Innholdsfortegnelse for Nov-2018 i Style At Home

Hurrah! There’s a nip in the air, so I’ve launched myself into full-on snuggling mode. Don’t get me wrong – I love the summer and mellow autumn days, too, but it’s just that on the sofa with a hot choc-slash-G&T, hunkering under a cosy throw, is my favourite place to be! Of course, it’s a sweet excuse to load up on wintery accessories, because a home can never have enough cute tealights or faux-fur cushions. Or anything with pom-poms on, basically. There’s loads to love in this issue – and shopping for it is super-easy now that we’ve teamed up with Ownable. Just download the app, search for Style at Home and put in the number of the page you’re looking at, to find all the products on it ready…

MATALAN Forest lodge Style a cosy retreat with comforting textures and warming berry hues VERY.CO.UK Modern manifesto Combine metallic accents with mono tribal patterns for an urban global scheme HOUSE OF FRASER Deco maximalist Go all out with vibrant shades, jungle motifs and gold galore JD WILLIAMS Urban geo Make it modern by combining abstract shapes with pretty pastels Style Maker KATE SAYS ‘You could soften the urban geo style by adding a few natural touches, like greenery and weathered wood pieces.’…

This property was originally built in 1836 as a school for underprivileged children, with one side for girls and the other for boys – in more recent years, it was split into two houses,’ says Beck. ‘My partner Marc and I had been looking in the area as we were keen to stay within easy access of both Manchester and Leeds.’ We nearly didn’t come to see this house as it’s on a main road, but once here, we were drawn to the spectacular views from the back, and it had plenty of storage which was high on our priority list. Our offer was accepted after a second viewing but unfortunately it fell through on the day we were due to exchange contracts, as our buyers pulled out. We were…

Create a welcoming home filled with colour, pattern and greenery. Beck has put together an eclectic, laid-back scheme mixing retro designs, Scandi-style pieces and her own quirky upcycled finds. With a muted palette of soft green throughout, the decor flows easily from room to room, with accents of mid blue, chalky grey and soft stone giving each room its own individual look. An abundance of plants and foliage adds a botanical finishing touch.…

When our house search began in early 2014, my husband Darren and I knew we wanted a spacious family home in need of a little work that we could make our own,’ says Jenny. ‘We spotted this property on Rightmove, and it appeared to tick all of our boxes. Despite being cluttered and painted in a cocktail of garish colours, it had the potential to become the home we had in mind. However, we soon realised that the work required was more than cosmetic. Starting from scratch We received the keys in February 2014 but the house was far from ready, so Darren and I moved in with my parents while the renovation took place. We gutted almost the entire property. We ripped out the kitchen, the bathroom and the…

NEXT HOME Your one-stop-shop for stylish homeware, this sells everything from investment furnishings to accessories. FARROW & BALL A hotspot for drool-worthy paint hues, Farrow & Ball is renowned for its array of beautiful heritage shades. GRAHAM & GREEN You’ll find all manner of gorgeous furniture and trinkets here. Be sure to check out the accessories, too – there’s something to suit almost every interior scheme. TOPPS TILES A go-to for affordable tiles, you’ll find almost every shape, colour and pattern under the sun, but the statement tiles are particularly pretty.…

When my husband Jeremy and I moved here from London in 1999, we bought a 400-year-old cottage,’ says Anne. ‘It was quirky and jam-packed with period features, including beams, an inglenook fireplace and wonky floorboards. Jeremy runs a company called Collars which makes hand-crafted wooden oars, masts and spars for boats, and he’s great at woodwork and all sorts of DIY jobs. I’ve got a background in fashion and textiles and just love interiors, so we both relished putting our stamp on the cottage. Although it was initially ideal, after our four children came along, it became increasingly tight for space and there was no way of extending. On the hunt We started house-hunting in earnest in 2013. As weeks rolled into months, nothing we viewed appealed at all. Running…

KATE SAYS ‘Mood boards or Pinterest boards are a fun and helpful way to visualise different styles and see what works together, particularly for multiple room projects like this one.’ JESSICA SAYS ‘Create your own original features – if your room is modern or lacking in character, add some yourself, as Jeremy has done with the handmade ceiling beams in the couple’s converted garage.’ ANDREA SAYS ‘Having a seat, bench or blanket chest at the foot of the bed is really useful. Pick one with enough room to store blankets and extra bedding, ready for the winter months.’…

