Home//Your Home/August 2024/In This Issue
Your Home|August 2024Holiday at homeFrom balmy evenings by the pool, to meals on the patio and lounging with your favourite book in the sun, summer breaks are bliss. But that feeling doesn’t need to end on the flight back - this issue is packed with ways to recreate that holiday vibe at home! Start with Mediterranean and tropical decor ideas aplenty on page 26, then find inspiration in cover star Anatolia’s colourful home (p52), which is equal parts Italian and Moroccan in its influences. And, to serve up delicious dinners al fresco, check out our quick-cook and no-cook recipes on page 104.If your summer holiday is still ahead of you, then our expert guide to securing your home (p92) is a must-read before you go. There are lots of free things you can do…1 min
Your Home|August 2024HOUSEHOLD hintsYour August to-dos1. Wash down your washing machine, both inside and out, paying particular attention to the rubber seal inside the door.2. If your outdoor cushions and rugs are getting a lot of use this summer, vacuum them with the upholstery attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris.3. Get rid of any dust and hair that’s trapped in your home’s extractor fans and air bricks, to help increase airflow.4. Give your outdoor bins and recycling boxes a clean, to prevent bad smells. Spray with disinfectant, scrub and rinse, then leave to dry naturally before using them again.5. Wipe down the glass on your spotlights throughout the home, grease can built up. especially in the kitchen where…1 min
Your Home|August 2024COOKING al fresco1 min
Your Home|August 2024IN THE knowSTAY SAFE from holiday scammersAction Fraud urges holidaymakers to watch out for fraudsters onlineVictims lost £12.3 million to holiday fraud last year, so be safe when booking this year’s trip.• Do a thorough online search to ensure the company is credible.• Use a credit card when paying online. Most major providers protect online purchases.• Make sure they’re a licensed company and check they are properly accredited look for ATOL or ABTA protection• Use three random words as a strong password. Set up two-step verification.• Be cautious of unexpected messages offering unrealistic holiday deals.• Only fill in mandatory details on a website.Did you know?Thanks to new government legislation, tenants have the right to ask their landlord for permission to live with pets at the property and the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.…2 min
Your Home|August 2024Secret gardenWhen the heat and colour of summer starts to feel intense, step into a shaded glade with this rustic but refined trend. Set the scene with calming greens and muted greys, then add floral prints in subtle shades for a dreamy effect. Use heritage detailing to ground your scheme but keep it feeling modern by picking clean, unfussy shapes. Opt for slatted vertical panelling instead of heavy Jacobean squares, and matt painted lighting styles rather than anything metallic or glitzy. You’ll create a scheme that looks elegant and sophisticated but, is still wild at heart.£5 AND UNDERGet the look for less with these quick updatesTHE MOODBOARD1 Take it easy with effortless greens and foolproof floral prints…4 min
Your Home|August 2024How to tile a kitchen splashbackDIFFICULTY LEVEL MODERATE1 Cover your work surface with a dust sheet. Use sandpaper to remove any lumps or bumps from the wall surface, then use sugar soap to ensure your wall is clean before you begin. Allow the wall to dry thoroughly.2 Measure the width of the area to be tiled and then mark the centre point on the wall. Mark another centre point at the top of your tiled area where you want the tiles to stop. Draw a vertical line between the two points. This is your centre line.3 Starting at the bottom centre of the area to be tiled, use a notched trowel to apply a generous, even layer of tile adhesive where the first horizontal row of tiles will be placed. Use the trowel to create…2 min
Your Home|August 2024How to get a LUXE look for lessCLASSIC VINTAGELUXELESSThanks to their elegance, traditional schemes are continually popular, and the timeless quality offers that longevity you need in a room you won’t want to renovate again in a hurry. So what’s the key? ‘Generally, it’s worth splashing out on high-quality, vintage-inspired fixtures like taps, as these are focal points,’ says Ruth Foster, interior design expert at Victoria Plum, ‘while you can save money on lighting and accessories by choosing stylish but budget-friendly options.’NATURAL SANCTUARYIf creating a calm haven is your priority then a natural scheme that connects you to nature could be the one. Choose tactile materials and soothing neutrals, advises Jorge Hernandez, head of design at Britton: ‘Natural materials including stone and wood often have a high price tag, but there are ways to achieve the same…5 min
