Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i Style At Home

As the emotional rollercoaster of mid-pandemic life continues, we’re with you every step of the way. While we’re mindful not to keep harping on about it, the team and I see our role in the ‘new normal’ (whatever that is – personally, I haven’t got the hang of it yet…) as being here to supply you with a steady stream of deliciously doable ideas for the stuff you CAN control: beautiful possibilities for your home and different ways to enjoy simple pleasures that enrich the everyday. If you’re loving the hour or so of much-needed escapism that your copy of Style at Home provides, but hating the trip to the supermarket or newsagent to pick it up, then now’s the time to subscribe. See the latest deal on p18 and…

This house ticked all the boxes,’ says Chloe, of the first time she and her husband Adam viewed the four-bedroom semi in east London. ‘We loved the large hallway and view of the garden as soon as you walked in, plus the house is in a quiet cul-de-sac, with off-street parking, good transport links to the centre of town and two high streets for shopping nearby, and the back garden looks out on to open grassland. However, we knew it would require a fair bit of work and investment to get the layout and interior working exactly the way we wanted it. Making plans The idea was for us to move up the housing ladder ahead of starting a family. We wanted the next move to be for at least…

Revealing the original bricks can be a bold look and will be the focal point of the room, so keep to just one section of wall, such as a chimney breast or inside alcoves. If you’re doing the work yourself, you’ll need to use a hammer and trowel to take off the plaster. It’s best to drill a test hole first to check the colour of bricks and what condition they’re in. Next, use a stiff brush to remove excess plaster or cement and then vacuum the wall. Brickwork will only need sealing if it’s to be in a moisture-prone kitchen or bathroom, as sealing will alter the colour and look of brickwork and can’t be reversed. As an alternative, consider faking it with brick slips, which are thin sections…

Before it was even built, Jessica felt certain she’d love her new house. ‘The design is virtually identical to the home I grew up in, so I knew it would feel comfortable and familiar, and the space would flow well,’ says Jessica. ‘Matt and I had viewed quite a few houses before a friend, who was buying on this development, suggested we came to have a look. ‘We were keen on a new build because I think they’re good value and we could benefit from the Help to Buy scheme. This house is on a corner plot, so it’s got a lovely big garden. It’s a bit quirky and different from most of the others we’d been to see and I just fell in love with it. Off-plan plans We…

Depending on your style and look, choose either a divan, which is usually upholstered and may incorporate storage drawers, or a wood or metal bedstead that will suit your scheme. A divan may have a sprung base, whereas a bedstead will probably have a slatted or woven wire base. Buy your mattress at the same time, so the two work together. Most mattresses are pocket-sprung, but new-generation latex and foam options are becoming more popular. The only way to decide what’s right for you is to try them out. Shop with your partner and lie on the bed for at least 10 minutes to check it’s comfy and big enough. If you’re buying online, look for suppliers offering a 100-day trial period. A statement headboard can be the focal point…

Being priced out of anything in London (even a garage!), we decided to move away, to be able to provide a more stable future for my son Ned, who has autism,’ says Beth. ‘We were both lucky enough to get job transfers to West Yorkshire, and I knew Wakefield vaguely, having visited for work previously. ‘I’d moved house a lot as a child, so the concept of relocating was very normal to me, and just deciding one day to move to Wakefield didn’t seem odd. I’m fortunate that Dave, who had never moved far from his family home, is very easy-going. Finding our new home This was the first of 11 properties I saw over a weekend of viewings. It had such a lovely feel, and I could see beyond…