Take an uninspiring Eighties house and give it a rustic, Scandi-inspired makeover with muted colours and lots of cosy finishing touches. Keeping to oak floorboards and mainly stone-coloured walls throughout has given Anne a neutral backdrop to build on, adding depth and character with painted feature walls, bold statement wallpapers and decorative rugs and runners. A collection of prints, artwork and family photos adds a comfy vibe, arranged on walls in gallery-style formation or dotted around the room on shelves and tabletops.…

the STYLE RULES Create a laid-back Orange County vibe Make contrasting accent colours pop by juxtaposing them on a neutral backdrop. START WITH WHITE Painting walls white and choosing large pieces of furniture in white will create the feeling of space. Opt for furnishings in curvy mid-century shapes and dress them with colourful cushions in geometric repeats. CREATE CONTRAST For impact, pick accent colours that appear on opposite sides of the colour wheel. KEEP FLOORING NEUTRAL And add a splash of colour with an ombre rug. the STYLE RULES Go bold with a lively palette and graphic prints Create a vibrant mid-century scheme by combining abstract patterns with curvy furnishings. INTRODUCE GEOMETRIC PRINTS Abstract wallcoverings and textiles in blue, grey and mustard create an authentic mid-century…

Wall and fireplace surround painted in Stiffkey Blue modern emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5L; window wall painted in Ammonite modern emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5L: shutters painted in All White estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, all Farrow & Ball. Shutters, £1,200, Hillarys. For similar, try Gleam square coffee table, £223, Furnish.co.uk. Durrie patterned floor cushion, £95, Habitat. Glorious Velvet yellow cushions, £29 each, Rockett St George. For similar, try Crewel Offset Colour Blocks cushion cover, £34, West Elm. Stockholm mirror, £60, Ikea. For similar light fittings, try the Axis pendant lamp, £340, Super Studio. Brunel three-seater sofa, £999; Isa rug by Linie Designs, £305; Varese blue cushion, £39, all Heal’s. Marlon armchair in tan leather, £1,500; Baule cloth cushion cover in Indigo Stripe, £99, The Conran Shop. Catarina Ikat drum lampshade, £145,…

ABOUT ME I’m Emily Waddecar, 26. I’m a UX designer and I live with my cocker spaniel in a three-bedroom, Twenties semi in Lancashire, bought in March 2017. It’s my first house and needed top-to-bottom renovating! MY CHALLENGE The house was almost derelict and full of spiders! There was a dining room and a tiny, dark kitchen, with mouldy walls, collapsing cupboards and a leak from the bathroom above. MY WISHLIST A practical, open-plan space with lots of light and somewhere to entertain friends. It had to be stylish and symmetrical, with a bit of an industrial feel.…

RECLAIMED BRICKS Cawarden has the UK’s largest stock of reclaimed bricks, and also sells seriously realistic reproduction bricks and brick slips. Brick-matching service and friendly knowledgeable staff. THE RIGHT TOOLS Jewson is the place for labour-saving tools like a Roughneck Brick & Mortar Gun, to make repointing easier. Stock up on a decent trowel and brick jointer. LEARNING HOW TO DIY Plastering Workshop has taught bricklaying since 2002 and runs one-and two-day courses, in Bedford or Dumfries, from £119. No previous experience or specialist tools needed.…

Chatsworth bath with Graphite bath panel, £289; Chatsworth closed coupled toilet, £149; Burlington Edwardian basin, £149; Orchard Quadrant shower cubicle, £159; electric shower, from £100; Beaumont bath taps, £69; sink taps, £39, all Victorian Plumbing. Andira Rural Oak floor tiles in smooth brown, £46.52sq m, Topps Tiles. Bevelled brick white gloss tiles, £9.95sq m, Walls & Floors. Bathroom column radiator, £199, Screwfix. Wall cabinet, £70, Argos. Walls painted in Warm Pewter bathroom paint, £24.99 for 2.5L, Dulux. Stockholm mirror, £75; Saxborga storage tray and jars, £12, all Ikea. Roots wall shelf, £74, La Redoute. Mustard towels, from £6; slate grey towels, from £6; washed wood bath rack, £15, all Dunelm. Havana yellow planter, £14, Sainsbury’s Home. New York travel poster, £13.95; Barcelona travel poster, £13.95, both Desenio. For a similar…

