Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2019 i Style At Home

Coming out of summer-holiday season and heading into autumn always feels like a bit of a reboot. Not on the New-Year scale, but definitely a need for a shake-up – a new pair of winter boots; a new exercise class; a new recipe to try and new things for my home! I always focus on my bedroom and living room at this time of year – switching to my high-tog duvet and folding a blanket at the end of the bed, swapping cotton cushions for velvet and wool, getting creative with clusters of tea lights… Whatever room is on your mind right now, you’ll find lots of project inspo in this issue, from the essential (i.e. potentially stressful) redos to the fun stuff (making autumn wreaths, p106; spooky Halloween decs,…

When I first viewed this place, I knew straight away that it had potential,’ says Lorna. ‘My husband Neil and I had been hunting for a new home for five months and it was disappointing how tiny the properties were. Our rented ex-council flat in East London was starting to feel cramped, and I wanted to be within walking distance of my work studio in Deptford. After trawling property sites, we finally found this flat within our price range and just half an hour’s walk from my work. The rooms were more spacious than those we’d seen previously and, with plenty of light coming in from the large windows, it was easy to look beyond the clutter of furniture and walls covered in dingy brown paint the texture of sandpaper.…

Think carefully abut the kind of image you want in the room before putting paint on the wall. Consider the function of the room, and also the furniture you have. The simpler the image you have in mind, the better, as it will be easier to live with and tie in with all the other room elements. Draw the design accurately on a sheet of graph paper (four squares per inch is easiest to scale up onto a wall). When you’re happy draw the design onto the wall. Use vinyl matt to paint the image so it matches the matt finish on the plain walls. Use a selection of brushes – thick ones to apply paint to the larger areas of colour, and finer brushes for the finishing touches. Always…

Having lived in a shared house in Hackney for 12 years, surrounded by people, I started feeling unsettled and fed up with renting, so began looking for a place of my own,’ says Jessie. ‘I wanted to stay in the East End of London, as my workshop and shop are close by in the Columbia Road Flower Market, and I like the vibrancy of the area with all its quirky shops, markets and cafés. I heard that an old factory was being renovated nearby, so I came to look and knew immediately it was right for me. I needed my own space and as work has become busier, it’s great to be able to relax behind my own front door at the end of each day. Although the flat is…

‘INJECT YOUR BATHROOM WITH PERSONALITY AND COLOUR – IT SHOULD BE AS HOMELY AS EVERY OTHER ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE’ LITTLE GREENE I always go here first when I’m looking for paint. The colours work especially well in older properties. BRIXTON POTTERY I treat myself to one of its cups now and then. It uses a spongeware method that’s been around for many years and often uses old-fashioned designs featuring lots of animals. WARREN EVANS My go-to place for handmade wooden beds in simple styles. LABOUR AND WAIT I love the enamelware and the focus on great colours. It’s a real celebration of functional design. Always worth a look. JESSIE CHORLEY I sell handmade embroidery and appliqué and also teach workshops. I usually work with paper or fabric, mainly from…

With both my husband Robert and I working demanding full-time jobs, we were keen to find a property that didn’t require lots of structural work or major changes,’ says Lucy. ‘This house had been recently refurbished by a property developer in order to sell on, which meant that all of the usual issues that come with renovating a Victorian house had already been dealt with. He had extended the kitchen to create an open-plan dining area, which was a huge bonus, as well as converting the loft to add that all-important fourth bedroom we were looking for. The house had been kitted out with mod cons in terms of heating and lighting, and the finishes had been done to a high standard. The walls and ceilings had all been replastered…

1 Paint a glass vase in a fine layer of your base colour to just under where you’d like the colours to cross. Allow to dry and repeat. 2 Finish your top colour either above or below the halfway point of the vase. Use a tape measure to ensure an even finish. 3 For the second colour, pick an accent shade that’s already used in your room, or try a metallic finish such as gold or copper. 4 Protect the inside of the vase with masking tape. Spray the vase from the bottom up. As you approach the line where the colours cross, reduce the spray and hover a piece of paper in front of the line to help break up the application of the paint. Allow to dry, then…

