admits Karen, now the conversion is finished, ‘but I’m really proud of how it’s turned out. Stuart has moved his exercise bike in, the kids love playing here and, after hosting a festival-themed party for my 40th, I know it functions exactly as we hoped. It’s a sociable, hard-working space that serves the whole family.’

3 OF THE BEST.. faux foliage £29 from Ella James Draw the eye upwards with a hanging plant that you won’t need to reach up high to water. £8 from Habitat Give a shelf or side table boho style with fuss-free greenery in a rattan-adorned pot. £39 from Where Saints Go Add a tropical touch to a summer house, like Karen has, with this Hawaiian palm tree.

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£739 £2,500

SHOWER ROOM TILES

£555

BAR

£465

TOTAL

£4,259

SHOPPING LIST Egg cocoon sofa, £439.99, Very. Ross rattan effect garden chair, £100, Argos.

County Monochrome rug, £60, Wilko. For a similar egg chair try Ariana single hanging rattan egg chair, £700, TJ Hughes. For a similar bar try Förhörja kitchen trolley, £129, IKEA. Anaxagore Hanging Shelf, £110, La Redoute. For similar bar stools try solid wood kitchen stools, £50 for two; for a similar leather sofa try Jackson 4-seater leather sofa, £1,075, both Habitat. For a similar mirror ball try glass mirror ball, £19.99, mirror-balls.co.uk. No Riff Raff sign, from £25, Worldy and Wild on Etsy. For a similar outdoor rug try the Dash & Albert indoor/outdoor rug, from £70, Heugah Interiors. Andes Blanco Light Wood Effect porcelain floor tiles, £14.89 per sq m, Total Tiles. For a similar hanging ladder try ceiling plant ladder, £59.84, Timbos Woodworking on Etsy. Metod 60x60cm base cabinet, £80; Bodarp drawer fronts, from £19; Kallax shelving unit, £29; Fejka wall mounted in/outdoor artificial plant, £4; fake foliage on ceiling ladder, from a selection; Stockholm mirror, £60; all IKEA. Oak worktops, from £170, Worktop Express. Sleek Edison pendant 1 wire light, £35; for similar bathroom light fittings try Brooklyn cord set large glass bulb kitchen tap try Cooke & Lewis Katiki Black kitchen pin side lever tap, £50, B&Q. For a similar scaffold shelf try rustic thin inverted metal bracket shelf, from £49, Ben Simpson Furniture. Large Green fish gluggle jug, £27, English Heritage. Round jute rug, £39.99, H&M Home. Poppy Field rug, from £95, French Connection. Artisan Rose Mallow, £44.76 per sq m and Moss Green wall tiles, £44.78 per sq m, Tiles Direct.

For similar bathroom tap try Arissa wallmounted Black basin mixer tap, £99.97; for a similar basin try Houston wall-hung basin, £54.97, both Appliances Direct.

Tick all the designer boxes with parquet flooring, a brooding colour scheme and textural accents. Start from a favoured piece of furniture, such as an investment sofa, then use this to inform your colour and material choices for the rest of the room The Studio Lounger in Easy Clean Plush Velvet Elephant, £1,687, Darlings of Chelsea

RELAX upon a chic lounger

LUXURY Flex your styling and decorating skills to achieve the high-end look at high-street prices pen the door to opulence with these luxurious looks that will transport you to an interior design paradise.

Think decadent soft furnishings, sleek surfaces and statement furniture. And the best part? You don’t need to blow your budget to weave elegance into your home as we reveal the high-street finds and top expert tips to get each designer look for less. Fill your basket with budget buys or invest in a forever piece for your scheme – which will you choose?

O

lookalikes Get the lounger look

for less Finchley three-seater sofa in Drift Charcoal, £999, Sofology

Indulgence flat matt emulsion, £35 per 2.5L, Crown Paints Hatch sideboard in Dark Blue, £599, John Lewis & Partners

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Natural magazine rack, £55, Barker and Stonehouse

Lugo Medium Oak Chevron laminate flooring, £14.95 per sq m, Tile Mountain

STYLE FILE Dreamscape Gold mirror, £18, Matalan

Cheddar Pink wood paint, £20 per 750ml, Thorndown Paints

Alberta Brushed Gold mixer tap, £79.95, Victorian Plumbing

CREATE a wowfactor spa

Take a leaf out of Marilyn Monroe’s book with a darling vanity unit, brass accessories and roll-top bath to start and end your day in Hollywood style. Paint your existing units and cabinets in a pastel shade and swap in metallic accents for a quick fix

Get the spa look

for less

Riviera vanity unit with Riviera square basin in Pink, £1,028, Burlington

The Bath Co. Dulwich roll-top freestanding bath with white claw feet, £519, Victoria Plum

Chatsworth Pink 560 vanity unit, £319.95, Victorian Plumbing

Tropicana Floral Leaf wallpaper in Pink, £12 per roll, I Love Wallpaper

TRAVEL to a tropical boutique

Get the boutique look

for less

Aubrey frosted glass ceiling pendant, £130, BHS

Wrap your walls in glamorous prints for an extravagant makeover. Pick a design that features colours from your existing décor, such as an accent chair or vases – you’ll see your cherished belongings in a whole new light Beverly Hills wallpaper in Mint, £195 for three rolls, Mind the Gap

Ritchie armchair in Darby Green Fabric, £385, MADE.com

Wire side table in Gold, £80, Next

Feature Thomas Poad

USE WHAT YOU’VE GOT ‘Take a minimalist approach by decluttering your home. Not only will this transform your space but it may reveal hidden pieces, such as vases or ornaments, which you can turn into focal items – perfect if you’re decorating on a budget.’

Alysha Alli, Head of Interior Design, Redrow

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STYLE FILE CAST serenity through your kitchen

Marble Arch Carrara-effect metro tile, £28.80 per sq m, Porcelain Superstore

Rufus nickel pendant light, £50, där lighting

Get the serene look

for less Shadwell natural and gunmetal stool, £49, Cult Furniture

Kendal kitchen in Dove Grey, from £2,422, Wickes

FINESSE your fine dining

Breathe fresh air into the heart of your home with a timelessly neutral scheme.

Add subtle elegance with shimmering tiles, stylish lighting and metallic hardware.

Repurposed jars, wooden boards and earthen ceramics add rustic warmth – even more so if they’re chipped Alderley kitchen in Bone, from £15,000, Burbidge Kitchen Makers

Cassini three-way Gold ceiling light, £70, Iconic Lights

GoodHome Hegoa Birch rug, £10, B&Q

Set the scene with a chic dining table lit by gilded lights and grounded with a textured rug. Mix old and new seating for a relaxed atmosphere Lean dining table in Oak, £1,899, Heals

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Get the fine dining look

for less

Reflex oak two-seater bench, £299; Reflex oak sixseater dining table, £699, both John Lewis & Partners

Primrose Carver Dining Chair in Mustard, £129, Cult Furniture

STYLE FILE Skyros Delft Blue wall and floor tiles, £26.95 per sq m, Tile Mountain

Chatsworth traditional shower riser kit, £299.95, Victorian Plumbing

MAKE room for majestic mosaics Drench your bathroom in boutique hotel style with Mediterranean tiles. If space allows, create your own wet room or take an edited approach with a tiled splashback above the sink

Get the mosaic look

for less

Bert & May Bolonia tiles in Blue, £220.50 per sq m, Fired Earth

Egyptian cotton face cloths in White, £3.50 for two, Soak&Sleep

Bid farewell to a dated bedroom and turn it into a blissful boudoir. Cocoon yourself with a large fabric headboard, flounced white bedding and curved furniture for a soothing sleep space

Flounce-trimmed duvet set, from £39.99, H&M Home

LAZE in a soothing boudoir

Folkestone kingsized bed, £1,660, Sweetpea & Willow

Get the boudoir look

for less Sandringham king-sized bed frame, £469, Dunelm

Senio hexagonal stool in Pink, £99, MY Furniture

MATERIAL TOUCH ‘Focus on luxe for your soft furnishings.

Swap cotton for linen, mohair and velvet in your throws and cushions. These can really elevate a bed, sofa and room!

Add larger cushions to give a more luxe feel to the plainest of furniture.’

Clementine table lamp, £49, Dunelm

Sanel Konyar, Interior Designer and Founder of Interior Kollection

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DECORATING IDEAS Luc green tea and lotus flower reed diffuser oil, £12.50, Oliver Bonas

Rajput Pink cushion cover, £6.99, Homescapes; GoodHome Kisiria Leaf Blue and Green cushion, £15, B&Q 16 White ball Moroccan fairy lights, £14.99, Lights4fun

summer

50 UPDATES FOR UNDER £50

We’ve curated a whole host of colourful accessories to give your home a dose of seasonal style, from real and faux foliage to vibrant wall art Portmore tealight holders, £12 for a set of two, Garden Trading

Black and white rug, £14.99, Homesense

Bring holiday style home with tile prints Melamine tableware salad servers, £8, ProCook

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DECORATING IDEAS Bud vase small, £6.95 each; bud vase large, £10.95 each, Annabel James

add soft texture to a playroom or nursery

Small jug in Sweet Maria, £9.95, Artisan Homeware

Sunshine ceramic mini mug, £7.50, Gisela Graham

Mini rainbow rug, £13, Mint & May

£15

cast a sunny glow across your seating

& UNDER

Cocktails mug, £13.50, Sophie Allport

Hammered amber tall glass tumbler, £14.50, Beaumonde

Medium lustre bouquet vase, £9.50, Marks & Spencer

Modern light glass candlestick holder in Moss Green, £11.95, ad&i

Tufted Sun cushion, £8, George Home

Feature Sophie Demetriades

Verdure poster, £8.95, Desenio

Avoid the hefty price tag with bargains to brighten up your space for less

Scandi succulent, £4, B&M

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DECORATING IDEAS

Carla mugs, from £28 for a set of four, Beaumonde

Aruba seat pads in Jaffa, £27 for a set of two, Fy!

Tall ceramic jug, £28, Monday

Grapefruit and Blood Orange boxed candle, £26, Ella James

Blue handle vase, £30, Next; Bee tablecloth in Ochre, £23, Walton & Co

£30

Issey velvet cushion covers, £28 each, Oliver Bonas

& UNDER

Step up the summer vibes with colourful accessories that won’t blow the budget Orchid framed print, £18, Quince & Cook

Textured Blush tumblers, £20 for a set of four, Cox & Cox

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Savanna Palm Leaf decorative stoneware bowl, £19.95, ad&i

keep cool and comfy with open-weave throws

Bloomingville Pink recycled cotton throw, £18.50, Beaumonde

DECORATING IDEAS Tillandsia usneoides, £16.99; air plants assorted, £9.99; decorative branch pampas grass, £9.99; earthenware vase, £34.99; Weaver throw in Rust, £34.99; Mono face cushion, £19.99, all Dobbies Mimosa placemats, £45 for a set of six, Braided Rug Company

Green salad bowl, £37.99, Softstore.co

pick painted tableware for an artisan look

&K Amsterdam twirl glasses in Clementine Orange, £33 for a set of two, My Uncle’s House

£50

Blue tile print rug, £33, Sass & Belle

& UNDER

Lemon plates, £32.90 for a set of four, Monday

Stretch those purse strings a little more to elevate your scheme with statement buys

Terrific Tiger utensil jar, £45, Joe Browns

Geometric candlestick holders in Pink, £31 for a set of two, Fy!

Moon Child framed wall art; Tropical Yoga framed wall art; Earl Grey framed wall art; Sunday framed wall art; Jungle Vacay framed wall art; £49.50 each, Oliver Bonas

76cm Ficus elastica artificial rubber plant, £39.99, Lights4fun

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www.trendinteriors.co.uk

Visit one of our Trend Interiors Premium Partners: NORTH

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EAST BILLERICAY 01277 633 301 DEEPING ST JAMES 01778 346 415 ELY 01353 968 031 LETCHWORTH 01462 410 777 OUNDLE 01832 270 300 ST. ALBANS 01727 815 300

SOUTH AMERSHAM 01494 434 305 BRACKNELL 01344 360 300 CHICHESTER 01243 780 633 TWYFORD 01189 320 089

Kitchens & BATHROOMS Take inspiration from this month’s Med-inspired décor, stylish kitchen tech and plastic-free accessories

COASTAL

cool

Transform your home with Habitat’s new Mediterranean summer 2022 collection full of azure blues, neutral hues and earthy tones. Andrew Tanner, Habitat’s Design Manager, says: ‘Channelling the allure of the Amalfi coast, azure and terracotta offer a timeless appeal when combined.

Promoting serenity, this calming blue is combined with the grounded stability of earth tones for a harmonious scheme that strikes a balance between warm and cool notes’. The collection also features updates for bedrooms and living rooms, but we love the stylish pieces in its dining range.

Evora 12-piece stoneware dinner set, £60; Art Glass set of four hi ball glasses, £20; Mediterranean tea towels, £10 for a pack of five; Art Glass jug, £18; all Habitat

Natural beauty A TOUCH OF TUSCAN SUN

If you’re looking to reduce your plastic use in the bathroom, this eco-friendly beauty essentials box has everything you need to get started. The kit contains reusable make-up remover rounds, a natural konjac sponge, reusable bamboo nail polish remover pads and exfoliating loofah discs. Priced at £14.95 from tabithaeve.co.uk.

PASTEL POWER Iconic kitchen brand Swan has unveiled a new Lavender-Purple hue for its Retro Collection, which takes inspiration from Pantone’s Colour of the Year Very Peri. The range includes a stand mixer, kettle, toaster, microwave and a pan set, but the Swan Retro Pump Espresso Machine, priced at £109.99, will brighten up any morning.

Feature Sophie Ellis

Re-create holiday villa vibes for a fraction of the price by using vinyl tiles, rather than stone or porcelain. Burnt terracotta and baby blue combine to create a striking repeat pattern that brings functional yet beautiful flooring into your bathroom. Save even more pennies by laying it yourself, rather than calling out a tradesperson – just search ‘vinyl flooring’ on Yourhomestyle.uk to see our step-by-step instructions. Terracotta Mosaic vinyl flooring, priced at £17.99 per sq m, from Flooring Superstore.

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KITCHEN IDEAS

Marry old and new by using recycled materials that have been given a current twist. This design has recycled wood carcasses and front panels with wooden and metallic effects for an industrial, modern look Origin kitchen, from £10,000, Schmidt

GO GREEN IN YOUR KITCHEN M

inimising food waste isn’t the only way to be eco-conscious in the kitchen. When it’s time for a renovation, search for ex-display or pre-loved designs rather than something brand new. Or, give existing cabinets a new lease of life with a lick of planet-friendly paint or set of sparkling handles. Swap energy-guzzling appliances for the latest efficient designs and replace the kettle with an instant boiling water tap. Set a greener routine with eco-friendly textiles, cleaning products and repurposed containers, too.

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Reduce the food waste sent to landfill with a kitchen waste caddy – compost it in your garden (your veg plot will love the mulch) or pop it out if you have kerbside food waste collections Joseph Joseph Stack food waste container in Graphite, £28.79, John Lewis & Partners

Feature Hayley Gilbert

Reduce, reuse, recycle your way to an eco-friendly kitchen with long-lasting style

Sorrento reusable glass straws with cleaning brush, from £12.95, Zwilling

KITCHEN IDEAS

EASY UPCYCLE

Organic cotton grid napkins in Off White/Red, £12 for two, OYOY Living Design

‘Painted and wooden kitchens can offer a little more flexibility when buying second-hand, as they can be easily repainted and handles replaced to create a new look. Laminate kitchens can also be painted or vinyl-wrapped.’

Helen Lord, Founder of Used Kitchen Exchange

Reduce air miles with products made in the UK, such as this cast-iron cookware that’s made with 70-per-cent recycled waste Britannia double-handled skillet frying pans, from £70 each, Samuel Groves

Pick out a second-hand or ex-display kitchen from the comfort of your sofa by browsing online. If your choice is a current style, there may also be extra units that can be ordered, if needed

Customise a pre-loved kitchen with paint. Search for a used kitchen, then sand the units and paint them in a shade that matches your home. Get them professionally sprayed if your budget allows

Ex-display Ewe kitchen with Neolith worktops and appliances, £3,250, The Used Kitchen Company

Repainted pre-loved kitchen and appliances, £2,250, Used Kitchen Exchange

Made from jute, this sack will help potatoes and onions keep for longer KitchenCraft Natural Elements vegetable jute sack, £13.99, Cook Serve Enjoy EcoPress Aluminium capsule recycler, £9.99, Dualit

Revamp breakfast with a kettle, toaster and coffee-maker made from plant-oilbased plastic – the mottled finish makes it look like stone 5000 Series Eco Conscious toaster, £49.99; kettle, £49.99; coffee maker, £64.99, all Philips

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KITCHEN IDEAS

Crafted from 50-per-cent recycled materials, this flooring can be recycled again after you’ve finished with it. Distinctive knots give it a realistic timber look LayRed Mountain Oak luxury vinyl, £44.99 per sq m, Moduleo

Increase the heat and sound insulation of your kitchen with cork flooring. Made from a combination of harvested, recycled and waste cork, it’s also naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic Una cork flooring in Pale Sand, £80 per sq m, Recork

ZigZag Platter in solid cherry wood and maple from sustainably managed FSC-certified forests, £80, Anden

Fresh Peach, Fresh Aqua, Fresh Yellow ecofriendly paint, £21 per 1L, all YesColours

Banish plastic bottles of fizzy drinks with a sparkling water maker Cordless SodaStream Art machine, £139.99, SodaStream

Choose accessories made from natural materials, rather than synthetics Zarla Natural rug, from £109.99 for 120 x 120cm, Rugs Direct

Save water and time when boiling water for drinks and cooking with an instant hot water tap. You’ll have 100°C water when you need it and it’ll free up space on your worktop Fusion Round boiling water tap in stainless steel, £1,150, Quooker

KITCHEN IDEAS Revamp your existing units with sleek new handles Knurled T bar handle in Matt Black, £11, Pushka Home

Opt for electrical appliances made from recycled materials. This washer-dryer features a drum tub made from recycled plastic and can be controlled from your smartphone via Bluetooth, plus it has a special allergy setting for sensitive skin Beko Recycled Tub 7kg/4kg washer dryer, £389, AO.com

Rather than buying bottled water, add a filter to give your tap water a fresher taste Swich water filter system, from £213, Abode

Add farmhouse charm with flooring made from repurposed bricks. Packed with time-worn character, these hard-wearing tiles are an investment piece for a forever-home kitchen reno Recycled Pavers Terracotta flooring, £146.60 per sq m, Ca’ Pietra

ENERGY EFFICIENT ‘Shopping for eco-friendly appliances is becoming simpler. At AO.com, you can filter appliances by energy rating and see the annual monthly running cost, comparing the effect different models could have on your pocket.’

Sophie Beckett Smith, Large Appliance Expert at AO.com

Warm up timber or stone flooring with a stylish rug crafted from ethically sourced threads. Check out the online Rug Creator tool to make your own bespoke version Coastline Dune rug with Linen Ash border, from £79.90 for 30cm x 100cm, Sisal & Seagrass

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BATHROOM PROBLEM ROOM

‘I’ve proven that small bathrooms can still feel luxurious’

INSIDER INFO THE HOMEOWNER I’m Mel Sinclair, 38, a hairdresser and owner of a business making dried flower arrangements (@the.naturalstylist). I live here with my husband, Greig, 40, a gas technician, and our children Abbey, 11, and Mila, nine.

THE HOME A threebedroom, detached house, built in 1997, in Fife, Scotland. We bought it in November 2021 and I share my renovation story on Instagram @its_all_ about_the_house.

Careful planning, a plethora of space-saving tricks, a neutral palette and textured details have made Mel Sinclair’s compact bathroom feel like a spa hotel

H

aving bought a bigger house with scope for a future garage conversion, Mel and Greig Sinclair hired a team of tradespeople to tackle the bedrooms and bathroom first. They’d been living with Greig’s parents for eight months, having sold their previous home to be in a good buying position, and stayed another month while the bathroom was taken back to brick and given

a false ceiling to cover Artex. ‘You couldn’t get two people in the cramped bathroom,’ says Mel. ‘We needed to make the best possible use of the space.’

