Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2021 i Style At Home

I’m not sure I’ve ever looked forward to spring quite so much. In general, I love any change of season, but spring is up there with my favourites when everything (including me!) suddenly comes back to life after all that winter hibernating. The longer days never fail to give me a creative energy boost, and I’m often to be found causing havoc at home, shifting furniture around, restyling rooms and painting walls on a whim (for the umpteenth time). I like nothing better than an instant refresh! If, like me, you’re a fan of everything homes-related, you’re in for a treat with Roost, our shiny new online TV show. With weekly episodes on idealhome.co.uk, packed with inspiration and advice for your home, get comfy with a cuppa and enjoy the…

NEW KIDS’ RANGE FROM NEXT Give your youngster’s bedroom a boost with Next’s new collection of furniture and decorative pep ups. Cushions, rugs and accessories span from cute to cool, and our highlights include the locker-style storage pieces that will transition as the kids grow older. Don’t miss the bed with a house-shaped headboard and the pretty rainbow bedlinen. It could be designer! You can pick up more than just your decorating essentials at B&Q. Its new furniture range includes side tables and the statement Turio armchair and stool, in Grey linen or plush velvet in Burnt Orange, Forest Green or Deep Blue, to create a cosy corner. DUNELM’S NATURAL RUGS We’ve fallen for these woven wonders. The trend-defying rugs will add subtle pattern and instantly bring a layer of…

When I came to view this property I was renting a flat five doors down the road,’ says Catherine. ‘I did want to buy my own place one day, but wasn’t seriously thinking of moving, yet since this was so close I thought I may as well take a look. When I walked in I just fell in love with it. It’s a ground-floor flat with a garden, which was on my wish list, but it also has beautiful high ceilings, huge sash windows and lovely original features, such as the ceiling mouldings and the fireplace in the living room. The layout suited me too, with the kitchen and living room next to each other at the front and the bedroom at the back, rather than on the noisy road…

WAYFAIR One of the largest online suppliers of homeware, Wayfair stocks everything from rugs and lighting to bath taps and literally the kitchen sink. LOAF Serious quality and old-fashioned craftsmanship are the core values here and all the sofas are made in the UK. MAISONS DU MONDE Furniture and accessories that are always inspired by the latest trends, so its a one-stop shop for a modern look. IAMFY Known for their affordable prints, Iamfy also stocks a vast array of stylish homeware in a range to suit everyone’s taste.…

David and I had been living just a 10-minute drive from our current home, but it was time to move again as we craved more room both inside and outside,’ says Annabelle. ‘I loved our old house, but the front door literally opened onto the high street and I was living in constant fear that my eldest son, who was three at the time, would manage to open the door and run out into the road. I’d seen this house advertised online, but the photos didn’t really sell it, so it didn’t appeal to me. We viewed another Georgian house, made an offer on it, but that sale fell through the day before we were going to move into the house. Then David started looking again and saw this property…

ANTIQUES SHOPS I love scouring stores for unique finds, such as the dining table I bought in Norfolk. EBAY I often browse eBay and websites of local art dealers for vintage posters – you can often pick up a beautiful original at a reasonable price. NASH INTERIORS This is my go-to shop for most of our furniture as they seem to have everything and it’s classic and unique. COX & COX, CHICKIDEE AND GRAHAM AND GREEN These are all stores I’ve often found to be ideal for homeware.…

ABOUT ME I’m Cat Maginnis, 31, and I live here with my husband Dain, 32, and our children Dexter, four, and Barney, three. We own interiors shop Wild One Interiors. OUR HOME A four-bed detached Victorian villa in Alsager, Cheshire. We moved here in May 2018. WHEN WE MOVED IN We hadn’t considered a period property and this house hadn’t been updated in decades, but needed no structural work. We felt an instant connection. AND NOW We’ve painted throughout with rich, atmospheric colours and added Art Deco touches to create a dramatic home. STYLE TIP Don’t be dictated by trends. It’s your home, so love your choices as you’ll be living and breathing them every day.…

