Weekend decorator

CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW

- LAURIE DAVIDSON

1 CREATE A RAISED VEG GARDEN

Keep everything you need for home-grown summer salads close to hand in a neat trough planter. Being raised helps to ward off pests and makes it easier to plant and pick. Paint the planter then stencil or write on the names of your crops so you know what's what..

2 MIX UP OUTDOOR RUGS

Who says your outdoor rugs need to be matching? Opt for a couple of designs that are similar in either colour or pattern to add interest to decking or a patio. Don't worry about keeping them spaced out, either - overlapping them works just as well and creates a cosy feel just as it would indoors.

3. Pretty up your porch with some potted plants or hanging baskets to add colour and fragrance. Or why not add a door wreath full of vibrant summer blooms?

4. UPDATE DOOR HANDLES

Spruce up internal doors with some new knobs or handles. From antique nickel to black or brushed brass, and with modern and traditional styles to pick from, there's lots of choice to make your doors shine in their own right.

5 HOW TO MAKE BIRD SEED HEARTS

Feed the birds with these easy-peasy bird seed hanging hearts.

In a bowl, whisk together 3tbsp golden syrup and 1/2 cup water. Then add 1 sachet gelatine and mix again.

Gradually add in 3/4 cup flour, mixing all the time, followed by 4 cups of birdseed. Knead the mixture with your hands to firm together.

Spray some heart-shaped cookie cutters with non-stick spray, then place them on parchment paper. Spoon the birdseed mixture into the cookie cutters, pressing it in tight to make sure they're full and compact.