Table of contents for DIY 2024 in HomeStyle

Welcome to your DIY special issue. With the Easter weekend and bank holidays on the horizon, this month’s mag is packed with stylish and affordable updates you can start – and finish – in a weekend or less. Whether you’re looking to refresh your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living space, our clever ideas will help you dial up your interior style ready for the spring/summer season ahead – and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with a little forward planning. Turn to page 68 to discover 9 easy weekend decorating projects including transforming walls, floors and furniture. On page 74 you’ll find our creative ideas for using up leftover paint and tester pots, and 7 steps to successful pattern matching (page 80) will help you inject personality and colour,…

MIX AND MATCH THIS VERSATILE SHADE BRIGHTEN UP YOUR BATHTIME ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

TOP TIP The same pressing process will work for flowers too, so play around with adding blooms to your piece for a burst of colour YOU WILL NEED • selection of fresh fern leaves • flower press (or heavy books) • blotting paper • picture frame • spray mount • mounting board • craft knife • ruler INSTRUCTIONS 1 Gather your leaves ready for pressing. Flat leaves will achieve the best results. Ferns are particularly good for this project, but oak, ivy, linden, rowan and plane leaves will also look dramatic and beautiful when pressed. 2 To begin, place your leaves onto a piece of blotting paper, making sure they have enough room around them to flatten out. You may need several pieces of paper. 3 Lay another piece of…

✩ EDITOR'S CHOICE…

✩ EDITOR'S CHOICE Style idea Wide deckchair stripes are a timeless option ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

'These bold looks are filled with pattern and a spectrum of colours. Add a modern twist to these retroinspired schemes for a new season switch up, where a statement cushion or wallpaper can ring the changes in an instant' THIS MONTH'S THEME BACK TO THE FUTURE Whether you prefer the retro revival look or want to throw it back to the noughties, give your home a blast from the past…

1 Pick a small palette and stick to these colours Sticking to a palette of three colours, using the 60%, 30%, 10% rule, is a useful way to ensure that whatever patterns you choose – whether stripes, florals, spots or squiggles – have a coordinated feel rather than fighting with each other. Try using a statement wallpaper as a starting point, choosing the dominant colour in its design for your furniture, paint and curtains. Then select a secondary shade from the wallpaper and work this into your scheme with smaller patterned pieces such as cushions, throws, rugs and artwork. The third colour is your accent shade and can be used in other soft furnishings, or smaller accessories like picture frames or candlesticks, tying the whole look together for pattern perfection.…

Q What's the best way to clean my driveway? Nick Ee, product and training manager at Black+Decker has over 10 years’ experience working in the power tool industry. He says… ‘Cleaning a driveway typically involves removing dirt, stains and debris. The most suitable cleaning method depends on the type of driveway surface you have and the nature of any stains. Using a pressure washer is an effective and efficient way to clean your driveway – simply use the pressure washer with a detergent designed for your particular surface and get to cleaning. Before applying any cleaner or solution to the driveway, I’d recommend testing the pressure settings in a small inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and to prevent potential damage to the surface or grout. For those living in a…

Polished to perfection Marigold has teamed up with cleaning influencer @homewithroo to solve some common cleaning tasks, and here’s something that we hadn’t thought about when tackling dust bunnies. Using polish on furniture creates a smoother surface that makes it difficult for dust to gather, but this can lead to dust settling elsewhere. It’s best to dampen dust instead, which stops it from resettling. ‘However, if you’re not ready to ditch the polish’ says Roo, ‘make your own by mixing together ½ tsp olive oil, 1 tsp white vinegar and a few drops of washing up liquid into a spray bottle, top up with water and give it a shake. Take your Marigold Let It Shine On & On! microfibre cloth and wipe.’ Yes chef! Cook just the right amount…

A traybake option means less prep, and you'll save on the washing up! One tray slow roast lamb shoulder PREP TIME 30 minutes COOKING TIME 3 hours SERVES 6-8 INGREDIENTS ● 1.5kg lamb shoulder joint ● 50g anchovies in oil ● 2 garlic cloves, sliced ● 2 sprigs rosemary ● salt and pepper ● 2 tbsp olive oil ● 1kg new potatoes, halved ● 325g broad beans ● 300g peas ● 175ml white wine ● 1 jar Opies silverskin onions with red wine vinegar, onions halved ● 100g feta ● fresh mint leaves, chopped METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas mark 3. Place the lamb in a roasting tin and use a knife to pierce the shoulder all over. Drain the anchovies and cut each fillet into 3 pieces, then…

