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Ready for a restyle?

appy new year and welcome to our first reveal of the hottest new trends in interiors for 2023! From sizzling colour palettes – check out Very Berry on page 19 – to the fresh new signature patterns and prints in our Decorator's Moodboards (p73), there’s so much to inspire your next project.

With the holiday season drawing to a close, our decorating features this month include four pages of brilliant ways to create a chill-out zone at home (p80), so you can relax after all the festivities. And on page 90, you'll find clever ideas to give your work-from-home space a refresh, to help you start the new year with a tidy desk and a smart new video backdrop.

January is a time when we all feel the pinch and this year more than ever, so we’ve asked a host of industry experts to share their money-saving expertise, and our handy pull-out mini mag featuring 61 quick and easy money-saving tips is on page 63.

This issue’s beautiful real homes (from p23) are also packed with savvy hacks and affordable ideas. Our cover star Rochelle revamped her kitchen for just £776! Find out how she did it on page 98

As always, we’ve also scoured the high street and beyond for this month’s most stylish new collections (p8) and all of our shopping pages are packed with gorgeous, thrifty buys to help you switch up your style for less. I hope you enjoy the issue, and if you’re not already subscribed, head to page 60 to take advantage of our January sale to get your next 6 issues for just £10!

Contents JANUARY 98

decorating & styling

12 The wishlist

New trends, colours and paints that are getting us excited for 2023

17 Things to do this January

Try the Japanese art of flower arranging, be a whizz in the sales and celebrate Burns night

19 Colour crush... very berry

A daring shade of orange-red to kickstart your new year interiors schemes

63 61 quick and easy ways to save money

From cutting down on heating bills, to saving on food costs and life essentials, our experts reveal all

73 Hot new trends for 2023

Get to know the colours and patterns set to dominate the world of interiors this year

80 Design a chill-out zone

Check out our 7-step plan to creating a cosy corner to curl up in

84 Fantasy wallpapers

Escape the January blues with our guide to bold, maximalist wallpapers

90 Spruce up your WFH space

Clever ideas, smart hacks and the best buys to smarten up your home office

110 One problem room...

A tricky hallway gets two gorgeous new moodboards from our pair of top stylists

reader homes

24

‘Animal prints make our home cosy’

Natasha Turley created a relaxed house by layering pattern, bold shades and fun finds

‘I’ve revamped our home with bargain buys’ Savvy shopper and DIY-er Abi Hugo turned a rundown house into a family friendly haven 48

36

‘My can-do attitude transformed my home’ Chloe Greenwold transforming her once-dated house by learning DIY

makeovers

98

‘My kitchen-diner is fun and funky’

Dark paint, gold spray and DIY savvy has made Rochelle’s space theplace to entertain 104

‘Our dream bedroom blends old and new’ Laura Morris has created a stunning space that wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique hotel

shopping

08

Shop the high street

Check out our selection of the best bargain buys the high street and web have to offer right now

14 Hoppy new year

Bunny love for the new lunar year 32 Animal prints

Go wild with these jungle-inspired, fun and flamboyant pieces

44 Naturally calming

Give your home a chilled-out vibe with wood, rattan and soothing green shades 47 Online, now mine...

Our top picks this month for inspirational products to buy at yourhomestyle.uk

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.

MEET THE TEAM

As we look forward to the new year, find out what 2023 interior trends the HomeStyle editorial crew are most excited about

Staff Writer

‘I’d like to try colour blocking. I love the idea of painting the inside of a cupboard or adding a pop of neon to a door frame.’

Senior Production Editor

‘I love the trend for graceful curves. These soft lines give furniture a gentle look, perfect for creating relaxed spaces.’

Features Editor

‘I’m excited about wallpaper borders making a comeback. It’s a great way to add subtle colour and pattern to a space.’

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

And here are a few of the people we couldn’t have made this issue without…

InteriorDesign Mastersstar, Rochelle Dalphinis unveils her new-look kitchen on page 98… ’I’m excited about the trend for coloured concrete using vivid shades, like electric blue and paprika. Use pre-cast coloured tiles to tap into the look.’

We catch up with interior designer and TV personality, Linda Barker on page 128…‘I’m really excited about embracing colour and pattern much more. If you have the time, the space and the inclination, just go for more colour and more pattern!’

Hayley Gilbert shares her moneysaving tips on page 63… ‘I’m looking forward to embracing texture. From natural woods and fluted finishes to comforting soft furnishings, it’s something that works with any budget, too.’

Staff Writer

HANNAH TRIBE

CATRIONA BURNS

KATIE DUTTON

‘I’m looking forward to indulging in the calming trend for bringing nature in using colour, texture and pattern’

KATIE NICHOLLS

EDITORIAL

Editor Kirstie Duhig

Art Editor Emily Waite

Deputy Art Editor Olivia Watkins

Features Editor Catriona Burns

Senior Production Editor Katie Nicholls

Staff Writers Hannah Tribe & Katie Dutton

Senior Digital Editor Cinead McTernan

Digital Editor Rebecca Messina

Digital Writer Thea Jeffreys

Special thanks Rob Banino, Chris Borgman

ADVERTISING

Group Advertising Manager Laura Jones

Advertising Manager Heather Golden

Business Development Manager Phil Wallington

Brand Sales Executives James Beckett, Dan Fauzi

Classified Sales Executive Alex Armstrong

Ad Co-ordinator Bryony Grace

Senior Ad Designers Andrew Hobson, Cee Pike

MARKETING AND PRODUCTION

Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris

Direct Marketing Executive Emma Hunter Director of Licensing and Syndication Tim Hudson

Syndication Manager Richard Bentley

Production Director Sarah Powell

Production Manager Emily Mounter

Production Co-ordinator Lauren Morris PR Manager Toby Hicks

PUBLISHING

Managing Director Marie Davies

Head of Brand Marketing Rosa Sherwood

Group Managing Director Andy Marshall CEO Tom Bureau

CONTACT

HomeStyle at Our Media Ltd, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST

Advertising enquiries: Tel: 0117 300 8805

Subscription enquiries: Email: buysubscriptions.com/contact Tel: UK 03330 135 8961; US/Canada: 855 827 8639 (toll free); Rest of the world +44(0)1604 973748

Editorial enquiries

Email: homestyle@ourmedia.co.uk Tel: 0117 927 9009

The tap that

© Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company) 2022/2023, 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.

HomeStyle is published by Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company), 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, acknowledgment will be made in a future issue. Our Media 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.

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

Sunset strip

Carpetright is cheering up our winter days with its new styles for 2023. If you’re not sure about taking the leap with bold colours on your wall, how about using them on your floor instead? This stunning golden carpet is a perfect accompaniment to subtler paint shades, like putty pink and white. Or, if you want to dip your toe into some patterned décor, there’s this soothing yet stimulating blue vinyl design – lovely for hallways, kitchens and home offices. Check out the new looks at carpetright.co.uk

Edmonton twist carpet in Old Gold Plain, £31.99 per sq m

Roma Evora 525 Blue vinyl, £36.99 per sq m

The Wishlist

Welcome to our edit of the latest collections, collaborations and releases. Here’s what we’re excited about this month...

WEARE LOVING

... Gift Wild

A proudly plastic-free company, Gift Wild is a one-stop shop for thoughtful pressies and homeware treats for climate-conscious shoppers. You can bag yourself cushion covers, art prints, notebooks and cards, all at reasonable price points and, as 10 per cent of each sale goes towards conservation projects, you can support nature in the process. We particularly love the cushion covers, made from organic cotton. giftwild.co.uk

Organic cotton swift cushion cover, £19.99

One coat wonder

Linseed paint is set to be a new staple in the decorating world, thanks to Leeds-based brand Brouns & Co spearheading its manufacture in the UK. Traditionally used in Scandinavia, linseed paint has incredible durability, so much so that original coats of the paint have survived on houses more than 500 years old! It’s particularly good for exteriors due to its weatherproofing properties; preventing wood from rotting, iron from rusting and plaster from crumbling. Available in 42 timeless chalky matt colours, Brouns & Co’s range is suitable for indoor and out, and while it’s a bit pricier than your average emulsion, it comes with multiple lifetime guarantees and all natural ingredients, plus you don’t need to apply a primer or undercoat. Prices start at £49.50 for 1L, from linseedpaint.com

Walk the line

Want to freshen up your walls without a full repaint? Fiona Howard’s wallpaper borders are a quick way of switching up your interiors without compromising on style or quality.

Place them around a door frame, dado rail or above wood panelling to add an instant statement. There’s a range of patterns to choose from, including bold mid-century style shapes perfect for modern homes, and intricate landscape scenes – ideal for period houses. Each 5m roll is made up of lino block printed designs, using eco-friendly inks on sustainable paper, and with each purchase a tree is planted in conjunction with the charity One Tree Planted. From £22 per roll, fionahoward.com

save vs splurge

Tortoise table lamp, £32, Homebase

LUXE GLAM

Meet the maker:

Plop Pottery

‘Hi! I’m Scarlett, the maker behind Plop Pottery. Plop came about through my love of ceramics and the realisation that people wanted to buy my unique pieces. I find inspiration through creative play and exploration. My cobalt striped butter dish, for example, was born from experimenting with layering coloured stripes. I’ve lived in rentals for a long time, so conjuring up ideas for my dream home is a favourite pastime too! My ideal space would definitely swing towards maximalism; I dream of bold colours and patterns. I especially value items that hold memories and tell a story. Owning a one-off, handmade piece really does feel special, and when it’s gifted, it’s all the better!’ Shop Scarlett’s ceramics on the Narchie app, @ploppottery

Ceramics, from £18, Plop Pottery

Like a pro

Love the effortless look when it comes to interiors? Abigail Ahern, the queen of laid-back cool, has got you covered. Her new book Masterclass has everything you need to know when starting out on your home décor journey, from lighting tips to furniture placement (it appears we’ve been positioning our sofas wrong!). She even has renting remedies too. It’s out now from Pavilion Books, priced £35.

Scarlett of Plop Pottery. Shop her pieces on the Narchie app

Sway wallpaper border in Tomato, £22 per roll, Fiona Howard

Feature Katie Dutton

Tall tortoiseshell glass table lamp, £295, OKA

Benjamin & pals

Woodland wonder

Cute cuppa

STYLE INSIDER

hoppy new year!

Marvellous mittens

Set your sights on spring and update your look with bunny accessories. Keep it simple with folksy vibes and wild rabbit motifs so that the effect is cute but still feels sophisticated. We love designs that make the most of the rabbit’s glorious shape, like the wonderful brass hook from Sass & Belle. But be careful... once you start adding adorable rabbits to your schemes, they’ll be multiplying before you know it!

Spotlight on bunny

Work from home in style

Oak leaning furniture from £159

THINGS TO DO IN...

JANUARY

Bright and refreshing ideas to welcome in 2023

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL

Blooming new year

As the noise and hubbub of new year celebrations quieten down, it’s time to take a more mindful approach to styling, and the ancient Japanese art of ikebana fits the brief. Ikebana flower arrangements are simple and sculptural while also aiming to honour the natural world by creating an art form from materials, such as blossoms, branches and leaves. Work with dried flowers and stems to craft a wintry arrangement placed in a vase made from organic materials, such as this flower stone.

Melon Cup 101 paint from £20 per 0.94L, Benjamin Moore

On the safe side

Precious Christmas baubles that have taken years to collect can be delicate and easily broken. One way to ensure that they are kept safe, and to avoid any upset when the next festive season rolls around, is to pack baubles and small decorations away in a specially designed box that promises to snugly house your favourite trinkets, keeping them safe and sound. Wrap them in a little tissue paper for extra protection, too.

Great, Scot!

Festivities are few and far between this month, however, we can all look forward to 25th January when the Scottish celebrate their most famous poet, Robert Burns. Traditionally, this is the day when you chow down on haggis, neeps and tatties. Well, we’d like to offer up an additional Scottish icon: Tunnock’s teacakes. The much-loved Scottish treats have been immortalised here by Nikki McWilliams so you can celebrate the best of the Scots all year round.

Bag a bargain

We’re proud to say that here at HomeStylewe have a nose for saving money so when January rolls around we’re prepped and ready to take a deep dive into the annual sales to find some good quality, yet budget friendly, ways to update our homes and interiors. The team at yourhomestyle.uk are also always busy burrowing for the best bargains that you can find on the high-street and online, from air fryers to vacuums and kettles to energy monitors. Take a quick trip to yourhomestyle.uk/home-decor/january-sales-deals to find the cheapest deals, alongside tips on how to get the most bang for your buck this January.

Renew & refresh

The beginning of a new year often prompts an interiors refresh. Giving your spaces a pep-up has been made just that bit easier as Valspar’s new brand V&Co offers 45 bespoke colours and a new finish, Dead Flat Matt, to ensure luxurious coverage and a hard-wearing result.

‘Being able to offer new and existing customers a brand that will help to transform their vision into a reality with a truly luxurious result is really exciting,’ says Tobie Lewis, Head of Marketing, Brand & Digital at Valspar Paint.

When the grey skies of January dampen the mood, cast a gentle, rose-tinted glow over your space with warm, soul uplifting, dopamineinducing pink...

‘Our kitchen is now the heart of the home, thanks to Wren’

When Emma and her husband, Greg, knocked down a wall to open up the space in their galley kitchen, they asked their Wren designer to help them make the most of the sociable new layout with savvy storage solutions and stylish finishes

Emma Morris and her husband, Greg, had visited a few kitchen companies in search of their dream design, but hadn’t found one that fitted their vision until they went to Wren’s Greenwich showroom. They bought their home knowing it would need a lot of work as it’s an old property, and renovating the kitchen was top of their to-do list. ‘We wanted a bright, timeless design,’ says Emma, ‘and as soon as we saw the Infinity Plus Shaker Chelsea Ermine kitchen in Sage Green Matt, we knew it was the one!’ she says.

DESIGNED FOR FAMILY

The couple’s existing kitchen had a cramped galley layout, but they wanted a more sociable space that would work for their busy family life with their two children, Millie, seven, and Olly, 11. Their Wren designer, Ali, helped them decide on a new layout. ‘We told him what we wanted, and he was very helpful when we wanted to make changes,’ says Emma.

They chose to knock down a wall so they could have a dining area, a utility room, and more cabinets. ‘In particular, Ali really helped us with the chimney design,’ explains Emma. ‘We weren’t happy with a big steel beam that

Emma has finally found her dream kitchen at Wren, with classic style and plenty of storage

was exposed after knocking down the wall. Ali suggested creating a fake chimney above the cooker, and we’ve also added a rustic shelf.’

GAME-CHANGING IDEAS

The new, open layout gave them plenty of space for a large island, so the couple ordered the biggest one possible, as they wanted an area where they could all cook and sit together. ‘It works really well! The children love to help us

cook and bake, and to eat breakfast at the island, too,’ enthuses Emma.

Again, Ali’s design expertise proved to be invaluable when it came to maximising storage with lots of clever space-boosting solutions. He suggested installing the sink in the island, which gave the couple more worktop space – ‘that’s been a game-changer,’ says Emma –and also hiding away kitchen essentials in the island, including the bins and a dishwasher.

Feature

Michelle Grady

In the extra cupboard space created by knocking down the wall, they added a six-shelf pantry tower and, next to that, a cupboard with built-in AEG Single Pyrolytic ovens with SteamBake and a microwave. ‘It’s a great space-

design using the Virtual Reality Experience. ‘This is what sold the design to us – we were able to walk around the kitchen and actually see it,’ she explains. The delivery went smoothly, too. ‘Wren were amazing and we had support when we needed it,’ Emma says.

saver as everything is integrated,’ Emma points out. She also loves the deep cupboards. ‘I have so much storage now,’ she says.

BROUGHT TO LIFE

While the whole design process was a breeze from start to finish, Emma particularly appreciated being able to view the kitchen

With the practical bits taken care of by Wren, Emma and Greg could start bringing the look together with finishing touches to create the contemporary-meets-traditional kitchen they wanted. While Emma was keen on wooden worktops, Greg persuaded her to go for shiny Quartz Aspen Ice worktops, which not only give the kitchen a sleek finish to contrast with the more rustic elements, but also bounce light around the room for a brighter feel. The couple also added brick slips to one wall for a farmhouse kitchen look.

HARMONIOUS HOME

The couple couldn’t be more pleased with how the final kitchen has turned out – in fact, they love it so much that it was their starting point when decorating the other rooms, as they wanted to capture the same feel throughout. ‘The kitchen has set the tone for the rest of the house – we’ve tried to keep it all tied in with the kitchen so everything flows,’ says Emma.

The kitchen has garnered praise from family and friends, alike, with visitors commenting on how homely and welcoming it is. Most importantly, though, it has completely transformed how Emma and her family use the room. ‘We all eat breakfast together on the weekends, we love the space, and the kitchen is now the heart of the home!’

‘We all eat breakfast together on the weekends, we love the space’

Knocking down a wall gave Emma ample space to add a large island for cooking, dining and socialising

Integrated appliances, including the AEG Ceramic 4-Zone hob in Black, ensure the kitchen feels sleek and uncluttered

The modern Oceanus Chrome tap and Maisie Chrome knob handles add a contemporary twist to Emma’s scheme

Welcome to my home

A BIT ABOUT ME

I’m Natasha Turley, 33, a GP. I live with my husband, Patrick O’Halloran, 35, also a doctor, and our two boys, Alfred, three, and Walter, who is seven months old.

WHERE I LIVE

We live in a detached four-bedroom Victorian house in Bromsgrove, which we bought in March 2019. I share my renovation journey on Instagram @at_home_with_taddy.

WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE

We moved in when I was pregnant, so my priority was creating a comfortable family home. As the original décor was fairly bland, it was easy to slowly add colour, pattern and accessories.

HOW I MADE IT MY OWN

We were on a budget from day one so apart from saving to re-do the bathroom, everything has either been upcycled, is second-hand or has been a DIY project, and paint has been my friend!

MY FAVOURITE PART

I love the kitchen. The transformation is amazing but there’s also something really special about knowing that I did it myself, and for only £800.

Dining room

‘The first thing I did was put up the cheetah wallpaper, which I bought before we even moved in. It was really expensive, but it set the tone for the rest of the house as I’ve used pops of teal and pink in most rooms. The patterned wall needed something to break it up so leaning the rattan screen, found in an antique shop, against the wall has added a bit of texture. The console table in the corner has been four colours since I first owned it and this version was a fairly impulsive makeover. I had some leftover paint and added gold spots using a stencil. It clashes a lot with the wallpaper, but I think it looks good! The Stay Wild plant holder is from Sainsbury’s Home and the wall mirror is from IKEA.’

My story

We moved from our flat for more space as I was pregnant with Alfred, but I was also looking forward to creating our first family home. I fell in love with the double-fronted exterior before I even stepped through the door, then the elements of exposed brickwork and the blue log-burner cinched the deal. Moving-in day was stressful as I was heavily pregnant, and Patrick was away working in Russia. As I walked through the door, I spotted a leak in the dining room coming from the bathroom. I didn’t know any local plumbers, so I went on Google and thankfully managed to find someone to come out,

but in fixing the drip he smashed the bath, which gave me an excuse to re-do the whole room. I chose a pink-and-black scheme, which I continued when we came to update the kitchen.

