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5 easy lunch-break updates for a 60-minute makeover in your home

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These quick fixes are cost-effective and can be done in less than an hour, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Short on time but big on style?

Want to make some home improvements without getting bogged down with a DIY project you may live to regret? Or just fancy a fast fling with a drill, paintbrush or tired piece of furniture?

These small tweaks and bijoux projects can change the feel of your home and breathe new life into your furnishings, four walls, windows, and generally help clean up your act.

Indeed, some are so bite-sized, you’ll still have time for a quick snack…

1. Give outdated cabinetry an upgrade

“Switching out your standard handles for something more luxe can transform an inexpensive kitchen, to one that feels stylish and bespoke, says Jenna Choate, co-founder of Interior Fox.

Easier than you might think, Choate says they usually come in a standard size, which means the handles and hinges can be unscrewed and replaced using the existing screw. “Warm up the finishes with brass, or opt for matt-black for a contemporary look that feels sleek and modern.”

Depending on your budget, along with online shopping sites such as Amazon, check out Plank Hardware, who have a great selection of door knobs in brass, matt black, satin nickel, pink and blue, which can be paired with their door handle collection.

Suitable for kitchen cabinets, drawers and dressers, prices start from as little as £6.95 (per knob), and come with M4 4 x 25mm machine screws for easy installation.

2. Add open shelving to a blank wall

“There are some quick and simple ways to update your kitchen that won’t require much time, budget or skill,” suggests Choate. “If you’re looking for a way to bring a sense of style into a bare kitchen, consider adding open shelving to a blank wall.

“Use this area to stack artisanal bowls and cups, as well as your favourite jugs, or decant dry goods into glass storage jars and canisters, from pasta and rice, to nuts or spices. The key thing here is to not over clutter the space, keep the items to a minimum for a look that feels both practical and stylish.”

3. Add some extra wow-factor to windows with a decorative film

Whether you’re living in the home of your dreams or are a first-time buyer, not all of us are lucky enough to have a room with a view.

It might be light and bright, but if there’s a tiny snag when you look out, a decorative window film could be the answer, such as this Feathers Printed Window Film, priced from £11.50, Purlfrost.

“Made-to-measure and assembled in minutes, this easy update offers complete privacy to onlooking neighbours and a fuss-free alternative to sheers or shutters,” says Joanna Baumard, co-founder of Purlfrost.

“With a wide choice of designs to choose from, you can really let your personality shine through,” says Baumard. “Opt for a bold floral or abstract pattern to create a design statement, or for those looking for something a little more understated, a delicate frosted design.”

Easy to apply in minutes, they send detailed instructions and a tool kit with each order, making it as simple and stress-free as possible. “You’ll be amazed how easy this DIY job is and how it completely revamps any room in the house in just a few minutes,” she adds.

4. Re-arrange your book shelves

You don’t need to be a bookworm to get the ‘bookshelves look’ but it helps. Otherwise, charity shops are great hunting ground and will add some bookish appeal to forgotten corners of the room, or create a wonder wall with statement shelving.

As Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swyft points out: “Bookshelves are becoming an interior design staple. Versatile, customisable and cheap, they are a great way to inject a bit of extra personality into your home.

“If your home needs a revamp, or you’re simply changing up your interiors, a quick lunch-time job is rearranging their decor. It might seem simple, but there’s so much to be done with the contents of your shelves.”

For a calming, organised appearance, she says to colour code your books. “This is a Pinterest-inspired decor tip that makes your shelving unit look cohesive, yet playful.

“Alternatively, move your ornaments around, playing with placement and position. If you have something you particularly like, choose this as the focal point and build your design around it.”

5. Be creative with colour and broaden you paint prowess

We all know a lick of paint can do wonders for our interiors. But how about painting something that’s special to you? That little jolt of happiness when you paint the inside of a wardrobe housing your favourite frocks, or painting something you’ve salvaged from a skip, can make all the difference.

A great go-to is Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint (from £23.95 per litre) which can be applied to most surfaces – wood, metal, laminate – for a velvety matt finish without the hassle of priming or sanding, so saving time with brilliant results.

For a lustrous finish – save this for another lunch hour – top your Chalk Paint brushstrokes with her Pearlescent Glaze (from £13.95 for 250ml) for a lovely, light reflecting shimmer.

Also, try switching up your colour scheme to brights or pretty pastels. YesColours is a brand new eco paint company with fully recyclable packaging sold from one litre pouches, priced £21, so easy to handle for small jobs.

Or think timeless and calming, aka sage green – the new neutral in the world of interiors.

“Sage greens, beiges and greys are a great way to bring the outside in, and with a combined monthly search volume of nearly 200k, you’ll be right on trend for 2022,” says Jo Winston, sales director at St Modwen Homes.

“Plus, grabbing your paintbrushes is a relatively quick and simple option if you’re looking for a refresh.”

5 easy ways to work the Seventies trend at home

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Go groovy with your decor, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

A decade defined by disco music, eye-catching prints, a colour scheme of browns, oranges and greens and shot of glamour for good measure, the Seventies certainly captured our attention.

And we’re still feeling the love – so much so that designers continue to be inspired by the 1970s, reviving the look with a range of ideas to fire the imagination.

There’s a sense of fun when we reconnect with this decade’s trademark palette of brights, as well as the feelgood factor of nature (house plants were one of the hottest trends at the time), and there’s good reason key pieces such as vintage chairs, lava lamps and eclectic homewares have never lost their appeal.

Here’s how to rock the Seventies vibe at home…

1. Play up patterns and prints

“The 70Seventies was such a ground-breaking era in interior design and it still inspires us today,” says Rachael Doble, co-founder of Carmine Lake. “For an instant injection of Seventies glam, a feature wall in a 1970s-inspired design will score plenty of style points.

“Make sure it has a strong, distinctive print and a palette of browns, oranges and reds for maximum impact.”

Abbas Youssefi, director of Porcelain Superstore, agrees: “Seventies interior style was all about statement patterns in strong, earthy colours. Our Sunset Astro pays homage to the 1970s vibe, with the red and terracotta shades exuding warmth.

“For maximum impact, use these rich tiles to create a striking splashback, while keeping the rest of the kitchen relatively simple.”

2. Rally retro accessories

Market finds – such as boho-chic rattan and leather swivel chairs – are easy ways to introduce the look, if and when you can track them down.

Otherwise, online shopping sites such as Etsy and Ebay are good hunting-ground for things like wicker and teak furniture, retro glass vases and – love it or loathe it – the lava lamp.

“A simple but extremely effective way to introduce 1970s style to your home is with statement lighting, a trend we’re seeing for 2022,” notes Etsy trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson. “I also like vintage wall prints, which is an inexpensive way to experiment with adding Seventies flair to your home without much commitment.”

Meanwhile, Molly Pusey, vice-president of supply at Fy! describes the Seventies trend as bringing a touch of luxe and nostalgia, especially with a retro colour palette of terracotta orange, aqua tones and rich greens.

