Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2020 i Style At Home

The weather’s turning, which means the season of cosiness and scented candles is upon us! Much as I loved sundowners on the patio this summer, I’m not too sad about that. On the sofa, wrapped in a fluffy throw with a snoozing cat on my lap and holding a G&T is basically where I belong in life. Small updates can be all it takes to ring the changes that’ll have you falling back in love with every bit of your home. And you and I both know that doesn’t have to take much – or any – money. This issue is full of creative ideas to make your home look special, but we know you have plenty of your own – so please do share them via our Insta hashtag…

Ring the changes with seasonal buys that will cosy up your home…

From navy to slate, black to aubergine, there is a wide range of bold, dark colours, so make sure to pick up plenty of testers to find the perfect shade for your space. Small room? Don’t write off the idea of a darker palette. Painting just one wall in your chosen shade adds drama and height. And in a large room a bold colour can warm it up and make it feel more cosy. Think about the finish you’re after. Gloss paint adds glamour, but will also highlight any imperfections on the wall’s surface. Bring in accent shades. Black and grey, like white, are very versatile and will work with most colours. Introduce metallics and wood tones for a sophisticated look. Finish by painting the ceiling white to create a…

Paint can be used to define a space – try warm colours in the living and dining areas and lighter shades in the kitchen zone. Use furniture as a room divider – an open shelving unit, the back or side of an L-shaped sofa or a console table can break up a large amount of floor space. Maintain flow by keeping the same flooring throughout and choose light colours to give the illusion of even more space. Add mood lighting in the living area to create a cosy atmosphere and hang pendants above an island or dining table. Keep a clear path through the space to prevent it feeling cluttered.…

1 To cover a 30x40cm cushion pad, cut a length of fabric measuring 34x94cm. Turn over 1cm, then 1cm again along each of the two short edges, pin, press and machine-stitch. 2 Lay the strip of fabric on a flat surface, right side facing up and fold the left-hand short edge towards the middle by 20cm, then fold the right-hand short edge over, so it overlaps the left by 10cm. Pin the long sides together. 3 Machine-stitch the two long sides of the fabric, taking a 1cm seam allowance. Turn the fabric over the right way and press. Pop your cushion pad into the case.…

1 Cosy up a room with faux panelling Give a plain wall some decorative detail by adding DIY wood panelling. Attach lengths of ply or MDF to the wall using extra-strength adhesive and finish the top edge with a shelf trim. Then paint it a moody denim blue for a dramatic look. 2 ADD WOW WITH A STANDOUT SPLASHBACK Swap standard kitchen tiles for a chic chevron splashback. Leave the top row of tiles untrimmed to create a striking zigzag edge. 3 Paint a panel to frame your work area Use paint to define the work zone in an open-plan loft bedroom or living area. Paint a panel in contrast colours to the main wall, making it roughly the width of your desk and just below ceiling height. 4 PUT…

Use different flooring in each zone, or, if you prefer the same flooring, add a rug under the dining table to define each space. Design the layout to create some sort of a division; a kitchen island or peninsula works well to create a functional break between the cooking and dining spaces. Paint the walls different colours, and hang pictures to create a different mood in each zone. Add lighting to help create a defined dining area. A chandelier located above a table will look different to a kitchen that features wall lights and downlighters. Use open shelving. If the space is large enough, place a backless shelving unit between two areas. Fill it with books facing both ways, ornaments and objets, for a low level dividing wall through which…

DIY FITTING B&Q offers all the kit required – edging strips, end caps, curved edge cutting jigs and jointing tools – to help you achieve a really professional finish. ON-TREND OPTIONS Howdens is a trade-only supplier (order via your builder) that’s surprisingly hot on trends. Its wide portfolio includes square-edge, matt and textured options. BRITISH DESIGN Axiom is the flagship worktop range of the world-renowned Formica Group, and all of its laminate work surfaces are made to stringent British Standards in County Durham.…

ABOUT ME I’m Jane Fitzpatrick and I live here with my husband, James, and our two sons, Billy, 18, and 15-year-old Freddie. The property is a four-bedroom detached, converted farmhouse built in the 1800s, in Weston village, near Spalding in Lincolnshire. THE CHALLENGE Drab, dated and without a shower, we would have to rearrange the bathroom’s layout completely if we were to make space for a shower. MY WISH LIST Both a bath and a large walk-in shower were absolute must-haves. For the decor, I was keen that it feel rustic, but with a modern twist.…