VINYL VIBES Carpetright stocks a wide range of faux parquet. A popular choice is parquet vinyl, which is easy to clean, water resistant, slip-safe and warm underfoot. TOTAL BARGAINS Discount Flooring Depot offers an inexpensive parquet herringbone-effect laminate flooring in various shades of oak. Called the Signature Collection it starts at just £13.49sq m. UNDERFLOOR HEATING If you want underfloor heating, porcelain wood-effect tiles are the way to go. While real wood may warp and dry out under constant heating and cooling, porcelain won’t. Try Porcelainsuperstore.co.uk…

DRESSER DUTY Pick combined storage that’s perfect for jewellery or make-up. Urban Escape mint storage mirror, £15, Argos Buy now with Ownable PAPER TRAIL Hang above a desk to keep surfaces free of paperwork. Floral noticeboard, £20, Dunelm Buy now with Ownable WORKTOP TIDY Too many mugs? Lighten the load with this neat wooden mug tree, £20, Debenhams Buy now with Ownable SHOE STASH Contain an overspill of shoes in this tidy that’ll hang over a door back. Esperanto 12-pocket storage, £30, Habitat Buy now with Ownable KEEPING HOUSE Encourage little ones to get the tidying bug at an early age with this cute House storage bag, £59, Bobby Rabbit Buy now with Ownable BOX CLEVER Get a stacking basket with lid that’ll come in handy in the kitchen, bedroom…

WRAP UP YOUR DOOR Seal door gaps of up to 8mm with self-adhesive foam. Stormguard Extra Thick Weatherstrip, £7.79 for 3.5m, Screwfix Buy now with Ownable STOP LETTERBOX GAPS Letterboxes often allow gusts in but this cover keeps them out. Stormguard Letterbox cover in Silver, £8.82, Amazon Buy now with Ownable END UNDER-DOOR DRAUGHTS Screw this bar to the bottom of a door to stop cold air creeping under. Diall aluminium and rubber draught seal pack (L105cm), £10.23, B&Q Buy now with Ownable…

USE LEFTOVER FELT AND FABRIC REMNANTS TO MAKE A CO-ORDINATING PADDED PHOTO FRAME HOT WATER BOTTLE COVER YOU WILL NEED Hot water bottle Wool felt Fabric scissors Four buttons Yarn Cotton fabric Needle and thread Dried camomile flowers Ribbon 1 Cut the felt the same height as the bottle and wide enough to wrap round and overlap by 4cm. 2 Stitch on two buttons using yarn, as pictured. Leave a length on one button to fasten. 3 For the pocket, cut a 10x27cm piece of fabric. Press all four edges 5mm to the wrong side, then fold the strip in half, 15cm from one short end. Sew around three edges to create an open pocket. 4 Put the pocket onto the front of the cover and sew down the two…

Gastropub classics at home Co-Op has introduced a range of gastropubstyle ready meals that claim to be restaurant quality… and we agree! Called Irresistible, the dishes range from a pancetta-wrapped chicken breast in sweetcorn sauce, cottage pie, sausage and mash, lamb hotpot and venison with braised red cabbage, plus three pasta dishes. What’s more, the whole range will be packaged in either pressed board or foil, both widely recycled. CHEAT’S EATS Fancy a big old bowl of carbs this week? Then treat yourself to one of Marks & Spencer's brand new pasta dishes, Tomato & Pesto Mascarpone Strozzapretti. Made with a deliciously moreish tomato and basil sauce, pesto, mascarpone and sweet semi-dried tomatoes, the pasta – kind of like a stretched fusilli – is topped with pine nuts for a…

A  Aga 0800 111 6477 agaliving.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168 anniesloan.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com A Rum Fellow 020 8245 6779 arumfellow.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com Ayers & Graces 01582 536760 ayersandgraces.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com B&M bmstores.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200 bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com Baylis & Harding 01527 505000 baylisandharding.com Bemz 0800 048 8404 bemz.com Bobby Rabbit 01143 217000 bobbyrabbit.co.uk C  Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Cath Kidston cathkidston.com Cawarden 01889 574066 cawardenreclaim.co.uk Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055 clarissahulse.com Clarke & Clarke 01706 242010 clarke-clarke.com Cloudberry Living 0330 123 3301 cloudberryliving.co.uk Co-Op coop.co.uk Crown crownpaints.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 cuckooland.com Cuisinart 0370 240 6902 cuisinart.co.uk Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960…