I really wanted the space to reflect my personality, so I added my own twist by decorating with fun paint effects and colourful patterned wallpaper. I also added panelling to the bedrooms and upcycled most of the furniture, incorporating quirky accessories inspired by my love of leopard print.

I’ve tried not to overthink my décor decisions, as the most important thing was to create a relaxing space. Sometimes I think nothing matches, but when I look around it seems to work, and it feels extra special as I’ve done nearly everything myself.

Feature and styling Lisa Moses Photos Katie Jane Watson

‘It took a while to find the perfect velvet dining chairs but these ones, from Duhome on Amazon, hit the mark as the covers are removable so easily washed and perfect for a family home. The table is from IKEA, the Graduate Collection Cheetah wallpaper is from Wallpaper Direct, and the black-and-white Berber-style rug was an Aldi Specialbuy’

MORE IS MORE MAKEOVER

ANIMAL PRINTS MAKE OUR HOME warm and cosy

By layering plenty of pattern with bold shades and fun finds, Natasha Turley has created the relaxed house that she always wanted

‘I’d seen words worked into tile designs, but it was really expensive and also, it’s there to stay, whereas using vinyl means I can change it up whenever I want. The vinyl EAT stickers were made by my mum, who runs a small vinyl business @made_bybibi.

The Artesano Rose Mallow tiles are from Tile Mountain and the Zebra rug is from Dunelm’

The kitchen only cost about £800 in total and it ,s the biggest transformation in the whole house

Kitchen

‘I wanted to update the ugly brown kitchen cabinets from day one, but we couldn’t afford a complete renovation. Although I tiled the splashback with leftover tiles from the bathroom reno, the room still didn’t work for me. Then I spotted a post on Instagram talking about the benefits of painting kitchen cupboards and when I looked into it, I came across Rust-Oleum’s Pink Champagne paint and knew it would look perfect. It felt like the job took forever as I did it in stages, only taking a few doors off at a time, so we had a half-painted kitchen for about three months. But it was worth it as it feels like I have a completely new kitchen, but it only cost hundreds of pounds, rather than thousands. The ANYDAY metal bar stools are from John Lewis, the pink pendant lights are from Jack Stonehouse and the black handles on the cabinet doors are from Amazon.'

STEAL MY STYLE

‘White tiles complement the pink units and my accessories shine against them. The kettle is from Dunelm, the marble chopping board is from Aldi and the black-and-white storage canisters are from John Lewis’

Living room

‘My priority was to create a cosy family home so although the previous owners had their dining table here, for me it felt far more natural to place our sofa opposite the log burner. I kept the original soft beige wall colour but I wanted some flow from the dining area so I chose Teal Tension by Dulux for above the picture rail and the chimney breast. I made a bigger feature of the original brick fireplace by rubbing some silver and gold leaf onto the inside and now, with all its gilt accessories, the room positively glows when the fire is lit! There’s lots of display space in this room, and although I’m not sure I really know how to style a shelf, I just do my own thing, adding lots of animal motifs and gold ornaments.’

‘Adding the colour-block effect behind the gallery wall has really made a feature of my memory display. It’s made up of special items, like the baby footprints and treasured family photos’

‘The decorative wall fan, from La Redoute, wouldn’t naturally be paired with exotic animal prints but it works. I get most of my cushions from Homesense and move them around my home when I fancy a change’

I wanted the space to reflect my personality, so I added my own twist by decorating with fun paint effects and patterned wallpaper

‘The cheetah on top of the log burner, from Homesense, is my favourite accessory. Now I just need to give him a name! The chair is also from Homesense – it’s my go-to shop for stylish, affordable and unique pieces. The Let’s Stay Home sign was a bargain buy from The Range’

I simply buy something I love and it always finds its home

How to paint aroundscallops a shelf

Highlight a display space above your bed with this simple but stylish trick

Choose your wall colour and paint your display shelf in a contrasting shade then leave to fully dry. Decide how low you want the bottom of your design and, using a spirit level to guide you, draw a straight pencil line along the width of the bed frame, leaving space to add the scallop shape below, which will be added after. Press lightly with your pencil so that the marks don't show through.

Decide how high you want your design then find the central spot and mark it. Again, leaving space for the scallops, use this measurement to draw a very light semicircle to the edges of your base line. You should now have a half circle shape above the bed.

Choose the size of your scallop shapes and draw them out following the semicircle to guide you. Using a small plate, cup or cardboard cut-out will help. Carefully paint your design up to the pencil line; it’s usually easiest to paint the scallops first and then fill in the rest of the wall. Once dry, paint a second coat and leave to dry.

Using a spirit level, mark and drill holes onto your painted design the height you want your shelf to be and attach it to the wall.

Master bedroom

‘The Emma J Shipley wallpaper was the starting point in here. Although most people decorate behind the bed, I wanted to be able to see it when I wake up, so I hung it along the side wall. The back of the bed then felt too plain, so I decided to do a paint effect. I kept seeing scallops as a popular motif so thought I’d give it a go. I grabbed some leftover paint and masking tape and started with my own design onto the wall. I peeled some paint off when I was removing the tape, so as a quick fix I continued the design along the bottom.’ make

‘We had the bespoke wardrobes installed as soon as we moved in, and I specifically chose a traditional design to complement the style of the house. The fitted wardrobes are from Hammonds and the mirror above the fireplace was part of the homemade decorations at our wedding’

this upcycled side table p34

‘The side table was the first piece of furniture my granddad ever made, so it's a really special piece. I painted it and découpaged the door fronts. The bedside lamp and duvet cover are from B&M and the pillows are from H&M’

‘I bought the IKEA bed with an eye on future-proofing Alfred’s room as it can turn over and convert into a high bed. The leopard came from a car boot sale and the giraffe is from B&M. Leopold the Lion rug is from Sew Heart Felt’

Alfred’s bedroom

‘I wanted to learn how to panel and thought it would work well in here, so I bought pieces of pre-cut wood from Homebase and my dad and granddad helped me attach it. I happily accept that I’m not a perfectionist and I didn’t want to cut the wood more times than necessary, so the height of the panelling was designed around the lengths the wood came in. Then I simply glued it on, with a few nails to help as none of the walls are straight in the house. The fun Lust Home wallpaper went up next and I wanted to pick out a colour for the panelling to complement it. I chose Tapestry Green by Craig & Rose, which feels calm and looks classic.’

‘I’ve always been drawn to bold prints and bright colours and I love the way the wallpaper clashes against the tiles. The bathroom fixtures and fittings are from Victorian Plumbing and Victoria Plum’

Bathroom

‘This was the one room that needed a complete reno and when designing it we realised the original space planning was pretty good, so no plumbing needed moving, which saved a fortune. The statement flamingo wallpaper was the starting point and next came the pink tiles, though I made a mistake and over-ordered but we used the leftovers in the kitchen. I love the pattern clash of wallpaper and black-andwhite tiles and although I chose the black hardware to complement the black beaks of the flamingos, it does add cohesion to the space. To make a feature of the quirky original alcove, I painted a strip black to add definition.’

Replacing the pedestal basin with the vanity unit from IKEA has upped the ante in terms of storage. The Albany Flamingos wallpaper is from Wallpaper Direct, and the tiles are from Tile Mountain’

What I learned

I don’t want to worry about the children breaking things so nothing in our home is expensive, which has helped to create a more relaxed space.

It’s always worth giving DIY a go. Chances are, if you take your time and do the research, you can do just as good a job as a professional, and even if it’s a bit wonky, it’s special because you made it wonky.

I don’t consider myself particularly mindful about cohesion when designing rooms, but when I look around, I see lots of teals, pinks and pops of gold, so maybe it is more natural than I think.

MAKE THE LOOK

Tiger stripe unit

Give a plain bedside unit a stylish new look, like Natasha, with chalk paint and hand-painted panels to match your bedroom decor

TOP TIP

Look for lovely retro drawer handles like these on eBay for a vintage version, or try Westwoodbricks on Etsy for a fun, colourful alternative

YOU WILL NEED

wallpaper lining paper Posca PC-8K black paint marker pen acrylic paint for stripe background chalk paint for unit tacky PVA glue paintbrush decorative handles

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Measure the length and width of the recesses in the door of your bedside unit and cut lining paper to the same size. Set aside. Paint your unit with your chosen chalk paint, leaving the recesses unpainted. Paint your paper with your background stripe colour in acrylic paint. Leave to dry.

2 Start your stripe pattern by drawing in a wavy line from one side towards the centre in black paint pen. Start with a thin line than work over to thicken it along its length, tapering to a soft point towards the centre. (Sketch in pencil first if you like.) Add more lines above and below, thickening out in different places for a natural look. Some of your stripes can have holes inside them, and some can cross your paper entirely without tapering to a point. One or two can turn back on themselves so they look like a sideway ‘V’.

3 Once your main lines are in place, add a few small stripes into spaces where there are larger gaps in the pattern. These can branch from larger stripes or sit on their own.

4 Turn over your tiger patterned paper and paint a thin layer of tacky PVA glue on the back. Stick the paper into the door recesses, adjusting the position until the paper sits centrally. Leave to dry.

5 Add your door pulls to finish.

Natasha has carried her jungle theme into her bedroom with this fun upcycle

Make Hannah Bellis

Photo Katie Jane Watson

Calling

The living room is one of Abi’s favourite spaces. She painted the walls in Reframed from Crown Paints, building up the neutral look with layers of textured cushions and throws, and a large jute rug from IKEA. ‘If you have a defined palette, the colours flow and it’s easy to move things around from room to room,’ she says

My story

We chose this house with practicality in mind. Our last home was a Victorian fixer-upper, which I loved, but we’ve got two small children now, so this time we needed something liveable from the start. It’s a relatively new property, and the style inside wasn’t really for me, but everything was perfectly functional.

Since we moved in, I’ve worked my way through the rooms, redecorating, changing floors and building furniture and storage. I want our home to feel cosy, inviting and lived-in, so people relax when they’re here. Texture is really important, and natural wood too, for warmth. I’m not really into colour, so it’s

all about layers of neutrals and touches of black. It’s a family home as well, so nothing feels too pristine.

I’m a huge DIY fan, and I’ve always enjoyed making things. I got a mitre saw for Christmas, just after we moved in, and I haven’t looked back! I’ve made shelves and cupboards, laid flooring, tiled walls and painted rooms. I don’t like waste, so I use up everything I can, and often buy old furniture locally, to upcycle. There are so many lovely items around and it’s great to have something no one else has.

I get a lot of inspiration from social media and if I see something I like, I’ll just work out how to do it myself, so I’ve learned a lot. DIY can be hard, so there’s a huge sense of achievement. When I think about how much I’ve done, I’m really proud of our home.

Welcome to my home

A BIT ABOUT ME

I’m Abi Hugo, 33, and I’m an online content creator and upcycler. I live here with my husband, Ian, 34, who works in finance, and our children, Henry, five and Emilia, two. You can see more of my home on Instagram @thewhitethistle.

WHERE I LIVE

Our home is a three-bedroom detached 1970s house in Maldon, Essex. We moved into this house in November 2020.

WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE

Most rooms were white and grey, and quite bare, so the house felt a bit cold and unwelcoming. Although the kitchen and bathroom were fine, they were definitely not my taste and the dated red carpet was awful.

HOW I MADE IT MY OWN

I’ve updated the kitchen and bathroom and warmed the whole house with multi-layered neutrals, interesting accessories, hand-built furniture and lots of natural wood and cosy textures.

MY FAVOURITE PART

Every time I change a room, it becomes my favourite! When I revamped the kitchen it felt amazing. It was not my style before, so I’m especially thrilled with it now and it was such an easy makeover.

Feature Annabelle Grundy Photos Colin Poole

Bring softness dark-colouredto doors with lightweight voiles

style idea

Abi’s practical hand-built cupboards maximise space in the living room. She decorated the wall above with some leftover herringbone laminate flooring. ‘I’m so pleased with this,’ she says. ‘It was quite tricky fixing it to a vertical surface, but it adds so much warmth and pattern’

Abi’s multi-functional, custommade shelf unit keeps logs to hand for the wood-burning stove. The cut wood brings in texture and a natural element

shop naturally calming p44

Living room

Abi originally revamped the living room with a pared-back Scandi style, but recent rewiring work meant her wall panelling had to come off, so she took the opportunity to update things again. ‘The children play in here a lot now, so we needed some practical storage, and a place for me to work on my laptop while I watch them,’ she says. ‘I built cupboards to hide toys and any clutter I don’t want on show, and a shelf unit with a little desk area.’ At the same time, she decided to replace the old sofa with a curved threeseater. ‘I love the soft, organic shape,’ she says. ‘The covers are washable, so although it’s cream, it’s still practical for a family, and it’s stood up really well so far.’

‘This kid’s chair was the first piece of furniture I made. It was based on a standard-sized chair I’d seen, and I just put it together step by step. I love having something that’s completely unique’

‘I made this unit myself, inspired by a Pinterest image. The whole project took about three weeks and was quite a challenge, especially making the shelves themselves. I’d never handled concrete before, but I found a lot of useful information online’

I want our home to feel cosy, inviting and lived-in. It's a family home as well so nothing feels too pristine

in her cosy two-tone

room. She has hung up prints from Desenio, and her own abstract painting. ‘I just used up some leftover paints and mixed in a handful of sand, so it’s got quite a rough, gritty texture,’ she says

Diig room

‘This room gets a lot of use, as we always eat together as a family, and Ian and I love entertaining friends. When we moved in, it was one of my least favourite rooms, as it felt quite stark and chilly. It needed warmth and depth, so I painted the ceiling in a taupe shade, and extended the colour down to picture-rail height. That makes the ceiling feel lower and creates a much more cosy, intimate vibe. All the furniture in this room is upcycled. My granddad gave us the table – it used to be a work bench in his shed! I bought the chairs on our local Facebook selling site and I made the scaffold board shelves myself for our last home.’

Abi upcycled the large sideboard with Spanish Moss no-prime paint from Dixie Belle, while the mirror above is a nifty budget hack. ‘I painted a big black square onto the wall, and then just stuck on mirror tiles from IKEA,’ she says. ‘It was really simple’

Upcycling is something anyone can do. You don’t need to spend much to make an old piece look completely different

Abi used Dulux’s Egyptian Cotton and Brave Ground for the walls and ceiling

dining

Kitchen

‘I really wasn’t keen on the shiny cream kitchen units and blue-green wall tiles we inherited, but there was no point spending a lot as we’re planning a major refurb in the future. Instead, I did a very quick, budget-friendly makeover. I peeled the laminate off the doors with a heat gun, and then painted the MDF underneath, and fitted new handles. A specialist white tile paint covered up the coloured splashback and the tiled window ledge. I left the wooden worktops and grey flooring as they blended in nicely. I liked the idea of dark units, especially as it probably wouldn’t be a forever choice, and it looks like a completely different kitchen.’

Abi’s letterboard, from Oliver Bonas, was a present. Changing the wording adds a fun touch to the kitchen and the brushed gold frame chimes with the new, contemporary cabinet handles from Amazon

A set of black wire baskets from Dunelm ties in with the dark-coloured kitchen and adds interest to the empty space above the cabinets

Torared pendant lampshade, £15, IKEA

Master bedroom

Abi has kept the grey carpet, built-in wardrobes and off-white walls that were in the bedroom when they moved in. ‘I did want to cosy things up and add some softness, though,’ she says. ‘I’d seen something online about limewash paint. It looks a bit like bare plaster, which I love, so I thought I’d have a go. I’ve just decorated one wall, and it’s got a lovely loose feel – you can almost see the brushstrokes. We invested in a new bed for this room, too. The layout is tricky as the bed has to go in front of the window, but the headboard is a pretty shape and not too high, so it’s worked well.’

The large window frames the bed, which was bought from Time4Sleep. Made-to-measure blackout blinds and taupe voiles, both from Blinds 2go, provide privacy and softness. Abi layers up the bed with tactile, neutral bed linen and cushions from M&S and Homesense, plus a luxurious faux fur throw from Dreamland Beds

Abi created the weathered effect on the bedroom walls with Bauwerk’s Witch Hazel lime paint, while the little chair was a clever upcycling project. ‘I mixed up chalk paint, water and fabric conditioner and painted a tatty £5 upholstered chair,’ says Abi. ‘It was an experiment, but it worked!’

Emilia’s bedroom walls are a combination of Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink and Skimming Stone. Her bed, bought on Facebook Marketplace, has a pull-out mattress underneath, so there’s flexibility for overnight guests. Abi painted the ornate frame, which came from an antique shop, and swapped the old print inside for a mirror

Bathroom

‘The bathroom was in quite good condition, but I didn’t like the hard, angles, and the layout really jarred – from the landing you just saw the toilet and the end of the bath. I repositioned the bath and toilet, which required a bit of plumbing work, but it makes the space work a lot better. We had professionals to fit the sanitaryware, but I laid the floor, tiled the walls, made the bath panel and decorated the room myself. I saved money by using up leftover limewash paint from our bedroom and, to add warmth, I painted the ceiling as well as the walls. All the fittings are brushed brass, so they look soft, as well as glamorous and quite contemporary.’

How to style tiles

Give basic tiles a boost with interesting layouts

Whichever format you choose, practise first on a dry, flat surface. Always work from the centre outwards, and use tile spacers for a clean, even grout line.

For square or metro wall tiles, a grid pattern, where the tiles line up perfectly, is the simplest arrangement. A horizontal or vertical brick-style format, where the tiles are staggered on alternate courses, is another straightforward option. Choose gloss, matt or a textured surface, and try colour blocking, or contrasting grout to add another layer of interest.

Rectangular tiles lend themselves to a basketweave design – an easy, budget-friendly layout with plenty of impact. Place two or three tiles side by side and upright, followed by the same number of tiles laid lengthways, forming two square blocks of the same dimensions. Repeat along the row, and then alternate the directions on the next course.

If you’re feeling more ambitious, choose rectangular or metro tiles to make a herringbone effect. Long slim tiles create a different look from shorter wider ones. The design will also vary depending on whether they’re laid vertically and horizontally, or on an angle, and whether the design runs top to bottom, or left to right.

Emilia's bedroom

‘This room was in quite a tatty state to begin with including a horrible red and green carpet that I pulled up. I re-used the grey curtains that were in our bedroom, but I’d like to replace those too, quite soon. Then I just painted the walls and layered on lots of pretty but inexpensive touches. The bed is second-hand, the white canopy was a budget find on Amazon, and the mirror, faux flowers and greenery were actually left over from our wedding, so it’s lovely to see them all being used again.’