WILD ONE INTERIORS Eclectic and fun, our motto is ‘dare to be different’. Shop for colour-pop candles, delicate dried flowers, animal-print throws and more. ABEL AND THE LABEL Browse colourful prints and uplifting artwork that will add bags of character to a gallery wall. FARROW & BALL For those serious about making a statement with paint. Shades to suit every palette from calm and soothing to bold and dramatic. GUMTREE Check out the online emporium for a wide variety of furniture at low prices just waiting to be craftily upcycled and carefully re-homed.…

STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘Offset muted shades with punchy pops of yellow and glam touches such as a glass coffee table and stud detailing.’ SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Stephanie Durrant STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘Worn wood furniture lends itself perfectly to a palette of nautical hues that’s failsafe due to their calming effect.’ STYLE EDITOR, Michela Colling STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘For a clutter-free home, find storage that is aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional so that just the bare essentials are on display.’ DECORATING EDITOR, Nicky Phillips…

The house I moved into 20 years ago is a far cry from the one that I now feel proud of,’ says Natasha. ‘It was the type of property a builder would buy to do up, as it needed new electrics, windows, plumbing – in fact, everything. It had been the long-time home of an elderly couple and they hadn’t renovated it since the 1970s. Everything was brown including the carpets, walls and paintwork. As was the trend at that time, they’d covered the internal doors with hardboard panels – painted brown, of course. When I began to remove them, I revealed the original Victorian doors. Going for broke Despite all the work I knew would be involved, I could see the potential and had belief – unlike my parents…

When space is tight or when an outward or inward-opening hinged door is inconvenient, a sliding pocket door or a barn-style door makes a neat and practical solution. What is a pocket door? The door slides into a cavity (or ‘pocket’) in the adjacent wall, disappearing from view when the entrance way is open. The wall needs to be deep and wide enough to accommodate the door. There are 10 standard sizes of door in the UK, with H1981xW762mm a popular choice, and thicknesses between 35mm and 44mm. How do I fit it? Typically, the door slides along an upper track, available in kit form, built into the studwork of a non-solid wall. Alternatively, a door can slide into a steel-framed cassette, with plasterboard installed directly over its surface. Usually…

ABOUT ME I’m Kievah Wallace, 34, a PR and social media manager and instagrammer (@old.house.new. castle). I live with my husband Jamie, 34, an assistant project manager, and our daughter Ruby, one, in a four-bed Victorian terraced house in Gosforth, Newcastle. We got the keys in December 2018 and moved in the following Easter. MY CHALLENGE The toilet and bathroom were separate rooms. We had to rectify 30 years of bodged jobs and a leaky toilet. MY WISH LIST It made sense to create one big space and flip the layout. Style-wise I’ve always loved monochrome tiles with brushed gold and wanted a mix of old and new.…

A hybrid between an open-plan wet room and fully-enclosed shower cubicle, walk-in showers offer easy, low-level access and a spacious showering area. Why is it called a walk-in? A walk-in shower has no door but it does include at least one shower screen and comes in two main styles. The single entry, like Kievah’s, has access at one end, which is great for a corner or alcove. A double entry or walk-through design is positioned centrally and can be accessed at both ends. Should I go for a tray or tank the floor?  Tanking the floor, and walls, will provide level access and is worth considering if you have less-abled users or are looking to future-proof your home. Taking the tray route means you’ll swerve the hassle and expense of…

Paint a feature wall – for less! Give rooms a vibrant spring update for the price of a takeaway coffee with Poundland’s new Pep&Co home paint range. There are four contemporary feature wall colours to choose from, including Totally Teal, English Mustard, Pebble Grey and Green Velvet, each promising quality coverage and a hard-wearing finish – and all just £3 each for a 1ltr tin. That’s a fantastic saving of more than £20 compared to similar shades from big-name brands! Add a metallic finish Whether you’ve completed a complex renovation or a simple upcycle, it’s the finishing touches that can really bring a project together. Swoon has teamed up with hardware brand Plank to offer design-led metallic doorknobs and handles, along with door numbers, hooks and rails – perfect for…

