Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2021 i Style At Home

Doing up my daughter’s bedroom (AKA the longest makeover in history) has reminded me that my own bedroom redo (my 12th birthday present!) kickstarted my love of interiors. The scheme was designed around a new duvet cover, my mum recovered an old sofa to match and I delighted in picking out accessories in The Pier. Fast-forward a few years and I put just as much effort into styling up my student room at uni, curating gallery walls and zoning the (tiny) space. Back then, I had no idea that I could turn what I enjoyed so much into a career, but looking back it makes perfect sense. Decorating my home brings me just as much joy today, and I’m guessing if you’re reading Style at Home, you’re a kindred spirit.…

PLANT ADDICT ALERT! If you’re precious about your houseplants, then the new range of care solutions from Plantsmith will let you treat them to a spa-like regime. From nourishing tonics and mists to a beautifying leaf shine spray, the collection has been formulated by horticultural specialists Richard Jackson and Martyn Cox to take your plant care to the next level. We’re in lust There’s nothing understated about these bold, modern, maximalist wallpapers from newly launched Lust Home, and that’s why we love them. The brand works with emerging artists to create these talking point, large-scale designs, which are also paste-the-wall for easy application. A tiger in the bedroom, lemons in the kitchen or hearts in the hall – why not? ANYDAY NOW… The new diffusion line from John Lewis brings…

This is the first family home that we’ve owned,’ says Georgia, ‘as beforehand we lived in Toronto and Dubai for James’ work, and we had rented. As our eldest daughter approached school age, we decided to return to the UK and settled on Oxfordshire. We found a place to rent near Abingdon and began looking for a house to buy. I was craving somewhere we could renovate and make our own. I wasn’t interested in this house at first because it had been empty for two years, and in the photos it looked awful. But after having offers refused on seven houses, I began to get desperate, and this was literally the last one on our list. As soon as I walked through the door and saw the gorgeous original…

1 Decking zones the garden and can be an affordable update. Or add a hard-standing surface – great for kids to play out on and protects your lawn on damp days. 2 Build a pergola to extend your entertaining space. Accessorise with string lights, hanging pendants and lanterns on side tables. 3 Add outdoor shelves to display plants and attach solar lights. 4 Arrange a variety of outdoor seating with cushions and include an outdoor rug to bring the inside, outside – much like having a living room in your garden.…

We’d been living in Newcastle before deciding to move to Hexham in search of a renovation project, as Gareth had just got a job in Carlisle and wanted a faster commute,’ says Rachel. ‘We initially searched online for three-bedroom properties and had no luck. But when we changed our criteria to one-bed, that’s when we found this place. We knew there was potential to create more bedrooms because of the various lean-to extensions that looked exploitable. The house was a blank canvas which hadn’t been lived in for more than 10 years. The main living room was very dark and I knew that knocking through to bring in more light was key to our renovation. Cautious planning We moved just two days before Christmas 2016. We decided to live in…

YOU WILL NEED Masking tape; pencil; primer; paint; paintbrush. 1 Sand and prime timber stairs and allow to dry. 2 Paint the entirety of the stairs in your first chosen colour and leave to dry as recommended by the paint manufacturer. 3 Using a pencil, mark out the width of your runner. 4 Then apply masking tape to prepare for painting. 5 Using your second colour, apply the paint to the inner part. Apply a second coat if necessary; when dry, carefully remove masking tape.…

When we found our home online we immediately saw beyond the uninspiring 1970s decor to the open-plan, light-filled home we had been searching for,’ says Isatu. ‘I immediately started creating Pinterest boards (one of my favourite pastimes!) for all the rooms, so that when we finished the building work, I would be able to start decorating straight away, knowing exactly what we wanted. Demolition plans We tackled the inside first, demolishing most of the ground floor walls on one side of the house, knocking through the kitchen, dining room and utility room to create a big open-plan family living area, which we then zoned with careful placement of lighting, furniture and rugs into a kitchen, lounge area and dining space. We love to entertain and wanted to be able to…

