Style at Home UK June 2022

1960S BUNGALOW Love it 4 ways with…BLACK BATHROOMS Create a moody, cocooning space with this on-trend tone 1 PAINT WALLS, WINDOW FRAMES AND 2 BRING IN SOME BLING! SKIRTING IN THE SAME SHADE For blogger Jess Hurrell of Gold is a Neutral, the shimmering shade is just that – and it’s stunning in her gorgeous black Increase the impact of matt black walls by painting skirtings and bathroom. Having asked her builders to make the vanity unit frame window frames in an eggshell version, too. Leaving them white from plywood, Jess bought bespoke brass doors from Custom creates a different look and can lessen the dark and moody effect. Fronts. ‘I then painted the whole room black to allow the cabinet A matching linen blind will complete the leaden backdrop for cosy to shine,’ she says. ‘I love how the brass dulls over time, then a candlelit soaks. Here the dark hues look stylish rather than sombre quick lick of Bar Keeper’s Friend and it’s shiny as new again.’ thanks to the steel bateau tub and floor-standing bath filler. PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM 3 GO FOR A SPA LOOK WITH MARBLE 4 TIE IT TOGETHER WITH TILES Marble signals luxury, making it the material of choice for To prevent a black scheme from looking gloomy and dating high-end hotels and spas. It’s expensive though and needs looking too soon, it’s wise to keep the fittings such as the bath and basin after. A popular alternative is marble-effect porcelain tiles, as white. After all, no one wants to end up with the 2020s equivalent they’re practical and easy to maintain. Many porcelain floor tiles of the avocado suite. Choosing a black and white geometric motif have an anti-slip rating too, so check with the manufacturer. ‘We for the flooring is an easy way to unite the black and white tones. recommend a rating of R13 for wet areas, such as showers,’ says A patterned floor with a brick-style tile splashback is another Louisa Swannell, head of creative design at Walls and Floors. popular look, made even more stylish with dark-grey grout. JUNE 2022 | 51



THIS MONTH’S WALLPAPER CHEST OF DRAWERS Make it Make it For a similar map To revamp a plain chest, design, try Mischief measure the drawers (and Managed wallpaper, edges) then mark out on £15.98 a roll, the wallpaper. Cut out the Wallpaper Direct sections using a craft knife. Brush the furniture with PVA glue and smooth on the wallpaper pieces. Finish with two coats of matt varnish. Co-ordinate the look by painting the top in a matching shade FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM JUNE 2022 | 53



21 STYLE PAGES BOOK OF DECO INSPO ROOM INSPIRATION CLEVER IDEAS STYLE UPDATES p56 UPDLALTGEASRDEN IDE p66 CLEVER S p7P4AILNITVIINDGEAS

Genius ideas for SMALL GARDENS Make the most of your outdoor space no matter what the size with these creative tricks and tips A hanging egg chair works well in any size of garden 56 | JUNE 2022

STYLE BOOK Love it Furniture in natural textures and tones will blend into the surroundings GREAT IDEA A lightweight side table can easily be moved into place Use... hanging furniture Elevated seating will create the illusion of more floor space and make your garden seem bigger SOLO SEAT A quiet corner is all you CHILL OUT A classic hammock is need for a reading or relaxing nook perfect for stringing up in a small area (above). A hanging bamboo egg chair for afternoon snoozes. If you need the keeps the ground and sightlines clear space back later in the evening, simply to boost the feeling of space, while take it down, fold it up and pop it the natural material complements the away. Hammocks can be picked up outdoor setting. Highlight the area for pennies on second-hand sites. with a cluster of pots containing foliage plants of varying heights and scales. MAKE A STATEMENT A showstopping hanging chair in an exotic rattan style or SUN TRAP Opt for a hanging chair eye-popping colour will make a striking on its own frame so you can easily move focal point in your outdoor area and it around. A chair like this one (left) can distract from the lack of space. A mix be turned to face the sun or slid into the of colourful cushions piled high will also shade, making the best of the weather. make a feature of your seating. JUNE 2022 | 57

A black wall or fence will make greenery really pop GREAT IDEA Add a slim shelf to keep small glasses and bowls of nibbles on Use... wood pallets There are lots of clever ways to upcycle these timber structures for a compact space SET UP A PRIVATE BAR To make your MAKE A LOW-LEVEL TABLE Garden This bar folds down own little entertaining zone (right), cut furniture can be pricey and bulky, so make for entertaining and the top section off a pallet to use as the your own table for a bijou balcony or tiny hides neatly away flip-down surface and attach using two terrace by stacking a couple of pallets on when not in use strong hinges and chains. Add a plank top of each other. Be sure to remove any of wood to act as your serving board. nails sticking out first, and secure the pallets together with cable ties or twine. THINK VERTICALLY Save precious square footage on a patio or balcony KNOCK-UP A SIMPLE SOFA Create by taking what you can off the ground. the bench base by stacking pallets to A wall or strong fence is an ideal spot your desired height and securing them to affix a slim shelving unit made from with screws. For the backrest, prop up an old pallet (above). Attach ‘S’ hooks a pallet in a vertical position and again to hang plants and tools, and add little screw in place. Add some cushions and pockets to hold garden bits and bobs. you’ve got a great seat for sunbathing. 58 | JUNE 2022

STYLE BOOK Love it Small garden tips & tricks CREATE A MINI HERB GARDEN Herbs don’t have to be grown on a windowsill or in a large dedicated vegetable patch. An old chest of drawers or bedside table is ideal for housing herbs in a small outdoor area. It also raises them off the ground, making it easier to pick them for cooking. ADD A GALLERY WALL In the same way as you would hang pictures indoors, you can display frames of wall-hung planters on an outside wall, fence or shed. Use junk-shop frames and hang old loaf tins as planters – just drill drainage holes in the bases first. JUNE 2022 | 59

