Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Ideal Home

At last, the bifolds have been cracked open Chez Richmond, and daily life is spilling out onto the patio. I’ve taken to roasting my own coffee beans on the barbecue (it’s gas, which is cheating, I know, but who’s got the time to wait for charcoal?). Ma Richmond spends hours titivating the garden, which is her domain – I am only allowed to mow and lop occasionally. And the cat, who was badly injured last year and now has a bionic knee, likes to watch all the action from the bird table, with her stiff little peg leg dangling comfortably over the side. However you use your outside space, you’ll find loads of ideas in this issue. I’m hoping to get more time relaxing in mine this year – preferably…

Yes “It’s polite, welcoming and more relaxed – I prefer walking around barefoot” Kate Simon, 54, lives in a three-bedroom terraced townhouse in east London with her husband, Dean, and their son, Quincy, 19. She is a travel writer. ‘When I was younger, I thought people who expected me to take my shoes off in their homes were a bit fussy and posh. But that changed when Quincy was born. Dean and I didn’t want him crawling around on a dirty floor, so we introduced a “shoes-off” rule that’s stuck. Most visitors take off their shoes as soon as they step through our door, but occasionally we have to ask. We have wood floors everywhere, except the stairs, and our living room is on the first floor. Guests sometimes get…

All in the mix Surrounding simple, contemporary dining furniture with rustic linen cushions, basketware, textural rugs and artisan tableware makes a room that’s modern but full of character Modern mint For fans of white walls, the transition to soft mint isn’t too much of a stretch (we promise). This gentle green is calming in a bedroom and has a bright and uplifting mood in morning light that white lacks Stylist’s Note…

MY GO-TO STORES… ● FARROW & BALL For heritage-inspired paint shades ● HOMESENSE A regularly updated range of eclectic soft furnishings ● H&M HOME On-trend pieces at great, low prices STYLIST’S NOTE…

Walls painted in Grey steel 2 eggshell, £36 for 2.5L, Dulux. Hoxton three-seater sofa, £949, DFS. Faith stool, £105; Woodstock pouffe, £150, both Amara. ON FLOOR Block print rug, £179.99, Zara Home. Jonah mug, £8; Paxton planter, £50, both Habitat. ON WINDOWSILL Scratch vase, £40; Rodin vase, £25, both Habitat. Tall bottle vase, £25, Debenhams. ON LEDGE Textured basket, as before. Abstract Geometric 13 print, £28.90, Society 6. Cane glass vase, as before. ON SOFA Pom-pom blanket, £95; Mali cushion, £55; Berber cushion, £68, all Yonder. Textured cushion, £45, Rose & Grey. ON STOOL Rustica vase, £19.50, Wyld Home.…

1 Hang the perfect pendant  It makes sense to choose a simple dining set you’ll love for years, so update your space with a statement light instead. It’ll create a more intimate feel and give dinner guests a talking point! 2 HANG PLATES ON THE WALL If you’ve got a collection of pretty or precious single plates, why not display them on your walls with plate hangers? 3 FAKE GREENERY IN A BATHROOM House plants can have a tricky time in bathrooms due to the varying moisture levels, so swap in a few faux ones to get the look without the stress. 4 Bring pattern to your tabletop Update your table setting for a special occasion this summer with some pretty side plates, coloured glassware or shiny new cutlery. Make…

Owning a piece of contemporary and affordable art has never been easier, thanks to the online Runway Gallery, which currently showcases 14 contemporary artists. Artist and founder SYRETT tells us about his vision for the gallery. “Fashion is a big part of my life and career, so a fashion-focused gallery was the natural thing to do”SYRETT, ARTIST AND FOUNDER, RUNWAY GALLERY Why is fashion so important? My background in the fashion industry is essential to understanding the concept behind Runway Gallery. There’s been much discussion in the art world as to whether fashion belongs in the arts. That sounds ridiculous, as it absolutely does. How do you find new artists? The gallery launched with 14 artists, but continues to grow. Instagram has been instrumental in my search for new artists.…

Corrina Hill lives here with her partner Tom Yoxall and their two children, Camille, eight, and Oliver, six. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom terraced Victorian villa in south London. WHAT IT COST Kitchen units......£10,000 Appliances..........£3,000 Sink..........................£500 Tap............................£150 Worktops.............£2,500 Lighting...............£2,000 Flooring...............£4,000 TOTAL................£22,150 “We were inspired by my nana’s sun lounge, where we spent so much time sitting and talking – a space that people would gravitate to all year round ”…

