Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2016 i Ideal Home

…find all you need to create a magical Christmas to remember. Give your home an elegant look for the holidays with sparkling decorations and fresh foliage (page 12), be inspired by the seasonal decorating ideas in reader homes this month’s (page 30) and use shimmering luxe finishes to build a glamorous scheme for a sophisticated celebration (page 83). Treat friends to home-made gifts (page 128), then get the party started with our favourite music apps (page 155). Once guests have waved goodbye, relax in a soothing, Scandi-style sanctuary (page 20). Happy New Year!…

Craig Roman joined Dobbies in 2002, and is now the head of visual merchandising, with responsibility for revitalising the Dobbies shopping displays and presenting its products in an exciting and approachable way. ‘Garden retail is an inspiring and challenging environment that constantly changes with each new season,’ explains Craig. ‘Our customers love their homes, and Dobbies’ key focus is to inspire and share ideas about how to make your home and garden seasonally relevant. It’s a rewarding place to work, as you are encouraging people to embrace nature and a greener lifestyle.’ Christmas is an important time of year for the stores, with a dedicated area set aside in each branch that is transformed into a magical winter wonderland to showcase the new range of festive products. THE MAN BEHIND…

‘White is my favourite colour to work with; it puts me at ease. Layering natural materials, such as wool and wood, has added a warm, rustic look’ ‘Creating an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area seemed the best way to achieve a sense of light and space’ ‘Having the sleeping, living, cooking and dining areas all on one floor is very practical’ You need to be quick to find a great property, but Jeltje Smit literally ran to find her perfect family home in Abcoude in Holland. ‘It was Christmas 2012 and I was jogging by the dike when I saw this house for sale,’ she says. ‘At the time, my husband Erik and I were living in a converted windmill on the other side of the village. It had…

Christmas is all about celebrating with friends and family, but when the festive season coincides with your wedding anniversary, there’s even more cause to string up the fairy lights and make a toast with a glass of Champagne. Miranda Huijs and Machiel van der Plas got married at Christmas three years ago. ‘We have a bauble from our honeymoon hotel that comes out every year as a memento,’ says Miranda. ‘It’s a special time of year for us, as not only does it mark our commitment to each other, it’s also when our children came together as one big, blended family. We invite lots of relatives to share the celebrations with us. There couldn’t be a better place for a family party. This detached villa in the pretty Dutch town…

PEACOCK BLUE Go glam with indigo, teal and metallics Feather Fan wallpaper, £72 per roll, Cole & Son. Plumas F6792-01 fabric, £115 per m, Osborne & Little. Snowflake baubles, £3.50 for four, Tesco Direct. Wengé plank flooring, £19.99 per sq m, Quick-Step. Gold branches, from a selection, Norpar Barns. For similar tealights, try the Malika, £21 each, LSA International. Gold and black tealight holder, £15 for three, Debenhams LUXE LIVING Mix up different shimmering fabrics Koto 110895 wallpaper, £75 per roll, Momentum Wallcoverings Volume 3 collection; Aurelia 130964 fabric, £92 per m, Leonidia Velvets collection; both Harlequin. Sisal Bouclé Braemere flooring, £38.14 per sq m, Alternative Flooring. Theon cushion, £55, Voyage Decoration range, John Lewis. For a similar bowl, try the vintage candle pot, £5, Next. Decorative copper bowl, £12.99,…

TRY A 5-MINUTE decorating trick Use Christmas decorations, gifts and pieces you already have to pull together decorative displays FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN , TURN TO PAGE 90…

Transforming your home for Christmas couldn’t be simpler with Dobbies’ beautiful selection of home accessories and decorations. Whether you are shopping for a loved one or dressing your home, its unique and striking range will help you deliver a memorable and stylish Christmas. Plus, with everything available under one roof, you can bring your home to life and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience. Deck the halls From stringing up fairy lights to hanging the first bauble on the tree, there’s a special sense of ceremony to dressing up your home for Christmas. Dobbies’ new Copper Woodland range, in a rich palette of luxurious gold and contemporary copper, is the perfect way to put a modern spin on a traditional rustic scheme. Choose from stylish baubles, forest-themed tealight holders and contemporary…