Small garden GREAT IDEA tips & tricks Make a coffee table ADD A SENSE OF HEIGHT from old scaffolding WITH PLANTS A simple idea for boards painted white planting a small patio garden is to play with the heights of plants to add a feeling of space and depth. Set out groups of pots containing foliage of differing heights and scales to add variety and interest. GET CREATIVE WITH SHELVES AND HOOKS Shelving isn’t just for indoors. Create precious surface space for pots and pretty outdoor accessories by putting up some shelves. Ideally they should be mounted into brick, or the side of a shed or garage, as your garden fence might not be able to take the weight. A peg rail is also great for hanging outdoor lights. Built-in banquettes are space efficient and turn a patio into a place for the whole family 60 | JUNE 2022

STYLE BOOK Love it A length of fabric or large sheet will provide shade from the midday sun Use... plenty of pattern Embrace the power of decorative and colourful motifs to transform even the tiniest of plots GO BIG To make a small space stand DRESSED FOR DINNER Head outside out, opt for floor tiles with a simple yet for stylish suppers at a dining table eye-catching pattern in a large format teeming with prints. Patterned table that will minimise the grout lines and linens and crockery featuring bold lines ensure the space doesn’t look cluttered and shapes will take even a tiny bistro (left). In place of stone pavers, patterned table to a more extravagant place. tiles create interest and add contrast to what can otherwise be a bland space. PLAY WITH PAINT Brighten up a bland shed or garage wall with a coat SET UP CAMP Style your outdoor or two of paint to create something seating area with all the indoor comforts really fabulous. Painting wide stripes – loungers, pouffes, rugs, cushions and onto a shed will give it beach house throws – in plenty of colours and prints appeal, while going for fun geometric (above). Mix in tribal patterns in subtle shapes is a great way to disguise a summery shades for a seasonal feel. boring garden wall or fence. JUNE 2022 | 61

Create a potting station to stay organised all season long Use... outdoor mirrors Reflective and ornamental, a well-placed mirror can do wonders to enhance any garden space DOUBLE YOUR SPACE An outdoor PAINT YOUR FRAME Make your Match your mirror mirror will make your garden look bigger garden mirror feel like part of the style to your than it really is and trick the eye into decor by painting the frame in the garden furniture thinking it goes on and on (right). You same shade as the fence you are for a cohesive look can create your own by using an old hanging it on. Matching the colours gate or some painted trellis mounted allows the mirror itself to be the onto a piece of mirrored board. focal point, rather than the frame. OPT FOR FLEXIBILITY Window-style BOOST YOUR PLANTS Disguise mirrors with shutters are great if you an unsightly garden wall with vertical want to be able to control the sun’s planting. Elevate this look further by glare while working outside (above). If placing mirrors behind them to make the sun gets too bright or direct, you can more of a feature of the pots and close the shutters, opening them again plants. Gothic-style window mirrors will when it has moved later in the day. create a mysterious yet magical feel. 62 | JUNE 2022

GREAT IDEA STYLE BOOK Love it Grids on mirrors Small garden make birds less tips & tricks likely to fly into them UPCYCLE A WINDOW Make your own outdoor mirror using an old window frame and inexpensive mirrors picked up from a craft or DIY store. Carefully remove the glass panes from each window section, then replace with the mirrors. Glue in place and leave to dry before hanging outside. MAKE A DISPLAY Garden mirrors are especially effective in small courtyard gardens, on roof terraces and on small balconies as they add another dimension. Play with the size and shape and create a display just like you would inside your home. FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM JUNE 2022 | 63

SAuNbFsDcRrREibEEeCfGoErIIF£VT1E7.5A0 Add some colour to your kitchen with this beautiful tea towel featuring colourful butterflies on a soft neutral background FREE SOPHIE ALLPORT TEA TOWEL COOL DESIGN Perk up your kitchen with this fun tea towel design from Sophie Allport. The colourful butterflies will pop against a neutral scheme or complement more inky hues. WORTH £10 GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE Brilliant value Every issue Never miss out Sophie Allport delivered directly on an issue of Britain’s tea towel to your door most stylish worth £10 every month homes magazine Offer closes 31.05.2022. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. Subscribe and pay £17.50 every twelve months. We will notify you in advance of any price changes. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). Payment is non-refundable after the 14 day cancellation period unless exceptional circumstances apply. Your free gift will be delivered separately within 60 days after your first payment has cleared. Gifts only available to new

UPGRADE TO A BUNDLE SUBSCRIPTION Includes both the print magazine and instant digital access Available on iOS and Android Access the current issue anywhere! Save 39% on the cover price SUBSCRIBE NOW! ONLINE AT magazinesdirect.com/SAHJUN22 BY PHONE 0330 333 1113 QUOTE CODE: A35T +44 (0) 330 333 1113 (from outside UK). Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (UK time) subscribers on the UK mainland. The gift is not available on digital or overseas subscriptions. In the unlikely event that we run out of this gift, we promise to offer you an alternative gift of the same or greater value. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm UK time or email [email protected]. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call, and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle.