“Opt for mid-century furniture pieces and add a contemporary edge with velvet textiles and contrasting textures,” says Pusey. “Finish with the warm glow of a mushroom lamp for a sense of vintage glamour.”

3. Hang house plants aplenty

Whether its with macramé or a glittering disco ball, stringing and hanging your plants is a stylish way to work the Seventies’ take on greenery in the home.

Plus it’s a space-saving way of bringing the leafy world inside, as you won’t need to worry about running out of room on shelves and cabinet tops.

4. It’s cool to colour-clash

“The Seventies were defined by the bold sound of the funk era. The music was rich and brazen and really made you stop in your tracks to listen,” says Chris Bond, director at The Rug Retailer.

“From an interiors perspective, for me 1970s style is all about capturing the excitement and confidence of the funk movement, so strong colours and shapes are an absolute must. And don’t be afraid of clashing hues too – the more the merrier.”

Try mixing and matching your furniture, rather than sticking with variations of the same shade in a room. Or, adding pops of clashing colours in accessories – or a bold, geometric rug – is a quick way to get the look.

5. Flaunt your flower-power

Think cosmic blooms in sunshine yellow and other happy brights. Going bold with pops of pretty petals will make everything look fresh and modern, and you can always work the wicker look in the form of lampshades and shelving, or a sweet bedside table.

Also, be on the lookout for crochet wall hangings (Aldi currently has a Crafty Crochet Wall Hanging Kit for £5.99, if you fancy giving it a go yourself). Another key find is a vintage sunburst wall clock – a prime example of why 1970s style stands the test of time.

How to realistically build a savings pot, as household bills rocket

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Nearly a third of people say they have no emergency savings, according to a new survey. By Vicky Shaw.

With household bills shooting upwards, the temptation to dip into emergency savings pots to cover day-to-day living costs becomes stronger. Soaring living costs also makes it harder to have any spare cash left over to put into a ‘rainy-day’ savings fund, that can be tapped into if the worst happens.

Nearly a third (31%) have no emergency savings, according to a new survey from Paragon Bank. Among those without an emergency fund to rely on, the majority (61%) say they are not in a position to save either.

The next most popular reason given for not having a rainy-day savings pot was that people are saving towards other goals. Just over one in 10 (11%) meanwhile feel they do not need an emergency savings pot, and 10% are not prioritising saving.

Among those regularly adding into their savings pots, the average amount saved each month per household was found to be £293, with men saving more than women typically.

The survey also looked at where people had placed any savings they had made during the pandemic.

More than half (57%) used a savings account, while more than a third (35%) piled excess cash in their current account. Men were significantly more likely to leave savings in a current account, with 40% of men reporting this to be the case, versus 29% of women. One in 10 (11%) had invested savings in the stock market.

Derek Sprawling, savings director at Paragon Bank, says: “As a general guideline, we’d advise people to save up enough money to cover at least three months’ expenses.”

Struggling to save? For those looking to build an emergency savings pot but struggling to have much to cash to save, here are some tips…

1. Use ’round ups’ to regularly save small amounts

Autosaving apps may round up your spending to the nearest pound and automatically put it into a savings account. It might be baby steps but it all adds up over time. These apps may also help calculate how much you can afford to save regularly, and automatically move the money into savings.

MoneySavingExpert.com has more information about these apps and how they work (moneysavingexpert.com/savings/auto-saving-apps).

2. Make the most of current account switching offers

Some current account providers are offering big amounts of cash to switch. The money could be used to kick-start a savings habit. For example, Santander recently launched a new £140 cashback offer to eligible customers who switch to a Santander current account and First Direct is offering £150 to switchers. NatWest is also offering £150 to customers who switch their main current account.

Switching is straightforward when using the Current Account Switch Service (Cass).

3. Cut your household bills

You could try to create some ‘spare’ money that can be put into savings by shopping around and haggling with service providers. For example, Which? recently found that households could potentially make significant savings by haggling with their broadband provider.

It asked people whose contracts had ended on their mobile, their broadband or their broadband and TV package whether they had haggled or switched. Nearly half (46%) had haggled with their existing provider when their contract ended. They reported saving an average £85 on broadband, £128 on broadband and TV and £35 on mobile bills. A fifth (19%) had switched away to another provider, saving an average £35 on broadband, £65 on broadband and TV and £40 on mobile bills.

4. Don’t leave money sitting where it is earning little or zero interest

If you’re trying to build up an emergency savings pot, you’ll want to put it in an account where you can access it quickly if needed. While rates on cash savings may fall far short of the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation, currently at 5.4%, it’s still worth checking out the ‘best buy’ savings products, to help limit the damage caused by surging living costs.

If you have some money that can stay put for the long-term, you could consider a stocks and shares Isa. This could produce bigger returns over the longer term than leaving the money in cash, although there is the risk that the value of your pot could go down as well as up.

5. Saving for your first home? Consider a Lifetime Isa

With house prices having rocketed recently, first-time buyers face spending at least six times their annual wages to get on the property ladder in nearly half (45%) of Britain’s local authority areas, according to recent research from Nationwide Building Society.

Lifetime Isas can help aspiring first-time buyers to build up a savings pot more quickly than they would have been able to otherwise. You must be 18 or over but under 40 to open a Lifetime Isa and you can put in up to £4,000 per year. A 25% bonus will be added to your savings, up to a maximum of £1,000 per year.

Romantic homewares: A dozen darling ways to win hearts at home

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Home is where the heart is, after all. By Sam Wylie-Harris.

Whether you’re staying in or going out, Valentine’s Day celebrations begin at home – so why not make it a day to remember with a special pressie to pimp up their pad, or yours?

A desirable display, sexy seating, a little love message, or something sweet or super-groovy is where it’s at in the loved-up world of interiors.

Here’s what’s on the hot list and pulling our heartstrings right now…

1. George Home Body Vase, £12, Direct.asda.com

With its curvaceous body and attractive silhouette, this va-va-voom vase will bring a smile, with or without a bouquet.

2. Silver Valentine’s Rose, £24, Engravers Guild of London

Who wouldn’t want to wake up with an everlasting rose on their pillow? Plated in sterling silver, a gift box and engraving are included.

3. Retro Cursive Love Embroidered Cushion Pink/Coral, £45, Stripy Heart Embroidered Cushion Pinks, £49.50 (others from a selection), Bombay Duck

Pop art and pom-poms – a magic combo. These stylish slogan cushions can be scattered here, there and everywhere.

4. Ola Dusty Pink Velvet Tub Chair, £495, Oliver Bonas

This glamorous cocktail chair is perfect for posing. Cheeky Cosmopolitan cocktail optional.

5. Pink Round Bedside Rug with Red Heart, £32, Rockett St George

Flirty and fluffy, even Cupid would be lovestruck with this attention-grabbing rug.