THE COMPANY New British textile company Olivia Bard produces diverse, beautifully crafted fabrics and decorative window dressings, inspired by designer Olivia’s travels and love of the English countryside. Artisan hand-crafted details, such as hand-block printing and cut embroidery, as well as digital prints, are all part of the brand’s signature look. THE NEW COLLECTION Taking inspiration from the natural world, Tamed Spirit captures the beauty of organic forms in soft watercolour prints, intricate woven textures and vibrant floral motifs. With a palette reflecting the colours found in nature, the collection pairs rich, earthy tones with accents of chartreuse, coral and powder blue for a modern take on botanical patterns and themes. WHY WE LOVE IT Each fabric is created using techniques such as digital printing, herringbone weaves and hand-drawn designs,…

ANGLIAN 0800 954 1203; anglianhome.co.uk The low-iron glass in its A+-rated windows has increased transparency to let in more sunlight. A double casement window with A+ rating costs £573 including fitting, based on a whole house order. EVEREST 0800 915 9427; everest.co.uk All its uPVC windows are A+ rated. The high-tech design keeps heat in, and double draft-resistant seals improve thermal performance. Windows are made to measure, with free quotes online. PILKINGTON pilkington.com Its energiKare double- and triple-glazing range improves the thermal efficiency of homes by reducing heat loss. Find a local supplier via the website for quotes. THE TRADITIONAL WINDOW COMPANY 01753 696900; the  traditionalwindowcompany.com It offers replacement timber period windows, with energy-efficient and triple-glazed versions. Casement windows…

Joan and Richard fitted smart new windows, including a bespoke arched one made by a local joiner, to transform the look of their home. The right window can dramatically improve a property’s appearance, its energy efficiency and security. A simple alteration to size or shape can also let much more light flood in. Purpose-made windows will take longer and be more costly to fit than off-the-shelf versions, but one or two bespoke feature windows can add personality to a house – from corner glazing to arched or round designs. Planning permission is not normally needed for repairing, fitting or replacing existing windows, and double glazing can be installed under permitted development as long as the building isn’t listed or located in a conservation area. Building regulations will apply to thermal…

WHAT IT COST Units.................................£7,670Worktops..........................£890Sink.......................................£199Tap.........................................£98Appliances....................£2,330Tiles.....................................£100Flooring...........................£1,020 TOTAL................£12,307 Alex and Shaun Knight weren’t looking for a renovation project when they bought their house in Middlesex in 2005. ‘However, this property did offer us the potential to build out at a later date and we needed that flexibility, as we were expecting our second child at the time,’ says Alex. Some years later, Alex longed for a kitchen that the whole family could enjoy. ‘The original layout was galley style,’ she says. ‘It was completely outdated, with an exposed boiler, and there wasn’t even space for a family sized fridge, so we kept ours in the dining room. Fortunately, Shaun’s an architect, so he designed our open-plan rear extension.’ Alex’s dream kitchen was a practical space for baking, with plenty of storage and room…

Bespoke mirrored cabinets, £800; bespoke vanity units, £2,200; all Cato Creative. Luna bath, £2,900; Luna basins, £260 each; all Homeetc Bathroom. Tara Logic basin mixers, £650 each, Dornbracht. For a similar bath mixer, try the Bold with kit, £1,699; for a similar shower mixer, try the Designer wall outlet, £125; for a similar shower head, try the Glide 400mm, £389; all Crosswater. For a similar shower screen, try the Simpsons 10mm, from £396; for a similar loo, try the Roca wall-hung, £364; both UKBathrooms. For a similar limestone countertop, try a selection, Marble City. Docks white Rett floor, wall and shower tiles (60cm sq), £39 per sq m; Spa-Spa mosaic tiles, £9.29 per sheet; all European Heritage. Longitube towel rail, from £247, Feature Radiators. Classic towels, from £4 for a…