Before you set off, make sure you have measurements of where the furniture will be positioned. Look for potential – if there is repairable damage that won’t cost a fortune to fix or a sturdy framed armchair that can be reupholstered, it could still be cheaper than buying new. Flea markets and car boot fairs can turn up a gem. Find a flea market near you using fleamarket. com or antiques-atlas.com Set up alerts for particular items on eBay and Gumtree to receive notifications when similar items come up. Keep an eye on sites like Freecycle and Freegle for local finds.…

the STYLE RULES MIX UP VINTAGE PRINTS Be daring with a floral patterned sofa and armchair in classic shapes, then arrange cushions featuring mismatched prints, plains and polka dots. Pick designs in similar colourways to pull it together. KEEP THE SCHEME FRESH Team nostalgic floral prints with white painted walls and simple white furniture. Full-length white shutters are a smart addition to windows. PRETTIFY A WORK SPACE Accessorise a sleek desk with ditsy floral stationery, such as decorative folders and a flowery mug used as a pen pot. Try making a matching Roman blind in a vintage floral print. PICK LIGHT FLOORING Go for a cream carpet in a living area and add further comfort with a chunky textured rug. In higher-traffic areas, pick a whitewashed effect wood…

As I absolutely love cooking and entertaining, the kitchen is the most important room,’ says Jade Rodrigues. ‘I was delighted when we viewed this house because the kitchen was a good size, but in a real state, with broken cupboards and dirty magnolia walls. ‘When we first moved in, we didn’t have a bedroom so we had to prioritise that and the living space before we started on the kitchen, but the upside was that we had lots of time to analyse exactly what we wanted from the kitchen. I spent hours on Pinterest and looking through interiors mags, making notes about what we liked. We sketched out our plans and once we knew what we wanted, it was just about making that happen within our budget. Deciding on the…

Plan the layout on paper or card. Take your first tile and use a tile cutter to cut at 45 degrees from one corner to the opposite edge. Lay the angled cut of your first tile along the bottom line. Place the next (full) tile against the top edge of the first, so the bottom corner touches the base line. Mark and measure a triangle to sit inside the two tiles. Work out both ways from the centre. Draw a vertical line on your wall, mark the midpoint use a spirit level to draw a vertical line. Apply the tile adhesive (follow instructions), apply the tiles, then clean the tile surface. Leave to set (follow instructions) before grouting. Clean off any excess, then buff the surface.…

After having our twins, we were keen to move out of London and decided on Lancashire, where I’m from,’ says Lucinda. ‘Although we’d never lived in a new build before, a small local developer was planning eight detached homes near Preston, so we reserved a plot off plan. ‘Being close to the motorway and airport, it was ideal for Sam to travel for his job managing musicians and DJs, and since I’m a freelance social media and marketing consultant, I can work anywhere. Once we’d sold our London house, we moved in with my mum while our new home was finished off. This meant we could choose the layout and fittings for the bathroom, two en suites and ground floor loo. We were supposed to be there for five weeks…

Instinct Hemsworth close-coupled loo, £525; Hemsworth classic 600mm floor-mounted basin unit, £392; basin, £197; Wilmslow double-ended bath, £712; Hemsworth bath shower mixer, £401; Hemsworth mono basin mixer, £150; Cool Twin thermostatic bar shower, £399; Instinct 8 quadrant shower enclosure, £936; Instinct low profile quad shower tray, £217; straight white towel radiator, £129, all James Hargreaves. Oriental Blanco marble hexagon mosaic tiles, £9.95 for a 290x285mm sheet, Walls and Floors. For similar shower tiles, try Victoria mini metro wall tiles in Gloss White, £9.95 a tile, Victorian Plumbing. Tongue and groove panelling, around £150, C&W Berry; in De Nimes estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Rainforest Rabble wallpaper, £108 a roll, Linwood at Wallpaper Direct. Bath and vanity unit in Orange Aurora intelligent satinwood, £35 for 1ltr, Little Greene.…

ABOUT ME I’m Sarah Jarman, 46, a graphic designer and enthusiastic Instagrammer@sarahjarmanalexander. I live here with my husband Paul Alexander, 50. Our home is a four-bedroom three-storey Victorian townhouse in Leeds, with an 8x10m back garden. MY CHALLENGE The fenced garden had been pretty much neglected, with just a threadbare patch of lawn, sparse planting and a slab of scruffy concrete. MY WISH LIST I wanted to create two distinct areas – a raised deck with table and chairs where we can work, eat and entertain, plus a lower lawn with borders and trees, so we can relax in the sun or find shade when it’s hot.…