Alex O’Connor ABOUT ME I’m 25 and I live in a two-bedroom flat in Essex with my boyfriend William, 28. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM? I’m lucky that William lets me have free rein over the decor, so I’ve turned our spare bedroom into a spacious, girlie dressing room – it’s so handy for getting dolled up for a night out! Jessica Charge ABOUT ME I’m 40 and I live in a Thirties semi-detached house in Southampton with my husband Matt, 46, and son Isaac, two. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MONEY-SAVING TIP? It’s worth spending money on an accessory if you really love it and it’s a key part of a room, but don’t invest in trends you can buy cheaply on the high street. Robyn Swain ABOUT ME I’m 27 and…

1. Add a traditional armchair A classic wingback conjures up smart country style, but for a contemporary twist choose a two-tone plaid fabric, then layer up autumnal shades. 2. Pick a modern lamp Swap a traditional wood-turned floor lamp for a sleek metallic design. Go for polished copper or brass – the warm metals will add a gentle glow to the room. 3. Pile on snug textures Choose grainy wood finishes, woven baskets, tweed-effect upholstery and woollen cushions. Plus, don’t forget a fluffy faux fur throw over the sofa for those chilly nights. 4. Work in forest animals Find rabbits, hares, foxes and hedgehogs nestled among tealight holders, ornaments and cushions in a mix of embroidered or folksy block prints. NEW LOOK Cosy cottage GET THE LOOK TOTAL…

ABOUT ME I’m Beck Hanson, 39, and I live with my partner Marc, 40. MY HOME A three-bedroom semi-detached in West Yorkshire, which we bought in 2006. WHEN I BOUGHT IT Although the previous owners had done some work, the interior was basic and felt unloved. The rooms were liveable, but we wanted to make lots of cosmetic changes over time. AND NOW The house has a distinctive eclectic style and is filled with a mixture of retro designs and Scandi-style pieces. Marc and I love colour so we’ve used plenty of it to give each room character. STYLE TIP If you’ve fallen out of love with a piece in your home, try moving it into a different room or revamping it with a lick of paint.…

GO WITH A GREY BASE Pale grey is a great neutral option for surfaces as it’s warmer than white but has a contemporary edge that’s perfect for a modern eclectic look like Beck’s. Use pale shades on walls, and choose larger pieces of furniture and soft furnishings such as sofas and rugs in mid to light tones. EMBRACE GEO PRINTS Smart, contemporary geometric prints on cushions, rugs and wall art stop an eclectic scheme going too country-rustic. Triangles, diamonds, hexagons and zigzags are some patterns that work brilliantly for a modern touch. ADD TEXTURE WITH WOOD Keep your look warm and relaxed with a variety of wood tones and finishes, from stripped floorboards like Beck’s, to side tables and shelving. Make sure there’s a wooden element in every room to…

ABOUT ME I’m Jenny Swift, 37, a fashion merchandiser, and I live with my husband Darren, 38, his daughter Grace, 12, and our daughter Thea, who’s three. MY HOME We live in a four-bedroom Thirties semi-detached house in Rothley, Leicestershire, which we bought in February 2014. WHEN I BOUGHT IT It had been quite neglected for some years, and while the extended part of the house was relatively modern, the rest had issues including damp and rot, and was in desperate need of updating. AND NOW It’s stylish, colourful and full of character. STYLE TIP Buy big pieces from second-hand stores to save money for styling and finishing touches.…

Look on the bright side with a flamboyant scheme that’s packed with vibrant colours and bold patterns. With barely a neutral in sight, Jenny has given each room its own style and personality, from the striking dark grey sitting room with its tropical vibe to the luxe aqua-and-silver bedroom with pops of hot pink and orange. Savvy shopping proves that high-end style can be achieved on a budget, with Jenny mixing high-street bargains and second-hand finds with thrifty hacks.…

ABOUT ME I’m Anne Freeland, 48, and I live here with my husband, Jeremy, 48, and children, Grace, 18, May, 16, Charlie, 14 and Harry, 13. MY HOME A detached house, built in the Eighties, in Oxfordshire. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT It had just two storeys. The downstairs rooms were quite small and boxy, and the decor was busy and tired. AND NOW The house has been replanned and is light, spacious and modern. It now has three storeys, with a main bedroom and en-suite in the loft, and a kitchen-diner on the ground floor, plus a new snug, study, hall and utility. STYLE TIP Choose a neutral palette and then, to inject a touch of striking colour and drama, add a few bolder dark tones.…

