Home Life

Home Help

Makeover a front garden for street appeal

If you want to attract buyers – and the envy of your neighbours – take a cue from our makeover of an inner-city home, complete with new facade and cottage-style garden. Pictured right: The exterior of this inner-city cottage was bare and uninviting. Before listing the home for sale, it was essential...

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Inspiration

Decorating interiors with white

A monochrome palette creates an unassuming space, where the subtleties of form and shadow can steal the...

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Garden

Magnolia varieties

There is a magnolia to suit almost every garden, no matter how small it may be. They grow to be majestic plants that will reward you with reliable (and...

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Hints and tips

Cleaning blinds

They might look great on the window, but venetians quickly...

Organic cockroach control

How to get rid of cockroaches Looking for an organic and...

Boy's room decorating tips

View the image gallery here Boys versus girls? Many of...

Create

Make a picnic basket

Picnic by the sea Turn your favourite wicker basket into a picnic hamper with this simple lining. Cotton napkins in a complementary fabric add sophistication...

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Create

How to make a summer hat

There’s nothing like a soft-woven hat with a decent brim for keeping cool in the sun. Sewing a long, narrow silk scarf to tie around a favourite hat is a...

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Garden

Pressing flowers

Pressed flowers are like delicately preserved memories. If properly treated, they should retain their colour without turning brown. What you will need ...

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Home Help

Tips to clean a washing machine

Washing machines often work overtime and can become clogged – compromising their ability to make laundry fresh Follow our tips for how to clean a...

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Home Help

Cleaning blinds

They might look great on the window, but venetians quickly gather dust and can be tricky to clean. Tips to clean a venetian blind The best way to clean...

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Create

How to sew a beach dress

A simple cover-all is a must for long days at the beach. Something you can throw over your bathers for the walk to the kiosk, or when you need a break from the...

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Home Help

Eco tip: natural ant repellent

Ants come out to play, more often in summer, with something as simple as a bunch of flowers from the garden. There are many commercial products for keeping...

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Inspiration

Beach-styled interior design

'Old-styled beach cottage' meets 'modern retreat' in this renovated 1960s beach...

Create

Make a decorative notice board

Back to school tip This gorgeous notice board is a great organisational tool and a fun place to display photos and treasured trinkets. Get organised in...

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Home Help

Clean silver cutlery

To take the tarnish off engraved sterling silver cutlery, use a soft cloth and bi-carb paste. To clean non-oxidised pieces, line the base of a saucepan with...

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Create

How to restore a cane federation piece

Restoring a piece of loved furniture can be a fun and rewarding experience. The first step is to check the value of your item and ensure any changes you make...

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Garden

Street appeal garden

First impressions count. Maximising your street appeal will increase the number of buyers that come calling. Real estate agents advise planting a garden before...