The couple considered converting the neighbouring cupboard into a shower cubicle, but instead it became a wardrobe in their bedroom. This meant they could block up the old entrance on the landing

THE PROBLEM It was a small, narrow space and felt difficult to move around in. A large radiator made it feel even narrower and when you opened the door it would hit the side of the bath.

THE SOLUTION The aim was to make it feel more spacious with clever design and layout tricks. Adding a sliding door, moving a radiator, and opting for a wall-hung basin and curved bath has given the

TIMELESS TILES Hexagonal floor tiles were the starting point for the neutral scheme. ‘I think tiles are what makes a bathroom,’ says Mel. ‘If you choose something classic and timeless, you can always change accessories around it’

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BATHROOM PROBLEM ROOM and fit a sliding door to the bathroom.

Another game-changer was removing the bulky chrome radiator and opting for electric underfloor heating. ‘The radiator was right in your eyeline as soon as you opened the door,’ explains Mel. ‘Those two changes have made a huge difference.’

Wanting to show off the hexagon floor tiles she’d chosen, Mel opted for a curved freestanding bath and a slim wall-hung vanity unit. ‘Greig thought it would look cramped, as the new bath is bigger than the previous one, but the space actually feels wider,’ says Mel. ‘The bath is slightly taller but it’s less wide, so it didn’t feel like it was pushed into one corner,’ she says. ‘And the curved shape also softens things.’

Picking a light, neutral and minimal scheme was also a wise move in a small space. ‘Bathrooms can be cold and clinical sometimes,’ says Mel. ‘So, I wanted to create texture and warmth with beige and putty tones, along with brushed-brass fittings.’

When it came to ceiling lighting, Mel found a smoked glass design. ‘It was the only one I’d seen that was suitable for bathrooms but wasn’t just a plain glass flush design,’ she says. Fluted wall tiles, which she matched with a fluted-glass cabinet, were the last piece of the jigsaw. ‘I got a sample and they

worked perfectly with the floor tiles. I was a bit dubious about how it would look on all four walls, as I’d only seen it to partial height, but thankfully it looked brilliant.’

The process wasn’t without its issues, though. Initially, they ordered the wrongsized bath and they also had to wait two weeks for the carpet to be laid in the hall and landing before the sliding door could be fitted. But Mel is now delighted with the

new bathroom. ‘I don’t think there’s much more we could’ve done with the space,’ she says. ‘If I did it again, the only thing I’d add is a hanging light next to the mirror in the corner. I always create a moodboard and the bathroom is pretty much the same as I’d planned, so I’m over the moon with it.’

BOLD AS BRASS A wall-hung brushed-brass tap and shower takes up less space than a floor-standing design, and the bath bridge is a repurposed B&Q shelf. ‘The girls enjoy a bath and I use it every day as the shower attachment is great for washing my hair,’ says Mel

INDUSTRIAL LINES This glass and metal wall cabinet gives much needed extra storage and has a modern, industrial vibe. The vertical lines of the fluted tiles and ribbed glass work perfectly together

SHOPPING LIST

SWEET PETITE A slim wall-hung vanity unit and basin that’s meant for a cloakroom is a great space-saving sink option for small family bathrooms, too

Feature Karen Wilson Photos Katie Lee

Milano Irwell bath, £674.99; Milano Ballam toilet, £223.99; Milano Bexley Dark Oak wall-hung open shelf cloakroom vanity unit with basin, £349.99, all Big Bathroom Shop. Single-lever wall-mounted swivel bath filler, £199.99; for a similar tap try solid-brass single-lever monobloc basin tap in Brushed Gold, £129.99, both Homary.

Flute wall tiles in White Décor, £59.85 per sq m, Topps Tiles. Hendrix Ivory hexagon floor tiles, £77.78 per sq m, Mandarin Stone.

Corben flush ceiling light, £90, MADE.com.

For a similar mirror try Gold metal arch mirror with shelf and hooks, £115, Oliver Bonas. Ferm Living Haze wall cabinet in cashmere and reeded glass, £335, Huh Store. Griege cotton bath towels, £17.99 for two; for a similar lantern try large seagrass lantern, £19.99, both H&M. For a similar vase try Athena Grey vase, £16.50, Harrison Cropper. Twisted hazel, £4 per stem, @the.naturalstylist on Instagram.

£3,300

TOTAL COST:

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BATHROOM SHOPPING

Totally TROPICAL

1

Bold botanicals, sunshine hues and jungle prints: add our pick of the best jungle-inspired buys to your bathroom for a taste of the tropics

3

2 4

5

6 7

8 1 Banana leaves art print, from £23, Green Lili 2 John Lewis & Partners + Matthew Williamson zebra bath sheet, from £17, John Lewis & Partners 3 Palm beach shower mat, £32, Peachy Parrot 4 Drawstring flat lay make-up bag in tropical print, £14.99, Lily England 5 Tropical leaf green shower curtain, £10, Dunelm 6 Sunshine all day slogan pom pom bath mat, £10, George Home 7 Oriel orange and nectarine candle, £16.50, Oliver Bonas 8 Pure cotton palm print towel, from £4, Marks & Spencer

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BATHROOM IDEAS Add privacy to your windows or glazed door panels with patterned window film – a quick cover-up if your bathroom is on the ground floor Asanoha Japanese patterned window film, from £25 for 50 x 50cm, Purlfrost

IN PERFECT

harmony

Create a mindful sanctuary with the soft minimalism and natural textures of a Japandi bathroom

Apothecary Balance 100ml diffuser, £15, Marks & Spencer Green tea and jasmine glass candle, £5, B&M

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ombine the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi – embracing the beauty and imperfections of nature – with Scandinavian hygge, which is all about cosiness and comfort, to bring the benefits of minimalism and an appreciation of the natural world to your bathroom. Introduce

this soothing concept with soft textures, earthy hues and materials such as rattan and bamboo to create a harmonous haven. We’ve chosen a lighter colour palette to keep the scheme fresh for summer, but the Japandi look also works with black accessories or dark tiles to dial up the drama.

BATHROOM IDEAS Japandi takes inspiration from plant-inspired motifs such as cherry blossom and bamboo leaves Black metal synergy leaf round wall mirror, £44.95, Melody Maison

Quickly ramp up the at-home spa feeling with wooden accessories Ash wood bath rack, £15; ash wood duck board, £25; both Dunelm Organic cotton soap saver, £6.45, Tabitha Eve

Moss beni bath mat, £24, Quince & Cook

WELL

Warm up a cool scheme with metallic touches, reminiscent of the powdered gold used in the Japanese art of kintsugi

grounded

‘Japandi interiors are underpinned by soft, neutral colour schemes, chosen to promote tranquillity. Think off-white tones, soft greys and blush colours, which all add a sense of serenity to a space. If you want a splash of colour, opt for blue or green shades, while pale yellow adds warmth.’

Catharina Björkman, Scandi Lifestyle Expert at Contura

Dulux Easycare Bathroom soft sheen emulsion paint in Willow Tree, £24 per 2.5L, B&Q

Terma Alex brass heated towel rail, £295, Victoria Plum

July 2022

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Feature Sophie Ellis

Walls and ceilings silk emulsion paint in Delicate Blossom, £15 per 2.5L, Wilko

BATHROOM IDEAS Incorporate sustainable materials in your scheme – these tiles are made from 90-per-cent recycled raw materials Yuri Sand 90-per-cent recycled tiles, £41.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

Matrix black matt tile, £30.16 per sq m, Topps Tiles

Hang warm white LED lights either side of your basin to diffuse a cosy glow around the room Brooklyn outdoor and bathroom globe pendants in Brass, £80 each, Industville

Trend black terrazzo wall and floor tile, £24.95 per sq m, Tile Mountain

Palm Springs tile in Black, £65.52 per sq m, Porcelain Superstore

Heavenly

hygge

‘Invest in a sumptuous bathrobe and oversized fluffy bath sheets in neutral colours to feel the warmth. And don’t forget to add in candles for those long, hot soaks. Candles with citrus overtones and woody scents such as oud and sandalwood work well in bathrooms and create a cocooned feel.’

Justyna Korczynska, Senior Designer at Crown Paints Meg (@megcoatess on Instagram) added a DIY touch to her Japandi bathroom with wooden slats that add texture and contrast with the curved shower alcove For a similar print try Abstract paint figure no2 poster, from £10.95, Desenio

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Arezzo 460mm matt black straight grab rail, £54.95, Victorian Plumbing

Indulge in soft, waffleeffect towels to recreate the warmth of a spa-like sanctuary Capri cotton towels in Graphite, from £8, DUSK

BATHROOM IDEAS Cubiko black bathroom mirror shelf unit, £105, Beaumonde

Break up the neutral scheme with plenty of greenery – plants such as Boston ferns and peace lilies thrive in humid environments and are easy to care for Peace lily, from £10, Beards & Daisies

Store and order

‘Look for square structures and clean lines when picking out furniture and accessories.

Japandi is about functionality, so remember to incorporate as much storage as possible to keep the bathroom looking neat.’

Rikki Fothergill, Style Expert at Big Bathroom Shop

Fill awkward spaces with hard-working furniture.

Prevent rot with waterresistant bamboo – just give it a wipe down if the room gets particularly humid Rågrund wash-basin/ corner shelf, £25, IKEA

Amari rounded four-piece bathroom set, £42, MADE.com

Vellamo twist matt black basin mixer tap and waste, £89.99, Drench

Orchard Dal black coloured countertop basin 410mm, £155, Victoria Plum

July 2022

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PRIZE DRAW

WIN! WIN! £500 worth of tiles

from the new Beyond collection from Tile Giant S tyle your outdoor spaces with the new Beyond collection from Tile Giant – we’ve teamed up with the brand to give away three £500 vouchers to spend on the range.

The stylish yet practical collection of outdoor porcelain tiles features a selection of trend-led designs, from classic wood- and stone-effect through to modern terrazzo-print tiles, all made to transform gardens into stunning spaces for you to enjoy. Simple to install, the practical, hard-wearing tiles are slip-resistant under wet conditions. They’re also frost-proof and algaeand moss-resistant for chic flooring that will last for years to come.

THE PRIZE Tile Giant is giving Your Home readers a chance to win one of three £500 vouchers to spend on the Beyond tile collection. Choose between a wide variety of finishes and effects to transform your outdoor spaces.

FIND OUT MORE To view the entire collection, along with tiles for your bathroom, kitchen and other interior spaces, visit tilegiant.co.uk.

Bellevue outdoor tiles in Grey, £41.98 per sq m, Tile Giant

now

Visit yourhomestyle.uk, choose the WIN tab, find the prize draw you’d like to enter and fill in your details. Closing date is 14th July 2022 at 11.59pm Berkeley outdoor tiles in White, £51.80 per sq m, Tile Giant

3 chances to win!

Royal Terrazzo outdoor tiles in White, £51.80 per sq m, Tile Giant

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1 The promotion is open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, aged 18 years or older, except Our Media Limited’s employees or contractors and anyone connected with the promotion or their direct family members. 2 Prize does not include installation. 3 For the full list of Terms and Conditions, visit yourhomestyle.uk/win

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Transform your outdoor space ...with our giant collection of 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles

Scan here to shop the full range now! tilegiant.co.uk

YOUR handmade HOME Check out this month’s round-up of crafty projects Y

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LOVH ES

Blooming lovely!

Sew this linen gardening apron

66 EASY AS 1, 2, 3!

72 TRY SOMETHING NEW

Use up leftover wallpaper scraps with this trio of colourful party decorations.

Create beautiful etched glassware for summer soirées by following these step-by-step instructions – it’s much easier than you might think.

68 REVAMP REPAIR RECYCLE Forage for twigs on your next woodland walk to transform plastic garden pots into rustic planters.

70 SEW SIMPLE Tend to your blooms in style with this botanical linen gardening apron.

74 CRAFT STASH MUST HAVES Knit a chunky, Scandi-inspired blanket, learn how to make beautiful fairy lights at a workshop and have a go at needle felting a pair of cute cacti with an at-home kit.

July 2022

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Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Make the most of any leftover wallpaper by using it to create these three colourful decorations

We used wallpaper samples, but you can create greater contrast by combining offcuts of whatever wallpaper you have leftover from any recent redecorating projects

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Varnish all surfaces to ensure your tray can handle any spills

PARTY LETTERS

WALL FLOWERS

SHOPPING LIST

SHOPPING LIST

✔ 20cm mâché letters, £3 each, Hobbycraft ✔ Tutti Frutti wallpaper in Rainbow Brights, from £1.25 per sample, Lust Home ✔ Pencil ✔ Scissors ✔ Chalky finish furniture paint in Duck Egg, £5 per 125ml, Rust-Oleum ✔ Paintbrush ✔ Clear glue ✔ Clear matt varnish Begin by laying a sheet of wallpaper right side down, so that the back of the paper is facing you. Place your mâché letters down onto the wallpaper and draw around each one with a pencil. Cut the shapes out with scissors. Trim around 5mm from each edge, so the paper cut-outs are slightly smaller than their matching mâché shapes.

Apply two coats of paint to every surface of the mâché letters. We used Rust-Oleum’s Chalky Finish furniture paint in Duck Egg, but you can use any paint you like. Leave to dry thoroughly after each coat.

Apply a thin layer of clear glue to the back of each paper cut-out, then apply them to the front of your mâché letters. Make sure that the painted border around the edge of each cutout is equal on all sides. Leave to dry, then apply two coats of clear matt varnish all over to finish.

✔ Selection of wallpapers (we used Flower

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Bomb, Tutti Frutti, and Freshly Squeezed in a range of colours, from £1.25 per sample, Lust Home) ✔ Petal template from yourhomestyle.uk ✔ Pencil ✔ Scissors ✔ Hot glue gun ✔ Plain cardboard Download and print the Petal templates from yourhomestyle.uk and decide which diameter of flower you’d like to make – when finished, they measure approximately 15cm, 20cm and 30cm. Use your template to cut nine petals from the wallpaper of your choice.

Pinch one end of each petal shape slightly, as indicated on the templates. Add a tiny dab of hot glue right at the edge and pinch again, to hold the shape. Repeat until all nine petals have been shaped.

Take two petals and glue them together at the side edges using a tiny blob of hot glue.

Repeat, to join all nine petals together at the edges. They should form a flower shape. Cut a small circle of plain cardboard out and glue it to the back of your flower, to provide extra stability.

Lastly, cut another small circle, this time from a scrap of wallpaper, and glue this to the centre front of your flower to finish.

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Projects and step photos Sophie Tarrant Main photo Dave Caudery Styling Tricia Ball & Beth Charlton Lucas

DRINKS TRAY

SHOPPING LIST

✔ Wooden tray, £8 for three, Hobbycraft ✔ Damp cloth ✔ Chalky finish furniture

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paint in Duck Egg, £5 per 125ml, Rust-Oleum ✔ Paintbrush ✔ Freshly Squeezed wallpaper in Lemon Yellow and Aquamarine, from £1.25 per sample, Lust Home ✔ Ruler ✔ Pencil ✔ Scissors ✔ Clear glue ✔ Clear matt varnish Start by wiping the tray all over with a clean damp cloth to ensure there’s no dust on the surface. Leave to dry thoroughly, then apply two coats of paint to every surface.

Once the paint is completely Apply your paint in dry, measure the inside base of thin coats and let it dry your tray with a ruler. Draw and cut thoroughly after each out a rectangle of Freshly Squeezed one to achieve a neat, wallpaper in Lemon Yellow and even finish Aquamarine to this size.

Apply a thin layer of clear glue to the back of your wallpaper rectangle, then carefully stick it to the inside base of your tray.

Smooth it out to ensure it’s positioned correctly and that there are no air bubbles beneath the paper. Leave to dry, then apply two coats of clear matt varnish to every surface to finish the tray.

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REVAMP REPAIR recycle

Forage a new look for your planters with these rustic, twig-wrapped designs you can make in an afternoon

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ive the pile of disused plastic pots lying in your garage or garden shed a rustic makeover so you’ll be proud to put them on display once more. We’ve taken two plastic planters – one floor and one hanging – and wrapped them with twigs and jute twine to give them a natural refresh. The best thing about this project is that the decoration costs next to nothing, as you could source the twigs from a woodland walk.

SHOPPING LIST

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✔ 2 x planters (we used Nypon planters, £2.50 each, IKEA) ✔ Damp cloth or sponge ✔ Twigs ✔ Tape measure ✔ Garden shears or secateurs ✔ Glue gun and glue ✔ Jute twine ✔ Drill and drill bits To make the floor planter, clean the pot all over with a damp cloth or sponge and leave it to dry thoroughly.

Go through your twigs to find ones that are relatively straight and about the same thickness. Measure the height of your planter, then use sharp garden shears or secateurs to trim the twigs so they’re about 1cm longer.

Using a glue gun, attach the twigs to the outside of the planter. Work your way all the way around the planter, butting each twig up against the previous twig as tightly as you can.

If you’re left with any gaps, fill them using smaller shoots and twigs, until the entire outside of the planter is covered.

Measure the circumference of the twigcovered planter and multiply it by five. Cut two lengths of jute twine to this length, then wrap each length around the outside of the planter four times. Secure each one by tying them off, ensuring both knots sit on the same side of the planter. Straighten the twine wraps out, then trim any excess from the ties to finish.

To make the hanging planter, turn the planter upside down and drill three drainage holes in the bottom. Turn the pot right side up, then measure and mark out three equally spaced points around the planter, around 2cm down from the top. Drill through each of the three points. Then clean the planter inside and out using a damp cloth or sponge and leave it to dry thoroughly.

Go through the twigs to find straight-ish ones of the same thickness, then measure

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the height of your planter and use garden shears or secateurs to trim the twigs so they’re about 3cm longer. Using a glue gun, attach the twigs around the outside of the pot, leaving a 1.5cm overlap at the top and bottom. Continue until the planter is covered.

Measure the circumference of the twig-covered planter and multiply it by five.

Cut two lengths of jute twine to this length,

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then wrap each one around the outside four times. Secure the wraps with double knots, ensuring both sit on the same side of the planter.

Straighten the twine wraps, and trim any excess.

Cut three 1m lengths of twine and thread each one through the holes you drilled in the side of the planter in Step 5. Knot each end to secure, then tie all three strings together at the top so the planter can be hung from a hook.

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Top tip

Project and step photos Sophie Tarrant Main image Dave Caudery Styling Tricia Ball and Beth Charlton Lucas

Dry your twigs thoroughly to ensure they’re primed for use in craft projects. Spread them out on a foil-lined baking tray and heat them in the bottom of an oven set to 100°C for 30 minutes.

Ensure they’re cool before handling them

July 2022

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SEW simple

Tend to your plants in style with a botanical-print gardening apron, featuring a handy pocket with four pouches for essential tools

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ake tending to all those jobs in your garden a little easier with this cute gardening apron. The front pocket has four pouches for tools, so, rather than having to go back and forth to the shed to grab your secateurs, trowel or twine, you can keep them all easily to hand while you potter around between your flowerbeds. Make the apron from a linen fabric for a rustic look, with a botanical print for the pocket and waist tie to match your leafy surroundings.

SHOPPING LIST

✔ 60cm of linen fabric, for the main apron and tie belt ✔ 60cm of printed linen or cotton fabric, for the pocket ✔ Matching thread ✔ Scissors ✔ Pins ✔ Iron ✔ Sewing machine Measure and cut out two rectangles, each 50 x 30cm, from the linen fabric to make the main apron and backing, and another rectangle measuring 50 x 20cm from the printed fabric to make the pocket.

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Cut a long strip measuring 10 x 150cm for the waist tie from the pocket fabric – this can be two lengths of 75cm sewn together at the centre if your fabric is a narrow width.

To attach the pocket, first fold and pin the top long edge of the pocket piece over by 1cm to the wrong side (WS) and sew a double row of stitching along this edge to hem. Place this pocket piece on top of the main apron piece with the right sides (RS) up, the hemmed edge of the pocket facing the top and with the side and bottom raw edges aligned, and then place the backing on the top of them both, RS down.

Pin and then sew along the two side edges and the bottom edge using a 1cm seam allowance to join all of the layers together, and then snip the excess fabric across the bottom corners, being careful not to cut into your stitching – this will help you to get crisp corners when you turn it RS out. Then turn the apron RS out through the top.