1 Find some interesting vases (charity shops or eBay are a great source) – choose a variety of heights and textures for interest. 2 Give them a good clean in hot, soapy water, then leave to dry. 3 Using a tester pot of chalk paint (Isatu used French Chic’s Parchment white wall paint) cover the vases in the paint and allow to dry. If needed, apply a second coat of paint. 4 Style as a set for impact. Top tip: they also look great with a few dried flower heads or foraged small branches popped inside.…

the STYLE RULES ALLOW PATTERNS TO SHINE Let classic Japanese shibori prints take focus. Mix and match patterns on upholstery and accessories as the colours will retain the harmony. Try stitching a table runner from shibori print offcuts. MAKE FLOORING FEEL FRESH White painted floorboards or wood-effect vinyl will further lift the scheme. Make it feel cosier with a coordinating blue rug. KEEP IT LIGHT Paint the walls in a deep sapphire blue and refresh ceilings and window alcoves in brilliant white so the room doesn’t appear too dark or enclosing. ADD NATURAL MATERIALS Pick cane and wicker furniture with modern black accents such as metal hairpin legs. Simple shapes and natural wood echo minimalist Japanese style. Shibori BLUES Be inspired by traditional Japanese patterns the…

1 Hang rustic baskets on the wall Swap pictures for a more tactile display and hang pretty woven baskets above a sofa or bed. Position off-centre, at staggered heights – odd numbers work better than even. 2 UPGRADE PLAIN POTS WITH A DAB OF PAINT Brighten up a couple of on a simple line motif using exterior paint. Apply freehand or use tape to give a straight edge. 3 Paint an alpine wall scene in a kid’s room Jolly up a child’s bedroom by creating a mountain vista. It’s easier to do than it looks – just mask up triangular shapes on the wall, each topped with a sprinkling of snow. 4 CHOOSE EASY-CARE BLINDS FOR A KITCHEN Heavy curtains and blinds aren’t a practical choice for busy kitchens with…

Decide on a colour palette – choose up to five shades, with two stronger and three accent colours. Build up layers by mixing taupe, biscuit and coffee, or creams and off-whites with greys. The colours may be soft, but you can afford to go loud on prints, without them feeling too overpowering. Mix up stripes, florals, geo prints and damasks. Be inspired by nature – soft green-grey and calming ocean blues can be used as accent shades, but stay clear of anything too strong or bright. Keep it interesting with textures – from wood to wool, boucle to rattan, using a variety of materials will give the eye something to take in and keep your scheme far from boring.…

Get smart with tiles Tile just halfway up a wall to make a room feel taller – the gap between the top of the tiles and the ceiling creates the illusion of space. Wall mounted taps are another great trick in a compact bathroom – the pipework can be hidden without the need for a bulky basin pedestal. Create the illusion of space ‘SHOWER ENCLOSURES COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, INCLUDING QUADRANT DESIGNS, WHICH ARE A NEAT FIT FOR A TIGHT CORNER’ Don’t shy away from including a freestanding bath in a small bathroom. An oval bath cuts corners which boosts the impression of space. A shallow shelf to hide waste pipes is also handy for adding extra surface space to display bath salts, plants and more. Go for…

Angeles outdoor sofa set (inc side tables), £1,039.99, Wayfair. Sherwood gas firepit, £599.99, Outback. Vector decorative screen in Dove Grey, £170, Screen with Envy. Outdoor rugs, from a selection, Benuta and Maisons du Monde. For similar seating try Carvalho chairs, £176.99 each, Wayfair. For a similar hanging chair try Crenata swing seat with stand, £1,019, Wayfair. Fire surround, Gumtree, in Fresh Rosemary, £30 for 5ltr, Cuprinol. Cushion covers, from a selection from Kel’s website OhSoKel.com. Windsor summerhouse, £599.99, Shed Store. Fence in Coastal Stone, £14 for 5ltr; Kensington awning, £170, both Wilko. Mirrors, for similar try Poundland. Lights, £80 for 10m, Amazon. Window boxes, £5, Ikea…

CHERRY & PLUM BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING TAKES 45 MINS SERVES 6 8 slices (about 250g) brioche 120g cherry jam 3 plums, stones removed, sliced 2 nectarines, stones removed, sliced 50g raspberries 15g pistachios, chopped Icing sugar (optional), to serve FOR THE CUSTARD 600ml full-fat milk 2 eggs 30g caster sugar 2tsp vanilla bean paste YOU WILL NEED 20x27cm ovenproof dish or tray, lightly buttered 1 Heat the oven to 180C/ Gas 4. Spread the sliced brioche with jam, tear it up and place in the dish. Arrange the fruit and nuts on top. 2 Mix the custard ingredients together and pour over. Bake for 30 mins. 3 Cool for 5 mins before serving and sift over the icing sugar, if using.…

