Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i Style At Home

While I wait for the shops to reopen, I’ve been doing a combo of online shopping, eBay stalking (to get my charity shop fix) and compiling wish lists. With a new house to decorate (we moved just before Christmas), I’m also perfecting the art of shopping my home – refreshing the spaces with things I already own taken from other spots in the house. Switching things up gives me the shopping spree buzz, and highlights gaps that I genuinely need to buy items for. There are plenty of other ways to give a room a much-needed lift: Try a Speedy Style Update (p74) is packed with quick and easy ideas. I’ll pass the Brilliant Bakes recipes (p110) to my 11-year-old son, who got the baking bug in Lockdown 1.0 and…

1. Look to Japanese style This simple aesthetic is neither overly rustic nor too fussy. Go for materials like wood, ceramics and paper. Pick just a few useful accessories for a look that’s curated rather than cluttered. 2. Make it matt Avoid high gloss and polished finishes, so light, grainy woods, basketware weaves and rattan are key. Highlights of recycled glass and dried stems add depth and contrast to create a look that’s natural, simple and comforting. 3. Go for relaxed layers To create a laid-back sanctuary, pick bedding in soft, laundered linen or cotton. Choose a pared back palette of parchment, taupe and stone and in place of pattern, add a tactile textured throw. 4. Choose natural materials Crafted pieces made from quality sustainable sources will stand the test…

Lucy chose Amtico’s luxury vinyl flooring in wood-effect sun-bleached oak to run through their new extension. The chevron pattern adds interest without being overly busy, and continuing it through the space helps to link the kitchen, dining and living areas. Vinyl is a practical option for high-traffic areas of the house, thanks to its hardwearing qualities. It’s also water-resistant and easy to keep clean, so ideal for busy households. A lot of modern vinyls are compatible with underfloor heating, too. Vinyls come in a wide range of colours and designs – from wood or tile-effect to patterns and plain finishes – so there are numerous options to make it fit in with your new or existing decor.…

ABOUT ME I’m Emma Rawlinson, a hair salon receptionist. I live here with my husband Matt, a commercial interior designer, and our children, Rudy, 11, and Patsy, nine. OUR HOME A four-bed semi-detached Victorian villa in Cheltenham. We moved here in 2011. WHEN WE MOVED IN The house was a run-down rental property comprising seven bedsits, with most of the original features ripped out. AND NOW We’ve built two single-storey extensions and reconnected the basement flat to the main house, to create a vibrant family home. STYLE TIP Embrace original features where you can, and add your own quirky curios and contemporary twists for a house that’s thoroughly original.…

BOOGALOO BOUTIQUE Check out the selection of characterful upcycled furniture, crafted with a focus on local suppliers and eco-conscious materials. DULUX Emma found a paint shade to suit every room in the house. It’s a go-to for quality paint at reasonable prices. HABITAT Contemporary style that won’t quit. Emma’s simple but elegant dining table and bench set is a fabulous focal point in the kitchen-diner. MALT HOUSE ANTIQUES A collection of traders all under one roof. Browse the wide range of unusual vintage finds and great deals on furniture and curios, then enjoy a coffee in the gorgeous gardens.…

ABOUT ME I’m Samuel Tomlinson-Gray, 28, and I’m a vintage homeware seller (@samsvintagehome; samsvintagehome.co.uk). I live with my husband Daniel Tomlinson-Gray, 36, who works in education. We have a cat, Missy, and two chickens, Patsy and Eddie. OUR HOME A two-bedroom, 1850s former workers’ cottage in Brighton that we bought in September 2018. WHEN WE MOVED IN Every redeeming feature had been ripped out apart from the bay windows. AND NOW We’ve revamped the kitchen, redecorated throughout and redesigned the garden. STYLE TIP If your walls are crumbling, tongue and groove panelling saves having to plaster.…

the STYLE RULES MAKE A STATEMENT Choose a retro design with a slightly worn effect for the tiles and pair with panelled walls to replicate a heritage feel with plenty of character. ADD PERSONALITY For a vintage finish, swap a pedestal basin for a salvaged vanity unit. Scour second-hand shops and online marketplaces for an old wooden cabinet to upcycle and then finish with a waterproof top and ceramic basin. MARRY OLD WITH NEW Juxtapose shabby chic features with black modern accessories. A gold baroque-style mirror adds a hint of vintage charm. TIMELESS TOUCHES Wall-to-wall white is the base note for this bathroom, but it’s the half-painted chalky blue panelling that gives it its edge. Elegant VINTAGE Inject glamour with luxe finishes the STYLE RULES…