Carefully ease the corners out to a point – using a blunt object, like a knitting needle, can help you to do this without damaging your fabric or stitching – and press with the iron.

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Measure and mark the centre point of the apron, and then the quarter points. At each of these points, sew a vertical line of stitching from the top edge of the pocket to the bottom of the apron to create the four pocket sections.

Fold the waist tie in half along the length with the RS together. Pin it together along the raw edges, but leave a 48cm gap centrally along the long edge unpinned – this is where you will attach the main apron to the waist tie.

Measure to check that the main apron piece will fit into this gap in the waist tie and adjust the gap if necessary. Sew all the way around the waist tie using a 1cm seam allowance, but leave the gap unsewn.

Snip away the excess fabric across the corners at the ends of the tie, being careful not to cut into your stitching, then turn the tie RS out and press, turning the unsewn edges of the gap on the long edge to the inside by 1cm.

Insert the top edge of the apron into the gap in the waist tie and pin or clip it into place with fabric clips, then sew a line of topstitching all the way along to attach the waistband to the apron.

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Project and step photos Samantha Claridge Main image Dave Caudery Styling Tricia Ball and Beth Charlton Lucas

Top tip

To get a professional finish on turned-out corners, press the fabric by holding the iron still and applying pressure for a few seconds.

Month July 2022 2021

71

TRY something new Discover how to add floral flair to your glassware with etched bloom motifs using this simple technique

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ave you ever thought about etching glass before? Etching is not only quick and fun, it allows you to add unique visual and textural sparkle to glassware, so is great for sprucing up charity shop finds. It does involve handling acid cream, but with a bit of care and the right safety gear, doing so is not nearly as difficult or as scary as it sounds!

You can find all of the materials needed for this etching project at your local craft store and online, so it’s easy to get started and really addictive too. Don’t say we didn’t warn you...

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SHOPPING LIST

✔ One glass swing-top bottle ✔ Glass beakers ✔ White vinegar or glass cleaner ✔ Paper ✔ Sticky-back plastic ✔ Masking tape ✔ Cutting mat ✔ Scalpel ✔ Fine brush ✔ Masking fluid ✔ Acid etching cream (we used Armour Etch) ✔ Gloves ✔ Cotton buds ✔ Stipple brush

Wash your hands, then dry them off so they’re as grease-free as possible. Next, clean the glassware thoroughly with white vinegar or glass cleaner. Rinse well with water.

Print or sketch your first design onto paper. Cut a square of sticky-back plastic that’s bigger than the design, but smaller than your cutting mat. Use masking tape to secure the plastic to the mat, paper side down.

Secure your template on top of the stickyback plastic using masking tape.

Carefully cut out the design with a scalpel.

Press hard enough to go through both the paper and the plastic film and keep any negative shapes that you cut out for later.

Remove the template from the plastic.

Carefully peel off the backing from the plastic to reveal the adhesive side and stick it to the glass. Smooth down the plastic using the back of your fingernail, paying particular attention to the corners and edges.

Remove the backing from the negative shapes, then pick each one up carefully with the tip of the scalpel and stick into position. If you have a big or complex design, peel just a small area of the backing away at a time, then position it in stages.

Paint any areas of the design that you don’t want to be etched with masking fluid.

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Apply the fluid thickly and allow it to dry fully.

Put on your gloves and shake up the acid etching cream, directing the top away from you. Dab acid onto the surface of the glass with a cotton bud, working the cream from the plastic onto the glass to avoid the acid bleeding underneath the plastic. Keep moving the acid cream around on the glass to ensure the etch is

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as even as possible. Pick off any crystals in the cream using the tip of a scalpel.

Leave for three minutes, then wash the glass under cool, running water. Avoid getting acid on the clear parts of the glass. Wipe off the rest of the cream with a stipple brush.

Remove the stencil, rinse the glass well and admire your work.

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Top tip

If drawing’s not your strong suit, there are plenty of ready-made and reusable stencils available. Try Etsy or Amazon

GET inspired This project first appeared in Mollie, the magazine for modern crafters. Visit gathered. com to find out more about Mollie or buysubscriptions.com to subscribe

July 2022

Project Sonia Bownes (courtesy of Mollie magazine) Photography Philip Sowels Styling Helena Tracey & Becki Clark NB When using acid cream, read label before use; follow all manufacturer’s instructions; wear protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection. Always handle with extreme care.

Etched glass is dishwasher friendly, so it’s a more practical way to personalise glassware than painting or adding vinyl decals

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Craft stash

MUST HAVES Get making for summer with sunny kits and an enlightening workshop to broaden your handmade horizons

Workshop

Easy-care cacti With just a needle and a bundle of fibres, you can make adorable ornaments for your shelves, like these cute Needle-Felted Cacti designs from Bergin and Bath. The kit includes a photographic step-by-step guide and materials to make two cacti, plus there are video tutorials to follow with two further cacti projects to try if you catch the needle-felting bug. The kit costs £16.

LIGHT FANTASTIC

Treat yourself to some quality crafting time – and your home to a new set of lights – with the two-hour Fairy Light Making Workshop at Lume Lighting in Hove, East Sussex. It’s pitched at all skill levels and the cost of £35 includes all the tools and materials you need, so you can turn up empty handed. If you have papers and fabrics to co-ordinate with your décor, though, you’re encouraged to bring these along. Why not take a friend and make a day of it in this beautiful part of the country?

PRE-LOVED, RE-LOVED Revamping your home needn’t cost the earth as this book by award-winning author, Debbie Shore, and her daughter, sewing shop owner and YouTuber, Kimberley Hind proves. In Refashion, Restyle, Restitch, they show you how to use old clothes to jazz up your home.

Transform shirts, trousers and more into blinds, cushion covers, lampshades and throws. £12.99, Search Press.

Get set, make!

Feature Diane Hollands Thomas

SUMMER TEXTURE Maximise your time outdoors with a blanket to keep you cosy after the sun goes down.

This stunning Scandinavianinspired Chunky Tassel Throw will keep you comfy in style and you can knit it with a beginner kit from Stitch & Story. The jumbo tassels add a fun touch and a pop of colour.

The kit comes with 100-percent merino wool and is available in five colourways – all of them as gorgeous as this one. With needles it costs £125, and without it’s £117.

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Resin is a versatile material for making stylish home accessories, such as trinket dishes, paperweights and coasters. Hobbycraft’s Colour Pour Resin Starter Kit has everything you need to get going with this fun, creative hobby, including resin and hardener, metallic mica powder, glitter and a guidebook, so is great for newbies and more experienced resin crafters alike. Buy it for £45.

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

PERENNIALS

rare | unusual | exciting

FILL THE GARDEN WITH OODLES OF FLORAL FANFARE

Verbena bonariensis

Scabiosa japonica Ritz Blue

BUY 30 (3 OF EACH)

87P

Echinacea purpurea White Swan

A PLANT Verbascum phoeniceum Rosetta

Digitalis obscura Dusky Maid

A

Erigeron karvinskianus

Delphinium Magic Fountain Dark Blue White Bee

Alchemilla mollis Thriller

Geum coccineum Koi

Lupin Gallery Red

perennial collection to bring effortless pleasure all season long like choreographed floral ballet that lasts all season.

These 10 favourites have been selected to harmonise in a symphony of movement, colour and scent. Each blooming beauty takes centre stage, then passes the spotlight seamlessly to the next performer for an enduring display. An array of forms and heights creates balance and interest. The shortest varieties of 15cm are perfect for edging paths and adding to containers, and the tallest add graceful height to borders, reaching 180cm. Expect abundant blooms from April to November and relish filling vases for the house. The spectacle will even continue throughout the winter with architectural seed-heads providing structure, as well as habitats for wildlife. These proven, hardy garden performers can be relied upon to return year after year with minimal maintenance. Hardy perennials. Your young plants will be delivered in 7 days.

ORDER ONLINE hayloft.co.uk/YHHY

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS Name

QUOTE YHHY

10 PLANTS (1 OF EACH) 20 PLANTS (2 OF EACH) 30 PLANTS (3 OF EACH)

Item Code

YPAP10-YH0722 YPAP20-YH0722 YPAP30-YH0722

Price

Qty

Total

£12 £18 £26

P&P (UK only)

Address

PHONE 0333 358 2006

Please Send

£5.95 Total

Please debit my Visa/Mastercard Card no

Postcode

Tel

Valid from

Expiry

CV2

I enclose cheque/PO for ____________ made payable to Hayloft Plants Ltd

Email

Please write your name and address on the reverse of the cheque

THANK YOU, WE WILL CONFIRM YOUR ORDER Your details are kept securely and not shared with third parties. You will receive a catalogue, welcome email and special offers, if you prefer not to receive them please call 01386 562999. For T&Cs – see hayloft.co.uk

YHHY

Send to: Hayloft Plants FREEPOST RTGR-JAGJ-JETG, WR10 3HB

botanic collection

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Reader HOMES

See your home here!

Have you just finished decorating your home? If so, we’d love to see your photos and, who knows, it may even be featured in a future issue.

You can share them on Instagram using #YHlovemyhome and #YourHomemagazine

Take a peek inside reader homes filled with stylish finds and fresh decorating ideas Bryony Critchley chose soft, classic shades for her Victorian terrace so it can evolve with her style

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Catherine Chowler didn’t want to move, so gave her family home of 22 years a neutral makeover instead

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PLUS IDEAS TO STEAL

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78 To inject personality into her new-build, Rosie Connor mixed festival chic with a coastal ice-cream palette

84 July 2022

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REAL HOME

Colour-pop new-build

‘I added seaside charm with ice-cream shades’ Rosie Connor injected personality and life into her once-magnolia, new-build home with a peppy palette of cheerful pastels and breezy whites

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his house only had one previous owner before Rosie and her husband, Ray, took it on, and the fact it had been kept in such good condition was a big plus for the couple. ‘We fell in love with it on the first viewing,’ Rosie says. ‘The house was built in 2014 and we loved the immaculateness of it.

It was in move-in condition, painted magnolia throughout, which is not my favourite colour, but it was a perfect blank canvas. We knew that we would be able to quickly put our personal stamp on it.’

She didn’t hang about when it came to the decorating – that’s not her style. ‘I’m not a fan of the often-upheld advice that you should

Rosie’s home was a blank canvas that she was excited to personalise with pretty colours, like the matching blue front door, trellis and planters

‘The sofa is a little oversized for the room,’ says Rosie, ‘but I enjoy playing with scale. I’m convinced it can make a room seem bigger’

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LIVING ROOM Rosie is a big fan of wall panelling and has used it in her small living room to great effect. Layering up prints, patterns and textures makes this space feel colourful and cosy OUR MUST HAVES For a similar rug try Visconti Multicolour/Blue rug, from £73.95, Benuta. Lever arm antique brass foor lamp, £55, Dunelm. White rectangular wooden mirror, £84.99, The Range. Wilhelm Antique Brass-style wall lights, £24, Iconic Lights. Honolulu print, from £29.90, Astrid Wilson

REAL HOME The shelving unit was a Gumtree find, which Rosie painted in All White eggshell

by Farrow & Ball. Her minimal display of plants, pots, artwork and her vintage-style phone from John Lewis and Partners is elevated by the white backdrop

LIGHT LAYERS Three light sources – think ceiling, wall and floor lamps, like Rosie’s – will mean you can change the light and mood at different times of the day

COME ON IN. .

WE ARE Rosie Connor, 42. I work for a charity called The Lilias Graham Trust that supports families in poverty. I live with my husband, Ray, 48, a Quantity Surveyor, and our daughter, Poppy, 10, along with our cockapoo, Ollie; a guinea pig named Cookie; and Twiggy, the hamster.

OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom terrace in Doune, Stirlingshire. We bought it in 2016. I share my decorating progress on Instagram @rosie_connor_at _home.

OUR BIGGEST MISTAKE was painting the garden fencing black. I have seen this work in gardens down south, but not in our chillier Scottish climate!

FOR INSPIRATION I visit the seaside.

A day at the beach is always a treat for the whole family and I love the colour palette of pale blues and yellows.

GROUND FLOOR

Kitchen Dining room

Living room

Study

Feature Alison Gibb Photos Douglas Gibb

FIRST FLOOR

Bedroom Bathroom

‘I’m not a fan of the often-upheld advice that you should live in a house for six months before doing anything.

I just like to crack on with it!’

Rosie’s living room leads into the light and airy kitchen-diner.

She ripped up the old flooring and replaced it with a white, limed-effect laminate to unify the rooms and create a sense of flow throughout the ground floor

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REAL HOME When Rosie and Ray first moved in, this space was a downstairs WC – they knocked it down the day they got the keys to make room for a dining table. ‘It’s definitely the best thing we’ve done in the house,’ says Rosie

live in a house for six months before doing anything. I just like to crack on with it!’ says Rosie. ‘I didn’t put together moodboards or do any planning, I just work completely instinctively. My job is quite demanding and can be stressful, so decorating is a way to decompress for me. I find choosing colours and painting very soothing and calming.’

LIGHTER & BRIGHTER Rosie does admit to making mistakes, though. The first thing she did was to pull up the black laminate flooring and replace it with oak. ‘I tired of that eventually, though, and recently replaced it with a pale white, limed-effect laminate, which has really lifted the house,’ she says.

‘Plus, I initially painted the living room a dark grey, influenced by the dark interiors you see so often on Instagram, but it just didn’t feel right. This house is light and bright, and the living room is north-facing. I wanted cheerful colours and tones, rather than a dark, moody atmosphere.’

‘We do everything ourselves – it’s amazing what you can achieve, even on quite a tight budget. I think it can make you more creative’

DINING ROOM Rosie effortlessly combines high street buys with bargain finds to create the look she loves. She bought the dining room bench for £10 on Gumtree and made it work with a lick of pink paint. The round mirror, which was originally black, also got a makeover with a gold-leaf pen for a luxe finish OUR MUST HAVES For similar cushions, try the Round lush velvet cushions, from £9.95, West Elm. Tahlia easy fit pendant lamp shade, £65, Next.

Heather dining chair in Midnight Blue, £109, Cult Furniture.

Ivar shelving unit with cabinet, £90, and Ivar bamboo doors, £40 for 2, both IKEA

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REAL HOME

KITCHEN Rosie added open shelving to showcase her Anthropologie crockery collection. ‘It’s definitely my favourite shop and they have great sales,’ she says. The Laura Ashley tiles were bought years ago. ‘I kept them, knowing I would use them sometime,’ she explains

RULE OF THREE To create a cohesive home without moodboards or planning, Rosie simply picked three colours – pink, yellow and blue – to use throughout

OUR MUST HAVES Java layered pendant lamp, £85, MADE.com. Nolan rug, £59, Urban Outfitters. Nirvana rattan bar stool, £105, Dunelm. Rust-Oleum all surface paint in Duck Egg blue, £14.89 per 750ml, Sprayster.

For similar tiles, try the Retro Metro wall tiles in Cloud Blue, £39.61 per sq m, Tiles Direct

She has added panelling in a few key spots, to bring character to her home. ‘I bought pine strips and cut them to size myself, then painted them,’ she says. She has painted the walls throughout in All White by Farrow & Ball. ‘It’s a great shade and makes the ideal backdrop for the pops of colour I’m so fond of,’ she explains. ‘I use the modern emulsion, as it’s more robust than the chalky estate emulsion, which is useful when you have a young family and animals!’

Rosie’s palette is inspired by boho festival style and trips to the seaside. ‘I love ice-cream colours, summer florals and faded sky blues,’ she says. She completes the look with an abundance of foliage and fairy lights, as she feels these can really pull a room together.

QUALITY COUNTS Another detail that Rosie invested in was good-quality light switches and plug sockets to elevate the décor and make her home more individual. The brushed-brass fittings she found on Amazon add warmth and finesse.

It’s an added expense, but the effect is well worth it, so she is slowly replacing the ceiling roses with brushed-brass as well.

PATIO The outdoor area gets lots of use as a second family sitting room in the summer. ‘We created the covering over the pergola with a piece of polycarbonate,’ Rosie says. She’s added textured cushions and throws in her boho style to make it feel like an extension of the inside

OUR MUST HAVES Boho ivory rope hanging chair, £43.99, Vonhaus. Faux mini olive tree, £30, Blooming Artificial. For a similar sofa, try the Marettimo garden sofa with side table, £1,259, Furnish. GoodHome Malaita rug, £30, B&Q

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MAIN BEDROOM Rosie chose Pink 01 by Lick, for the panelling behind her bed – a soft ice-cream shade perfect for that seaside vibe. The bedside table was a bargain buy from Gumtree OUR MUST HAVES Prints, from £20, Kitty McCall. Stripe Sky Blue & White bedding set, from £40, Habitat. For a similar wall light, try the FS Living Plug-in Wall Light, £62, Amazon

The entrance hall is Rosie’s favourite space. To make it lighter, she took out a dark carpet and painted the stairs, ‘but it proved a bit noisy, so we added a runner.’ Rosie installed the panelling, and the couple also made a handy storage bench, painted in Dusky Blush by Frenchic

STUDY A quiet spot that serves as a study and a dressing room, this space features Rosie’s signature panelling. She found the table at Wayfair and painted it in Rust-Oleum Duck Egg to match her scheme OUR MUST HAVES For a similar chair try Natural twist base chair, £299, Peacockchairs.com.

For a similar blind try Atlantic Duck Egg Roman blind, from £30, Dunelm. Poppy Field rug, £125, French Connection

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FAMILY BATHROOM A yellow shower curtain adds a pop of colour to the white-tiled bathroom. Rosie painted the bath panelling in Duck Egg by Frenchic OUR MUST HAVES Peonia shower curtain, £48, Anthropologie. Hanging bamboo planter, £12, Habitat. Sabrina glass easy fit pendant, £42; Elements bamboo extendable bath rack, £25, both Dunelm

REAL HOME POPPY’S ROOM Framed prints and colourful accessories make this a fun room for Rosie’s daugher Poppy, aged 10, but it can easily transform into a teenager’s room later.

Panelling and painting behind the bed adds a low-cost focal point, and Rosie has painted a scallop pattern on the desk, too OUR MUST HAVES For a similar bed try Sarnen single bed frame, £134.99, Wayfair. Fatouh berber style rug, £99, La Redoute. Pom pom string light, £5.99, The Range.

Customisable zodiac print, £45, Mapiful. Galvanised steel trunks, from £35 each, Habitat

‘Decorating is way to decompress for me. I find choosing colours and painting very soothing and calming’ Rosie and her husband are keen DIYers.

‘Ray and I save money by seeing furniture that we like in magazines and then making it ourselves,’ she explains. ‘It can be quite easy to put a wooden bench or storage box together and then paint it for a really smart result. We do everything ourselves – it’s amazing what you can achieve, even on quite a tight budget.

I think it can make you more creative.’

During the summer months, Rosie really feels the benefit of her outside space. ‘Our garden is like an extra room – the sofa is so comfortable and sheltered. Our home has

communal green spaces nearby as well,’ Rosie says. ‘We’re very lucky to be surrounded by stunning countryside here in Stirlingshire, with the Ochil Hills on our doorstep, and the wonderful city of Stirling in easy reach.’

EN SUITE Rosie painted the door, skirting and uPVC window in Dusky Blush paint by Frenchic to give her bathroom a budget glow-up. Wood and metal accents complete the look OUR MUST HAVES Bath mat, £17.99, H&M. Vinto double wall shelf, £55, La Redoute

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‘I used to go to Glastonbury every year, so my interior style is festival-meets-coastal’ Rosie

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1. Adeline headboard, £203.32, Wayfair 2. Dark Terra flatweave outdoor rug, from £24.95, Kukoon Rugs 3. Michelle Parascandolo Georgia art print, from £18, Fy! 4. Ube natural bamboo pendant lamp shade, £69.50; Cleo oval bamboo pendant lamp shade, £39.50, both Oliver Bonas 5. Contemporary wire round mirror in Gold, £39.99, Homescapes Online 6. Botella outdoor/indoor throw in Smoke Blue, £34.95, Angela Reed

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Boho-chic terrace

‘I future-proofed our home with a timeless colour palette’ Renovating their first home hasn’t always been straightforward, but Bryony Critchley and her partner, Mark, persevered to create a home that can evolve with their style

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efore we bought this place, I was living with my mum just outside of Bristol,’ explains Bryony Critchley, ‘but, as I was spending most of my time at my partner Mark’s house in North Bristol, we decided it made sense to get a place together.’

