INSIDE TRACK

FROM THE EDITORS

PHOTOGRAPH ADELINA LIEV Spring is a time for

Meet the team

Get to know some of the people who bring you Real Homes with a question. This month: What is your perfect day out?

SPEND V SAVE

This classic print looks hot in mustard yellow

BRIGHT ideas

Amara Hasham’s amazing makeover of her rented family home is a masterclass in clever, reversible decorating

TRENDING STRIPES

Our obsession with striped homewares has never been stronger, and the freshest take on this classic pattern sees them big, bold and beautiful

BEDROOM SAVIOURS

A handy surface nestled by our bedhead, bedside tables house everything from phones and chargers to drinks, glasses, books and personal essentials. Here’s our pick of the best designs

THE STYLIST’S EYE

Our style editor, Anna Morley, rounds up her favourite pieces of the month

Style crush

Sometimes we come across a product we just can’t stop thinking about – and we want to share it with you. Here’s what we’ve fallen for this month

Dynamic designs

Lusting after a fresh injection of pattern in your space? Here’s our look at three of the hottest wallpaper trends for this year that will add wow to your walls

THE RIGHT LINES

Think all stripes need to be straight? Think again. Gentle waves and broken lines provide a dynamic and playful aesthetic. Great for big impact in a smaller area

RETRO REVAMP

Be inspired by the ‘70s aesthetic and go all out on a bold, graphic print. It’s a strong look that often comes in vibrant hues, but choose warm tones for a softer vibe

NATURAL ESCAPISM

Look to nature by picking a botanical or tropical print that will bring the outside in. The colourful, vibrant worlds of plant and animal life will enliven any scheme

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Support independent businesses and meet the creatives making waves in the interiors world. This month, we look at modern embroidery kits and designs

Hot pink

Vibrant, attention-grabbing and joyful, hot pink is a mood-boosting hue that packs a punch. Colour guru Amelia shares why we’re loving it now

50 UNDER £50

Set yourself up for a successful and stylish work day with budget-friendly home office updates. Cool and affordable, they’ll help keep energy levels high as you power through your to-do list

FAMILY KITCHENS that deliver on every level

Get in the know about smart storage, clever layouts and practical surfaces to achieve a multi-tasking, free-flowing space that caters to family and friends

Set the scene

Create a hub that draws everyone in with stylish storage and lighting

Brighten up your baking

Add colour to your cooking with a versatile stand mixer you’ll want to leave on show.

Stylish extractors

Clear the kitchen air with a feature cooker hood

Expand your view

Go open plan to make a small cooking space feel bigger and brighter

Prep space where you need it

A butchers block on wheels provides an extra worktop and storage in a style to suit every scheme.

Beth Jamison

1. When we bought our semidetached Victorian house

COMING NEXT MONTH IN YOUR NEW REAL HOMES

ON SALE 6 APRIL

THE LONG game

A few small jobs turned into a full-blown renovation for Sara and Tim, who have maximised every inch of space for a home that works perfectly for their family

Baths

The biggest and boldest of bathroom fittings, a bath should deliver comfort, functionality and style. Let our guide take the pressure off this key buy…

SUNDAY project

Stuck for ideas this weekend? Get your DIY fix and delve right in with our quick and easy ways to update your home for less

COME together

Celine’s London home is a showcase for her design skills with its vertical lines, natural materials, threads of black and pops of colour

The design Clinic

Whether you’re torn on two paint colours or are debating whether to extend upwards or outwards, the Real Homes team is here to answer your questions

ALL IN the mix

Modern Scandi meets period charm in Katy Orme’s beautifully curated city home

Recharging at home

Enthusiasm for having your own at-home retreat is on the rise, from art studios to reading nooks, garden cabins to spa bathrooms. But why do we need that emotional room to escape to, asks Jennifer Morgan?

PATH TO perfection

Anna Rickard transformed her boring back garden with a bespoke path that zig-zags through colourful beds and inviting spots to sit and linger

10 STEPS TO Cutting the cost of your kitchen makeover

These strategies will make your money go further when updating the hub of your home

PROJECT of the month

GARAGE CONVERSIONS

GLOSSARY

BUILDING REGULATIONS A set of standards that should

PROJECT NEWS

The latest ideas, trends and essential buys for your kitchen, bathroom and renovation

SPEND V SAVE

Matt black appliances add a touch of drama and modernity. Give your cooking space an edge with a stylish gas hob.

Expert advice

Justyna Korczynka, senior designer at Crown ( crownpaints.co.uk ), reveals how to get the perfect finish

HIDDEN in plain sight

When Jade realised that a great quality wooden kitchen was lurking beneath layers of vinyl, it prompted an ingenious budget makeover

The money Clinic

Getting in ahead of the ISA investment deadline will help build up your pot to finance your dream project, Holly Thomas talks money matters

Wood flooring

Enjoy the beauty and durability of this timeless surface with our guide to solid, engineered and reclaimed timber

Curtains & blinds

Pull together a stylish look with showstopping window dressings that have function and flair

Smoothie makers

Get your five a day the easy way by whipping up a refreshing drink to have at home or on the go

Bathroom mirrors

See who’s the fairest of them all with a bathroom mirror that will help you face the day

Eco cleaners

Spring-clean your home the green and pleasant way with environmentally friendly products