Clever decorating WINDOW IDEAS Six clever and stylish ideas for making the most of your windows Extend/enlarge with a painted border Pick out a matching shade from a slatted blind or roller blind, and paint a thick border of colour around the window frame. This will make your window look larger and create a great design feature. Give it a twist Go for a border in a contrasting colour to accentuate your window style and treatment. Pick a colour from your bed linen to paint a band of colour two-thirds of the way up the wall Hazy Day & Cloud wooden blind from £107.48 for 120x 120cm, Blinds2go 66 | JUNE 2021

CLEVER DECORATING Do it Window seat upholstered in Nina Marika Fern Leaf Green Velvet, £89m, Woodchip and Magnolia. Tokki coffee table, £595, Habitat. Isola armchair, £2,599, Heal’s. Ellie bamboo pendant, £110, Design Vintage. Adaliz rug, £475, Graham and Green. Cushion with tassels, £49.99; cushion cover (on armchair), £11.99, both Zara Home. Ruched cushion in Camel, £55, Rockett St George Use the angled end section as a built-in side table Build a window seat in a bay Make the most of often wasted space in a bay with a built-to-fit seat. Add built-in drawers for practical storage of all kinds of paraphernalia, too. Give it a twist Paint the window frame and seat the same colour, tying it in with a colour in the upholstery fabric for a show-stopping look. JUNE 2021 | 67

Do it LEVER DECORATING Asanoha Japanese Patterned Window Film from £15.63, Purlfrost. Sofa, Sofa.com. Civic floor lamp, £46, Iconic. Fat Fat table, £420, B&B Italia Use the made-to- measure service that many companies offer to achieve the perfect fit for your film Apply patterned window film Self-adhesive film is easy to use and adds interest to a room, it also gives control over how much sunlight you let in, without having to shut away the outside completely. Give it a twist Be brave and go all out with a brightly coloured decorative glass effect, or try a fun slogan. 68 | JUNE 2021

Plastic frames can just as easily be painted as wooden ones, just choose the correct finish Battersea easy fit pendant Paint the frame black shade, £100; Farrah woven chair, £270; Mayfield stool, Make the view really pop by painting £180, all Garden Trading just the frame of the window jet Company. Linen sofa, from black. The black frame draws your £3,150, Design Vintage eye to the scene outside and adds a modern twist to a neutral room. Give it a twist Don’t stop at the inner frame, think about painting the architrave around the window too, for some serious drama. JUNE 2021 | 69

All accessories from a range at Pale & Interesting Paint walls and shelves the same colour as the china for a calm feel Add open shelving Frame your window with wall-to- wall open shelves, placing them from the edge of frame right up to the adjacent wall and even over the top of the window frame. Give it a twist Box out an area of shelving so that the window is recessed into the build to create a more modern look. 70 | JUNE 2021

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM CLEVER DECORATING Do it Walls painted in Plasterboard, £29.99 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home Emotions of Colour collection, Albany. AcornFort 120cm rails, £20.99 each, Amazon, painted in Plasterboard. Market basket, £35, Labour & Wait. Faux garden shrub branch, £12, Oka. Halden two-door Ash sideboard, £240, Habitat. Bumble smoked oak stool, £360 for two, Loaf Use S hooks to display an array of hanging plants and storage baskets at different heights Hang rails for decorative storage Make use of the space over your windows and attach rails to the wall on each side – perfect for hanging pretty plant pots to grow herbs in. Give it a twist We spray-painted the rails to match the wall colour, but you could try chrome or black rails for a more industrial look. JUNE 2021 | 71

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Timeless STYLE Bring a touch of indulgence to your home with the new Crafted™ by Crown collection There’s something quite special Indulgence in FIND OUT MORE about classic combinations. Luxurious Flat Matt, Whether it’s the fashion in your Crafted™ by Crown For more information wardrobe or the decor in your and to see the full range home, choosing pieces that reflect a Reframed in of available colours, visit touch of heritage will capture a timeless Luxurious Flat Matt, crownpaints.co.uk and elegance that never goes out of style. Crafted™ by Crown to purchase, head to If you’re thinking about decorating your Crown Decorating Centres, home this season, then look no further FEATURE LIZZIE HUDSON than Crafted™ by Crown, a new luxury Homebase, Wickes range of artisanal paints, inspired by and independent British craftmanship – available in three retailers. unique finishes: Luxurious Flat Matt, Suede Textured and Lustrous Metallic. Traditional quality The range has been expertly created using the finest natural ingredients and traditional techniques, so you can trust quality and luxury has been poured into every tin. For walls and woodwork, use the new Luxurious Flat Matt emulsion that tantalises the senses – when dry it has a soft and velvety finish. It comes in 48 exquisite colours. Try Sewing Bee – it has a lovely spring-like note to it. What makes this thick and creamy paint special is that it’s multi-surface so you can use it from floor to ceiling, across walls and woodwork for a seamless aesthetic. Unique new texture Perfectly complementing the Flat Matt is Suede Textured, an emulsion that leaves a subtle brush-stroke effect. This unique formula contains a surprising ingredient: ground-down olive stones that add a gentle layer of depth you can see and feel. It’s available in timeless palettes of greys and neutrals. Let it shine If you’d like something even more special, try Lustrous Metallic. It comes in eight beautiful colours and leaves a stunning, shimmering finish to your walls, wood and metal, perfect for highlighting eye-catching features. All in all, there are 62 quietly indulgent shades, each hand-selected to work together across the three paint finishes. And Crown’s new sustainable Real Paint Swatches mean making your colour choice is easier than ever – just attach the 100% accurate samples to your walls with no mess or fuss. What could be simpler!