1 Switch-up with seasonal pieces Get ready for the changeover to winter with a cosier bedroom set-up. Swap out summer bedlinen for warm brushed cottons and soft flannels. Layer up the bed with throws in thick woollens, knits and faux furs for a super cosy scheme. 2 Be storage savvy Use a run of cupboards as a headboard. It’ll give you a ledge for displaying keepsakes, while inside you can store summer clothes and bedlinen. 3 SAVE SPACE Make the most of a small bedroom by swapping bulky bedside tables for side shelves. Team with wall lights instead of table lamps so you’ve room for a few more essentials. 4 Go half and half with colour Introduce a duskier tone into an all-white bedroom by painting the lower part of…

1 Use a masonry hammer and chisel to gently chop away the plaster until you can see the brick underneath. If the brick looks in good condition (not crumbly or cracked), then continue to chop away the plaster on the rest of the area you want to expose. 2 Using a wire brush, scrape away any loose plaster from the bricks and mortar. 3 Starting from the top of the wall, clean off any residue with warm water and a sponge. 4 Finish with a specialist brick sealant – this will seal the brick and help eliminate any draughts.…

Strike out with a dramatic monochrome splashback above the hob. Brixton tiles, £59.95sq m, Topps Tiles Glam up the kitchen walls with a smart metallic piece or two. Classic copper-effect wall clock, £6, Wilko Team modern, Scandi-style chairs with a weathered wood table for contrast. Moda dining chair, £75, Cult Furniture Mix in plenty of texture with tactile fabrics and a woven rattan pendant. Tylway pendant shade, £99, La Redoute Put the focus on the walls with moody, bold artwork. Palm Leaf print, £35, White Black Grey Display a stash of wooden boards in all shapes and sizes. Acacia wood paddle board, £16.96, Harts of Stur Slot in slimline ladder shelving to display your favourite kitchenware. Aldsworth wooden shelf ladder, £159, The Farthing Light up your prep area with a…

A white suite is timeless and will reflect the light to make the room feel bigger. A vanity unit will give additional storage and keep sides clutter free. Metro tiles with a grey grout are an on-trend option. Continue the tiles up the wall, bath and shower for a cohesive look. Fit integrated storage into an alcove for towels and other essentials. Baskets are a stylish solution for keeping ugly bottles out of sight. Try tiling ledges behind the loo, basin and windowsill to add display space for candles and plants. Ditch a shower curtain in favour of a clear screen which won’t block out light but will protect the rest of the room from splashes while showering.…

Tidy away toiletries in these open baskets. Wire square baskets, £40.50 for two, Gisela Graham Make a statement with a large circular mirror. Alana round mirror in brass, £119, Made.com Go timeless with simple chrome fittings. Sleek thermostatic shower column, £495, Frontline Bathrooms Upgrade accessories with some luxe-look pieces. White marble-effect tumbler, £4, George Home Lay down some pattern with bold vinyl flooring. Baroque Lisbon vinyl flooring, £17.95sq m, Lifestyle Floors Bathe in bliss with all of your essentials in easy reach. Bamboo bath rack, £17.99, Clas Ohlson Green up the walls with a vibrant, leafy print. Green Branch Portrait print, £29.95, Abstract House Draw eyes upwards with planters suspended from the ceiling. Hanging two-tone plant pot in Grey, £35, Rose & Grey Combine a sleek basin with smart storage.…

CELEBRATE THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS WITH A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR WREATH MADE FROM FORAGED AUTUMNAL FLOWERS, LEAVES AND BERRIES Wreaths give all who see them a warm welcome and play an important role in the Scandinavian home. Every season gives cause to create a new wreath – an autumnal circle of blushing berries, rosehips, oak leaves and hydrangea blooms is gorgeous and long-lasting, plus it’s easier to make than you might think. YOU WILL NEED Grapevine Florist’s wire Rosehips Blackberry branches Hydrangeas Oak leaves (with acorns attached) Linen fabric Secateurs Scissors 1 G ATHER THE GRAPEVINE Decide on the size of your wreath — the one pictured is 55cm in diameter. Collect as many lengths of grapevine as you think you need and soak them overnight to make them pliable.…