6. Twist Candle Pink, £26, Monday

Pretty in pink, this handmade decorative double-act is almost too good to light, and oh-so fun to look at.

7. Darling! Heart Trinket Dish Darling Rose, and Heart Trinket Dish Lovely Aqua, £9.50 each, Bombay Duck

Whether for knick-knacks, baubles or bon-bons, shout it loud with these neat novelty dishes.

8. Midas Kiss Gold Lips Planter, £49.95, Antique Gold Peace Hand Vase, £36, Ribbed Martini Cocktail Glasses – Set of 4, £44, Anouk Red Velvet and Rattan Armchair, £575 (other items from a selection), Audenza

It’s bound to be love at first sight with this decadent red velvet accent chair, which channels glam Seventies nightclub vibes. However, if it’s a little over budget, the gold lips planter deserves a date-night kiss.

9. Pyramid Glasses Poster, currently from £9.72 (was from £14.95, frame not included), Desenio

With rosé champagne on the cards, this funky poster is the perfect backdrop for loved-up selfies or styling a romantic corner for celebratory cocktails.

10. Peony Blooming Marvellous Mug, from £12.50, Sophie Allport

A sweet way to show your feelings, peonies symbolise love, happiness and good fortune.

11. STAR by Julien Macdonald Lyra Mirrored 2 Drawer Dressing Table, £259, Dressing Table Mirror, £129, Mirrored Stool, £129, Feathered Shade Brushed Gold Table Lamp, £67 (was £99), Freemans

This dazzling dressing table set has a sprinkling of Hollywood stardust, especially with its mirrors and silver detailing, matching velvet stool and feather table lamp to set their heart aflutter. Fabulous.

12. Peachskin Quilted Bedspread in Petal Pink, £98 (other items from a selection), The French Bedroom Company

And so to bed… This beautiful bedspread in soft pink can be styled up with romantic ruffle pillows for maximum impact. Plus its mid-weight, so suits most seasons and drapes like a dream. Bliss.

7 ways to make your home feel happy this winter

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And you’ll be so much happier too, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is – and it’s amazing how a little bit of love and attention around the house can improve your wellbeing.

We’re not just talking the typical new year clear-out, deep-cleans and getting organised. But the little things that make all the difference.

From finishing touches like switching your succulents around, grouping plants differently, or hanging them in a different space where there’s plenty of light – and then wondering why in the world you didn’t place them there in the first place, when you notice the happiness it brings every time you walk in the door. This same principle can apply with so many things.

Here’s how to give your home – and yourself – a happiness boost to see you through the rest of winter…

1. Go through your photos and refresh your favourite pictures

Whether you have a nest of photo frames or one or two on a shelf, those moments you’ve captured hold a special place, and it’s funny how we forget to update our displays to reflect what’s going on in our lives right now.

Alternatively, take time out to reflect and look back on the past. Nostalgia makes us feel good and keeping old memories fresh in your mind will make your surroundings feel that much more special.

2. Move the furniture around

If the short gloomy days are getting you down, think about moving the sofa or your favourite cosy chair to face more daylight. Chances are it’s still in the same place as before the clocks moved back, when sunlight streaming through the window was more an irritant causing glare on the TV screen. Now, a little light therapy with a furniture switch-around could work wonders.

3. Cash in on calming candlelight

There’s a reason posh hotels and restaurants always have scented candles burning, no matter the time of day – they look and smell good, and evoke a feeling of wellbeing and happiness. And don’t forget, you can always use LED pillar candles or votives to great effect, especially if you’ve got young kids and prefer to avoid flames.

4. Style up soft materials and layer blankets with cushions, throws and fleeces

Playing with texture and draping blankets along the back of the sofa, maximising those scatter cushions (think about being crafty and making a DIY pillow out of an old knitted jumper), and placing draft excluders at the base of the door (again, being imaginative and using a little’uns soft cuddly toy they’ve grown out of can bring smiles all round) will make everything feel that much cosier and welcoming.

5. Sort out your summer wardrobe

It’s hardly surprising January is the busiest time of year for booking a holiday – it’ something to look forward to and makes us feel good. But even if you haven’t got round to topping up your happiness levels with thoughts of far-flung places, or a big holiday is off the cards this year, sorting your clothes out will. Now’s the perfect time to shift through summer stuff and edit out anything you know you’re never going to wear again… Oh-so satisfying.

6. Pencil in a reading hour

So many of us love reading, but it’s not always easy to find the time. Snuggling down with a good book is a brilliant form of escapism though, and regular readers say it relaxes them, and helps them feel less stressed and depressed.

According to a survey by Worldbooknight, adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. Plus it’s a great excuse to refresh your bookcase, or rearrange those glossy magazines, and get to grips with that novel you squirrelled away years ago.

7. Plant life

We’ve touched on sprucing up your succulents, but don’t forget how mood-boosting houseplants will give your home a whole new look and feel. From a mini herb garden (easy to grow and great for kitchen windowsills) to pots of lavender (excellent for easing stress and aiding sleep), to a Peace Lily (easy to care for and cited as one of the best indoor plants for cleaning and moisturising the air), all greenery looks gorgeous and will breathe new life into any room.

Is it better to have one big holiday each year or lots of little trips?

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As tourism opens up again, Katie Wright debates the pros and cons.

Slowly but surely, travel restrictions are easing – making more countries a viable option for holidaymakers.

And after nearly two years of the pandemic, many of us are raring to make up for lost time, and put our passports to good use in 2022.

But when it comes to travel, is it better to pepper your year with lots of long weekends away, or blow your holiday allowance on one mega trip?

Here, we look at the pros and cons of each…

Keep it short and sweet

If visiting as many countries as possible (and bragging about it on your social media or dating profile) is a priority, minibreaks will help you tick off plenty of destinations.

A weekend away to somewhere like Rome, Brussels or Barcelona is a (mostly) stress-free option. You don’t need to pack a whole lot, the flight is short, and, if you book far enough in advance, you can get some really cheap deals.

Psychologists often talk about anticipatory pleasure – the kind you get from having something in your diary to look forward to – and booking a bunch of mini holidays will keep you going, especially if work (or life in general) is getting you down.

Short breaks are a great way to visit pals in other places or travel with friends, and there’s less chance of arguments when you’re only away for a few days.

You might end up spending more over the course of a year compared to one big trip, but you’re spreading the cost – and you might be able to get cheap last minute deals.

Realistically, there’s only so far you’ll want to venture for a short jaunt, but that might help alleviate the eco-guilt you feel from your frequent flying – plus, there’s less chance of jet lag.

In it for the long haul

If your employer will allow it, or you don’t have a boss to answer to, holidaying for over a week is the pinnacle of forget-about-the-real-world relaxation.

Sometimes you can get home exhausted after a long weekend away – particularly if it’s a boozy city break. An extended vacation gives you time to really chill out, and you don’t feel the pressure to make memories every waking moment. You can lounge like a walrus on the beach for days, safe in the knowledge you’ll still have time to visit that castle, temple or street food market at some point.