BAUHAUS FOREVER DIRECTIONAL APPEAL DIAMONDS FORCE 1919 in Coral Groove in Ocre Chevron in Bluebird, £75 Blush and Rose Blanc, £47.45 a roll, Miss Print Mustards, £42 a a roll, Caselio SWINGING SIXTIES roll, Lust Home FAB! in British Lichen, WWaITllHpaWpeOrsW £45 a roll, Albany Choose a bold geometric print to x Mini Moderns at add instant impact to your walls Wallpaper Direct LINEAR JUNE 2022 | 73 STRUCTURE Graphic in Cobalt, £47 a roll, Graham & Brown FEATURE LAURA HIGGINS

Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE Have a go at these clever paint ideas and transform your living room from drab to fab! 1Define a fire surround Paint your fire surround in a bright, happy shade, like sunshine yellow, and top it with colourful accessories to make it the focal point of your living room. To take the injection of colour up a level, try filling a disused fireplace with logs painted in a variety of complementary shades, sticking to a palette of bright pastels for an uplifting summer-ready scheme. Avoid the look becoming too fussy with a plethora of pattern and instead style your fire surround with colour-block accessories. Try revamping old vases and other ceramics with co-ordinating matt paints. 2 PWFAAEILANLTTUARE Pick out a single feature in your living room and treat it to your favourite shade. This warm pink doesn’t overwhelm because it’s restricted to one area only – the chimney breast. Pick a shade and integrate it into your room by using the same colour on a single piece of furniture and for a small selection of accessories. 74 | JUNE 2022

EASY UPDATES Love it Rich navy blue is the 3 PAINT BESPOKE STORAGE living room colour of A great way to save space is by having bespoke cabinetry built to fit in an alcove, the moment meaning you can use the whole wall for storage – from floor to ceiling. A creative way to make this a feature wall, which as well as serving all your needs looks like a uniform wall, is by painting it all one statement shade. If you also paint the skirting and fireplace surround the same colour, it will make the look feel seamless. 4 Be inspired by natureNot all hero colours are bold attention- can indulge pretty much any whim when it comes to seekers. This soft tone that accents. Sandstone blends hovers between brown and with other browns, as well grey is a quiet game-changer as greys for a smooth mix. that will make a room look Brown neutrals can feel sophisticated and warmer at sludgy and dull unless you a brushstroke. Plus, it plays cut through them with the well with other colours, so you right accent colours. JUNE 2022 | 75

5 HIGHLIGHT FEATURES An accent colour border will draw attention to lovely period door frames, skirting boards and picture rails. Picking out key architectural details can help to add depth to your living room and create interest. Even if the space is devoid of features, you could fake it with clever paint effects. No skirting board? Simply paint a two-tone feature on the wall to create the illusion of its presence. Pick out shades from a piece of graphic art 6Frame a knock-throughWith open-plan living rooms growing in rooms by adding accents on architectural points of interest, popularity there are often two such as archways. Using a spaces merged into one that spot colour to define two you might like to give a slightly connected, but separate different purpose to. While it spaces is a fun way to inject makes sense to paint the two some colour. Tie the colour in spaces in the same colour, you as here through accessories could clearly define the two like cushions and ceramics. 76 | JUNE 2022

EASY UPDATES Love it 7 Use colour blocking Create an uplifting colour-block wall in a living space by using a tonal palette separated with a white border. Think vertically to add height to the room, using blocks of pastel blue and green and dividing the area with an off-centre stripe of white. The use of the white for the dividing line mirrors the skirting board and ceilings to create a frame around the colour for additional impact. Co-ordinate the look with matching soft furnishings and accessories in other cheery shades such as lemon yellow, blush pink and lilac. Alternatively, choose a living room colour scheme to suit your personal taste and use this technique to make the look totally unique for your home. Go as bright as you dare or keep it grounded with tonal neutrals. C‘OCGLRROEEUAYRMICASHNODSITBCIEELILFGOETRHFELOIRMVOTISHNTEGPMROOOPDOUEMLRSAN,RHRNOEEMPUELT’ARCAILNG 8 ADSDTRAIPE Try out a new twist on the living room feature wall. Paint a band of colour running around the centre of the room like a belt between jeans and a T shirt! Take the stripe through anything that it touches, too, as interrupting the bold strip of contrasting colour would lessen its impact. If you have an open shelving unit, why not make the band the same width as one of the shelves and paint the whole thing to blend in with the backdrop? JUNE 2022 | 77

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPHS 9Work a FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, (8) LITTLE GREENE, (10) DULUX whitewash Brilliant-white paint has a transformative effect on interiors. Use it on walls and ceilings and it will make a star of every non-white piece of furniture and accessory in your living room. White is a wholly selfless shade, providing all the light and energy while deflecting the attention elsewhere. In this coastal-style living room, as the white sofa recedes, pictorial and striped cushions are brought into sharp relief along with a collection of accessories on the shelving. Look for characterful pieces with a nautical vibe in contrasting reds and blues. Painted tongue-and-groove walls and cupboards give this scheme additional coastal kudos. Opt for a good-quality white paint that’s durable and washable to avoid knocks and smudges showing up easily. ‘THOATNHKIESNRTSSOI’GHIHONTMSETISANGTAROLALWMOHWWAIETNCIGASUNTSSRTEEOENDGIIANNISGNI’DAEBETTER 10 SSTTHOAANCDAKELS Add interest to a room by using two different shades to create a divide without having to put up a picture rail. In this calming scheme, the already decorative wall panelling is giving a sense of division thanks to the banding colours painted one above the other. Use shades that work well together but allow enough of a difference to make a statement. Try a grounding palette of dusky blue and earthy neutrals. 78 | JUNE 2022