Sew bohemian Get to grips with more than 50 embroidery stitches while creating fantastic folksy designs in Modern Folk Embroidery by Nancy Nicholson (£14.99, FW Media). Known for her beautiful embroidery kits, Nancy takes inspiration from different cultures to share projects spanning fashion, accessories and home decor. The modern sampler pictures are ideal for beginners, while more experienced stitchers will love the pinafore dress and table runner. TRY YOUR HAND AT... UPHOLSTERY HEAVYWEIGHT FABRICS WORK BEST FOR UPHOLSTERY AS LIGHTER ONES WEAR MORE QUICKLY Before you throw out that old chair with the ripped seat pad – read on! With just a length of fabric, a square of foam and a staple gun, you could make a pre-loved piece like new again. Drop-in seats, footstools and headboards are all ideal…

PIÑATA CAKE  TAKES 1HR 25MIN SERVES 12-14 375g butter, softened 375g caster sugar 375g self-raising flour 2 eggs 2tbsp milk 3-6tsp sprinkles FOR THE DECORATION 250g unsalted butter 500g icing sugar Few drops of vanilla extract 4 tubes Smarties 450g mini Smarties 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the flour, eggs and milk, and beat until smooth. Mix in the sprinkles, then divide between three greased, lined and floured 20cm round cake tins. 2 Bake the sponges for 25-35min or until they’re firm to touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean. 3 Remove from oven and leave to cool in the tin for 5-10min. Move to a wire rack to cool completely. 4 Trim the tops of two sponges to…

Embrace global style in your home this autumn with Next Home's Fusion range. With a softer, more natural palette of mono colours and earthy shades, it's all about strong pattern and plenty of texture – perfect for making a style statement without looking garish. 3 of the best... FAUX PLANTS…

1. Create a gallery wall Try a versatile mix on a wall by combining artwork with signs, objects and hooks, plus a couple of large statement pieces like a mirror or clock. 2. Show some metal For industrial style, introduce metal with black framed side tables, flashes of copper and brass, and tea light holders to reflect the burnished materials. 3. Go for a graphic print This urban look suits strong designs like maps, typography, abstract shapes and bold stripes. Choose vintage city-map prints on cushions, artwork or wall murals. 4. Add a classic arc lamp No loft-style look is complete without a statement floor lamp. An arc light adds mood lighting and contrast to any rustic finishes. Brooklyn loft GET THE LOOK…

ABOUT ME I’m Lorna Syson, 33, and I’m a printed textile designer and owner of my own online store. I live with my husband Neil, 32, a surveyor and our dog Jenkins. MY HOME A three-bed post-war maisonette in southeast London. We bought it in March 2013. WHEN I MOVED IN It felt dated and unloved, with moth-eaten carpets and sandpaper-textured walls in oppressive shades of either dark brown or maroon. AND NOW We’ve replaced the kitchen and decorated throughout with bright, bold patterns – mostly my own designs – and neutral tones. STYLE TIP Go bold with pattern, but give them breathing space by introducing plain, neutral tones.…

EMMA BRITTON I love her etched floral glassware and splashbacks, which make beautiful designer touches in any home. FIDGETY FOOTSTOOLS I like being able to use my own fabrics to create individual pieces, and this family-run upholstery business provides a bespoke service where furniture can be covered in a fabric of your choice at affordable prices. LORNA SYSON My online shop sells bright and hand-printed fabrics and accessories for the home, as well as printed cards and stationary. B&Q My one-stop shop for all my DIY basics, as well as decorative touches, such as the wallpaper on the bath panel and the palm wallpaper in the guest bedroom. EBAY Still my favourite way to find vintage gems. Second-hand furniture can add character and charm to a home and there are…