Underfloor heating, as the name suggests, is installed beneath the floor covering, offering an even temperature spread and luxurious warmth underfoot. What are the main types? Electric or ‘dry’ systems involve a series of electric wires, often contained in a heat mat or cabling system, installed beneath or within the flooring. Water-based heating, also known as a ‘wet system’, comprises a series of pipes, connected to the boiler and concealed under the floor, that circulate warm water to heat the floor space. Which type is best? Electric systems are more affordable, but their running costs may be higher, so they are more suited to smaller spaces, such as tiled bathrooms. Water systems are more costly and disruptive to install, especially if a floor level alteration is required in order to…

CHOCOLATE SOURED CREAM CAKE TAKES 1 HR SERVES 12 100g plain flour 100g rye flour 1¼tsp bicarbonate of soda 1¼tsp baking powder 60g cocoa powder 3 large eggs 185g maple syrup 180ml milk 75g coconut oil, melted FOR THE SOURED CREAM FROSTING 300g dark chocolate 300g soured cream 1tsp vanilla extract Sea salt flakes, to garnish YOU WILL NEED 3 x 15cm round cake tins, greased and lined with baking parchment 1 Preheat the oven to 170C/Gas 3. Sift both the flours, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and cocoa powder together in a large bowl. 2 In a large jug, whisk the eggs, maple syrup, milk and coconut oil until all combined. Add to the dry ingredients and whisk until you have a smooth batter. 3 Divide the mixture between…

Paint in pink for charity What if we told you it was possible to refresh your décor while raising cash for an amazing cause? During October, Little Greene is donating proceeds from all paint and wallpaper sales to Breast Cancer Haven in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The charity provides a tailored support service for patients and every £1,000 raised provides a 10-week course of treatment. Show your support with one of Little Greene’s timeless pink shades, including Carmine, Pink Slip and China Clay. Define garden borders It’s not too late to perfect your patio before autumn – Bradstone’s new Tile on Edge range is just the thing for finishing off garden borders. Perfect for zoning areas and drawing attention to features, the pieces have the effect of reclaimed…

1 If you don’t have a compost turner, you will need to create the mixture by hand, whether you have an open heap or a closed ‘Dalek’ bin. Every few weeks, get a garden fork, dig it in, and lift and mix the plant material around as it rots down to aerate it. 2 When turning the compost in autumn and winter, watch out for hibernating garden wildlife attracted by the heap’s warmth. 3 A lack of moisture will slow down or even stop the decomposition entirely, so during very dry spells, at whatever time of year, remember to add a can or two of water to the compost heap every now and again. 4 Getting the moisture level right can be a fine balance. Too much and the microorganisms…

Cupboard under the sink over-flowing? Use baskets and tins on open shelves to help house supplies We know Dunelm's new cleaning range won't make chores more appealing, but at least it'll make them more stylish. There are smart storage tins to restore some order, refillable swaps for plastic spray bottles and traditional wooden brushes. 3 of the best… TRAD CLEANING BUYS…

NEXT’S COLLAB ALERT! You’re probably familiar with Scion’s Mr Fox, but there’s more to the lifestyle brand than him. It’s teamed up with Next, transforming its retro-meets-modern Scandi prints into an exclusive range of curtains, lighting, statement cushions, artwork and rugs. The new line of nurseryware gives Mr Fox his moment to shine! Head-turning lights Lighting newby Houseof, launched just last year, is back with its second collection of daring designs. Creating impact with surprising shapes and colour confidence, there’s the unmissable Opal ball chandelier, that’s all about new-wave glam, or how about the Diffuser lamp for a striking hit of green? IT COULD BE DESIGNER! We think you’re going to want to make space for George Home’s speckled Simplicity range. The tactile stoneware definitely deserves a spot on open…