The brand-new bathroom fixtures, tiles and flooring are all from Victorian Plumbing. Unable to find a simple bath panel she liked, Abi made her own from moisture-resistant MDF and painted it in Salt of the Earth from Frenchic’s The Lazy Range

‘This was a freebie from a friend,’ says Abi. ‘It was plain wood, so I’ve put on legs and new handles. The colours are Frenchic’s Salt of the Earth and Dusky Blush, and I added a bit of gold leaf too for glamour’

What I learned

When you’re painting furniture, several thin coats are better than one or two thick ones. You can use a hairdryer to speed things up between layers.

I bought a beautiful cream rug for the living room, but with two children it didn’t last long so I’ve replaced it with a washable one. Buys have to be practical as well as looking good!

Don’t limit yourself just because you haven’t tried something before. I’ll always have a go and try to work the process out, step by step. Research is key and there’s lots of useful information available online.

I,ve made shelves and cupboards, laid flooring, tiled walls and painted rooms

MAKE THE LOOK

DIY letterboard

Letterboard letters will slot in securely between the dowel rods but are easy to move so you can change your message when you like

TOP TIP

Upper case alphabet letters like these are usually about three quarters of an inch tall. Keep this in mind when choosing the size of your frame – for longer phrases, you’ll need at least A4 in size

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Remove any backing or glass from your frame and place it face down. Measure the width of the gap from one internal edge to the other, horizontally across the frame. Your dowels will need to be the same length as this gap. Cut the dowel rods to this length with your hacksaw.

2 Cut strips of black felt to the same length as your dowel and about 1 inch wide. Wrap the strips around your cut dowel rods, securing with a stapler so that the felt is taut against the rod’s surface.

3 Put a dab of hot glue on the end of each rod and slot into position in the frame, with the staples sitting at the back, so the taut fabric finish is seen at the front. You want the rods to sit quite snugly without gaps between them, to provide the tension you need to keep the letters in place. Position as many as you can in the length of your frame, and fill any space too small to take an extra rod with a folded strip of felt to pad out the space.

4 If you’re using a shop-bought frame, you can put the back panel back on to hide the messy stapled dowels from view. If you’re upcycling a frame, cut your own back from a cardboard box. Very little of this will be seen when the board is on display, but covering the stapled sections will give you a cleaner finish, and hide any light gaps between the rods from the front.

5 Add your words using the alphabet letters, slipping the supports between the wooden dowels where the felt covering will cushion them in position.

Make a felt letterboard from an old photo frame to create your own word art, like Abi

YOU WILL NEED thin gold frame, minimum 1cm deep ¼in diameter dowel rods hacksaw stapler glue gun black felt alphabet letterboard letters, from Letterglyph on Etsy

Make Hannah Bellis

Photo Colin Poole

online,now mine!

Creator of the viral TikTok salmon rice bowl dish, Emily Mariko would be stumped making meals without her trusty Japanese rice cooker. Emily actually uses the Zojirushi rice cooker, but this YumAsia model is a great dupe. Your seawood salmon rolls will be transformed! It’s currently £169

Bag the hottest new trends from social media, and scan our QR code to shop from your phone!

SCAN ME

to shop these products at yourhome style.uk

The Always Pan

American company Our Place has been making waves on Insta the past year with its pastel-hued cookware. The brand’s latest launch is this stunning lavender shade Always Pan. Fry, skillet, sauté, braise, griddle, roast and bake in this ingenious all-in-one pan. Celebs love it too, with fans including Paris Hilton and Selena Gomez. £135

Lick’s new colour range is getting a lotta love on Insta and we are big fans too. This fresh paint palette is inspired by nature and a longing to reconnect with the world around us. There are stimulating blues, calming earthy neutrals and an energising orange too, £42

Scandi-chic string shelves

Originally designed in 1949, these effortlessly cool shelves have stood the test of time and are now having a serious moment on Pinterest. The original brand, String Furniture, has a host of designs to choose from, as well as sideboards, desks and outdoor furniture. Other companies have jumped on the bandwagon too though, including the likes of Dunelm and La Redoute. We love this peachy pink SKLUM design, which costs £34.95

Sunset lamps

Ever wondered how influencers get that golden glow in vids? Chances are it’s a sunset lamp! These affordable lights add a wash of warmth and depth to an interior – especially pleasing for winter nights! From £13.99

Emily Mariko’s rice cooker

Lick’s 2023 colour palette

Chloe has decorated her living room, the most-used space in the house, with bargain buys from the high street, including an oversized rug from La Redoute, mirror from Dunelm and tassel throw from furn

Chloe Greenwold

My story

We hadn’t planned on moving but I’d always kept my eye on Rightmove. While scrolling through one day, I stumbled across this house for sale and instantly knew I wanted it. James grew up here in Colchester and we wanted to be close to his family. I asked to see the house and on that first viewing we put in an offer. We just knew it was the right fit for us – it was love at first sight.

When we moved in, the house was in desperate need of some TLC. I could see the potential beyond the dated décor, and I couldn’t wait to put our own stamp on it with pattern, colour and texture to reflect

our tastes. Doing the whole house at once felt too daunting so we approached it room by room, using a moodboard to get a cohesive look.

We spent all of our budget on the house, so we had no choice but to do the work ourselves. To avoid the stress and pressure of a deadline, we just took our time decorating. My proudest DIY moment was doing the tongue-and-groove panelling in the bathroom all by myself. James was at work, so I just had to get on with it. I even used a jigsaw, which absolutely terrified me, but I did it and I was delighted with the result.

We absolutely love our new home now. It’s just such a comforting, cosy place to be and I can’t wait for my next painting project!

Welcome to my home

A BIT ABOUT ME

I’m Chloe Greenwold, 29, and I’m an interior design student. I live with my husband, James, 33, our son, Freddie, three, and daughter, Eden, 17 months, plus our three family pugs, Ralph, Gary and Emily.

WHERE I LIVE

We live in a 1930s three-bedroom semi-detached house in Colchester, Essex. We’ve lived here for three years. You can see more of my home on Instagram @thegreenwoldgaff.

WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE

The house was full of terracotta and lavender paint with pine woodwork and brown carpet throughout, which I wanted to get rid of as soon as I moved in.

HOW I MADE IT MY OWN

I’ve used colour and texture to make the house feel more homely and I’ve adapted the space to make it work better for our family, including opening up the space under the stairs as a play area.

MY FAVOURITE PART

The living room, with the wood-burner, blue velvet sofas and lots of plants –it feels so cosy in there.

Feature and styling Emma Fishman Photos David Giles

‘The Lines At The Zoo wallpaper zones the play area, but it doesn’t dominate the rest of the living room, which is what I wanted. It’s from I Love Wallpaper and I get asked all the time if the kids can colour it in. I always say, ‘No’, but I guess they could and that’s what makes it quite fun!’

The toadstool storage box is from Dunelm and the Magnifique print is from Gayle Mansfield

‘I adore having plants throughout my home,’ says Chloe, ‘and these handmade shelves are the perfect place to show some of them off, real and faux. Plants are known to reduce stress levels and improve your mood and for me, they really help bring a space to life’

Living room

‘The living room was the first space we decorated because I knew it’s where we would be spending most of our time. I wanted the space to feel bright but cosy at the same time. Painting the skirting boards in Frenchic’s Blackjack added definition and a lick of white paint freshened up the walls. We opened up the space under the stairs to create a play area for the children – and they love it. We even created a little doggy den from an unused cupboard under the TV! I’m really pleased with the alcove shelving either side of the fireplace, which we made ourselves. Velvet sofas in a deep blue from DFS are the star pieces in this room.’

I could see the potential beyond the dated décor, and I couldn’t wait to put our own stamp on it with pattern, colour and texture to reflect our own tastes

With a tray on top, the pouffe from H&M Home can be used as a coffee table, too

style idea

Wooden shelves from Next make good use of empty wall space, while a set of art prints from Everlong Print Co is a nod to the couple’s favourite cocktails

‘The taps were already here when we bought the house. They needed some TLC, but with a bit of elbow grease they came up lovely – they add character to the sink area’

Kitchen

‘The kitchen cupboards were not to our taste at all, but our budget didn’t stretch to new ones. They were in good condition and the layout suited us, too, so we decided to just give the units a facelift by painting them in Blackjack by Frenchic. We were so impressed with the finished look that we painted the fridge-freezer, too. We then painted over the old wall tiles in white to brighten them up and refreshed the walls with a lick of Soulful Beige by Zhoosh Paints. Re-grouting the floor has given it a new lease of life too. With new shelves and plants, our quick-fix makeover was complete.’

Chloe created this open shelf by removing the cupboard door and adding tongue-and-groove panelling to the inside. ‘It was quite a fiddly job,’ says Chloe, ‘but it was worth it’

‘For the splashback, I used Jes Rose vinyl to replicate tiles and I think it works really well’

Complement an industrial scheme with wire wording in a dark-coloured script

Dining room

‘We were lucky that the old owners had built on a conservatory, which is a very handy extra room. Turning it into a dining room was a good move – it’s a brilliant place to sit and eat with friends and family, especially when it starts getting warmer in the summer months. We love looking out to the garden, even when it’s raining. We painted the wall in a dark green paint called Brewer by COAT Paints and it’s really warmed up the space. I love styling the table with monochrome tableware and lots of plants for texture.’

Turning the conservatory into a dining room was a good move. It's a brilliant place to sit and eat with friends and family

Wall lights give the dining space a soft glow; perfect for creating atmosphere at night-time, while simple line prints from Desenio add a contemporary look

Wanting to maximise seating space, Chloe chose a bench to go with her industrial-style table, both from Next. Polka dot bowls from Habitat bring a fun, informal touch to the setting

Master bedroom

‘We took up the old carpet to reveal the floorboards underneath, which added instant character. It took another few days to sand and varnish them and then we painted the walls in Black 04 by Lick. For added charm, we restored the fireplace – it took a lot of Kling Strip and elbow grease but it’s a lovely feature. I accessorised with high-street buys, like the polka dot duvet from La Redoute and bed from Next. James was a bit worried about having a black bedroom but he agrees now that it makes the space feel really warm and cosy.’

STEAL MY STYLE

Gold-coloured wall lights from B&Q add to the boutique feel, while a rattan pendant from La Redoute brings texture

Eden’s bedroom

‘We chose a tropical wall mural for Eden’s bedroom from I Love Wallpaper – it works for her at the age she is now but I think she’ll love it in years to come, too. I’d seen someone hand-painting a toy box on Instagram and thought it would be nice to do something similar on Eden’s wardrobe door. I got out my paintbrush and started painting a floral design over the door – I love the finished look. We’ve hung accessories on the wall to add interest – some of them are personalised to make them even more special.’

‘We took ages to settle on a wall colour. In the end, I went with Pink 08 from Lick; a warm shade with brown undertones that helps create a calming, comforting feel – ideal for a nursery. The knitted wire name is from Rose and Hope on Etsy – I wanted a simple design in a neutral colour to complement the walls. The rainbow is from Fabelab, a children’s brand from Scandinavia’

How to woodenpaint floorboards

Give an original floor a new lease of life with this DIY makeover

Before you do anything, give your floorboards a good inspection. Hammer down or remove any sharp nails, carpet tacks or staples, fill in cracks and scratches and repair any loose or broken boards. If they haven’t been sanded before, you’ll need to hire an electric sander to take off the top layer for a smooth finish. If they have been painted or varnished, strip them back so you start with a clean base in order to achieve the best finish.

If you’re repainting, use a pole sander (like a broom) to sand the entire surface, starting with a P60 grit and finishing with a P180 or P150 sandpaper for a smooth finish. You can also use an electric sander for this. Once your floorboards are sanded, clean the floor and wipe with white spirit to remove any dust and dirt. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Depending on your floor paint, you might need to apply a primer. Follow with a thin coat of paint in your chosen colour – you can use any wood paint but we’d recommend those designed specifically for floors as they are more durable.

Allow the first top coat to dry before lightly sanding with a pole sander using a fine P180 sandpaper. This will ensure the paint sticks to the floor. Follow with more coats as required, always allowing time to dry and sanding in between. More thin coats will give you a better finish.

make this knitted wire word p58

Chloe has decorated Eden’s room with wall decorations from Luna and Thread and H&M Home. The flower-shaped cushion is from Zara Home

Chloe has cosied up the wooden floors with a rug from Toddlekind and a pink sheepskin from Next

Bathroom

‘We painted over the old tiles to brighten the space up and we were amazed how much bigger it made it look. I also got busy working on a tongue-and-groove panel for the side of the bath before painting it and stuck black tape to the shower screen, giving it a more contemporary feel. The Floorpops Comet floor tiles were so easy to lay because they’re self-adhesive. It feels like a completely different room now and we love it.’

Freddie’s bedroom

‘Freddie loves animals, so we chose a safari-themed mural from I Love Wallpaper, which instantly added so much personality, and we painted the other walls in Ambrose by Coat Paints. When we ripped up the carpet, we found that the floorboards were badly damaged, so we bought a wood laminate to tie in with the rest of the house. I added a canopy from Etsy and world map print rug from H&M Home to create a reading nook in the corner. A spotty rug by the bed cosies up that space, too.’

What I learned

It’s important to prepare your surfaces carefully before painting. If you rush this stage, you’ll only be doing extra work later.

No matter how tricky the DIYs can seem, YouTube tutorials mean that anything is achievable.

Make sure that you buy the correct paint for the job. Initially, I bought the wrong paint for the bathroom tiles which was a waste of money and time. It didn’t look good at all, but after a bit more research we found the right product and it made all the difference.

Chloe painted the vanity unit and bath panel in Blackjack by Frenchic, while a mat from Urban Outfitters adds colour to the monochrome scheme

Animal head wall decorations from Fiona Walker London are a favourite feature in Freddie’s bedroom

Chloe picked out safari-themed bedding from Mama Shack and a hot air balloon ceiling light from Dunelm

Bookmark

32 GORGE GREEN BATHROOM IDEAS

Refreshing, balancing and relaxing, green bathrooms are back in fashion – and they’re a far cry from the 1970s avocado suites we love to hate! Green is renowned for its calming qualities, bringing a touch of the outdoors in and reconnecting us with nature. It creates a comforting atmosphere, and can bring a sense of harmony and balance to your bathroom. So, if you’ve been looking to transform your bathroom into a spa-like haven, green might just be the colour you need! Check out our gallery of inspirational images to get your makeover journey rolling. Search ‘green bathroom ideas’ at yourhomestyle.uk

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Knitted wire word art

YOU WILL NEED

DK weight knitting yarn two 3.5mm double pointed needles needle nosed jewellery pliers wire cutters 16 gauge jewellery wire pen and pencil

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Start by drawing out the word you want to create keeping your pencil on the paper at all times, including any loops to create a ‘scripty’ look. Once you’re happy, lay a length of wool along the pencil line from the start of the word to the finish, following the shape. Measure the wool to find the length of knitted wire you’ll need.

2 Cut jewellery wire to the length you calculated in Step 1. Cast on 4 stitches in your yarn using your double pointed needles. Knit the first row, then slide the stitches along to the other end of the needle and knit them in the same direction again, without turning your knitting. Repeat this for 5 more rows.

3 Your knitted stitches will form in a tube shape, called an i-cord. After 6 rows, take the cut end of the jewellery wire and slip it through the middle of the tube, so the long length of wire sticks out above the top of your knitting needles. Keep knitting your i-cord, working rows around the wire until the knitted tube covers the wire’s entire length. Cast off your stitches.

4 Place one end of the knit-covered wire over your word template. Use your hands to fold the wire into position following the loops and shape of your design. The needle nosed pliers will help you bend the wire in the more detailed areas.

5 Trim off visible wire to finish.

This easy-knit idea is perfect as a personalised piece of art for a child’s room

Make Hannah Bellis Photo David Giles

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on smart heating at Wiser

Wiser is an award-winning smart multi-room heating system, which gives you control and visibility of the temperature in every room of your home, all via a handy smartphone app.

With Wiser you can set different room temperatures and heating schedules throughout your home to make it comfortable for the whole family. Additional smart modes, such as Eco and Away Mode, work out the most economical way to run your heating and reduce temperatures when your home is empty. These combined features mean you can save hundreds on your annual energy bills.

Simple to install, Wiser works alongside your existing heating system with no need to alter pipework or valves, making it easy to fit as a standalone project, during your annual boiler service, or as part of wider home renovations. Wiser can also be controlled by various smart home devices, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

HomeStylereaders can save 20% on Wiser’s White Thermostat Kits; find out more about the brand’s range at wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk

MONEY-

for homeowners & renters

Every penny counts right now so we’ve asked industry experts for their best tips to help you save money on everything from heating and hot water to food shopping and phone bills

Gas & electricity Save money on...

HOME HEATING

01 Replace worn window seals

Weathered or perished window seals let cold air into your home so replace them with good-quality sealant as soon as you can. New sealant usually costs between £6-£12 per window. If you get the professionals in to fit it, Checkatrade says you can expect to pay between £24-£84 per window for the labour on top

Use wool draught seal tape

For a quick, easy and sustainable way to seal windows and doors, Sheep Wool Draught Seal Tape is a naturally insulating material that can plug any draughty gaps. It’s also 100 per cent compostable after disposal and costs £7.50 for 5m. You can also buy foam tape for a few pounds.

Silentnight Comfort Control electric blanket, £26.99 for a single, £31.99 for a double, Sleepy People

03 Heat yourself, not the room

Save money by keeping yourself warm rather than heating a room – especially useful when working from home or it’s just you watching TV in the evening. According to Uswitch, it’s just 28p to run an electric blanket for one hour a night or £1.96 over a week.

myth buster

‘It’s cheaper to heat the whole house to a low temperature all the time than bring it up to a higher temperature in the morning and evening.’

False The Energy Saving Trust advises that turning the heating on only when you need it is the best way to save energy.

Autucau underdoor draft stopper, £7.99, Amazon

Hang heavy curtains

Thick, heavy or lined curtains hung at the windows are a great insulator, as they form a protective barrier between the hot air in your room and the cool air around the window.

05 Fit under-door stoppers

Stop heat escaping from rooms with an adjustable indoor draught stopper, which has the added bonus of reducing noise and cutting off one point of entry for creepy crawlies.

Heating our homes costs more than ever, so make the most of the warmth with these tips

Ochre Sienna pencil pleat lined curtains, £41.49, Homescapes

Feature Hayley Gilbert

Sheep Wool Draught Seal Tape, £7.50, Chimney Sheep

07 Turn the radiator valves down

A quick and easy way to save money is to turn your thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) down a setting or two. The Energy Saving Trust recommends aiming for the lowest setting that keeps the room at a comfortable temperature as this will reduce the volume of hot water that needs heating, using less energy and saving money.

For Fox Sake! draught excluder, £23.95, At Home in the Country

08 Insulate windows

If you don’t have double glazing, you can use secondary glazing film, which is easy to fit and cost-effective. Wickes sells it for just £6.50 per pack, which works out as £3.61 per m.

09 Use a draught excluder

According to Just Value Doors, fitting a draught excluder to your front and back doors or windows can reduce heat loss from them by up to 30 per cent.