The couple were looking to move closer to the city centre, but wanted something with a bit of outdoor space, too. Luckily, they found a property that provided everything they wanted – all it needed was a décor spruceup. ‘When we came to view this place, the street looked really nice and the garden was a good size,’ recalls Bryony. ‘I loved the little quirks of the house. It had lots of character and period features, and it didn’t need any building work, which was a bonus, but we could see how the space could be made to reflect our own style.’

The couple moved in straightaway and started updating the house, room by room.

They loved the floorboards on the ground

Won over by its period features, Bryony and Mark couldn’t wait to add their own style to the interior of this Victorian terrace

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IN GOOD SHAPE Bryony found artwork, textiles and a rug that all feature the same abstract motifs and shapes for floor-to-ceiling co-ordination

‘The windows were originally dressed with fussy curtains, but we really wanted shutters to add character,’ says Bryony.

‘They are a more streamlined way to let in light, but still retain our privacy’

REAL HOME LIVING ROOM

OUR MUST HAVES Adza berber-style wool rug, £215, La Redoute. Porto love seat, £949, Swoon.

For a similar lamp try Brass and Black floor lamp, £125, French Connection

‘We both enjoy decorating and we tend to earmark a weekend and then get the work done in one go’

‘The original features were what attracted me to this house,’ says Bryony, ‘but the fireplace was painted shiny black when we moved in so we repainted it matt to soften it. I think it looks better against the Farrow & Ball Down Pipe wall’

COME ON IN. .

WE ARE Bryony Critchley, 27, a Senior Product Designer at Waitrose, my partner, Mark Willis, 33, a UI Design Manager, and our cat, Binky.

OUR HOME IS A three-bedroom, Victorian terrace in Bristol. We moved here in October 2018, and I record our renovation journey on Instagram at @bryonycritchley.

MY FAVOURITE ROOM I love the living room, and even though it’s the first room we did, Mark and I still agree there’s nothing we would change about it. We both find it really cosy and welcoming, and still love our colour choices.

WHAT I LEARNED Do your research.

We made a few mistakes by not measuring properly, or not using the correct product.

Although these errors didn’t add massively to the costs, they took time to put right.

OUR BEST IDEA was opening up the stairs. Because the dining room is in the middle, it gets little natural light, but now the space is much brighter, feels bigger and the added storage helps keep it uncluttered.

NEXT TO DO We need to give some thought to the summer room, now we’ve decided not to open up the space. It needs a refresh, as I love to sit there with a glass of wine in summer. I think I want to paint it a slightly darker colour, but we’ll see.

Living room

Feature & styling Lisa Moses Photos Katie Jane Watson

Bryony and Mark had some money left over from the house purchase to buy new furniture, so they invested in these sofas from Swoon. Now, Bryony explains, ‘at the end of each month, if we have anything left over, we put a bit aside to do things on the house. We tend to do jobs room by room, as and when we can afford it’

Summer room Dining room Kitchen

GROUND FLOOR Spare room

Bedroom

Office Bathroom

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REAL HOME floor, which had already been sanded, but wanted to give the whole house a paint job as there were strong colours everywhere. ‘The living room was bright teal, and our bedroom was a mustard yellow – not awful but not what we wanted in our home, as we prefer a softer, more muted look,’ says Bryony.

TIMELESS APPEAL The first thing the couple did was decorate the living room, choosing timeless colours with a view to future-proofing their home.

‘If, down the line, we want a new look, all we have to change are the accessories rather than redecorating the whole room,’ Bryony explains. They chose Down Pipe and Pavilion Grey by Farrow & Ball to give the room a sophisticated look and did all the painting themselves. ‘We both enjoy it. We tend to earmark a weekend for it and get the work done in one go.’

THRICE AS NICE

Use the designers’ rule of three like Bryony has done, to add interest and balance when you hang prints on the wall

When the couple first moved in, there was a wall where the open stairs are now, which made the room feel dark. ‘We were sat having dinner one evening, discussing how to brighten the room, and Mark started knocking on the wall because he thought it might be a stud wall that could come down fairly easily,’ says Bryony. ‘I’d also seen some images of under-stairs cupboards with panelling, which not only looked really useful, but also seemed like a stylish way to store our shoes and coats. So, we got a carpenter to remove the wall, attach a bannister and build in the cupboards to my design.’

THE POWER OF PAINT When it came to the bathroom, Bryony admits there wasn’t much they could do, as the room is so small. That didn’t mean she couldn’t give it a splash of colour, though. ‘It was all too beige for my liking,’ she says. ‘So, we gave it a budget update by painting the walls green. We also painted the tiles white using a specialist tile paint, which, since we did it two years ago, has lasted really well.’

Then, during lockdown, the couple decided to give the kitchen an update. ‘We initially considered knocking through to the summer room to create a large, open-plan space, as I would have loved an island for when friends come over, but the costs and quotes kept spiralling. Although it’s not a huge room, the kitchen is actually designed well, so we This space is bright and sociable; perfect for entertaining. ‘We would have liked an open-plan kitchen with an island at the heart of it,’ says Bryony, ‘but with the cost of materials and building works rising, we decided to stick with the original layout’

DINING ROOM Bryony and Mark made the dining table and bench themselves. ‘We liked the rustic look of scaffold board tables, but they were too expensive,’ explains Bryony. ‘So we sourced cheap boards from a reclamation centre, fixed them together, then attached the legs – they were the most expensive part, but it only cost about £150 to make both’ OUR MUST HAVES Symbols rug, £195, Habitat. A-frame industrial legs, £140 for two, The Hairpin Leg Company. Nova large ceiling light, £100, Matalan. Pax rattan dining chairs, £169 for two, Dunelm. Seat cushions, £9.99 each, H&M Home

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‘We considered knocking through to the summer room to create an open-plan space, but the costs kept spiralling, so we decided to paint the cabinets instead to give the kitchen a new look on a budget’

Bryony wanted to refresh the kitchen, but loved the original blue tiles, so chose a paint colour that complements them.

New cupboard handles and a few rustic accessories complete the transformation

KITCHEN The existing kitchen was well-designed in lots of ways.

The breakfast bar, for instance, works really well for the couple – if it’s just the two of them, they sit here to eat and chat. Bryony also loves the worktop, as it’s a pretty good imitation of wood, which adds to the boho vibe OUR MUST HAVES For a similar tap try Magna Brass kitchen mixer tap, £110, The Qualis Collection. Bistro Tile Canisters, from £18, Anthropologie. For similar bar stools try GoodHome Maloux Black Oak bar stool, £20, B&Q. For similar antique scales try Traditional Robert Welch cast iron kitchen scale set, £80, Yester Home

SUMMER ROOM

GROUND CONTROL Rather than shelling out on new tiles, a patterned rug with a nonslip underlay is a lowcost way to update a kitchen floor

The previous owners used this as a utility room, but Bryony and Mark wanted to make more of it as it’s a really lovely, bright space.

‘We put the sofa in here, and I’m gradually adding accessories and making it a nicer space to spend time in,’ says Bryony OUR MUST HAVES For a similar day bed try Kutumba mango day bed, £595, Nkuku. Rohini daybed neutral cushion, £180, Urban Outfitters.

For similar cushions try Kilm global print cushion, £14, Dunelm. For a similar lamp try Trio tripod natural floor lamp, £109, Dunelm

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REAL HOME decided to paint the cabinets to give it a new look on a budget,’ says Bryony. ‘We painted the cream cabinets a soft green, but as soon as we’d finished, the paint started peeling off.

We’d used the wrong primer, so had to sand it all back and start again, which was a pain.

But it needed to be done and the makeover only took a couple of days – as we were in lockdown anyway, we had the time.’

The final update was the spare room, which was another lockdown project. ‘The

HALLWAY ‘Opening up this space was a game-changer,’ says Bryony. ‘I love the fact that we can now see through to the gallery wall that I’m gradually building on the staircase’ OUR MUST HAVES Estate emulsion in Inchyra Blue, £52 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. For a similar mirror try Wareham window pane mirror, £94.99, Wayfair. Bekvam step stool, £29, IKEA

room still had the pink walls, horrible old carpet and red velvet curtains from when we first moved in, so we decided to give the whole room a complete overhaul. We ripped the carpet up and then sanded the floor, which turned out to be a nightmare,’ explains Bryony. ‘It was a really hard job, especially as we only had a little electric hand sander and dust literally got everywhere, but the final effect was worth it.’ Then, the couple added the beautiful William Morris wallpaper that Bryony had spotted while browsing online. ‘It’s a bold pattern and I worried it might overwhelm the room. It was also really expensive, so we decided to just put it along one wall,’ she explains. ‘Although I still want to give the summer room a refresh, and maybe sand the bedroom floors, I’m really proud and happy with how we’ve transformed this house, especially as we’ve done most of the work ourselves.’

Bryony has created a lovely dressing table area for herself in the spare alcove, choosing an inlay table and elegant velvet and gold chair to add to the eclectic look in this room

BLENDING IN MAIN BEDROOM The original bedroom had bright mustard-coloured walls and the fireplace was black, which didn’t fit with Bryony and Mark’s relaxed, sophisticated vibe. Bryony covered up the yellow with Home and Hearth by Valspar, then painted the fireplace in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe, left over from the living room, to soften the scheme OUR MUST HAVES Luxe Duck Egg velvet chair, £275, Oliver Bonas. For a similar headboard try Josephine rattan headboard, £179, Tikamoon. Just Happy to Be Here print, £39, Fy!. Svenshult metal wall shelf, £15, IKEA

Take a leaf out of Bryony’s book and disguise plain shelves by painting them the same colour as the walls

REAL HOME

‘The wallpaper has a bold pattern and I worried it might overwhelm the room. It was also really expensive, so we decided to just put it along one wall’ Bryony and Mark added a focal point to the living room with a fire surround bought on Facebook Marketplace. ‘It wouldn’t fit in the car, so we walked it home on our shoulders,’ says Bryony. ‘Unfortunately, we didn’t measure it properly and it was far too big for the wall, so we had to cut it in half, take a piece out, and put it back together again before I could paint it!’

SPARE ROOM ‘I love a gallery wall and designed all of the prints in here myself,’ Bryony says. ‘I work as a graphic designer and still love doing illustrations, so in lockdown I got an iPad and started printing out my doodles and drawings.

I used the colours of each room to personalise the prints and hung them around the house. I received lots of compliments, so now I sell them on Etsy’

BATHROOM ‘Believe it or not, we actually painted the taps and shower, which were originally silver,’ says Bryony. ‘I’d seen metal paint used online and thought I would give it a go – if it failed, we were going to replace the taps anyway, but the paint doesn’t seem to come off and I think it’s worked really well’ OUR MUST HAVES Intelligent matt emulsion in Pleat, £56.50 per 2.5L, Little Greene. For a similar bath tray try Handmade wooden bath tray with handles, £38, Alexander Lee York on Etsy. Smooth metal paint in Black Hammerite, £17.49 for 750ml, Screwfix. Teal Egyptian cotton hand towel, £5, Dunelm

OUR MUST HAVES Haru large double sofa bed in Slate Blue recycled velvet, £425, MADE. com. Morris & Co. Golden Lily wallpaper, £119, John Lewis.

Botanical abstract prints, from £5.50, BryonyDesignStore on Etsy

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‘My style is at the luxurious end of boho chic. I love rattan, wood and texture, but add a little bit of luxe with velvet and gold’ Bryony

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1. Mikado poster, £12.95, Desenio 2. Hepburn 3 seater sofa, Midnight Blue Velvet, £1,099, Cult Furniture 3. Abigail Ahern Benito rattan mirror, £70, Freemans 4. Manu natural double bed frame, £360, Habitat 5. Tapestry blue ceramic tiles, £30.60 per sq m, Porcelain Superstore 6. Fresh vintage twisted tapered 5 candle set, £6, Habitat 7. Entebbe set of 3 wall baskets, £89, The Basket Room

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Family-friendly renovation

‘I modernised every room so we didn’t need to move’ Rather than putting her family through the upheaval of moving home, Catherine Chowler extended their 1960s terrace and gave it a modern-coastal makeover ‘I started getting inspired by neutral design about 10 years ago,’ says Catherine. ‘I also like to add individual pieces to personalise our home; this antique chair belonged to David’s grandma and I love its history’

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his was never meant to be a forever home for Catherine Chowler and her husband, David. The idea was always to renovate, sell up and move on. But as the original project came to an end, Catherine fell pregnant with their oldest son and didn’t want the upheaval of moving – and, when the couple’s other three children came along in the following years, it never quite felt like the right time to up sticks. So, the house unwittingly became a long-term project.

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‘When we first moved in, the place didn’t need any building work and, luckily, there was no garish wallpaper or weird paint colours on the walls to contend with, but it was all tired and unloved. So, we gradually decorated the whole house,’ says Catherine. The property’s first incarnation was completely different to how it looks today, but Catherine’s love of neutrals was still evident. ‘I call it my ‘Laura Ashley’ phase,’ Catherine says. ‘We decorated our bedroom with blue-and-white striped

Catherine has brought her 1960s home up to date, and extended into the garage for more space

REAL HOME

‘Luckily, there was no garish wallpaper or weird paint colours on the walls to contend with, but it was all tired and unloved’

COME ON IN. .

WE ARE Catherine Chowler, 51, a stayat-home parent, my husband, David, 54, a Company Director, and our children, Harvey, 22, Libby, 20, Max, 16, and Ned, 13.

OUR HOME IS an extended fivebedroom, 1960s terrace in Oxted, Surrey.

We moved here in July 1999. I Instagram my interiors journey at @interiors71.

MY STYLE IS neutral, but to prevent it looking two-dimensional and bland, I layer lots of subtle, patterned throws and cushions to soften the look. I also add accessories with texture and shape, such as candlesticks and faux foliage.

MY FAVOURITE BUYS are one-off pieces that add a bit of individuality to my home. I shop on the high street all the time, but it’s important to have personal pieces to create a space that reflects me.

Rather than spend on installing new radiators, hide the old ones with stylish covers for an easy update

Not keen on the original brick fireplace, Catherine worked her makeover magic.

‘We’ve never been brave enough to knock it out as we’re worried it might turn into something structural and really expensive, so I’ve simply painted it to blend in with my neutral look,’ she says

FOR INSPIRATION Instagram has given me lots of DIY tips and introduced me to new companies and independent stores.

I also like American interiors companies, such as Studio McGee, that market a modern, rustic-coastal look.

GROUND FLOOR Utility Snug

Dining room Living room

Feature & styling Lisa Moses Photos Caroline Mardon

UNDER COVER

Kitchen

LIVING ROOM ‘I like everything to have its place,’ says Catherine, ‘but I don’t want a show home. Having a large family means things need to be relaxed.

I want people to come in and be able to kick off their shoes and curl up on the sofa, so a neutral palette gives a calm and welcoming air’ OUR MUST HAVES Söderhamn sofa in Finnsta White, from £445, IKEA. Buckingham round mirror, from £170, Neptune. For similar radiator cover try Carlton white radiator cover, £89.95, Victorian Plumbing

FIRST FLOOR Bathroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom Bedroom

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‘While the children were all still living at home, it was never going to be the right time to move, so we took the decision to invest more into the house’

wallpaper, blue carpet, and floral curtains with matching bedding. But there was also a lot of white, and the rest of the house always had a neutral vibe going on.’

CREATING SPACE When they first moved in, the kitchen was divided up to create a separate dining area.

Although it wasn’t the ideal layout, the couple were still planning to move so decided to live with it as it was, apart from changing the 1960s Formica units to Shaker-style cabinets.

Then, after a few years went by, they decided to take down the dividing wall through to the original dining room to create an open-plan space. A Howdens kitchen and island were also installed. ‘As the children were getting bigger, it seemed a sensible thing to do. As soon as it was finished both myself and David wished we’d done it years ago. The space was so light and airy,’ enthuses Catherine. They had considered moving the kitchen to the back of the house so they could have doors out to the garden, but compromised in order to stick to their budget. ‘The cost of moving all the utilities, and the fact that the children were older so didn’t need watching while playing in the garden, meant it wasn’t worth the upheaval,’ Catherine explains.

The kitchen reno prompted further additions to the house. ‘While the children were all still living at home, it was never going to be the right time to move, so we took the decision to invest more into the house,’ says Catherine. ‘We converted the garage and shed

PULL THE PLUG Prop attractive chopping boards in front of kitchen plug sockets for an uncluttered countertop look

KITCHEN ‘Although the colour and design of our kitchen has changed, I’ve always had Shaker units and cabinets, as the style never dates.

In fact, we’ve had the same style, more or less, for over 20 years now,’ says Catherine OUR MUST HAVES Allendale Antique White Shaker kitchen, price on application, Howdens.

Light oak Kyla bar stool, £129, John Lewis & Partners. White Billy bookcase, £40 each, IKEA

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The kitchen island was originally designed with no overhang, but the builders were able to add an extra length to create a small breakfast bar. ‘It works really well, as it creates a sociable space when someone is cooking,’ says Catherine ‘These shelves look really expensive, but they’re actually made from a couple of IKEA Billy bookcases,’ Catherine reveals. To get this luxury look on a budget, Catherine attached architrave at the top and skirting at the bottom, before filling in the spare shelf holes

REAL HOME ‘I enjoy creating little displays to make my home look warm and welcoming, and subscribe to William Morris’s idea of having nothing in your house that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful,’ says Catherine

SNUG The wall panelling is made of wide MDF planks, painted in Lily by Neptune. Catherine covered a stool from Dunelm in neutral fabric to complement the scheme. ‘It was in the sale and is actually pink teddy fabric underneath,’ she laughs OUR MUST HAVES Moreton metal and raw oak sofa table, £145, Cotswold Company. For a similar rug try Aftas square jute rug, from £175, La Redoute

into a snug and formal dining area. It was a better use of space, as the garage was too small to house a modern car.’

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE The family enjoyed the house as it was for a few years, though Catherine admits that she continued doing small updates, especially during lockdown. ‘Sitting around all day with nothing to do made me look at our home with fresh eyes,’ she says. ‘I’ve always loved interiors magazines and I’ve been more and more inspired by Instagram. I loved seeing all of the panelling projects that have been shared, so decided to give it a go myself.’

She started in the dining room, choosing a simple design to complement the Shaker units in the kitchen. Then she felt it was time to give the kitchen a simple update. ‘Initially, I was just going to change the handles, so I took them off and filled the holes left behind,

DINING ROOM Catherine went for a combination of chairs and benches around the dining table to offer flexible seating for all the family. With no natural light in this room, she also chose a glass-topped table – it adds a light, bright feel, as well as a touch of elegance OUR MUST HAVES Arundel natural oak bench, from £585; Hebden trestle table, £985, both Neptune. Faux flowers, from a selection at The Suffolk Nest. For similar cushions try cow parsley cushion, £35, John Lewis & Partners

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REAL HOME MASTER BEDROOM ‘I choose classic furniture that doesn’t date and tend to give a room a neutral base – then I can change the cushions and accessories to inject colour and pattern,’ says Catherine. The headboard was a cheap buy from John Lewis & Partners and Catherine gave it an update by stapling some fabric, from Neptune, around the frame OUR MUST HAVES Chester Pure White wardrobe, from £599, Cotswold Company. Hambledon 6-tier shelf ladder, £340, Garden Trading. Estate emulsion in All White, £52 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

HIT RECORD Display sleeveless records on shelving and walls, and pair with black-and-white photography for a retro feel

NED’S BEDROOM Catherine decorated her son’s bedroom to his brief, inspired by Pinterest images: retro and vintage, with a modern touch. ‘We bought the records from a charity shop and I painted the drawers, found on Facebook Marketplace for £25, with leftover paint,’ she says OUR MUST HAVES For similar drawers try Shay rustic solid oak & painted 5 drawer chest, £429.99, Oak Furnitureland. For similar striped throw try Green Living cotton striped throw in Mustard, £7.99, The Range. Mosslanda picture ledge in White, £5, IKEA

but because it was lockdown it was impossible to get paint to colour-match the doors. So, I decided to repaint the kitchen cabinets in Shingle by Neptune, using paint left over from the panelling in the dining room.’