Your Home|August 2024‘I’ve loved adding country style to every room!’This house’s tranquil location won over Louise Burditt instantly. ‘Our previous home was on a busy road, so discovering this house in such a quiet location was the dream, made better by the lovely views across the countryside and the extra space we wanted, as the girls were getting bigger,’ explains Louise.The fact that it was a new home, so didn’t need any building work, was also a bonus. Although Louise loved her previous home, which was a beautiful old cottage, she admits the upkeep was expensive. ‘I wouldn’t haveCHOP TO ITProp wooden chopping boards on your worktop to hide ugly plug sockets and add warm wood tonesKITCHEN‘After painting the scallops in the bedroom, I wasn’t sure about adding more in here, but I thought I’d give them a try…9 min
Your Home|August 2024FLUTED cabinet hackSHOPPING LIST• Screwdriver • tape measure • pencil • MDF fluted panelling • jigsaw • sandpaper • damp cloth • paint or varnish • paintbrush • grab adhesive • G-clamps (optional) • combi drillHOW TO…1 Begin by unscrewing any doors from your kitchen island unit. Remove any handles from the doors, if applicable.2 Using a tape measure, measure the area of the island you wish to clad in fluted panelling, including any doors you have removed. Transfer these measurements using a pencil onto the reverse side of a sheet of MDF fluted panelling.3 Carefully cut the panelling to size using a jigsaw. Use a fine grit sandpaper to sand smooth any uneven edges. Wipe away any dust or debris using a damp cloth and leave to dry.4 Apply two coats…1 min
Your Home|August 20249 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR ROOFKeeping your property in good working order starts from the top! When it comes to the roof, it’s important to keep an eye out for any potential damage before it escalates. Roof repair and maintenance can be very costly, so it’s always better to tackle any issues in their early stages. From checking the loft for holes or leaks to knowing where to start when you need an entire roof replaced, we’ve got all the info and expert advice you need.1 Inspect the interiorIn order to keep an eye out for any potential damage before it gets out of hand, it’s a good idea to regularly check your roof from the inside. ‘You should ideally be aiming to check your loft at least twice a year,’ advises Tim Warren, a…6 min
Your Home|August 2024Level up your home securityQ What are some free things I can do to keep my home secure while I’m away?Matt Parkes is marketing manager at Burg-Wächter. He works closely with a number of industry bodies, including the Master Locksmith Association, Secured by Design, and Sold Secure. He says…‘It may seem simple, but making sure that all windows and doors are locked is the first step, and get into the habit of checking them too. Using a timer or smart plugs for lights when you’re not at home and leaving a radio on both help to give the impression that someone is in, and act as a deterrent to opportunistic burglars.Avoid showcasing valuable items that might attract would-be thieves peering through your windows. Also, make sure that ladders are not left outside, to prevent…7 min
Your Home|August 2024EASY DOES ITVietnamese rice noodle salad with halloumiYOU WILL NEEDFor the carrot pickle ✔ 1 carrot, julienned ✔ 3 tbsp rice vinegar ✔ ½ tsp sugar ✔ pinch of saltFor the dressing ✔ 2 tbsp fish sauce ✔ 1 small clove of garlic, crushed ✔ 1 red chilli, finely chopped ✔ 2 tbsp lime juice ✔ 1 tbsp rice vinegar ✔ 2 tsp sugar ✔ 1 tsp waterFor the salad ✔ 100g vermicelli rice noodles ✔ neutral oil, to fry ✔ 125g halloumi, cut into slices ✔ 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce ✔ a handful each of fresh mint and coriander leaves ✔ 1 little gem lettuce ✔ 2 tbsp salted peanuts, chopped ✔ 1 lime, cut into wedgesDIRECTIONS Combine the carrot pickle ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Cook the…7 min
Your Home|August 2024Something to sip… Negroni sourShake it upIT’S SIMPLETo make a simple syrup, gently heat equal parts water and white sugar in a saucepan, bring to the boil and stir until combined. It’s ready to use once coolHow to make PREPARATION TIME 4 minutes SERVES 1YOU WILL NEED✔ 30ml gin ✔ 30ml red vermouth ✔ 30ml campari ✔ 30ml lemon juice ✔ 20ml simple syrup ✔ 20ml egg white To garnish ✔ Mixologist’s Garden lemon slicesDIRECTIONS Put all the ingredients except the lemon slices into the base of a co*cktail shaker (do not add ice), secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to build up the foam. Add a large handful of ice to the shaker and shake hard again for another 30-45 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels ice-cold and…1 min