DESIGN VINTAGE ‘It stocks furniture, soft furnishings and accessories that complement our home really well. I particularly love its cushions and baskets.’ HOMESENSE ‘Great for adding individual touches. I find it’s particularly good for unique mirrors – most of our mirrors have been bought from there.’ H&M HOME ‘Perfect for reasonably-priced cushions and accessories. I’ve bought cushion covers for as little as £3.99 each.’ IKEA ‘When I need a storage solution, Ikea is my go-to store. The Kallax unit is so versatile. We’ve used it in our study for books and in the hall for shoes.’ THE RANGE ‘This store always come up trumps when I’m looking for clocks. Great for accessories, such as barn stars and candles.’…

BE BOLD WITH COLOUR Break free from safe neutrals and brave it with a darker paint shade such as navy, charcoal or emerald green. If you have a long room – like Anne’s dining space – painting a shorter end wall a darker shade will make it appear to come forward, so the room feels shorter and squarer, rather than overly long. Or if you have a large open-plan area, painting one or two darker accent walls is a good way of breaking up the space and defining the different zones. SIZE-UP A MIRROR As a general rule, if you’re hanging a large mirror or piece of art above a fireplace, aim for one roughly two-thirds the width of the mantel, rather than one that lines up exactly with the…

1 Room with a view Create a line-up of pictures to fill empty wall space above a living room sofa. Display framed prints and photos on a slimline picture ledge rather than hanging them on the wall, so you’ll be able to swap them around or rearrange if you fancy a change later on. 2 Step-by-step Upcycle an old wooden step ladder and use the rung section as a hanging rail for sofa throws. Once its clean and paint-free, sand the surface smooth and finish with stain or varnish. Then just prop against the wall and snake your blankets through the rails. 3 CLEVER MAKE Revamp a cabinet by replacing handles with leather tabs. Cut an old belt into 10cm lengths, fold in half and drill a hole through to…

Pick the right paint finish. Gloss might add the glam factor, but it shows up every imperfection on the wall’s surface – matt is kinder. Work with the right accent shades. Warm yellow is a great pairing for dark blue. Neutral surfaces, such as a crisp white ceiling and pale-wood floor, also act as a foil for strong colour. Paint architectural features such as built-in shelves and fireplaces in the same dramatic shade for maximum impact in a room. Don’t dismiss dark shades as an option if your room is on the small side. Dark walls add drama and height that works just as well in smaller spaces. Dark walls can also help striking art prints really pop, so are a great option as a feature wall behind an collection…

IT Kitchens Santini Gloss White Slab units, £61 for standard 600mm base unit; Square Edge Solid Oak worktops, approximately £150sq m; Beko oven, £200; Beko washing machine, £400; Cooke & Lewis microwave, £140; Cooke & Lewis cooker hood, £143; Cata integrated fridge, £228; Cata integrated freezer, £275; Cata integrated dishwasher, £263; Franke Bern tap, £50; Cooke & Lewis Cajal sink, £152; Lofthouse Patchwork floor tiles, £20sq m, all B&Q. Bautechnic gas hob, £70, Amazon. Metro White wall tiles, £19.50sq m, Topps Tiles. Graham & Brown Honolulu Palm wallpaper, £20 per roll, B&Q. Walls painted in Pencil Point emulsion, £21.50 for 2.5L, Crown. Foxhunter Metal Retro bar stools, £79 for four, KMS Direct. Tom Dixon Beat pendants, £50 for three, car boot sale. Touchpoint D-bar cabinet handles, £3.48 each, IronmongeryDirect. Fintorp…

We always wanted a house that would be a project, so we could get the exact look we were after, and we’re not afraid of hard work,’ says Sophia. ‘So it was a dream come true when my husband Tom and I finally got the keys to our home in October 2015. However, it needed a lot more work than we originally imagined. The house hadn’t been decorated since the Eighties. The electrics and pipework were almost retro and the walls were in really bad condition. The bathroom was a top priority as I was desperate for a proper bath and a space I could relax in. Making plans I love all the planning when we are decorating a room and I always start the renovation process with a lot…