EASY UPDATES Love it 11 BFWAOILRTACHNOCNNEATTDRUAARRSAKTLCEOLLEOMUERNSTS Combine the richest, deepest of shades on walls and woodwork with much lighter neutral accents on furniture, upholstery and floors. Going dark need not be scary – it can bring a real sense of character and sophistication to your living area. In this blue living room, the heady mix of textures and rich tones makes for a luxuriously atmospheric space. Layer textured cushions and throws for a cosy feel 12 Create a watercolour finish Embrace your favourite colour and work with inner artist, shades from the same palette or better still, pay a skilled to create a graduated effect decorator to take the pressure along one feature wall. Think off. Use brushstroke patterns about contrasting moody to add an artistic flourish to watercolour-washed walls any scheme. Don’t be afraid with angular furniture and to experiment with innovative contemporary metallic paint techniques. Choose your accents for dramatic effect. JUNE 2022 | 79

SPSvLTeUrEsRAusGLE Create a Hamptons-style living space with ocean-inspired shades £40 Artificial olive tree, Lights4fun £1,315 £18 Aissa two-seat sofa in Sass & Belle Washed Indigo easy Totem Grey large vase, cotton, Sofa.com Very SPLURGE Blow the budget with these top picks SOLID WOOD £275 Southwold side table, Cox & Cox £35 £104 Regular Organic cotton Rattle lamp knit cushion in base, Pooky Marshmallow, John Lewis & Partners 80 | JUNE 2022

Salcombe coffee table, SPLURGE VERSUS STEAL Buy it £129; Salcombe side table, £12 £49; Casual rattan floor lamp, £149; Rattan table Natural macrame lamp, £49.50; Madison cushion, sofa, from £699; Popcorn George Home rug, from £129; cushions, from £15; Herringbone throw, £19.50; vases, from £12.50 each, all M&S £69 £180 Hollins natural Copenhagen rattan table lamp, side table, Oak Furnitureland Iconic Lights STEAL Grab a style bargain with these budget buys £879 £22 Joules Ashwicke Churchgate Cord two-seater artificial olive sofa in Navy, DFS tree, Dunelm CLASSIC JUNE 2022 | 81 SHAPE MIX DEEP SEA BLUES U AL £8 FEATURE LAURA HIGGINS WHITES WITH LIGHT WOOD AND GREENERY Large vase, B&M FOR A FRESH COASTAL FEEL





ADD SOME CHROME ‘It’s made such a difference swapping the outdated wooden knobs for metal ones that catch the light’ IDEA TO STEAL ‘Transform old units with a simple coat of paint’ COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Holly Tarling, 27, TOTAL an environmental officer. I live with my partner, Roger Greer, £2,089 33, a public affairs officer, in a TURN OVER FOR two-bedroom, end-of-terrace MY SHOPPING house near Reading, Berkshire, LIST which was built in 2000. THE CHALLENGE Turning a dull and outdated kitchen into somewhere we wanted to be, which incorporated a space for eating and entertaining. MY WISHLIST I wanted to use blues and pinks in the scheme, along with a wood-effect flooring and touches of marble. STYLE TIP For expensive materials, such as wood flooring and marble, source affordable alternatives that look just like the real thing. 84 | JUNE 2022

KITCHEN MAKEOVER Love it nowaPERFECT FIT’ Colour fan Holly DARK AND brought vibrant CHARACTERFUL shades, dark wood- effect flooring and ‘My kitchen-diner is full of metal accessories colour and little touches into a dull space that make it feel really warm and welcoming’ T his is the first house Roger and I have had together,’ says Holly. ‘We were really excited to move out of a rented flat and buy it after saving for the deposit, despite knowing we’d have to do lots of work ourselves. Everything in the kitchen was old and dull, in shades of beige and brown, and the fittings were outdated, too. However, it was a good space and there was plenty of room for a dining table and chairs. Making plans A large pantry-style cupboard was taking up too much room and we already had enough storage in the units, so we removed it to give us a better idea of the space. The units were sound and we really couldn’t afford to replace them, so we looked into painting them, which seemed a possibility. The oven was fairly new so we kept that and the washing machine, plus we bought our fridge freezer from our flat – but everything else had to go. First steps The flooring was a horrible fake wood that felt sticky underfoot. The living room leads into the kitchen and we’d ripped up the carpet in there, so we went for the same flooring throughout to improve the flow. We chose a hardwearing wood-effect vinyl – you can’t tell it’s not the real thing. We laid it ourselves, over one very long weekend – it was simple to do and meant our labour costs were virtually nil. We did all the painting ourselves, and my brother, Sam, a trainee electrician, fitted the lights. He didn’t ask for money, but we insisted on paying him a bit. We also paid to have the sink fitted and the worktop installed. Choosing colours I love blues and pinks, and luckily so does Roger, so we decided to go for a dark blue on the units and pink on the wall JUNE 2022 | 85