B&M Daisy dining Make your table look blooming lovely with some carefully arranged pieces from B&M. The collection features plenty of spring styling essentials to layer up your scheme Style idea Fill with treats for guests to help themselves TALKING TABLES Playful pastels pastels Have a very hoppy Easter with these joyful decorations, including paper and fabric options you can reuse year after year. Mix and match them for a sweet look 100% RECYCLABLE Style idea Arrange in a group of three for impact GARDEN TRADING Country charm Keep it pared-back with an elegant look. Combine hints of soft pastels with classic gingham for an understated effect – and don’t forget the fresh flowers Style idea Add natural textures such as seagrass and jute ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

STYLE INSIDER These unapologetically fussy finishes are a little bit ‘extra’. Frills, ruffles and waves create a nostalgic look which is perfect for cottagecore or regencycore schemes – but that doesn’t mean they’re old fashioned. Brazenly blousy details are all over the high street right now, ready to inject a little period drama, no matter the age of your home. ADD A QUIRKY VINTAGE VIBE ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! ✩ EDITOR'S CHOICE…

WIN A PRIZE! Sponsored by… VonHaus Congratulations to the winners of myHSHome, you’ve each won a 52-piece household tool set. This extensive, cleverly designed kit contains all the tools you need for everyday household jobs, including metric and imperial hex keys – ideal for putting flat pack furniture together – and a set of precision screwdrivers for tackling small, fiddly screws. Plus, it all comes in a sturdy, custom-moulded carry case. We can’t wait to see what you make with them! Check out the other handy tools available from VonHaus, at vonhaus.com Send us an email at homestyle@ourmedia.co.uk Miss Americana Lizzie May, via email I was pleased to see, in the March issue, that the Modern Western look is trending. I’ve been working on my own American-inspired look for a…

TOP TIP To add extra glitz to your cabinet, use gold leaf to highlight certain areas, or choose a metallic wallpaper for the backing YOU WILL NEED • old kitchenette cabinet or dresser • screwdriver • tape measure • pencil • wallpaper offcuts • scissors or craft knife • PVA glue • etched window film • sandpaper • eggshell paint • paintbrush • squeegee or old credit card INSTRUCTIONS 1 Use a screwdriver to remove the cupboard handles. Keep the handles and the fittings safe as you’ll need to replace them later. 2 Using sandpaper, gently sand the entire surface of the cabinet to remove any loose paint and create a key for the new paint. Wipe away any dust and debris with a damp cloth and allow to dry.…

TOP TIP Pebeo Vitrea 160 are water based glass paints, which is why they need curing in the oven. You can also use Pebeo Vitrail. These solvent based glass paints don’t need curing but you will need solvents to clean your brushes YOU WILL NEED • selection of cocktail glasses • selection of Pebeo Vitrea 160 glass paints • Pebeo Vitrea 160 relief outliner in Gold • fine artist’s paintbrushes • paper • pencil INSTRUCTIONS 1 Begin by degreasing the outside of your glasses using alcohol or soapy water and then leave to air dry or dry them thoroughly. 2 To create an abstract spotty design on your tumblers, use a fine artist’s paint brush to apply random blobs of glass paint to the exterior surface of the glass. Don’t…

Style advice TOP TIP Once the finishing lacquer is touch-dry, it will cure and take about 14 days to fully harden. You can use the floor during this time, but be gentle with it! Revive your floor If your floorboards are looking a little shabby, then painting them can give them a new look. Before you start painting, clean them thoroughly using warm soapy water. Avoid using products containing harsh chemicals, as these can prevent some paints and lacquers from performing properly. Once the floor is dry, apply the first coat of paint using a brush or roller. Start by applying paint with a brush along all the sides and corners, cutting in a few centimetres. Then paint the rest of the floor. Start from the furthest point away from…

About me I’m Réka Thornton, 41, a designer, (@sorbet_dreams_by_reka) and I live with my husband, Dave, 45, a bank official, and our children Lily, 12, and Aron, 11. Our home is a detached, six-bedroom, extended 1980s house in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire and we moved here in February 2014. TOTAL £5,055 Style idea Use a footstool as a coffee table if you don’t have space for both BEFORE My problem living room The original room was dull and seriously lacking in personality. It really didn’t reflect me, but I was only just beginning to understand how to use colour. I love pink and lilac and wanted to incorporate both to create a space that felt like my home. How I made it work I discovered print-your-own wallpaper, which allowed me to…

1 Make sure you rake and mow your lawn regularly, and fill any gaps with new grass seeds to keep it looking lush. 2 Keep borders tidy by removing weeds, moss and debris. Replenish topsoil and bark annually. 3 Clean your pathway by giving it a regular sweep and power wash it to remove any grime. 4 Add a splash of colour with florals – place fresh flowers in hanging baskets and window boxes, as well as potted plants and shrubs. 5 Invest in a wooden or plastic store at the side of your property to hide your bins and recycling boxes. 6 Don’t reserve wreaths for Christmas. Dress up your door with a seasonal wreath all year round. 7 Style up windowsills inside the house to add to the…