Your Home|August 2024THIS MONTH We Love…FOR STOCKISTS SEE p112HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET HabitatEscape to a tropical paradise with the Cabana Oasis collection. This look is inspired by Moroccan and Mexican designs, with a bold, handmade feel. ‘Tactility plays an important role this season,’ says Andrew Tanner, head of design. Think high-pile textiles, wax-resist ceramic vessels and hand-woven cushions to create a layered, laid-back vibe.Sitting prettyTV presenter and self-confessed homebody, Stacey Solomon, has just created a new collection of sofas with ScS. The range includes affordable pieces in hardwearing but ultra-soft fabrics like velvet, boucle and chenille, inspired by Stacey’s own cosy home, Pickle Cottage.OFFICE ROMANCEFall back in love with your working day with Paperchase’s collection of gorgeous stationery and productivity accessories. These aesthetic pieces will add a touch of style to your desktop and…3 min
Your Home|August 2024WE TEST… BlendersBEST FOR BASIC BLENDINGThis new 700w blender has a simple design in black and stainless steel. It comes with one 700ml cup, the jar base with blades and a helpful lid for drinking. The blender blitzed biscuits and ice cream with no problem, making a milkshake in seconds. Ice was easy too; the manual provides specific instructions for creating crushed ice! However, after that, this manual wasn’t as clear as it could’ve been, which caused some confusion. In terms of cleaning, the cup is dishwasher safe, but you need to hand-wash the blades. This blender doesn’t have any additional functions, like others, but for the price, this is a good unit with plenty of power.BEST FOR EASE OF USEThis powerful blender was quick to set up, though a little fiddly…2 min
Your Home|August 2024FOCUS ON Summer holidays at homeFrequently asked questions…Are there any passes I can buy for cheap days out and dining?Try Kids Pass, which gives great savings all summer and all year! Simply join up, download the app and start saving. You can search for top-rated offer” find offers near you as well as track and record your savings. There are deals on days out at cinemas, theme parks, aquariums, trampoline parks and more. A 30-day trial is just £1, a monthly pass is £3.99, while an annual pass costs £39.99. Head to kidspass.co.uk to join and find out more.Is it worth paying for a streaming service for one month?Yes, definitely, as you can make good use of it on rainy afternoons. Kids will enjoy TV shows and movies on Disney+ or Netflix and, as you…3 min
Your Home|August 2024HOW TO GET Holiday style at homeRefresh your windowsChanging up the look of your windows can dramatically alter the way a room feels. So get that holiday style by choosing white voiles to create a light, flowing effect or be bold by adding bright, blue shutters for that Grecian vibe. ‘Transport yourself to the beautiful Greek isles with blue and white decor - a classic colour combination that exudes Mediterranean charm. Cobalt blue shutters are a great interior representation of Greek culture and the perfect window solution for that Mamma Mia! finish,’ says Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys. Custom colour tracked shutters, from £768, HillarysWhether you’ve already jetted off on your summer holiday or you’re keeping it local this year, make sure you banish the blues and recreate some of that vacation vibe. Take…10 min
Your Home|August 2024Natural beautyDisplay potted plants on worktops and open shelving to enhance the natural vibeThere are some kitchen styles that never go out of fashion and wood is one of them. But the latest twist on this enduring classic is a fresh, raw and textured feel. Team with matt black appliances, lighting and accessories or with added natural elements such as recycled, reclaimed, repurposed or other eco-friendly products and materials for a stunning look.With its authentic wood grain fully on show, this is a style that suits all properties and room sizes, and can be easily added to as you go. Let these ideas inspire you and follow our tips to create a planet-kind kitchen.QUICK FIX‘If you want to incorporate wood finishes in a more subtle way withour changing the overall design,…4 min
Your Home|August 2024‘I brought Mediterranean colour to my London home’Buying this house was a big moment for Anatolia and husband Frank. ‘We’d saved really hard to get a deposit together to buy a house, so when I finally walked through the door of our first home I was overwhelmed with happiness,’ says Anatolia, though she admits the place needed a lot of work. ‘There was plenty of dark carpet to rip up and old floral wallpaper to strip off the walls, but we saw this as our forever home, so we weren’t in a hurry,’ she says. Their long-term goal was to add a large extension to the back of the house, but the couple knew that saving would take time, so they began the renovation by decorating in between working and starting a family.THE MED TO THE EAST…10 min