Fit thermostatic radiator valves

Save energy and money on bills by fitting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). If your radiators don’t already have them, you can pick them up for as little as £7.19 each at Screwfix. TRVs allow you to set each radiator to the heating level you want for the room it’s in.

LIGHTING

ECO 60W energy saving light bulb in Warm White, E27, Energy Rating A, 25,000 hours, £5.75, amazon.co.uk

TIPS

11 Switch to energysaving bulbs

LEDs use less energy and last longer than CFL fluorescent bulbs, so it makes sense to switch. According to Lighting Superstore, LEDs can last over 25,000 hours compared to fluorescents, which last around 8,000 hours.

12 Switch off lights in empty rooms

It may not save much but it’s still worth doing, especially if you tend to leave lots of lights and lamps on all day. This is largely because they will last longer, saving money.

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

Loft Insulation Doing this yourself should cost under £100 and the Energy Saving Trust estimates that it could save around £150 per year in bills.

Cavity wall insulation

10 Heat one room vs the whole house

Depending on the size of your home and the efficiency of your heating system, it may be cheaper to heat one room instead of the entire house. Consider plug-in fan and convector heaters or oil-filled radiators, as these tend to be the cheapest to run. Fan heaters range from 0.5-3kW; convectors from 2-3kW and oil-filled radiators, from 1-2.5kW. For example, the current price cap until April 2023 is 34p/ kWh for a standard variable tariff so a 3kW heater on full power will cost around £1.02 per hour to heat a room. If you need to heat multiple rooms it’s generally cheaper to use the central heating and a 24kW boiler would heat a three or four-bed house for around 91p per hour.

According to MyBuilder, this costs around £200 per two-storey wall. Typical savings on bills are up to £105 per year for a mid-terrace, £160 for a semi and £275 for a detached house (source: householdquotes.co.uk).

Double glazing

According to Checkatrade, the average price for eight windows and two uPVC doors is £4,500. Gov.uk estimates a saving of £65-£85 per year in a mid-terrace, £80-£110 in a semi and £120-£155 for a detached when you install double glazing.

Adding a porch with a second front door This can cost £1,500-£5,500 says householdquotes.co.uk. Energy bill savings will vary, but it should prevent cold air coming in so you’ll feel the benefit.

Iseo radiator in White, from £699.60, The Radiator Company

Greenstar 8000 Style combi boiler, from £1,400, Worcester Bosch

Water & hot water

Try these savvy tips to save spends on showers, baths, laundry and washing up

£318.99,

13 Showers vs baths

Swap long soaks in the bath for a four-minute shower and you can save £20 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Equally, cutting down on lengthy showers could save you money too: spend less time in the shower (a maximum of four minutes each day) and you could save around £95 a year.

14 Dishwasher vs washing-up

On average, a fully loaded full-sized dishwasher uses between 9.5-14 litres of water per cycle. A washing-up

Turn down the temperature

If your combi boiler has been installed after April 2018, it’s likely that you have controls that automatically run the boiler at as low a temperature as possible while still keeping your home comfortably heated. Worcester Bosch advises that if your boiler was installed before that date, or the controller is a different brand, check the two temperature controls on the front of the boiler – one for hot water and one for heating. Try turning the heating control down to 60˚C, which can save up to 8 per cent in energy.

bowl of water holds around 10 litres. So, if you pop a dishwasher load on once a day, it will use less energy than washing-up by hand three times or more. Other ways to save include:

Don’t pre-rinse dishes before adding to the dishwasher

Only run it on a full load or use the half load or eco cycles

Load it properly and don’t overfill When washing up by hand, use a bowl rather than running the tap A half-full bowl will be enough

Pre-soak dishes instead of rinsing

16 Use cheaper tariffs

It may be cheaper to do your laundry at night, but only if you’re on a tariff with multiple rates, such as Economy 7, Economy 10 or Warmwise. Make use of a delay start option if this is the case and you could save half the energy cost.

Amore DuElec electric shower, from

Triton

myth buster

False Washing by

machine.

17 Wash at a lower temperature

Washing at a lower temperature uses less energy and saves you money. According to the Energy Saving Trust, using a 30˚C cycle saves around 40 per cent of energy over the course of a year compared to washing at higher temperatures. Washing at 30˚C costs £36.50 per year on average, whereas 40˚C would cost £59.32.

18 Save on laundry detergent

Instead of splashing out on laundry liquid, pods, powder and softener, use a laundry egg. It’s eco-friendly, can be used for 70 washes and is kind on sensitive skin. Also, look for washing machines with i-DOS, which automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent per load.

19 Switch from a tumble dryer

Tumble dryers are notorious energy guzzlers. If you do need to use one, look for a model with a high-energy rating and a heat pump. Otherwise, switch to drying clothes on a heated clothes airer. On average, tumble dryers cost around 35.7p per hour to run while an electric clothes airer is 13.75p per hour, saving 60 per cent in cost.

20 Use tumble dryer balls

Tumble dryer balls speed up the drying process by separating the items of laundry and letting the warm air flow between them better. Drying time can be reduced by up to 25 per cent, so you use less energy and spend less money. Also, you won’t need to buy softener if you use balls, saving you even more cash.

21 Tumble dry efficiently

To make yours run at maximum efficiency, don’t overload it, clean its filters regularly, shake clothes before loading them and use the fastest spin cycle on your washing machine so laundry is as dry as possible before tumbling.

22 Line dry

As long as it’s not raining, if you have outdoor space you can line-dry your laundry outside instead of tumble drying it. Give clothes a good shake first and you might be able to do without ironing them too. If your clothes are still a little damp after being outside, pop them on a short, 20-minute tumble cycle to finish them off.

Samsung Series 5 ecobubble WW9OTA046AE washing machine, £469, AO.com

Air drying your laundry costs nothing and helps it to smell fresh and clean

‘It’s cheaper to handwash clothes than do a small load in the machine’

hand will use less water, yes, but unless you’re using cold water, the energy needed to heat the water will be a lot more than the electricity required by the washing

Felted wool tumble dryer balls, £17, Folksy

23 Use an air fryer

An air fryer is one of the cheapest ways to cook. Typically, 10 minutes of cooking in an air fryer costs about 5p, while electric ovens cost almost double that. You could cook two chicken breasts in an air fryer in as little as 15 minutes (under 10p), but electric ovens need about 30 minutes (20p). See our air fryer reviews on page 117.

24 Swap oven and hob for microwave

According to Energy supplier Utilita, a microwave costs just 8p a day to run, while an electric cooker costs 87p, based on the average amount of time they’re used for. If you prefer cooking on the hob, however, you could swap to an energy-efficient induction hob over a ceramic one to save cash.

25 Use a slow cooker

It will take longer but using a slow cooker will save money over an electric or gas oven.

Energy supplier Utilita says that slow cookers cost around 16p per day to run, whereas electric ovens cost 87p per day and gas ovens, 30p.

KETTLE TIPS

Don’t fill up

26

Just boil the water you need for a cuppa, rather than filling the kettle. To boil a cup of water costs around 1.28p while a full kettle costs 6.8p. To put this into perspective, two cups a day only boiling what’s needed would cost £9.34 per year, but if you boiled a full kettle each time, it’s £49.64!

READ OUR BUYER’S GUIDE

O AIR FRYE ON P117

27 Use up hot water

If you have boiled a full kettle for a cuppa, don’t waste it. Use the extra for washing up or soaking dirty casseroles or pans.

POTS & PANS

28 Pop the lid on

Even something as small as putting the lid on pots and pans while cooking saves as much as 90 per cent in energy according to The Greenage.

29 Match the pan to the burner

31

Defrost regularly

If ice builds up on the inside of your freezer, it needs to work harder to circulate the cold air, which increases the energy cost, so defrost it regularly.

f th han ou’ he at

If the hob burner, or zone, is larger than the pan you’re using, then you’re wasting energy by heating the air around the pan so always match the size of your pan

F

R

30 Batch cook

Make the most of your freezer by batch cooking meals or buying in bulk. Dishes, such as bolognaise sauce, soups, stews and casseroles can be cooked in larger batches, then frozen in individual portions and reheated in the microwave. Zwilling’s Fresh & Save vacuum containers keep food fresh for up to five times’ longer than regular containers, making them ideal for stockpiling any leftovers or extra portions, as well as reducing food waste.

Tune out, turn off, save cash

32 Switch off

According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save around £65 a year simply by turning appliances off instead of leaving them on standby. Just switching them off at the wall will reduce the energy they use, but you can save even more energy and money by unplugging them fully.

33 Unplug the energy guzzlers

Phone chargers consume 0.26 watts when plugged in, even if your phone’s not connected to them. Gaming consoles also guzzle energy, even when switched off, so always unplug them. Also, consider getting a smart plug, so you can turn all your appliances off in one go via an app or voice command.

BREAD MILK EGGS COFFEE BUTTER

Savvy shoppers

Spend less on all the essentials… and a few luxuries too

Food shopping

Make a list

Shop online

34

One of the biggest ways to overspend is to go shopping without a list. Always check what you already have, then make a list – and stick to it!

35

Shop own-brand

When you’re doing the weekly shop, always check the prices before you add items to your basket or trolley. And look for own-brand equivalents of name-brand items, especially for things like cereal, baked beans, juices, spreads, soup and tomato ketchup.

36 Plan ahead

Each week, make a plan of which meals you want to cook, then only buy the ingredients for those meals. This will help you save money on shopping, as well as reducing food waste.

37 Buy in bulk

For things like toilet rolls, baked beans and crisps, look for bulk buys or multipacks, as these will be cheaper. Also, look for great-value special offers on food and freeze it in portions when you get home.

38

Become a

mid-week veggie

Vegetarian or vegan meals are usually cheaper than meat or fish dishes so cook up healthy, tasty veggie dishes a few days a week.

39

By doing your weekly shop online it’s easier to keep an eye on the total, plus you won’t be so tempted to add extra treats as you wander through the aisles.

Clothes and homewares

40 Sell unwanted clothes

Make the most of re-sale platforms by selling unworn or unwanted clothes on Vinted, Depop or eBay. It’s so easy and is a great way of clearing the clutter while making a bit of money at the same time.

41 Sell locally

Use your local Facebook Marketplace as well as Gumtree to make some cash selling unwanted furniture.

42 Buy preloved

Purchase clothes or homewares through online re-sale platforms, rather than buying them new. As well as saving money you’ll be helping

the environment by recycling and upcycling.

Broadband and phone

43 Get the best deal

If your broadband introductory offer is ending, call and ask your provider for a discount before your tariff goes up. They can often offer you a rate close to the one you’re already on, as they won’t want to lose you as a customer.

Compare prices

44

If your provider won’t play ball, use comparison sites, such as moneysupermarket.com, comparethemarket.com and gocompare.com to see what different providers might be able to offer you.

Switch to SIM-only

45

When you’ve paid off the cost of the mobile handset on a contract, switch to a SIM-only one, or else you’ll be overpaying and they won’t tell you!

Photo Vinted

Chickpea curry with red onion raita

Other tips

46

Save pennies

Start a loose change jar –it’s surprising how quickly a few odd coins can add up!

Cancel subscriptions

47

Go through your direct debits and cancel any that you don’t really need (remember to notify the provider that you’re cancelling as well as your bank). This could be anything from gym memberships to streaming services.

Buy a railcard

48

If you travel on the train a lot, buy a railcard to get a discount every time you board (subject to peak time restrictions).

Make a packed lunch

49

Use leftovers or make a salad, soup or sarnie to have for lunch when you’re at work or out and about. A home-made lunch is much cheaper than shop-bought sandwiches, and healthier too.

50 Swap the latte

Instead of buying pricey takeaway coffees, invest in a reusable cup and brew your own drink to bring with you.

51 Move your

52

Make money as you spend it

Sign up to cashback sites such as Quidco.com or TopCashback. co.uk to make money as you spend. Buy products through these sites and you can earn a small stipend on every purchase.

53

Switch to direct debit payments

Some services offer better deals if you pay by direct debit. Check with your energy suppliers to see if you could save by switching to monthly direct debits instead of quarterly payments.

54 Shop at the right time

money

See if you can earn a new customer bonus by moving any current or savings accounts to a different bank or building society. You could earn even more if they offer a better interest rate.

Find out when your local supermarket starts reducing prices on stock near its bestbefore or use-by date, and do your shop then to pick up any bargains you can make use of.

55 Spend less on fuel Apps like PetrolPrices tell you where to find the cheapest fuel in your local area.

56

Staycation

Instead of forking out for a pricey holiday, plan days out at local attractions instead.

Cook for friends

57

Rather than going out for dinner, invite friends over and ask everyone to bring one course or drinks to spread the cost.

Cheaper parking

58

Avoid expensive car parks or parking tickets by using apps such as BestParking, Parkopedia and EasyPark, that show you where you can park for less, or free.

Sign up for trial offers

59

Save cash by getting free trials on things like Amazon Prime or Now TV. But don’t forget to cancel when the trial period ends.

60 Start a regular nospend day

or weekend

Whether it’s a day a week or a weekend a month, pledging not to spend will help you save and make you think outside the box!

61

Make your own

As well as being cheaper, making your own cleaning products is also kinder on the environment. You can pretty much clean everything with various combinations of bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice, distilled white vinegar and cider vinegar.

SCAN ME

to find recipes for DIY eco cleaners at yourhome style.uk

William Morris coffee cup, £10.95, The Bamboo Company

Photo Getty Images

Energy monitor plugs

Keep on top of your home’s energy consumption with a handy energy monitor – here’s our round-up of the best on the market

1

BILLS SKILLS

An energy monitoring plug tells you how much energy your appliances are consuming, so you can see where to make savings. You simply plug in the energy monitoring plug then plug your device into it to get your reading.

1

Mecheer Power Meter energy monitor plug, £24.99, Amazon

This energy monitor doesn’t hold back on detail, letting you view each appliance’s voltage, total kWh and maximum/minimum power. There’s also a cost function that tells you how much you’re spending when using your household appliances, so you don’t need to faff around with calculations.

WE LOVE: The backlight function, which allows you to easily read the screen by day or night.

2

TP-Link Tapo P110 mini smart wi-fi energy monitoring plug, £9.99, Argos

Despite its affordable price tag, the Tapo mini smart plug comes with a host of features you can use from your phone. They allow you to control devices, set schedules and get clearer insights into how much power each of your home appliances is consuming.

WE LOVE: The purse-friendly price tag and intuitive interface, which makes this smart plug super easy to use.

3

TP-Link KP115 Kasa Smart Socket with energy monitoring, £21, BT

This user-friendly smart plug is compatible with any wi-fi router, so set up should be nice and easy. You can monitor real-time energy consumption and use the scheduling function to reduce energy waste and save on bills. Voice control works with Alexa, Google Home and Samsung Bixby.

WE LOVE: The voice control function and handy timer, which lets you switch your plug off at a set time.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

4

Tenda SP9 Smart Plug with energy monitoring, £12.99, Amazon

This sleek, well-priced smart plug not only tracks your home’s power consumption, it also lets you control your electrical appliances from your phone, and displays your power usage over time on a snazzy graph. The smart tech allows you to remotely switch devices on and off and set timers to help prevent unnecessary spend.

WE LOVE: The voice control feature, which works with Alexa and Google Home.

5

5

Energenie energy saving power meter 13A, £16.98, Toolstation

If you simply want to know how much your appliances cost to run without additional smart tech, this energy monitor from Toolstation is a great choice. Just plug the device into your mains socket and then plug the appliance you want to check into it, and it will measure energy use and calculate the cost.

WE LOVE: The simplicity –this is ideal if you’re not interested in ‘smart’plugs.

My home marries functionality with contemporary design and cosy accents. I have a love of rich colours, textured wall surfaces and using paint finishes to add a creative flair to my home. The office nook in my living room is one of my favourite corners. It brings together textured elements, such as my luxe velvet-cord chair, and natural materials, like the pampas grass, along with a painted-arch feature wall. I’ve chosen simple, minimal furniture and accessories that create clean lines and an illusion of space in this multi-functional room.

@our.home.atno50

We had a vision to create a bright and modern open-plan living area with as much natural light as possible. We avoided internal beams and added sliding doors, three roof lanterns and windows either side of the hob to create a bright and spacious area. We now have a space that the whole family can enjoy. Whether we’re cooking together, watching a movie, helping the kids with their homework, or entertaining, it’s the room we spend most of our time in. We’re really happy with how it’s turned out.

@ourhouseinlondon

THREE COLOURS BLUE

Our living room is a multi-functional space as it also incorporates my work desk and a gaming area. We wanted it to be bright and airy, and colourful too. We were recommended these three blue colours from Lick. It’s amazing how much colour can transform a space. We then chose this comfy armchair in a sunny yellow, and a gold lamp to create a cosy corner for reading. In the gaming area we added two matching chairs and installed this beautiful LVT flooring in a herringbone pattern throughout to really finish off the room and tie the spaces together. @the_thompsons_new_house

Functional and colourful are my go-to concepts for styling my home, and nowhere is this combination more obvious than in my bathroom. I love storage solutions that not only organise my space but also add fun patterns and prints at the same time. Get OrganizedWithTheHomeEditon Netflix inspired me to coordinate my skincare and cosmetics shelves, and I love the rainbow aesthetic it’s added to the room. @the_flat_that_rosie_built

We love this season as it’s the time when paint and paper brands announce their colour or pattern of the year. We take a deeper dive into three looks, all of which are confidently embracing 2023 with fresh inspiration

H ANNAHTRIBE, STYLE ICON

Wild Wonder

Embrace nature as Dulux announces this easy-to-use, warm neutral as its colour of the year for 2023

COLOUR PALETTE

Wild Wonder speaks to us in a language we instinctively understand. Nature is what inspires us and makes us feel better in our lives and in our homes Combine these cool,

Dulux matt emulsion in Wild Wonder, Rockpool Ripple and Knotted Twine, from £21 per 2.5L, B&Q

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux

3 SECRETS TO THIS SCHEME

GET COSY

The yellow undertones of Wild Wonder make it ideal for giving your rooms a warming golden glow. Use it in spaces that you’d like to feel snug and welcoming.

BLUE SKY THINKING

Continue the natural theme by adding in touches of radiant sky blue. They’ll cut through the warmth of neutral tones to provide gentle contrast and a sense of lightness.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Go easy on pattern to let the beauty of your colour scheme shine through. When you do want to add interest by teaming with a print, opt for dense designs with plenty of small details.

in Flamingo, 01 02 03

3 SECRETS TO THIS SCHEME

SPARE YOUR BLUSHES

We’ll always have a soft spot for pale pinks, but this daring shade really packs a punch. Just a dash will still make a big impact, so if you don’t want to go all out, look out for hot pink accessories to brighten your scheme.

HOT LINES

Bold, deckchair-style stripes are set to be huge this year, so why not combine the trends and choose streaks of hot pink to adorn your scheme?