If you prefer to get out and explore, you can see a lot more of a place when you’ve got time to island-hop in Greece, backpack around Vietnam or road trip through the USA. While long haul flights are pricier (and more uncomfortable), you can jet all the way to countries where the cost of living is lower, and you might save money while you’re there.

A longer trip is ideal for a solo adventurer, because you’ve got lots of time to make friends and keep your options open, in case you want to switch up your plans and head in the same direction as your new buddies.

Plus, you can jump on cheap trains and buses as you travel around, which might help alleviate some of the guilt of your carbon-intensive flight home.

Homes Under The Hammer’s Martin Roberts on why ignoring repairs is a big mistake

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The property expert tells Vicky Shaw how to weigh up the costs when considering repairs, and which jobs to prioritise.

Home repairs can be expensive – but ignoring them can cost even more in the long run.

Three-quarters (75%) of homeowners across the UK need to have repairs done, and half (50%) say delaying repairs in the past has ended up costing them more than an early fix would have.

The research, published by Gas Safe Register, found homeowners failing to act quickly could be left £1,876 out of pocket on average, with one in 20 (5%) spending £5,000 or more eventually getting repair jobs done.

Gas Safe Register has teamed up with Homes Under The Hammer’s Martin Roberts to help people understand the financial and health impacts of putting off repair jobs.

Roberts has shared his top tips on which repair jobs are worth it – and what can happen if issues are ignored…

If a house hunter sees several repair and maintenance issues when viewing a property, should that put them off buying it?

Roberts says: “No, it could be an opportunity to add value, but it’s important to know what damage might have been done through lack of maintenance – and it’s important to be able to tell the difference between superficial damage, and more serious long-term effects.”

What can house hunters do to work out whether the repairs needed would still make a house worth purchasing?

“At this stage, it’s probably time to call in tradesmen to give estimates for remedial works – they will be able to give a realistic assessment of the costs involved,” Roberts advises.

What’s your advice for homeowners working out how much property issues would cost to repair – should people get a range of quotes, and how many quotes would be appropriate?

“I would recommend ideally getting three quotes, and make sure they’re written – not just verbal ones. You can tell a lot about their professionalism from how the quotes are presented. And always ask for references and examples of previous work!”

How can people work out which repair jobs to prioritise, if there are more jobs than their budget will immediately cover?

Roberts says: “The priority has to be given to those that could give rise to safety concerns – like the maintenance of your gas appliances, for example.

“Poorly maintained gas appliances – such as boilers, cookers or gas fires – can not only put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it can also leak gas, and – in some instances – this can lead to fires and explosions. It’s therefore really important to ensure you book an annual safety [check] for your appliances with a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

“Next up would be repairs where a stitch in time will literally save nine. Things that left unchecked will cause more expensive problems in the future, such as leaking gutters.”

What’s your advice for budgeting to repair specific problems with a home – for example, should people add a certain percentage extra to deal with unexpected costs?

“Everything starts with a full assessment, which you should do in conjunction with a builder or surveyor if you’re not comfortable or experienced to do it on your own. And then whatever those schedules reveal can be budgeted – but always allow 15% to 20% contingency of the total repair cost for any unexpected issues.

“If you’re buying a house, don’t forget costs of repairs could come into negotiations on the price you’re purchasing at.”

Should homeowners keep a pot of cash to deal with general maintenance?

“You can take out maintenance contracts for a variety of potential household issues – including boiler service contracts – which will keep everything well maintained. Alternatively, if you are able to put a rainy day fund aside, that will be very useful in times of unexpected expense.”

What are the worst maintenance and repair problems you’ve seen generally with homes for sale – and are there any problems that would put you off buying a home completely?

“Gas appliances rarely seem to get the attention they deserve, because if not maintained they can be a major safety and health hazard. Drainage in all its forms (underground, gutters and downpipes) can lead to all sorts of major issues with damp – and in the worst case subsidence, if not looked after.

“As long as the price paid reflects all that’s needed to fix things, every house is worth considering – but you have to go in with your eyes open, and surround yourself with people who can help if you’re not experienced.”

Roberts’ top piece of advice is fixing things “before they multiply into more issues”.

Gas Safe Register is the UK’s official registration body for gas engineers and gas businesses. People can find and check a gas engineer by visiting gassaferegister.co.uk

11 stylish ways to use monochrome in your home

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A black and white palette is always in the here and now, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Like the little black dress of interiors, kitting out your home in monochrome will always be on trend.

There are a multitude of ways to work timeless black and white into your scheme – and maximize the beauty of minimalism with a dash of panache.

From attention grabbing to toned down pieces, here’s how to get the look…

1. Monochrome Eiffel Tower Art Print, from £3 (21 x 30cm, no frame or mount), Abstract House

For maximum impact, an oversized print is a scene-stealer. This image of the Eiffel Tower is available in a range of sizes, all the way up to a supersized 70 x 100cm – which costs £150 if you also go for the black frame, no mount option, to make a strong style statement.

2. Truffle Tablescapes Black Mother Of Pearl Charger Plates, Set of Two, £130, Notonthehighstreet

A beautiful combination, these charger plates with a black and white mother of pearl inlay can be styled against brass cutlery to bring some extra wow factor to the table. For the finishing touch, a white linen napkin feels luxe and rich before you’ve even polished up the glassware.

3. Cox & Cox Three Monochrome Dipped Vases, £40, Very

In keeping with the simple aesthetic of a single stem, it only takes a trio of late summer blooms or black silk roses to show off these ombre effect vases in white, grey and matte black.

4. Fritz Hansen Series 7 Dining Chairs – Monochrome, Coloured Ash, White, £383 each, Nest

Spendy but super stylish, these designer chairs are stackable, lightweight and available (alongside other options) in black and white to create a stark monochrome contrast. What’s more, they are a highly desirable collectable that will stand the test of time.

5. Johnson & White London 2 Wick Candle, £53, Johnson & White

Glamorous black candles embellished with gold details have the power to elevate the mood, especially when they’re scented with bergamot and lemon, topped with spicy pink pepper and juniper berries.

6. Idyll Home Face Lamp, £195, Notonthehighstreet

When you’re working a sharp black and white palette, something quirky always seems to pull a room together. Right on trend, this abstract face and line drawing lampshade with stoneware base will put everything in a new light.

7. De’Longhi Ballerina Kettle, £49.99, Toaster, £59.99, available in Opaline White and Furnace Black (pictured), De’Longhi

With its faceted form and gloss finish inspired by Venetian glasswork, these Ballerina kettles and toasters are modern, minimal and a majestic addition to any kitchen.