Your Home|August 2024Shabby chic DRESSERSHOPPING LIST• Dresser • coarse, medium and fine grit sandpapers • old rag • old white wax candle • chalk paint • paintbrush • furniture finishing wax • round wax brush • soft lint-free clothHOW TO…1 Begin by thoroughly sanding the surface of the dresser to remove any old paint, varnish and grime. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, then move to a medium grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust and debris using a damp cloth. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly. Cover the worktop of the dresser carefully to protect it from any drips when you begin painting.2 To create a resist for the paint, rub a candle over any decorative features and mouldings that you wish to highlight on your dresser. Also rub the candle on any areas…2 min
Your Home|August 2024Shade your space in styleWe all look forward to good weather, but it’s important to ensure that you have some shade, especially when the sun is at its strongest during the summer months. Fortunately, there are plenty of different ways to provide shelter in all types of garden or outdoor space, and to help keep your home cool. We’ve taken a look at some of the options — from instant fixes to investment buys — which not only look oh-so chic, but will help to protect you and your family from harmful UV rays.UPF ratings explainedAbigail Clewley, senior product manager at Thomas Sanderson, gives us the lowdown…‘UPF is a measure of how much longer you can stay out in the sun, without suffering health damage, when protected by the fabric of your awning or…5 min
Your Home|August 2024Garden UPDATESWATER WINNEROff on your holidays soon? While you might have a timer to water your outside plants, houseplants can be a bit trickier to manage. Thankfully, elho is here with a solution that means your growing greenery won’t have to go too long without a drink. Repot your plants into a self-watering insert, which is made using 100% recycled plastic, and pop it back in its decorative pot. Then fill the reservoir and you’re done! The inserts are available in 17cm - 43cm diameter pots, with prices starting from £8.49. elho.com…1 min
Your Home|August 2024YOUR LettersWonder stoolI was looking for a small stool for our newly renovated bathroom-wet room. I love working with wood and found a piece in a local reclamation yard where I’ve sourced a few other pieces. Then, I came across the wooden stool project in Your Home’s April issue! This is my own take on it and I’m really pleased with the end product. I have plans, as the homeowner did in the magazine, to make several other variations as we work through our home.Carole-Ann Rushton, via emailMel, editor, says: We’re so thrilled to have inspired you, Carole-Ann! Your stool looks fantastic - please do keep us up to date with any new ones you make.Paint by numbersWe wanted a new lampshade for an old lamp, but the ones we liked…3 min
Your Home|August 2024THE WINNERBEST OVERALLNinja’s hi-tech blender features two 700ml cups and spout lids, a powerful 1000w motor and its Auto-IQ functionality. It has four settings – Start/Stop, Pulse, Blend and Max Blend, which are clearly explained in the handbook. We used the Blend function, which is for making drinks with liquids and ice, and watched it work, while the timer counted down from 45 seconds. It made a delicious, smooth milkshake, despite filling the container with biscuits, ice and ice cream. This blender is pricey, but you get what you pay for. It is a quality item, able to manage whatever you throw at it – even seeds, skins and stems. The perfect kitchen addition for a budding home chef!Reviews Megan Gaen, Sarah Orme, Kirstie Duhig…1 min
Your Home|August 2024Fresh ideasBrabantia has launched a range of stylish accessories, designed to make steaming clothes easier. We love the Door Steam Blanket, which is a great option at home or for travelling, as it fits neatly into an overnight bag or suitcase. Simply fold it out, then hang it on a door or wardrobe for an instant steaming board. The thick blanket protects the surface behind from heat and moisture, and stays firmly in place thanks to its handy hooks.…1 min
Your Home|August 2024‘Extending gave our home a new lease of life’BEFORESTEP INSIDE…WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Clare Buckley, 31, @threegirlsand abuildingsite, and I’m a design engineer. I live with my husband Corey, 31, a builder @cb_ constructionlimited, and our daughters, Evie Grace, four, and Isabelle, two. We bought our threebed semi in Nottingham in 2021.WHAT WAS UPDATED? My husband built the extension, we had a complete rewire, new plumbing, walls plastered, new floors and units.WHY THE CHANGE? The kitchen was small, dated and greasy. We wanted an open space so we could cook while the kids play.HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? Corey started the extension when we got the house; we moved in three months later. It took two years to get everything fully finished.TOTAL COST £6,929Having a husband who’s a builder proved to be a major bonus for Clare Buckley…6 min