COOL DOWN

A touch of grey or navy blue will ground this powerful shade to make it appear sleek and sophisticated. Work these colours in with large items of furniture if you’re planning pink walls.

She’s Hotfoot it with this daringly bold rug

Carpets

DID YOU KNOW? Pair pink accents in a bathroom or kitchen with cool, contrasting blue tiles

Harlequin Astor Grey fabric double bed, £349.99, Furniture & Choice Chalk paint in Capri Pink, £23.95 per 2.5L, Annie Sloan 13

Knightsbridge

Oxford twist carpet, £5.99 per sq m, 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

Barbie pink

Turn your home into a dreamhouse with Mylands Paint’s colour of the year for 2023, a bold shade of hot pink named FTT-006

ftt-006 is a confident shade with the power to completely transform a space. Though it’s the colour of the moment, you won’t get tired of it any time soon

Marble matt emulsion in FTT-006, £61 per 2.5L, Mylands Paint

COLOUR PALETTE

Stay sassy with these stand-out shades

Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands Paint

Florenzia dusk

3 SECRETS TO THIS SCHEME

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Pick out antique-style floral patterns in updated colours to match the retro warmth of the Florenzia pattern in Dusk.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

Pick your wall and furniture colours from within the pattern for a cohesive look. Match the deep navy of the background tone for a cocooning space or opt for one of the pale cream shades for a brighter effect.

SOFTLY, SOFTLY Maximise the romantic vibe by pairing your florals with curved accessories. These gentle lines will create a softer effect and a gentle, calming space.

Maryanne Cartwright, Head of Design at Graham & Brown

chill-out zone design a

01seek out a relaxing spot

You won’t need an entire room for your soon-to-be oasis, just a little creative thinking! So, start by taking a fresh look around your home, as any potential chill-out zone is likely to be something as simple as an under-used corner, wasted alcove or even a window recess. Of course, your chosen spot needs to be somewhere you can feel comfortable and relax in peace, so think about its immediate surroundings and visualise how, with a few tweaks and a little furniture re-arrangement, you could make the most of the available space.

Adding a comfy armchair will always go a long way to guaranteeing a cosy nook – as does choosing a cocooning design that makes you want to sink back and unwind. However, if this is likely to be a bit of a squeeze, then generous, oversized floor cushions and squishy yet supportive bean bags are great alternatives – not to mention perfect for creating that relaxed chill-out vibe!

Cosy up in this comfy yet compact tub chair

Tori bouclé tub chair in White, £150, Homebase

Sit back and put your feet up with a wrap-around wing chair and footstool combo

Strandmon wing chair in Nordvalla Dark Grey, £229; Gamlehult rattan footstool with storage, £80, both IKEA

IT’S TIME TO PUT YOUR FEETUP

Simply throw down some floor cushions for an instant chill-out area

Velvet round oversized floor cushion, £44.99, Rucomfy

Ideal for even the smallest of spaces, bean bags come in all shapes and sizes

Jenson waffle bean bag chair, £69, Dunelm

We all need a space to call our own – so check out our budget-friendly, 7-step guide to creating a cosy corner to curl up and relax in on cold winter days

Go neutral to instil calm and clear the mind

Soft Cashmere emulsion paint, £15 per 2.5L, Wickes

Warm blush pinks bring a sense of peace and balance

Blush Pink matt emulsion, £20 per 2.5L, Dulux

02 create a serene scheme

A fresh lick of paint can go a long way when it comes to transforming your new space, and opting for a calm, muted colour palette in restful chalky tones or a tactile plaster-effect finish will instantly reduce stress levels, aid relaxation and lift your mood. Simply adding a feature wall or contrasting corner is also a great way to save money and help define the area.

Soft sage greens keep things quiet and restful

Fresh Herb matt emulsion, £16 per 2.5L, Homebase

Creamy off-white shades are ideal for creating a cosy theme

Valspar Premium walls & ceilings matt emulsion in Brushed Cotton, £20 per 1L, B&Q

Tranquil earthy tones in a subtle textured finish make a great defining feature wall

Crafted by Crown suede textured matt emulsion interior wall paint in Chocolate, £25 per 2.5L, Crown

Worried about making a costly mistake? Then check out Valspar’s Love Your Colour Guarantee – if you don’t like the paint you’ve chosen, Valspar will replace it for free!

Head to valsparpaint.co.uk/ guarantee for more details and t&cs

While in the colour stakes, neutrals, such as warm whites, creams and beiges should prove fairly fool-proof, as such soothing tones can be successfully teamed with almost any accent colour. Alternatively, if you prefer a little more definition, then soft shades of green or blue are considered the colours of contentment and could even help lower your blood pressure!

Subtle greys or pinks with a brown or beige undertone are also ideal for conjuring up a cosy, cocooning scheme, as do warming, earthy, chocolatey hues that promote a sense of security.

This side table comes with a smart storage compartment in white or grey

Fabric side storage table, £40, Next

Focus

03 find time to de-clutter

There are few things less appealing than being surrounded by clutter. So, you’ll need to make sure your new chill-out zone is free from messy distractions if you want to create an atmosphere of tranquillity and calm. Savvy storage need not be expensive, and, in most cases, harmony can often be restored by simply setting aside time for a good clear out and some productive organisation. You could even make some extra money by selling your unwanted bits and bobs

If new furniture is on the cards, dual-purpose pieces, such as storage ottomans or tables are great space-savers and don’t need to break the bank. Alternatively, increase existing cupboard capacity by shopping for handy helpers, such as door racks, stackable inserts and organisers. On-display boxes, baskets and hooks can also be used to personalise your space, as well as provide a home for everyday items.

Store anything and everything in flexible woven baskets

Rattan-look open weave baskets, £35 for a set of 2, George Home

String bags aren’t just for shopping – hang in rows for stylish storage on a budget

String shopper bag, £5, Albert & Moo

Close the lid on lesser used items with neat, stackable storage boxes

Square 40cm felt storage box with lid, £15, Habitat

Sort

Be

For designer style without the price tag – check out these sculptural lamps with frosted shades

Elements Lahti table lamp in Graphite, £30, Dunelm

Hang this natural hessian shade to cast a warm, relaxing glow

Burlap easy-fit pendant shade in Natural, £25, BHS

04 set the mood with lighting

An adaptable and atmospheric lighting scheme is a must if your space is to leave you feeling relaxed and chilled. Rather than relying on a single overhead pendant, dial up the cosiness factor with a mix of affordable table and floor lamps that will cast enticing and localised glowing pools of light. This versatile combo should also ensure you cater to all functions and moods – from the task lighting required when curling up with a good book or indulging in a hobby, to ambient rays for napping or listening to music. Favouring warm white or on-trend vintage-style bulbs will also prove easier on the eye, and while you may need to up the wattage for a dedicated task light, overhead and supplementary lamps (or just budgetfriendly light strings) should all emit a softer glow. Fitting fabric, opaque or woven shades can also really help to diffuse light sources and guarantee an intimate and restful ambience that says, ‘chill-out’.

On-trend wicker and bamboo lamps will cast a soothing, dappled light

Dani floor lamp in Natural, £39.99, JYSK

05 introduce natural elements

Surrounding yourself in nature with a few lush houseplants or dried flowers and grasses in vases guaranteed to help you relax and unwind. Houseplants in particular are known to reduce stress, boost mood and eliminate air pollutants – making for a healthier and happier you. Supermarkets are great for inexpensive potted plants and for the beginner, succulents and cacti require very little watering, plus retro classics, such as cheese plants and spider plants are fairly easy to keep alive. While those with green fingers could even beg cuttings from friends or family and pot up for free! Of course, on-trend, dried flowers are the maintenancefree option and introducing any form of arrangement or even just natural woven items, should prove therapeutic. You’ll find plenty ready-made on the high street, or lots of garden foliage and flowers can be air dried at home.

Add a pretty everlasting floral display to your scheme

Dried flowers in a glass vase, £3.99 each, Dobbies

Showcase botanical beauties with this natural grass planter

Woven lined basket planter on legs, from £13, Sass & Belle

It only takes one or two houseplants to improve well-being

Icon faux fur cocoon bean bag in Arctic Wolf, £119.99, BeanBagBazaar

Choose a reading lamp with an adjustable head to get your light just right

GoodHome Menonry Matt Black wood-effect floor lamp, £48, B&Q

Fitting dimmer switches will allow you to adjust light levels according to the mood required

TOP TIP

07 ramp up the comfort factor

If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to create a chill-out zone, you can instantly transform any seating into a snuggle-worthy oasis using inexpensive soft furnishings. The key to success is to add lots of warming layers and plenty of texture that immediately invite you to sit back and relax. So, think chunky knits, feel-good faux furs, sumptuous cut velvets and tactile cotton or wool weaves. Then simply layer up cushions and throws in mix and match patterns and tones to create a flexible combination that can be used to regulate warmth and comfort levels, as well as help define the look and feel of this private space. To complete the look, make sure you throw down a rug or two to provide additional softness underfoot and further section-off your dedicated chill-out zone from the remainder of the room. After all, it’s important to establish that this now cosy, intimate area is for you – and you alone!

06 stimulate the senses

Scent has a powerful ability to evoke calm and relieve anxiety, so it’s no surprise to learn that it is a must-have for any chill-out zone – and affordable options can now be found in most supermarkets, as well as your favourite stores. Of course, the aim here is relaxation, so look out for soft, warming aromas, such as vanilla or ylang-ylang that soothe and relax, along with lavender, rose and geranium that are ideal for reducing stress and calming the mind. Whatever your scent choice, the flickering flames of a scented candle are the go-to option when looking to create a luxurious and relaxing ambience. Closely followed by programmable, electronic essential oil diffusers that tend be safer than oil burners. Purse-friendly wax melts and quick and easy room sprays are also a great choice, while reed diffusers offer a permanent 24-hour scented solution for those who never wish to leave their new-found sanctuary.

Pile on the style with plenty of cushions and throws in must-touch textures

Cleo Tribal cushion, £14; Aurora tassel cushion, £14; Willow Leaf tufted cushion, £12; Roma bouclé throw in Cream, £25; hanging frame with pressed flowers, £3; bamboo lantern, £12; dried flowers in cloche, £6; Eucalyptus in vase, £15, all B&M

*There are no rules when it comes to fragrance, pick the scent that you find most appealing

Step stool side table

This quick and easy update gives a plain step stool dual purpose as a bright and stylish side table

SCAN ME for more stylish upcycling ideas at yourhomestyle.uk

Turn a plain step stool into a colourful, space-saving side table with a playful modernist design. While still useful as a step stool, it now doubles up as a stylish side table that’s perfect for popping next to the sofa or your favourite armchair.

● Tenhult step stool, £25, IKEA

● 3cm paintbrush

● paint tester pots in two shades

● 1cm flat bristled artist’s paintbrush

● Wild Thing wallpaper in Brights, £43 per roll, Lust Home

● pencil

● paper

● PVA glue

● scissors

● craft knife

● metal ruler

● cutting mat

● clear varnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Using a sanding block, lightly sand the surface of the stool to remove any imperfections and create a‘key’on the woodwork that will help the paint to bind. Wipe away any dust and debris with a damp cloth. Using a 3cm paintbrush, paint the legs of the stool with your chosen main colour –we went for pink. Leave to dry thoroughly, then apply a second coat.

2 Using a 1cm flat bristled artist’s brush, paint the edges of the steps using your chosen accent paint colour – as we did in blue. Leave to dry thoroughly, then apply a second coat.

3 Turn the stool upside down on a piece of paper and draw around it to create a template for the top of the table. Turn the stool right side up again and place a piece of paper over the step. Use your fingers to fold it to the contours of the step and draw around the folds using a pencil to create a template. Cut out both paper templates.

4 Place the paper templates on the wrong side of the wallpaper. Draw around them with a pencil and cut them out on a cutting mat using a craft knife and metal ruler to ensure neat, crisp edges.

5 Paint a thin layer of PVA glue on the surface of the table top and step. Carefully place the wallpaper onto the glued surfaces, then using an old credit card, firmly smooth out any air bubbles to ensure that the paper is stuck well to the surfaces. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.

6 Apply two coats of clear varnish to protect the surface of the stool, allowing them to dry between coats.

You

Just add an extra coat of clear varnish to protect it

Feature, project and step shots Anna-Lisa De’Ath Main photo Sussie Bell

can use découpage paper or gift wrap instead of wallpaper.

WIN! WIN!

Specialist paint to transform your kitchen

A Clean Living eco set, worth over £100

Give your kitchen a money-saving makeover with V33’s Renovation Cupboard and Worktop paint – it’s now available in more colours and has been reformulated for use on worktops, too.

We’ve teamed up with V33 to offer seven lucky winners two 2L tubs of paint, in a colour of their choice. Choose from neutral tones or stamp your individual style with a bolder shade. Colour options are: White, Cotton, Soft Grey, Loft Grey, Charcoal Grey, Agave Green, Petrol Blue, or Quartz Black. The paint is highly resistant to heat, scratches, knocks, water and humidity, so you can easily revamp your kitchen without going to the expense of ripping out cupboards and worktops. The paint is available from B&Q stores and diy.com.

For more information on the range, visit v33.co.uk

A smart LED artwork bundle from Twinkly

Is your New Year’s resolution to make better choices for the planet? You could kick-start your journey by winning one of five Biological Multi-Mop Cleaning Systems from eco-cleaning brand Clean Living International, worth £119.99.

Featuring 13 products, including four microfibre mop pads, an aluminium adjustable mop handle, lockable and rotating mop base, multi-use scrubby and biological floor cleaner with five refill sachets, you can deep clean hard surfaces in your home.

Ideal for use on flooring, windows and tiles, this versatile mop system makes cleaning quick, simple and easy, without missing any hard-to-reach areas along the way.

For more information on the range, visit cleanlivingint.com

£125 worth of kitchenware from Blackmoor

Want to give your home a fresh look in the new year? We’re giving two lucky readers a fantastic Twinkly Squares Starter Kit to take their decorative lighting to the next level!

Twinkly Squares’ smart LED wall panels each feature 64 premium appcontrolled LEDs in 16 million colours. It can be controlled using the free Twinkly app, and is voice controlled by Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. The app can scan and map each individual LED so you can create personalised light design installations through a range of pre-set effects and animations, as well as the ability to create your own custom effects from scratch.

For more information on the range, visit twinkly.com/en-gb

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Budding bakers and keen cooks can update their kitchen on a budget thanks to Blackmoor, as it’s offering four lucky winners a £125 voucher to spend on its website.

The brand, hailing from Liverpool, is known for offering affordable, high-quality kitchen and bakeware for the everyday home cook. Its ranges include hardwearing, robust non-stick or enamel coated cookware from its Classic, Blue Pro or new Cast Iron collection, as well as a wide variety of knife sets, food prep items and other stylish homeware essentials.

For more information on its ranges, visit blackmoorhome.co.uk

1 The closing date for the promotions is Thursday 22nd February 2023 at 11.59pm. 2 The promotions are open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands (except the V33 prize draw, which is open to mainland UK residents only), aged 18 years or older. 3 For the V33 prize draw, each winner can choose from one of the following colours: a) White; b) Cotton; c) Soft Grey; d) Loft Grey; e) Charcoal Grey; f) Agave Green; g) Petrol Blue; or h) Quartz Black (subject to availability). Delivery is included with this prize. 4 For the Clean Living prize draw, delivery is included. 5 For the Twinkly prize draw, each Twinkly Squares Starter Kit includes 1x master LED panel and 5x extension panels, as well as a USB-C cable and power adapter. Delivery is included. 6 For the Blackmoor prize draw, the online voucher must be used in a single transaction. The voucher will expire 12 months from the time it is created. 7 For the Valspar prize draw, the B&Q voucher will be sent to the winner and can be used in store only. 8 For the Gtech prize draw, delivery is included. 9 For full Terms and Conditions, visit the desired prize page at yourhomestyle.uk/win.

88 yourhomestyle.uk

Valspar paint worth over £500

Leading paint brand Valspar is offering one lucky reader the chance to win 11 5L pots of Premium Walls & Ceilings paint, worth £49 each. That’s £539 worth of paint! The winner will be sent a voucher to spend in store at B&Q, where they can also browse from 2,000 pre-selected colours, or any colour you desire, thanks to Valspar’s state-of-the-art colour matching technology.

Valspar’s Premium Walls & Ceilings paint uses Life-Kind technology that is child and pet safe, ultra-low VOC, hypoallergenic and Allergy UK-approved too, giving you complete peace of mind. Not compromising on quality, the paint is scrubbable and stain-resistant with an exceptional finish.

See the wide range of highquality interior and exterior paints at valsparpaint.co.uk

WIN! WIN!

Do you want to make light work of household dirt, dust and pet hair? Then the Gtech K9 System is for you. Combining the upright AirRAM K9 and the handheld Multi K9, this cordless vacuum system is the perfect addition to a busy household.

Weighing in at just 3.3kg, the AirRAM K9 glides effortlessly from floorboards to carpets with no settings to change. And when it comes to tackling above-the-floor cleaning, simply switch to the Multi K9 handheld vacuum, which makes cleaning stairs and upholstery a breeze.

Both vacuums feature powered rotating brush bars, designed to work deep down in carpets and between floorboards, while lightly scented filter cartridges leave your home smelling clean and fresh. The system also comes with a car cleaning kit so you can keep your vehicle as dirt-free as your home!

For the last 20 years, Gtech has been at the forefront of British innovation, becoming one of the country’s best-loved brands. The AirRAM is award-winning too having received the accolade of the Queen’s Award for Innovation.

Find out more about the Gtech K9 System and more products at gtech.co.uk

A cordless vacuum set worth £529

AMAZING PRIZES UP FOR GRABS!

WFH space

Spruce up your

Whether you work from a corner in the bedroom, the space under the stairs or even the kitchen table, check out our clever ideas and essential buys to freshen up your home office ready for the new year, and make this space work hard for you

Creating a zone for your workspace in your bedroom or living room will help to set healthy boundaries between work and relaxation. Start by choosing a wall colour for your work area, such as warm green and contrast it with a white wall for sleeping

Hone your zone

Creating a dedicated work space when you’re working from home is the best way of making the most of your time and cranking up your productivity too. If your living room, bedroom, hallway or dining room has become your new office space, carve out an area that allows you to focus and have everything you need to hand to get the job done, with no distractions.

White

Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture & Choice

A great way of creating your work zone is to use colour. Paint a section of wall behind your desk so that it’s clear that this space has a different purpose – be creative and use geometric shapes, stripes or you could even add a mural. You could also consider placing a rug on the floor to make it feel different under foot too.

Mark out your WFH space with an eye-catching wall mural. Painting geometric shapes in complementary colours on the wall in front of your desk is an effective way to highlight the area as your work space, helping you to stay task-focussed.

green screen

Hide your desk from the rest of the room with a cleverly constructed DIY screen. Use a clothing rail as a stand and hang a variety of indoor plants from it, encouraging the greenery to create a natural screen to zone your work space. Research shows that plants are key when it comes to concentration. The American Psychological Association found that workers in spaces with plants showed 15 per cent higher productivity than those without.