SQUIDGY MILLIONAIRE’S FLAPJACK TAKES 35 MINS, PLUS COOLING MAKES 12 150g butter 125g light muscovado sugar 1tbsp golden syrup 225g jumbo oats FOR THE CARAMEL 125g butter 397g can condensed milk 90g golden syrup 1tbsp vanilla extract FOR THE TOPPING 150g milk chocolate, broken 150g plain chocolate, broken 1tbsp sunflower oil 90g white chocolate 2tbsp freeze-dried raspberries YOU WILL ALSO NEED 18x28cm tin, greased and lined Piping bag 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Heat the butter, sugar and syrup in a pan. Stir until melted. Add the oats, then turn the mixture into the tin. Bake for 15 mins, until golden. 2 To make the caramel: combine the butter, condensed milk, syrup and vanilla in a non-stick pan. Heat gently, stirring all the time, until the mixture thickens…

TABLE SERVICE A handy extra surface, plus a basket to store remotes, books and all the rest. Iggy storage side table, £98, Oliver Bonas WIRE WONDERS All-purpose baskets in jolly shades to brighten up your day (and your décor). Clissold baskets, £25 for two, Habitat IN THE ROUND Free your patio from a clutter of pots with this neat planter shelf. Garden shelf wall planter, £39.99, Very MOVABLE TRIO Super storage containers on wheels. BundleBerry by Amanda Holden Nestable storage boxes, £126 for three, QVCUK.com SMART STASH The perfect place to cram all your outdoor cushions when it starts raining. Outdoor storage box, £99, La Redoute TOP TINS Been baking loads recently? Store your goods well so they last longer. Lucy Tiffney cake tin set, £20, Debenhams HOOKUP Every kitchen,…

VEGGIE SCOTCH EGGS TAKES 40 MINS, PLUS CHILLING MAKES 6 6 medium eggs at room temperature 6 vegetarian sausages ½tbsp Dijon mustard 1 bunch each of parsley, chives and sage 1 beaten egg TO COAT 75g plain flour 2 eggs, beaten 150g panko breadcrumbs Oil, for deep frying 1 Add the 6 eggs to a pan of water, bring to the boil, cook for 6 mins. Drain, peel, leave to cool. 2 Blitz the raw sausages, mustard, herbs and beaten egg in a food processor. 3 Lay double sheets of cling film, about 20x20cm, on a flat surface, and spread out › of the sausage mixture. Top with an egg and wrap the cling film tightly to coat and seal. Repeat for the remaining eggs. Chill in the freezer for…

Bring a tropical vibe to your garden with Matalan's new range of outdoor brights. Get in the holiday mood with jungle print cushions and woven planters and be picnic ready with melamine plates and tumbler sets, and say aloha to a long, hot summer in the sun (we hope!). 3 of the best… COOL BAGS…

Inspire wanderlust with this exotic, far-flung trend. Featuring tribal prints and an earthy, terracotta palette, natural materials and woven textures all take centre stage, with animal motifs and prints aplenty. Artisan influences can be found with handmade vases and baskets, while faux greenery brings some life to the look. Touches of gold introduce a luxe edge, while black keeps it grounded.…

ABOUT ME I’m Chloe Roberts, 34, a commercial manager. I live here with my husband Adam, 37, who works in marketing, and our son Hector, two. OUR HOME An Edwardian four-bed semi-detached house in east London. We moved here in 2017. WHEN WE MOVED IN We loved the location, but the layout felt dark and disjointed, and didn’t work for us. AND NOW We’ve created an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space that’s now the hub of the home. We also raised the upstairs ceilings into the loft space, so the house feels light, airy and spacious. STYLE TIP Think about how you will use the space. We debated long and hard about a utility and downstairs loo, both of which have turned out to be essential with a little…