Raindance Select S 240 two-jet showerhead, £440; Axor Citterio M basin taps, £330 each; all Hansgrohe range; Senso wash loo, £1,600, Philippe Starck range; Special Ground basins, £400 each, Duravit Starck range; all EC1 Bathrooms. Calacatta honed marble, from £550 per sq m, Granite World London. Window shutters, £600, Hillarys. Bespoke bathroom cabinetry, price on request, WAB Construction. Butterfly stool in Santos Palisander, £618, Sori Yanagi collection, Vitra range, Heal’s. Large Ono jug, £30, LSA International range, John Lewis. For similar towels, try the Supreme Capsule Stripe collection, from £3.50 for a face cloth, Christy FOR DETAILS TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY…

Q WHAT IS A BLOG? A blog is a website or web page written by an individual or a small team in a tone that’s quite chatty and informal. Posts appear in reverse chronological order, with the most recent at the top. The majority of blogs are interactive, so readers can leave comments at the end of posts to encourage further discussion. Q WHY DO IT? Not only is a blog a great creative outlet, providing the opportunity to explore a passion for writing, photography or whatever it is that fires you up, but it can also help you find and connect with like-minded people online. The sense of community among bloggers is strong – tap into that and you’ll find people who will inspire and support you. Blogging conferences,…

To-do list for JANUARY EAT delicious gluten-free Christmas cake and mince pies from The Foods of Athenry, available from foodsofathenry.ie and Ocado. DRINK a fruity red wine that’s perfect with a roast, such as Exquisite Collection Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, £6.49, Aldi. TREAT a loved one to a day of beekeeping or foraging at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Cookery School in Dorset. Courses start at £135. See rivercottage.net. Try a new taste... STAR ANISE A spice that’s name describes it perfectly – star-shaped with aniseed-flavour seeds. Widely used in Asian cooking, it is particularly good with roast duck and braised pork. It also adds a warming spiciness to sweet syrups for pouring over cakes and pastries, such as baklava. Here, we’ve used it to add festive flavours…

Plant bare-rooted and container-grown trees this month to bring structure, height and wildlife into your garden. November to March is the dormant season and, providing the ground hasn’t frozen over, this is the ideal time for planting. • Choose from bare-rooted or pricier container-grown species. If it’s the latter, ensure the tree is well established in its pot. • I prefer planting in a square hole, so roots grow into corners rather than in a circle. It’s vital to match the depth of the original pot, mix in a little compost when planting and finish with mulch. • Aid irrigation during dry summer months by coiling a section of perforated drainage pipe around the root ball, to deliver water directly. • Stake at about 60cm above the ground to support…

CLASSICAL SPAIN Andalusia is one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, where the excesses of modern life don’t seem to have taken root. It is the Spain of Carmen, Figaro and flamenco. SELECTED DEPARTURES FROM MARCH TO NOVEMBER 2016. THE PRICE INCLUDES Return flights from most UK airports, taxes and transfers Six nights in hand-picked three- and four-star hotels with breakfast in Seville, Granada and Mijas Fully escorted tours of the historic city of Seville, the stunning Alhambra in Granada – one of Europe’s most impressive palaces and fortresses – plus the ancient towns of Cordoba and Ronda Escorted by an experienced tour manager LAOS, THE MEKONG & THAILAND This tour of Thailand and Laos combines one of Southeast Asia’s best-loved destinations with its fascinating neighbour. SELECTED DEPARTURES FROM…

To redeem your 20% discount, simply visit the Pooky store at 25 Chelsea Wharf, 15 Lots Road, London SW10 0QJ, and present this page at the checkout. Alternatively, visit pooky. com  and enter the promotional code IH20 at the checkout, or place your order over the phone by calling 020 7351 3003 and quoting the promotional code IH20. TERMS AND CONDITIONS This offer is available from 25 November 2015 to 14 January 2016. This promotional code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. There is no cash alternative.…