The couple also decided to completely update their bathroom, but the builder walked out of the job and left it half-finished. ‘It was stressful,’ admits Catherine, ‘but, thankfully, we found another company to complete the work.’ And now, although she still doesn’t see this as her forever house, Catherine says, ‘over the years, I’ve really enjoyed the process of turning it into a long-term family space that my children call home.’

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‘Rather than constantly buy new, I like to ‘shop’ from my home. This ladder shelf was originally in the kitchen, but I have a lot of accessories so I moved it in here to show off my beautiful things,’ explains Catherine

REAL HOME HARVEY’S BEDROOM Now she’s got the hang of it, Catherine can’t believe how easy and effective panelling is. ‘These are simply long strips of wood that I tacked to the wall, but they add texture and interest to a simple, plain white space,’ she says. Catherine bought the headboard for £30 and covered it herself, using a staple gun to attach the fabric OUR MUST HAVES For similar drawers try White Wilton 3 drawer chest, £225, John Lewis & Partners. For similar picture frames try Essentials photo frame, £9, Dunelm. For a similar ceiling light try Wallace Steampunk electric pendant with Clear Glass shade, £35, Iconic Lights

BATHROOM Patterned flooring adds extra interest to the neutral bathroom, which is painted in Salt by Neptune. Check out Catherine’s Instagram for a recent panelling update in this room OUR MUST HAVES White Baxenden vanity unit with basin, £299.97, Better Bathrooms. For similar shutters try full-height essential hybrawood shutters, from £66, The Shutter Store. Laurent floor tile in Dove Grey, £30 per sq m, Tiles Direct

STEAL MY STYLE 1

4

‘My style is neutral all the way, with pattern, texture and soft tones layered to add interest’ Catherine

5 2

3

6

1. Neutral Ikat print cushion, £10, Matalan 2. Calatria white vase, £29.99, Dobbies 3. Fresh vintage scalloped rattan tray, £12, Habitat.

4. Huxley light grey fabric double bed, £329, Danetti 5. Black and rope solar lantern with rope handle, £17, George Home 6. Reflection glass and natural solid oak dining table, £579.99, Oak Furnitureland

FOR STOCKISTS SEE P126 July 2022

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Next month in…

YH

LOV E S

STYLE AL TO STE side

*All features subject to change

Look in inspiring real homes and room redos

Easy ways to bring summer style into every room

Boost your craft skills with these sunny makes

Sweet treats for summer + big hits for your next BBQ!

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/YHP282

Food & DRINK Discover our favourite foodie finds this month, then read on for quick summer supper recipes and picnic-feast inspiration

3 WAYS WITH…

hedgerow berries

Explore your local green areas and learn something new by foraging – there’s usually something to discover throughout the year, with hedgerows especially abundant with berries in the summer. Just make sure to follow a few rules: forage away from busy roads; leave enough unpicked berries for wildlife to eat; and don’t pick anything that you’re not 100-per-cent certain you can identify. Find an identification guide on discoverwildlife.com

Feature Sophie Ellis Photo Getty Images

Wild strawberries are found in woodlands and hedgerows, and you can identify them by the small white flowers that bloom from them. They’re much smaller than their supermarket counterparts, so eat them as they are or use them to decorate desserts or cakes.

Bilberries resemble blueberries and they’re often found on low, shrubby plants in conifer woods, heaths and moors. Although you can eat them raw, they’re slightly tart, so make them into jam or lightly stew them with sugar to create a compote, both of which will make them more palatable.

Keep an eye on elder trees, as the frothy white elderflowers ripen into elderberries at this time of year. Elderberries should never be eaten raw, however. Instead, use them to create syrup, jam or even infused gin.

£

BEEFED-UP BURGERS

THRIFTY KITCHEN

Save money and tailor a sauce to suit your tastebuds by making your own salad dressing.

Add 6 tbsp olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon into a jam jar, then season. Secure the lid, then shake.

Switch the lemon juice for 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, rather than buying balsamic vinegar dressing separately – you can also add in leftover chopped herbs. The dressings will last in the fridge in the jars for a few weeks.

Upgrade your next barbecue with Asda’s Extra Special Beef Burgers with Truffle & Parmesan Melts. British beef patties are topped with a mix of oozing Cheddar, Parmesan and black truffle – jazzing up a familiar favourite without blowing the budget. Priced at £3.30 for a pack of two.

Try me…

Drink me…

Buy me…

A new take on a teatime classic, spread this tangy mayo across sandwiches or add it to hot dogs for a flavoursome twist.

Hellmann’s new restaurant-inspired mayo range also includes Gravy and Chilli Charger flavours. Pick up the Coronation Mayonnaise in Morrisons for £2.25.

Keep a couple of bottles of Galipette Rosé Cider chilled in the fridge for spontaneous summer sipping – you can thank us later. Rare red-flesh apples from Brittany and Normandy give the cider a distinctive rosé taste that will transport you to the French countryside.

Priced at £2 per bottle from Waitrose & Partners.

Tuck into 80 healthy recipes with Eat Well for Less: Happy & Healthy (£14.99, BBC Books), the latest cookbook from the BBC One TV series, Eat Well for Less. Packed full of simple suppers and weekend feasts, this book includes lots of affordable, family-friendly meals. Available to buy from Waterstones.

July 2022

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FOOD & DRINK

SPEEDY SUMMER SUPPERS Whip up quick, tasty dinners to enjoy with a glass of something chilled on balmy evenings – these can be on the table in under an hour

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes, plus chilling COOKING TIME 30 minutes SERVES 6

Mediterranean vegetable and goat’s cheese galette YOU WILL NEED ✔ 300g plain flour ✔ 150g chilled salted butter, cubed ✔ 3 tbsp cold water ✔ 150g soft goat’s cheese, sliced ✔ 1 pack of prepared Mediterranean vegetables (approx 400g) or a mix of fresh vegetables, chopped into chunks ✔ 1 egg, beaten

DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/ Gas Mark 7 and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

■ In a large mixing bowl, rub together the flour and butter with your fingers until a crumb consistency is achieved. Add the water and stir together to form a pastry dough.

■ Tip the dough out onto the lined baking tray and roll out into a large oval or circle (approximately 2-3mm thick).

■ Arrange most of the goat’s cheese slices in a layer in the centre of the pastry, top with the vegetables and then fold in the edges to encase everything. Place the remaining goat’s cheese slices on top of the vegetables.

■ Use a pastry brush to egg wash the folded pastry edges, then season the whole galette.

■ Bake for 30 minutes until the pastry is golden. Allow to cool slightly and serve.

Recipe and image courtesy of Easy Peasy Baking campaign by UK Flour Millers, fabflour.co.uk

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TOP TIP Keep your pastry as cool as possible to prevent the butter from melting into the flour – if needed, chill your galette for 15 minutes in the fridge before baking

FOOD & DRINK

Nutty chicken salad YOU WILL NEED ✔ 50g quinoa ✔ 2 chicken breasts, each sliced into 3 long strips ✔ 3 garlic cloves, minced ✔ 2cm fresh ginger, minced ✔ 2 tbsp sesame oil ✔ 1 red pepper, finely chopped ✔ 1 small courgette, finely chopped ✔ 1 large carrot, grated ✔ 1 red onion, finely sliced ✔ 1 large handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped ✔ 1 fresh chilli, finely chopped (optional) ✔ 1 lime, juiced ✔ 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter ✔ 2 tbsp white wine vinegar ✔ 2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce ✔ 30g peanuts, roughly chopped

PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME 30 minutes SERVES 2

DIRECTIONS ■ Cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions. Meanwhile, set the grill to the highest temperature.

■ Mix the chicken strips with 2 of the garlic cloves, 1cm of minced ginger and 1 tbsp sesame oil, then season. Place the chicken strips on the oven rack and under the grill for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

(Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a non-stick frying pan, over a medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes.)

■ Prepare the salad by mixing together the pepper, courgette, carrot, red onion, coriander, chilli (if using), lime juice, and 1 tbsp sesame oil.

When the quinoa is cooked, toss in with the salad.

■ Make the salad dressing by combining the peanut butter, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, and the remaining garlic and ginger. Mix well.

■ Spoon the salad into bowls and top with the grilled chicken, chopped peanuts and salad dressing.

Recipe and image courtesy of Quick and Easy Recipes

by Second Nature (£11.99, Second Nature)

Lamb with wild garlic yogurt and flatbreads up your s

PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME 35 minutes SERVES 4

er

For the flatbreads ✔ 500g self-raising flour ✔ 500g Yeo Valley Organic Natural Yogurt ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying ✔ 1 tsp salt ✔ 20g wild garlic, finely sliced ✔ 1 tsp cumin seeds For the lamb ✔ 500g leftover roast lamb ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil ✔ few sprigs of rosemary For the garlic yogurt ✔ 15g wild garlic ✔ 50g olive oil ✔ 1 tsp salt ✔ 350g Yeo Valley Organic Natural Yogurt

Use

YOU WILL NEED

Le f t o v

■ In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the flatbreads until the mixture just comes together. Shape into balls weighing approximately 250g, then flatten each ball with your hand until they are roughly 25cm wide.

■ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wide-based pan over a medium-high heat and fry the flatbreads for 8 minutes on each side. (You may have to do this in a couple of batches.) Set aside and keep warm.

■ Set another pan over a medium-high heat. Pull the lamb apart and add to the pan, along with the olive oil and rosemary sprigs.

Fry until the edges of the lamb start to go crispy and caramelise.

■ Meanwhile, add the wild garlic, olive oil, salt and 50g of yogurt to a blender and blitz until smooth. Mix through the remaining yogurt and transfer to a dish.

■ Serve the lamb, flatbreads and yogurt for everyone to share.

Recipe and image courtesy of Yeo Valley Organic, yeovalley.co.uk

Feature Sophie Ellis

DIRECTIONS

TOP TIP If you can’t find wild garlic, substitute it for a couple of garlic cloves July 2022

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FOOD & DRINK

TOP TIP

Jumbo prawn saganaki

This recipe works just as well with frozen prawns, if you can’t find fresh ones. Just make sure the frozen prawns have defrosted thoroughly before cooking

YOU WILL NEED ✔ 3 tbsp olive oil ✔ 248g jumbo king prawns ✔ 1 courgette, halved lengthways and finely sliced ✔ 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges ✔ 1 tsp chilli flakes ✔ 32g tomato paste ✔ 15g garlic paste ✔ 30ml Chinese rice wine ✔ 2 ciabattas, halved ✔ 30g feta cheese, crumbled ✔ 5g parsley, roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS ■ Boil a half-filled kettle. Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with the olive oil over a medium-high heat.

■ Once the pan is hot, add the prawns, courgette, tomatoes and chilli flakes. Season, then cook for 2 minutes.

■ Add the tomato paste, garlic paste, Chinese rice wine and 100ml boiled water to the pan and give everything a good mix.

■ Cook for a further 3-4 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

■ Meanwhile, toast the ciabatta halves in a toaster.

■ Garnish the saganaki with the feta and parsley, then serve alongside the ciabatta.

Recipe and image courtesy of Gousto, gousto.co.uk PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME 10 minutes SERVES 2

Watercress and pea pesto linguine YOU WILL NEED ✔ 200g dried linguine ✔ 130g frozen peas, defrosted ✔ 60ml olive oil ✔ 50g watercress ✔ 50g Parmesan cheese ✔ 20g fresh basil ✔ 1 lime, juiced and zested ✔ 1 garlic clove ✔ 6 spring onions, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS ■ Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente (usually a minute or two less than suggested), then drain and reserve a ladle of the cooking water.

■ To make the pesto, add the rest of the ingredients (apart from the spring onions) to a food processor and pulse until combined. If you’d like a smoother consistency, add a little more oil to the mixture.

■ Fold the pesto through the pasta, along with the spring onions and enough pasta cooking water to make a silky coating. Serve piled high in bowls.

Recipe and image courtesy of Watercress, watercress.co.uk

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TOP TIP

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 10 minutes SERVES 4

Make it vegan by swapping the Parmesan cheese for vegan hard Italian cheese

FOOD & DRINK

Chicken shish kebab YOU WILL NEED ✔ 175g low-fat natural yogurt ✔ 3 garlic cloves, crushed ✔ ½ tsp ground cumin ✔ 1½ tsp smoked paprika ✔ 1 tsp dried oregano ✔ 2 lemons, 1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced into rounds ✔ 650g chicken breast, diced ✔ 4 white pitta breads ✔ 1 Little Gem lettuce, torn into pieces ✔ ½ cucumber, sliced ✔ 150g cherry tomatoes, sliced or quartered

DIRECTIONS

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes SERVES 4

■ Put 100g natural yogurt in a bowl with 2 of the crushed garlic cloves, the cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp oregano and half the lemon juice and zest. Season, then add the chicken and toss well to coat.

■ Preheat a large griddle pan or the grill to high. Skewer the chicken onto 4 long or 8 short metal skewers. Griddle (or grill on a baking tray) for 10-15 minutes, turning regularly, until charred and cooked through.

Remove from the pan, then griddle or grill the lemon slices for 1-2 minutes on each side.

■ Toast the pittas, then split open and stuff with the lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes.

■ Mix the remaining yogurt and garlic with a little of the remaining lemon juice and zest to make a sauce, top with the remaining paprika and oregano, then season.

■ Add the chicken to the pittas and drizzle over the sauce. Serve with the griddled lemon slices.

Recipe and image courtesy of Tesco Real Food, realfood.tesco.com

Charred corn with Mexican spiced butter and quick pickles YOU WILL NEED For the quick pickle ✔ 1 red onion, thinly sliced ✔ salt ✔ ½ tsp caster sugar ✔ 1 lime, juiced and zested For the charred corn ✔ 125g soft butter ✔ 2 tbsp Sainsbury’s Mexican Inspired spice paste ✔ 6 large sweetcorn cobs ✔ oil ✔ 1 lime, sliced into 6 wedges ✔ 50g feta cheese, crumbled ✔ small bunch of coriander (optional)

PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 15 minutes MAKES 6

Side d

ish

DIRECTIONS ■ To make the quick pickles, place the sliced onion in a small bowl and sprinkle over some salt. Scrunch together with your hands and leave to sit for a few minutes, then add the caster sugar, lime juice and zest. Stir to coat, then leave to pickle while you prepare the other ingredients.

■ Mix the soft butter and Mexican spice paste together until smooth.

Chill until needed.

■ Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add the sweetcorn cobs. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the kernels are slightly tender, then drain and leave to steam dry.

■ Heat a large griddle pan and add the sweetcorn cobs. Drizzle with a little oil and season, then char on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. Once you’re happy with the caramelisation and colour, add a spoonful of the spiced butter to each sweetcorn cob, turning to coat. Then slightly char the lime wedges.

■ Using tongs, arrange the sweetcorn cobs on a serving platter.

Garnish with the lime wedges, crumbled feta and coriander, if using.

Serve alongside the pink pickled onion and top with any remaining spiced butter.

Recipe and image courtesy of Sainsbury’s, sainsburys.co.uk

July 2022

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FOOD & DRINK

PACK UP A PICNIC Unfurl the rug and soak up the midday sun with these vegetarian and vegan recipes fit for a summer’s day

VEGETARIAN

Asparagus focaccia YOU WILL NEED ✔ 500g strong bread flour ✔ 7g fast-action yeast ✔ 2 tsp fine salt ✔ 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the tin ✔ 2 echalion shallots ✔ 150g British asparagus ✔ 200g vegetarian mozzarella, drained ✔ 2 tbsp fresh green vegetarian pesto ✔ Pinch of sea salt

DIRECTIONS ■ In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, yeast and salt and make a well in the middle. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to 350ml lukewarm water and stir to make a sticky dough (you may need slightly more water).

■ Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until it’s soft and springy. Put it in a clean, oiled bowl and leave for 1 hour, covered with a clean tea towel to prove.

■ Peel and slice the shallots and sauté gently in 1 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes or until softened.

■ Oil a 25 x 35cm baking tin. Tip the dough out and shape it to fit the tin, cover with a clean tea towel and leave for another 30-40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas Mark 7.

■ Trim the asparagus and break the mozzarella into small bits. Spread the pesto and shallots over the dough, then use your fingers to make holes in it and pop the mozzarella bits into the holes.

■ Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Carefully remove it and push the asparagus spears into the hot dough, sprinkle with sea salt and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes or until the bread is cooked.

■ The asparagus spears should be cooked through, still green, with slightly charred tips.

Recipe and image courtesy of British Asparagus, britishasparagus.com

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PREPARATION TIME 2 hours (including 1 hour 40 minutes for proving) COOKING TIME 40 minutes SERVES 8

FOOD & DRINK VEGETARIAN

Chestnut mushroom rolls YOU WILL NEED

PREPARATION TIME 30 minutes plus cooling COOKING TIME 25 minutes MAKES 16

✔ 3 tbsp olive oil ✔ 1 onion, peeled and finely diced ✔ 2 stalks celery, finely diced ✔ 500g chestnut mushrooms, chopped ✔ 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ✔ 85g watercress ✔ 1 tbsp English mustard ✔ 100ml white wine ✔ Salt ✔ Black pepper ✔ 80g breadcrumbs ✔ Flour, for dusting ✔ 2 puff pastry sheets ✔ 1 egg ✔ 50ml milk ✔ Sesame seeds ✔ Tomato chutney

DIRECTIONS

MAKE IT VEGAN Swap the egg and milk for vegan butter and soy milk

■ Preheat the oven to 190°C/Fan 170°C/Gas Mark 5. Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a mediumhigh heat, then add the onion and celery. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently.

■ Add the mushrooms and garlic, then cook for another 3 minutes until the mushrooms have softened. Add the watercress, mustard, and wine, and season. Reduce the heat then cook for another 5-10 minutes. Season to taste.

■ Add the cooled mushroom mixture and breadcrumbs to a bowl. Stir well to combine.

■ Lightly flour a clean work surface, then cut the puff pastry sheets in half lengthways so you have four portions. Spoon a quarter of the mushroom and watercress mixture along the middle of each portion, using a spoon to mould it into a sausage shape.

■ Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush it along the edges of each portion of pastry. Fold the pastry over the filling, then press it down firmly on the other side to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, then trim for a neat finish.

■ Cut each portion into four and place on the lined baking tray. Brush with the remainder of the egg and milk mixture then scatter with sesame seeds.

■ Cook in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden.

Serve with tomato chutney, if wanted.

Recipe and image courtesy of The Watercress Company, watercress.co.uk

VEGETARIAN

Wensleydale and apple chutney tartlets YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 packet ready-to-roll puff pastry ✔ 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil ✔ 1 egg, beaten ✔ 300g jar apple chutney ✔ 1 bag baby spinach ✔ Knob of butter ✔ 5 tbsp walnut pieces, chopped ✔ 200g Yorkshire Wensleydale ✔ Fresh nutmeg, grated

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 26 minutes MAKES 4

DIRECTIONS

Feature Thomas Poad

■ Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4. Roll the pastry out and cut into four equal squares. Place the squares onto a lightly oiled tray and prick the middles with a fork leaving a neat rim around the outside of each.

■ Use a knife to lightly score a line within the rims of the squares. Brush the rims of the squares with the beaten egg and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

■ Remove from the oven and spoon the whole jar of apple chutney into the pricked areas of the squares. Press the pastry down slightly as you do this to create a neat base for the tarts.

■ Place the spinach into a frying pan with a small knob of butter and wilt for a few moments until the spinach is tender, then add the walnut pieces.

■ Place the spinach and walnuts on top of the apple chutney, taking care to leave the borders of the tarts clear.

■ Bake in the oven for another 6 minutes. Crumble the Yorkshire Wensleydale and freshly grated nutmeg over the top, to finish.

Recipe and image courtesy of Wensleydale Creamery, wensleydale.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

TOP TIP Dust the chocolate and strawberries in a little flour to help stop them sinking to the bottom of the blondies

VEGETARIAN

Strawberry blondies YOU WILL NEED ✔ 100g unsalted butter, cubed ✔ 200g white chocolate, roughly chopped ✔ 2 large eggs ✔ 175g caster sugar ✔ 150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting ✔ 100g strawberries, halved ✔ Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

DIRECTIONS

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 45 minutes MAKES 16

■ Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4.

■ Line a 20 x 20cm baking tin with baking paper.

Put the butter and half the white chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted. Leave to cool slightly.