ABOUT ME I’m Jessie Chorley, 39, a textile and paper artist. I sell my work both from my London shop and online at jessiechorley.com. MY HOME A one-bed flat in a Victorian converted factory in East London. I moved here in 2016. WHEN I BOUGHT IT The flats in the building all looked the same, with wooden floors, pale walls and functional white kitchens. AND NOW I’ve added dramatic bursts of colour to the rooms and made both the kitchen and the bathroom dark and cosy. STYLE TIP Create themed displays throughout the house. I’ve done this with animal motifs – my favourites are rabbits and swans.…

1 Small to medium drawers are best as they won’t need as much support to secure them to the wall. 2 Make drawer dividers from wooden offcuts to create an extra shelf to maximise your display space. 3 Paint the inside to showcase your collection. Plain white will help frame objects, while dark blue, grey or black are ideal for metallic pieces. 4 If you want to paint the drawer front, too, first give it a light sanding. Then clean and apply a coat of wood primer, followed by another light sanding. Finish with a coat of your chosen paint. Chalky furniture paint is a prep-free alternative. 5 Line the back of the drawer with decorative wrapping or wallpaper. Cut to fit and secure with spray adhesive. 6 Secure to…

ABOUT ME I’m Lucy Merrell, 36, and I live here with my husband, Robert, 35, and son, Felix, 16 months. OUR HOME A four-bed Victorian terraced house in Staffordshire, which we bought in March 2016. WHEN WE MOVED IN The walls were all painted magnolia and, although the period features were intact, the rooms lacked any real character. The kitchen and bathroom had been fitted, but the other spaces needed personality. AND NOW Cosmetic changes throughout have turned an empty shell into the colourful family home we had hoped for. We’ve introduced new furniture, paint colours and accessories in each room. STYLE TIP Choose items that can work in more than one room, so you can change them up when you want to freshen up the look.…

HOMESENSE Lots of one-off finds and decorative accessories at great prices, particularly if you love boho or global style. H&M HOME Available in larger stores and online, there is a wide range of Scandi-style accessories, crockery and bedding, as well as small pieces of furniture. NEXT HOME From lighting to large items of furniture, Next sells everything for the home and you can visit its larger stores to browse inspiring room sets. DESENIO Lucy’s go-to online shop for affordable prints and posters, framed and unframed, with styles to suit every taste. LA REDOUTE Contemporary and boho-inspired pieces of furniture and accessories abound in this online French store. It also has a great range of rugs.…

Rustic BLUES Work a classic scheme with denim blue and worn wood the STYLE RULES Achieve an oasis of calm with a base of blue Pared-back furnishings and traditional shapes are key to achieving this relaxed look. WOW WITH DARK SHADES Paint walls in a deep, inky blue to set the scene. KEEP FLOORS BARE Simple wooden floorboards complement this laid-back feel perfectly. Soften the look with a tonal rug in off-white. INTRODUCE LINEAR PATTERNS Choose accessories featuring stripes in toning colourways. ADD A TOUCH OF METALLIC Lighting in brass or gold will help prevent the look from becoming too coastal. Folksy FARM Layer natural materials to add country charm the STYLE RULES Effortlessly style a restful and rustic country retreat Enhance a laid-back,…

When it came to buying our new home, it was a toss-up between two houses we were interested in. But being able to put our stamp on this one appealed most, plus it had two large double bedrooms, which were perfect for the twins,’ says Jenny. ‘We converted the loft in 2013, as Phil wanted another bathroom, and then I fell pregnant with Lara, so the extra bedroom was essential! Initially, the open-plan layout really worked for us, then the children grew, their needs changed and it was a case of make this house work or move. And so began “Project Downstairs”! Starting point The biggest challenge was finding a builder/architect who could fulfil our wish list, as most struggled! Hours of watching interiors shows meant I knew it could…