Pussycat PC Cat Top, Prezzybox Keep your cat’s paws off your computer with a kitty laptop that they can safely get their claws into, complete with a fluffy ‘mouse’ Laser quest FroliCat Bolt pet laser toy, Argos The modern-day equivalent of a ball of string, this skittle-shaped toy produces random patterns to both amuse and exercise your moggy Go fetch  iFetch ball launcher, Amazon.co.uk Keep small dogs happy and healthy with this ball launcher – it fires at up to 30ft and can be powered by the mains or batteries Health check FitBark, FitBark Give a dog this bone and it will track its activity for an insight into Fido’s wellbeing, and give a ‘BarkPoints’ goal based on its age, weight and breed FACT! One in three people never bother…

Talks to iPhones Mac Mini (4GB RAM, 500GB storage), Apple GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘If you own an iPhone, you’ll be able to send and receive calls and texts from this computer. The powerful processor keeps things running smoothly when you’re streaming HD video or flitting between apps’ Good for business Ideacentre Stick 300 (2GB RAM, 32GB storage), Lenovo GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘This PC-on-a-stick plugs into any TV or monitor with an HDMI port, so it’s ideal for on-the-go presentations, checking emails or watching a movie back at a hotel. Just don’t expect the 32GB to hold your entire media library’ Big on storage Revo One RL85 (4GB RAM, 2TB storage), Acer GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Choose this if you love music and movies – you can store plenty…

This Christmas, I’ll be taking a less-is-more approach, planning some perfect downtime and challenging my family to a board game fest they’ll never forget. SLOWING DOWN I’m pouring my physical and mental resources into the run-up, so I can do as little as possible when the holidays actually arrive. I have plans for extreme indolence involving (in this order): my M&S cashmere joggers; my parents’ squashiest sofa; a Miss Marple box set (Joan Hickson, of course); lots of cheese. Weight Watchers is on hold until 1 January! UNPLUGGING Richmond Christmases do tend to be a bit telly-centric. I don’t actually have a problem with that – I’m emotionally attached to Marple, the littlest Richmonds have an annual date with The Muppets Christmas Carol and Ma Richmond will be borderline cantankerous…

THE STORY SO FAR Aged glass may bring to mind grand old palaces, but the antiqued-mirror finish is having a modern makeover. Shaking off its shabby-chic persona, this mottled effect gives a rough-luxe look to walls and alcoves, especially when used with industrial-style furniture. WHERE WE’VE SEEN IT Whether it’s used for tiles, panels or wallpaper, this trend is taking a hold on walls. Evoking faded grandeur is Cole & Son’s King’s Mirror wallpaper – inspired by baroque quarters of Hampton Court Palace – and Harlequin’s crackle-effect wallcovering, Eglomise. Bespoke companies, such as Rupert Bevan, Rough Old Glass, Clé and Glassology, create varied finishes on antiqued-glass panels, tiles and kitchen splashbacks. Andrew Martin combines the trend with his signature industrial style in Victor – a glass-topped metal coffee table. LATEST…

KEEP IT TRADITIONAL Perfect for hanging on your front door as a festive welcome Green holly wreath, £19.99, Dobbies SNOWY SCENE Brighten up your mantelpiece with this decoration in a glass dome Church scene glass cloche on stand, £17.99, Dobbies TOP SOCK Hang this cable-knit stocking ready for Santa’s gifts Knitted cable stocking, £11.99, Dobbies FAKE IT No one will be able to tell the difference with a good-quality faux tree 2.1m Keilder snowy spruce tree, £170, Dobbies…

THE PROPERTY A traditional Dutch ‘dike’ house built in 1890 in Abcoude, near Amsterdam, Holland. The owners bought it in April 2013. WHO LIVES HERE Jeltje and Erik Smit, with their baby daughter, Steffi. Jeltje is a photographer and Erik is an estate agent. THE LOOK Clean lines and minimal details make a sleek background for soft, warm textures and a palette of white and cream. LESSONS LEARNED “Bedrooms don’t have to be on the first floor. By creating space for our bedroom downstairs, we’ve left plenty of space in the loft room for a nursery and office.”…