Over the years I’ve rented and bought several properties in the area, but I always wanted something closer to the beach and Brighton town centre, so it would be easier to get around, plus give me enough space to run my business from home,’ says Katie. ‘I liked the location of this house, previously a shop and restaurant, so I put in a cheeky low offer; the owners accepted and it was all systems go! Making a plan The kitchen units were water damaged and fragile, so rather than try to update them I decided to replace them. My builder suggested Howdens as they would help with the design and deliver quickly. I kept the existing layout, with the units and integrated items at one end and dining space at…

Seamlessly sleek with unlimited colour potential, resin flooring is inherently warm underfoot and noise-dampening. Cleaning is a breeze, too; just sweep up any dust and then lightly mop it over. What is resin flooring? Ingredients vary but it’s essentially a mix of resin, pigment and hardeners. Polyurethane (PU) is the most popular type used for domestic use. Like concrete, resin flooring comes in liquid form, but unlike concrete it won’t crack as it sets. It’s also pleasant to walk on, even bare foot. Why is it good for using in kitchens? The lack of bacteria-harbouring joints makes resin ultra-hygienic. Designed for heavy traffic use and waterproof, resin can handle the wear and tear of a busy kitchen. Dropped crockery is less likely to break and it’s suitable over underfloor heating.…

ABOUT ME I am Hannah Pottinger-Banks, 35, a PA at a sales company. I live with my husband Vinny, 33, who is a data scientist. MY CHALLENGE The bathroom, although a good size, was not to my taste at all and it felt dark and gloomy. I wanted a traditional but exciting, stimulating look. Because the chimney breast runs behind the shower we were limited with layout. MY WISH LIST To create a space that looked completely different, while keeping all the elements in the same place (to avoid replumbing costs). I wanted a traditionalmeets-Italian vibe, while ensuring practicality was top of the list, as it’s the only bathroom in the house.…

Bathrooms are one of the spaces in our homes where we want to create a relaxed environment. With a fixed shower head we can ramp up the luxe factor, creating a relaxing retreat to de-stress after a long day. Why go fixed? Delivering a clean, minimalist look, fixed shower heads are designed to be used with concealed controls, which means the majority of pipework is neatly hidden within the wall. Ceiling mounted versions are better in smaller spaces, as the water flows straight down, but wall-mounted is ideal if your ceilings are low. Don’t forget to add the price of the mounting arm to your budget – they’re usually sold separately. What about pressure? The bigger the shower head, the better coverage you will enjoy, but do make sure your…

Pimp your pottery Give your existing crockery a makeover with expert guidance from Tania Zaoui in Painting on Pottery (£9.99, Search Press). If you’re itching to embrace the trend for beautiful glazed ceramics, but don’t have access to pottery classes or a kiln, then this book is for you. Tania shows you how to use Pebeo Porcelaine 150 paints and a domestic oven to create personalised designs on plain ceramics. There are 22 projects to try, including these easy mosaic-effect tiles. TRY YOUR HAND AT… LINO CUTTING TRY IT OUT FOR YOURSELF WITH A BEGINNER’S LINO PRINTING SET, £16, HOBBYCRAFT Lino cutting is a simple yet fun way to create unique relief prints at home, without the need for expensive or heavy equipment. All you need to start is a…