■ Put the eggs and caster sugar in a large bowl and whisk until thick and creamy. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the top and fold together until fully combined. Gently fold in the flour.

■ Toss the remaining chocolate in a little dusting of flour and stir three-quarters into the blondie mix.

■ Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Toss the strawberries in a little dusting of flour, then scatter them over the top along with the reserved chocolate. Bake for 40-45 minutes until lightly browned (check after 30 minutes – if browning too much, cover loosely with foil for the remaining cooking time).

■ Cool completely in the tin on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares. Dust with icing sugar, if you like.

Recipe and image courtesy of Tesco, realfood.tesco.com

VEGETARIAN

Summer fruit cherry bakewell tart YOU WILL NEED ✔ 125g butter ✔ 125g caster sugar ✔ 1 egg, beaten ✔ 75g plain flour ✔ 140g ground almonds ✔ 1 pre-made tart case ✔ 90g Opies Summer Berry Compote ✔ 200g icing sugar ✔ 18 Opies Cocktail Cherries ✔ Red food colouring

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

■ Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix again until well combined, then fold in the flour and ground almonds.

■ Arrange the tart case on a lined tray with either greaseproof or baking paper, then add the berry compote to the bottom of the case. If making tartlets, spoon 1 tbsp compote into each tartlet case. Spoon in the almond mixture (frangipane) so it sits just below the top of the case.

■ Bake the frangipane in the oven for 20 minutes until it’s golden and springy to the touch. Leave to cool.

■ Sift the icing sugar into a bowl and mix with 2 tbsp cold water, until you get a thick but not-quite-pourable consistency. Spoon the icing onto the tart until the frangipane is covered, reserving some of the mixture.

■ Mix some red food colouring into the remaining icing, then pipe parallel lines across the tart. Use a toothpick to create a feathered effect by drawing it one way and then the other across the red icing. Finish the cake with a cocktail cherry and leave to set.

Recipe and image courtesy of Opies, opiesfoods.com

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PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 20 minutes MAKES 1 large tart

MINI TARTS Use the same recipe to make 18 bakewell tartlets – simply swap the large tart base for 18 mini tartlet bases and top each with a cocktail cherry

FOOD & DRINK VEGAN

Lemon scones with coconut cream YOU WILL NEED ✔ 180ml unsweetened soya milk, plus extra for brushing ✔ 1 lemon, zest and juice ✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract ✔ 400g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting ✔ 1 tsp baking powder ✔ Pinch of salt ✔ 100g dairy-free spread ✔ 40g caster sugar ✔ 400g tin coconut milk, chilled ✔ 1 tbsp icing sugar ✔ Blackcurrant conserve, optional

DIRECTIONS PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 20 minutes MAKES 8-10

■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas Mark 6. Gently heat the soya milk in a small pan, until just warm. Add 2 tsp lemon juice and vanilla extract and set aside.

■ Sieve the flour and baking powder together into a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt. Rub the spread into the flour with your fingertips to form fine breadcrumbs.

■ Make a well in the centre of the flour then add the sugar and the warmed soya milk mixture. Gently mix with a knife, bringing the flour in from the edge of the bowl until just combined. Tip the dough out onto a floured work surface and bring together with your hands, patting it into a 3-4cm-deep circle.

■ Cut out 8-10 scones using a floured, 6cm round cutter, reforming the scraps of dough as needed. Transfer the scones to a baking tray, brush with a little soya milk and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

■ Meanwhile, take the chilled coconut milk out of the fridge and spoon the solid coconut cream from the top into a bowl, leaving behind the watery liquid underneath. Whisk the cream gently until it forms soft peaks, then add the sugar and lemon zest and whip again.

■ Cut the scones in half and serve with a dollop of coconut cream and a spoonful of blackcurrant conserve, if you like.

Recipe and image courtesy of Tesco, realfood.tesco.com

VEGETARIAN

Maple and cinnamon rolls YOU WILL NEED ✔ 500g plain flour ✔ 1½ tsp dried fast yeast ✔ 2 tsp cinnamon ✔ 2 tbsp maple or muscovado sugar ✔ 2 eggs, beaten ✔ 140ml milk ✔ 100g butter ✔ 1 tsp salt ✔ 1 tbsp of vegetable or sunflower oil For the cinnamon butter ✔ 80g softened butter ✔ 80g maple or muscovado sugar ✔ 40g plain flour ✔ 2 tbsp cinnamon For the cinnamon glaze ✔ 1 egg, beaten ✔ 100ml pure maple syrup ✔ 1 tbsp cinnamon

PREPARATION TIME 1 Hour 45 minutes COOKING TIME 20 minutes MAKES 9

DIRECTIONS ■ In a mixing bowl, stir the flour, yeast, cinnamon and sugar together. Make a well in the middle and add the beaten eggs.

■ In a small pan, gently heat the milk, butter and salt until it’s warm to the touch then add them to the dough mixture. Knead for 7 minutes in a free-standing mixer (set to medium), or about 15 minutes by hand.

■ Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with cling film and set aside in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

■ To make the cinnamon butter, mix together the softened butter, sugar, flour and cinnamon to form a paste.

■ Turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and roll into a 40cm square.

■ Spread the cinnamon butter to the edges of the dough then roll tightly into a long tube shape. Divide the rolled dough into nine pieces. Place each bun spiral side up into a non-stick, 3-inch-deep tray, leaving room to expand.

■ Leave to prove at room temperature for a further 35–45 minutes to double in size. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4.

■ To make the glaze, mix the beaten egg, maple syrup and cinnamon. Brush the buns with the mixture, dust the buns with cinnamon and bake for 20 minutes.

Recipe and image courtesy of Maple from Canada, maplefromcanada.co.uk

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Home IMPROVEMENT Deck out floors and outdoor walls the eco-friendly way, restyle your home with speedy expert advice, then read on for top tips on buying a doer-upper

SOLID

footing

Take a sustainable step with recycled flooring that can withstand life’s little mishaps

Welcome the warm tones of wood into your home with sustainable laminate flooring from Quick-Step. Crafted from recycled wood, each plank comes with a 25-year guarantee and has an ultraresistant top layer to withstand hard knocks damaging its surface. Pictured is the Brushed Oak Natural laminate, priced at £35.99 per sq m.

Wireless wonder SLOT INTO PLACE Clad your decking or outside spaces in style with the slatted range from NeoTimber. Priced at £73.53 per sq m, the woodeneffect range is available in five colours. Fade-resistant and lowmaintenance, the long-lasting material is composed of recycled plastic and wood fibres for a finish that won’t warp or rot.

Ensure a top-to-bottom clean with the Karcher VC 6 cordless vacuum, priced at £299.99. Reveal unseen dust with the LED light and leave every space sparkling with the specially designed nozzles and two-in-one dusting brush. Then simply empty the container with one simple click. Store and charge the vacuum with the wall-hung bracket, which you can tuck away under the stairs or in a utility room until you need it.

SWIFT STYLING

Feature Thomas Poad

Teak slatted cladding, £75.53 per sq m, NeoTimber

Stuck on which shade to choose for a feature wall or is a white room sapping your creativity? Paint brand Colourtrend is coming to the rescue, with the launch of its free Video Ask service. Submit your two-minute video question and you’ll recieve a response within 24 hours (Monday to Friday) with styling advice. For more information, visit colourtrend.co.uk.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Rosie Stanton, @no44.house on Instagram, installed electrics and plumbing throughout her period home then focused her attention on the lacklustre living room. She had it replastered, painted the walls dramatic blue-black, opened up the bay window with shutters to make the most of the natural light and installed a new fireplace

Before

A flat-roofed kitchen extension formed a major part of this semi-detached house renovation, carried out by Plus Rooms.

The owners chose Art Deco-style steel French doors rather than sliding doors to create a cosy feel in the new room while providing a clear view of the garden

Source Jacobs & Dalton

Before

HOW TO BUY A FIXER- UPPER Research, redesign and renovate a dated property to unlock its hidden potential, space and value reate a home that’s tailor-made for you and your family by buying a property that’s in need of some attention and renovating it. A ‘fixer-upper’ typically costs less than an ‘already fixed-up’ equivalent, which means you could afford a home in a more desirable neighbourhood or substantially boost the property’s value as an investment. Before you start your property search, consider the scale of the work required, your budget and whether you’ll need somewhere else to live while the work is underway. Once you’ve purchased your project, schedule the jobs to make the best use of your time and money.

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OPT FOR AN AUCTION BUY An auction is a good opportunity to find a bargain. A property can go to auction for various reasons: the owners might need a quick sale; the property might have a short lease; there might be sitting tenants, a structural issue or something else that makes it difficult to sell via an estate agent. Read the legal pack to find out what the issue is and seek legal advice on whether it’s resolvable.

Once bidding begins, each lot is sold to the highest bidder, as long as the reserve price (which isn’t disclosed) is met. You pay a 10 per cent deposit and exchange contracts, then complete 28 days later.

Always view the property and area in advance, and attend an earlier auction so you know what to expect, then set your maximum bid and don’t exceed it.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Before

This contemporary bathroom is in a two-bedroom bungalow that the owners renovated over a period of two years. They tiled the bathroom themselves with the help of online tutorials and hired a plumber to fit the sanitaryware from the Big Bathroom Shop

Before

y s. .

‘We always recommend that homeowners who are planning improvements make a contingency budget in case of unexpected costs, and this has become particularly important while we continue to see such uncertainty in the market. Inflation is really affecting the price of home improvement and is a big contributing factor to the increases we’re seeing as the cost of raw materials continues to soar.’

a s t Our exper

RESEARCH CEILING PRICES Set a budget for the purchase and renovation and stick to it. Figure out a fair purchase price by checking what equivalent local properties, both requiring work and fully renovated, sold for on Rightmove and Zoopla. Also get an estate agent to give you an idea of the property’s ceiling price (the maximum it will sell for), as well as its predicted post-refurbishment value to figure out which jobs will get the best return on your investment. You’ll also need to determine how much the renovation work will cost. Labour and materials costs are rising and can change fast, so its more important than ever to ensure you don’t overspend. To avoid doing so, set aside a contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs or price rises.

ASSESS THE STATE OF THE HOUSE It’s vital to know what you’re getting into and whether structural or other major repairs will be required. On your first viewing, check for large cracks in plasterwork, missing roof tiles and signs of damp – flaking plaster, staining on walls and ceilings, and musty smells are all giveaways of damp. Once you’ve decided to buy, get a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Level 3 survey (previously called a full structural survey) done before exchanging contracts or the auction date.

The survey contains detailed information on the property’s condition, risk and causes of potential or hidden defects, an estimate of costs and timescales for remedial work, and recommends further action to be taken.

CHECK FOR THE NONNEGOTIABLES Even if you’re happy taking on a property that requires complete refurbishment, there are some that should simply be avoided, however much of a bargain they appear to be.

Anywhere with ongoing subsidence is unlikely to be granted a mortgage and could be impossible to sell at a future date. Steer clear of anything with Japanese knotweed as it can cause structural damage, and be wary of a house with private drainage – meaning it’s not connected to the mains drain – as you’ll be responsible for maintaining it.

Avoid buying a non-standard construction property – such as a timber-framed building – as you may have problems getting a mortgage and reselling it.

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Feature Andrea Dean

Mike Fairman, CEO at Checkatrade

A tired two-bed flat became a functional, sophisticated home with a complete remodel and the creation of an openplan kitchen-diner. The transformation was so successful that it won Zaluga Developments the National 2021 Master Builder Award for London’s best small renovation project

HOME IMPROVEMENT Purchased as a project, this house was uninhabitable to begin with, so the owners lived in a static caravan onsite during the renovation.

They opted for Origin’s high-quality, lowmaintenance aluminium windows and doors in pale grey for timeless appeal

Before

Before In this radical transformation of a 1960s house, HSSP Architects worked with the homeowner to recycle the existing structure and weave in extensions and additions, rather than rebuild from the ground up. The outer garage wall was the only one that needed replacing, to take the new load above

CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL Unless you’re proposing to flip the property to make a quick profit, you’ll likely be living there for at least a few years so it will need to work for you and your family.

Consider the layout, whether the space flows and how many extra rooms you want to add. If you want to extend it, check that there’s enough space to build on and whether neighbouring properties have been extended or had their lofts converted. Before you go ahead with an extension, speak to your local planning department to see if your plans fall within permitted development or if you’ll need to obtain permission. Consider where you’ll be living during major works – you’ll want to be based nearby if you can’t stay in your home.

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BUILD A TEAM OF TRADESPEOPLE Few people have the requisite skills and expertise to completely renovate the property themselves from start to finish.

Even a relatively simple refurbishment is likely to require a builder, plasterer, electrician, plumber and carpenter. More complicated renovations will probably require an architect and structural engineer or surveyor as well. When choosing a tradesperson, get at least three quotes and ask to see examples of previous, similar work and references.

Co-ordinating the build yourself will save money but is very time-consuming, so you might want to consider hiring an experienced project manager whose responsibilities will include subcontracting tradespeople.

USEFUL CONTACTS • Visit fmb.org.uk to source

a vetted local builder Get the property valued by an accountable estate agent who’s a member of propertymark.co.uk Planningportal.co.uk will help you with all aspects of planning and permission Find a registered surveyor at ricsfirms.com Eigpropertyauctions.co.uk lists almost every property auction in the UK, so you can find an auction in the area you’re looking to buy

• •

• •

‘I brought the Cotswolds to my renovated London flat’

Emily revamped the tired décor in her city flat to re-create the soothing feel of the rambling countryside

When Emily Champion bought her twobedroom, south-west London mansion flat in 2019, she fell for its size, character and quirks, but knew that it required extensive renovation. It had rotten wooden window frames, dodgy wiring, a leaking shower and lacked storage.

‘The flat was liveable and I loved all of its quirks. But it had become dated and a little unsafe, so a lot of work was done to remedy that,’ she says.

Like the rest of Emily’s home, the bedroom has had a full refurbishment and boasts new windows, carpet and a grey-painted tongue-and-groove wall

groove wall behind her bed and her new bedroom wardrobe, which was inspired by one she saw in a Provencal château.

The building work and decoration were finished in five months. Although the kitchen and woodwork are bespoke, Emily kept within budget by reusing some of the original elements, including exposed wooden doors and shutters, and shopping for vintage, pre-loved furniture and accessories. ‘When you do a refurb, not everything has to be new,’ she says.

‘I wanted to keep the original quirkiness of the flat where possible. I tend to delve into vintage and charity shops – I love the sustainability of giving something old a new home. If you want to resell, you probably don’t want to go crazy as it will limit your buyer. Go room by room, do some DIY, be creative, have fun!’

Find out more about Emily’s home renovation at @championinteriors on Instagram.

The flat had beautiful bones but a shortage of practical storage. Most of Emily’s clothes were previously stored on this built-in bookcase that came with the flat

Source pigletinbed.com

Emily was inspired by Instagram and her travels abroad. She believes originality is key when transforming a home

Her inspiration was the Cotswolds. ‘Lots of London flats are super modern and that’s gorgeous, but it’s just not me. I’m all about the Shaker kitchen cupboards and stripped-back, exposed woodwork,’ says Emily. She gutted the flat and decamped to her family’s home while it was being updated. The old kitchen was replaced with chic farmhouse-style painted units, an island, a pantry, a Belfast sink, a range, integrated appliances and rustic stone flooring. ‘A classic Cotswolds home always has a farmhouse sink, a beautiful AGA and muddy boots by the door, but you don’t really see that in London,’ Emma says.

‘I’ve got flagstone flooring that you don’t usually find at the top of a mansion block, which makes me love it even more!‘ One bathroom was given a complete rustic revamp, while the other went black and white. A teal media unit streamlines storage in the living room, but Emily is particularly proud of the tongue-and-

A custom-made wardrobe with rattan panels provides plenty of storage, and incorporates a chest of drawers and an exterior rail

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BUYER’S GUIDE

8 OF THE BEST:

Tool kits Equip yourself with a comprehensive tool set to tackle DIY jobs and furniture repairs in your home

W

hat do hanging a picture, replacing a fuse and tightening a loose floorboard all have in common?

Well, apart from probably being on your to-do list, they can all be taken care of with a trusty tool kit and some DIY knowhow. If you don’t have a tool kit, or the kit you do have is lacking a few essentials, then read on for our round-up of the best sets around.

Emma Bailey, workshop and body repair buyer at Halfords, has this advice when it comes to buying a tool kit: ‘If you’re just starting out in the world of home or vehicle maintenance, a tool kit is an efficient and cost-effective way to purchase the tools you need to complete the task at hand. A kit will probably also have tools for jobs you might want to take on in the future.’

Consider the types of jobs that you’re likely to face to help you figure out what tools you’ll need in your set. For example, there’ll be a variety of screws used in your home so a kit that has flat-head, Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx and precision screwdrivers will work with almost everything that you’re likely to encounter.

Similarly, pliers come in a range of formats depending on their purpose. Needle- or longnose pliers are intended for more delicate tasks, often in tight spaces (think bending wire or thin metal strips, or even fixing pieces of jewellery); use slip-joint pliers for various mechanical or plumbing tasks (they have an adjustable pivot that lets you increase how far the jaws open to grip wider objects and pipes); crimping pliers will help you strip electrical cables and connect wires; diagonal pliers (also known as wire cutters) are for cutting wires or thin nails and screws; tongue-and-groove pliers are for ‘bigger’ plumbing jobs (they have adjustable jaws, like slip-joint pliers, but with far more range so you can grip and turn bigger pipes and fittings).

‘With a set of screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, and a tape measure, you can fix almost anything,’ continues Emma. ‘Choose a kit with a compartmentalised storage case or bag to prevent losing any tools’. Keep your tools shipshape by removing any grease and drying them after each use, and prevent rust building up with a regular scrub with wire wool.

MAKITA P-90635 118-PIECE TOOL SET, £75, FASTFIX Protected in a lockable aluminium case, this tool set is an upgrade for amateur DIYers who are looking to take on more plumbing, electrical and building work. Useful tools include a large ratchet screwdriver with 50 screwdriver bits and seven combination wrenches.

• Aluminium carry case • 7 combination wrenches • Socket wrench kit with universal joint and ratchet handle • 8-piece hex key set

Jargon buster Ratchet screwdriver

Socket extension

A screwdriver with a mechanism that allows you to wind the screwdriver back for another turn without releasing it from the screw head or letting go of the handle.

These are lengths of metal that can be attached to a socket wrench to extend its reach and give extra leverage for turning the socket on seized or stiff nuts and bolts.

Precision screwdriver

Universal joint

Similar to a standard screwdriver, but with a smaller head and handle to make it easier to work on more intricate items.

Connects to a socket wrench to loosen and allows you to tighten nuts and bolts in difficult-to-reach places where the tool can’t be used in a straight line.

Socket wrench A wrench handle with interchangeable sockets to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. The handles often feature a rachet mechanism, like rachet screwdrivers, to allow continuous turning without releasing the socket from the nut/bolt.

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Hex or Allen key Similar to a screwdriver but used for bolts with a hexagonal ‘slot’ in their heads. Allen keys can be L-shaped, individual tools or straight and folded up in a ‘multi-tool’.

ESSENTIALS 60-PIECE TOOL KIT, £35, HALFORDS Keep your tools in plain sight with this fluorescent accented set. It comes with spanners, pliers, metric sockets in different sizes, a spirit level and a tape measure.

• Moulded plastic case • 8 hex keys • Adjustable wrench • 6 precision screwdrivers

and 5 screwdrivers

MAGNUSSON 40-PIECE TOOL KIT, £44.99, SCREWFIX Your household repairs are in the bag with this set, which comes with plenty of storage for the 40 tools included as well as space for your existing ones. Take the hard work out of loosening troublesome screws with the ratchet screwdriver; ensure your DIY efforts are perfectly flat with the torpedo level (a spirit level for tight spaces); and quickly cut plastic pipes and dowelling with the hacksaw.

• Durable zip carry bag • 12 screwdrivers plus 1 ratchet screwdriver with bits • Long-nose and diagonal pliers • Adjustable wrench • 8 folding hex keys

AMAZON BASICS 65-PIECE TOOL SET, £61.49, AMAZON Turn nuts and bolts in comfort with the rubbergripped rachet handles. 20 screwdriver bits allow plenty of versatility, though the plastic clips on the case may become loose over time.