BOUGHT FOR £320,000 SPENT £110,000 NOW WORTH AROUND £700,000 THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, Grade-II-listed, Georgian town house in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire. The owners bought it in August 2007. WHAT IT COST Loft conversion......................£70,000 Kitchen......................................£10,000 Bathrooms.................................£8,000 Carpets.......................................£2,000 Decorating................................£5,000 Furniture...................................£15,000 TOTAL....................£110,000 WHO LIVES HERE Rachel Holland and Ruben Stephenson, with their children, Millie, seven, and Zeb, five. The couple run their own commercial-diving company. THE LOOK Eclectic and colourful, with a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. LESSONS LEARNED “In hindsight, it would have been cheaper and more efficient to have carried out the renovation in one fell swoop, instead of doing it in two separate phases.”…

THE PROPERTY A detached, three-storey town house, built in 1860, in Velp, the Netherlands. The owners bought it in November 2008. WHO LIVES HERE Miranda Huijs and her husband, Machiel van der Plas, with their children, Iris, 15, Joep, 14, Isa and Eline, both 13, and Eva, eight. The couple run a property-restoration business. THE LOOK Classic yet contemporary, with white walls, waxed wooden floors and windows, and a mix of modern and antique furniture. LESSONS LEARNED “With a period property, it’s essential to find contractors who understand how to work with a historic building. We took our time to find a firm we were happy with.”…

BOUGHT FOR £119,000 SPENT £70,000 NOW WORTH £325,000 THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, detached house, near York, North Yorkshire, built in 2000. The owners bought it in December that year. WHAT IT COST Building work..........................£25,000 Kitchen.......................................£14,500 Flooring.......................................£5,000 Furniture and soft furnishings.......................£25,500 TOTAL.....................£70,000 WHO LIVES HERE Christine and Gary Hayes, with their Weimaraner, Hector. Christine is a partner at a home-accessories and interior-design company and Gary owns a horticultural business. THE LOOK Modern elegance, with a white-and-grey palette and colourful accents. LESSONS LEARNED “Use subtly textured wallpaper and flooring to pull each room together and create a sense of luxury throughout your home.”…

1 Choose your base colour Whether it’s flooring or a wall, the base colour will be the largest area of colour in your room, so place a generous sample of it onto your board. Including carpet samples will help you think about texture, too. 2 Add an accent tone A dramatic contrast or an accent just a few tones away from your base colour? Use your moodboard to play with options and layer it with swatches of fabric, scraps of wallpaper and paint colour charts. 3 Find the right accessories These will really set the tone in your room – go for ones that share an accent colour and stick to a single theme. Don’t mix styles, or your finished scheme will look messy rather than effortlessly eclectic.…

HOSTESS TROLLEY The hostess trolley has made a comeback for true Abigail’s Party style. It’s an easy way to serve cocktails or the soup course in one go, saving you multiple trips to and from the stove or fridge. Luxe drinks trolley, £350, Oliver Bonas. METALLIC THEME Choose a metal for your Christmas decorating theme and keep it consistent through your table setting, from candlesticks and cutlery to glassware and crackers, for a joined-up and ultra-glamorous look for dining.…

Many alterations can be made under Permitted Development, meaning you don’t need to get planning permission. For more information on planning and building regulations, visit planningportal.gov.uk and always check with your local authority before making any major changes. Keep your neighbours informed at all stages and you might need to obtain party-wall agreements, too. Check the advice given at planningportal.gov.uk. For extensions and major remodelling, it’s usually advisable to employ an architect to draw up accurate plans: the Royal Institute of British Architects (architecture.com) holds a directory of approved architects. Get at least three quotes for all major purchases, including when you’re hiring tradesmen and, whenever possible, negotiate fixed prices for each job rather than paying a daily rate. It’s not usually advisable to undertake major roofing work on a…