WHERE TO BUY 1 Mariella radiator, £188, The Pure Bathroom Collection 2 Mini orchid in green ceramic pot, £19.99, Dobbies 3 Luxcity Uptown Brown floor tile, £19.95sq m, Walls and Floors 4 Mode Orion white countertop shelf with Ellis basin, £259, Victoria Plum 5 Esenzia Fenice patterned wall tile, £29.24sq m, Tile Mountain 6 Scent One diffuser, £28, Kelly Hoppen A FREESTANDING TUB DESERVES PRIDE OF PLACE IDEAL GREAT DEAL…

1 IT’S VERY VERSATILE Cladding can be used for numerous applications, from a central external feature to a small internal panel. It has the adaptability to cover all areas. 2 IT LOOKS SMART Wood coverings work well together with other exterior materials. They can also be used to make an internal feature. 3 THERE IS A CHOICE OF FINISHES Timber cladding can be left untreated so that it weathers to a silver-grey, or can be stained with UV oil. The latter route will require more maintenance though. 4 IT CAN BE VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL Be careful with the profile details if you’re changing between the two – make sure the water can run out of a tongue-and-groove joint. 5 THERE ARE MANY TYPES Western red cedar is one of the…

Last year’s endless summer took us all by surprise and if you were too busy enjoying the sunshine to plan your dream garden, this booklet has arrived just in time. From creating an outdoor living room that you can relax or entertain in from dawn to dusk, to finally planting that kitchen garden you’ve always dreamed of, these pages are packed with smart buys, clever advice and inspirational ideas to help you make your outdoor space THE place to be, all summer long.…

FUEL THE FIRE The age-old debate over charcoal versus gas barbecues is mainly down to personal preference. For convenience, gas models win as they require less cleaning and can be up and running quickly. On the flip side, charcoal grills are thought to give food a more authentic barbecued flavour. GOOD WOOD When choosing wood to fuel your pizza oven, look for dry hardwoods like oak, beech or maple and avoid wood with a high sap or oil content, such as pine or eucalyptus. It’s important to keep your firewood stored in a dry place, as damp wood will burn poorly and produce a lot of smoke. QUICK SERVICE Consider how much cooking space you’ll require to cater for family and friends. Pizza ovens tend to only cook one pizza…

A Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168 anniesloan.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Aqualine Saunas 01484 937337 aqualinesaunas.co.uk B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Beaumonde 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk Bramblecrest bramblecrest.com Bridgman 020 8804 7474 bridgman.co.uk C Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 cuckooland.com Cuprinol 01753 556979 cuprinol.co.uk D Dobbies 0131 561 6406 dobbies.com Dunelm 0345 165 6565 dunelm.com E eBay ebay.co.uk F Forma 020 8646 3883 formahouse.co.uk G Garden Street 0333 577 1926 gardenstreet.co.uk Garden Trading 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk George Home 0800 952 0101 george.com Glowing Embers 0844 587 6034 glowing-embers.co.uk Grand Illusions 01747 858300 grandillusions.co.uk H Habitat 0344 499 4686 habitat.co.uk Homebase 0345 077 8888 homebase.co.uk Hozelock 0870 850 1959 hozelock.com Husqvarna husqvarna.com I Ikea 020 3645 0000 ikea.co.uk J…

WE KEEP SEEING... BUBBLES These bobbly bits are taking texture to the max BRINGING A BEACH PARTY TO THE BACK YARD IDEAL GREAT DEAL Swoon’s gone outdoors The latest escapade from online homeware brand Swoon is the new 51-piece mix-and-match garden range. These chic, linear pieces have an urban style stamp that will cast graphic shadows in the evening light and the range of matt powder coated colours means you can opt for a tonal combination – think pastel mint with bottle green, or stick to classic black and grey. Prices start at £169. POUNDLAND’S DOING WEDDINGS! It’s no secret that getting hitched doesn’t come cheap, so Poundland’s new range will help keep the costs of those decorative details to a minimum – well, £1 in fact! Simple but chic,…