EASTER GARLAND YOU WILL NEED CREATE A BEAUTIFUL SPRING-FRESH HALL WREATH USING SWATHES OF REAL OR ARTIFICIAL GREEN FOLIAGE AND BLOSSOM SPRIGS! Easter images Scissors Darning needle Twine or sewing thread 1 Set the scene for a spring celebration with a garland made from nostalgic Easter illustrations. Gather a selection of vintage découpage papers, images from magazines, old Easter cards or free printable illustrations found online. 2 Carefully cut around the motifs using sharp scissors or a craft knife and a cutting mat. If the shapes are a little flimsy, glue them onto thin card to give them more stability. 3 At the top of each paper motif, make two small holes on either side using a darning needle. Lay out the pieces on a flat surface in the order…

The Aida is a two-seater with attitude. The chic curve and fluted detailing, brass tipped feet and plush velvet finish deliver glamour worthy of any boutique cocktail bar to your own living room. Team with vibrant cushions that pack a punch. 3 of the best… MAXIMALIST CUSHIONS…

Celebrate these busy and vital creatures by filling your home with bee-themed accessories. You’ll find them on everything from crockery and cushions to notebooks. So why not plant some wild flowers in your garden and watch the real thing buzz around while sipping tea from a pretty bee motif mug? FOR BUSY BEES Personalised bee softback notebook, £12.95, Martha Brooks PRETTY PEG Gold bee hook, £11, Mint & May MAKE A BREW Busy Bee teabag dish, £10, Red Candy TASSEL TRIM Velvet Zhurie bee embroidery cushion, £34, Oliver Bonas TRINKET POT Gold bee glass box, £18, Mint & May GOOD MORNING Bees egg cup, £8, Sophie Allport GARDEN PARTY Wooden bee and buttercup garland, £7.50, Gisela Graham SWEET CUPPA Bee print mug, £12.50, Fat Face OFF THE WALL Bee wall…

ABOUT ME I’m Catherine Vickers, 33, a primary school teacher, and I share snaps of my home on Instagram @53houseplantsandme MY HOME A one-bed, ground-floor flat in a converted semi-detached Victorian house, in southeast London, which I bought in April 2020. WHEN I MOVED IN It thankfully didn’t need any major work, but it was the size and lightness of the rooms, rather than the decor (which was fairly bland), that attracted me to the place. AND NOW I painted every room in sherbet colours, then moved on to the garden to give that a modern update. STYLE TIP I kept the majority of the house white so that the colours I chose for the woodwork, and my existing furniture, could really shine out in every room.…

Give your outdoor space a refresh by stencilling your tiles. 1 Tidy and clear the area and remove any roots and weeds. Use a pressure-washer to make sure the pavers are completely clean, then allow time for them to dry. 2 Apply two coats of base colour, making sure the paint is suitable for concrete, and leave to dry fully in between each coat. Attach the roller to a pole for easy application. 3 Fix your stencil with some masking tape and use a stippling brush or small roller, using the paint sparingly to avoid ‘bleeding’ at the edges of the pattern. 4 Apply a couple of coats of heavy-duty sealant to protect the tiles and make them waterproof. This is especially important with the UK weather or on an…

ABOUT ME I’m Annabelle Rogers, 39, a senior packaging designer and creative partner (@designermumetc). I live here with my husband David, 49, creative partner at our design agency, our children Milo, nine, Charlie, six, and my stepson Lewis, 15. OUR HOME We live in a five-bed Grade II-listed Georgian cottage with converted barns, in Nottinghamshire. We bought it in July 2014. WHEN WE MOVED IN The house needed a lot of work, such as a new kitchen and en-suite bathroom. AND NOW I am happy with what we’ve done, we just need to update the decor by using art; it flows through the house like a gallery. STYLE TIP I love cooking, so I knew I definitely wanted an island as well as a lot of storage. The housekeeper’s cupboard…

Embrace your property’s history and character by choosing pieces that will complement the existing features, just as Annabelle has done. To then add a modern twist to the decor, try introducing colourful accents and statement accessories to each room – we love Annabelle’s bold collection of graphic artwork and fun lighting choices, which help to balance out the more traditional elements of the house.…