Kitchen wall units with twin handles in Strass Gloss Eolis in Celest; floor units in Arcos in Canyon, £8,421, Schmidt Kitchens. For a cheaper alternative, try Driftwood Matt kitchen units, £136.13 for 600mm base unit, Kitchen Warehouse UK. Reginox Quadra 105 undermount sink is similar, £178.06, Sinks-taps.com. Try ART28604 built-in 20L microwave, £107.99, Myappliances. For a similar quartz worktop, try Nebula 925, from £1,699 for 6m, Whitton Worktops. Cooke & Lewis pull-out spray mono mixer tap, £127; Ximax Fortuna designer radiator, H1800xW472mm in Anthracite, £184.99, both Screwfix. Try Belling Gourmet 90Ei Professional Induction range cooker, £1,299, Currys. For a similar cooker hood, try Hoover HMB9600X 90cm, £149.99, Marks Electrical. Try LG GBB60PZGFB 60cm fridge freezer in stainless steel, £549, Appliance City. Dunsen Grey floor tiles, £21.99sq m, Tile Mountain. Splashback…

Buying our house, we knew all the rooms would need a rethink,’ says Lisa. ‘They were very dated with woodchip wallpaper throughout and completely not to our style. The bathroom was my least favourite room in the house – blue, with wallpaper and a seaside theme. It was functional however, while the kitchen had no white goods and the main bedroom and living room had no central heating – we had to prioritise those rooms first. We saved up for a couple of years to have the bathroom done, which gave me plenty of time to plan it all out. Changing the layout It’s quite a big bathroom for a two-bedroom terraced house, but the layout felt too spread out and didn’t maximise the space we had. The loo was…

Walls in Downpipe estate emulsion, £46 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Bathroom suite, £1,420 (with trade discount), James Hargreaves Plumbing. Wooden knobs, £3.99 each, Zara Home. Mini metro White tiles, £19.99sq m, Tons of Tiles. Baroque Lisbon vinyl flooring, £9.99sq m, Flooring Direct. Shelf, £50, Garden Trading. Brass hangers, £16, Rockett St George. Gold mirror, £72, The Forest & Co. Blind, £74, Blinds 2Go. Bathtub rack, £20, Habitat. Windermere hand towel, £12 each, John Lewis & Partners. Geo hand towel, £6, Next Home. Prints, from £3.95, Desenio. Loo roll holder, £25, towel hanger, £29, and brass hooks, £19, all Naken…

CLASSIC STEAK PIE TAKES 2HR 55MIN, PLUS CHILLING SERVES 6 1tbsp vegetable oil 750g stewing steak, cut into chunks 1 onion, chopped 350g mushrooms, quartered 2tbsp plain flour, seasoned 500ml ale 250ml hot beef stock 2 bay leaves 2tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped 320g puff pastry 1 egg, beaten, to glaze 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/Fan 150°C/Gas 3. Heat the oil in a large casserole and brown the steak in batches, then set aside. 2 Fry the onion for 5min, set aside. Brown the mushrooms and stir through the flour and cook for 2min. Add the steak, onions, ale, stock and bay leaves. Cover and cook in the oven for 2hr. 3 Add the parsley, then stir well and leave the pie filling to cool. 4 Roll out the pastry…

Go graphic on floors Transform your floors into a work of art with Atrafloor’s fun new Censor vinyl range. Inspired by 8-bit colour graphics from video games way back when (before CGI and HD were the thing!), the Censor range also features more subtle palettes of pixelated graphics including blue, pink and terracotta colourways. Perfect for creating a statement in kids’ rooms, kitchens or any room that needs a colour boost – go bold and bright for a vibrant atmosphere. Show your walls some love Most of us know Wickes as the go-to place for hardware, but now it’s launched a brand-new collection of wallpapers and murals. From minimalist Scandi prints to bold tropical designs, the exclusive online range has statement styles to change up your decor. INCREASE YOUR KERB…

Raise your packed-lunch game Kids bored of the same ham sandwich day after day? Transform lunchtimes with Warburton’s new full-sized bagels. Available as a pack of five, sliced, and in two flavours, the plain bagel is the perfect base for fillings like egg and avocado, salami and mozzarella and the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese. Why not mix cream cheese, vanilla extract and blueberries and pack into a toasted cinnamon and raisin bagel? Yum! Try a new taste Ever feel like you’re in a bit of a recipe rut? Herb and spice brand Schwartz has just launched a brilliant new range of street food seasonings that are bound to excite your tastebuds and inspire you to create meal after delicious meal. Travelling the world, from Korean BBQ and Argentinian…