IDEAL GREAT DEAL…

Outdoor room The back garden was a patch of churned-up lawn until garden designer Barbara Samitier turned it into a series of lushly planted spaces linked by paths. ‘It’s transformed how we live,’ says Julia. ‘We sit out here all the time.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Original 1227 giant outdoor lamp, £3,100, Clippings The Thompson family have lived in this house for 10 years, but transforming it has been a slow-burn process rather than a rush-in-and-rip-out project. ‘When we first moved in, our son Frank was a baby,’ says Julia, ‘so we settled into living here and took our time choosing what to do. ‘Then, three years ago, we bit the bullet and reworked the house’s layout. We hired Robert Dye Associates to create a double-height extension at the back…

Hanging plant rail Ikea’s simple curtain pole comes in black, white or grey and can be easily used to create a wall display of plants. Scandi-glam dining chair Upgrade cheap chairs by spraying the legs gold and using Velcro strips to attach luxe-looking, cosy sheepskins. Hairpin-leg console Double-stack shelf units and attach metal legs (you can buy them online) for one-of-a-kind, space-efficient storage. Media unit Fix a wardrobe door to the top of a pair of step stools and a sheet of MDF through the middle to create a low console for a den or playroom. Basket lampshade Remove the handles and spray it black, add a bulb and cord – and you’ve got a designer-look lampshade. Memo roll Fix two leather cabinet handles to the wall and slip in…

STYLIST’S NOTE “Swap the gold finishings for matt black instead if you want a more contemporary feel to your bedroom ”HOLLY WALSH , FEATURES EDITOR…

Replacing doors and fascias can provide a quick, affordable refresh, to achieve a seriously impressive kitchen that punches above its price tag. Q Are all kitchens suitable? Check that cupboards are in good condition. Anything under eight years old should be fine but look for structural damage, particularly near the sink. Q How do I get the right size? Doors come in standard and made-to-measure sizes. You’ll pay more for made-to-measure, and delivery will take longer, too. Measure the doors in situ. ‘Measure from the back, as this is the squarest part,’ says Steve Larkin, director, Lark & Larks. ‘Measure height, then width, in millimetres. Generally a door is 5mm shorter than a cabinet and 4mm narrower, so if a cabinet is H720xW500mm the door would be H715xW496mm.’ Q Will…

Mary Mount lives here with her husband, Simon. THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom Edwardian semi in north London. WHAT IT COST Units................£32,878 Worktops...........£3,804 Appliances........£8,353 Sink........................£672 Tap......................£1,600 Floor and splashback........£1,200 TOTAL..............£48,507 “I didn’t want a kitchen that was the same as everyone else’s. I love the mix of wood with blue laminate, I’ve not seen anything else like it…

Kate Cusack lives here with her husband, Andrew, and their children, Sienna, seven, and Dexter, five. THE PROPERTY A five-bed Thirties Art Deco house in Brighton. WHAT IT COST Bath.......................£1,298 Basin and vanity.....£986 Shower head, tray and screen...........£2,400 Taps..........................£718 Joinery.................£4,000 Tiles.......................£1,856 Mirror cabinet..........£961 Loo...........................£793 Heated towel rail....£875 TOTAL................£13,887 “Relaxing in this bath with a glass of wine is my idea of heaven! ”…

The couple always intended to extend, but when Rebecca became pregnant for the fourth time, they had to speed up their plans. ‘There was no space to enjoy being together or for the kids to run around,’ says Thomas. FINDING THE SPACE ‘There was an odd side-return area where leaves and rubbish collected. We thought building over it would be an easy way to gain a bigger living area.’ The couple found architect Adam Knibb through a friend (adamknibbarchitects.com) and liked the look of his previous work. HITTING SNAGS Thomas and Rebecca thought the project would be straightforward, but there was a nasty surprise waiting for them. ‘We discovered that the house had virtually no foundations,’ says Thomas. ‘So a lot of steelwork had to be put in to support…

Visit saks.co.uk to find your salon, check if they are participating and book in, mentioning this offer. TERMS AND CONDITIONS First appointment half-price offer valid on selected hair or beauty services with selected staff on selected days at participating Saks salons, from 30 April to 30 June 2019. Mention offer at time of booking and bring this page to appointment. Contact your local salon to find out if they are participating. Not valid on gift vouchers, products, UV tanning or clinics, and cannot be used with any other offer. Services may vary from salon to salon and are subject to availability. Only original pages will be accepted – photocopies are not valid. No cash alternatives will be offered.…