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Individual and interesting pieces to liven up a monochrome scheme. IKEA Clever storage solutions that can be adapted to suit your needs without too much expense. WAYFAIR Good for a full house renovation as they offer a whole range of great-value functional items. ALDI Great for stylish but inexpensive home buys such as lamps, plants and candles… though you have to be quick to nab them before they’re gone. EBAY Set alerts for items that you need – you can get some fantastic bargains from other people’s building projects. Return the favour when you’ve finished your project by selling unused items from your renovation.…

ABOUT ME I’m Jessica Turner, 29, an interior stylist (@inside.number2). I live with my partner Matt, 30, and our daughter Olivia, four. MY HOME A three-bed detached new build in Wymondham, Norfolk. We moved here in November 2016. WHEN WE MOVED IN The kitchen and bathrooms were fitted and the floors were laid, but the walls were white, there were no light fittings and the garden was mostly mud. AND NOW I’ve decorated every room with tranquil greys and glam accessories. We’ve laid a patio and added seating, so the garden is like an extension of the house. STYLE TIP An ottoman bed is a great solution if you’ve got limited space but need extra storage.…

ABOUT ME I’m Beth Ballard, 39, previously a visual display designer. I now care for my son Ned, who has autism. I live here with Ned, six, and my husband Dave, 42, a student services co-ordinator. OUR HOME A three-bedroom semidetached property built in 1926, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. We bought the property in April 2015. WHEN WE MOVED IN Visually it wasn’t us at all – paisley wallpaper and very little character. But I liked the garden, it had a nice feel. AND NOW The interior is decorated with a mix of my love of mid-century modern and 60s/70s kitschy decor. STYLE TIP If you’re stuck for inspiration, look to your wardrobe for the colours you like to wear – do you like patterns or plain clothes?…

SAINSBURY’S HOME This is Beth’s favourite high-street option where she gets quite a few bits. ‘I think they have some great ranges and the prices are very affordable,’ she says. The Living ceramic planter with wooden legs, like Beth’s, costs just £18. B&Q For designer-style flooring with a mid-century feel check out Natural Oak parquet-effect laminate flooring, £33.48 for 1.8sq m pack. It has a simple click system, so is easy to fit yourself. FURNITURE VILLAGE Beth’s vintage sideboard was inherited from her grandparents and works with her style. The Nathan Shades two-door sideboard is similar and costs £1,019. MINI MODERNS If you want kitsch, colourful wallpaper and accessories then this is the shop for you! The Whitby wallpaper in Lidon used in Beth’s spare room is priced at £45…

the STYLE RULES LAYER UP THE TABLE Create an inviting dining space by dressing a kitchen table with beautiful ceramics featuring delicate folksy florals. Layer up with co-ordinating linens and jugs filled with flowers. EMBRACE A COUNTRY FEEL Install white tongue-and-groove panelling halfway up walls. Paint the upper section candy pink. Try livening up a preloved dining table by painting the legs in a similar hue. CELEBRATE PATTERN Mix and match patterned textiles in sorbet shades. Look for block printed repeats on cushions and curtains. Using the same fabric in different colourways creates cohesion. LINK THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE A hardwearing, easy-to-clean vinyl or laminate is practical for spaces that lead on from the garden. Choose similar materials for inside and out to create a seamless look. Why…

the STYLE RULES GO BOLD WITH PAINTERLY BLOOMS Mural wallpapers are an on-trend way of creating a statement backdrop in any room. Watercolour florals in a sugary palette of pinks, purple and yellows are perfect for bedrooms. CO-ORDINATE BEDDING Make your statement wall the backdrop for a tall wooden bed frame laden with matching floral bedding. Add a further splash of colour with a popping yellow velvet throw at the foot of the bed. GO WHITE ON WALLS AND FLOORS Ensure bold florals stand out by keeping the rest of the room light with white walls and a neutral carpet. ADD COLOUR POP PICKS When it comes to accessories and lighting, source pieces in co-ordinating shades. Paint a wooden chair in an uplifting shade of blue and upholster…