Finding the perfect property wasn’t easy,’ says Julie. ‘My husband Adam and I were looking to upsize, so that our home could double as an office for his company. ‘He has a small team that comes to work with us, so it was crucial to find somewhere with a home office and loo somewhat separated from the rest of the house. This was the very first property we viewed at the start of our search, and it was just a 10-minute walk from our home at the time. We liked that it had the office space that we wanted, but otherwise it didn’t exactly blow us away. It needed a lot of work, and neither Adam nor I were sure about taking on such a huge project, so we put…

1 If you’re fortunate enough to already own a crate or box big enough, use that! If not, you can purchase crates fairly affordably at Ikea or online (try eBay or Gumtree for second-hand ones). 2 Sand the crate until the edges are smooth and you aren’t at risk of splinters. Brush off the dust. 3 For a top-quality finish, apply a coat of primer then, once dry, sand again using fine grit paper. Remove any dust. 4 Finish by varnishing or painting the crate. Apply two to three coats, leaving to dry thoroughly between each layer. Finish with wax or sealer. Once dry, fit castors to make your shoe rack mobile. These can be bought on Amazon.…

This house was a bit of a panic buy, I wasn’t in love with it,’ says Katey (@ktk_styling). ‘We thought we’d secured our perfect home, but the purchase fell through at the last minute and we had to find something else to buy quickly. This bungalow was affordable and in a nice, quiet location so we went for it. The interior of the house was very 1980s in style, with loud stripes, burgundy kitchen tiles and lots of peach. There were tatty old carpets, worn lino floors and it had an unusual layout as well. The bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen-diner were all on one level, with steps down to an open-plan living room and conservatory. We liked this quirkiness and I was confident I could do something with the house…

Decide on the style and fittings you want and don’t forget storage. Most bathroom suppliers have user-friendly online planning tools to help you create the perfect layout. In a smaller bathroom, space-savers such as an over-the-bath shower, a compact bath or a corner basin or loo are worth considering. Re-hang a door or replace it with a sliding barn-style one to create precious extra room. You’ll save time and money by re-using existing plumbing, so avoid re-positioning key pieces like the loo and basin unless it’s essential. Add stylish towels, toiletries, plants and accessories to a classic suite for colour and interest that’s easy to update.…

We had been looking to buy a house for 12 months at least,’ says Sally. ‘We had always rented, but were ready to put down roots. ‘We went into the search prepared to take our time and wait until the perfect property found us, but after discovering I was pregnant with our second child, the search became a bit more intense, as we really wanted to be settled before the new baby arrived. By that time, we had viewed countless houses (which may sound dreadful to some, but it’s actually one of my favourite pastimes) and even put in offers on three or four particularly lovely properties, but nothing had worked out. Last-chance saloon After a lot of disappointment we decided to stop looking for a while as it was…

1 It all starts with a list. Write down all the pieces you wish to purchase over time. This makes your searches more targeted, saves time and prevents panic purchases. 2 Get familiar with the best resale sites: eBay, Gumtree, Preloved, Vinterior, Pamono, Selency and Retrouvius. Join resale Facebook groups in your area, and official Facebook profiles belonging to brands you’re keen to shop from. 3 Sign up for newsletters linked to your favourite brands, so that you’ll be notified of sales. You can also create alerts with the likes of eBay, so that you’re notified as soon as an item you’re seeking is listed.…

the STYLE RULES CREATE A FEATURE OF A FIREPLACE Cover the chimney breast with tongue-and-groove wood panelling, painted a deep dove grey to add depth to a neutral scheme. A cream log burner makes a modern statement. CELEBRATE BRITISH WILDLIFE Choose small-scale wallpaper depicting native flora and fauna in a muted colourway. CONTRAST TEXTURES Lay plush pile cream carpet for a cosy feel underfoot and zone a seating area with a natural rug. INTRODUCE RURAL CHARM When it comes to furnishings, a classic cream sofa piled with subtly patterned cushions completes the look. Team with a simple turned-wood armchair and country-style accessories, including a woven log basket. the STYLE RULES SET THE SCENE Paint walls in taupe grey, then source a similar shade on floors to…

Because of its location, which is by a lovely river, we fell in love with our house,’ says Anneka. ‘When we bought it we knew that we’d need to make big changes before the hideous kitchen would be usable. The house had been repossessed by the bank, so no one had been living there for a while and it was completely run down. But it was such a good size and price for first time buyers, so we thought “let’s do it”. Moving in We had to move in straight away because we couldn’t afford to pay a mortgage and rent while we did the work. We did the living room first, so we had a space we could stay in. The kitchen itself was so disgusting, it was beyond…

