Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2021 i Style At Home

Family legend has it that I learned to walk on floor joists. Renovations have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, growing up in houses that definitely fell into the ‘project’ category. I don’t have a handyman on speed dial – I call my dad if I need any DIY advice! Luckily my OH is pretty handy, too. So when I come up with yet another ‘Great Idea’ (between this mag, Pinterest and Instagram there are a lot!), he’ll find a way to make it happen. It’s possible my ideas may be a little ambitious for two people working full time with two tweens, a full-of-beans dog and a needy cat to care for. Props to my daughter, who is displaying great patience as her…

IDEAL HOME LAUNCHES PAINT! With more than 100 years of interiors expertise, Ideal Home knows a thing or two about colour, and has now teamed up with Albany for its first paint range. Five categories – Relaxing, Uplifting, Cocooning, Empowering and Grounding – feature neutrals, plus accents and coordinating shades. Cushions with conscience What makes Ian Snow’s products even more swoon-worthy? Alongside a passion for ethical standards is a focus on recycled and sustainable materials. The character designs are handcrafted in India and threads used in the covers are free of plastic fibres. The new marketplace selling app Dubbed the ‘Depop for homeware’, the new Narchie app lets you sell your unwanted furniture and homeware from your phone – perfect if you’re on a decluttering drive or looking for a…

ABOUT ME I’m Suzie Tipple, 47, and I run an antiques and vintage furniture business (@arseantiques). I live here with my husband James, 48, who runs his own company, and our children, Evie, 17, Casper, 15, and Coco, 10. MY HOME A five-bed detached Victorian house in Fleet, Hampshire. We moved here in February 2005. WHEN WE MOVED IN All the decor was very 1980s. There were floral wallpapers, tatty bathrooms and lots of pink carpet. Downstairs was a series of separate rooms including the tiny, dark kitchen. AND NOW We’ve knocked through and moved the kitchen to make an open-plan family space. STYLE TIP Don’t automatically think you have to upcycle or paint old furniture. Chips and marks tell a story.…

Suzie has created a bright, light-filled downstairs space, making the most of the open-plan layout and wall of bifold doors to really bring the outdoors in. Choosing modern furniture in pale colours, glossy finishes and reflective surfaces helps the sunny mood permeate throughout and adds to the sense of flow. Bringing in plenty of plants and greenery creates a link with the garden space, from trailing plants on shelves and surfaces to floor-standing tubs that add height and interest.…

1 Paint a rectangle on the wall in a contrasting colour to highlight decorative hangings and plants. It could equally be placed behind shelves or a grouping of pictures. 2 You don’t have to have picture or dado rails to be able to paint sections of your walls. You can create a funky geometric look by placing a diagonal line of masking tape across an entire wall or just in one corner. 3 If sharp lines aren’t your thing – or you’d prefer a quick and easy option – a ragged blurred line can look great too. Just make sure it looks deliberate rather than seeming like a half-finished job! 4 A large circle or rectangle can work well as an alternative focal point to a headboard. Try extending the…

Rebekah’s palette of chalky oranges and pinks on a monochrome backdrop has created a modern yet serene scheme. Untreated wood in the form of a reclaimed timber dining table and plywood shelves contrasts with textured cushions and throws, drawing inspiration from the hygge trend. Lush green houseplants and wall-hung containers balance the design-led angles of lighting and furniture. An olive green sofa and graphic art prints bring the look together.…

1 Lightly sand all surfaces of the wooden stool with 220-grit sanding paper to remove any chips or irregularities. 2 Wipe down the stool with a damp cloth to remove dust, then allow to dry completely. 3 Turn the stool upside down. Paint a thin coat of oil-based primer onto the legs and underside of the seat. Allow to dry for two hours, then turn the right way up and paint the seat with primer. 4 Repeat the previous step with an oil-based paint in your chosen colour. Apply two or three thin coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly in between.…

Sally has given her 1950s home a unique spin by displaying her family’s passions. Smart white and charcoal walls keep the open-plan space feeling uncluttered and calm while allowing bright colours to stand out. Vintage travel posters and wall art serve as a chic alternative to kitsch holiday memorabilia, while brass accessories, a beaded chandelier and a mix of cushions add a boho-ecletic edge.…