PERPETUAL SPINACH The perfect cut-and-come-again crop, this will be prolific through the summer and autumn. Pick smaller leaves for salads, and keep on harvesting – it will keep on giving. Try ‘Popeye’ or ‘Medania’. ZESTY ROCKET The one salad leaf you won’t want to be without. Packed with flavour, it looks pretty growing in a pot by the back door, too. This tasty salad leaf is also the easiest one to grow. Pick regularly to keep the leaves coming fast. Try ‘Skyrocket’, ‘Apollo’ or ‘Runway’. TUMBLING TOMATOES Choose a compact bush variety with clusters of cherry toms that cascade over the sides of the container, with no need for training or trimming side shoots. Try ‘Tumbling Tom Red’, ‘Balconi Red’ or ‘Tumbler’. SPRING ONIONS Sow seeds in a large pot…

ANGEL BERRY CAKE RIPE MANGO AND PASSION FRUIT ARE DELICIOUS ALTERNATIVES TO BERRIES TAKES 50 MINS SERVES 12 150g plain flour 100g icing sugar, plus extra to dust 8 egg whites Pinch of cream of tartar 250g caster sugar ½tsp vanilla extract FOR THE CENTRE AND TOPPING 400g cherries and mixed berries 150ml Greek yogurt 150ml softly whipped cream YOU WILL NEED An angel cake ring tin, greased 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. For the cake, sift the flour and icing sugar together. Whisk the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff, then whisk in the caster sugar, a spoonful at a time. Gradually sift in the flour and icing sugar mixture, folding well between each addition. Fold in the vanilla extract. 2 Spoon evenly into…

We didn't know how much we needed a turtle-shaped basket… until now! Perk up a bathroom with these cute characters and splash some personality about a neutral bathroom with patterned towels and decorative tiles. 3 of the best… QUIRKY BASKETS…

Searching for our long-term family home meant we embarked on our house hunt armed with a lengthy wish list of must-haves,’ says Lucy. ‘We looked for over a year, and eventually realised we had to compromise on the style of property we were after. When this detached 1970s house came on the market, it ticked so many of our boxes and I could instantly visualise knocking down walls to create exactly what we’d been looking for. The potential was just too good to pass up. Starting the search Both Damien and I were keen to put down family roots in Cheltenham, as we knew the area well and loved the mixture of town and countryside living it offers. There are lots of festivals and family-friendly events throughout the year and…

1 Find a suitable piece of wood to use as the surface; this needs to be as flat as possible to ensure it can fix neatly to the wall. Lucy used a reclaimed scaffolding plank, but you could also source the wood from a local timber yard. 2 Cut the piece of wood to size so it will fit snugly into your chosen alcove. Sand all surfaces to give it a smooth finish and avoid any splintering. Seal the wood with a suitable oil or varnish, depending on your preferred finish, and leave to dry. Repeat if necessary. 3 Fix a batten of wood to the walls either side of the alcove using wall plugs and screws, then sit your table top onto the battens and secure in place with…

Make a plan before you go. Jot down the items you’re looking for and have measurements handy, as well as a top budget limit. Be open to items from different eras, rather than one particular style. A mix of eras gives a fresh look. Consider damaged pieces; a wobbly leg or scratch in the wood can easily be repaired. But avoid anything with water damage. When in doubt, reupholster. Vintage armchairs and sofas often have great lines, so update them with a fabulous fabric, instead of buying a completely new piece.…

Emma has given her Victorian home a total update by getting rid of the dated decor and clunky layout, and reworking the space completely. Restoring key period features has given the property back its original charm, yet still portrays Emma’s personality. Injecting colour is key to this look, with bold stand-out walls, plush carpets, soft furnishings and flamboyant furniture. Eclectic accessories and artwork are the finishing touches that pull the look together, from vintage lights and decorative ornaments to quirky prints and posters.…