Walls in Gardenia green active emulsion, £4.99 for 2.5ltr, Sanderson. Handleless J-Pull gloss units in Lava, from £89 each; Luxury Laminate Copper Slate worktop, from £340m, both Wren Kitchens. F54180FFWTDS fridge-freezer, £180, Bush. Sammanhang shelves, £9 each, Ikea. Zanussi cooker hood, £215, Currys. Bar stools, £11 each, Homebase. Franke Titan sink, £130, Wickes. Brushed copper kitchen mixer tap, £79.99, Plumbworld. Herringbone Grey flooring, £14sq m, Big Image Flooring. Anthracite radiator, £189, Soak. Crimson Cassis rug (in dining area), £60, French Connection Home…

Use this fun retro trick instead of a door. Frida Illustrated bamboo curtain, £88, Red Candy Bring in natural materials for a warm accent. Luiz woven bowl, £20, Habitat Pick up on the copper tap finish. Salcombe Black and Copper kettle, £39, Haden Add some cheeky character with the large dotty polka nipple planter, £35, Boobie Gang at Etsy Zone a dining space with the Floral Fusion cotton printed stonewashed rug, £105, Ian Snow Banish ugly packets and decant dry goods for stylish open shelving. 365 jar with lid, £5, Ikea Store and display gorgeous cookbooks. Hiba metal wall shelf, £35, La Redoute Use balancing green to cosy up the space. Pressed Olives premium blend v700 walls and ceilings, £29 for 2.5ltr, Valspar at B&Q Tuck in these thin profiled…

Add visual interest by choosing tiles in a mix of two or three different shapes and sizes, but keep them all to the same colour palette to avoid creating an overly busy effect. Create a focal point by making a statement splashback or feature panel in a shower area. Use smaller-scale mosaics or tiles laid in a contrast format, such as herringbone or brick. Offset with large-scale plain tiles for the rest of the room. Create a tactile contrast on bathroom surfaces by pairing tiles in different finishes, such as matt with gloss, rough stone with smooth porcelain or hard slate with porous encaustic tiles.…

THE FULL RANGE Warmup is a leading manufacturer of electric and water underfloor heating systems. Head online for its in-depth guides to buying and installing. AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC Particularly known for its well-priced electric systems, ProWarm also offers wet underfloor heating, and has fully-qualified electricians offering technical advice by phone. SMART THERMOSTATS Programme the time and temperature settings of your underfloor heating with an app-controllable thermostat from Heatmiser’s Neo range. Designed to be discreet, it comes in three colours with dimensions similar to a light switch.…

WRAP A PIECE OF TAPE AROUND THE DRILL BIT, A FRACTION LONGER THAN THE RAWLPLUGS, SO YOU KNOW HOW DEEP TO DRILL Whether you want to hang a curtain pole from scratch or replace an existing one, follow our handy step-by-step instructions for buying and putting up the perfect pole. 1 PICK A CURTAIN POLE Choosing a curtain pole kit is the easiest option as it will come complete with everything you need, including pole, finials, brackets and screws, and in some cases, the curtain rings. If you want to also add a voile, look for a double pole. 2 MEASURE UP Your pole will need to measure at least 30cm wider than your window frame, so curtains can stack at each end without obscuring the glass. It’s possible for…

DALEK These popular plastic bins have an open base, a fitted plastic lid and a sliding front access hatch. They work well for smaller gardens. They can be used for ‘continuous composting’ where you add green waste at the top and dig rotted compost out at the bottom. However, you’ll need to add a good mix of materials. TUMBLER This is usually a plastic barrel mounted on a sturdy frame, with a handle that allows you to turn the bin. There’s a covered access hatch and ventilation points. The tumbling action means your green waste is very efficiently aerated, but for the best performance you really need to fill the bin in one go. TRAD The traditional wood compost bin has an open base and slatted sides to let air…