• Moulded plastic case • Combination spanners and socket wrenches • Universal joints • Long-nose, diagonal and combination pliers

Tighten loose fittings, mend furniture and fix leaking taps with this tool kit that comes in a hard-wearing plastic case.

• Moulded plastic case • Long-nose, combination and water pump pliers • 5 screwdrivers • Adjustable wrench • Tape measure

23-PIECE TRAVEL TIN SET, £13.95, ANNABEL JAMES

DRAPER 24892 37-PIECE ESSENTIAL HAND TOOL KIT, £40, TOOLSTOP

256-PIECE PREMIUM TOOL AND SOCKET SET, £99.99,VONHAUS

Perfect for beginner DIYers, this tool kit can help out with more basic jobs. Featuring three hex keys, a screwdriver with 11 bits and four sockets.

Tick off the little jobs with this carry case packed with a claw hammer, spirit level, trio of pliers and 23-piece screwdriver and bit set.

This all-purpose kit comes in a plastic case with a vast array of hand tools crafted from carbon steel and chrome vanadium to withstand heavy use.

• Metal travel tin • Long-nose pliers • Screwdriver and 11 bits • Tape measure

• Organiser box with tote tray • Magnetic spirit level • 8-piece hex set • Tape measure

• Adjustable wrench, pliers and clamps • 6 combination wrenches and 2 universal joints

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Feature Thomas Poad Safety warning Always ensure the electricity is not live when handling or cutting electric wires. Consult a qualified electrician if taking on electrical repairs yourself

DRAPER RL-TK43 REDLINE 43-PIECE TOOL KIT, £51.95, FFX

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

wooden playhouse

it

We show you how to make a fun garden hideaway for little ones, and suggest some alternatives you can buy

W

ith summer in full swing, everyone’s making the most of the sunshine by getting out into the garden – so why not treat the children in your family to an outdoor playhouse? This tutorial shows you how to create a teepeestyle design that will encourage creative play and offer a shady spot to shelter from the sun.

The teepee is made from treated timber, then protected further with outdoor paint. Little ones can get involved, too, by helping to create their own painted design. If you’re pushed for time or not a fan of DIY, we’ve also picked three flat-pack options to buy.

Top tip Add some foam matting to the floor or an oversized waterproof cushion to make it comfy and durable. You can also hang homemade bunting inside to brighten it up

SHOPPING LIST For the base ✔ 1 x 1.2m x 1.2m x 122mm chipboard ✔ 2 x 2.4m x 48mm x 48mm treated timber ✔ 50 x 50mm x 4mm screws (to fasten base to risers) ✔ Wood undercoat ✔ White gloss paint For the poles ✔ 5 x 2.4m x 48mm x 48mm treated timber ✔ Garden twine ✔ 10 x 75mm x 5mm screws (to fasten poles to base and door frame) ✔ 1.5m of 2cm thick rope For the sides ✔ 16 x 2.4m x 12mm shiplap cladding ✔ 150 x 25mm x 4mm screws (to fasten cladding to poles) ✔ Cuprinol Garden Shades matt wood paint in Country Cream ✔ Masking tape ✔ Ronseal Garden Paint in Sundial and Midnight Blue ✔ 11 x 2.4m x 46mm x 6mm timber strips ✔ 100 x 25mm panel pins For the door ✔ Waterproof canvas ✔ Dowel rod ✔ 2 x toggle and hoop Tools ✔ Protractor ✔ Tape measure ✔ Wood clamps ✔ Jigsaw ✔ Drill ✔ Screwdriver ✔ Paintbrushes ✔ Handsaw ✔ Hammer ✔ Electric sander ✔ Sandpaper ✔ Sewing machine ✔ Staple gun

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Use a protractor and tape measure to mark a pentagon on the chipboard with five 76.2cm

1

sides and internal angles of 108°. Clamp the wood to a solid surface then use the jigsaw to cut the pentagon out; this is the base. Next, cut 5 x 76.2cm lengths from the two 2.4m x 48mm pieces of treated timber and screw them under the edges of the base to raise it off the floor.

Apply undercoat and gloss paint to the base to reduce damp getting into the chipboard. Position the base where you want the

2

teepee playhouse in your garden, ensuring all sides are easily accessible (it will be too heavy to move once the cladding is added). Use the side that faces into the garden for the doorway.

Lay the five poles together on the ground

3

then measure and mark a point 30cm in from one end on each. Tightly bind the poles together at that point using the twine and then lift the poles into position above the base – you’ll need two people for this step. Splay the poles out so there’s one at each corner of the base and

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

TOOL school the tops of the poles are over the centre. Screw the bottom of the poles to the base. Adjust the

tape for the trickier areas. Paint the yellow shapes first, then overlap with the blue.

poles to reposition them over the centre of the pentagon, so they rest evenly.

Starting at the base on one side, mark a

8

length of shiplap to fit across two poles. Cut it to size with the handsaw, then screw it into place. Repeat this on four sides of the pentagon

Fold over and stitch each side, then stitch a pocket across the bottom to hold a dowel rod (this gives the ‘door’ some weight and stops it

(leave the fifth for the doorway). Remeasure and cut lengths of shiplap for the next level up and continue until four sides are covered.

flapping when it’s down). Next, measure how much length you need for the hoops and toggles (they need to be long enough to meet when

5

Measure and cut the remaining 48mm timber to make a door frame. Secure the door frame to the side poles on the fifth (unclad)

the canvas is rolled up) and stitch them to the front and back of the canvas. Make sure you stitch them the same way around on each side as

side and the base. Then clad that side with the remaining shiplap. Use panel pins to secure strips of the 6mm thick wood to the corners to finish

when the canvas is down you’ll see the toggles on the front (the hoops will be on the inside).

To secure the canvas to the teepee, we

them and cover up the shiplap edging.

Wind the rope through the poles at the top of the teepee to seal the opening. When

6

it rains the rope will expand, which will help to prevent too much water getting inside.

Sand down the inside walls using an

7

electric sander, then paint them with the undercoat and gloss you used on the base.

Undercoat the outside, then paint with Cuprinol Wood Paint in Country Cream. Once dry, mark out the zigzag pattern in pencil and use masking

9

stapled it to the top of the door frame.

This section of the door frame was painted but wasn’t fixed into position until we’d stapled the

This Bosch 290W corded PST 800 PEL jigsaw is compact, offers great control for precise cutting and has a transparent cover that pairs with a vacuum cleaner to ensure sawdust is extracted efficiently.

Bosch 290W corded jigsaw PST 800 PEL, £70, B&Q

canvas in place to make this easier.

This project was provided by Lucy Young, who documents her Victorian villa reno on Instagram @twosunsetview. She lives with her husband, Leon, and their daughter, Florence, aged three.

Leon also has two children aged 19 and 17.

Lucy runs an interior shop with her mum: @the_homefolk and thehomefolk.com

or buy it?

Save time by snapping up one of these great self-assembly options

Budget buy

Room with a view

Planet friendly

Although this square teepee (L118 x W118 x H154cm) isn’t designed to be left outside in wet weather, its colourful fabric cover does have a splashproof coating to cope with light showers

This 91.5 x 94 x 155cm den has glazed, child-safe windows. You can treat it with wood preservative and install the raised floor if you plan to set it up outdoors

The perfect hideaway for little ones, this 113 x 113 x 170cm teepee is made from sustainably sourced wood and can be decorated with your choice of treatment

Wooden teepee playhouse, £99, Big Game Hunters

Children’s wooden teepee hideaway, £329.99, Plum Play

Wild Wonders teepee, £50, Rex London

July 2022

Feature Lisa Hibberd

4

Measure the doorway, then cut a piece of canvas, adding an extra inch on each side so that, when stitched, it overlaps the opening.

If you plan to take on DIY projects that involve a lot of cutting, a jigsaw is a must. Jigsaws have a reciprocating blade that can cut through many materials, including wood, metal and ceramic tiles. The slim blades makes them especially useful for cutting awkward shapes.

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ASK THE

experts

Our team of experts answer your home improvement questions

I’m going to renovate my kitchen – how should I plan for the plug sockets?

Sam Miller, via email

Q

A

Howard Solomons, Head of Design at Wandsworth Electrical, says… You’ll need to ensure the sockets are far enough away from water sources for safety. But it’s important to remember that your kitchen is a hard-working area, so the more outlets you have, the better. Think about the appliances you want and

those you use a lot – you’ll want at least one twin socket per appliance.

You should also be able to isolate large appliances, such as fridges. You can do this with a regular socket, but a more practical approach would be to use a fused switch for each large appliance.

These can be tucked away as long they’re still accessible, so that the appliance can be easily isolated when required.

Once you know what appliances you want, think about what else you use in the kitchen, especially devices such as tablets and smart speakers. I recommend installing twin-switched sockets with integrated USB outlets in areas that are clogged with devices.

Photos Jess Hurrell; Kasia Fiszer; Getty Images x 2

Lacquered satin brass double socket, £77.13, Wandsworth Electrical

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Q

How can I clean my windows without leaving streaks?

Tara Shepherd, Shrewsbury

Lynsey Crombie, @Lynsey_ QueenofClean on Instagram, says… Never clean your windows when the Sun is blazing on them – the cleaner will dry onto the hot window before you get a chance to wipe it away, which will cause streaks. Instead, start cleaning the windows in the shady part of the house or clean them on a dull, overcast day.

Use a solution of warm soapy water with a dash of white vinegar and two thick microfibre cloths – one for cleaning and one for drying – and work in an ‘S’-shape motion. After cleaning, scrunch up a sheet of newspaper and use it to absorb any water that’s been left behind.

A

I have hairline cracks in my ceiling. When are they serious and can I fix them myself?

Hannah Banwo, Bradford

Q

Pat Gilham, painting and decorating expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, says… Cracks wider than a £1 coin or that run across the ceiling to the corner could be structural and are worth getting checked by a structural engineer or builder. But hairline cracks aren’t usually anything to worry about. If there’s only a few cracks, you can fix these with a fine filler and filling knife. If there are lots, I’d advise getting your ceiling reskimmed by a plasterer to create a smooth surface for a repaint.

A

I’m thinking about re-mortgaging my home to bring my monthly cost down – what do I need to know?

Kelly Shafik, Ipswich

Q

Tayo Oguntonade, Mortgage Broker and Property Expert at @brickzwithtipz on Instagram, says… If you’re thinking about remortgaging, one of the best things to do is to plan ahead.

If your current mortgage deal is going to end in the next three months, you can speak to an adviser now. They’ll get your mortgage offer in place so that the day your current deal runs out, you’ll go straight onto your new mortgage and not the lender’s higher standard variable rate.

It’s important to note that if you’re still within your deal, it may not be worth re-mortgaging, even if a much lower rate is on offer. Many mortgages have early repayment charges that are payable if you re-mortgage before your deal has expired. These charges are generally much more than any savings that could be made from the lower interest rate.

A

How can I paint my tired-looking garden fence to make it look professional?

Georgina Neal, Peterborough

Royal Exterior Wood Finish in Heritage Blue, £19.20 per 1L, Protek

Q

Becky Rackstraw, Managing Director at Protek, says… Firstly, decide if you’d like a natural, wooden look or a sleek, painted finish, as light colours are good at brightening smaller, more enclosed spaces. Sample pots are very helpful for making the right decision.

Next, make sure your fence is clean and dry and remove all algae – a stiff-bristle brush usually does the job. There’s no need to apply additional primers or sealants on fences if you use a paint or stain designed for exterior wood. You can use a brush, roller or a garden sprayer, depending on how many panels you need to paint – and applying two coats of paint is always better than just one, if you have the time. Clean up any splashes or drips of paint quickly – while the paint’s still wet – using warm soapy water.

A

Royal Exterior Wood Finish in Teal, £40.20 per 2.5L, Protek

WE NEED YOUR QUESTIONS! Royal Exterior Wood Finish in Guardsman Red, £40.20 per 2.5L, Protek

If you have a DIY or maintenance question, write to Ask the Experts, Your Home, Our Media Limited, Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST or email asktheexperts@yhmag.co.uk

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High-quality wall art, art prints & frames | Affordable, fast & secure delivery * 20 % discount – valid until 23/08/2022 (excluding gift vouchers)

www.posterlounge.co.uk

Garden UPDATES Colour your garden pretty with bright blooms, then turn over for what to plant in your garden this month and our selection of the best roses

Plant OF THE MONTH Fill your garden with eye-popping colour by planting Cosmos ‘Pink Popsocks’, which flowers for four months from June onwards.

With a delicate green halo of feathery foliage, these bright pink flowers really stand proud.

Growing to 60cm tall, they will hold their own in the middle or towards the front of your borders. ‘Pink Popsocks’ feature an unusual powder-puff-style centre and single-petalled heads that are a magnet for bees. Plant alongside pale-orange dahlias and tall marigolds for a traditional cottage garden. Priced at £3.50 from The Organic Gardening Catalogue.

Reimagine your outside space in joyous colour with the help of Protek. From Cornflower and Bristol Blue to Cranberry Crush and Primrose, there’s a wide variety of shades to choose from that deliver on both colour and long-lasting protection. Each waterbased stain is child-safe too, so can be used on play equipment.

Bench legs painted in Royal Exterior Wood Finish in China Clay; seating painted in Royal Exterior Wood Finish in Lemon Yellow, Rose Pink, Egg Shell Blue and French Lilac, all £19.20 per 1L, Protek

Shield yourself and your loved ones from the midday sun or summer showers with the Kalanga square parasol from B&Q, priced at £140. Available in Sand or Abyss Blue, the off-centre base of this 2.5m parasol means you can easily place it above a table or sun lounger.

Wipe the water-repellent fabric clean to prevent grime build-up and pack it away in its bag on grey days.

SUMMER HEATWAVE Get your flowerbeds sizzling with the vibrant blooms of Bidens ferulfolia ‘Hot and Spicy’ from Sarah Raven, £8.95 for five cuttings.

They flower from May until September, so plant these bright blooms with purple salvias or verbena for long-lasting contrast in your borders or containers.

Feature Thomas Poad Photo Jonathan Buckley

SORBET SHADES

Covered in style

July 2022

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GARDEN IDEAS

In your garden

THIS MONTH Cherish the long summer days of July by spending time outside and enjoying a dose of green therapy

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Feature Louise Midgley Photos RHS, Getty Images, Crocus.co.uk

ardens reach a crescendo of colour during July, especially those filled with roses, which are currently in full bloom. Here at RHS Garden Rosemoor, in North Devon, the rose plot is at its peak of perfection, with beds and borders packed with a variety of highly scented roses. Take a look at our recommendations for ‘Six of the Best Roses’ over the page to inspire you to create your own rose garden.

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Roses, like most things in the garden during summer, require a lot of looking after, making it a busy season for those of us with green fingers. High summer can be notoriously dry, so it’s essential to water any newly planted specimens and edible crops regularly, preferably at dusk to reduce evaporation. A generous soaking twice a week is far more beneficial than a mean sprinkling of water each day.

At RHS Garden Rosemoor, the rose plot is at its peak with beds and borders packed with highly scented roses

GARDEN IDEAS

Plant autumn-flowering bulbs.

A select group of bulbs flower in autumn and now is the time to plant them. Among them are the exquisite family of nerines. With the exception of Nerine bowdenii, most species are not hardy and are best planted in pots and protected during winter.

Nerine bowdenii favours a hot, dry spot in full sunlight; at the base of a south-facing brick wall is ideal. Plant the bulbs in free-draining soil and add grit, if necessary. Ensure the top half of the bulb is proud of the surface as this needs to bake in the sun.

Flowers are produced in the second year.

TRY? OT N

WH Y

HOW TO…

Use fast-growing crops, such as chard, to fill the gaps in veg plots that open up when ripe produce has been harvested

Keep an eye out for lily beetles and vine weevils, pests that are active in July

There’s still time to squeeze in a quick crop of tomatoes, provided you have space to grow them in a greenhouse

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But it’s not just plants that need water. Ponds will need their water levels topped up frequently to keep the water cool and the plants and fish safe.

Rainwater collected in a water butt is best because chemicals in tap water may affect the nutrient balance in the pond. Remove any algae, floating debris and blanket weed, and leave it around the edge of the pond for a day or so to allow any aquatic creatures to re-enter the water.

Harvest edible crops when they’re ripe and fill the gaps with crops that have a quick turnaround, such as beetroot, coriander, spinach, salad leaves, peas, chard and spring onions. If you have a greenhouse, it’s not too late to grow cucumbers and tomatoes.

By now, bedding plants in hanging baskets, window boxes or troughs may be running out of nutrients in their peat-free compost so give them a weekly liquid feed to keep them producing plenty of new blooms.

lourful displays

Frequent deadheading and watering are required to keep container plants looking their best during the hot months of summer

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GARDEN IDEAS

1.

SIX OF THE

BEST

Roses With their captivating fragrances, artistically folded petals and alluring colours, it’s no surprise that roses are consistently voted the nation’s favourite flower.

1.For Your Eyes Only

The charm of this floribunda rose is in its profusion of single blooms, which adorn the plant in various shades of apricot, salmon, pink and peach. Each flower has a distinctive darker blotch in the centre and golden yellow stamens that lure in pollinators. £24.99, rhsplants.co.uk

2.Scabrosa

Huge red hips follow the large, deep-pink blooms of this Peter Beales shrub rose in late summer/autumn.

This is a versatile, older rose variety that copes well in shade, poorer soils and is robust enough to use as a hedge. £24.95, classicroses.co.uk

TRY? OT N

Flower Carpet Amber

A useful ground cover rose that will stretch across the area it’s planted in. Rich amber flowers mature to softer tones of blush peach from July to September. It’s disease resistant and very easy to look after. £19.99, crocus.co.uk

4.Gertrude Jekyll

A sensational, repeat-flowering English shrub rose bred by David Austin. An abundance of lipstick-pink, highly scented blooms erupt from a medium-sized shrub in early summer and are followed by further flushes over the following months. £30, davidaustinroses.co.uk

5.Rosa Banksiae Lutea

Like most rambling roses, this provides a showstopping, once-a-year performance. It’s a vigorous and thornless rambler that would grace a large pergola or grow through a mature tree. During May it’s smothered with a profusion of soft, yellow double flowers. £24.49, rhsplants.co.uk

6.Starlight Symphony

Make the most of the verticals in your garden by including a climbing rose that flowers repeatedly. Starlight Symphony, from Harkness Roses, produces large clusters of white, fragranced blooms that can be appreciated at eye level. £19.99, roses.co.uk

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WH Y

3.

For Your Eyes Only produces an abundance of colourful blooms

Roses prefer sunny, sheltered positions and grow best in soil that drains well

3.

4.

Deadhead spent rose blooms to encourage the plant to grow new buds instead of trying to keep faded flowers going

Add depth by contrasting the rich colours of Scabrosa with lighter flowers

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TLC FOR ROSES Roses are remarkably easy to take care of as long as you remember that they’re greedy feeders and thirsty drinkers. A balanced diet helps keep pests and diseases at bay, and enables the production of copious, intricate blooms. Prune established roses in late winter/early spring and follow with a thick layer of organic matter around the plants to lock in moisture over the summer months. During prolonged periods of drought, give your roses a thorough soaking at least once a week.

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PRIZE DRAWS

Amazing PRIZES UP FOR GRABS!

now

To enter, visit yourhomestyle. uk, choose the WIN tab, find the prize draw you’d like to enter and fill in your details. Closing date is 13th July 2022 at 11.59pm

WIN a Colourtrend colour consultation and online voucher, worth £250!

WIN gardening essentials from Draper Tools, worth over £260!

With summer officially underway, there is no better time to add a splash of colour to your space. Premium paint brand, Colourtrend, has launched its Video Ask service, which is a free video messaging service that allows you to send your colour queries and receive a response within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.

To celebrate, Colourtrend is giving away two 30-minute virtual colour consultations with its colour expert, Dervla Farrell, worth £50, and a £200 voucher to spend on the Colourtrend website.

To see the full Colourtrend range and for stockist information, visit colourtrend.co.uk.

Get your garden looking its best with this bundle of gardening essentials from Draper Tools. The prize bundle includes a lightweight, versatile garden caddy; a kneeler and seat to rest on while planting or painting; a three-piece lopper, shears and secateur set to make light work of pruning jobs; the award-winning seven pattern spray gun for watering the garden with ease; and the rolling lawn aerator to show your lawn some love. The prize is completed with a high-quality carbon steel rake, fork and spade, in a bundle worth £261!