Your Home|August 2024Sustainable solutionsHow to make sure you are choosing an eco-conscious kitchenDave Young, founder of HUSK Kitchens, has this advice, ‘Always make sure your kitchen supplier is using FSC® certified wood, then you can be confident that it has been harvested from a forest managed in an environmentally sustainable way. Also, any kitchen made by hand in the UK will reduce its carbon footprint.’You can also look for reclaimed or repurposed materials such as wall or floor tiles or wooden floorboards, and give old and unloved items a new lease of life by shopping at vintage markets and reclamation yards or upcycling things like old dining table and chairs. Reclaimed tiles and flooring tend to be more of an investment but you can balance out the cost by choosing more affordable products…1 min
Your Home|August 2024Botanical GARLANDSHOPPING LIST• Length of green rope • sharp scissors or craft knife • green florist tape • florist wire • selection of fresh or faux flowers and foliage • battery-powered wire lights • heavy-duty Command hooks or heavyduty brass picture hooksHOW TO…1 Measure out a piece of rope to your desired length. Cut to size using sharp scissors or a craft knife. Bind the ends with green florist tape to stop them unravelling.2 Gather together a selection of foliage and flowers to create your garland. Cut down the stems on the foliage to various lengths and arrange different types of greenery together to create the desired texture and weight. To add bulk to delicate foliage, group a few stems together in small bunches, binding their stems together with florist tape.3…2 min
Your Home|August 2024‘We swapped rooms for the perfect layout’Having enjoyed living in central Sheffield during their 20s, Beth and Rich Hastings were ready for a change of pace. Although they loved their three-bedroom Victorian terraced house, the small garden wasn’t ideal for starting a family or having a dog, so the pair started househunting in Edwinstowe, where they already had family. ‘I was visiting my sister when I noticed a “For Sale” sign outside this 1960s detached house,’ says Beth. ‘It had been on the market for a while and was really dated inside but I thought it was amazing, with a fantastic garden. It had such generous rooms, and although they were really drab, I just knew I could make it what I wanted.’TIME FOR A CHANGEAs Rich works from home, and Beth had been thinking about…12 min
Your Home|August 2024HOME IMPROVEMENTOur expert solys…‘When it comes to inspecting your roof from the outside, this should be done twice a year, typically in spring and autumn. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, signs of wear or any debris that may have formed. It’s essential to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the roof lasts for as long as possible’Tim Green, founder of Archway JoineryHELP! WE’VE SPRUNG A LEAKWhat to do when you hear drip, drip, drip…’If you spot a leak in your roof, take prompt action to ensure the damage doesn’t escalate,’ says Rachael Munby, chief marketing officer at Anglian Home Improvements. ‘It’s important to know what to do in situations such as this, so you can avoid making matters worse and being dealt costly bills.‘Firstly, try…3 min
Your Home|August 2024DRINKS TROLLEY DIY itDrinks trolleys are the epitome of sophistication and function, and are perfect for parties or everyday elegance. You could splash out on one, but why not save yourself some dosh and upcycle your own? Ours was transformed from drab to fab with a bit of elbow grease and a few licks of paint. We show you how you can do the same in this step-by-step guide. Adapt it, as needed, to suit the style of trolley you start with, and the design style you want to achieve.If you can’t find a suitable one secondhand, buy a basic one new, and give it a glow up. Then all that’s left is to stock it up with drinks and glasses, and decide who to invite over for co*cktails. Now, where did we…3 min
Your Home|August 2024In your garden THIS MONTHThis month, it’s best to spend a little extra time caring for your roses. The majority of ramblers have one extravagant flush of blooms in early summer. To ensure a good display next year, prune out the long stems that held their flowers and tie in any new green shoots, which will carry next year’s blooms.Be mindful that climbing and shrub roses are thirsty plants and will stop producing buds if the ground dries up. Give them a good soaking every few days when it’s hot or windy. While it’s wise to deadhead repeat-flowering roses at the beginning of the season to encourage more blooms, allow any flowers from late August to develop into juicy rosehips, as these will feed the birds in winter.Gather up fallen rose leaves that have…4 min