CHERMOULA CHICKEN SALAD TAKES 40 MINS, PLUS MARINATING SERVES 6 1kg bone-in chicken thighs 130g chermoula (we used Belazu) 400g can chickpeas, drained 3tbsp olive oil 300g wholewheat giant couscous Juice of ½ lemon 100g spinach 50g flaked almonds 50g dried apricots, chopped 1 Rub the chicken in the chermoula, reserving 1tbsp for the dressing, and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 mins or overnight. 2 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Roast the chicken for 15 mins. On a separate baking tray, toss the chickpeas in 1tbsp of the oil, season, and cook in the oven for 15-20 mins. Meanwhile, cook the couscous according to the pack instructions. 3 Mix the remaining 1tbsp chermoula with the lemon juice and remaining oil, and stir through the…

Dunelm NATURE RETREAT Create a relaxing sanctuary with cosy textures and autumnal shades Habitat COLOUR & TEXTURE Style a contemporary scheme brimming with tactile fabrics and vibrant shades George Home OPULENT HERITAGE Embrace luxurious fabrics, rich shades and kitsch floral patterns Next Home SCANDI NEUTRALS Mix smooth shapes and artisan finishes for a sophisticated look…

Team with tropical pineapple accessories Don’t worry if the real deal leaves you feeling prickly, it’s easy to still indulge in the craze for these spikey houseplants with homeware. While tropical leaves are also top of the trends list, who can resist the curious columns and thorny textures of cacti? Mix up shapes and colours for dynamic desert style or add a pop of green to a global scheme.…

ABOUT ME I’m Jeongeun Choi, 40, but everyone calls me Julie. I’m an Airbnb apartment manager, and I live with my husband, Adam Irvine, 34. MY HOME I live in a four-bedroom detached house built in 1918, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I have lived here for three years. WHEN I MOVED IN The house was full of character. I loved the high ceilings and bay windows, but the decor was outdated, particularly the retro carpets and wallpaper. AND NOW Our changes have made it more suited to modern living; not only in style, but also where layout and natural light is concerned. STYLE TIP Always be prepared for something unexpected to happen, both mentally and financially; there are always setbacks along the way.…

KING & McGAW From modern art to photography and museum archive prints, this is your go-to for all manner of wall art. SOSTRENE GRENE Sweet homeware and miscellany you never knew you needed, all at astonishingly low prices. TONS OF TILES Almost every tile design you can think of is stocked here, competitively priced. IKEA A favourite for affordable homeware, but don’t discount the bargain corner when you visit your local branch. You could unearth odds and ends for creative interior projects, like Julie’s dining table. WOOD FLOOR WAREHOUSE Exactly as it says on the tin, Wood Floor Warehouse specialises in quality wood floors. It has more than 170 designs to choose from.…

ABOUT ME I’m Katey Korzenietz, 41, an interior stylist. I live here with my husband Simon Wannop, 40, who works in renewable energy, and our daughter Heidi, 12. MY HOME A four-bedroom detached 1970s bungalow near Topsham, south Devon, which we bought in October 2014. WHEN I MOVED IN It was very 1980s in style and the split-level design felt really dated. There were lots of harsh colours used around the house. AND NOW The layout now feels open, cool and contemporary. We’ve put in a new kitchen and bathroom, and I’ve mixed in budget bits, clean colour and easy-to-change features. STYLE TIP Vinyl flooring gives you the look of wood without the price tag and it’s warm underfoot.…

JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS Reliable high street and online source for quality, on-trend furniture and homeware. HABITAT Great for well-priced, modern accessories and accent pieces with a Scandi vibe. MANDARIN STONE Fabulous selection of stylish floor and wall tiles, ideal for adding wow factor. B&Q Everything DIY at good prices, plus Valspar’s huge paint range and colour mixing service. NAKEN INTERIORS Online shop for a wide choice of branded interiors products, from modern lighting and kitchenware to outdoor furniture and wallpaper.…

ABOUT ME I’m Sally Edson-Green, 46, and I’m a stay-at-home parent. I live here with my husband and three sons, aged six, eight and 11. MY HOME I live in a four-bedroom semi-detached property built around 1905, in Farnborough, Hampshire. We moved in nine years ago. WHEN I MOVED IN It had three bedrooms and a very unusual ground-floor layout that really wasn’t suited to modern-day living. AND NOW We have reconfigured the ground floor, added a bedroom and updated the decor. Now, it’s vibrant, contemporary and has plenty of space for our growing family. STYLE TIP Live in your home for a while before redecorating. You’ll learn how you live in the space, and what you need to make it feel homely.…