Wood-effect ceramic and porcelain tiles are now more realistic than ever. They offer the character of wood but are more practical. Tiles are a great solution in bathroom spaces as they can be used in wet areas such as showers. Vinyl flooring feels softer underfoot and is a fuss-free alternative to wood as it’s durable and easy to maintain. It’s also a great option for tight budgets. Laminate can be used in bathrooms as long as you choose a type that’s fully waterproof. Try the range at B&Q – ask in-store for advice as you need to buy the right underlay.…

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3 of the best… OIL SLICK BUYS Oil slick double-aperture photo frame, £35, Lund Buy now with Ownable Oil slick cactus vase, £8, George Home Buy now with Ownable Jacks rainbow ring holder, £10, Red Candy Buy now with Ownable…

Each month the Style At Home team goes all out to bring you the latest exciting, creative and stylish things we think you’ll love, and that will inspire you in your own home. But we know that inspiration is only the start. Bringing these ideas into your home takes effort. You need more than just a sharp eye – you need time. Searching online isn’t always as straightforward as it should be, and while we all love browsing in real shops, there’s no doubt it can take time to find the perfect piece. Meet Ownable – a new service for our readers Style At Home has teamed up with Ownable to bring you a new service that connects you directly to the source of the ideas and products we show…

Add a compact ledge at the end of a run of worktop (or along the edge of a peninsula). Make it semi-circular if space is really tight – this will give you enough space for a couple of bar stools. Fit a wall-hung table – you could even use a drop-leaf one so that you can fold it up when it’s not in use. Pair it with a folding stool. Steal ideas from small spaces like boats or caravans and add a section of worktop that slides or folds out when extra surface is needed.…

Gather friends and family on Bonfire Night for a cup of comfort. Make it extra cosy by creating a fun hot chocolate station, offering bowls of marshmallows and enamel mugs wrapped in twine, so your guests can make the drink the way they like it.…

GLENN SAYS ‘I love the typography in here, especially the wall slogan. Try it in unusual places, such as quotes on a big lamp shade, along a skirting board, or along the edge of a kitchen unit.’ ALEX SAYS ‘This room is so full of character. The unique cushions, the prints and the neon sign are a match made in heaven!’ ROBYN SAYS ‘I love the pops of hot pink that Jenny has used on her bedroom walls and accessories. It really ties everything together, but without making the look too fussy. Dark or bold florals give an interior scheme such a whimsical feel.’…

WOW WITH BOLD PATTERNS If you’ve fallen for a statement wallpaper but are afraid to commit, compromise by limiting pattern to just a single feature wall with adjacent walls in a toning shade to co-ordinate. Large-scale patterns can also work well in small spaces such as an en suite or cloakroom – be brave and embrace the look with pattern running wall to wall. GO DARK WITH PAINTWORK Painting walls a deep, moody hue will add a feeling of luxury and warmth in a sitting room. Instead of keeping with regular white-painted woodwork and trims, which can be too much of a sharp contrast, try painting shelves, bookcases and skirtings in the same dark shade so the walls and woodwork blend into one for a seamless look. MIX AND MATCH…

Introduce the classic working triangle. Arrange the key task zones of fridge, cooker and sink at three separate points so that it’s easy to flit from one to the other. Go for cupboards in a pale palette and introduce reflective surfaces to bounce light and make the room feel more spacious. For a light feel, choose an all-white scheme. A pretty voile blind will soften the look, and add pops of colour with accessories that can be easily changed. Handle-free doors are great in a narrow space as you’re less likely to bang into them when moving around the room. A symmetrical design will feel more balanced – think about creating visual balance, for example having taller units like the fridge and wall cupboards facing each other.…

Swap a desk for a shelf unit such as the Ekby Alex shelf from Ikea, which also includes a couple of drawers to stash work stuff. Make one piece of furniture work harder – a dressing table in the bedroom can double up as a desk space. Keep paperwork in a box to limit clutter. Make use of dead spaces such as on the landing, under the stairs or even in a built-in wardrobe! Look out for ladder-style desks that can be propped up against the wall and offer extra shelving.…

Delight guests on Bonfire Night by serving homemade toffee apples dipped in crunchy nuts and finished with sparkling sticks. Simply cover the tips of the wooden handles in glue and dip into glitter. Leave to dry, before inserting into the apples.…