1 Lay down cardboard in a well-ventilated area and place the item of furniture on it. Remove drawers and any hardware. 2 Wipe surfaces with liquid soap and water. Leave to dry. 3 If the item has a glossy finish sand surfaces using 150-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a wet cloth and leave to dry again. 4 Choose a universal spray paint. Metallic spray paint has a sparkly shine and is great for surfaces like plastic or metal, while textured spray paint gives a stone-like finish, ideal for outdoor furniture. 5 Shake the canister, then apply a light coat using even side-to-side strokes, holding the canister 30cm away. Spray several light coats. 6 Let the paint cure before reattaching the hardware.…

Cat jumped in feet first with colour when it came to bringing this period property to life. The original features have been highlighted with daring paint combinations and bold wallpaper choices. For a boho-glam finish, Cat teams vintage and new furniture with clashing patterns, plus a mixture of quirky accessories and collectibles in contrasting jewel tones with graphic artwork. Layers of texture come from fluffy sheepskin rugs, botanical walls and trailing plants.…

Paint a headboard Keep things simple with a panel of colour you can easily change, move or erase, for a cheaper and less bulky alternative to an upholstered headboard. If your walls are matt, try using a satin paint finish to create a slightly different texture. Add a colour-pop door Whether interior or exterior, a door is the perfect place to introduce a shot of bold colour to a neutral scheme. Update clear glass with a frosted film like Purlfrost that gives privacy but still lets the light in. Make a gallery wall Inject personality with a mix-and-match combination of prints in old frames. A lick of bright paint halfway up will make the different frame styles work together. Highlight great features  A painted border will draw attention to lovely…

ABOUT ME I’m Natasha Landers (@untillemonsrsweet) and I’m a diversity consultant. I live with my daughter Maya, 21, in a three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in east London, which I bought in 2000. MY CHALLENGE As well as being too small for me, the kitchen always felt quite dark and so extending the space would certainly provide more natural light. It was also a chance for me to introduce my own style to the kitchen, which meant injecting an abundance of colour. MY WISH LIST By getting new built-to-order kitchen wall cabinets – made to my own design – I could finally get the storage space that this room was badly lacking.…

GLASS DOOR SYSTEMS Eclisse has a good selection of glass pocket doors, plus sliding and flush door systems, and door furniture. POCKET DOOR STEEL CASSETTE SYSTEMS Rocket Door Frames specialises in competitively priced pre-cut galvanised steel kits. HARDWARE Henderson is a well-established company offering a wide selection of sliding door systems, accessories and components. SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMS When a pocket door isn’t feasible, due to space or budget, Pocket Door Shop offers sliding door systems to suit thinner and glass door applications.…

Whether you want a wet room or walk-in shower with tray, a single glass panel attached to the wall with a support arm will give a sleek look. Add a 25mm wide end panel to protect against splashes. Black and brass designs are on trend. The Mode black framed wet room panel, Victoria Plum, has an industrial look. Or pick Victorian Plumbing’s Arezzo brushed brass wet room screen for a luxe feel. Tempered glass in 8mm or 10mm is ultra durable but 4mm or 6mm glass is more pocket friendly. To avoid limescale or soap build-up, make sure you choose glass with an easy-clean coating.…

LOW EFFORT Soak.com stocks frameless shower panels (from £87.99), all treated with an EasyClean finish that repels water to reduce cleaning time and prevent staining. EASY CLEANING Frontline’s Black Grid walk-in shower panels feature a digitally integrated grid pattern for the on-trend industrial look without the dirt-trapping potential of metal framing. STURDY SUPPORT Aqata has developed a ceiling fix column that attaches from floor to ceiling to ensure a safe and secure installation of its shower panels, without compromising the frameless look. We also love the company’s new matte black panel collection.…