SOFA.COM High-quality, handcrafted sofas, armchairs and beds that are customisable down to the fabric and finishes. WREN KITCHENS Contemporary and classic styles, designed with your dream kitchen in mind. ARISTA LIVING Design your ideal bed, from the base to the headboard, size and storage options. WOODCHIP & MAGNOLIA A family-run business that specialises in statement fabrics and wall coverings. LONDON ENCAUSTIC Your go-to for beautiful tiles (as in Sally’s kitchen) and custom-made copper baths.…

Bookcase-turned-bench Place a sturdy shelf unit on its side to create a bench with storage cubbies to sit at the end of the bed. Perfect for basketfuls of shoes or spare bedding. Get foam cut to size and cover it to make a bespoke cushion. Wardrobe door storage Use over-the-door hooks, a key organiser and a kitchen rail with S-hooks to keep your favourite bags, shoes and accessories ready to grab and go. Paint the door for a flash of happy colour that contrasts with your walls. Built-in storage bed Get the most from limited floor space with a built-in high sleeper made from storage units for a child’s or guest bed. Upgrade standard Ikea kitchen base units by adding custom ply doors. Hanging curtains will turn it into a…

ABOUT ME I’m Anneka Broomfield, 34, a hairdresser. I live in Stowmarket, Suffolk with my husband Stephen, 36, who is a carpenter. We bought and moved into our home in 2018 and have been slowly doing it up as we go, with the help of friends. MY CHALLENGE The kitchen was filthy and unusable and hadn’t been touched in years. I wanted to transform it into a cool, un-kitcheny kitchen, where a morning coffee will set us up for the day ahead. MY WISH LIST We both wanted to have a space that didn’t feel like a traditional kitchen, but more like the cafes we visited while we worked on the house. I also wanted to have a separate dining space.…

Thanks to new print technology and advanced manufacturing that has improved design and durability, it’s time to look again at laminate worktops. Laminate can be fitted on-site, without factory-based templating, so it’s also the fastest way to get cooking in your new kitchen. What is laminate worktop? High-pressure laminate (HPL) is made by soaking multiple layers of decorative paper in resins to form a single layer. This is then applied to a high-density core, usually chipboard or particleboard. It’s the cheapest worktop option, because it’s inexpensive to produce. Allow £40-£100 a linear metre for premium grade laminate. How can I spot quality? The thickness of the laminate layer and density of the core is a good indicator. Samples, available at showrooms, usually show the cross-section. Look for a laminate layer…

We moved to Spalding because my husband and two sons all play rugby here and we were spending so much time travelling from our former home an hour away,’ says Jane. ‘Our old house was our self-build dream property, which we had designed ourselves, so finding a new home was always going to be difficult. Working it out When we saw this house, we couldn’t believe our eyes: it was character-filled, with original features and so much future potential that we simply couldn’t miss the opportunity. We agreed to live in it for a year without doing anything other than painting and decor, so that we could get a feel for how we would use it as a family. However, the rooms we weren’t able to live with were the…

Similar Brooklyn double-ended freestanding bath, £599.95; similar Crosswater walk-in shower enclosure, £419.95; both Victorian Plumbing. Hydra bath filler taps, £253; Geo back-to-wall toilet, £222.50; Geo semi-countertop basin, £179; Scape basin mixer tap, £160; white laminate worktops, from £96.20 per length; Aruba Mali fitted back-to-wall toilet unit, vanity unit and storage, from £800; Hydra dual-function shower system with fixed head and riser rail, £625; Beat 500 Bluetooth illuminated mirror, £395, all Roper Rhodes. Split-face mosaic black slate tiles, £69.78sq m; Mokara grey ceramic wall tiles, £50sq m; similar Capao Mato grey slate floor tiles, from £22sq m; similar Pellini grey mix marble and porcelain wall tiles, £60sq m, all Topps Tiles. Similar Astro Como single bathroom spotlights, £45 each, John Lewis & Partners. Penguin Books Country Life print (unframed), £30, King…