CREATE A BUZZ Keep kitchen essentials, like tea and coffee, fresh and organised. Bees bamboo fibre storage canisters, £22, Next Home OFFICE SOLUTION Customise to suit your space with shelves, pegs and even a mirror. Birch pegboard XS, £59, Peg & Board CUPBOARD LOVE Primp up your wardrobe and keep clothes smart. Adult clip hangers in Mustard, £16, Mustard Made CLUB TROPICANA Go maximal with totally tropical wall storage – perfect for displaying trinkets. Pineapple gold shelves, £24.99, TK Maxx PRETTIFY POTS Jazz up boring planters containing real or faux greenery with this decorative outer. Kiely woven plant pot cover, £37.50, Oliver Bonas PANTRY PAL Get smart Scandi style at a bargain price with this sleek black mesh storage basket, £6, B&M JUNK IN THE TRUNK Introduce a pop of…

SADOLIN’S SUPERDEC OPAQUE PAINT IS SELF-PRIMING, SO NO NEED TO APPLY AN UNDERCOAT BEFORE YOU START PAINTING YOUR TABLE People are increasingly conscious of where their food comes from and growing your own is a low-cost way to stay in control of what ends up on your plate. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get outside in the fresh air and take a mindful moment while nurturing homegrown plants. Whether you have a garden or balcony, this upcycled table makes a resourceful planter for growing herbs and other kitchen favourites, such as salad leaves and fiery chillies. YOU WILL NEED Old wooden table Basic tool kit Sandpaper Methylated spirits Lint-free cloth Garden paint Paintbrush Soil Selection of herb plants 1 DISASSEMBLE THE TABLE TOP Remove the table top by either…

Cheat’s eats! Co-op has added three new pizzas to its range. For those on a plant-based diet there is GRO vegan BBQ Chick’n Pizza (264g, £3.50). It’s piled with MozzaRisella vegan cheese, Chick’n, peppers and sweetcorn. Meat lovers will enjoy Chicken, Nduja & Yellow Roquito Pepper Pizza (serves two, £5.65). And for something quirky, the Irresistible Quattro Formaggio (265g, £3.40) has a sourdough base, béchamel sauce, red onion chutney and cheese galore. GOING NUTS Belazu's sensational nut mixes have finally landed in Waitrose. We have long been addicted to the Belazu Spiced Rose Harissa Nut Mix, buying huge bags from the Belazu website, but now we can pick them up with the rest of our shopping. There are two other wonderful flavours to choose from. For a fancy nibble to…

3 of the best… COLOUR-POP PIECES…

Whether the sun is shining or the summer is a total washout, you’ll forever feel like you’re on a tropical island by embracing the trend for exotic leaf prints. From picnicware to home textiles, oversized monstera, banana leaf and palm motifs are taking over to create that year-round holiday feeling. Team lush and leafy prints with shades of blush for a contemporary take on the look.…

ABOUT ME I’m Georgia Broome, 40, a PR consultant and upcycling blogger at homemadeproductions.co.uk. I live here with my husband James, 41, a software developer, and our daughters Olivia, nine, and Charlotte, seven. MY HOME A three-bedroom 1950s semi-detached house in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, bought in April 2016. WHEN WE MOVED IN It felt cold and run-down and the layout didn’t make sense. The extension was poorly built and the loft conversion wasn’t up to building regulations. AND NOW We moved most of the walls and the space flows perfectly. It feels warm, our bills are low and our things have a new lease of life. STYLE TIP Form a neutral backdrop to the schemes then add colour with furniture and furnishings.…

IKEA Great for functional furniture, which Georgia often ‘hacks’ to adapt and update – see her online tutorials at homemadeproductions.co.uk. MAISONS DU MONDE Gorgeous selection of French-influenced homeware for those on a budget. CHARITY SHOPS For a few pounds you might find a pretty vase, crockery or a painting that you’re unlikely to see in anyone else’s home. Go to the bigger stores for furniture. FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE Perfect for seeking out pre-loved bargains that are local to where you live, so you don’t have to wait or pay for delivery. EBAY Before you buy new, search for the same item here, as you might find what you’re looking for secondhand but in excellent condition.…

ABOUT ME I’m Rachel Black, 31, a nurse (@thegirlwiththepantryladder) and seller on Etsy (Vinnyandflo). I live here with my husband Gareth, 33, a crisis consultant, and our daughter Beitidh, 22 months. OUR HOME Built in the 1700s, it’s a two-bed detached barn in Hexham. We bought it in December 2016. WHEN WE MOVED IN Parts of the house were not habitable. We had no heating, so the challenge was to get the house water and wind-tight and warm as soon as possible. AND NOW We’ve made the space much more efficient by having the bedrooms and bathroom in one area and the living space in another. It’s perfect for entertaining now. STYLE TIP Don’t rush in. Live in the place and get a feel for it, especially in an old…