PRIVACY AND LIGHT Where to buy Holly’s style ‘We’re a bit overlooked so I searched for a sheer blind Atlas Blue Porcelain patterned tiles, £71.70sq m, Ca’ Pietra. White Gloss for the big window which wall tiles, £17.25sq m, N&C Tiles and would give us some privacy Bathrooms. Units painted in Stiffkey Blue estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr; but still let in light’ feature wall painted in Cinder Rose modern emulsion, £56 for 2.5ltr, both C‘RTEHAETSEIANHKA,NWDAYSWHOIRNKGIMNAGCZHOINNEEAALNODNDGIOSNHEWWAASLHLE’R Farrow & Ball. Walls painted in by the dining area to make a statement. Dining options Dulux Pure Brilliant White emulsion, When we painted the units we took off all £16 for 2.5ltr, Homebase. Palio Rigid the funny old wooden knobs until we We couldn’t decide exactly what to have flooring in Vivara, £32.99sq m, Palio found some we liked. in the newly liberated space, so I turned Express by Karndean. Algiata Matt to my mum, Sharon, for advice. She’s White marble-effect worktop, £104 We’d bought plain white tiles to go brilliant on interiors and we have very for 3m; Chervil brushed nickel-effect above the sink and on the wall opposite, similar tastes. She found a great little handles, £6 for two; Apollonia sink, but we wanted something special on the company online that handmakes things £88; Amsel tap, £40; Bosch cooker back wall, which is what you see when from scratch, and we chose a combination hood, £348, all B&Q. Milano Aruba you step into the kitchen. I really enjoyed of a table with metal legs, a matching radiator, £219.95, Best Heating. Simple shopping for tiles and when I saw the bench and two chairs that came as a Manhattan mirror, £129, M&S. Rustic pattern with the dark blue of the units package for £275, which was a real pine shelf, £29, Traditional Beams. and a lighter shade that I could use for bargain. It means we can seat four easily accessories, I knew they were the ones. when friends come round. Skaftet ceiling light, £29, Ikea. They weren’t cheap, but we only needed Table, bench and chairs, £275 set, two square metres, so we splashed out. Finishing touches Artemis. Panama sideboard, £129; Worktop wow Once the dining table was in, we still White sheer blind, £14; slate had some space left where the larder placemats, £12 for four; slate oversized We’d removed the rotting wooden unit had been, so we bought a wooden worktop right at the start. I love the look sideboard to store all the crockery, placemats, £7 for two, all Dunelm. of marble with its pattern variations cutlery and accessories for the table. Mauve & Teal Floral oven gloves, and the lovely greys of the veins. It was Above it, we carried on the industrial obviously out of the question pricewise, theme with a shelf made from an old £22, Max Made Me. Canisters, but we found a really effective marble scaffolding board and a clock with a £22 each, Anthropologie. Karlsson laminate that does the job. marble-effect finish which echoes the worktop. We absolutely love spending wall clock, £25, Amazon. Silver We also wanted a new sink and tap. I time here now – one of us cooking, platter, £20, TK Maxx like the slightly industrial look, so we went while the other one sits and chats. for stainless steel, which also led us to the It just works so well.’ MARBLE MARVEL smart new chrome knobs for the units. ‘Our stone-effect worktop is really sturdy – it looks so realistic as well as incredibly elegant against the blues in the room’ 86 | JUNE 2022

IDEA TO STEAL KITCHEN MAKEOVER Love it ‘Go for a vertical VINTAGE EFFECT radiator on the wall to make the most ‘The scaffold board shelf above the retro-style of the space’ sideboard is a great place to display colourful accessories and plants’ COMPACT DINING Do it! FEATURE STEPHANIE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID GILES ‘We’ve been able to fit in CREATE A seating for four, with plenty SEPARATE DINING AREA of room to get to the back door plus a radiator next to Measure out the area first and ensure that any table and chairs it, in case a chill creeps in’ you buy are in proportion to the space you’ve allocated. Think about buying a versatile table that has a fold-down flap or an extra section, if it’s just the two of you eating most of the time. Consider a bench in the narrowest part of the room, which tucks under the table, and put the chairs at either end. Focus the eye with a mirror above the dining table, which also makes the space feel bigger, and don’t forget to position sufficient lighting close by. You can discover more handy tips on creating a smart kitchen-diner at idealhome.co.uk JUNE 2022 | 87

Love it ITCHEN MAKEOVER Holly’s choice: U-SHAPED KITCHEN Maximise the potential of this versatile layout, making the most of every inch of available space W hen planning your kitchen, you’ll find that some layouts work better than others in your space. A U-shape is one of the most popular options – and for good reason. It’s arguably the most practical design and works in most sizes and shapes of room. This configuration also boasts generous amounts of storage compared with galley or L-shaped styles. How wide should a A U-shape allows the that is the same width as the worktop. FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT AND THEA BABINGTON-STITT U-shaped kitchen be? sink, hob and fridge The other is to replace that arm with a to be easily accessible table. The first option is the most practical, U-shaped layouts can work in large from each other because you’re not losing any valuable spaces, but even small kitchens can worktop space. It will also make life a bit benefit from this design. Just be sure may be more able to handle deep colour, easier for entertaining or watching over you have at least two metres between dark wood finishes and hits of pattern. the kids doing their homework, as the opposite banks of units. In total, a everything will be directly to hand. U-shaped kitchen should be situated Can I include an island? in a space around 10 square metres to How do I design the make sure there’s enough room between In a small room, you may prefer to have the space around a window? all of the cabinetry and that you can look of a U-shaped kitchen while swapping walk and move around comfortably. out a long run of units on one side for an A wide window is a central anchor island or peninsula unit. This may make point for a U-shaped kitchen. Try to How do I plan the space? your space more usable and is especially position the sink underneath the window useful if your kitchen has a back door. so as not to block the light, and to give The design concept of the ‘golden yourself a view while tackling the triangle’ is a natural fit with a U-shaped How about a dining table? washing up. layout. When planning your space, keep your fridge, cooker and/or hob and There are two main ways to work in a Although your window will bring in sink between 120cm and 270cm apart. dining table. The first is to build one onto natural light, this will change throughout This will make for a practical, time- the end of a peninsula arm – or buy one the day and the seasons. So ensure you efficient and safe use of your space – include plenty of artificial lighting, too, something that is harder to achieve in to prevent your eyes from straining. longer, galley or L-shaped kitchens. What style and materials create the most impact? In a smaller space with a central window, it may pay to stick to a largely white scheme. Modern high-gloss units will help to keep light levels up, as will glazed tiles and stainless-steel surfaces. Large rooms ‘BE LGEUVISEDTLEYSDLWBEHYAETNNHDDECESOCILIZODEUIRONFGOFYOONYUOTRUHRREOKLOIOMTOCAKH,NEDNT’HE LIGHT 88 | JUNE 2022