Separate into groups Worried that a long run of open shelving will look untidy? Try dividing the shelf into sections by placing items in groups of three or five – odd numbers are more visually appealing. Colour coding Choose a palette of two or three colours and stick to it for your accessories – coordinated vases, picture frames, and even book spines make a fail-safe display. Clear clutter Prevent floor-to-ceiling shelving from looking cluttered. Smaller items can look messy, so stash these in attractive storage boxes. For tall shelving units, place large boxes and baskets on lower shelves for easy access, and smaller ones up high. Create contrast Fill a two-tone unit with sculptural vases, books and pots, placing white on white and black on black for a dynamic monochrome…

ABOUT ME I’m Rose Hepworth, 37, and I’m a department business manager. I live with my wife, Laurie Poole, 32, who is a researcher, and our son Jem, who’s 20 months. We bought this house in December 2019. THE CHALLENGE The original kitchen was old-fashioned, tired-looking and just not to our taste. We wanted a kitchen that made better use of the available space, that would suit the needs of a young family, but that was still sympathetic to the Victorian period and style of the property. MY WISHLIST I was keen for a colour scheme that was fresh, vibrant and modern. I also wanted open shelving and underfloor heating and a layout that was much more user-friendly.…

Taking on a house in the Hampshire countryside that hadn’t been touched for years was a huge project,’ says Carla. ‘At one stage it was a hotel, so we knew there was a lot to do. Originally we kept a foothold in London and came down at weekends, but after the first lockdown we decided to make the big move down here permanently. We decided to focus on the two-bed annexe, so we could rent it out on Airbnb, @thecountrypunkhouse. The bathroom was the first room that needed attention. First moves There was nothing worth saving in the room so we stripped it all out. Getting rid of the enormous airing cupboard left plenty of space for a shower and a bath. I wanted to keep the fittings authentic to…

Virtue basin taps, £65.81; Virtue ERD shower, £525; Virtue bath/shower mixer, £179.88; Ascent divider panel, £410.88; flight tray in Dark Slate, £396, all Mira Showers. Harrow heated towel rail, £250, Hudson Reed. Windsor freestanding bath, £600; Edwardian basin, £160; toilet, £250, all Burlington Bathrooms. Crackle Spring Green wall tiles, £68.64sq m, Porcelain Superstore. Riven slate floor tiles, from £18sq m, Mandarin Stone. Walls painted in Calamine estate emulsion, £49.50, Farrow & Ball. Rug, £40; plant pot, £15, both H&M Home. Blind, £40, Order Blinds. Antique unit, £50; plant stand, £20, both Elephant Antiques. Wall light, £45, Garden Trading. Picture by Dscreet, £250, Hang-Up Gallery. Rustic basket, £10, Ikea. Pink and green hammam towels, £18 each, Drift Linens. Mirrors, £50 each, Amazon.…

PROTECT YOUR SIGNPOST FROM DAMAGE AND WEAR BY PLACING IT IN A SHED OR GARAGE DURING WINTER OR BOUTS OF BAD WEATHER Whether you have a celebration coming up or you just want to prettify your outside space, an old-fashioned wooden signpost is a fun addition to your garden. All you need is a hammer and nails, plus a saw if you plan to create your arrows from scratch. It’s a great way to use reclaimed wood from old pallets or any discarded posts or battens and garden paint will ensure your signs stay crisp and clear whatever the weather. YOU WILL NEED Wooden post Wooden battens Jigsaw or hand saw Sandpaper Hammer Nails Weatherproof paint Paintbrush 1 MAKE THE ARROWS Lay out several wooden battens on a flat surface.…

Upper crust chicken kiev Is this latest whacky invention from M&S your idea of heaven or hell? It’s a pie version of the iconic M&S chicken kiev. The crisp pie base is filled with British chicken slathered in that irresistible creamy rich garlic butter sauce. It’s topped off with a puff pastry lid and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. We can’t decide either – suppose there’s only one way to find out… CHEAT’S EATS! Did you catch the lockdown baking bug, and now you have the taste for homebaked goodies but no longer all that spare time? Then why not give these frozen doughs from The Northern Dough Co a whirl. You can find them in the frozen section at Tesco. Simply defrost, shape, bake and enjoy, filling your home with the…