H&M HOME Brilliant for simply styled basics – cushions, throws and rugs. Available on the high street and online. THE WHITE COMPANY For all things crisp and white from bedlinen to homeware, furniture, home fragrances, candles, gifts and clothing. LA REDOUTE Wide variety of French-style homeware, soft furnishings and fashion made easily available online. EMMAUS A charity founded in Paris in 1949, working towards ending homelessness and poverty. Its shops are stocked full of wonderful decor items for the home. CABBAGES & ROSES Vintage-inspired British-made fashion, printed fabrics, wallpapers and lifestyle goods for the home, using a mix of traditional printing and digital printing methods.…

Media unit Fix a slim wardrobe door to the top of a pair of wooden step stools and add a sheet of MDF through the middle to create a low console table, ideal for a den or playroom. Hairpin-leg console Double-stack simple shelf units and attach slim metal legs (readily available to buy online) to create one-of-a-kind, space-efficient storage. Just the thing for narrow hallways and landings. Basket lampshade Remove the handles of a natural storage basket and spray paint black. Remove a small circle in the base and add a corded light fitting and filament bulb. Wall-mounted baskets Hang industrial-style wire baskets in a group of four on the wall above the worktop. A great solution for holding cookbooks, so your favourite recipes are always to hand.…

ABOUT ME I’m Katie Stanton, 46, a complementary therapist, and I live in a three-bed, three-storey corner-terraced home in Brighton. I bought the house in October 2019 and moved in after several months of extensive renovations. After the bathroom the kitchen was the second room completed. MY CHALLENGE It originally had cream units which were very dated. My initial plan was to replace the cupboard doors as the layout was fine, but I realised that the units had water damage, so the whole kitchen would need to be replaced. MY WISH LIST Something modern that had some rustic elements and I was desperate to get rid of the wall units so it would open up the space. Although it’s a basement kitchen I really wanted to have a dark blue…

FINDING A SUPPLIER The Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA) is the leading authority on resin flooring and has a searchable database of resin floor specialists that follow its strict standards on training, service and safety. TRENDY TERRAZZO Sphere8 has developed a specialist terrazzo-style flooring called BrecciaSphere that mixes natural poured resin and aggregates, with stunning results; it also has the benefit of a 10-year guarantee. GREAT SERVICE The Resin Floor Co prides itself on individual project management with stringent quality control and on-going inspection throughout the installation process, to ensure perfection every time.…

Add a roll-top bath for an instant period vibe. It doesn’t have to be white. Lots of retailers now do classic bath shapes in a range of modern colours. Reintroduce original features such as cornicing or panelling. Use period-appropriate patterned tiles on the walls and floors, paired with white woodwork to keep a modern edge. Choose classic brassware, such as art deco taps or Victorian-style shower accessories. Pair underfloor heating with a traditional style towel radiator to complete the look.…

DESIGN IDEAS New Bathroom Ideas That Work, £12, Amazon, is a complete bathroom design source book, filled with accessible design solutions and practical advice to give you the tools needed to make smart buying and renovating decisions. DETAILED ADVICE Collins Complete Plumbing and Central Heating, £8.55, Amazon, has a big bathroom section that’s packed with photos and the latest information about tools, products and regulations. ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS Accessible Bathroom Design: Tearing Down the Barriers, £16.99, Amazon (Kindle), a how-to-guide for designing accessible bathrooms using space planning illustrations.…

KEEP GERMS AT BAY Make your own non-toxic sanitiser with water, table salt and vinegar in this plug-in reusable bottle. H2O e3 eActivator cleaning system, £89.99, Lakeland SAY NO TO PLASTIC This non-scratch cleaning tool is durable and sustainable, made from coconut fibre bristles. KitchenCraft eco-friendly coconut fibre scourer, £2.99, Urban Cuckoo AVOID HARSH CHEMICALS Keep plugholes and pipes blockage-free using natural bacteria and enzymes. Ecozone drain sticks, £7.99 for 12, John Lewis & Partners…