STICK AROUND Mark up storage with printable labels so that items are easy to find. Aibecy wireless label machine, £37.99, Amazon TAKE A SEAT Doubling up as a bench, the three spacious and removable boxes make tidying up easier. Harri storage box, £249, Swoon SERVE AND STIR This petite canister comes with a ceramic spoon that sits neatly on the side. Pink sugar bowl, £5, George Home HEY, GOOD LOOKING! The handy hooks and slim tray are useful for storing jewellery, scarves and cosmetics. Round shelf mirror, £30, Habitat FOLD AWAY Fitted with handles and a metal zip, this bag makes light work of storing bedding. Vintage Ivy design bag, £4.95, Rex London HIDDEN STASH Store an ever-growing collection of carrier bags – and free up cupboard space too. Bees…

USE A JAR WITH A WIDE RIM FOR EASY PLANTING. YOU’LL NEED A DECENT AMOUNT OF SOIL DEPTH FOR THE ROOTS This is the perfect project to tackle over a weekend while the weather is still a bit on the chilly side. The wooden board will make it easy to mount the planter on a garden fence or the wall of your kitchen, if you want to have it inside. We’ve used herbs, but you could put in trailing plants to create a ‘living wall’ effect. YOU WILL NEED Pine or plywood Tape measure Set square Junior hacksaw Sandpaper Blue chalk paint Glass jars with 10cm tops Bradawl Wood screws Metal hose clips Eye screws Screwdriver Hanging wire Compost Herb seedlings 1 CREATE THE BACKBOARD Measure then mark a piece…

SLOW SHOULDER OF LAMB TAKES 5 HRS, PLUS OVERNIGHT MARINATING SERVES 6 2kg shoulder of lamb on the bone 300ml dry sherry 4tbsp dukkah 100g pomegranate seeds 3tbsp chopped fresh mint Juice of 1 lemon FOR THE SPICE RUB 2tsp cardamom pods 2tbsp coriander seeds 2tsp cumin seeds 2tsp sweet smoked paprika 3 cloves 1tsp black pepper Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 Prepare the rub. Using a pestle, crush the cardamom pods in a mortar, then discard the husks. Add the remaining spices, crush and mix together. Then add the lemon zest. 2 Score the skin of the lamb with a sharp knife and, using your hands, push the rub into the flesh. Put into a non-metallic dish and pour over half the sherry. Cover and leave to…

INSTAGRAM @styleathomemag #sahstylists FACEBOOK facebook.com/styleathomemag PINTEREST pinterest.com/styleathomemag EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work very hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop. html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email the Editor at styleathome@futurenet.com or write to The Editor, Style at Home, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.…

George Home GLOBAL ADVENTURE Be inspired by patterns and motifs from around the world Next Home GLAM BLUSH Team soft shades with luxe metallics for a feminine feel Dunelm NATURAL ARTISAN Blend recycled materials with sleek lines and black accents…

1. Zone a desk To blend a work station within a room, use a rug, screen or open shelving to help section off the floor space. Add plants, vases and homely hide away storage boxes and pots to shelves to help it fit in. 2. Choose a skinny style For a free flowing space, choose occasional pieces like side tables, shelving and chairs with thin profiled, open frames so you can easily reconfigure the room. 3. Pick bright light fittings  Make it even brighter with table, wall or floor lamps in block colour. Pick retro-inspired task lighting with clean lines, conical shades and a thin stem, in powder coated metal finishes. 4. Introduce bold shapes Go for simple, graphic styles such as asymmetrical shapes like stacked semi-circles for textiles and…

1 Most flowers can be dried, but the best are a group known as everlastings, which are better at keeping their shape and colour. 2 Strip off all the leaves and extra foliage, snip off any thorns, and cut a couple of inches off the bottom of the stems. 3 Gather a small bundle of stems and use a length of string or an elastic band to bind them together. The easiest and cheapest way is then to leave the flowers to air-dry. 4 Hang them upside down in a dry, warm but well ventilated room and leave for three to four weeks. Arrange in vases, vintage cans, or use them to make summer wreaths.…