Dunelm's new Tropics collection will bring the fun and the fabulous to an afternoon tea. But, there's no need to wait for a special occasion to use these delightful dishes, the generous mugs will make your daily cuppa a joy too. 3 of the best… TROPICAL PLATES…

House-clearance outlets and smaller second-hand furniture sellers can be great value. As well as large antiques fairs, don’t forget online stores, and eBay. Factor in collection or delivery costs too. Take measurements with you when you shop, and if an item catches your eye and is within budget, buy it. It may well be snapped up if you leave it for later. Professional reupholstery comes with a big price tag. Don’t pay over the odds for a sofa or chair you plan to restore, as you’re really only buying the frame.…

Our previous home was a three-bedroom 1930s doer-upper, which I bought in 2013 with my husband Nathan as a stepping stone,’ says Rebekah. ‘But when our daughter Jaime turned two, the time was right to move to a bigger house in a nicer area. I’d scrolled past this house a few times when searching online but I wasn’t sure about it as I didn’t know the area very well. Since there wasn’t much on the market at the time, Nathan convinced me to view it and I’m really glad he did. We were bowled over by the large hallway and could see the house had huge potential, even though the separate kitchen and dining room felt small and dark. Having four bedrooms was also a big bonus as it’s nice…

1 Draw out a basic sketch of your preferred wall hanging design. Circles, half circles, teardrops or triangles are all good options. 2 Knead and roll out oven bake clay (Sculpey polymer clay is a popular choice among crafters) with a rolling pin to 5mm. Use a craft knife or cookie cutters to make shapes, putting a hole close to the top of each piece with a toothpick. 3 Arrange on parchment paper and bake in the oven, according to pack instructions. Once cool, assemble with hemp cord, wire or wool and jump rings. A natural branch makes a nice top piece, and you can add other embellishments.…

We arrived early to view this 1950s semi that was just a short walk from Swansea Bay. The house wasn’t occupied at the time and, peering in through the window, we spotted original wood floors and a cast-iron fire in the front room,’ says Sally. ‘It was these details that made us fall in love with it then and there. We were ready to put in an offer before the estate agent even showed up! First steps We lived in the house for a few years, then when our oldest son Danny was born we realised we’d need more space. By the time he was a year old, we’d already outgrown the compact kitchen, so we added a small brick addition. It had a glass roof, which let in plenty…

Decide with your child and choose a theme, be it Disney, travelling, fairy tales, cars etc. Identify the palette. Using signature colours easily incorporates a theme. Paint the walls, buy matching bed linen, or find picture frames in that colour. Display artwork. For a cinema-lover’s bedroom, trawl eBay for film posters or browse Etsy for prints inspired by a favourite flick. Source a statement piece. A sparkling chandelier hints at a Frozen theme, while a racing car bed brings race track wow factor. It’s tempting to go all out, but this can be overwhelming. Use neutral bedspreads or solid colour walls. Accessories will stand out more.…

the STYLE RULES GO RELAX-IMAL Bring a chilled beach vibe to your interiors by decorating with tropical palm motifs on wallpaper and textiles. For a serene take on the maximal trend, swap moody hues like teal and midnight blue for delicate shades of blush. KEEP IT LIGHT Plaster pink on walls makes for a relaxing backdrop in a bedroom, while geometric panelling adds dimension. When it comes to wallpaper, choose a leaf print with a neutral background to keep the look light and airy. GO WILD WITH PATTERN Indulge the tropical theme with cushions, planters and artwork depicting jungle favourites such as tigers, monkeys and toucans. Include planters with lush green houseplants to give animal motifs an authentic setting. Tropical GLAM Style a relaxing island-inspired escape the…

1 Paint a faux headboard Create an easy focal point that costs next to nothing by painting a colourful arch on the wall behind a bed. Mark out a semi-circle in pencil – use a length of string pinned centrally at the base to help – then fill in with a cheery paint shade. 2 WRAP GLASS BOTTLES WITH BRIGHT YARN striped vases using old bottles. Start at the top, winding yarn all around and securing with a dab of PVA glue every so often and at the base. 3 Add wow with panelling in an upbeat hue Lift a neutral living room by adding sunny yellow cladding on one wall. Use ready-made panelling (from £9.95 per pack, Homebase) and paint in a practical, wipe-clean finish. 4 JAZZ UP AKITCHEN…