HOMESENSE The place to go for bargain-price furniture and quirky one-off pieces. H&M HOME The home of affordable accessories with a big selection of plain and print cushions; it’s a good source for modern pieces too. RE Offering a mix of old and new, this small local shop near Hexham has an eclectic mix of recycled, rescued and restored furniture and home accessories. ZARA HOME Beautiful modern accessories but with a rustic touch – perfect for that relaxed look. CAMPERDOWN LANE Unique interior accessories with neutral style that complements most schemes.…

ABOUT ME I’m Isatu Chadborn, 53, a learning support classroom assistant. I live here with my husband Pete, a financial advisory director, our two children Millie, 22, and Travis, 18, and our Cockapoo, Ziggy. MY HOME A five-bedroom detached 1970s home in Brightlingsea, Essex. We moved here in April 2012. WHEN WE MOVED IN The decor felt like stepping back in time, but we could see its potential. AND NOW We knocked through the downstairs rooms into one big space and added a statement fireplace in the lounge. More recently, we gave the garden a makeover to create the outdoor space of our dreams! STYLE TIP Create period character by making your own panelling using MDF strips attached to the walls as we have done in our bedroom.…

VANIL Owner Mandy has curated a beautiful shop selling one-off pieces by local Suffolk artists and makers alongside stylish Scandinavian ceramics and textiles where Isatu has found lots of her favourite pieces. H&M HOME Great for finding affordable homeware such as linen bedding, ceramics, interesting vases and soft furnishings. ZARA HOME A brilliant high-street option for design-led lighting, rugs and mirrors, plus planters and textiles. SOUTHWOOD LIVING A lovely collection of carefully chosen pieces by small makers and producers designed to promote slow living and calm interiors. Look for the popular ‘Escape’ bag displayed in Isatu’s bedroom.…

STYLE AT HOME SAYS… ‘The blend of indigo and white is softer than stark black monochrome, while the handmade qualities of shibori lend an informal feel.’ EDITOR, Heather Young ‘Pairing tones found in nature will always be a success, so teaming sky blues with earthy reds and sunshine yellows can’t fail to translate into a feel-good scheme.’ SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR, Stephanie Durrant ‘Layering textures and surface treatments makes this safari-inspired scheme feel cosy and inviting, while the neutral palette provides a laid-back setting.’ STYLE EDITOR, Michela Colling…

When we moved into our new home, back in 2016, there was so much that needed doing, but despite that we could see the potential it had as a family home,’ says Laura. ‘With three girls, the one thing we really wanted was space, but downstairs was going to need some work before that could happen. The kitchen, in particular, was tiny and originally located at the side of the house, with old pine cabinetry and an unpicturesque view. Rejigging the rooms We knew we were going to have to live with it for a while until we could afford to extend, so I painted the old cupboards in an off-white and added new handles as a quick update. Skip forward a few years and we were in a position…

Tewkesbury framed kitchen cabinets in Antique White are similar, £9,000; oak worktops, £800; double oven, £400; hob, £250; built-in extractor, £110; integrated dishwasher, £249; wine fridge, £180; integrated fridge-freezer, £279, all Howdens. Como Travertine floor tiles, £25.43sq m, Wickes. Sink, £129; tap, £70, both eBay. Egyptian Cotton matt emulsion, £16 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. Newbury bar stools in Natural Linen, £99 each; curtains, £40 (in the sale); Dove Grey blinds, £25, all Dunelm. Dining table and benches, Gumtree. Hemingway pillow-back sofa, £799, DFS. Cushions, from a selection, Next Home…

When we moved here in 2014 it’s safe to say that our garden was a bit of an eyesore,’ says Kel. ‘An overload of red brick walls stood out, with the side of our garage on show at the back and no plants – it was pretty unattractive, but I was determined to change that! Lick of paint The first step was to get rid of all the red brick wall surrounding the garden, so we painted them white, which took two weeks. When it came to the back wall of the house, however, I wasn’t sure what to do as it’s a three-storey house, which would have taken a lot of work. Instead, we installed an awning and painted up to that. This is the spot where we get…