8. Aromatherapy Associates x The Laundress Wellness Addition: Support Breathe Dish Soap, £21.86, Support Breathe Surface Cleaner, £21.86, The Laundress

When it’s time to keep your monochrome scheme spic and span, what could be lovelier than these feelgood products? A new collaboration between the famous American laundry company and Aromatherapy Associates, the Wellness Addition releases soothing vapours and combines essential oils while you carry out household chores. Genius.

9. Belle Wallpaper Monochrome, £20 per roll, Ilovewallpaper

The best backdrop for your little black dress? A feature wall in this voguish wallpaper – and you can always lift the poster girl’s attractive profile with a striking palm, chic chaise longue and charcoal grey velvet cushions.

10. Paloma Home Monochrome Stripe Bed Set, from £85 (Double), Paloma Home

An extension of Paloma Faith’s taste for interiors at home, the star’s Paloma Home Collection features an array of statement prints – and this dramatic stripe bed set, combining a duvet cover with two matching pillow cases, would work like a dream alongside metallics or bleached surfaces to create an elegant bedroom.

11. Faux Fur Gold Stool, £159, Audenza

This glitzy stool is a real show stopper and, with its fabulous white faux fur seat, will fit perfectly into your glamorous monochrome room. Ta-da!

Household savings: 5 simple ways to become a smarter switcher

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Some 16% of adults never review some of their key household expenses – and they could be missing out on significant sums, finds Vicky Shaw.

Around one in six (16%) adults across the UK never review some of their key household expenses.

This indicates that millions of people are potentially missing out on better deals on products and services such as their bank account, energy bills or broadband, according to the research from money app, Yolt.

Pauline van Brakel, chief product officer at Yolt, says: “Many consumers have had a challenging period financially as a result of the pandemic, and with Yolt’s own user data showing utilities bills are rising, and recent announcements such as the Ofgem energy price cap hike due later this year, it’s a good time for people to take stock of their regular outgoings to see if they could save by switching.

“Checking in on whether you are on the best deal available could save you hundreds of pounds a year.”

Wondering whether you could switch and save some money? Here are van Brakel’s tips on how to become a smarter switcher…

1. Check you have the information needed

Depending on the utility or service you are looking to switch, you may need information about your existing account, such as the name of the account holder or any security details or passwords or email addresses associated with the account.

When switching energy providers, you’ll need to check the type of contract or meter you have – for example, some suppliers may not be able to offer tariffs for pre-payment meters. Having all this information to hand will help to ensure the process goes smoothly.

2. Are there any exit fees to pay?

Check whether your existing provider charges exit fees for leaving a plan early – as unfortunately many do. Also find out when the contract ends, so you’ll be able to switch without paying a fee.

3. Are you in credit on your account?

If you pay bills by direct debit, your current energy supplier may actually owe you money. Before switching, always ask your supplier if you are in credit with them, to ensure that you are paid back anything you are owed.

4. Consider going ‘green’

In some cases, choosing to help the planet with certain providers can also help you save money. Many energy providers offer cheap rates for renewable electricity and gas deals.

5. Finally, do your research

Once you’re ready to switch, consider using price comparison websites as well as contacting providers directly. Once you’ve chosen, check who’s responsible for changing everything over. Often, new providers may do this for you, such as with the current account switch service (Cass), and it may be possible to leave the admin work to them.

House hunting this autumn? 8 questions to ask upfront when viewing properties

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Asking some key questions when viewing properties could save you time and money, says Vicky Shaw.

The UK’s housing market is still going strong, as house hunters turn their attention to buying this autumn.

Bidding wars remain common, according to estate agent Hamptons, which says more than a third (38%) of homes sold in July had offers from three or more potential buyers.

If you’re a first-time buyer however, or you haven’t had much experience viewing properties before, knowing the right questions to ask upfront could help you save some time and possibly money.

It’s important to know exactly what you will be getting when you set your sights on a new home, and to avoid any unexpected costly surprises along the way.

To give home buyers a helping hand, the mortgage experts at onlinemortgageadvisor.co.uk have listed eight questions buyers could ask when viewing a property…

1. How long has the property been on the market?

If the property has been on the market for more than, say, four months, do not be afraid to ask the agent why they think it is not selling. There could be problems that other potential buyers may have spotted but you haven’t, so it is important that these are flagged from the get-go.

It could also be down to the property being overpriced, leading to it sitting on the market for a long time.

2. When do the sellers want to move out?

This is a really important question to ask when you are considering buying a property. If the sellers are caught in a chain, it could drag out your moving process – potentially for months. If however, they are not in a chain, this wait could go down.

3. Which way does the property face?

Having a gorgeous decking area in the garden is all well and good – until you find out there is hardly ever any sun on it. Ask the agent which way the property faces, to make sure you will be able to enjoy the maximum amount of sunlight.

4. Is the property listed?

As beautiful as listed properties tend to be, they can also be a nightmare when it comes to what changes you can make. If you come across a listed building that needs a bit of TLC, then perhaps give this one a swerve, if you are under time or cost constraints.

But if you have fallen in love with the property and the works needed are really urgent, you may want to try discussing this with the planning services department at your local council.

5. What are the neighbours like?

Moving into a property with noisy neighbours can be a living nightmare. So be upfront and ask outright what they are like. You could try to find out if the seller has ever made any complaints about their neighbours in the past.

6. What is the surrounding area like?

Asking questions such as, ‘What are the schools like?’ or, ‘Is this a safe area to be in?’, as well as, ‘How good are the transport links around here?’ can help you to determine whether this is the kind of area you see yourself living in for many years.

Even if you are not planning on having children any time soon, having a good school nearby can potentially increase the value of a property.

7. How much does it cost to run the property?

Finding out council tax bands, utility costs and the general running costs of the property will help you budget properly and let you know whether the home is financially viable for you. Bills and council tax can take a massive chunk of your pay cheque each month, so it is vital to have an idea of how much money you are likely to end up regularly paying.

8. Would the owners consider a lower offer?

Some buyers may consider offering a low-ball price in the first instance, particularly if the estate agent knows the buyers need to sell fast. However, the estate agent may give you the heads-up that the sellers are only accepting offers over a particular price.

If you are considering making a low offer, bear in mind that if you go very low, this may be deemed too cheeky and the seller may think you are not a serious buyer. This could lead to the seller disregarding you completely. So remember to be brave, but also be fair.

10 bulbs to plant this autumn for a stunning spring and summer display

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Hannah Stephenson chooses eye-catching bulbs to plant soon for a riot of colour next year.

Suddenly it’s bulb planting time, when gardeners start making space for some serious colour next spring and beyond.

Whether you’re going to online specialists, nurseries or your local garden centre, there should be a cornucopia of colourful choices and new collections, to fill every space from a huge plot to just a patio pot.

Check out 10 of the best…

1. Iris reticulata ‘Spot On’ (10 bulbs, £3.90, Farmer Gracy; farmergracy.co.uk)

These pint-sized velvety beauties bring a wow factor in pots and rockeries, where their delicate but dramatic violet-purple standards, and striped and spotted white falls can be appreciated. They look stunning in shallow metal containers surrounded by matching blue and white violas, flowering in early spring. Place them in sandy soil in full sun to give them the best chance of success, although they will take partial shade.