A Aldi 0800 042 0800 aldi.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168 anniesloan.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Asos asos.com Atkin and Thyme 020 3768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Beaumonde 01202 707770 beaumonde.co.uk Beko 0345 600 4911 beko.co.uk Blinds 2Go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 01143 217000 bobbyrabbit.co.uk Bohemia 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk Boutique Camping 07967 134870 boutiquecamping.com Britton Bathrooms 01322 473222 brittonbathrooms.com C Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk CFS 0116 296 3800 choicefurnituresuperstore.co.uk Christy 0845 758 5252 christy.co.uk Cico Books 020 7025 2200 rylandpeters.com Clara Shade Sails clarashadesails.co.uk Clarke & Clarke 01706 242010 clarke-clarke.com Coastal Home 01625 578105 coastalhome.co.uk Crosswater 0345 873 8840 crosswater.co.uk Crown 0330 024 0281…

We keep seeing this amazing wall art, and we’re smitten @audrey_apple_ We reckon @betty_and_molly_’s painted stair runner is pretty close to ‘the dream’ Shelfie inspiration from @our_family_home Leopard print on the walls? Yes, please! @loves_leeds_homes we’re inspired Deep blues and teals are our total colour crush, and @lush_eclectic has it nailed We’ve all gone dotty over that dress, and @nics_nest_at_34 adds dots to her table @inside_no_53’s bedroom looks more stylish than most hotels we’ve stayed in Such a pretty gallery wall over at @sea.thrift.and.roses Could this be the prettiest kids’ room on the planet? We think so @whitelanedecor…

DEBENHAMS Midnight maximalist Indulge in opulent shades and sumptuous textures for an exotic look DUNELM Soft glamour Relax among powdery shades, painterly florals and iridescent touches GEORGE HOME Urban safari Team luxe velvets and metallic accents with jungle motifs SAINSBURY’S HOME Modern shapes Embrace broken geometric prints in a contemporary monochrome palette…

Marble has been firmly in the home decor spotlight for some time and shows no sign of departing, but now other members of the rock group are joining the party, too. Agate and rose quartz are like marble’s prettier cousins, featuring shades of pink, lilac and sky blue and even bringing glittering golds into the mix. Choose dreamy bedding, glam up your tableware or simply add a couple of gold-edged coasters or cushions to your living room.…

Use a vibrant geometric wallpaper on one wall as a way of creating a strong focal point or space divider in a multipurpose room. Choose a design that will work with the furniture and accessories you have. Lorna loves Scandinavian style and clean, simple lines, so she went for a sharp geometric pattern in retro colours as a backdrop. Get a good balance of styles by using both patterned designs and plain blocks of colour. Choose modern furniture with soft lines and streamlined forms to create a harmonious balance and prevent the scheme from looking too cluttered. Accessorise with printed cushions and paintings to make a splash, using contrasting colour and pattern to really bring your room to life.…

Use empty vertical space on walls to show off prized collections – items such as vintage scarves and maps work well displayed in frames, or you can mount a group of trays or plates directly to the wall. Small objects, such as thimbles, matchboxes and tiny ornaments, look great arranged in an old printer’s tray fixed to the wall. Look for similar trays on Etsy, eBay or at car-boot sales. Give a collection of vintage china a sense of grandeur by showing it off in a display cabinet, using decorative paper to create a colourful backdrop. Group similar objects in one particular area for maximum impact – try an array of ceramics on a sideboard or colourful glass vases on an open-shelving unit.…

Stack them up to create an open storage unit. Try to buy similar sizes and finishes for uniformity. Add screws to secure them to each other safely, as well as to the wall they are resting on. Make a side table. Turn a crate on its thinnest side and add castors to the bottom. Paste decorative paper to the inside. Fashion a wall shelf. Secure a crate to the wall using either hooks or a floating shelf for support. Use as shoe storage. Stack them in a pile by the front door and attach a name label to each one to make finding shoes nice and easy. Create crate trestle legs. Stack two at either end of a long piece of wood to form a desk. Make a coffee table.…

STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘Homely accessories, colourful fabrics and well-worn furniture create a relaxed folksy look.’ Nicky Phillips, Decorating Editor ‘Weathered blues like dark denim and sky blue work perfectly for a cocooning cabin feel.’ Stephanie Durrant, Senior Features Editor ‘Neutral tones give the perfect backdrop to fern and flora prints, while natural materials add texture.’ Heather Young, Executive Editor ‘There’s nothing more calming than a look inspired by nature, with bold colours and flowers.’ Nicky Phillips, Decorating Editor…

ABOUT ME I’m Jenny Jones, 46, and I live with my partner Phil Taylor, 39, and our twins, Zoë and Emilia, nine, and Lara, five. In 2012 we moved into this four-bedroom Victorian house in London, after outgrowing our rented house. MY CHALLENGE To rejig the open-plan layout and replace the small galley kitchen to create a large kitchen-diner, living/piano room and combined loo/utility room. MY WISH LIST We wanted to maximise the downstairs, so we could work, relax and eat together. The kitchen-diner would be the heart of the space, with a homely feel.…

Adding roof windows can transform a dark or dingy room. While perfect for loft conversions, roof windows can also be used to brighten up any room with no void between the ceiling and roof, such as extensions with flat roofs and rooms with mansard roofs. What is a roof window? Many people use the terms roof window, skylight and rooflight interchangeably. But, according to British Standards, roof windows must be installed in the same orientation and ‘in plane’ with the surrounding roof, typically at a minimum 15-degree pitch and weathered into the roof using a skirt or flashing. Which opening method should I choose? The two main options are centre pivot or top hung. The advantage of a centre-pivot is that it can be swung around for cleaning on both…

ABOUT ME I’m Lisa Aspden, 35, a speech and language therapist, and I live with my husband Phill, 35, a teacher, in a 100-year-old, two-bedroom terraced house in Stockport, Manchester. We moved here in 2014 and the bathroom was the last room we renovated. MY CHALLENGE The suite was dated and felt disjointed and there was a bulky old boiler cupboard in one corner that took up too much space. It was also a very cold room. MY WISH LIST I wanted to change the layout, repositioning the bath, shower and loo so it was more visually appealing as you walk in. Dark colours were a must, along with quality fittings that would last and brass accessories.…

Lowering your bathroom ceiling will make it cheaper to heat, as Lisa discovered, but will also save you money on materials. Less surface area to decorate means you won’t need as much plaster, paint or tiles. It can help balance the room’s proportions, too, which is beneficial in an awkwardly narrow or small space. How easy is it? The most popular method is to leave the original ceiling intact and create a suspended ceiling below. This involves building a timber frame attached to the original ceiling joists and/or perimeter walls. You could also use a specialist metal-frame suspended ceiling system. Then simply board over the frame and skim. ‘Ideally, go with moisture-resistant plasterboard to combat any build-up of condensation,’ adds Jeremy Wiggins, technical director, Gpad London Ltd. Who will do…

KEEP SAFE Stash plasters, medication and antiseptic cream in here for easy, speedy access. First Aid wall cabinet in Chalk, £55, Garden Trading SORT & SEE Keep stuff you need regularly in sight so you can grab and go. Maze storage baskets, £75 for set of three, Kelly Hoppen CUBBY BUDDY Store all those little bits and bobs that clutter up your countertop out of sight. Kanso storage drawers, £12, Sainsbury’s Home BATHING BEAUTY Pop your hand towels and toiletries tidily on this unit. GoodHome Adriska storage unit in White and Natural, £85, B&Q OUT OF SIGHT Make toy stashing fun for kids with this box, available in a range of designs. Potwells Grey Lion box, £21.95, Hurn & Hurn NEAT SEAT A chic and comfy bedroom stool that hides…