You may not think of using mirrors in your garden, but placed cleverly they can make your space look twice the size. Try hanging one in among plants at the back of a border so that it blends in with the background and creates the illusion of another part of the garden. Keep in mind that where you hang it will result in how effective it is – if it reflects your house, for example, that may not work so well, but if you hang the mirror so it reflects lawn, trees or plants, it’s more likely to look like another entire garden beyond. You can always pop something behind the mirror, like a batten, so that your mirror is angled to reflect your desired view.…

Pick modern country colours We’re excited to introduce Earthborn’s brand new paint collaboration with our sister magazine, Country Homes & Interiors. Fall in love with the 12 timeless shades; think botanical greens and soft pastels, not to mention earthy neutrals. There are four finishes and with names like Pudding and Sponge Cake, resistance is futile. Upcycle with vibrant vinyl If your kitchen or bathroom is in need of a revamp but tiling from scratch sends shivers down your spine, Studio.co.uk has the solution. This tile-effect sticky back plastic is made from durable vinyl – it’s both waterproof and heat resistant. Simply peel and stick, then leave to bond for 24 hours. Each roll measures 67.5cm x 1.5m and the vibrant Mediterranean mosaic style is perfect for livening up anything from…

CASHEW SATAY CHICKEN SALAD TAKES 30 MINS SERVES 4 FOR THE DRESSING 1 banana shallot, chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed ½ red chilli, seeds removed and finely chopped 50g cashew nut butter 100ml coconut milk 50ml coconut water ½tsp honey Dash of fish sauce Zest and juice of ½ lime FOR THE SALAD 2 baby gem hearts, ends trimmed, quartered 4 small chicken breasts 3tsp rapeseed oil ½ cucumber, ribboned ¼ red cabbage, finely sliced 100g cherry tomatoes, halved 140g bag of mixed leaf salad 2tbsp cashew nuts 1tbsp coconut flakes 1 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together and season well. Set aside. 2 Heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Brush the baby gem then the chicken with the oil. Griddle the lettuce for 30 secs to 1…

ON A ROLL Heavenly cheesy bites. Taste the Difference Hand-rolled Ricotta Filled Courgettes, £3.25, Sainsbury’s SLICE OF THE ACTION Piemakers Higgidy is our go-to choice, and these new slices make a filling treat. Higgidy Ham Hock & Cheddar Slice, £2.20, Waitrose & Partners and Sainsbury’s NOT A SAUSAGE These vegan cocktail sausages taste meaty but are entirely plant-based. THIS Isn’t Pork Cocktail Sausages, £2.75 for 10, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose & Partners…

Wilko GLOBAL TEXTURES Take a walk on the wild side with natural materials and animal motifs Very MID-CENTURY MONO Combine abstract shapes and retro styles in cobalt blue and monochrome George Home TRANQUIL BLUSH Create a relaxed scheme of soft pinks and woven textures…

1.Create a chill zone Set a relaxed Bohemian mood with textured textiles. A macramé hanging chair brings the outdoors in, and if the cushions are tasseled, tufted, knotted or super-tactile, it’s in! 2. Mix varied shades of blue There’s no need to stick to just one shade – layer sky blue and turquoise with deep indigo and denim. These tones, when combined with grey accents, create a soft, blended scheme. 3. Use refined raw materials Rustic wood with exposed grain brings a casual coastal vibe. Give it a modern spin with refined shapes for woven pendants, baskets and wooden accessories. 4. Add subtle seaside accents Coastal style doesn’t have to mean all things deckchair stripes and beach huts; grasses, both potted and as prints, lanterns and pebbles all add a…

Buy a roll of Jersey Be Good yarn from Wool and the Gang in a colour that matches your scheme. 2 Cut eight lengths, around 2m each. Knot all the lengths together, leaving space below the big knot for the tassel. 3 Separate the lengths into pairs. Knot each pair about 2.5cm from the big knot; pull the knots tight. 4 Tape the four sections in a cross over the bottom a plant pot, with the main knot in the middle. 5 Take two neighbouring single lengths and knot them together. Continue until you reach the edge of the pot. Remove the tape. 6 Securely screw a hook into the ceiling. Hang your potted plant.…

Georgia has revamped her run-down 1950s semi into a vibrant family home. Neutral white and grey decor allows light to flow in the newly configured space, while bright blue furniture and accessories bring the house to life. Georgia has combined upcycled finds with pieces that complement the mid-century origins of the property, such as Eamesinspired chairs and a tripod lamp. Black accents and metallic copper touches give the scheme a contemporary lift.…