2. Delft Pot Collection (£20, Broadleigh Bulbs; broadleighbulbs.co.uk)

If you love a haze of blue and white and are looking to fill a pot or two, this new collection of blue hyacinths, white anemones and creamy tulips, along with other cool and striking bulbs, should fit the bill. Designed for a 12-14in pot, the long lasting collection includes Hyacinth ‘Blue Jacket’, Anemone blanda ‘White Splendour’, Muscari ‘armeniaicum’, Narcissus ‘Toto’ and Tulip ‘Exotic Emperor’.

3. Tulipa ‘Fly Away’ (8 bulbs, £6.99, Suttons; suttons.co.uk)

New to the Suttons bulb range, this sizzling tulip produces distinctive red and hot orange-yellow blooms on sturdy, upright stems that create a fiery colour statement in any garden. Best planted in full sun or semi-shade, these lily-flowered eye-catching gems grow to around 50cm (20in), flowering from April to May. They’re ideal for beds and borders or in pots on the patio. Cut some for indoors to make a beautiful spring flower arrangement.

4. Muscari ‘Grape Ice’ (8 bulbs, £4.99, Taylors Bulbs; taylors-bulbs.com)

Fancy a change from regular purple or white muscari? Then you could plump for this unusual two-tone variety, which features purple flowers with white caps. On the RHS Perfect for Pollinators list, they flower in March and April, growing to 15cm. Grow them en masse for best effect, preferably in a plethora of pots where their diminutive stature won’t be drowned out by anything else.

5. Narcissus ‘Cassata’ (10 bulbs, £7.99, Crocus, crocus.co.uk)

New from Crocus, these split corona daffodils provide a creamy backdrop of outer petals contrasting with deeper lemon inner petals and have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. They grow to between 12-14cm, flowering from March to April. Plant the bulbs 10-15cm (4-6in) deep from late summer to early autumn.

6. Narcissus ‘Miss Muffet’ (5 bulbs, £3.10, Broadleigh Bulbs; broadleighbulbs.co.uk)

Flowering in February and March and growing to 28cm (11 in), this new dwarf trumpet daffodil from Broadleigh is pure yellow and is brilliant for naturalising, perfect in pots to perk up your patio and also great if you have space to fill at the front of the border.

7. Tulipa ‘Pretty Love’ (8 bulbs, £3.99, Taylors Bulbs; taylors-bulbs.com)

This beautiful lily-flowered tulip grows to 50cm (20in) and produces striking fluted shaped bright pink flowers which bloom in late April and early May. They look fabulous as stand-alone specimens in a pot or in a mixed planting scheme in a border. Their long-lasting blooms are also great for cutting.

8. Scilla peruviana ‘Sapphire Blue’ (2 plus 1 free bulb, £19.98, Crocus; crocus.co.uk)

Also known as Portuguese squill bulbs or hyacinths of Peru, these beauties produce masses of amethyst blue flowers above stout stems, thriving in full sun or partial shade. They are perfect for brightening beds, front borders and containers with their sprays of blue flowers.

9. Ranunculus ‘Picotee Cafe’ (10 bulbs, £5.90, Farmer Gracy; farmergracy.co.uk)

If you’re after more unusual bulbs with rich colours, try these stunning Persian buttercups whose frilly peony-shaped double blooms appear in warm shades of orange, gold, bronze, terracotta, coffee and chocolate. While they are ideally planted in autumn in mild areas, if you live in a cold spot you may need to provide some protection during hard frosts, covering pots in horticultural fleece or placing polytunnels over those planted in the ground.

Alternatively plant them in early spring for later blooms, which will come into their own in summer when other spring blooms have faded. The stems reach around 30cm, so will fit well in the front of the border or in containers. Originally bred for the cut flower trade, the blooms are bigger than more common ranunculus and do well in vases if you want to cut some for indoors.

10. Lilium ‘Orange Marmalade’ (2 bulbs £4.99, Taylors Bulbs; taylors-bulbs.com)

Nothing like the showy pink and cream oriental lilies which are familiar figures in borders and pots in late summer, this vibrant orange hybrid, a new addition to the Taylors range, grows to 80cm (32in), producing dainty star-shaped fragrant flowers in summer. What’s different is that the flowerheads are much smaller than some of the showier lilies, but can multiply to 30 or more stems per head.

How to make the most of a multi-use kitchen that also needs to be used for eating, lounging and living

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These clever design tips will help you maximise your cooking-cum-living space, however compact.

In today’s property market, space is a commodity in short supply. From shoebox-sized studio flats in Victorian conversions to ‘snug’, purpose-built semis on suburban estates, people are increasingly finding themselves cooking in mixed-use spaces – ones which sometimes double as dining, living, or even bedrooms.

But however minimal your living space is, several tried and tested tricks can help you make the most out of your kitchen area, without compromising the rest of your home…

1. Use furniture to divide spaces

Large items of furniture can provide effective buffer zones between areas that are for eating and areas that are for cooking. Sofas have long been a go-to room divider – providing a clear, functional barrier that doesn’t block the eye line. Defining the kitchen area by adding a dining table ensures you can cook and socialise at the same time.

2. Put the kitchen in the corner

Corners are often neglected – partly because right angles can be hard to use – but kitchens are tailor-made to sit snugly in otherwise dead space. Arrange kitchen cupboards and surfaces around a corner to create a functional, out-of-the-way area where you can cook unimpeded, and leave the floor free for tables, TVs and chairs.

3. Have a clear centrepiece

Mixed-use spaces can easily start to feel chaotic and lacking in boundaries, but a single, eye-catching centrepiece will help lend the room a sense of focus and order. A dining room table, a multi-piece settee, or a widescreen television are all easy to build a room around if granted a central location, drawing focus away from crowded kitchen surfaces or that large, humming fridge.

4. Embrace minimalism

Small spaces can easily feel cluttered, and kitchens are magnets for rarely used pieces of bric-a-brac and outmoded appliances. Do you really have space for that almost-empty spice rack, never-used pile of cookbooks, or the avocado slicer you received as a Secret Santa gift back in 2016? In your kitchen-cum-living-room-cum-whatever else you’re using it for, the answer is probably no.

5. Use a light colour palette

It’s the oldest rule in the interior designer’s handbook – lighter shades make a room feel airy, bright and breezy, while darker colours will make it look smaller and more claustrophobic. Go for white, beige or pale greys to create the illusion of space.

6. Consider a kitchen island

They’re not cheap, but kitchen islands can divide a space beautifully, doubling as a dining table (if you don’t have one). They can also provide invaluable extra storage space beneath the worktop. Plus, in today’s modern, minimalist, IKEA-influenced world, kitchen islands are always on trend.