As a first-time buyer, I was looking for an affordable doer-upper. This house was in a really awful state, but having lots of my family, including my mum and dad, in the building trade put me in a great position. I had masses of expertise on hand to sort it out, and everyone rallied round to help me achieve my vision on a budget. Making a start The house had been empty for months and was a complete mess inside, but the high ceilings, big rooms and amazing light flooding in at the back all really appealed. At first I thought I’d keep the dining room and kitchen separate, but the kitchen was small and too dark, so knocking down the dividing wall was an obvious move. The kitchen worked…

From modern industrial to rustic country, a brick feature wall adds texture and warmth. And achieving the look could cost nothing more than a bit of hard graft. Q Which wall should I expose? Stick to one wall or a section with natural start and finish points, such as a chimney breast or alcoves. A wall without doors, windows or radiators will be easiest. Any electric cables will also be exposed – galvanised trunking works well with brick’s industrial vibe. Q Can I do the work myself? Absolutely. Drill a test hole in the plaster to check the brickwork is worth stripping. If it’s damaged or the colour isn’t your bag, refill the hole. If not, prepare for serious dirt and dust. Cover every surface and seal doors. Work methodically…

ABOUT ME I’m Sophia Hardy, 35, and I live with my husband Tom, 35, and our children Harrison, five, and Wilf, two, in our four-bedroom terraced house in Lichfield. We moved here in October 2015. MY CHALLENGE The bathroom was extremely dated. The bath had been removed to make room for a double shower. There was damp and the window was rotten. The floor sloped, so nothing was level. MY WISH LIST To reinstall the bath! Not having a bath was a big deal – using the shower to bathe two small boys was a struggle. We needed both a bath and a separate shower in a modern, family-friendly design.…

Wood parquet is flooring made up of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern, from squares and triangles to herringbone and chevron. However, faux parquet made from ceramic or vinyl can be every bit as impressive. The real thing Parquet used to be made from solid wood, but now there are engineered designs too. Engineered parquet floors are made from layers of processed wood with hardwood on top, whereas solid-wood designs are made from solid pieces of timber, which offer greater durability. Choose from harder woods such as oak, maple or walnut, while softwood parquet is made from materials like solid pine. Choose your finish For an industrial-style look, raw or distressed parquet will work well. For a more traditional feel, a polished design that has a shine to it…

Try your hand at upcycling Transforming tired old furniture is a thrifty (and immensely satisfying) way to create bespoke pieces for your home. But if you’re an upcycling newbie, check out the new Upcycling Kit from Harris. It has all the essentials you need, including two sanding blocks, three paint brushes, a dustsheet and a how-to guide, all you need to add is paint and your chosen piece to transform and off you go. Need more inspiration? Check out the easy-to-follow online instructional videos at harrisbrushes.com. Transform weathered wood Give unpainted wood door and window frames protection for winter with Ronseal’s new 10 Year Woodstain. Just sand any flaky surfaces, wipe with white spirit, then apply. Rainproof in an hour, it comes in 11 shades. WHEN BUYING WALLPAPER, ALWAYS CHECK…

Discover your style Serial mover Moorea Seal takes you on a comprehensive decorating journey in her book Make Yourself at Home (£19.99, GMC). Along with exciting projects that include techniques like macrame and marbling (check out this cool celestial mouse mat!), she offers handy advice on how to cultivate a harmonious space on a budget. Sectioned by room, you’ll also find case studies and top tips from inspirational designers/makers and bloggers. It’s the ultimate resource for the contemporary creative homemaker. COUNTRY CRAFTS The Country Homes & Interiors Christmas show is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit. Browse and shop at more than 100 stands in marquees filled with rural crafts and gift ideas, plus live demos. Taking place at Penshurst Place in Tonbridge from 9-11 November and…

BLOODY MARY HOT DOGS TAKES 30MIN SERVES 4 12 cocktail sausages 3 onions, 1 chopped and 2 sliced 2tsp olive oil 200g passata 1tsp smoky spiced hot sauce Generous pinch of celery salt 2tbsp tomato ketchup 3tbsp vodka (optional) 200ml vegetable oil 5tbsp plain flour 6 hot dog rolls 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Cook the sausages for 10-15min, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown. 2 Meanwhile, make the Bloody Mary sauce. Fry the chopped onion in the oil for 5min to soften. Add the passata, hot sauce, celery salt, tomato ketchup and vodka, if using. Simmer for 10min. 3 Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan. Meanwhile, coat the sliced onions in the flour. 4 Gently put 1 onion ring in the hot oil…