Add some character to your interiors and reflect your own eclectic style by displaying posters that you’ve collected over the years – or start afresh. You can either buy or print favourite images, or display your own artistic creations. Small postcards would work well too. Choose the same size frame or use two different sizes for a dynamic finish. Be sure to use the same style of frame, although the colours can differ. Try to create a theme while using different colours and shapes to create visual interest. Play with different layout configurations that suit the size of the wall and space, and aim to keep the gap between each picture frame even.…

We’d had our offer accepted on a 1970s house that was totally our style, but after lots of delays, it was looking increasingly unlikely that the purchase would come off,’ says Cat. ‘And at seven months pregnant, I was getting nervous and wanted to complete before Barney was born. So we went to see 10 more properties, just in case it didn’t happen, and felt an immediate connection with this house. The agents and owners moved swiftly to get us moved in within a matter of weeks and we got to work straight away. Up all hours To say it was hectic at the beginning is an understatement. Fortunately, there was no structural work needed, but the house hadn’t been touched in a long time, so there was a lot…

1 Choose plants that require the same amount of sunlight and water. Think about where you’ll hang the plant wall and how much sunlight that spot gets throughout the year. Good starters are lipstick plant, sword fern and wedding vine. 2 You can buy prefabricated wall-hanging frames, or if you prefer to go the DIY route you can create your own with wood, plastic sheeting and a plant-friendly fabric. 3 If you’ve gone for a DIY pallet, test your design first. Add soil before hanging and if leakage occurs, reline with extra plastic. 4 Water and fertilise your plants according to need. Remember, nature’s resources aren’t available to the plants in your living wall, so tend them regularly.…

the STYLE RULES MAKE A STATEMENT Utilise wall space by extending the mantel to reach the width of a room, then inject a vibrant block of colour by painting the shelf the same colour as the wall. EXUDE COSINESS Comfy seating, with deep backs and feather-filled scatter cushions, provides the ideal spot to hunker down. Choose loose-weave linen fabric for a relaxed, sink-into feeling. CAPTURE CALMING VIBES A traditional open fireplace instantly evokes a cottage feel. For a similar effect, try wicker baskets, window shutters and nature motif artwork. USE BARELY-THERE TONES Work pastel shades of blush pink, mint green and powder blue into a country scheme to warm up natural, distressed materials such as wood flooring and panelled walls. Modern COUNTRY Go for bold splashes of…

1 Reinvent your living room Tired of drab decor? Refresh a jaded scheme by bringing in a lighter, brighter palette of sunny yellows and soft pinks. Barely-there blush walls make a perfect backdrop for a plush gold sofa – then just add cushions and artwork in coordinating colours. 2 FIND SPACE FOR BATHROOM ESSENTIALS small bathroom space with multi- a tasking storage - this wall-hung caddy doubles up as a towel rail. 3 Try a new way with a tiled splashback Give kitchen tiling extra edge by using hexagonal tiles for a splashback. A neat way of adding subtle pattern in a neutral scheme, leave the end tiles untrimmed to create a zig-zag edging. 4 TRY PANELLED WALLS IN A BEDROOM Panelling is an easy way of covering uneven walls…

Base units, £4,451, Pronorm. Similar wall-mounted plywood units and laminated worktops, £800, Uncommon Projects. HJA5100 dual-fuel range cooker, £1,100, Leisure. Havsen sink, £155, Ikea. Vola KV1 single-lever mixer tap, £1,328, Majorelle Interiors. Furnace Copper splashback tiles, £76.51sq m, Fired Earth. Springfield Yellow rubber flooring, £58sq m, The Colour Flooring Company. Custom-made copper-pipe lighting system, £300, Gastom. Walls in Clunch modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Yellow Tom Vac chair, £285, Vitra. Bravur clock, £45, Ikea…

After spending six years doing up our first home in Sandyford, Newcastle, we decided to start a family and move to nearby Gosforth where Jamie’s from,’ says Kievah. ‘When the sale of our first-choice house fell through, we moved in with Jamie’s parents and kept looking. We couldn’t afford a “done” house, but soon found this property that had been empty for a year. Previously owned by a hoarder, it was dark and smelly with piles of possessions everywhere. The decor hadn’t been touched for over 30 years, it had no central heating and needed rewiring and replastering. The day we moved in the toilet was leaking into the kitchen below causing water damage. We set about stripping wallpaper and ripping up carpets before turning to the dated bathroom. Planning…