THE PROPERTY A Victorian, four-bedroom, terraced town house in Crystal Palace, southeast London. WHO LIVES HERE Karen and Dave Smith, with their son, Oliver, six. WHAT THEY DID The couple knocked down an old lean-to, creating space for a kitchen-diner extension across the back of the house. The ceiling was taken up to the rafters to create an open, spacious feel, and two roof lights and a full-length roof lantern were added. THE LOOK Simple Shaker, with a muted grey palette for the walls and floor. LESSONS LEARNED Glossy worksurfaces show every mark, so we went for suede-effect ones instead, which always look good and are easy to care for. THE LAYOUT The ovens and hob are located in the long run of units behind the island. On the opposite…

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, Thirties semidetached house in north London. WHO LIVES HERE Natasha and Jonny Stoller, with their daughter, Peyton, two. WHAT THEY DID The couple raised the ceiling, removed a chimney stack and knocked two rooms into one to create a light and bright, open-plan kitchen-diner. THE LOOK Contemporary, with handleless, high-gloss units, grey worktops and a pale-pink glass splashback. LESSONS LEARNED Before choosing a supplier, get an idea of what you want by using online kitchen-planning tools. THE LAYOUT The base units are arranged in a U shape with the sink in the centre beneath the window. There’s a dining area to the right…

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Thirties house in Hampton, Middlesex. WHO LIVES HERE Alex and Shaun Knight, with their children, Maddie, 13, and Archie, nine. WHAT THEY DID The couple added a rear extension and knocked the kitchen and dining room into one room to create a large, open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. THE LOOK Modern vintage, combining Shaker units with sleek dining furniture. LESSONS LEARNED Always have a little extra put aside for the unexpected or the things you fall in love with. THE LAYOUT Wall and base units with built-in appliances run along one wall. An island stands parallel to a dining table at one end of the space, and there’s a living area at the other end…

PERSONALISED MAP COASTERS Make these with a map that has special meaning for the recipient, then present them in a smart box. • Map • Cutting mat • Four cork coasters (Darice coasters, £2.79 for four, Hobbycraft) • Craft knife • Foam brushes (£1.89 for three, Royal & Langnickel range, Amazon.co.uk, or DIY stores) • PVA glue 1 Unfold the map on a cutting mat, printed side down, then place a coaster on top. Cut out circles from the map by tracing around the coaster with the craft knife. 2 Use the foam brush to apply glue to one side of a coaster. Stick the map circle to the coaster, printed side up, smoothing to remove air bubbles. Repeat the process for all the coasters. 3 Brush the tops and sides of all the coasters with…

• CIRCLE OF PINE TREES (circleofpinetrees.com) The ‘Year In Books’ series is perfect reading for book lovers, and blogger Laura can also bake a mean cake. • ME & ORLA (meandorla.co.uk) You can’t help but be seduced by blogger Sara’s dreamy photographs of her life in rural Yorkshire. • LITTLEGREENSHED (littlegreen shedblog.co.uk) Its ‘Nature in the Home’ series captures blogger Lou’s love for the outdoors and interiors. • OHJOY (ohjoy.blogs.com) Joy Cho has been offering up fun content for a decade, with posts on design, fashion and food. • PRACTISING SIMPLICITY (practisingsimplicity.com) One from Down Under, Jodi’s blog has lovely photography and honest writing.…

Coronation turkey TAKES 20MIN 1 onion, chopped 1tbsp olive oil 1tsp Cajun spice mix 2tsp chopped dried chipotle chillies 200g natural yoghurt Zest and juice of 2 limes 500g cooked turkey, torn into chunks 400g tinned black-eyed beans, drained 200g tinned sweetcorn, drained Large jar of roasted red peppers, drained and sliced Bunch of coriander 2tbsp ready-made French dressing 1 Fry the onion in the oil for 10min. Stir in the spice mix and dried chipotle chillies, cook for 1min, then set aside to cool. 2 Add the yoghurt, lime zest and juice, and the turkey to the spiced onion, then stir well. 3 In a mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed beans, sweetcorn, roasted peppers, two thirds of the coriander leaves and the dressing. Spoon the bean mixture onto a…