Creative ideas for SMALL BATHROOMS Savvy storage ideas, clever layouts and smart features are just some of our top tips for bijou spaces Invest in a slimline storage trolley Keep essentials such as towels and toiletries on a neat cart that can be wheeled from basin to shower to bath so you won’t need to double up on supplies or storage space. Choose a slimline design that can be tucked out of the way when not in use. 90 | JUNE 2022

SMALL BATHROOM IDEAS Love it Mix and match materials Make a feature of your basin by matching it to your walls. Here a stunning smooth marble covers the top half of the wall and meets a textured concrete below. The basin sits on a block of the same marble, which cleverly ties the two materials together. A well-positioned shelf adds to the linear look and provides additional space for accessories. A‘RSEESMATVEIHIEX-EFPPSPOEYPESDAOIRCEUFNESWEGTAWCAPNTILITTSPHBOTEOALOWUSUOTITRNIKOS’N Make it look bigger with an oval bath Don’t shy away from incorporating a freestanding bath in a small bathroom. An oval bath cuts corners to boost the impression of space. A shallow shelf to hide waste pipes is also handy for adding an extra surface to display bath salts, potted bathroom plants and more. Add a false wall It might seem counterintuitive in a small space, but building out a half-height false wall will mean you can hide all the ugly soil and water pipes needed for the loo while creating a handy shelf for accessories too. Once tiled, you’ll never know it wasn’t always there!

Work in wall-mounted storage furniture Wall-hung units are ideal for bathroom storage, due to their fuss-free, streamlined look. They come in a wide range of sizes, materials and colours, so you can create a semi-bespoke feature that best suits your space. Opt for a (faux) living wall Bring the outside in with a living wall. It’s perhaps a little tricky to do with real plants, but a panel of faux foliage will give the same stunning effect and is easier to maintain. ‘EAXLASLTMAIWRNHTIENNIGSIYKTOECUYORM-SEIPSTA’TCSOENBFEAUVTLEHLRRYOOBNOEEMFSDOIERZSEEIYGFONIU’TS , Use mirrors to open up the room Hang a large mirror (or two or three) over your basin to bounce the natural light around and make the whole room feel larger. You’ll be surprised at how much a mirror can open up a space – it’s the number one trick interior stylists use to create this effect. Go big, go bold and make a statement. 92 | JUNE 2022

Go grand with a SMALL BATHROOM IDEAS Love it panelled effect Select a versatile Create a period vibe in a small floating vanity bathroom with walls covered in a panelled effect. Simple portrait A wall-mounted vanity with clear panels are an easy way to add floor space beneath will make your character. For a more ornate look, room feel less boxed in. Opt for a try a ribbed texture - or combine style with lots of storage. Above- two styles for added interest. counter basins and gold hardware Dark colours will also work well give this scheme a spa-hotel feel. to make a small space feel cosier. P‘KOBSEETSEAHSIPEABCTMLOSHESOEE,TIPLLALLYSOSAOTJCMOAEOIBCVNI’KIFTNCHGAEN Make the most of your wall space In this luxe bathroom, a shower over the bath maximises the compact space, while fixing the radiator to the opposite wall means bath towels are within easy reach. The brass hardware and marble-look tiles combine for a high-end look. FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, IKEA, CULLIFORDS, GARDEN TRADING, LUNDHS



INSIDE GREAT STUFF TO EAT, TRY & DO! CLEANING STORAGE FINANCES GARDEN DIY TRY THIS... BERRY DISPLAY Filled fruit boxes make lovely table FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT STYLING SARAH BIRD PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM centrepieces for a summer gathering. Pot up with strawberry plants for a pretty display that will also give your guests a tasty treat! Add a few small succulents for contrast. To make a similar display, start by wiping over the fruit box with a damp cloth, then line with plastic – a carrier bag cut to fit will do – then sprinkle in some gravel. Add compost, pot up with plants, then cover any exposed soil with a layer of moss to finish. STYLICNRGESATTAETAION INSECMTAKHEOTAENL PpO1S0Y6PRRAOGJRECT JUNE 2022 | 95

START WITH SHELVES Sheds don’t often come with shelving or wall hooks, so measure up and work out a shelving system pronto! Racks are a fantastic way of organising your belongings, making full use of both the height and width. TIDY WORK AREA STORE SEED PACKETS IN FABRIC BASKETS Make your shed storage stylish with the addition of fabric baskets to store seed packets, colour coded twines and more. They not only add a cheerful touch, they are collapsible when not needed, so they make a good solution for small sheds. Shed storage SOLUTIONS Ensure your garden tools and potting paraphernalia stay organised with these tips Finding your secateurs can it for storing tools, garden equipment or be tricky if the shed’s piled bikes? Or do you need something bigger, with windows to act as a workshop? Once high with toys, cushions and this is decided, turn your shed into an organised haven, by starting with a clear garden furniture, so let these out. Pull everything out and sort through what you do and don’t need. Check tools storage ideas lighten the load. are in working order, and if you have any Some garden shed ideas will transform old or empty paint cans, dispose of those your space so you can accommodate correctly. Whatever you need, you can both storage and an area to work, but be tailor your shed to suit your storage needs. realistic about this and don’t force yours to do what it can’t. Firstly you need to plan the primary purpose of your shed: is 96 | JUNE 2022