Similar Verona freestanding bath, £539.95; similar Arezzo countertop basin, £99.95; similar Metro close coupled toilet, £169.95, all Victorian Plumbing. Wall-mounted basin mixer tap, £275; floor-standing bath mixer tap, £595; thermostatic shower with handheld shower, £595, all in Brushed Gold, Lusso Stone. Drench 25mm wafer thin stone rectangular shower tray, £119.99, Tap Warehouse, is similar. Vellamo Matt Black framed wet room panel, £269.99, Drench. Try metro brick Flat White matt wall tiles, £10sq m; hexagon Matt Black floor tiles, £28sq m, both Tiles Direct. Reina Diva Black towel radiator, £68.07, Designer Radiators Direct. Bari bathroom wall light, £49.66, Dusk Lights. Similar Bex mirror, £59, Made. Walls in Pink Ground modern emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr; window frame in Railings modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Ladder striped bath mat,…

CARROT AND WALNUT CAKE TAKES 50 MINS SERVES 12 250g gluten-free plain flour 3tsp gluten-free baking powder 1tsp xanthan gum 1tsp mixed spice 175ml sunflower oil 175g muscovado sugar 3 large eggs 350g carrots, peeled and grated FOR THE FROSTING 3tbsp icing sugar 300g cream cheese Zest of half an orange 100g crushed walnuts FOR THE DECORATION 250g marzipan Orange food colouring 3tbsp cold coffee A few parsley sprigs YOU WILL NEED 20cm square lined tin 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Tip the flour into a bowl and stir in the baking powder, xanthan gum and mixed spice. Add the oil, sugar and eggs to the bowl. Beat well until the mixture is smooth, then fold in the grated carrots. Spoon the mixture into the tin and level.…

REGULARLY REBOOT YOUR ROUTER TO IMPROVE ITS PERFORMANCE AND KEEP IT WORKING AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE Good broadband is right up there with other utilities when it comes to how much we rely on it, especially now more of us are working from home. Smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and even some washing machines need a strong wireless signal, so follow our advice on how to boost performance in every corner of your home. I pay for fast broadband so why is the signal weak?  Broadband speed and Wi-Fi strength are different things and some simple tweaks could make a huge difference. Charles Reed, smart home expert at Maplin, suggests, ‘Don’t hide your router behind furniture. Instead, fit a longer cable so you can put it in the middle of your…

Sew modern Lose yourself in the wonderful world of contemporary hand embroidery with Hoop Art by Cristin Morgan (£12.99, Search Press). Beginners will learn to master the basics with step-by-step technique guides and a comprehensive stitch directory. There are 20 beautiful embroidery projects to try, too, with easy-to-follow illustrations to create modern hoop art, stylish homeware and fashion ideas. LISTEN & UNWIND Steal a mindful crafting moment with global crafting platform, LoveCrafts and its weekly self-titled podcast. Hosted by cross-stitch superstar, Mr X Stitch and LoveCrafts editor, Merion Willis, the LoveCrafts podcast is the perfect escape for you to indulge in all things crafty. Look out for special guests such as knitter extraordinaire, Debbie Bliss, and even Olympic swimmer, Tom Daly, who apparently is an avid knitter – who knew?…

Cheat’s eats! If you’re hankering for a break from cooking at Easter then let M&S help you! Its Easter Dine In deal is running from 31 March to 5 April and includes one main, three sides and a dessert, enough to serve four, and costs £20. For the main course, choose between buttery roast beef, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and full-on flavour British roast chicken. M&S is also running a similar offer for Mother’s Day, from 10 to 14 March. DIP IN Odysea has launched a brand-new houmous dip. Unopened, it doesn't need to be refrigerated, so is ideal to keep in stock for when you need to jazz up lunch or fancy a pre-dinner nibble. For a simple canapé, dollop onto crunchy crostini, or try a crudité and crisps selection.…