the STYLE RULES MAKE IT FEEL INVITING Hang dark floral wallpaper in sumptuous pinks and purples, set on a navy background. Alternatively, go even bolder with an oversized dark floral mural. CREATE DEPTH WITH BOLD COLOUR For a luxe, sophisticated boudoir feel, contrast shades of midnight blue with dusky pinks and blues, along with accent accessories in gleaming gold. FOCUS ON THE BED Layer a curvaceous bed frame with high quality bedding, along with co-ordinating floral pillows and throws in tactile velvet and silk. If space allows, add an elegant velvet occasional chair in soft pink. VAMP UP THE GLAMOUR Accessorise the look with mirrors in metal frames, polished gold and ribbed glass lighting, and modern mirrored furniture. Why it works STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘Metallic…

ABOUT ME I’m Jade Rodrigues, 30, a product developer, and I live here with my partner Darren Wimhurst, 38, a financial services provider. We have a three-bedroom Victorian terrace in southeast London, which we bought in 2013. MY CHALLENGE The kitchen is long and narrow with a low ceiling. It was also an absolute mess with broken cupboards and drab magnolia walls, so there was a lot to work on! MY WISH LIST Extending wasn’t an option, so the plan was to open up the back wall to let in more light and then reverse the original layout to create two distinct areas for cooking and relaxing.…

Though it’s beautiful, marble isn’t hugely practical. Stains and scratches must be avoided, and any damage is near-impossible to fix. Luckily, there are lots of convincing alternatives that provide all that luxe loveliness with far less stress. How can I achieve a quick refresh? If your worktops are sound, you can cover them in a marble-look self-adhesive vinyl in minutes. Supplied on rolls and heat resistant to 75°C, it takes patience to apply (check YouTube tutorials), but is effective. Fold the film under the front edge of your worktop for a neat finish, invest in a sharp scalpel and use sealant around the sink. Laminate for the win? The next cheapest marble-look option is laminate, which is scuff, scratch and stain resistant. Thanks to improved HD print quality and textured…

ABOUT ME I’m Lucinda Holt, 43 (@peacockfinds) and I live here with my husband Sam, 44, and our children Lola, eight, and twins Violet and Ruby, six, in a five-bedroom, detached new-build house near Preston in Lancashire. We moved here in September 2018 and carried out the bathroom revamp the following spring. MY CHALLENGE Being a new build, the bathroom lacked character and colour. My husband and I have quite different tastes, so agreeing on a design we both loved took ages. MY WISH LIST I wanted to add more personality to the space, so had my heart set on panelling, with wallpaper above and a bold paint colour on the bath.…

From dainty florals to bold geographic prints, via the latest tropical patterns, wallpaper can prove a quick and easy way to dial up the designer style. The latest ‘paste the wall’ and ‘peelable’ papers are brilliant for a quick colour refresh, too. Is wallpaper suitable for my bathroom? It definitely depends on your bathroom but if it’s properly ventilated, with an opening window and/or adequate extractor fan for the size of the room, wallpaper is absolutely game-on. Keep it away from direct contact with water, though – papering right next to the bath, vanity or shower is asking for trouble. Which type of wallpaper do I need? Study the labels – wallpaper on rolls will note the correct use. Look for words like ‘scrubbable’, usually for papers made of heavyweight…

Work with colour – paint adjoining walls and fences in a dark grey to create an inviting corner, or white paint for a fresh, Mediterranean feel in a sunny spot. Long metal planters or tall pot plants can create temporary walls to cosy up and screen the space. Opt for living room-style furniture – outdoor sofas and lounge chairs, garden side tables, coffee tables and shelving will all evoke the sense of a room. Accessorise the space as you would a living room. Bring in lanterns and tealight holders, ornaments and statement planters, an outdoor rug and cushions. Make it a place to relax in the evening with a fire pit or chiminea and hang atmospheric lighting such as string lights around the perimeter. Go for wireless outdoor lamps or…