TIME AT HOME Love it CREATE A SYSTEM Don’t just chuck things into your shed, but think about the things you use most often or what is most needed for the season. Lawnmowers can be stored at the back throughout winter, with rakes and brooms at the front, but come spring, swap these over. Store sharp items safely out of kids’ reach and keep everyday items like gloves and kneelers in crates under benches. USE WALL SPACE SO‘YHOAUN’GLDLGRAAKRWNDOAEWRNOWTUHONEODNLTOSHNOEENMHTIAHNSENB’WLTAABLCELKE,MNTAHPREUKNTERAWAY’ UTILISE A PEGBOARD , A pegboard can provide a stylish solution to make the most of the wall behind a potting table or bench. The simple design allows you to use every inch of the wall to peg up the items you need to have within reach. Add a metal rail with S hooks – to hang twines, watering cans and larger tools. BUILD A POTTINGBENCH MAKE YOUR OWN GARDEN FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, TWINE DISPENSER PROTEK, GARDEN TRADING A bench provides a neat place to carry out gardening chores. Seek storage solutions that are practical Potting benches can be pricey, and make working in the garden a little but if you’re a dab hand at easier. If you enjoy using your space as a DIY, why not make one using potting shed then this clever storage idea leftover wood? You can make is just the thing to stay organised, making a fairly simple structure in it extra-easy to find gardening essentials. an afternoon, then give it a These DIY dispensers keep garden twine vibrant lick of paint to bring handy. Simply take three stainless steel a bit of colour to your shed. funnels (check out Amazon for a good selection or upcycle any you already have) and mount to the wall above your bench using a cup hook, then hang in position – no more searching for twine! JUNE 2022 | 97

What to do THIS MONTH Get your home organised and looking its tip-top best with these easy cleaning and DIY hacks Summer is finally here and with the start of June bringing us a mega long weekend of Jubilee celebrations, it’s a great time to get the garden spruced up ready for guests. Giving your decking and patio a good scrub now will mean it’s good to go for the rest of the year. But with all those garden soirées planned, your dishwasher will be going into overdrive, so it’s a great time to give it an MOT. And if the Great British weather does turn and the party retreats to the kitchen, ensure your space looks its best with a fab new splashback to dazzle guests. Tile a splashback Tackle this manageable DIY task and you can A great way to inject interest to a kitchen by adding colour and pattern, plus it make a huge difference protects the wall behind a sink. First, prep to a plain space your wall surface, then apply tile adhesive using a notch trowel. Start where the wall meets the worktop, and only apply what you need for the first line of tiles. Apply each one with firm pressure and use tile spacers to ensure perfect unity. Repeat to cover the rest of the space, leave to dry, then apply a grout of your choice. 98 | JUNE 2022

ALL TIME AT HOME Do it SPRUCED CLEAN YOUR UP OUTDOOR SPACE 1Clear out any debris using shears or secateurs to strip away any loose or dead branches and trim back overgrown plants or trees. Then take a rake or sweep up all those dead leaves and general detritus from your lawn, patio or decking. 2 For decking, apply a mild, all-purpose cleaner or decking-specific solution to the surface. 3 On patio areas or paths, use a diluted bleach or washing-up liquid solution. Once the cleaning solution is down, give the surface a good scrub, removing dirt and moss build-up using a hard-bristled brush. Use a paving brush to get in between flagstones to remove any weeds. 4 Wipe down wooden or plastic garden furniture with a dry cloth to remove any cobwebs or loose dirt. Then use a damp cloth and a multipurpose cleaning solution to wash all the surfaces. Treat wooden furniture with a lick of protective oil to keep it looking good all summer. ICFLSRYEEOAEAUNCCEHITRAAIVLTOEIONSPSAEEVOTORINUDAPCATSHLUEOLRTOEASTRLEUGPMAIAMCTIIEOS CREATE A STYLING STATION A panel of cork board fixed to the wall above a chest or vanity unit is a clever way to hang jewellery and prevent it from getting in a disorganised tangle. It also helps keep surfaces clear of clutter. Cut the cork to fit between the brackets of a wall shelf, and keep storage boxes and baskets on top. Loop necklaces over smart pins, while earrings can be pushed into the cork. JUNE 2022 | 99

ORGANISE YOUR LIVING ROOM 1 Target clutter hotspots by providing easy-access storage that will encourage even the youngest (and messiest) family members to put things away. Fix a few sturdy metal hooks on the wall at staggered heights and hook a handled basket on each. Willow baskets look attractive and are great for quick end-of- day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines and other bits and bobs that tend to accumulate throughout the day. 2 Opt for stowaway storage so you can stash living room essentials out of sight. A roomy ottoman with a lift-up lid is brilliant for hiding away spare cushions, blankets or children’s toys. 3 Step up storage with ladder-style shelving. A leaning ladder shelf is a great way to add storage without overwhelming a living room. As well as being an interesting alternative to conventional shelving, they are perfect for rooms with limited space and can be used to display photos and knick-knacks, too. CHCOOONSSTTEROSORILADSG,EECT-OAATBSOLTESESTRAWSSIAHTNHAD‘WSSAEOYCORRNEEMTO’TE DO A SH ASH MO You might think this-hard Clear out the drain filters and working appliance is self- spinning arms with a toothpick cleaning, but it will collect food or a pair of tweezers, soak these and soap residue over time, so in hot water too, then rinse. it’s best to give it a deep clean Check the dishwasher floor for every month. Start with a hot any build-up and give both sides wash on empty, then remove of the door a good clean with a baskets and cutlery holders and damp cloth. Put everything back soak them in hot, soapy water. and run a short cycle to finish. 100 | JUNE 2022