Oil press CI Oilpresso, £299, UK Juicers Most cooking oil is produced at very high temperatures, which destroys many of the oil’s natural health-giving properties. The CI Oilpresso (H35xW30xD18cm) uses cold pressing to squeeze out every last drop of oil from your chosen nuts and seeds, so you can make the freshest salad dressing possible. THE BEST BIT It’s so easy to use – just put nuts and seeds in  the stainless-steel auger, press the button and it’s done in 30 minutes. Sous vide stick Joule Sous Vide by ChefSteps, £154, Amazon By cooking food slowly, at a low temperature and in a sealed bag, sous-vide cooking creates moist meat and fish with vitamins and minerals retained. The Joule Sous Vide (H27.9xDia5cm) turns any pan into a water bath, allowing…

A A New Tribe 07815 534545 anewtribe.co.uk Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com Abstract House abstracthouse.com Adam Knibb Architects 01962 680221 adamknibbarchitects.com Also Home 01483 608611 alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Anglepoise 02392 224450 anglepoise.com Anna Jacobs 07813 321496 annajacobsart.com Annabelle Holland 020 3397 1964 annabelleholland.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com Ao.com 0344 324 9222 ao.com Arbol House 01244 329643 ovohome.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Baby Grey 0800 246 1452 babygrey.co.uk Barbara Samitier 07733 005461 barbarasamitiergardens.co.uk BC Designs 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk Beko 0333 207 9710 beko.co.uk Black Dog Pottery blackdogpottery.uk Blue Suntree 0116 267 0267 bluesuntree.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 01143 217000 bobbyrabbit.co.uk Bristan 0844 701 6273 bristan.com Bushboard 01933 232272 bushboard.co.uk…

3 OF THE BEST… TALL BORDER PLANTS DELPHINIUM ASTOLAT Growing to a height of 1.5m, this plant produces a super pretty spike of pink flowers from June to September. HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS ‘ANNABELLE’ Enjoy its thick bushy leaves in winter and big puffball heads of white flowers in summer. DAHLIA MIGNON With its rich purple foliage, this gorgeous, bee-attracting plant flowers for months on end, adding plenty of drama to a garden. WHERE TO BUY 1 Black lantern, £20 for two, Wyevale Garden Centres. 2 Ella James macramé box hanging seat, £65, Notonthehighstreet. com. 3 Murcott jute square floor cushion, £175, Soho Home. 4 Warm white LED clear cap festoon lights, £30 for 10, Lights4Fun. 5 Lynton Garden Dagenham teak dining table, £1,599, Wayfair. 6 Matai garden armchair, £83.99, Maisons du…

CUSTOMISE If you’re struggling to find a set to fit your outdoor space well, consider a modular design. WEATHER WATCH While it’s generally advisable to store outdoor cushions away from the elements, materials are becoming more advanced and modern-day seat pads are often made in shower-proof fabrics. Check the specifications on your new purchase before buying and be sure to follow the maker’s guidelines to avoid damage. BE PRACTICAL If you’re after a sociable spot to chat with a group of friends or family, a sofa and armchair set with a central coffee table is best. But for a quiet spot for two, try a double daybed or wide lounger for a more relaxed option. INSIDE OUT Choose garden furniture that echoes your interior style to ensure a seamless flow…

MAGICAL ESCAPE The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo, £16.99 (Quercus Books) An enchanting story set in Malaysia about a dance hall girl and an orphan boy. PERIOD DRAMA The Road to Grantchester by James Runcie, £14.99 (Bloomsbury) The captivating prequel to the Grantchester series, set in post-war London. ROMANTIC READ The Day We Met by Roxie Cooper, £7.99 (Ebury Publishing) An epic will-they-won’t-they love story of two people already in relationships.…

GET THE RIGHT UTENSILS BBQ tool set, £7.25, Sainsbury’s Home PROTECT YOUR HANDS Silicone BBQ gloves, £8.99, Amazon GIVE HOME-SMOKING A GO Kitchen Craft smoking oven, £64.99; smoking chips, £14.99, both Lakeland MAKE USE OF POCKETS Artisan canvas apron, L70cm, £59.95, Nkuku WHEEL EVERYTHING OUT Tice garden drinks trolley in teal, £99, Made.com KEEP GARNISHES FRESH Sommar bowls, £4 for set of three, Ikea TIDY UP THE CONDIMENTS Steel six-part caddy, £12, Dunelm SHAPE THE PERFECT PATTY Gentleman’s hardware burger press, £18, John Lewis & Partners…