Hang some airfilteringcurtains We all know that air pollution is everywhere, but you may not realise that our homes are full of indoor pollutants, too. From solvents in paint and furnishings to cooking fumes, they can all irritate people with allergies or respiratory conditions. Made from 100% recycled polyester and treated with a special coating that breaks down these common indoor air pollutants, these genius curtains from Ikea silently and effectively purify the air of the room that they’re in, without need for electricity. Available in either light grey or pink, they’re self-cleaning too. Magic! Gunrid curtains, £25 for a pair, Ikea CREATE A VERTICAL VEG GARDEN NEED PLANTING ADVICE? EVERY PLANT SOLD AT HOMEBASE COMES WITH SMARTPLANT – SCAN THE LABEL ON THE POT AND YOU’LL GET FREE PLANT…

Woven wonders Baskets make simple yet stylish home storage, but taking on the historic art of basketry may seem daunting to beginners. In Baskets (£14.99, Quadrille Publishing), author Tabara N’Diaye demystifies traditional weaving techniques using a variety of materials including grasses, rope, twine and cane. There are 15 projects to try to create everything from colourful and patterned bags, baskets and bowls to beautiful home and tableware, including these easy coasters. TRY YOUR HAND AT... MOSAIC ART TRY UPDATING A GARDEN PATH WITH A BESPOKE MOSAIC MADE FROM DECORATIVE STONES AND TILES Once the focal points of ancient palaces and places of worship, mosaic art now takes a much more humble form, mostly applied to small-scale home crafts. However, the satisfying technique remains largely the same. Start by drawing your…

Instant summer spritz You may not be sunning yourself in Italy right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a little pre-dinner aperitivo in the garden. We’re loving Pedrino served over ice, but it’s equally delicious mixed with an additional shot of your favourite spirit to create an instant spritz cocktail. Take your pick from Pedrino vermouth, ruby port or sherry flavours, then just cross your fingers and hope for a warm, sunny evening. BERRY GOOD FOR SNACKING If you're a fan of both strawberries and a good old classic malt loaf, this is the perfect new little elevenses snack for you. Plus, the kids will love it in their lunch boxes when schools go back, too. Strawberry is the fourth addition to the Soreen family, joining…

1. Have a hero piece in blue Add a bolder touch to a soft scheme of traditional country neutrals with a statement dresser, sideboard or pendant shade in a modern grey-blue hue. 2. Mix natural textures Gentle colour schemes can look flat, so elevate your country look with cushions and rugs in a variety of smooth, woven and tufted finishes in a palette of blues and off-whites. 3. Hang vintage style artwork Display a mix of painterly still lifes and landscapes to create a cosy, seaside tea-shop vibe. Mix charity-shop frames for an eclectic look. 4. Work in a wide stripe Nothing says coastal like a nautical stripe, and it'll give your relaxed country look a smarter edge. Keep it classic with blue and white, or go rogue with bold…

1 Measure your stair riser and source a stencil where the full portion of the design will fit the space – it may need to be trimmed to fit. 2 Start with a test piece. Use a card template the same size as the riser and try out the placement of your design, checking the spacing, and practise applying the paint. 3 Mask off any surrounding areas with decorator’s tape. Paint your base coat – if using chalk paint, there’s no need to paint a primer. Once dry, paint a second coat. 4 Next, tape your stencil in place using low-tack tape to hold it steady. Start in the centre of the stair riser and work your way out to either edge, using the markers supplied on the stencil to…

Choose a colour scheme in hues of soft grey and off-white as a starting point – combining three or four similar shades and keeping to them throughout your home will create a harmonious feel. Mix in natural textures to add depth and interest to your neutral scheme. Stripped wood, linen, rattan and wool are good options to consider. A soft accent colour, such as blush pink or sage green, works well for a gentle, sophisticated look. Black will add a smart edge and a bolder hue will bring energy.…

Roll out air-drying clay and gently press into a saucer so it takes on its shape. Once firm, carefully remove and leave to dry. Paint with several coats of white gloss craft paint. Once dry, paint half with pink gloss and splatter with black paint.…