7. Use light to demarcate space

It’s not just furniture that can make different parts of a space feel different – accent lighting is a must for mixed-use rooms. Desk lamps and hanging lights can illuminate specific parts of a room, drawing focus or ensuring they feel separate and contrasting.

Our pick of the best late summer days out

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Dive into a wealth of family friendly activities on offer before autumn arrives, says Sarah Marshall.

In a flash, it feels like summer is over – or did it ever really begin? But with a bank holiday to look forward to on Monday August 30 and hopefully some remaining warm days to enjoy, there’s still a chance to make the most of outdoor events, last-minute pop-ups and special seasonal festivals.

Brush up on art appreciation with an immersive exhibition about Van Gogh or take a steam train through Staffordshire on the world’s most scenic beer crawl. And rest assured even if it rains, the show will go on.

Surround yourself with art

Step into a haze of sunflowers or embrace a starry night in an immersive art exhibition dedicated to the artist Van Gogh. Set up inside the old stable yard of The Old Truman Brewery in London’s East End, the alternative art exhibition features 300 of the legendary Dutch painter’s sketches, drawing and paintings, all displayed using 360-degree digital projections.

Visitors can take part in a VR experience following a 10-minute journey through the artist’s life or unleash any flourishes of creativity in a drawing studio. Tickets cost from £19.90 for adults and £11.50 for children. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience runs until February 2022. Visit vangoghexpo.com

Soak up the fun

Even if the bank holiday weather turns out to be nothing more than a damp squib, there’s plenty of opportunity to make a splash at Aqua Park’s inflatable obstacle course in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. There are more than 20 challenges to tackle, including slippery climbing walls, giant free-fall slides and big bouncy balls.

Wetsuits are available to keep out the cold and there’s a spectator area for those who prefer to cheer from the side-lines. One-hour sessions cost £20, including a buoyancy aid and wetsuit. Book in advance online at tapnellfarm.com. Wightlink, who operate ferries from Portsmouth and Lymington, are running a Kids Go Free offer on August 30. Visit wightlink.co.uk

Do the bear necessities

Born in 1915, toy historian William Simpson was an avid teddy bear collector. Up until his death eight years ago, the Dorset resident amassed 269 cuddly bears, each dressed in handmade clothes and given a different name and personality.

Saved from gathering dust in an attic, they are now on display as part of a new exhibition at Hampshire’s Milestones Museum – accompanied by cards handwritten by Mr Simpson to explain their individual backgrounds. Heart-warming and whimsical, the collection also raises discussions about our own obsession with teddy bears.

Completing the nostalgic picture, are a selection of vintage sweet stores and Edwardian shop fronts lining a route of recreated streets from the 1930s and 1940s. Tickets cost from £16.50 for adults and £10.75 for children; family £48.50. Visit milestonesmuseum.org.uk

Keep on the rails

All aboard the beer train! Serving up the perfect solution to avoid drink driving, Staffordshire’s Real Ale Trail is a pub crawl connected by rail. Travelling through the Churnet Valley on a heritage locomotive, the 5.5 mile journey claims to be the longest beer festival in the world.

Passengers can watch the countryside roll by while sampling a selection of 30 lagers and ales made along the route, either pulling up a stool at the train’s bar or revelling in the splendour or their 1950s carriage. A main bar is also set up at Froghall station, along with live bands. Diesel trains run throughout the day on August 28 and 29, with a steam service at 16.30; its full steam ahead on August 30. Tickets cost from £8 for adults and £6 for children Visit churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk

A day and knight to remember

Resurrecting medieval ruins with fun and frivolity, Warwick Castle make history thoroughly entertaining with their festivals and special events. This summer, they’ve launched a new outdoor cinema, a revamped Horrible Histories Maze brought to life by authentic 19th century vile smells, and an interactive trail starring Zog the friendly dragon who can help children learn how to fly, breathe fire and sword fight at Dragon School.

Between August 26-30, there are plenty of grown-up games too as part of a Sundown Spectacular (separate tickets cost £25). Listen to DJs and live bands while dining on street food as the towers dazzle with illuminations and a fireworks display. Day tickets from £20 per person. Visit warwick-castle.com

Picnic like a prince

It’s been a topsy-turvy year for the royals, but that hasn’t stopped the Queen from letting everyone into her backyard. This summer, for the first time in the palace’s history, the 39-acre gardens of Buckingham Palace are open to the public for self-guided tours and picnics. Famous features to look out for include a lake filled with three million gallons of water, attracting a riot of birdlife, the royal bees who produce honey for the Palace’s gift shop, and a Rose Garden with 25 beds of roses. The gardens will be open until September 19. Tickets cost £16.50 for adults and £9 for children. Visit rct.uk

Keep it cool: 12 ways to do stylish summer bedrooms

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Sam Wylie-Harris rounds up the freshest bedlinen, accessories and decos for sweet summer dreams.

Somehow, getting a good night’s sleep come summertime takes on a whole new meaning.

Between the heat, excitement and longer daylight hours, the best summery bedrooms need to beckon you with a sense of wellbeing, comfort and – above all else – sweet dreams.

This is especially the case if you’re not jetting off to far-flung locations, with the promise of slipping between freshly laundered sheets and turndown service at the end of an oh-so tiring day. Channelling those holiday highlights at home will have to do.

And come those hot August nights, when you’re tossing and turning and longing for an ocean breeze (or air-conditioning), there is comfort to be found with lighter, breathable bedlinen, natural fabrics, and a few little details to remind us of a stylish hotel suite, or villa escape with a splash in the pool first thing, to help you cool off, chill and sleep in style.

1. Kara Hemp Collection: Duvet Cover, double from £120; Oxford Pillowcase, from £40; Flat Sheet, double from £100 (other items from a selection), The White Company

While some of us can only dream of billowing white muslin and sleeping under the stars, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a heavenly night’s slumber in the comfort of natural hemp bedlinen. Eco, luxuriously soft and breathable, this blend of 52% linen and 48% hemp with a vintage inspired ruffle border combines a modern, boho-chic look with five-star luxury.

2. Black Tea And Sandalwood 3 Wick Candle, £14, Next

Even with the windows ajar, there’s nothing lovelier than the soothing, calming woody scent of sandalwood topped with fragrant lavender for feel-good vibes.

3. John Lewis & Partners Washed Cotton Bedspread, £80; Washed Cotton Cushion, Plaster, £30; The Ultimate Collection Silk Standard Pillowcase Caravelle Light Grey, £45; Anyday John Lewis & Partners Velvet Cushion – Olive, £20 (other items from a selection), John Lewis

When the temperature soars and you’re ready to ditch the duvet, nothing beats the comfort of good old-fashioned sheets and blankets. Lightweight and soft, think about layering large cotton bedspreads with oversized flat sheets draping to the floor, set against a rattan bed frame for a chilled Mediterranean vibe.