The experts at Button & Sprung believe buying your dream bed should be simple. That’s why the company offers 12 beautiful styles of bed, as either a bedstead or divan, and a range of elegant upholstery fabrics. Remember that it’s your mattress that affects how you sleep, so choose the best mattress you can afford. The hand-made mattresses at Button & Sprung have been designed to cater for every comfort level. Both the beds and mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee and no-quibble free returns within 100 nights, so you can ensure you’ve chosen the perfect design. Ideal Home has teamed up with Button & Sprung to give five lucky winners £1,500 each to spend at either the company’s London showroom or online at buttonandsprung.com. SEE MORE ONLINE  ENTER GREAT…

WHY WE LOVE THEM… Promised yourself you’d start eating breakfast or stop spending so much on lunch? Then you need a blender that can blitz up a single smoothie or even a serving of soup in seconds. Best of all, they can do the job in a cup you take away with you, so there’s no messy decanting or extra washing up. If your mornings are chaotic, prep your ingredients the night before, put them into the blending beaker and pop it in the fridge. The next day, just grab the beaker, blitz the contents, add a lid and you’re ready to go. I throw in a couple of ice cubes before blending, so my oaty breakfast smoothie stays cold on the commute – if you want to do the…

It’s not just fridge space that’s precious at Christmas – your oven and hob are likely to be feeling the strain, too. One way to take the heat off is to get yourself a bit on the side… like Hotpoint’s latest microwave. Capable of far more than merely heating up leftovers, this combi model has a Steam & Boil mode for vegetables, a Crisp function that will come in handy for hot mince pies and Multiwave technology that lets you cook anything you would in a conventional oven – including the turkey – but in less time. You’ll be surprised how much you can fit inside the 33ltr cavity, too, which is lined with tough stainless steel. It’s definitely one for the wish list.…

The original Zeppelin once ruled the roost as an iPhone dock, and now it’s been reinvented as a wireless speaker, with Control app for Android, as well as Apple devices. It streams music via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Spotify Connect, and when I was lucky enough to get my hands (and ears) on one, I was treated to beautifully balanced bass, detailed mid-tones and twinkling treble.…

IDEAL HOME Shopping Spy See Style Editor Michela’s essential edit of what’s in the shops this month Blue bottles Fill with sprigs of winter berries Bubble glass stem vases in blue, £13.75 each, Berry Red Lights, action Bring Hollywood style to a movie night Vegas metal LED circus light, £39, Cult Furniture Natural winner Add a silvery effect with eucalyptus leaves Eucalyptus wreath, £39, The Contemporary Home Subtle choice Soft, natural tones with a festive twist Cushion, £29.50, Marks & Spencer Winter warmer Keep it handy for those chilly nights Grey chevron throw, £20, Matalan Delve inside The perfect place to pile up pressies Giant rattan log basket, £105, Garden Trading So solid This simple piece brings instant country charm Stonemill console table, £249, Myakka Light frosting For a little…

FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN, TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY SO HOT Right Now Feeling fruity Add a touch of the tropical to your tree Glass pineapple, House of Fraser American dream Almost good enough to eat Glass hamburger, Paperchase Pug life Ideal for dog lovers everywhere Glass pug, The Contemporary Home LOOK WHAT WE FOUND! The metal of the moment in a leggy, space-enhancing shape Alana table in brass, Made.com See more finds on Michela’s blog homeshoppingspy.com…

DECORATION AND FURNITURE Walls painted in Quarter Paris Grey flat emulsion, £30 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany. Perendale carpet in Ecru, £108 per sq m, Flock Living. Cinnabar rug, from £195, Loaf. Large Malvern sofa in Grace linen, £700, Dunelm. Glendale coffee table, £499, John Lewis. Kimble nest of tables, £499, Ercol range, Marks & Spencer. Bluebell armchair in undyed Highland tweed, £780, Sofa.com. Henley 4ft sideboards, £995 each, Neptune. Beaumont 8kw stove in Ivory, £1,842; regular brick panel set, £474; both Chesney’s. Classic fire tools set, £86, Morsø. 7ft Norway Spruce Christmas tree, from £34.99, Kingswood Christmas Trees. ON/NEAR SOFA Cushions, from left: made in Quinton Clay; back and piping in Quinton Navaho; both £65 per m; made in Asuri Gypsum, £47.50 per m; all Romo; Snowflake cover, £44 for two,…