IN CONVERSATION WITH Interview This year’s key interior trend is all about bringing the happy into your home, with bold patterns and vibrant colours at the top of the must-have list. Cue this hot new collab between well-known US interior designer and TV host Breegan Jane and iconic British wallpaper and fabric brand Clarke & Clarke. With a sun-drenched style influenced by Breegan’s global travels and LA home, the tropical prints and warm palette are designed to bring holiday vibes into our interiors all year round. The host of HGTV’s Dream Home, Breegan Jane has a reputation for creating modern, luxurious, yet approachable schemes. Her diary is booked-up for interior design appointments across the world, so we were excited to grab some time with Breegan to find out more about her…

Welcome to my home A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Sophie Hill, 28, an assistant manager at Urban Outfitters. I live with my partner Sam, 30, who works in music publishing, and our daughter, Sienna, two. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a three-bed property in Bromborough, The Wirral, which we bought in December 2021. You can follow my Instagram @sophiesgaff. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The house had been owned by an elderly couple so was dated, especially the kitchen, which had beige wood-effect doors teamed with brown and white speckled worktops. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We revamped the kitchen for under £200 and gave the bathroom a mini-makeover as well. Adding botanical wallpaper and bringing in vintage rattan furniture, plus lots of rugs and plants, has made…

Raku style Antique effect Nordic chic Architectural Classic form Murano inspired TRADITIONAL VENETIAN PATTERN Mid-century modern Bohemian…

3 SECRETS TO THIS SCHEME BE COLOUR CONFIDENT Add a dopamine hit with a bold, bright colour palette with splashes of neon if you dare! Hot pinks and turquoise take centre stage to give rooms the wow-factor. MAKE USE OF MOTIFS Checkerboard designs, hearts, squiggles and smiling daisies give this look a youthful feel. Checkerboard style has seen a huge resurgence lately, so if you don’t fancy replacing your flooring choose rugs, bath mats, wallpaper or vases to make the most of this statement pattern. ADD PLAYFUL TOUCHES Look out for bean bags and rounded sofas in striking colours, reminiscent of iconic Y2K inflatable furniture, as well as perspex elements and futuristic details to enhance the scheme and really take you back to the noughties. ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! Style idea…

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES WITH A POP OF PERSONALITY A flash of colour around the hidden edge of a door adds an unexpected spark of joy to your space. It’s a low effort and low commitment way to bring colour into rooms – you can just close the door if you don’t want to see it all the time. It’s also a fun opportunity to use shades you feel could be too overwhelming if used over large areas, but you can’t help but love (we see you, Barbie Pink fans). A splash of colour will show off decorative features too: for example, give light fittings a little more grounding by highlighting their place in your room. Painting a small shape around the spot they’re fitted to will add extra oomph to even…

TOTAL £12,000 ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! About me I’m Kate Jackson, 41, a head of IT solutions, and I live with my partner Jack, 39, a talent acquisition manager, and our Rottweiler rescue dog Hudson. We bought our two-storey three-bedroom apartment in the Georgian quarter of Liverpool in September 2021. You can see more of my home on Instagram @georgian_house_on_the_square. BEFORE My problem kitchen The old L-shaped kitchen had no island and hardly any work surface. As the hob, range cooker and sink took up so much space, we had to use a dining table for chopping food. The dark oak veneer units were also sucking light from the room. It got to the point where every door you opened fell off, so Jack took great delight in smashing it up!…

LOOK FOR FUN SHAPES GROUND THE SCHEME 'Using colour is a real mood-booster, and I love pink and lilac' 3 OF A KIND… COLOURFUL CANDLES Style idea Scalloped edges help create a playful feel Style idea Arrange a colourful display on a sideboard or windowsill…

Speedy suppers from Jamie Oliver and more! Monday LEEK, COCONUT & CORIANDER THAI CURRY PREP TIME 10 minutes COOK TIME 20 minutes SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 200g leeks • 1 heaped tbsp red Thai curry paste • 1 lemongrass stalk, lightly crushed • 2 lime leaves, torn • 50g mangetout • 50g baby corn, roughly chopped 1× •400g tin coconut milk • 1× 200g tin peeled new potatoes, drained and halved • long grain rice, to serve • small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped, to serve METHOD 1 Place a large pan on a high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Finely slice the dark leafy end of the leeks and fry on a high heat for around 5 minutes until bright green and crispy.…