4. Natural Jute Circular Rug, £250, Joe Browns

A beautifully textured jute rug is a natural bedfellow with linens and hemp, and will rekindle happy memories of padding around barefoot and carefree.

5. 3D Daisy Pom Pom Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, from £22-£40 (other items from a selection), Next

Fresh as a daisy, who can resist a sweet yellow flower print embellished with pom-poms? This bedlinen loves a sunny situation, and easy-care polycotton means it’s quick-drying – as hassle-free as those much-loved perennials.

6. Artificial Floral In Glass Vase, £30, Next

If you’re bedroom happens to be south-facing and your summery white flowers are starting to wilt, a glass vase of something faux and fabulous looks light, bright and creates a fresh feel.

7. Violet White 100% Linen Bed Linen Collection: Duvet Cover, currently from £130.50 for a single to £202.50 for emperor (was £145-£225); Standard Oxford Pillowcase, from £28.80 (was £32), Secret Linen Store

With vintage inspired flair and flirty accents, this laundered-soft bedlinen will feel even more comfy and welcoming with every wash. Dress the bed with pretty embroidered pillow covers aplenty for that romantic French château style, and keep the curtains drawn during a heatwave.

8. Mother of Pearl Organic Silk Eye Masks, £30 each, John Lewis

If the summer sun’s flooding your room before it’s time to rise and shine, a sumptuous silk eye mask will ensure you get your beauty sleep.

9. Mother of Pearl Check Linen & Organic Cotton Double Duvet Cover Set – Tan, from £125-£145, John Lewis

If you love to mix patchwork quilts and patterns, this reversible bedding, made from a 50/50 blend of cotton and linen, will absorb moisture on those hot, balmy nights, and each set comes with two side fastening standard pillowcases. A decorative detail to work around with fringed throws and windowpane patterns, for a casual country living feel.

10. Bolga Fan – Granada, £28, Lola & Mawu

Made from natural straw, this fair trade fan from West Africa not only keeps you cool with the flick of a wrist, but it can double up as decorative wall art. A breeze to mount, it’s available in a range of colourways, from neutrals to brights.

11. Blakely Bed Linen Collection: King Duvet Cover – White Blue, £130; King Flat Sheet, £80; Blakely Oxford Pillowcase, from £35 (other items from a selection), The White Company

With an attractive chambray border for a washed denim look, this 400-thread count Egyptian cotton percale weave offers ‘the softness of sateen, without the shine’. Absorbent, breathable and luxurious, the coastal inspired colours feel cool before you’ve even pulled back the bedding – and sets the tone for navy trimmings, such as a throw and scatter cushions, styled with a jute rug and beach basket.

12. Knitted Blanket in French Blue, £45, The French Bedroom Company

This super soft knitted blanket makes a cosy cover when you take the weight off your feet for a peaceful catnap.

How to attract beautiful dragonflies to your garden

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Experts offer tips on how to get your gardening buzzing with these colourful insects.

So often during the summer, we see iridescent dragonflies and damselflies flitting between plants and water on river paths or lakeside walks, but how do we tempt them into our gardens?

Modern-day development, drainage and pollution have meant numbers have fallen dramatically, along with the reduction in ponds over the 20th century. Ponds are particularly important as dragonflies spend most of their lives as aquatic larvae, so need water to survive.

Ruary Mackenzie Dodds and Kari de Koenigswarter, authors of The Dragonfly-Friendly Gardener, who advised Exbury Gardens in the New Forest on its new dragonfly area, have the following tips on how to attract these colourful creatures into your outdoor space:

1. Make a splash with a new pond

Dragonflies need ponds as they spend around two years – the majority of their lives – as larvae in the water. You need to consider safety if you are installing a pond, particularly if you have young children, as well as location, as ponds need maximum sunshine and are best built away from trees.

2. Use rainwater

You’ll need easy access to good quality water to fill your new pond as dragonflies are sensitive bio-indicators. Mains water contains nutrients that can cause algal blooms and weed growth, so ideally fill any pond with rainwater run-off via a hose or water butt. It is best to invest in a pump with a filter if you want running water but keep it gentle as water lilies are unhappy with too fast a flow.

3. Don’t worry about size

The ideal pond size for dragonflies is 14 square metres but 3.75 square metres will do, and even a tiny raised pond on a balcony will work. Dragonflies prefer gentle gradient sides – some shallow water will be warmer and encourage larvae to emerge sooner.

A rough, slightly wiggly oval shape for your pond usually works but there is no fixed rule. Work out how you are going to reach parts of your pond, if needed, and include places to sit with large stones and a bench.

4. Think about construction

If creating your own pond from scratch, think about where you are going to put the soil. Once you’ve dug a hole, add a layer of sand beneath the pond liner for protection to avoid leaks.

Lots of preformed ponds are available online or at garden centres if you find this option easier. Fill slowly with water and then test with a pH kit to work out whether its alkaline or acidic – rainwater is typically slightly acidic.

5. Right plant, right place

Some plants thrive in flowing water, others in still. Some like acidic conditions others alkaline, so pick plants that will suit your pond’s conditions. You’ll need aquatic baskets to hold your plants and you can adjust the height of these with clean bricks laid carefully on the liner.

Choose peat-free aquatic compost and source local native water plants if possible. Why not ask a friend if they will share some from their pond? But double check what you are taking is local and not non-native or invasive. Check out the RHS website (rhs.org) for a list of suppliers.

In the water – water starwort, hornwort, spiked water milfoil.

In/on the water – greater pondweed, water lily (fringed, white and yellow), water mint, water forget-me-not.

Around the edges – flowering rush, yellow flag iris, bog bean, marsh marigold, Branched Bur-Reed.

Close to the pond – ox-eye daisy, primula, loosestrife, hemp agrimony.

6. Keep pond plants under control

Dragonflies like clear water, not overly cluttered with plants, so make sure you keep the most vigorous plants under control. Keep the water level up, particularly in warm weather. When leaves start to fall in autumn, try to keep as many as possible from falling into the pond.

7. Look out for different types of dragonfly

Emperor dragonfly – Britain’s bulkiest dragonfly, males are sky blue and females green with a central dark line.

Migrant hawker – small with paired spots along the abdomen, males are dark with blue spots and yellow flecks and females are brown with yellow spots.

Common darter – can be found well into November, males are dull to bright orange-red, and females are ochre becoming duller/reddish with age.

Black–tailed skimmer – medium-sized with a tapering abdomen, males have a blue body darkening to the rear and females have yellow with dark ladder pattern on the abdomen

Four-spotted chaser – uniformly brown dragonfly, active in late spring and summer, males and females look similar with two obvious dark spots on each wing.

Exbury Gardens in the New Forest has just been designated a Dragonfly Hotspot by the British Dragonfly Society. Visitors can learn about the insects and get close to wildlife on floating pontoons over a new dragonfly pond. For details visit exbury.co.uk.

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