Solid Rustic Oak block squared worktop, £384m; Fairford base unit in Dark Green, £250; Lamona white ceramic Belfast sink, £143; Lamona Alvo brushed brass single-lever tap, £165; Lamona silver and black integrated microwave, £108; Lamona integrated 60cm dishwasher, £144, all Howdens. Walls in Sleeping Inn emulsion, £29 for 2.5ltr, Valspar at B&Q. Kaleido Clear glass and brass cluster pendant light, £149, Made. Scintilla Olive Green star pattern wall and floor tiles, £19.95sq m, Tiles Direct. Metro White tiles, £20sq m, Topps Tiles. Belling BEL70CHIM cooker hood, £159, ao.com. Bespoke bench, sentineldesignandbuild.co.uk…

ABOUT ME: I’m Carla Buzasi, 41, a trend forecasting expert. I live here with my husband, Toby Morris, 46, commercial director of a media company, with weekend visits from Toby’s three sons, in a sprawling Victorian house near Brockenhurst, Hampshire, in need of much renovation. We bought the house in February 2018. THE CHALLENGE Turning a dark and miserable room into a practical bathroom full of colour, while reimagining the layout for something that made more sense. MY WISH LIST A decent-size bath and a separate shower, plus some vibrant wall tiles, and a mix of antique and new pieces to inject a bit of personality into the room.…

A hybrid between an open-plan wet room and fully-enclosed shower cubicle, walk-in showers offer easy, low-level access and a luxuriously spacious showering area. The screen helps to contain spray and splashing, making walk-ins a practical choice in smaller bathrooms and for young families. Why is it called a walk-in? A walk-in shower has no door – hence the ‘walk-in’ – but it does include at least one shower screen. They come in two main styles: single entry, like Carla’s, has access at one end, which is great for installing in a corner or alcove. A double entry, or walk-through, design is positioned centrally and can be accessed from either end. Should I go for a tray or tank the floor?  Tanking the floor, and walls, will provide level access and…

DOUBLE DUTY With two compartments this pot doubles as a desk organiser or dressing table tidy. Ceramic indoor planter, £25, A Place for Everything OFFICE ESSENTIAL Never lose important notes or business cards again by popping them on this round magnetic memo board, £45, Cox & Cox POSTAL ORDER Prevent the family’s post from stacking up by organising it in this ultra-modern wire holder. Letter rack in Pink, £12, Block Design SINK SAVIOUR Allow crockery and cookware to dry neatly and efficiently in this sleek rack that’s only a tenner. Black dish drainer, £10, B&M HANG IT UP This set of four hooks comes in Elephant Skin, Rose Dust, Winetasting and Gunmetal. Blomus Ponto hooks, £29, Naken Interiors OFF THE PRESS Tidy copies of Style at Home neatly in this…

Queen of the screen Learn how to transform plain surfaces into beautiful works of art with Beginner’s Guide to Screen Printing by Erin Lacy (£9.99, Search Press). Get to grips with the essential tools and kit, including how to make frames from embroidery hoops, plus which paints and inks work best. The book contains 12 nature-inspired projects to try, with motifs depicting swooping swallows, delicate feathers and foraged botanicals (right) on everything from textiles to cork and plywood. All templates are included, so you can get started right away. MINDFUL MANDALAS Take a contemplative moment for yourself by joining artist Kathryn Burrington in her Mandala Meadow drawing class. Mandalas are spiritual symbols – the word means ‘circle' in Sanskrit – and the practice of creating these intricate patterns is said…

Wilko COUNTRY RETREAT Create a laid-back rural scheme with cosy fabrics and neutral tones Next Home RELAXED SCANDI Combine simple shapes with botanical motifs for a serene look B&M BOHO EXPLORER Take inspiration from far-flung places with natural textures and sun-baked hues…