CANVAS STORAGE POTS YOU WILL NEED Patterned canvas fabric Plain canvas fabric Fabric scissors Pins Sewing machine Ruler Pencil Needle Thread 1 Multiply the height you’d like your pot to be by 1.5 and add 4.5cm. Take the desired diameter and add 7cm. Use these measurements to cut two rectangles each from patterned outer fabric and plain lining. 2 Sew the sides and bottom of the outer pieces, right sides facing, using a 1cm seam allowance. Repeat for the lining, leaving a 5cm gap in the bottom seam. 3 On the outer pouch, flatten the bottom corners, so the seams are on top of each other. Measure in 3.5cm from the point and draw a line. Sew across this line and snip the corner 1cm away from the stitching. Repeat…

FEED ONCE A MONTH IN THE GROWING SEASON WITH A LIQUID HOUSEPLANT FEED OR SPECIALIST LIQUID CACTI FEED. There is something very striking about the forms and colours of succulents and cacti in an elegant container. Using a trough or window box to grow these wonderful plants, rather than the more traditional round stone bowls, gives them a smart contemporary look. Try painting a plain container in matt blackboard paint to set off the succulents’ pastel shades. YOU WILL NEED Trough planter Chalkboard spray paint Drainage crocks Succulents and cacti potting mix Succulents and cacti ‘If the leaves start to look shrivelled, they need more water; if they look translucent, you are overwatering’AUTHOR, Isabelle Palmer 1 PAINT YOUR PLANTER Clean the planter and allow it to dry. In a well-ventilated…

Cheat’s eats! We love the fab little meal pots from Foodologie. They’re packed with goodness, and each serving contains all your five-a-day. The deliciously nutritious plant-based range includes five varieties: we like the sound of the Bountiful Burrito Bowl, and the Roasted Roots with Curly Kale. They’re great for a low-calorie lunch on-the-go and ideal when time is of the essence. Simply warm on the hob or in the microwave. Foodologie Plant Pots, £2.40 for 400g, Tesco. FRUITY NUMBER With their short season, you could blink and miss blood oranges. But Beefeater has created this spectacular Blood Orange Gin ready to spruce up a citrusy cocktail at any time of year. It has an intense, fresh citrus flavour as well as juniper notes and Beefeater's signature subtle hint of aniseed.…

H&M’S DESIGNER COLLAB Want to get your hands on this vase? It’s a sneak peek of a hotly anticipated hook-up between Diane von Furstenburg and H&M Home. All we know is, the designer that gave the wrap dress cult status loves mixing bold pattern with daring colour combos… Follow #dvfxhmhome for more info. The eco sofa How is DFS bringing a sustainable twist to the boucle textile trend? The well-known soft furnishings company’s bestselling French Connection Studio range is now available covered in a more eco-friendly version of this textured loop fabric, which has been manufactured with yarn created using waste plastic recovered from the open ocean. We’re told it takes approximately 170 recycled plastic bottles to produce enough fabric to cover each sofa, all of which can be upholstered…

ABOUT ME I’m Lucy Stone, 40, the owner of online home and gift shop, Stone & Co (stoneandcoshop.co.uk). I live here with my fiancé Damien Walker, 39, and our two children, Leyton, nine, and six-year-old Alexa. OUR HOME A four-bed detached 1970s property in Cheltenham. We moved here in July 2013. WHEN WE MOVED IN Every room needed updating and the downstairs layout felt impractical. AND NOW We’ve put our stamp on the interior with a modern, Scandi feel and reconfigured the space to create a contemporary living area. STYLE TIP Don’t shy away from trying your hand at DIY projects; by watching YouTube and Pinterest tutorials I discovered that tiling and panelling were easier than I expected.…

STONE & CO As the owner of this online homeware and gift shop, Lucy uses a lot of her products around the house, from quirky kids’ accessories to Scandi-inspired prints. AMTICO Luxury vinyl offers a modern and practical flooring solution, which Lucy has chosen for their open-plan extension. ETSY Lucy is an advocate of supporting small businesses, so uses Etsy for finding independent retailers and craftspeople. ARBOL HOUSE This online retailer specialises in boho and industrial pieces for the home, like Lucy’s statement hanging chair. H&M HOME An affordable and trend-led high-street chain, with homeware offering everything from small pieces of furniture to stylish home accessories. B&Q You can’t beat it for all those essential bits and bobs required to nail, paint, plumb, light and generally make your home come…