For more gardening tools and tips, visit drapertools.com.

WIN a bundle of V33 decking care products, worth £115.50!

WIN a pair of summery scents from Yankee Candle, worth over £35!

Give your garden decking some TLC to make sure it’s protected from the elements and looking its best. We’ve got five bundles from V33 worth £115.50 each to give away, which contain a 5L tin of High Performance Decking Oil; a 2.5L tin of Colour Guard Decking Paint; and Tough Deck Clean & Revive cleaner to remove mould and mildew. The UV- and water-resistant oil dries quickly for long-lasting protection against sunlight and fluctuating temperatures, while the two-in-one paint comes with a five-year guarantee that protects and disguises imperfections. For more information, visit v33.co.uk.

Yankee Candle is offering Your Home readers the chance to win a pair of fragrances. Each of the 14 lucky winners will receive Ocean Hibiscus and Fresh Rain candles, from its new Outdoor collection.

The candles contain citronella, known to repel insects, and other essential oils to create a cosy ambience outside with their beautiful fragrances. Featuring refreshing scents of watermelon and cucumber, with bright notes of water blossom and juicy cantaloupe, Ocean Hibiscus transports you to a tropical beach. While the reviving Fresh Rain fragrance features notes of crisp apple and rose, balanced with rosemary scents to give your patio a hint of an orchard in bloom. For more information, visit yankeecandle.co.uk.

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PRIZE DRAWS

WIN a garage makeover from BiGDUG, worth £1,500!

Your Home has joined forces with the nation’s most popular garage workshop retailer, BiGDUG, to offer readers a chance to win a floorto-ceiling garage makeover, worth £1,500. One lucky winner will see their space transformed into a fully-fledged garage workshop, with the prize including a workbench, modular workstation units and drawers, shelving, storage bins and much more. While the prize doesn’t include installation, the modular and flat-pack furniture is easy to put up and add to your workspace. Even better, the modular furniture can be laid out to where you need the storage most.

Turn your garage into a hobby space, craft room or even potting shed with hard-wearing shelves, workbench and workstation units.

Dedicate shelves to tools, appliances or accessories for organised storage so you can find everything you need, the moment you need it. Designed to withstand wear and tear, the shelving, racking and units will provide a durable workspace for all of your DIY, crafting or gardening needs.

For more information and to view the entire range of shelving and racking, visit bigdug.co.uk.

Transform a cluttered garage into a wellorganised workspace with durable furniture and shelving from BiGDUG, like The Repair Shop’s Dom Chinea

TERMS & CONDITIONS 1 The closing date for promotions is 13th July 2022 at 11.59pm. 2 The V33 prize draw is open to mainland UK residents only, and not the Scottish Highlands and islands, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland. 3 The BiGDUG prize draw is not open to residents of Northern Ireland.

4 Winners of the V33 prize draw can choose from one of the following for the Decking Oil: Clear, Light Oak, Teak and Grey; and one of the following for the Decking Paint: Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Silver, Gun Metal and Light Silver. 5 For the Colourtrend prize draw, the 30-minute consultation will take place online and will need to be booked on the website. The service is available between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. The voucher can only be spent on online purchases at Colourtrend.co.uk and cannot be redeemed elsewhere. 6 The promotions are open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, aged 18 years or older (subject to the specific restrictions outlined above), except Our Media Limited’s employees or contractors and anyone connected with the promotion or their direct family members. 7 For the full list of Terms and Conditions, visit yourhomestyle.uk/win.

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Shopping GUIDE

Where to buy everything in this issue

A

Abode 01226 283434 abodedesigns.co.uk ad&i adandishop.co.uk Aldi aldi.co.uk Alusplash alusplash.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Anden madebyanden.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com AO.com 0161 470 1200 Argos argos.co.uk Artisan Homeware artisanhomeware.co.uk Asda asda.com Auburn Fox auburnfox.co.uk Audenza audenza.com

B

B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Barker and Stonehouse barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Beards & Daisies beardsanddaisies.co.uk Beaumonde beaumonde.co.uk Beliani 020 3318 8222 beliani.co.uk Benuta benuta.co.uk Bergin & Bath berginandbath.co.uk Better Bathrooms 0871 244 0935 betterbathrooms.com Big Bathroom Shop 0345 1222 7569 bigbathroomshop.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Blooming Artificial 0800 9777 589 bloomingartificial.co.uk Braided Rug Company 01654 767248 braided-rug.co.uk Burbidge Kitchen Makers 024 7667 1600 burbidgekitchenmakers.co.uk Burlington 01322 473222 burlingtonbathrooms.com

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Ca’ Pietra 01380 735886 capietra.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Checkatrade checkatrade.com Colourtrend colourtrend.co.uk Cook Serve Enjoy 0121 604 6000 cookserveenjoy.com Cotswold Company 0333 200 1725 cotswoldco.com Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk Crocus crocus.co.uk Crown Paints crownpaints.co.uk Cuisinart cuisinart.co.uk Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 cultfurniture.com

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Cuprinol cuprinol.co.uk

D

Danetti 020 3588 1380 danetti.com där lighting 01295 672234 darlighting.co.uk Darlings of Chelsea 01252 372949 darlingsofchelsea.co.uk David Austin Roses davidaustinroses.co.uk Desenio desenio.co.uk DFS 0333 999 9777 dfs.co.uk Dobbies 0131 5616 406 dobbies.com Drench drench.co.uk Dualit 01293 652500 dualit.com Dulux 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com Dusk dusk.com

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Elite Garden Buildings 01962 714141 elitegardenbuildings.co.uk Ella James 01572 759190 ellajames.co.uk English Blinds englishblinds.co.uk Etsy etsy.co.uk Eyeforcolourstudio etsy.com/shop/studiosolisa

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Facebook Marketplace facebook.com Farrow and Ball 01202 876141 farrow-ball.com Fastfix 0117 955 1616 fastfix.co.uk FFX 01303 852692 ffx.co.uk Fired Earth 01295 812088 firedearth.com Flooring Superstore flooringsuperstore.com Freemans 0333 200 8077 freemans.com French Connection 0333 400 3284 frenchconnection.com Fy! iamfy.co

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Garden Trading 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk George Home 0800 952 0101 direct.asda.com Gisela Graham 020 7708 6396 giselagraham.co.uk Graham & Brown grahambrown.com Green Lili greenlili.com Grohe 020 8283 2840 grohe.co.uk

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H&M Home 0344 736 9000 hm.com Habitat 0345 640 2020 habitat.co.uk Halfords 0330 135 9779 halfords.com Harkness Roses roses.co.uk Harrison Cropper 01995 603037 harrisoncropper.com

40 Harry Corry harrycorry.com Harts of Stur 01258 472420 hartsofstur.com Heals 0333 212 1915 heals.com Hobbycraft hobbycraft.co.uk Homary 0800 520 0177 uk.homary.com Home Essentials 0345 071 9018 homeessentials.co.uk Homescapes 0121 368 0051 homescapesonline.com HomewarebyBetty etsy.com/uk/shop/HomewarebyBetty Hortology hortology.co.uk Howdens howdens.com HSSP Architects 01664 563288 hssparchitects.co.uk

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I Love Wallpaper ilovewallpaper.co.uk Iconic Lights 0161 837 6092 iconiclights.co.uk Idyll Home idyllhome.co.uk IKEA ikea.com ILIV 01772 651199 iliv.co.uk Industville 020 7971 7871 industville.co.uk InSinkErator 0800 389 3715 insinkerator.co.uk

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Jacobs & Dalton 01845 578951 jacobsanddalton.com John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com

JYSK 0330 088 3818 jysk.co.uk

K L

Kärcher kaercher.com/uk Knot & Bloom instagram.com/knotandbloomsa Know & Love knowandlove.co.uk La Redoute laredoute.co.uk Laura Ashley 0333 777 8000 next.co.uk/laura-ashley Lights4fun 01423 816040 lights4fun.co.uk Lily England lilyengland.com London Tile Co londontile.co.uk Lume Lighting 01273 723116 lumelighting.co.uk Lust Home 0808 169 1796 lusthome.com

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MADE.com made.com Maisons Du Monde 0808 234 2172 maisonsdumonde.com Mandarin Stone 01600 715444 mandarinstone.com ManoMano manomano.co.uk Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.com Matalan matalan.co.uk Melody Maison 01302 741000 melodymaison.co.uk Mind the Gap mindtheg.uk

Mint & May mintandmay.co.uk Moduleo 01332 851500 moduleo.com Monday mondayonline.co.uk My Furniture 0800 092 1636 my-furniture.com My Uncle’s House myuncleshouse.co.uk

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NeoTimber 01509 369245 neotimber.com Neptune 01793 934011 neptune.com Next 0333 777 8000 next.co.uk

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Oak Furnitureland 0800 440 2254 oakfurnitureland.co.uk Oliver Bonas 020 8059 2414 oliverbonas.com OnBuy onbuy.com Origin origin-global.com Oyoy Living Design oyoylivingdesign.co.uk

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Peachy Parrot peachyparrot.com Perch & Parrow 020 8629 1166 perchandparrow.com Peter Beales Roses classicroses.co.uk Philips 01253 501034 philips.co.uk Plum Play plumplay.co.uk Plus Rooms 0800 917 7127 plusrooms.co.uk Poppy Treffry 01736 369247 poppytreffry.co.uk Porcelain Superstore 0330 094 0304 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk Postery postery.com/uk Prestigious Textiles prestigious.co.uk Primark primark.com ProCook 0330 100 1010 procook.co.uk Protek protekwoodstain.co.uk Purlfrost 020 8992 4024 purlfrost.com Pushka Home pushkahome.com

Q

Quick-Step quick-step.co.uk Quince & Cook 01738 231600 quinceandcook.co.uk Quooker 01617 685900 quooker.co.uk

R

Rebecca Udall rebeccaudall.com Recork recork.co.uk Rex London 020 8746 2473 rexlondon.com RHS Plants rhsplants.co.uk Rightmove rightmove.co.uk Ronseal 0114 240 9469 ronseal.com Rugs Direct 0330 113 4909 rugsdirect.co.uk Rust-Oleum rustoleum.com

S

Samuel Groves 0121 764 7393 samuelgroves.com Sarah Raven 0345 092 0283 sarahraven.com Schmidt home-design.schmidt Screwfix screwfix.com Search Press searchpress.com Seep 020 7965 7572 theseepcompany.com Selfridges & Co selfridges.com Sisal and Seagrass 020 8558 0887 sisalandseagrass.co.uk

Smol smolproducts.com Soak&Sleep 01483 616616 soakandsleep.com SodaStream 0800 085 8373 sodastream.co.uk Sofology 0344 481 8181 sofology.co.uk softstore.co softstore.co Sophie Allport 01778 560256 sophieallport.com Stitch & Story stitchandstory.com Swan 0333 220 6050 shop.swan-brand.co.uk Sweetpea & Willow 0345 257 2627 sweepeaandwillow.com Swoon 020 3319 6332 swooneditions.com

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Tesco tesco.com The Basket Room 01608 239482 thebasketroom.com The Body Shop thebodyshop.com The Cotswold Company 0333 200 1725 cotswoldco.com The Decor House thedecorhouse.co.uk The Happy Blossoms thehappyblossoms.com The National Trust Shop shop.nationaltrust.org.uk The Northern Line 01539 443746 thenorthernline.co.uk The Organic Gardening Catalogue 0344 967 0330 organiccatalogue.com The Range 0345 026 7598 therange.co.uk The Shutter Store 0800 0747 321 shutters.co.uk The Used Kitchen Company 020 8349 1943 theusedkitchencompany.com Thorndown Paints 0800 023 5654 thorndown.co.uk Tikamoon 020 344 55 440 tikamoon.co.uk Tile Flair 0117 9598891 tileflair.co.uk Tile Mountain 01782 223822 tilemountain.co.uk

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Tiles Direct 0113 253 0005 tiles-direct.com Together togethermoney.com Toolstop 01698 819000 toolstop.co.uk Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262 toppstiles.co.uk Total Tiles 01473 805959 totaltiles.co.uk

U

Urban Outfitters urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb Used Kitchen Exchange 0151 5419420 usedkitchenexchange.co.uk Used Kitchen Hub 020 3002 0005 usedkitchenhub.com

V

Victoria Plum victoriaplum.com Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878 victorianplumbing.co.uk VonHaus vonhaus.com

W

Waitrose & Partners waitrose.com Walls and Floors 01536 314730 wallsandfloors.co.uk Wallsauce 01772 284110 wallsauce.com Walton & Co 01423 326332 waltonshop.co.uk Waterstones waterstones.com Wayfair wayfair.co.uk Where Saints Go 0161 368 9638 wheresaintsgo.co.uk Wickes 0330 123 4123 wickes.co.uk Wilko 0800 032 9329 wilko.com WoodWorks instagram.com/woodworks.creations

Y Z

YesColours yescolours.com

Zaluga zalugadevelopments.com Zoopla zoopla.co.uk Zwilling zwilling.com

Acting Group Editor Mel Sherwood Acting Deputy Editor Michelle Grady Section Editor Thomas Poad Editorial Assistant Sophie Ellis Art Editor Tricia Ball Deputy Art Editor Beth Charlton Lucas Digital Editor Rebecca Messina Digital Writer Thea Jeffreys Staff Writer Katie Dutton Thanks also to Rob Banino, Poppy Benner, Beth Emery ADVERTISING Group Advertising Manager Laura Jones Advertising Manager Heather Golden Business Development Manager Sophie Keenan Brand Sales Executives James Beckett, Ava Holdstock, Olivia King, Phil Wallington Classified Sales Executive Alex Armstrong Ad Co-ordinator Bryony Grace Senior Ad Designers Andrew Hobson, Cee Pike MARKETING & PRODUCTION Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris Direct Marketing Executive Emma Hunter Buyer Karen Flannigan Director of Licensing and Syndication Tim Hudson Syndication Manager Richard Bentley Production Director Sarah Powell Production Co-ordinator Georgia Tolley Senior PR Manager Ridhi Radia PUBLISHING Managing Director Marie Davies Promotions and Partnerships Manager Rosa Sherwood Group Managing Director Andy Marshall CEO Tom Bureau Contact Your Home at Our Media Limited, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST General Enquiries: 0117 927 9009 You can email the magazine at yourhome@ourmedia.co.uk FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS yourhome@buysubscriptions.com UK: 03301 358962 Overseas: +44(0)1604 973748

© Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company), 2022, member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Unsolicited manuscripts and transparencies are accepted on the understanding that the publisher incurs no liability for their storage or return. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without permission. All prices are correct at the time of going to press. The publisher, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. Your Home is published by Our Media Ltd, Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST, UK. Every effort has been made to secure permission for copyright material. In the event of any material being used inadvertently, or where it proved impossible to trace the copyright owner, acknowledgement will be made in a future issue. Immediate Media Co Ltd is working to ensure that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests. This magazine can be recycled. We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit immediate.co.uk, email editorialcomplaints@ immediate.co.uk or write to Legal Director, Immediate Media Co, Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London, W6 7BT

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We Clean Ovens

SHOP OF THE MONTH

Photo Mark Mead

Boutique SPEAK We get to know Harry Mc Anulty, founder of Belfast’s The Plant Alchemist Describe a typical day… My day usually starts with getting up and walking the dogs – I have a beautiful greyhound and my partner has two dogs. After a much-needed coffee, I head over to the shop for the early morning rush and prepare for the day with my team. Our plant deliveries arrive early in the morning, and we price and display plants to get them ready for their new homes.

On a daily basis, we have an eclectic mix of customers buying plants, flowers, coffee, tea, wool and anything from ribbon to buttons.

life, the shop space sold wool and trimmings, making it an institution in the local community, and we had to continue this legacy.

Our coffee is roasted by Lone Ridge Coffee Roasters and our traybakes are made by the bakers at French Village – it’s important to us that we support other local businesses.

We also run a range of different workshops, including making kokedama (hanging moss balls), cacti desert bowls and candles.

I love having plants in my home and watching them grow … Plants remind me of places, experiences, family and friends

What inspired you to set up shop?

What can we find at your shop? The Plant Alchemist is a bit quirky: think old-world haberdashery meets modern-day coffee hangout and plant paradise. In a previous Harry took inspiration from his favourite Aussie haunts

I returned to Belfast from Australia during lockdown in 2020, after living ‘Down Under’ for almost a decade. I resided for many years in a town called Bendigo – people from this side of the world may not know of Bendigo, but it’s such a cool little place! I developed an appreciation there for great coffee, food and banter. After a hectic lockdown and working from Zoom screens for two years, I decided I wanted a career change. Inspired by my Bendigo favourites, The Plant Alchemist was born. Belfast’s first plant social hub and café: an integration of great coffee, beautiful houseplants and craic and banter, all set in a curious shop that hadn’t been touched in 60 years!

How do you use plants in your own home? I love having plants in my home and watching them grow. For me, plants remind me of places, experiences, family and

An expansion is also being planned

friends. One of my favourites is a Christmas cactus plant propagated from a cutting of my late grandfather’s plant. Each year on the anniversary of his passing the plant is in full bloom, reminding me of the day we took the cutting. I also have a little aloe vera succulent that reminds me of my house in Australia, where an aloe vera family had taken over the side of a railway track. I’m not so sure my aloe would survive an Irish winter outside, so my bathroom is the perfect spot for it!

35 Springfield Road, Belfast, BT12 7AB theplantalchemist.co.uk

Some of my favourite things 1. ‘This candle smells of fresh stubbles of hay burning in the distance and is enriched with the warming scent of honey and amber.’

El Viaje Scents Irish Trail candle, £14

3

1

2. ‘Marimo moss balls are a species of green algae known for its unique round shape and fluffy complexion. When you adopt your moss ball pet, you’ll receive a care guide telling you all about them and how to take care of them.’

Moss ball pet, £10 3. ‘Made from sustainably sourced coconuts, our peat-free coir compost is perfect for growing houseplants, herbs, fruit, vegetables or cacti.’

For Peat’s Sake compost, £5.50

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2

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“An Incredible Sunflower For Your Patio” Peter McDermott

Head Gardener & Plant Expert

This Patio Sunflower will fill a large pot with literally a THOUSAND or more flowers from June to the first frosts of winter!

2ft Tall

P

atio Sunflower ‘SunbelievableTM Brown Eyed Girl’ will fill a border, raised planter or large pot with wave after wave of blooms throughout summer – each the size of your hand!

Available here much larger and betterestablished than you can buy anywhere else – it will form a dense, multi-branched mound of foliage, filled with thousands of sunflowers from June to October.

Despatched mid May. Due to this garden performance, it won the prestigious 3rd place at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year competition. 60cm height and spread.

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Calls cost 5p per min plus your network’s access charge.

USE CODE

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or by post using coupon below to: Offer YH112 YouGarden, PO Box 1468, Peterborough, PE1 9XL

CREATE THE LOOK! Ceramic Look Planter 39.5cm (15.5in) Mottled Blue bedding, shrubs, houseplants and more, it’s made to last from heavy duty polypropylene, with a classic design. For the fraction of the cost of a ceramic pot it will add instant effect to your patio for many years.

ITEM CODE 130389

Offer available while stocks last. © YouGarden Ltd 2022

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£19.99 Helianthus ‘Sunbelievable™ Brown Eyed Girl’ 560541 £29.98 BUY 2 for just £29.98 SAVE £10!

Ceramic Look Planter (15.5”) Mottled Blue £14.99 130389 £24.98 BUY 2 for just £24.98 SAVE £5.00!

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DON’T FORGET: Deduct 10% (10p in every £1) if you joined the YouGarden Club: Delivery to UK only and a £6.99 surcharge may apply to the following postcode areas: AB, DD8-11, GY, HS, IM, IV, JE, KA27-28, KW, PA20-80, PH19-50, TR21-25 & ZE. Offer subject to availability and in the event that this offer is oversubscribed, we reserve the right to send suitable substitutes. Despatched Mid May. Images show mature plants in situ. See website for full product details and T&Cs. © YouGarden Limited 2022. Following Brexit there are a number of changes that prevent us from trading in N. Ireland. For further details please visit www.yougarden.com

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Peter McDermott, Head Gardener

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