1 If you have a collection of plates you’d like to display, make templates by putting the plates on paper, drawing around the circumference and then cutting them out. Use your templates to plan your layout – you can stick them onto the wall with masking tape and rearrange them until you’re happy with how it looks. As a rule of thumb, to make the most effective display, keep the gaps between the plates the same distance and choose an odd number of plates to hang. 2 Use a drill to make a hole in the wall through each paper template. Pop a Rawlplug into each hole, then twist in a screw, leaving it proud of the wall so you can hang the plate. 3 Remove the paper templates. Pop…

the STYLE RULES FOCUS ON A MURAL Create impact with a wallpaper mural of giant painterly florals in cool neutrals with inky accents. Use a tonal shade elsewhere in the room. MIX FINE ART WITH ETHNIC TEXTILES Contrast floral patterns with geometric print cushions. Stick to a monochrome palette and arrange on a light grey sofa. A corner design is ideal for big families and awkward spaces. PARE IT BACK Take inspiration from Scandinavian design with furniture that has simple shapes and sleek silhouettes. Keep styling to a minimum, embracing natural materials such as a textured woven pouffe and a wooden coffee table. SOFTEN THE LOOK A soft and cosy faux-fur rug warms up wooden flooring and helps to make a monochrome scheme feel that bit more welcoming.…

the STYLE RULES INVEST IN A STATEMENT BED Make an upholstered button detail bed frame in ochre velvet the focal point of a bedroom, then set about making it extra homely with pillows in smaller-scale floral patterns and tactile waffle throws. CREATE A VINTAGE VIBE Use an antique side table as a nightstand and style with a black metal task lamp. Hang glass frames with black and white photos above the bed. UPDATE A COUNTRY SCHEME Choose traditional medium-scale floral wallpaper in a contemporary palette of yellows and greys. EMBRACE FLOORBOARDS If you’re lucky enough to have original wooden floorboards, give them a good sand followed by several coats of clear varnish for an authentic cottage look. Lay a neutral woven rug by the bed to greet toes…

1 Create a gallery wall along your stairway If you’ve committed to white or grey walls in your hallway, but are looking for a way to make them more interesting, try hanging pictures with a theme, in matching frames at staggered heights. Go for prints with simple shapes but plenty of colour. 2 BRING COLOUR INTO YOUR KITCHEN WITH VINYL TILES For a quick update apply a roll of tile-effect sticky-backed vinyl film to brighten a wall. It takes little effort, but makes a big impact. 3 Rig up a cosy corner for nap and play time Let kids’ imagination run riot by creating a simple tent out of bamboo canes tied together and an old sheet thrown over the top. If they’re playing outside, a sheet over the washing…

Similar Bedale painted units in Carbon, from £200 for a 600mm base unit, DIY Kitchens. Carrara marble worktops, from £250m, Stone Applications. Smeg Opera 90 dual-fuel range cooker, £2,168, Appliances Direct. Astini Belfast 800 stainless steel sink, £329.99; Astini Zetland chrome kitchen sink mixer tap HK14, £99.99, both Taps UK. Harran Antique Vintage Blue floor tiles, £10.95sq m, Walls and Floors. Microline white gloss wall tiles, £33.99sq m, Tons of Tiles. Soho bar stools, £95 each, Rockett St George. Izzy sofa in Prussian Blue velvet, £1,250, Sofa.com. Grace pendant light, £169, Heals. Walls in Slaked Lime intelligent matt, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Woodwork in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Vintage-style glass tube pendant lights, £36.90 each, Pathson. Rigga shelf boards, £10 each, B&Q. Granhult brackets,…

LOW FUSS Quartz-Lite fits 8mm-thick quartz worktops over existing surfaces for a quick refresh without having to rip out your old ones. It is cut to fit. SPEEDY INSTALL Minerva’s silky-soft solid surfaces can be cut using normal woodworking tools, saving time and money on templating. The Carrara White marble-inspired design is made from polymer resins so scratches and stains can be buffed out. DESIGN CHOICE Bushboard offers a huge catalogue of quartz and laminate worktops. The innovative Evolve solid laminate features hardened resin, making it strong and waterproof.…