We’d dreamed of moving to Cheltenham; it’s close to my parents, and not too far from our former home in Birmingham,’ says Emma. ‘However, buying somewhere that needed work was the only way we could afford to live here, and this house certainly needed lots of TLC. It consisted of seven bedsits, and the original features had been stripped out. Our offer was accepted in May 2011 and we had to move fast to convert the rundown rental into a family home by Christmas. So as soon as we collected the keys, we headed around to the property with a sledge hammer at the ready! First steps Major transformations were needed throughout. We planned a complete rewire, two single-storey extensions for the kitchen and playroom, and a rejigging upstairs to…

1 Pick a selection of favourite photos, paintings and graffiti art in a variety of sizes and shapes. 2 Think about the room – dark frames suit a sleek, neutral hallway, wood works well in an airy kitchen, and coloured frames are fun for kids’ bedrooms. 3 Plan the layout by sticking paper templates to the wall with masking tape. Aim for a 2cm gap between each frame. 4 Create a relaxed formation that can be added to over time. Start with a rectangular frame in the centre and work outwards. This style is more forgiving for a mix of frames and pictures.…

Growing up in a cottage in Penzance, Cornwall, I couldn’t imagine not living by the sea,’ says Samuel. ‘The first time I visited Brighton I didn’t want to leave and fell in love instantly with its buzz, diversity and unique shops. Six months later, I moved here and met my husband Daniel. We bought our first flat here four years ago, which we did up ourselves and sold, enabling us to buy this cottage. I had always wanted to live on this street as it reminds me of the Cornish cottage where I spent my childhood. Situated in the North Laines, it’s the perfect central Brighton location. We named the house after my mother-in-law, who sadly passed away the day our offer was accepted. We were lucky that we could…

1 Paint the wall halfway Get a hit of colour without committing to a whole room by trying a half-and-half paint treatment. A darker colour on the bottom section of walls will add the illusion of height and makes a striking backdrop for a sofa. 2 MAKE A KITCHEN STORAGE CADDY Upcycle a wooden crate to make a holder for cutlery and condiments. Wrap a band of pretty wallpaper or craft paper around the centre of the crate and staple to secure. 3 Create tailor-made storage to suit your space Solve storage issues in a living room with these wooden cabinets. Push them together in multiples to create one long bank of units and paint to match your scheme. 4 MATCH WALL AND FLOOR TILES Coordinate kitchen tiling by choosing…

Chelford Navy kitchen, £2,900; Lamona Belfast sink, £400; polished Miami White quartz worktop, £1,500, all Howdens. Walls painted in Shallows and Basalt matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, both Little Greene. Brighton paper vase, £3.50, Anders & Boo. Gosford monobloc in antique brass, £239, Abode. Textured wall Fusion mineral paint, £21.99 for 500ml, Fusion Mineral Paint. Burnished Walnut & Espresso wooden blind, £105.95, Blinds2Go. Digital microwave, £89.99; Nordic Pumo espresso coffee machine, £109, both Swan. Tuba brass sliding wall lights, £195 each, Nkuku…

We had lived in this house as tenants since 2015 before we started looking for somewhere to buy in 2017,’ says Hannah. ‘When I told our landlord that we’d viewed a property on the same road, he offered to sell us this house instead. It worked out well all round, because we got the house at a good price, didn’t have the hassle or cost of moving, and we were well acquainted with the changes we wanted to make. Traditional roots The original bathroom was done out in teal and brown, and was very old fashioned. I wanted a rolltop bath, but Vinny thought we should ditch the bath entirely, and just have a shower, as there wasn’t comfortably room for both in the room. However, I found a semi-rolltop…