Swap plastic bottles for a refillable glass dispenser. Citrus handwash, £9.50, Oliver Bonas Simplify your life with zero-maintenance faux succulents. Mini echeveria in concrete pot, £5, M&S Keep bathroom essentials neat and tidy. Devon four-tier tapered ladder unit, £29.99, Studio Add texture with split face stone walls. Gris linear mosaic effect tiles, £16.95sq m, Walls and Floors Frame a coordinating literary poster. Penguin Books classic literature covers, £22 for four, John Lewis & Partners Wrap yourself in luxury at bath time. Spa cotton Mustard towels, £60 for set of four, Habitat Style the space with colourful glassware. Amber glass vase, £6.99, Homesense Install industrial-style wall lights. St Ives up and down light, £40, Garden Trading Light a candle for a relaxing bath. Heart-shaped frosted glass lantern, £4, Wilko…

Ready, steady, sort! STASH YOUR SUMMER CLOTHES Fold lighter clothing into vacuum-packed bags to save space. TIDY THE LIVING ROOM Get the room ready for box set marathons – round up the remotes, tidy away the clutter and return all the kids’ stuff back to their rooms. SORT YOUR SOCK DRAWERS Empty out everyone’s sock drawers, returning the good socks back neatly (and binning any beyond repair). LOCKED UP Keep them all safe in this box (but out of reach from the front door). Key storage box, £12, Wilko SPICE WORLD Decant your six most used herbs or spices into this neat countertop caddy. Acacia Gold spice rack, £12, Dunelm FOOT WORK Also available in Black, this three-tiered rack is perfect for the hallway or bedroom. Arnie metal White shoe…

THINGS NEVER TO ADD TO YOUR COMPOST HEAP INCLUDE PET WASTE, COOKED FOOD AND MEAT AS THIS CONTAMINATES THE MIX AND ATTRACTS RATS AND FOXES. Between now and late November is a great time to build your own compost heap, piling it high with clippings, cuttings, prunings and even bits of shredded cardboard. Get a good mix of these, and next year you will be rewarded with bags of rich, dark, crumbly goodness that you can use as a soil enhancer, mulch or potting agent. Though it is a great way to make use of food waste, there is more to making excellent compost than throwing your peelings on it and letting them rot. If too much of one ingredient goes on at the same time, the mix will be…

Everlasting flowers Once associated with dusty old displays at Grandma’s house, dried flowers are again taking centre stage in people’s homes in an effort to live more sustainably. In Everlastings (£14.99, Hardie Grant), Bex Partridge shares her love of dried flowers with tips on growing, harvesting and pressing, along with a beautiful array of projects to try. Learn how to work with the seasons to create delicate floral wreaths, garlands and displays, including this framed wildflower arrangement. TAKE A CREATIVE COURSE Those yearning to get out and learn a new skill are in luck, as West Dean College reopens its doors to offer more than 30 one-day creative courses. Head to the picturesque West Dean estate and gardens in Chichester, West Sussex, for an impressive range of short courses for…

Cheat’s eats! We tasted these new Indian ready meals by Tuk In without knowing the price and assumed that they were a premium brand, so we were blown away when we realised £7 will buy a hearty meal for two: two mains, two sides and one accompaniment! They taste authentic and fresh, perfect for a curry night in. The mains include Chicken Tikka, Lamb Rogan Josh, King Prawn Bhuna and Butternut Squash & Spinach. Tuk In main meal for one from £2.59, available at Jack’s. RAISING THE BAR The production of most chocolate is far from sweet. Many cocoa farmers are grossly underpaid and children are often forced to work for a pittance. However, brands such as Tony's are passionate about making a difference. Tony's chocolate is 100% slave free,…

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@thiscolourfulnest’s swoon-worthy living room makes us so happy Full marks to @the_pink_tardis for the pretty teacups and embroidery hoops display Mid-grey woodwork is brought to life with gorgeous greenery @cherribeehouse Working from home would be a dream with @thepajaamahub’s smart workspace Pink splashback and blue walls? Yes please @83renovation We love how fresh and glamorous @no.5.thesmyths’ living room feels @redbrickgreen’s classic peg rail is given a smart black makeover for the bedroom @little_savage_life has used Frenchic paint to transform her plain white splashback We love @all_things_interior_ modern take on panelling and rattan basket hack…