1 To upcycle a cast iron or acrylic bath, start by removing any rust or flaked enamel and thoroughly clean the surface. 2 Cover the floor. If you have an acrylic bath, remove the feet or tape them up to protect them, and turn the bath upside down. 3 Rub the surface of the bath with fine sandpaper and wipe to remove any dust. 4 Apply at least two coats of primer, such as Zinsser B-I-N white primer sealer, lightly sanding between each coat. 5 For a matt finish, use an eggshell or chalk-based paint. Apply two or three coats using a quality paintbrush or small foam roller. For chalk paint, finish with a coat of lacquer or finishing coat to protect against water splashes.…

When we moved in the garden was such a mess,’ says Sarah, describing the fenced back garden of her Victorian townhouse. ‘It was basically just a scrubby patch of grass with unkempt borders and gravel paths edged with broken lumps of concrete. And as there were no trees or greenery, lack of privacy was an issue, too. Starting point We both love being outdoors and, even though the space was small, we could see it had potential and lent itself to becoming a sort of outdoor living room. The plan was to make it more private by planting trees around the perimeter and adding layers of planting at different levels. While the house was being renovated, we had two sets of French doors fitted in the kitchen, which open directly…

For similar buys try: Charles Bentley Fisherman wooden coffee table, £69.99, Robert Dyas. Yellow outdoor scatter cushion, £8, Matalan. Tabletop fire bowl, £69, Cast in Style. Forest Ultimate wooden pergola, £299.99, Screwfix Direct. Outdoor festoon lights, £36.99 for 5m string, Lights4Fun. Bloomsbury chrome lanterns, £40 for two, John Lewis & Partners. New England nest box, £24, Buttercup Farm. Blue ceramic plant pots, from £20 each, B&Q. Fusion woven picnic rug, £24, John Lewis & Partners. Lemhi wooden deck board, from £8 for 2.4m, B&Q. Zinc ribbed garden planter, £46, Horsfall & Wright at Notonthehighstreet. Giant rattan basket, £120, Garden Trading. Antique-style grey metal jug, £10, Finch & Crane at Notonthehighstreet. Cotton table runner, £20, John Lewis & Partners. Wooden serving tray, £23.99, Wayfair. Maui deckchair, £60, Habitat. Tropical print outdoor…

Open doors hands-free It goes without saying that most households have recently become more conscious about the spread of germs on surfaces and, shockingly, doorknobs and hand rails can harbour infectious agents for up to 72 hours! The Ultion SMART is a keyless entry door lock that can be installed by DIYers with help via video conference. It can also be operated by voice control with Alexa or Siri. Spread positive vibes Make your home a much-needed haven of positivity with the Sunny Sentiments mural collection from Murals Wallpaper. Each of the typographical designs has been created to promote good vibes, featuring bright and colourful motivational quotes such as ‘make your own magic’, ‘grow and bloom’ and ‘let’s do this’. Each mural is made to fit your unique space, whatever…

TRY USING THE SAME TONAL GARDEN PAINT TO UPDATE A SIMPLE GARDEN BENCH – T HE PERFECT SPOT TO ENJOY A DRINK IN THE SUNSHINE Bring an extra splash of colour to your outdoor space by pepping up fence panels with paint. Why stick to one shade when you can create an on-trend ombre effect with three or more colours? Neutral sandy shades have a laid-back feel or go bright for a fun garden backdrop! YOU WILL NEED Sandpaper Methylated spirit Lint-free cloth or brush Masking tape Paint brush Outdoor paint 1 SAND THE SURFACE It’s very important to make sure the wood is properly prepared. Start by sanding down the surface – a low-grade sandpaper such as P180 or P240 is ideal. Sand in the direction of the grain.…