YOU WILL NEED Two pieces of timber the same length, one 18mm depth for the shelf and the other 38mm depth to attach to the wall; drill; 18mm dowels; adhesive; hammer; screws; paint. 1 Mark out regular spaces on the 38mm timber for the pegs. 2 Next, using the 16mm drill head drill holes in the marked places. 3 Insert the dowels by adding No More Nails adhesive and hammering them into the holes. 4 Join the two pieces by screwing the 18mm timber onto the piece with the dowels to form a ledge. 5 Paint the shelf in your chosen colour and attach to the wall.…

To divide a large room into different living areas, use a large rug as your starting point. Place your largest piece of furniture on the rug – this could be a sofa for a lounge area, a table for a dining space or a large armchair for a book corner. Add some soft furnishings such as cushions, throws or smaller rugs to add texture. Choose a statement light to hang from the ceiling or go for a stylish floor lamp or large table lamp. Copy Isatu’s style and create some vignettes, with little collections of favourite pieces to make the space yours.…

Storage wall An old pallet makes the perfect wall display and storage combo for any outdoor space. Hang garden tools, organise reels of twine, and keep small seedling pots close to hand using S-hooks and cup hooks for moveable and fixed holders. Simple centrepiece Fill rustic terracotta pots with sand and push in several dinner candles. Odd numbers look visually balanced, so use three standard-sized candles or nine skinny tapers. Display on an outdoor dining table. Kids’ corner Sacrifice a section of raised bed to create an area of decking with a giant blackboard in the shape of a beach hut. Add a covered sandpit and fix a peg rail to the underside of the lid for hanging toys, buckets and spades. Plant labels Keep track of newly planted veg…

ABOUT ME I’m Laura Hooper, 35, a small business owner. I live with my husband Darren, 40, a builder, and our three daughters, Kirsty, 18, Yasmin, 16, and Lexie, 11, along with Alfie the dog, in a 1940s three-bedroom house in Chard, Somerset. We moved here in December 2016. MY CHALLENGE The original kitchen was tiny and needed relocating. I wanted it to be more of a family room, where we could all spend time together. MY WISH LIST Having space to be able to include an island unit was the most important thing for me.…

Now that the weather is warmer, it’s an ideal time to tackle old or outdated patio doors. They can change the feel of the room and, if double-glazed, will help reduce heating bills and save energy too. Are they expensive? This can depend on whether they are a replacement or a new addition. You can buy reasonably priced patio doors with all the fittings (including double glazing) from suppliers such as B&Q and Wickes, but installing them professionally will add to the cost, especially if the doors are being fitted for the first time. What types are there? There are various types, such as bifold, sliding and folding doors, which will all suit different types and sizes of space. Measure your space first before shopping around, as this will affect…

ABOUT ME I’m Kel Harmer, 40, and I live here with my husband Dan, 40, children Isla, nine, and Emmie, five, and Cosmo the goldendoodle in a four-bedroom, three-storey modern detached house in Portishead, Bristol. We moved here in September 2014 and set about stamping our own personality on the place, which included giving the garden a makeover in June 2020. MY CHALLENGE The garden was so unattractive, with lots of red brick walls and a large brick outhouse encroaching on the space. There were also no plants – it was bare. MY WISH LIST We wanted our garden to be an extension of our indoor space, with new decking, plants and a summerhouse.…

DIY SPRAY , salt and vinegar to create a Covid-killing solution. H2O e3 eActivator cleaning system, £69.99, Lakeland RECYCLED PACKAGING Now available in a fruity new scent, 2ltr refills for this all-purpose spray cost just £6. Method anti-bac all-purpose cleaner in Peach Blossom, £3 for 828ml, Ocado KILLS GERMS Made with 100% biodegradable ingredients in a recycled plastic bottle, this solution kills 99.99% of germs. Anti-bacterial sanitiser, £4 for 700ml, Delphis…

Sew to let go In her inspiring book Thread Doodling (£9.99, Search Press), Carina Envoldsen-Harris encourages stitchers to let loose and explore the mindful benefits of embroidery by drawing with thread. There are more than 20 projects to appeal to your creative side – from formal knots, mandalas and geometrics to free-flowing motifs – which include suggestions for thread colours and stitch types. Techniques can be found in the step-by-step stitch dictionary and iron-on transfers are included, although Carina urges you to make the designs your own to fulfil your full creative potential. TRY YOUR HAND AT… KANTHA USE CONTRASTING EMBROIDERY THREADS SO YOUR HANDIWORK REALLY STANDS OUT Kantha, which means ‘patched cloth’, is a type of embroidery traditionally found in South Asia, particularly Bangladesh and West Bengal. Women would…