Use real or faux plants to create a stylish screen that won’t block natural light

This screen idea, as envisioned by Furniture and Choice, is ideal for an office in a bedroom

divide & conquer

If you want to break up an open-plan space to create a nook for your desk, use freestanding shelving or room dividers to help you draw a line between living and work areas. Alternatively, if you’ve managed to squeeze your desk into an alcove or under the stairs, you might want to hide it from view after office hours, so choose a stylish screen to make clocking off a breeze.

01 Freestanding bookcases are multi-functional when it comes to arranging your home office. Choose a smart design with storage to hide away your work essentials, then position it perpendicular from the wall for the perfect storage screen.

02 Invest in an on-trend rattan or bamboo room divider to hide your desk away after hours.

Deluxe low back office chair in Tan, £199, Cult Furniture

Photo Jenny Kakoudakis

Feature Lara Berry

Work with colour

As well as being ideal for zoning, colour can have a huge impact on our mood, so surrounding yourself with the best hues to encourage productivity and generate a positive outlook is key for your WFH space. Cooler shades are known to be the most stress relieving hues, and can create a professional backdrop for video meetings too.

blues and greens

Green is uplifting and can improve efficiency and focus, so is ideal in a work space. It’s also known to be restful for the eyes, so if you look at a screen all day this could be the best antidote to help relieve the strain.

Blue promotes productivity, calm and concentration. If you choose to decorate with a darker shade then make sure there’s plenty of natural light to prevent it from becoming a dark corner. Add leafy green house plants and metallic gold highlights to lift the scheme and break up your colour choice.

neutrals and pinks

If blues and greens don’t appeal to you, or fit with your décor, soft pastels and warm neutrals can create a calm work space.

A sophisticated soft pink ticks the friendly and stylish boxes and works well with hints of gold (the colour of success!) as well as alongside earthy tones – great for reducing stress levels.

A neutral palette can be comforting and make your office feel homely rather than completely separate space. It also provides a chic backdrop for monochrome accessories and plants to bring in a touch of nature.

Green 02 matt paint, £42 per 2.5L, Lick Blue 06 matt paint, £42 per 2.5L, Lick

Easycare Blush Pink emulsion, £20 per 2.5L, Dulux

Beige 02 Soho Farmhouse matt paint, £42 per 2.5L, Lick

Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan in Greek Blue, Louis Blue, Napoleonic Blue, Giverny and Athenian Black, from £6.95 per 120ml, all Annie Sloan

Photo

I think strong colours are important whatever your job role: this is not a room for relaxing, you want the space to feel dynamic

Annie Sloan, Colour and Paint Expert

hot desks

Banish dark, wasted space in a room with a corner solution. Look for desks with built-in storage to help keep worktops clutter free. There’s been a recent surge in popularity with sit-to-standing desks, as these are believed to aid focus and productivity, improve posture and break up the hours of sitting. This could be a great option if you’re looking for more flexibility with your work space.

01 This clever corner unit is perfect for squeezing a work space into a living area.

02 For the occasional WFH day, this wall-mounted solution is a great find.

03 A sit-to-standing desk is great for you physically, and it can help improve your mental health. Having the flexibility to work in different positions can reduce aches, pains and fatigue and, in turn, increase productivity.

One of the most important elements in your WFH space is your desk. The type that you choose largely depends on the space that you have – if you’ve transformed the spare room into a complete office then you can choose a solution that offers the most desktop space, drawers for storage and doesn’t scrimp on style either. But if space is limited, you’ll need to start thinking smart!

space savers

Narrower desks that don’t intrude into the room are ideal for shared spaces, or where your work area needs to slot into the hallway or landing. Ladder-style desks are another great space saver, often providing shelving above the worktop that can be arranged with both office essentials and eye-catching homeware to help it blend seamlessly with the rest of your home.

A ladder desk is a great way of introducing a work space into a living room, dining room or bedroom. The perfect space saver, this desk incorporates storage and desk top space in one sleek solution.

Where space isn’t an issue, look for a desk with storage and ample work surface.

Ladder desk, £64.99, VonHaus

Industrial style office chair in Tan, £281.25; Loft desk, £487.50, both Cox & Cox

Micke corner workstation in oak effect, £179, IKEA

Brenta wall mounted occasional desk, £195, A Place for Everything

Murphy wide ergonomic sitto-standing desk in White, £159, Dunelm

If you,re limited on space, pick a desk that can be easily moved or folded up. Ladder desks are perfect for slimmer spaces, or if you,re really struggling opt for a laptop table

Emily Caloe, Senior Furniture Buyer at VonHaus

storage solutions

To ensure your home office doesn’t spill over into the rest of your living space, tailor your storage solutions to your individual needs. If your desk doesn’t have drawers, don’t let the space underneath it go to waste by adding a set of free-standing drawers that fit neatly under the desktop.

wheely good ideas

Storage on wheels is a life saver in a flexible WFH space, bringing it to exactly where you need it during office hours, then when the working day is done you can roll it out of the way, into a cupboard or behind a screen. For awkward spaces, such as under stairs or rooms with sloped ceilings, consider a built-in solution – whether you seek a professional or adapt a DIY modular kit to make use of every inch, if you have a lot to store this could be the way forward.

For a dedicated home office space with awkward angles and nooks, a built-in solution will help you to make the most of the room and maximise your storage options.

up and away

Look to your walls to make the most of the space available; floating shelves or complete shelving units will lift clutter off your desk. Baskets and lidded boxes are ideal for smaller essentials.

01 Put walls to work and free up floor space with wallmounted solutions, like these stylish metal shelves.

02 Storage baskets are handy in any room of the house, but in your WFH space they’re a must-have!

03 Bring style and a pop of colour to your space with a storage locker. The slim design can make use of narrower spaces, while keeping your essentials to hand.

An easy way to make the most of your space is to organise your folders and books. Thinking vertically, with wallmounted or stacking storage solutions can help clear the clutter

Vox Stige modular wall shelf in Pine, £115, Cuckooland

Manhattan office in White, from £2,000, Sharps

Bekant storage unit, on casters in Black,

Simon Glanville, MD, A Place for Everything

What to do if your WFH space is the kitchen table?

Many of us don’t have the luxury of a desk to work from, so the kitchen table has quickly become known as the home office. If you work from a laptop and can keep the clutter at bay, there’s no reason why this solution can’t become the best option for you. A few smart purchases can help you work from the table comfortably and efficiently, without it affecting the rest of the household.

Invest In an office chair

Buying an office chair might seem crazy when there are several dining chairs to choose from, but an adjustable office chair can be raised or lowered to suit the table and your own needs. They often offer better support for your back too, so that you don’t suffer as a result. And, if you choose a chair on wheels it can easily be moved out of the way by the time that dinner’s on the table

Choose some dedicated work storage

With your desk space being multipurpose it’s even more important to find storage solutions that can hold all of your work essentials in one place. Trolleys and drawers on wheels are great for this; they provide instant, easy access to books, stationery and files while you work, yet can be moved out of the way as soon as the working day is done.

Set up your office before you begin

Making a few small alterations to your table before you start your working day can help you make the switch from home to work mode. Why not choose a favourite house plant to sit on the table, along with a desk caddy, calendar and scented candle? Opt for an air purifying plant to help clean the air around you to optimise your working space. Then, treat yourself to a new tablecloth, so that when you’re finished you can change the vibe up in an instant, which will help you switch off from work and enjoy some family time.

Alocasia Zebrina with Elizabeth planter in Shell, from £28, Leaf Envy

Hattefjall office chair with arm rests in Gunnared Light BrownPink, £250, IKEA

This dining

Industrial Schoolhouse side table, £155, Vincent and Barn

nearest stockist at aquallabrassware.com

aqualisa.co.uk

Have more control over your shower with the eMOTION range from Aqualisa. These clever units heat water to the exact temperature that you desire, without drawing on your home’s hot water. This means no risk of scalding, and you don’t have to worry about the temperature suddenly dropping out when someone turns a tap on in the kitchen – particularly handy for busy families!

When revamping your bathroom, you often have to choose between a modern or traditional look. However, with the Hanna collection of brassware from Aqualla you can have the best of both worlds. The sleek silhouette has softened edges and gentle curves, meaning these taps and shower mixers will look right at home whatever your scheme. Every tap in the Hanna collection is also fitted with an aerator, which adds air to the stream, helping to save you money on metered water bills.

The bowl food trend is here to stay as we stick with comfort food. In a recent survey, Habitat found that, in 2022, they sold 168 per cent more bowls than plates!

Give your kitchen a glow up with the new opal glass lampshade range from Industville. These hand-blown shades are made from a combination of recycled and (new) coloured glass. Because the shades are all handmade, each one has its own unique look, giving your scheme a designer effect for a snip of the price of a bespoke piece.

Feature Hannah Tribe

MY KITCHEN-DINER IS NOW funfunky!and

‘I got rid of the chunky radiator and cover, but I still needed heat, so I went for a wallmounted vertical radiator from Amazon as it takes up much less space. The wall by the seating area was the obvious place to put it, but before I had it installed by a plumber, I sprayed it gold’

About me

I’m Rochelle Dalphinis, 35, an equality, diversity and inclusion lead for an architect’s practice.

I also own an interiors and gift company, @lunaspotdesign. I live in a two-bedroom semi-detached 1930s house in Dagenham, Essex with my cat, Coco.

Feature Stephanie Smith

Photos Kasia Fiszer

Styling

Rochelle Dalphinis

Design fan Rochelle Dalphinis has used dark paint, gold spray and DIY know-how to transform her bland kitchen into a space to entertain

TOTAL

‘Changing the colour of the units to dark blue has made such a difference and the icing on the cake is the gold handles. It took me four days to do the spraying outside, and and it was so cold I had to move inside, but it was worth it’

BEFORE

My problem kitchen

I’ve been here eight years, and I hadn’t really dealt with some of the leftover bits from the previous owners that I never liked. The kitchen units themselves were sound, but there was a huge white cupboard covering an electrics board and a chunky radiator with a cover over it that was stopping the dining area being useable.

How I made it work

Painting the units dark blue and the handles gold made a huge difference. Removing the cupboard

and radiator gave me the opportunity to create and build a new floor-to-ceiling cupboard myself, as well as putting in bench seating so that more people could sit around the table.

My favourite part

The dining area works really well. It feels like a café during the day and a bar at night. The dark paint creates a sense of drama, and the focal point is the pink and gold poster that I designed myself and mounted on MDF.

My new-look kitchen has become the go-tofordestination friends. They love it!

Istudied interior design as part of my degree and have always enjoyed bringing what I’ve learnt into my own home. I have Champagne taste on lemonade money, and I always look at ways of getting a particular look on a tight budget. With the kitchen, I painted it light grey when I first moved in and put up some wallpaper, but a few years on, I was bored with it and the layout wasn’t working. I wanted some drama.

I was a contestant on the third series of BBC’s Interior DesignMasterswith Alan Carr, which was shown last March, but filmed the year before. I didn’t win, but I learnt a lot from it, so I decided to tackle the kitchen over my Christmas break last year. I removed all the doors and handles and spray-painted everything out in the garden. You can see a video of my experience on my Instagram @rochelle_dalphinis. My biggest piece of advice is to do it in the summer!

I designed and put in the new cupboard myself, getting all the pieces cut at B&Q to get my own flat pack. I always say I went to the university of YouTube as there’s a video on everything. The only time I used a tradesperson was to put in the new radiator as that was a bit beyond me. I’m very sociable and enjoy entertaining, so my new-look kitchen has become the go-to destination for friends. They love it!

‘I’ve doubled the number of people I can seat easily around the table from two to four by getting rid of a bulky cupboard and designing and making my own. Everything is painted in Valspar’s India Ink, from the walls to the chairs, it’s such a great colour’

My shopping list

Kitchen units and walls painted in Valspar’s India Ink Kitchen and Bathroom paint, £19 per 2.5L; cupboard handles painted in Hammerite gold-effect metal paint, £13 per 250ml; radiator painted in Rust-Oleum Bright Gold spray paint, £14 per 400ml, all B&Q. Småstad bench, £28, IKEA. For similar cushions, try the Pink and Red Stripe cushion, £23, Sass & Belle. Pink and Orange seating fabric, £15.50 per m, Prinfab. For a similar table, try the Ringsted Black ash dining table, £199.99, JYSK. For similar chairs, try the Spindle chairs in Navy, £100 for 2, Homebase.

For a similar neon sign, try the Cocktails LED neon light box, £49, My Vintage Home. Elegant traditional anthracite radiator, £169.99; for similar candlesticks, try the Topcloud Gold taper candlesticks, £15.96 for a set of 3, both Amazon.

Framed A3 Colour Clash Abstract print, £49.99; Luna Gold cutlery, £24.99, both Luna Spot Design. For a similar cocktail shaker, try the Gold Tone cocktail shaker, £11, Argos. Gold charger plates, £4.50 each, Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

Sienna Orange wine glasses, £15.99 for a set of 4, The Range. Orange candles, £8.99 for a pack of 2, Homesense.

SCAN ME for more great real homes at yourhomestyle.uk

‘You can’t go wrong with a cocktail, and my sign from Primark gives a lovely glow in the evenings when the main light is off. The pink neon matches the pinks in the poster I designed and ties in with the cushions’

A neon sign brings instant colour to a kitchen

style idea

Style advice

Three

simple tricks to try in your own home

01 Savvy seating

‘I freed up some space by removing the chunky radiator, so there was room for a comfy seat, which I made myself. I bought a basic bench, painted it, and then added padded cushions on the bottom and back fixed by Velcro so they don’t move. It was simple to get foam padding cut to the right size, and then I designed and had some striped cotton fabric printed off myself, which was surprisingly cheap. The pink and orange stripes match the poster I designed above it and now I can seat four people easily.’

02 Match your table setting

‘Take the main accent colours of your scheme and repeat them in your crockery, cutlery and candles. For me, the colours are blue, gold, pink and orange, and I’ve carefully searched for gold-coloured chargers, candlesticks and cutlery. Mix it up with the plates and bowls and go for slightly different colour tones, rather than one set in the same shade – it’s okay to give everyone something slightly different. There’s so much coloured glass out there now, it’s easy to find contemporary glasses in any shade you want.

03 Make your own cupboard

‘I designed and built a cupboard to replace a horrible big white one that covered the electric board. I took the measurements to B&Q and constructed it from the pieces they gave me. I didn’t want it to be plain and boring, so I bought wooden dowelling, cut the pieces to the right length and then glued them on side by side to give a moulded effect. I painted the whole thing in the same navy blue I’ve used on the walls and units. I’ve made two separate doors: one side stores electrics and the other cocktail glasses.’

OUR DREAM BEDROOM blends old and new

look out of place in a boutique hotel

A light oak chest of drawers provides a nice contrast against the dark floor. ‘I was hunting all over for something similar to the wardrobe, but I couldn’t find anything quite right,’ says Laura. ‘In the end I bought these out of necessity, but I quite like them now and they’ve ended up staying’

About me

I’m Laura Morris, 30, and I’m a teacher. I live here with my husband, Matty, 31, our children, Phoebe, three, and Miles, 11 months, plus our shih tzus, Penny and Pepper. Our home is a five-bed house in Houghton-le-Spring. See more on my Instagram @ourgeorgianplace.

Feature Karen Wilson Photos Katie Lee

Inspired by an antique wardrobe left behind, Laura Morris has created a stunning space that wouldn’t

I was worried the black floor might dull the room down, but it actually lifts everything else

With a large space to play with, Laura and Matty knew the room could take a dark wall colour and a statement bed.

‘I toyed for ages about whether to get an old four-poster or keep it quite modern,’ says Laura. ‘In the end I decided I liked the contrast between old and new’

My problem bedroom

There were damp issues, cracks in the old plaster, some damaged floorboards and no central heating or radiators. The room was so hideous that we avoided it altogether and slept in the room that’s now Miles’ nursery. I thought if this house is haunted, this is where the ghosts probably live!

How I made it work

We restored the original timber floorboards and painted them matt black, put in a reclaimed fireplace and restored the original shutters and

skirting boards. As there used to be a sink in one of the alcoves, there was already plumbing in place for the new bath to connect to. We saved money by sourcing bargains on Facebook Marketplace.

My favourite part

I still have a lot of ‘pinch-me’ moments that we’re living in our dream home. My favourite thing is to close the shutters, light some candles, switch on the fairy lights and imagine that I’m in the bath of a boutique hotel.

Dating back to the early 1700s, our house is nothing like our previous threebedroom new-build. I actually saw the ‘for sale’board being put up, which I took as a sign! After renovating the kitchen, living room and Phoebe’s bedroom, we started on our bedroom in early September 2021. The room was so dreary and cold with a deep burgundy carpet, but I loved the antique wardrobe, which was left behind by the previous owners. This set the tone for the room.

After getting in the professionals for the plumbing, heating and plastering, Matty sanded and painted the floorboards, put in a reclaimed fireplace and restored the original shutters and skirting boards. I normally arrive with the ideas and Matty is the handyman who grounds me with the practicalities of what can be achieved. He would probably say I come in towards the end, faff about and take the credit!

We considered painting the whole room green, but I thought it might overwhelm the space, with the blackpainted floor. So, we just painted one wall to set off the four-poster bed and highlighted the doors. The books we’d read on Georgian homes and architecture inspired us to have a roll-top bath. They often had a cast-iron tub in front of an open fire in those days, so we felt this would respect the heritage of the house.

Our parents were a bit worried when we bought this house as it was so much work, but they’re very proud and supportive of us and often show photos of the house to their friends. I’m so happy with the finished look of the bedroom. I even love the quirky original shutters that don’t quite fit.

The couple plan to convert this walk-in cupboard beneath the attic stairs into an en suite with a toilet, basin and more storage. They’ve painted the door green and added a wreath that Laura made at a workshop by Muscari Studio, which adds a contrasting pop of orange

Once the bath was installed, the couple needed something practical to rest toiletries on, so the upcycled IKEA stool was the perfect fit. However, Laura felt like the area surrounding the bath needed more. ‘The chair makes the space feel really relaxed,’ she says, ‘and the mirror felt dramatic enough without taking attention away from the Georgian windows’

My shopping list

Green wall painted in Valspar Premium walls & ceiling, £35 per 2.5L; door painted in Valspar wood & metal eggshell, £40 per 2.5L (both colour-matched to Farrow & Ball’s Bancha), B&Q. White woodwork painted in All White estate eggshell, £74 per 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. For a similar bath, try the Park Royal roll-top bath, £399.97, Appliances Direct. Chalfont king-size four-poster bed, £179.99, Crazy Price Beds. For a similar chair, try the Celine Green velvet accent chair, £185, Habitat. Hemnes bedside table, £50 each; Forså work lamp, £17; Norråker stool, £35, all IKEA. Bee drawer knobs, £6.49 each, Brass Bee. For a similar wall mirror, try the Saturn metallic round mirror, £49.99, The Range. Cotama king-size duvet cover, £65; Brown glass vase, £35, both La Redoute. Herringbone jute border rug, £55; Geo Tile Black bath bridge, £16; for a similar mirror, try the Apartment Arch Leaner mirror, £110; for similar bed cushions, try the Blush velour cushion, £7, all Dunelm. For a similar throw, try the Green fleece throw, £8; for a similar chest of drawers, try the Scandinavia five-drawer chest, £95, both Argos. For a similar cushion, try the Majestic Floral cushion, £10, Wilko. Matisseinspired art print, from £6.95, Posterlounge. Branch Silhouette prints, from £13, Ink & Drop.