“Give industrial black and white a global twist with terracotta accents and lots of boho texture ”VANESSA RICHMOND , EDITOR BLACK FRAMING The crisp black edging around this wooden unit and window mirror give them an industrial edge. Telford dressing table, £99; mirror, £129.99; Bailey table lamp, £34.99; diamond basket, £19.99 for two; tasselled baskets, £34.99 for two, all Ideal Home range, Very. Elephant ornament, £14.99, Very STATEMENT CHAIR A modern armchair in a look-at-me geo print works well with neutral walls and floors. Echota chair, £329; Genoa cushion, £16.99; Nomad tassel bolster cushion, £15.99; Folk Geo rug, from £59.99, all Ideal Home range, Very. Black decorative shelf, £32.99, Very IDEAL HOME LOVES... Global buys at Very.co.uk IDEAL HOME loves Hospital-style beds A classic piece that…

HOW TO GET THERE Fly to Gdansk – 15 minutes away by train – with Ryanair from all around the UK, from just £50 return. THE LOCAL AREA Part of Poland’s famous Tricity area, this spa town is full of beautifully restored architecture. Gdynia and Gdansk are within easy reach, too. WHAT TO SEE AND DO Amble down the longest wooden pier in Europe or take a walk along the pretty coastal path. By night, beach bars become music venues with live jazz and dancing. WHERE TO STAY Hotel Bayjonn (bayjonnhotel.pl) sits in the heart of Sopot’s main strip, just a short walk from the beach. Double rooms from £50 a night.…

Add pattern with global prints Switch classic nautical stripes for tie-dye, batik and block printed tile cushions in bold, indigo blue. WHERE TO BUY Coast 3 seater sofa in Denim, £999, DFS. The Pandora pouffe, £180, French Connection Home and cushions, £44.50, from a selection at Bohzaar are similar Add a grass motif Look for pretty grasses prints or use the real thing in a vase as a colour-neutral alternative to flowers. WHERE TO BUY Farmhouse bench, £159.99 for two; Farmhouse table, £249; Coastal reed shade, £12; check throw, £16; hi ball glasses, £8 for four, all Argos Home Introduce an industrial edge Retro-style rattan chairs are everywhere right now, but these black metal rockers give this one a whole new look. WHERE TO BUY Zanzibar chair by Charles Bentley,…

IDEAL GREAT DEAL…

Hanging plant rail Walls painted in Grey Steel 2 eggshell, £36 for 2.5L, Dulux. ON POLE (from left) Small hemp storage basket, £30, Posh Totty. Trailing cactus in pot, £38.50, Wyld Home. Modern macramé hanging planter, £15, Rachel Rogers Shop at Etsy. Flora large hanging succulent, £148, Design Vintage. Pink macramé hanging basket, £15, Debenhams. Faux trailing succulent, £35, Design Vintage. Modern crochet hanging planter, £26, Rachel Rogers Shop at Etsy. Faux string of pearls, £45, Design Vintage. ON LEDGE (from left) Textured basket, £29.99, Zara Home. Dypsis Lutescens potted plant, £20, Ikea. Almira handwoven natural seagrass platter, £12, Debenhams. Large cane glass vase, £55, French Connection Home. Rustica bottle vase, £19.50, Wyld Home. Faux palm leaf, £12.50, Nordic House. Colour fade plant pot, from £14, Forest & Co. Hanging…

TRATTORIA TASTE This wood-powered oven has two heated stones – below for a crispy base, and above to melt toppings. Oven, £525, Städler Made STATEMENT OVEN This oven is big enough to double as a garden heat source in the evenings. Forno outdoor oven, £999, Morsø COOKS THREE WAYS This inexpensive but versatile model can be used as a pizza oven, BBQ or smoker. Flame Master 3-in-1 Charcoal Pizza BBQ, £100, Robert Dyas POSH PORTABLE Enjoy pizza anywhere, however you want it, with this transportable oven, handmade in Yorkshire. Very Black oven, £1,200, Delivita “For a 10in pizza with an authentic thin base, roll out a piece of dough that’s just larger than a golf ball”AMY CUTMORE, DIGITAL EDITOR RUSTIC TOPPING Made of crack-resistant clay, this cooks three pizzas, one…