James and I bought this house when our first child, Evie, was just a baby. It’s evolved since then, as our family has grown up,’ says Suzie. ‘Back then, we were looking to move out of London, but still wanted to be somewhere with good transport links to the city. This was an old property with a lovely garden and masses of character and potential. The interior had been well cared for, but it was all very dated and not to my taste. The house had a disjointed layout, with a separate lounge, family room and dining room. The kitchen was cramped and dingy, and had tired cream units and a lino floor. I was excited to start renovating, and had plenty of ideas, but within six weeks of moving…

GRAHAM AND GREEN Off-the-wall accessories including lots of animal-inspired style. LOAF Comfy, well-made sofas, chairs and upholstered beds, with and without built-in storage. ETSY Vast selection of vintage and antique furniture, and many sellers offering free UK delivery. THE RUG SELLER Competitively-priced online source and a wide range of rugs for every room. HOMESENSE Keen prices and frequent fresh stock, with plenty of designer pieces and one-off finds often in the mix.…

ABOUT ME I’m Rebekah Horner, 39, a stay-at-home mum who has a business making handmade clay decorations (@little_york_makes). I live here with my husband Nathan, 42, a digital marketing manager and our daughter Jaime, five. OUR HOME A 1950s four-bedroom semi-detached house in York. We moved here in October 2018. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was all magnolia walls and brown carpets. One of the bedrooms had an enormous wardrobe that had been carpeted up to, so when it was removed there was a big chunk of missing carpet. AND NOW We’ve redecorated in a mid-century Scandi style. STYLE TIP Whitewash a space first before thinking about colour, then add natural materials and plants.…

NORDIC NEST The best of Scandinavian design including brands such as Normann Copenhagen and Ferm Living. HARTLEYS DIRECT Pocket-friendly source for furniture, particularly storage and shelving. JYSK Affordable modern Danish homeware for every room. SOFOLOGY A varied range from chairs and recliners to sofabeds and corner groupings, with 44 stores around the UK. LALA LOVES DECOR Cute and colourful custom wall decor, mirrors, signs and garlands for children’s bedrooms.…

ABOUT ME I’m Sally Thomas, 43, a nurse turned full-time mum. I live here with my husband Owen, 46, our sons, Danny, 13, and Bobby, 11, and our rescue dog, Penny. OUR HOME A three-bed 1950s semi in Swansea. We moved here in 2003. WHEN WE MOVED IN The previous owners had installed central heating and completed a loft conversion, but the house lacked character and we needed more space once the boys were born. AND NOW We’ve completed two kitchen extensions and redecorated countless times to transform it into a one-of-a-kind family home that’s packed with colour and creativity. STYLE TIP Your house should grow with your family, so don’t worry about doing everything as soon as you move in.…

HEAVENLY HOMES AND GARDENS For beautiful faux blooms made from silk, as well as lots of accessories sourced from around the world. COLE & SON A great selection of richly patterned wallpapers that will bring a feature wall to life. LEILA AND AZALEA Browse their affordable collection of beautiful prints, created from repurposed vintage book pages. Personalisations available too. HABITAT For good-quality, functional pieces to suit every style. We love the hammered metal coffee table in our family room.…

STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘For boho-chic style combine natural materials with plush finishes – work rattan pieces in with velvet upholstery.’ STYLE EDITOR Michela Colling STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘The combination of choosing pieces with an industrial feel and botanical motifs help to move a blue and white colour scheme away from feeling coastal.’ SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Stephanie Durrant STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘Bring the outdoors in by creating a room scheme centred around shades of green and botanical prints – this will help you feel like you’re immersed in nature.’ DECORATING EDITOR Nicky Phillips…

Our new home was in very good condition throughout, and had been well looked after, but it all felt a little jaded, and just not very ‘us’, especially in the kitchen,’ says Rose. ‘The white, high-gloss kitchen units were really starting to show their age, there were lots of upper units that made the room feel crowded, and the lower units stopped annoyingly short of the wall towards the garden door. The boiler hung over the worktop, making that space unusable and there was a radiator where we could have had storage instead. The floor was a cold-looking grey that made the kitchen feel like it was in an office rather than a family home, and the tap had become an interesting water feature, spurting out sideways every time you…