SCAN ME for more great real homes at yourhomestyle.uk

Choose matt paint over a shiny finish if you want an aged look

style idea

Style advice

Three simple tricks to try in your own home

01 Go for a black floor

‘We toyed with putting down laminate, lino or hardwood, but after peeling back the carpet we realised the floorboards were in really good condition. They were already stained black around a section where there would’ve been a rug, and I loved that look against the old antique wood wardrobe and my green paint samples on the wall. I was worried it might dull the room down but, actually, it lifts everything else.’

02 Bring back period features

The fireplace was previously boarded up and full of rubble and soot. ‘Unfortunately, we didn’t find an original fireplace behind it, but we tried to mimic what might’ve been there as best we could,’says Laura. ‘I’m a serial bargain hunter and I found this reclaimed fireplace on Facebook Marketplace for just £75. The artwork was gifted by Ink & Drop.’

03 Install a bath

Laura found the cast-iron bath on Facebook Marketplace for £50. ‘We talked to a couple of plumbers and did consider a tiled area around it,’she says. ‘However, because the wood floor is so solid and the pipework is all enclosed and secure, it didn’t seem necessary. The only thing we did was apply some clear floor sealant underneath to protect the wood. It’s mostly me that has baths in here as Matty is a shower person. Phoebe’s not allowed in as she would just splash water everywhere!’

One problem room new looks two

problem hallway

My hallway lacks character. I’d love some ideas for how to give it personality and make it feel cosy without looking dark, and to be welcoming to guests as soon as they step through the door. Right now, it feels a bit empty – I’d like to bring it to life.

LIKES: warm colours, wooden furniture, cosy textures. DISLIKES: anything too bold, bright and OTT.

Monica’s

Mountain Dusk wallpaper mural, £37 per sq m, Wallsauce

colour palette

SOPHIE WA RREN-SMITH

why it works

Create a welcoming hallway with a difference by looking to rustic mountain cabins for inspiration. A forest or mountain mural is a quick and easy way to instantly set the scene – pick out the main colours for the accessories to add cohesion. Wooden accents and warming tones of ochre and green, with black details, will keep Monica’s hallway feeling warm, cosy and comforting rather than dark.

Sophie’s style tips

● Create a styled display on a console with a table lamp, tealight and vase. These little touches will add a welcoming feel when you and your guests enter your hallway – groups of three tend to work best.

● Introduce seating to the space. A comfy armchair or beanbag will encourage you to spend time in your hallway, rather than just passing through. Place it in a corner or under the stairs, and style with a cushion and throw to create a cosy reading nook.

● Storage is key to creating a calm, space. Having places to hang your coat, keep everyday essentials and hide clutter will make your daily departures and arrivals flow more smoothly.

meet the stylist

Sophie Warren-Smith is an interior and floral stylist and writer. She has worked for brands including IKEA, Freemans and WHSmith, and for interior magazines. Find her at theprettiestposy.co.uk

1 Barcelona Orange chalk paint, £23.95 per 1L, Annie Sloan 2 Moorland Green wood paint, £20 per 750ml, Thorndown Paints 3 012 Reservoir supreme matt paint, £45 per 2.5L, Woodchip & Magnolia

Create

Feature Sophie Warren-Smith

a warm, cosy and welcoming home

Mustard

Norton teardrop pendant by Hykkon, £80.99, Wayfair

Orianna

palette

why it works

Together, the sage green tones and natural textures create a space that feels balanced, restorative and harmonious –the ideal energy for a home’s entryway. Deep grey trims and black metal fixtures tap into current trends and prevent the look from teetering into country interior territory.

Abbi’s style tips

● Incorporate natural texture to give a warm welcome. A jute runner teamed with wooden details and plants will add a tactile element to your scheme, bringing character and depth.

● Space is often limited in hallways so make sure you make the most of every inch. Keep storage baskets underneath console tables and don’t forget about the wall beside a staircase – the perfect space for a gallery display.

● Incorporate wall panelling or a dado or picture rail to add more character. Exposed brick also brings that classic-meetscontemporary charm.

meet the stylist

Abbi Henderson is a journalist, stylist and co-founder of the UK Interior Awards. She writes about interiors, health and travel for publications in the UK and Canada. See more at abbihenderson.com

what did Monica decide?

‘I love Sophie’s Mountain Lodge. The colours are so warming; the perfect shades to welcome you back home. I also love the idea of putting some seating in the space. I’d never thought about it before, but I’m definitely going to create a cosy little reading nook with that velvet chair.’

Feature Abbi Henderson

never struggle with a stubborn lid again once you get your hands on this ingenious jar opener. It works by popping the lid’s vacuum, which loosens the compression and allows you to twist it open. It’s a must-have for all kitchens, and especially useful for anyone living with arthritis.

Our pick of the latest products, hacks and hints to make your home life simpler and more sustainable…

Dish sponge with handle, £1, Wilko

New wave Sustainable Dutch brand elho, known for its fully recyclable plant pots made from wind energy, has added recycled ocean plastic pots to its product range. Made from maritime waste materials, including fishing nets and ropes, each of these pots has a unique marble patina, not unlike the ocean’s currents. Choose from four sizes, in blue or green. elho.com

If you find coping with winter difficult, it might be worth looking into a SAD lamp. These clever LED devices will recharge your batteries and give you a small dose of sunny magic. Although it’s an initial cost, as a tool to support mood drops in the winter we think it’s a worthy investment. If you’re medically certified with SAD syndrome you can claim back on the VAT after purchasing too. lumie.com

Loss of habitat and climate change are contributing to an alarming decrease in our hedgehog population. Thankfully, there are lots of ways we can help to protect the cute little critters. Creating a hedgehog highway by making a hole in your garden fence to let them pass through in search of food and water is one method. Another is installing a hedgehog house. This will help to protect them from predators and keep them warm and dry in the colder months. This house is priced £29.99, from gardengifts.com

Airers

5 OF THE BEST

2 air fryers

Cheap to run, these healthier alternatives to a deep fat fryer can make a really versatile addition to your kitchen, and they’re not just for chips!

EDITOR'S CHOICE

4 5

The team at yourhomestyle.uk has been busy testing air fryers too, find out which ones came out on top

1

Air Fryer MAX

AF160UK, £149.99,

Ninja

This 5.2L capacity model means that you can ‘fry’large portions of your favourite foods using little or no oil. It boasts six functions; air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate and max crisp, so you can cook up everything from a whole chicken to a sponge cake, and your food will be ready up to 50 per cent faster than when cooked in a fan oven. It measures H36 x W25 x D32cm.

WE LOVE: The ceramiccoated non-stick dishwasher-safe air-frying basket, which makes for hassle-free cleaning.

2

1.8L White/Black air fryer, £30, Studio

This basic air fryer is an ideal choice for smaller households, as its 1.8L capacity cooks just enough for one to two portions. The neat monochrome design will look smart on your worktop, and it measures H31 x W26 x D26cm. It does lack the range of features of some more pricey models, but it includes a manual 60-minute timer with beep, overheat protection and a cool touch handle.

WE LOVE: The purse-friendly price – at just £30 it’s perfect for those on a tight budget.

3

Digital Compact air fryer, £89.99, Lakeland

Frying with air or just a little oil, this air fryer is a great buy if you love fried food but prefer to keep an eye on the calories. Hot air is circulated from all directions, resulting in even cooking and a perfect crispy finish. The eight presets, variable heat setting, timer and LED touch screen make it super easy to use. It measures H35 x W32 x D26cm and, as with all Lakeland electricals, it’s covered by its three-year guarantee.

WE LOVE: The handy instruction manual, which includes a cooking guide on how to ‘fry’different foods.

4

Vortex Plus dual drawer 8-in-1 air fryer with ClearCook, £199.99, Instant Brands

This super-smart design has dual baskets, meaning you can make two separate foods at the same time. It offers six ways to cook, and separate controls for each basket so you can use two functions at once. EvenCrisp air flow technology gives the same crispness as deepfrying, while the handy light means you can check progress without opening the basket. It measures H38.4 x W40.3 x D31.7cm.

WE LOVE: The Sync Cook and Sync Finish functions, which match settings or the finish time for both baskets.

5

1000W 2.2L T17023 manual air fryer, £44.99, Tower Housewares

Air fry, roast, grill or bake your way to healthier meals with Tower’s 2.2L model, measuring H28.1 x W25.5 x D20.5cm. It uses Vortx technology, which rapidly circulates hot air to give some of your favourite meals a light and crispy texture, up to 30 per cent faster than a conventional oven. You can adjust cooking temperature to 200°C as well as set the 30-minute timer to suit your recipe using manual dials.

WE LOVE: As well as some great features, the sleek black design is smart enough to grace any kitchen.

Feature Lisa Hibberd

FOODIE CORNER

We celebrate all the products, books, ideas and people that are shaking up the culinary world this month

Time to Blossom

Available at Ocado, RRP £2.30

Slow cooker brand Crockpot conducted research earlier this year revealing that two- thirds of lowincome households would cook more family meals if they had the money. In 2021, Crockpot donated the equivalent of 250,000 meals via charity FareShare, and a recent collaboration with chef and presenter Andi Oliver, saw Crockpot commit to another 250,000 meals to UK homes. While Crockpot’s Meals for More campaign, featuring Andi’s hot pot recipes, has come to an end you can still donate to FareShare to help those households struggling to feed their families. Visit fareshare.org.uk and crockpot-pot.com.

ZERO HERO

With money tight and environmental concerns rising, saving on waste in the kitchen is a quick change you can make straight away. It’s estimated that each year UK households throw away edible food worth £13.8 billion which, says ecoexperts.co.uk, amounts to a potential saving of £496 per year, per household, giving those pieces of bruised fruit and peelings a different kind of value. Appliance brand Cuisinart has been considering the concept of a zero-waste kitchen. ‘Blitz unwanted crusts in a blender for instant breadcrumbs then pop them in a bag in the freezer until needed,’ suggest Cuisinart. ‘Whizz bruised, over-ripe fruit with leftover yoghurt or milk in a blender for a delicious smoothie. Or make the leftovers from Sunday lunch into a hearty midweek soup – even using the potato peelings – with the help of a little stock and a blender.’

For more ideas and recipes visit cuisinart.co.uk/recipe-home.

There’s lots going on at the Vegan Fried Chick*n (VFC) ranch as chef and co-founder Adam Lyons announces a new recipe, two new VFC treats, Spicy Chick*n Fillets and Crispy Chick*n Tenders, plus a kid’s range, Stompers. Adam says the new recipe for its plant-based chicken boasts an even more succulent texture, richer flavour and crispier coating‘without costing a wing and a leg’. Stompers is available in Sainsbury’s; £3.50 for 8 pieces; the full VFC range is available from Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado, priced variously.

Feature Katie Nicholls

LITTLE BY LITTLE’S

Coffee pod makers Little’s Coffee has released two new flavours this winter. Creamy Caramel and Double Chocolate join French Vanilla and Rich Hazelnut to create a happy foursome of flavours for coffee lovers to enjoy. The sugar-free coffee comes in plastic-free, Nespresso-compatible capsules made of 100 per cent recycled aluminium.

From Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado, priced £4 per box (10 capsules).

Healthy Vegetarian & Vegan Slow Cooker

We believe in taking it slow during the winter months, and so does food author Nicola Graimes as her new book, Healthy Vegetarian & Vegan Slow Cooker, takes a dive into 60 recipes that are easy to make, taste utterly delicious and, most importantly, take their time. Recipes in the book range from everyday meals to dishes for special occasions but all will suit a vegetarian and vegan diet, as well as meat eaters who enjoy plantbased food. This is Nicola’s 26th book and it hits the zeitgeist with the surging sales of slow cookers, which have become popular as a cost-effective way to make a tasty meal and reduce waste.

Healthy Vegetarian & Vegan Slow Cooker (£16,99, Ryland Peters & Small) is on sale now.

We love a tasty, gut-health boosting fix, so both our tastebuds and our tums were well and truly tickled by Fix8’s craft kombucha soft drink. Slow-brewed and pro-biotic, the three flavours – Ginger Turmeric, Strawberry Basil and Sicilian Citrus – all contain 25 per cent of your vitamin C intake plus 2 billion live cultures designed to help keep your gut in good health, and all under 40 calories per can.

Available from Waitrose, £1.79 for a pack of 4. @fix8onthis

REBEL RECIPES

Every month we turn the spotlight on one of our favourite foodies

Plant pioneer Niki Webster has been flying the flag for super tasty vegan food since 2015 when as, she writes in her blog,‘Veganism was a fringe movement of people who believed, quite passionately, that a diet of food made entirely from plants was better for health, the environment, and animal welfare… But most considered it to be, well, a little odd!’ Now we’re more enlightened to the delights of vegan food, thanks to bloggers like Niki and her inspiring global dishes, such as kimchi fried rice, aubergine zaalouk with chickpea and za’atar flatbread and creamy coconut dahl. Find these and more recipes at rebelrecipes. com. Niki is also an author and her new title, AroundtheWorldVegan Cookbook:TheYoungPerson’sGuide toPlant-basedFamilyFeasts(£14.99, Welbeck Children’s) will be published 5th January 2023.

Merci, Maman

Bonne Maman has announced the release of a new creamy blueberry flavour yogurt. The fruity pot is made with natural yogurt on a layer of Bonne Maman compote. Waitrose and Ocado,priced£2.60for 4x125gpots.

Monday V

BUTTERNUT SQUASH FETTUCCINE

PREP TIME 10 minutes

COOK TIME 20 minutes SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp olive oil 60g butter ½ large (500g) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes 350g fettuccine pasta, or any pasta shape you like 2 shallots, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 8 large sage leaves, finely shredded juice of ½ lemon 25g finely grated vegetarian Parmesan cheese

METHOD

1 Heat the oil and 15g butter in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the squash, cover with a lid and cook, stirring regularly, for 10 minutes until the squash is tender and turning golden.

2 Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pan of salted water for 1 minute less than the pack instructions. Before draining, scoop out a mugful of the cooking water and set aside.

3 Reduce the heat under the squash to medium and remove the lid. Add the shallots and garlic, and season. Fry, stirring often, for 5 minutes until soft.

4 In a separate pan, cook the remaining 45g butter over a high heat, swirling occasionally, until nutty and golden. Add the sage and remove from the heat.

5 Tip the cooked pasta into the pan with the squash and add the brown butter, lemon juice and a glug of the cooking water. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and toss to coat over the heat for 1 minute, adding more cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed (it should be glossy and just coat the pasta). Divide between plates and serve with extra cheese on top.

COOK’S TIP

To add an extra tasty crunch, sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts, pine nuts or sunflower seeds over the pasta before serving.

Tuesday

BRAISED SAUSAGES WITH BEANS AND GREENS

PREP TIME 5 minutes

COOK TIME 30 minutes SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

1-2 tbsp olive oil 8 Toulouse-style or Lincolnshire pork sausages 1 onion, finely sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 2 rosemary sprigs 100ml white wine or cider (optional) 250ml fresh Cooks’ Ingredients chicken stock 1 heaped tsp wholegrain mustard, plus extra to serve 400g can cannellini beans 200g pack baby leaf greens, thick stalks removed and leaves shredded Crusty bread, to serve

METHOD

1 Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large sauté pan or shallow casserole dish over a medium heat. Add the sausages and fry, turning regularly, for about 10 minutes until golden all over. Remove from the pan and add the onion, garlic and rosemary (plus a splash more oil if needed). Season and cook gently for 6-8 minutes until soft.

2 Stir in the wine or cider, if using (see Cook’s Tip below), and allow to bubble on a medium heat until almost evaporated, then add the stock, mustard and beans. Bring to a simmer, return the sausages with the greens to the pan and then cook gently for a final 5 minutes until the greens are tender and the sausages are completely cooked through, checking that there is no pink meat remaining.

3 Serve immediately with crusty bread, if liked, and extra mustard on the side.

COOK’S TIP

If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute with a splash of red or white wine vinegar for acidity and then make up the rest of the quantity with extra chicken stock.

WWednesday VG

CAULIFLOWER AND CHICKPEA TIKKA MASALA

PREP TIME 20 minutes

COOK TIME 25 minutes SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

1 medium cauliflower (about 1kg) 2 tbsp vegetable oil 400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 15g fresh root ginger, finely chopped ½ x 283g jar Patak’s Tikka Masala Spice Paste 200g fresh tomatoes, finely chopped 3 tbsp non-dairy yogurt handful of fresh coriander, leaves only steamed basmati rice, to serve

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas Mark 7. Line a large baking tray with foil. Break the cauliflower into large florets, reserving any tender leaves. Toss the florets with ½ tbsp oil and spread over one side of the baking tray. Toss the chickpeas with another 1 tbsp oil and the turmeric, and spread over the other side of the baking tray. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring each side and adding the cauliflower leaves halfway through.

2 Meanwhile, heat the remaining ½ tbsp oil in a large pan. Fry the onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 1 minute. Add the curry paste and fry for 2 minutes. Pour in 50ml water and cook until evaporated.

3 Add the tomatoes and 200ml water to the pan; simmer for 5 minutes, then spoon in the cauliflower. Simmer over a medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in 2 tbsp yogurt alternative. Add the chickpeas and cauliflower leaves. Finish with the final 1 tbsp yogurt alternative and the coriander leaves. Serve with steamed basmati rice.

COOK’S TIP

For non-vegans, use 3½ tbsp natural yogurt if preferred.

T F

Thursday VG

CREAMY MUSHROOM ORZO

PREP TIME 10 minutes

COOK TIME 30 minutes SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS

50g vegan spread 1 small onion, finely diced 4 garlic cloves, 1 diced, 3 sliced 350ml hot vegetable stock 150ml Alpro This Is Not Whole M*lk 125g orzo pasta 2 bay leaves 10 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked 300g chestnut or brown mushrooms, sliced handful of parsley, chopped 60g spinach leaves 30g vegan parmesan, plus extra to serve

METHOD

1 Add 35g of the spread to a medium sized saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and diced garlic and cook, stirring often, for 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent but not brown. Add a splash of water if they begin to catch.

2 Combine the hot stock with the Alpro This Is Not M*lk.

3 Add the orzo pasta, bay leaves and half the thyme to the onions and stir for 2 minutes. Then, gradually add the warm stock and This Is Not M*lk mixture one ladle at a time, stirring often and adding the next ladle once all has been absorbed and the orzo is just cooked – this will take around 15 minutes.