Appleby RH high level traditional bathroom suite (which included toilet, bath, shower screen and sink), £849.95; traditional Savoy chrome heated towel rail, £219.95; Astoria traditional concealed shower head, £179.95; Victoria traditional mixer tap, £59.95; Victoria traditional basin taps, £34.95, all Victorian Plumbing. Wall tiles in Skyros Delft Blue, £19.90sq m, Tile Mountain. Vinyl plank floor in Bachata Rustic White wood effect, £19sq m, B&Q. Cabine rust effect metal mirror, £99, Maisons Du Monde. Toilet roll holder, £15.99, eBay. Namiko towels, from £7, Christy…

CAULIFLOWER WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE TAKES 20 MINS SERVES 2 200g new potatoes, diced 150g cauliflower florets 1tsp ground turmeric ½tsp chilli flakes 1tsp sunflower oil 3tbsp mixed spices (we used fennel, cumin, coriander, caraway and mustard seeds) 200g cherry tomatoes, halved 75g frozen petits pois Large handful spinach Small handful coriander 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Boil the potatoes for 5-6 mins, until tender. Drain and reserve 5tbsp of the cooking water. Set the potatoes aside. 2 Toss the cauliflower florets in the turmeric, chilli flakes and sunflower oil. Roast on a baking tray for 15 mins. 3 Add the spices to a pan and fry for 2 mins, until fragrant. Tip in the tomatoes, potatoes and cooking water. Cook on a gentle a simmer for 10…

PRETTY HANDY Pop small cosmetics and everyday accessories in this handy mirror tray. Sanctuary mirror, £10, Matalan SPACE SAVER This collapsible design can be folded flat to fit into narrow spaces. Foldable laundry basket, £33.95, Brabantia MULTI PURPOSE Hooks and adjustable shelving make this both stylish and practical. Moss wall mounted kitchen storage, £49, Made STASH AND CARRY Use the three compartments to organise and transport products for effortless housework. Wash tidy, £16, Garden Trading FAST TRACK The drawstring fastening on this mat scoops up unused toys between playtimes. Play & Go storage bag, £32.95, Bobby Rabbit PILE UP Limited floor space? Go for stackable chairs that can be stored away until needed. Harlow dining chairs, £40 each, Argos CLUTTER FREE Mount these self-adhesive holders to cupboard doors to make…

Homegrown tastes better and is so easy to do. This year, make growing your own a feature of your garden, whatever its size. It’s also good for your wellbeing: growing your own produce can give you a sense of calm and achievement, and a regular supply for the kitchen. From salad with extra crunch to heavenly scented tomatoes and fresh herbs, it’s all very doable. The trick is to grow small amounts of different crops that offer big rewards. Avoid anything that needs elaborate preparation and cultivation and go for easy options such as cut-and-come-again salad, perpetual spinach and dwarf kale, herbs, chillies, dwarf varieties of French beans and compact tomatoes. Edible flowers such as nasturtium, borage and calendula will add a pretty touch to your veg garden. Try mixing…

The year’s hottest wallpaper – revealed! The wait is over! Graham & Brown has unveiled its Wallpaper of the Year for 2021 – and it’s a real gem! Inspired by both archive prints and contemporary elements, Timepiece Amethyst blends modern geometrics with bold florals in a luxurious palette. What’s more, the design is perfectly complemented by G&B’s Paint Colour of the Year, Epoch – a rich shade of mulberry that’s sure to bring extra richness and depth to your interiors. Ditch paint tester pots When it comes to finding the perfect paint colour for your walls, Coat Paints has changed the game for ever. Say goodbye to messy tester pots and say hello to peel-and-stick colour swatches. Simply pop them in any room you like, then move around to try…

SMOOTH OPERATOR No nasties, just peanut and salt perfection. Pip & Nut Ultimate Deep Roast Smooth Peanut Butter, £3.75 for 400g, Sainsbury’s and Pip & Nut NEW KID IN TOWN It may be new but it’s already winning the hearts of peanut butter lovers. Jackpot Natural Double Roasted Peanut Butter, £5.49 for 500g, Ocado NUTS FOR IT! The original, and still our favourite. Manilife Deep Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter, £3.99 for 295g, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose & Partners and Whole Foods…