Kind on crockery and warm to touch, there’s a lot to love about wooden worktops. Buying sustainably sourced timber – ask for FSC accreditation – also makes wood a genuine eco-friendly option. Which timber is best? Hardwoods. The most commonly available are oak, ash, walnut, cherry and maple, which all boast good stability and tightly knit grains. Iroko is also widely used in kitchens as it has a high level of natural oil, so is particularly suitable in wet areas. Should I go for multi-stave or full-stave?  Wooden worktops are generally sold in multi-stave format, whereby small sections (staves) of solid wood are jointed together to provide extra strength and rigidity. Bigger staves allow you to appreciate more of the timber’s colour and grain; smaller ones are usually cheaper, as…

Some combinations go together naturally, like pink and green, so look for examples in magazines and online and make a mood board. If you’re incorporating tiles, choose the tile colour first. Get samples and place them on the wall or floor where you’re going to use them. Next, choose your paint colour. Get several tester pots in the colour you’ve chosen and paint patches next to the tiles. Go for shades of the same colour, from light to dark, as colours seen on computer screens can vary. Check the patches at different times of day to see what works best. If you’re adding in other colours, choose a neutral shade, like Carla’s grey floor, so as not to distract from the main scheme.…

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM CAKE TAKES 1 HR 10 MINS, PLUS COOLING SERVES 12 350g self-raising flour 350g caster sugar 350g butter 6 eggs 2tsp baking powder Splash of milk FOR THE CREAM 600ml double cream 2tbsp icing sugar 1tsp vanilla bean paste FOR THE DECORATION 3tbsp strawberry jam 400g strawberries YOU WILL NEED 3 x 18cm round cake tins, greased and lined 1 Preheat the oven 180C/Gas 4. In a large mixing bowl beat all the cake ingredients together until well combined. 2 Divide the mixture evenly between the tins and bake for 30 mins until the sponges are golden and springy to the touch. Turn out and leave to cool on a wire rack. 3 Meanwhile, make the cream by whisking all the ingredients together until softly peaking. 4…

Decorate for less If you’re looking to give your walls a refresh this summer, but you’re working to a budget, then look no further than Valspar’s new Simplicity paint range. It’s water-based, lightweight, low-splatter and quick drying, so you’ll be able to transform a room in no time. Retaining the brand’s high-quality formula, Simplicity paint comes in at just £16 for 2.5ltr and you have a whopping 2,000 colours to choose from. What’s more, if you head to B&Q you can match up to 2.2 million shades thanks to state-of-the-art mixing technology. Love a little nostalgia The National Trust has teamed up with For the Floor & More to bring us a brand new vinyl flooring collection inspired by historical fabric patterns. The Gawthorpe range of four gorgeous designs takes…

HAND-PRINTED TABLE RUNNER CREATE A COLOURFUL PRINTED TABLE RUNNER TO BRIGHTEN YOUR CELEBRATION YOU WILL NEED Plain fabric table runner Paintbrush Green fabric paints Large leaf stamps Pink pom-pom trim Needle and thread 1 Protect your working surface with newspaper, then lay a plain fabric table runner flat on top. Use a paintbrush to apply green paint to a large leaf stamp, then press it down firmly onto the fabric. Continue stamping along the length of the runner, spacing the prints out evenly. 2 Repeat the process, making use of a second leaf stamp and different shades of green paint. Try mixing the paints to create more shades of green and continue to stamp, allowing the designs to overlap in places. Step back to look at your work then fill…

FRUITY FETA & GREEN BEAN SALAD TAKES 20 MINS SERVES 6 150g green beans 2 peaches 2 nectarines 10 cherries 1tbsp olive oil, in a small bowl 2 little gem or romaine lettuce ½ cucumber, cut into rounds 200g feta, crumbled Small bunch mint, leaves picked FOR THE VINAIGRETTE Juice of 1 lemon 6tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½tsp yellow mustard 1 Bring a pan of water to the boil and blanch the beans for around 6 mins, until al dente. Drain and plunge into iced water. When cool, drain. 2 For the vinaigrette, put the ingredients and a pinch of salt and pepper in a lidded jar. Shake well and set aside. 3 Halve and stone the fruits, then pat or brush all over with the oil. Grill or…