Jenny Pitt lives here with her husband Rhys and their children Noah, seven and Rosa, five. THE PROPERTY A four-bed Edwardian terrace in London. WHAT IT COST Built-in storage....£1,850 Flooring...............£2,600 Furniture.................£598 Paint........................£309 Shutters ..................£595 Radiators.................£693 Mirrors......................£318 Sanitaryware..........£886 Shower..................£1,994 Tiles..........................£707 TOTAL................£10,550 “Sometimes I sneak up to my bedroom during the day as it’s such a peaceful place to be!”…

IKEA CARCASSES Custom Fronts supply handmade wood doors to fit Ikea cabinets, and can work to plans from Ikea’s online kitchen planner. CLASSIC LOOKS Foxstow Shaker Doors offers more traditional options, in standard Howdens, B&Q and Ikea sizes, or bespoke sizes. The company can handle details like cornicing or island units, and scribe end panels for a perfect fit. BUSY PEOPLE Kitchen Magic does it all, from fitting new worktops to removing old doors and fascias, or improving an existing layout.…

WHERE TO BUY 1 Oyster Shell stone tiles, £17.95sq m, Walls and Floors 2 Flex hot tap, from £1,150, Quooker 3 Natterbox chairs in oak, £250 for two, Loaf 4 Lene Bjerre Flora dollar plant, £55, Sweetpea & Willow 5 Out of the Blue nearly matt emulsion, £34.99 for 2.5L, Dowsing & Reynolds 6 Fjord dining table in oak and blue, £229, Made.com 7 Bloomingville stoneware green plant pot, £29, Hurn & Hurn SHINE A LIGHT ON YOUR WORKTOP OR ISLAND IDEAL GREAT DEAL…

We’ve identified four key points you need to know when tackling a tricky bathroom project. Take a look at our top solutions for compact spaces. Q How do I get started? Kitting out a tiny bathroom might seem a challenge, but there’s no need to compromise on style. Browse the options at VictoriaPlum.com to decide what’s important to you, then draw out a scale plan, allowing space around the fittings for moving around the room. Keep the loo in place if possible as moving the soil stack can be a costly job. Don’t forget to include those luxurious touches, such as statement tiles or underfloor heating for chilly mornings. Q Will a bath fit? At VictoriaPlum.com some are as short as 1400mm, while a corner bath could work with a…

Thomas and Rebecca Carter live here with their four children, George, Wilf, Arthur and Emma. THE PROPERTY A five-bed Victorian house in Winchester, Hampshire. THE VALUE  Bought in 2015 for £885,000; now worth more than £1.4million. WHAT IT COST Architectural and construction work..............£250,000 Glazing..............£15,000 Kitchen ............£40,000 Resin flooring....£9,000 TOTAL............£314,000 “We used to have meals in two sittings because there wasn’t space for us all, but now we eat together at the table”…

“App-controlled washing machines are great for when you’re on the go, but if you want top performance with minimum fuss, look for models with built-in sensors, often called fuzzy logic. These assess each laundry load and alter the washing conditions for the best possible cleaning”LAUREN CLARK, WASHING MACHINE EXPERT, AO.COM Oxygen action iQ500 WM14T790GB, £850, Siemens This super-efficient A+++ rated, 1,500rpm spin, 9kg model (H84.8xW59.8xD59cm) has a speedy 15-minute cycle, plus sensoFresh, which uses oxygen to remove odours from fabrics without water. It’s even safe for dry-clean only items. THE BEST BIT You can stop a wash cycle and open the door, without causing a flood, to add items you may have forgotten. Deep cleaning QuickDrive WW90M645OPO/ EU, £869.99, Samsung Quiet Mark approved, so great for open-plan spaces, this 9kg,…