4 When the orzo is almost cooked, melt the remaining vegan spread in a frying pan and set over a medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic, mushrooms, remaining thyme and cook, tossing regularly until golden, then stir in the fresh herbs.

5 Once all the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is tender remove from the heat, stir in the spinach leaves, vegan parmesan cheese and half the mushrooms then divide between two warm bowls. Top each bowl with the remaining garlic mushrooms and serve with extra vegan parmesan, if you like.

Friday

MASHED POTATO PIE WITH BACON, LEEKS AND CHEESE

PREP TIME 20 minutes

COOK TIME 1 hour SERVES 4-6

INGREDIENTS

1kg floury potatoes, peeled 2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped 2 small leeks, thinly sliced 80g bacon or pancetta, diced 30g butter 250ml milk or single cream (or a bit of both)

1 egg, beaten large handful of fresh parsley leaves, chopped pinch of paprika 90g firm cheese, such as Gruyère or Cheddar, grated sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1 Halve or quarter the potatoes depending on their size; they should be about the same to cook evenly. Put them in a large saucepan, add sufficient cold water to cover, salt well and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20 minutes, until tender.

2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over a low heat. Add the onion and leeks and cook gently for about 10 minutes, until soft. Add the bacon and cook for 3–5 minutes, until just browned. Season with salt and set aside.

3 Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C/Gas Mark 5 and grease a 24cm round baking dish.

4 Drain the potatoes and mash coarsely, mixing in the butter and milk. Season well and add the egg. Stir to combine. Stir in the leek mixture, parsley, paprika and half the cheese. Transfer to the prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until well browned. Serve immediately.

Mashed potato pie with bacon, leeks and cheese reproduced with permission from Comfort: A Winter Cookbook (Ryland Peters & Small, £20) Photography © Ryland Peters & Small

Feature Kirstie Duhig Recipes Butternut squash fettuccine, Braised sausages with beans and greens, Cauliflower and chickpea tikka masala –Waitrose, thousands of recipes are available from waitrose.com/recipes; Creamy mushroom orzo, Alice Liveing for Alpro, alpro.com/uk/recipes

Tasty, comforting, healthy and thrifty, a bowl of homemade soup is the perfect winter lunch or dinner, served up with your favourite bread or savoury muffin

WINTER WARMERS

Brown butter baked potato soup V

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes

COOKING TIME 1 hour 20 minutes

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

4 large baking potatoes 110g butter

1L vegetable or chicken stock 150ml sour cream 100g grated Cheddar olive oil, to drizzle salt and pepper

For the crispy potato skins potato skins, reserved from the baked potatoes olive oil, to drizzle 30g grated cheddar

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6. Prick the potatoes with a fork, rub the skins with a little salt and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the potatoes are soft when you insert a sharp knife into the centre. Set aside until cool enough to handle.

2 In a saucepan, melt the butter over a gentle heat until it starts to lightly brown – the butter will smell nutty, which is how you will know it is ready. Scoop out the potato from the skins (reserving the skins for the garnish) and add to the butter. Cook for a few minutes, then add the stock and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add the sour cream and grated cheese, then blitz the soup in a blender or food processor, or use a stick blender, until smooth. Pour the soup back into the saucepan, season with salt and pepper to taste and keep it warm on a low heat.

3 For the potato skins, preheat the grill to high. Place the reserved skins on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and season with salt and pepper. Place under the hot grill and toast until the cheese has melted and the skins are crispy – this will take about 5 minutes, but watch them carefully as grills are all different and you don’t want them to burn.

4 Serve the soup in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and the crispy potato skins broken up on top or served whole on the side.

COOK’S TIP To save on time, prebake the potatoes. If you’re cooking something else in the oven and have room, pop a few spuds in at the same time then, once cooled, keep them in the fridge for up to three days.

Spinach and nutmeg soup V

PREPARATION TIME 10-15 minutes COOKING TIME 25-30 minutes SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp butter or olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 160g spinach 1L vegetable or chicken stock 250g white potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes a pinch of grated nutmeg 100ml double cream salt and pepper garlic croutons, to serve (optional)

METHOD

1 Heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add the spinach, stock and potatoes

to the saucepan and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

2 Season with salt and pepper and a good pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Blitz in a blender or food processor until the soup is smooth, or use a stick blender. Pour back into the saucepan and add the double cream to the soup, then heat through gently.

3 Share the soup into bowls and sprinkle with garlic croutons, if using, to serve.

COOK’S TIP It’s easy to make your own garlicky croutons. Simply peel a clove of garlic then slice in half and rub over both sides of a couple of thick slices of good-quality bread – sourdough is perfect. Chop the bread into cubes, spread over a baking tray and toss with 2 tsp olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas Mark 7 for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden. Then sprinkle liberally over your favourite soup to elevate your bowl from great to delicious!

Feature Kirstie Duhig

Recipes reproduced with permission from A Bowl of Soup by Hannah Miles (Ryland Peters & Small, £20). Photography by Alex Luck © Ryland Peters & Small

Toasted nuts or roasted chickpeas make a delicious crouton alternative

Butternut squash soup with crispy chilli seeds and stilton croutons V

PREPARATION TIME 20-25 minutes

COOKING TIME 1 hour SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

1kg butternut squash 3 tbsp U:ME Vegetable & Olive Oil blend sea salt and black pepper

2 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced 75g unsalted butter 500ml vegetable stock 150ml double cream

For the chilli squash seeds

½ tsp mild chilli powder 1 tsp U:ME Vegetable & Olive Oil blend sea salt and black pepper For the stilton croutons

2 tbsp U:ME Vegetable & Olive Oil blend 100g (vegetarian) stilton cheese 1 baguette

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4. Peel and de-seed the butternut squash (keeping the seeds) and dice into cubes.

2 Place the squash into a mixing bowl, pour over 2 tbsp of the U:ME oil, season and mix well. Tip into a baking dish and roast for 45-50 minutes until soft and starting to take on some colour.

3 Meanwhile, wash the reserved seeds, removing any squash. Place into a bowl and add the chilli powder, U:ME oil and seasoning, mix well and place onto a baking sheet and roast for 8 minutes.

4 Ten minutes before the squash is cooked, heat the remaining 1 tbsp U:ME oil and butter over a medium heat and gently sweat the shallots with some seasoning until translucent, add the stock, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

5 Add the cooked squash and cream to the pan and, using a blender or stick blender, blitz until smooth. Return to the pan, season and keep warm.

6 For the croutons, cut the baguette into 8 x 2cm thick rounds and cover both sides with the U:ME oil, place on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. Crumble stilton on to each round and place back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt. Spoon the soup in bowls, add two croutons and a sprinkle of crispy chilli seeds to serve.

Smoky black bean soup V

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 35 minutes SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2.5cm piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1 large red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 15g butter 6 tomatoes 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground allspice 2 x 400g cans black beans, drained 800ml vegetable or chicken stock a handful of chopped fresh coriander 1 avocado, pitted and peeled freshly squeezed juice of 1 lime 4 tbsp sour cream salt and pepper

METHOD

1 In a large saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté until the garlic is lightly golden brown.

Reserve a few pieces of chilli for the garnish and add the remainder to the pan with the butter. Cook until the chilli starts to soften.

2 Blitz the tomatoes in a blender or food processor to a smooth purée. Set aside.

3 Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon and allspice to the saucepan and fry in the oil for a minute to release the flavours.

4 Rinse the drained black beans and add to the saucepan with the stock and puréed tomatoes. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the chopped coriander.

5 Chop the avocado into small pieces and toss in the lime juice to prevent it discolouring.

6 Pour the warm soup into four bowls and top each with a spoonful of sour cream, some avocado pieces and the reserved chilli pieces.

COOK’S TIP This soup is particularly delicious served with cornbread muffins but any bread or toast for dipping will do!

Recipe Butternut squash soup with crispy chilli seeds and stilton croutons courtesy of U:ME, ume.cooking/recipes

Recipe from A Bowl of Soup by Hannah Miles (Ryland Peters & Small, £20). Photography by Alex Luck © Ryland Peters & Small

TOP WITH A NON-DAIRY SOUR CREAM TO MAKE THIS VEGAN

Pea and smoked ham soup with mint

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes

COOKING TIME 10 minutes

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve

6 spring onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, sliced

200g thick slices of smoked ham, finely chopped 10g fresh mint leaves or 1 tsp dried mint 500g peas (defrosted or fresh)

1L hot chicken or vegetable stock sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1 Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over a low heat and add the spring onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the garlic, ham and half the mint and cook for a further 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the peas and pour in the hot stock. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender.

2 Transfer a third of the soup to a blender and liquidise until completely smooth. Pour back into the soup pan and mix until combined. Season with a little salt (the ham will be quite salty already) and pepper to taste. Sprinkle in the remaining mint.

3 Divide the soup between 4 mugs or bowls and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a fresh grinding of black pepper.

COOK’S TIP If you prefer a completely smooth soup, simply blend all of the soup in step 2, then return to the pan to warm before serving. This is a great soup to make using leftover roast ham or gammon.

Sweetcorn and pancetta chowder

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes

COOKING TIME 30-35 minutes

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

40g butter 150g pancetta, cubed 1 onion, sliced 2 carrots, finely chopped 300g new potatoes (unpeeled), thinly sliced 2 tbsp plain flour 600ml whole milk 400ml chicken or vegetable stock 3 dried bay leaves 300g sweetcorn kernels (thawed if frozen) 3 tbsp double cream sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1 Heat the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry the pancetta until crisp. Add the onion, carrots and potatoes, cover and cook gently for

15-20 minutes until soft. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks.

2 Sprinkle the flour into the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring it into the vegetables. Pour in the milk gradually, blending it with the flour, then add the stock and bay leaves; bring to a gentle simmer. Add the sweetcorn and cook for 5 minutes.

3 Remove from the heat, stir in the cream and season with salt. Divide the soup between 4 bowls and serve immediately with a grind of black pepper.

COOK’S TIP Bacon will do nicely if you don't have pancetta – go for thick-sliced if possible, and cut into cubes. For a veggie chowder, leave out the pancetta and use vegetable stock.

Recipes reproduced with permission from Comfort: A Winter Cookbook (Ryland Peters & Small, £20). Photography © Ryland Peters & Small

Traditionally, chowder is served in an edible bowl made from a hollowed sourdough loaf

QUICK & EASY VEGAN EATS

Whether you’re trying Veganuary this year or you just fancy adding plant-based dishes to your weekday menu, these tasty meals are proof that vegan cooking can be quick, easy and cheap

Caponata gnocchi

PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes

COOKING TIME 10 minutes

SERVES 2 generously

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 aubergine, chopped into 3cm cubes 1 tsp dried oregano 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 8 cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp sultanas (golden raisins) 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 10 green olives, pitted and halved 500g (1lb 2oz) gnocchi (ensure dairy- and egg-free) juice of ¼ unwaxed lemon pinch of sea salt and black pepper generous handful of basil leaves

METHOD

1 Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat and cook the aubergine, oregano and red onion for 5 minutes until the aubergine starts to soften.

2 Add the garlic, cherry tomatoes, sultanas, balsamic vinegar and olives to the pan. Stir through and cook for 4 minutes over a medium-high heat.

3 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then drain thoroughly.

4 Remove the frying pan from the heat. Stir in the cooked gnocchi, lemon juice, salt and pepper until the gnocchi is coated. Scatter with basil leaves just before serving.

Aubergine, mushroom and yogurt stroganoff

PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes

COOKING TIME 20 minutes SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

COOK IN 30 MINUTES COOK IN 20 MINUTES

2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 large aubergine, cut evenly into 3cm pieces 12 button mushrooms, brushed clean 1 red onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 rounded tsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp soy sauce 500g soya yogurt squeeze of juice from an unwaxed lemon pinch of sea salt and black pepper handful of flat-leaf parsley rice, ribboned pasta or buttered root mash to serve

METHOD

1 Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large wok or sauté pan over a high heat, then add the aubergine and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the aubergine starts to get some colour.

2 Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tbsp of sunflower oil, mushrooms and onion, then stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and smoked paprika and cook for a further minute.

3 Reduce the heat to low-medium then stir in the soy sauce and soya yogurt. Heat gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to combine.

4 Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, season and scatter with parsley, to serve.

Recipes and images reproduced with permission from Easy Speedy Vegan by Katy Beskow (Quadrille, £20) Photography by Luke Albert

Crispy poppadom Balti pie VG

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes

COOKING TIME 30 minutes SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 onion, diced 1 carrot, peeled and chopped 8 small florets of cauliflower

1 yellow pepper, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp dried chilli flakes 1 rounded tbsp mild curry paste (ensure vegan) 1 x 400g can of chopped tomatoes 6 new potatoes, quartered

1 rounded tbsp frozen peas handful of coriander, roughly chopped generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper 8 ready-to-eat poppadoms, roughly broken up

METHOD

1 Heat the oil in a large casserole dish or hob-to-table pot, add the onion, carrot, cauliflower and pepper and cook over a high heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

2 Add the garlic, turmeric, cumin and chilli flakes and cook for a further minute until fragrant.

3 Spoon in the curry paste, then add the chopped tomatoes and potatoes. Simmer over a high heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, then stir in the peas and cook for a further 5 minutes.

4 Remove the pot from the hob and stir in the coriander and sea salt. Scatter over a generous layer of the broken poppadoms and serve hot.

COOK’S TIP If you’re in a hurry, chop the new potatoes into quarters to reduce the cooking time, or for an even quicker result, use canned new potatoes that have been thoroughly rinsed. Canned new potatoes work very well in a dish like this as they absorb the flavours well while still retaining a satisfying, waxy texture.

Feature Kirstie Duhig

‘My patterns wrap you inside a natural world that reflects

fields and the wider countryside,’ says Linda

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Linda Barker

We catch up with the interior designer, TV personality and writer ahead of her second collection of blinds, curtains and bedding with Terrys Fabrics

Linda’s second collection with Terrys Fabrics is inspired by her country home in Yorkshire.

gardens,

Congratulations on your new collection with Terrys Fabrics…

Thank you. I absolutely love it. It’s been an absolute joy to work with Terrys. They enabled me to have free reign over pattern and colours so it’s properly a design that’s from my heart.

This range includes two new designs, Yarrow and Wisteria. What was your inspiration?

I am a big outdoors lover. I moved up to East Riding in Yorkshire in lockdown and that coincided with the start of the collection and putting designs, ideas and colours together. Yarrow is a flower that I grow in my garden, wisteria trickles around the front of my Georgian house. Don’t look too far for inspiration – it’s all around!

This second collection includes bedding –what are your bedtime essentials?

I find the bed is a lovely place to nurture your mind, so I have beautiful magazines and lovely books by my bed. I’m a very image-led person, so I always have that reference. I have to have a place for a cup of tea in the morning and a place for the dog, obviously. I love layering fabrics in bedrooms, like the perfect quilt, blanket and extra cushions.

The new designs also feature on curtains and blinds – are there any times when you would choose blinds over curtains?

Well, sometimes you’d have both, which is really rather nice. Normally you would say you don’t want curtains in a kitchen because the fabric might absorb cooking smells and all of that, but you know, just do what you want to do. I’ve seen kitchens with curtains, and they can look phenomenal. There should really be no lead apart from what you love yourself. It’s your home so go for it! I’ve got curtains in my bathroom, for example. That’s a bit of a no-no but I love that. There are no rules!

Do you have any tips for measuring blinds? It can be really tricky, can’t it? People hate measuring anything. Measure twice, always. Do it with somebody else so they can check your measurements. That sounds really idiotic, but it really helps to have two people just to make sure that everything’s right. When you get your blinds delivered you really want them perfect; you don’t want a centimetre out of place. Use a good retractable steel tape measure – not your kid’s school ruler!

Are there any trends for blinds and curtains that we can expect to see in 2023?

A big trend right now is darker colours and a use of patterns. Fabrics are the perfect way to introduce that into the home. I really like to see full-length curtains; not necessarily ones that are chopped off at the windowsill, if at all possible. I think that big blousy curtains will, hopefully, permeate into people’s homes. I like when they’re a little bit puddled at the bottom on the floor. It adds a sense of luxury and excess in a very beautiful way.

‘Fabrics

Royal

Octavias Tangle bedding set in Ochre Blue, from £59

There should really be no lead apart from what you love yourself. I've got curtains in my bathroom. That's a bit of a no-no but I love that. There are no rules!

You bought a doer-upper in Yorkshire, how are the renovations going?

It’s been a three-year project and you never really finish with an old building, but it’s been lovely to do. We’ve got carpets down now so we’re really getting to those finishing touches which is a dream come true. Already, I can’t really remember what it was like before. It’s amazing how you forget how ghastly renovations can be. After all my house renovations I’ve said never again and here we are.

Have you done the renovations yourself?

Yes, we needed a plasterer, electrician and a plumber but everything else we kind of got on with it. I’ve decorated the walls with hand-painted details; Chris [Linda’s husband] is very good with making cabinetry – it’s amazing what you can learn on YouTube. Ever since I left art college, I’ve been doing houses up, so you learn those skills and it’s kind of a joy to build your own home from scratch.

Are there any DIY jobs you put off?

No, I’m always speeding the process up so I can get to the nice stuff!

What are your favourite DIY jobs?

I really like painting. I trained as a fine artist originally and I used to do massive drawings so there’s part of me that just loves drawing on walls, still. I did something yonks ago on ChangingRooms

I projected an image on a wall and traced around it. It’s the simplest thing ever. I still love to do that. I also love sewing. I’m a crafting queen and always have been so I really love the creative bit that comes with homemaking.

What’s your latest homeware buy?

We bought a massive lump of stone that’s still out on the drive. I think I might do a stone wall curve in the garden with a little seat in it so I can hide and read. I’m a big houseplant girl and I just got some fig plants from Lidl for £11 with some wicker baskets for them to go in.

What’s your favourite room in your home? Because I’ve made my bedroom all neat for the interview, it’s got to be here. My kitchen is also beautiful. I love this house so much; I love everything about it.

What colours do you think will be big in 2023? Green for sure. And in all its shades – I love bright emerald green, dark olives but then the pale pistachio greens, too – I don’t think you can go wrong with green. It’s on the up and up and up. It works with all those greys we decorated with a few years ago so don’t feel that you have to completely change everything. I think it’s a very strong trend.

What’s next?

I just hope to keep doing what I’m doing. It’s lovely to work with Terrys and hopefully that will be successful, and we’ll keep going with more things. There’s a bit of television – I work with Steph McGovern on her show [Steph’sPackedLunch on Channel 4] and they have me crafting quite a bit. And then I’ll still be decorating our house. I’ll get into my scruffs any sec! I’m just kind of loving where I am.

ShopLinda’shomewarerangewithTerrysFabrics atterrysfabrics.co.uk

Royal Velvet curtains in Rain Forest, from

Dotties Love Lemongrass curtains, from