May 2018 – Issue 275

Our May issue is jam packed with expert advice on ways to improve your home. We focus on extensions, with lots of inspiration and information on what you need to know to get started. An extension means improving what you already have, without the hassle of having to move home. There are lots of things to consider though, and hopefully you will find yourself more in the know after reading our pages. We share an extract from Fiona McPhillips fantastic new book, Make the Home You Love, which is a gold mine of information on going about extending and renovating your home. We also seek expert advice from architect Des Ewing, who gives his invaluable input on extending your home and current trends. Looking toward the windows in your home, they are often something you don’t put much thought into until it comes to needing new ones! Velux offer their advice on having roof windows installed, and things to consider and where might be the best place for them in your new extension. Fairco, on the other hand, tell us how you can revamp your old sash windows, giving them a new lease of life.

For something a bit different, we take a look at the increasing popularity of installed wine cellars, perfect for those wine lovers that lack the space for their growing collection. You can have a wine cellar installed into any ground floor room! Last but not least in our home improvements feature, Little Greene give us a guide on how to go about painting the rooms in your home. Painting can completely change the look with little cost involved, or it can simply offer a nice refresh.

Our readers’ homes this issue are all very different, but equally beautiful. We travel to Dublin to visit Maija in her stunning home that has taken influence from her native Finland, offering simple Scandi style. Further south, Erica shows us her charming period home in County Wicklow, which is colourful and fun with a mix of retro and modern stylings. And on to Bangor in the north, Peggy shows us around her elegant terrace house that overlooks the sea, which offers a mix of moody elegance and nature indoors.

Our travel features take us off to the spectacular South American country of Chile, and closer to home we explore Wild Ireland! Try out the five delicious recipes we share from Brian Mcdermott’s Donegal Table, and combat the rain with the help of a polytunnel in the garden.