Red rice with feta TAKES 35min SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS • 2tbsp mild light olive oil • 2 cloves • ½tsp ground allspice • 1 bay leaf • 300g basmati rice • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 500ml vegetable stock • 1tbsp chopped coriander, plus a few leaves to garnish • 100g feta cheese, crumbled 1 Heat the oil with the spices and bay leaf. Add the rice and cook for a few min to toast and coat in the oil. Add the tomatoes and stock and season. Cook on a low heat, covered, for 25min. 2 Uncover, stir in the coriander and sprinkle over the feta. Pop under the grill to brown, then serve garnished with coriander leaves. Fish tacos TAKES 30min SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS • 1½tsp smoked paprika • 1½tsp garlic powder • ½tsp chipotle powder • 300g grilled fish fillets • 250g…

Jane Ashmore bought her beach hut on Mersea Island, Essex, in 2011. She lives nearby in a four-bedroom detached house with her husband Barry. ‘As a little girl, I loved caravan holidays – the tiny space to sit, eat and sleep. Having a beach hut recreates that feeling. The fact that I bought it with my mum makes it even more special as it became a reminder of those childhood memories and also a place to make new ones. We got it for the family to enjoy. Now my son and daughter are grown up, it’s become my solitary space. Men have their sheds; I have my beach hut. “I dress up Betty throughout the year – red roses for Valentine’s Day, bunting and eggs at Easter, Christmas decorations…” I…

3 OF THE BEST… COLOUR-RICH PLANTS TREE FERN Relatively hardy plants that can reach heights (and diameters) of up to 5m, tree ferns are ideal for filling out bare spots with lush foliage. LUPINUS ‘THE CHATELAINE' A cottage garden favourite, this tough perennial features tall spikes of pink and white flowers all summer long. ACER PALMATUM The deep colour-rich leaves of the Japanese maple are perfect for adding a warm, contrasting hue to the greenery. WHERE TO BUY 1 Balinese parasol in cream, £250, Raj Tent Club. 2 Steel watering can, £30, Garden Trading. 3 Bréhat spruce garden armchair in grey, £178.50, Maisons du Monde. 4 Hanging hurri with candle and tea light holders, from £14.95 each, both Grand Illusions. 5 Peacock feather embroidered teal cushion, £15, Kaleidoscope. 6 Slemcka…

SIZE MATTERS First, measure your space to work out what size table will fit. Remember to leave enough room for doors to fully open or bifolds to fold back, as well as space for people to move around freely. MATERIAL WORLD Sturdy wood is an ever-popular choice for outdoor furniture thanks to its natural appeal and hard-wearing qualities. Teak is particularly popular as it is rich in oil, which makes it water-resistant. Metal furniture comes in several different forms – wrought iron, although attractive to look at, will rust, whereas aluminium has a protective anti-rust coating. All-weather weaves are another good option, designed to replicate the look of natural rattan. SAVVY STORAGE For compact outdoor spaces, a folding dining set is a smart choice as it can easily be stowed…

DAY TO NIGHT Dancook firepit, £169.99, Dobbies Suitable for use with both wood and charcoal, this firepit (H50xW78 xD74cm) can be switched from barbecue to campfire simply by removing the grate. THE BEST BIT: The low design makes it perfect for toasting marshmallows. PIZZA PRONTO Ooni 3 outdoor pizza oven, £199, Lakeland Fuelled by beechwood pellets, this compact pizza oven (H67xW64xD35cm) reaches temperature in just ten minutes and can cook your pizzas in as little as 60 seconds. THE BEST BIT: The three little legs mean you can place it down on any surface for use. EXTRA SIDES Texas Stardom gas BBQ, £329, Homebase Its generous grilling area (H120.7x W145xD57cm) means it’s more than capable of cooking for large groups. What’s more, the price tag won’t break the bank. THE…

LAID-BACK LOUNGER Mastholmen armchair, £90, Ikea ADD AN ATMOSPHERIC GLOW Resin solar lanterns, £32.99 each, Dobbies SET UP A SMART SHADE Malta parasol, £65, B&Q LIGHT UP THE NIGHT Festoon squirrel string lights, £70, Amara SHOWCASE SUCCULENTS Concrete planters on wooden stands, £129 for set of two, Out & Out THROW IN SAFARI STYLE Tawi outdoor cushion, £20, Maisons Du Monde REST A COOL DRINK Rive Bistro tray table, £25, Garden Trading BRING IN BOHO CHIC Kilimanjaro outdoor rug, £49.95, Cuckooland…