GET TO KNOW HIS SIGNATURE STYLE ‘Like a perfect herbaceous border, I prefer everything to work in harmony, with fun, flamboyant colours that change with every season. I find inspiration in almost everything I see and I’m constantly searching for what is unique about each season, what our customers are looking for, what reflects the world today and the things that bring beauty into our lives. I try to visit as many new restaurants and boutique hotels as I can, as I believe they influence many homeowners who want to bring a sense of escapism and individuality into their homes. And I’m constantly on the lookout for upcoming trends and exciting things that are about to emerge. I always pick up new ideas on my travels to other countries –…

IDEAL Great shape Beautiful curves Koura light (H50cm x diameter 30cm), David Trubridge range, Amara Chic chevrons Pop some pattern in among plain cushions Chevy knitted cushion, Luku Home Take a seat Rustic rattan gets an update in grey Bloomingville small rattan chair, Out There Interiors Shades of pale Add subtle geometrics with this unusual rug Everest Ruby rug (W140cm x L200cm), Kelaty White out Simple Scandi chic Norman Copenhagen Tablo coffee table (H43cm x diameter 78cm), Houseology All square Keep your sofa unfussy in an all-white scheme Harlow three-seater Italian leather sofa (H86cm x W199cm x D95cm), Very GREAT DEAL Lighter shade Bamboo at a bargain price Colours Pianosa shade (H40cm x diameter 23cm), B&Q Think big Try chevrons on a larger scale with this woven design Bakana cushion,…

ASK RACHEL WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR HOME? ‘Our recent loft conversion. We never tire of the stunning views over Portsmouth Harbour and out towards the Isle of Wight.’ WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL INTERIORS SHOP? ‘The Cowshed on the Isle of Wight sells the most amazing furniture and antiques. I often pick up a quirky piece when we pop over for the day.’ WHAT’S YOUR WORST DECORATING DISASTER? ‘Ruben went through a stage of using far too much French grey paint in our kitchen. It ended up resembling a battleship!’ WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOMES BUY? ‘Our bed from Loaf. We just love the bright colour of the velvet headboard.’ WHAT’S YOUR DECORATING SECRET? ‘I constantly look through interiors magazines, then try out ideas that appeal in our own…

ASK MIRANDA WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR HOME? ‘We have five children and they often have friends to stay – sometimes there are eight or 10 kids in the house, but I can still find a quiet space to enjoy a coffee and read a magazine.’ DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN FIVE WORDS ‘Mixed, design, art, classic, serene.’ WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOMES BUY? ‘The big pendant light in the living room; it goes well with the classic ceiling.’ WHAT’S YOUR DECORATING SECRET? ‘Less is better, with one or two big eye-catching pieces.’ WHAT ITEMS INSPIRED YOU? ‘The huge candle holder in the dining room – I love beautiful things that have been made by hand.’ DINING ROOM Tall order Dress it up with baubles Bamboo ladder (H162cm x W45cm),…

IDEAL Glow getter Stand this white fabric lantern by the fireside Tahiti lantern (H33.5cm), Idyll Home Soft option Perk up a neutral sofa with a floral print Embroidered cushion, Marks & Spencer Plain and simple This timeless design is a winner Eleanor three-drawer chest (H86cm x W90cm x D45cm), Laura Ashley French flavour Create a chic focal point Mirano trumeau mirror (H160cm x W106cm), Maisons du Monde Light fantastic Brighten up a dark corner with this smart lamp New York floor lamp (H132cm), Marks & Spencer Smart choice Go for a neutral, tailored sofa in an elegant living room Balfour sofa in Stone (H87cm x W188cm x D89cm), Within GREAT DEAL Mirror image A similar design, just smaller Vendee mirror (H120cm x W90cm), India Jane Neat neutral This ball stack…

1 THE 70-20-10 RULE For a balanced scheme, keep 70% of the elements (say, walls and floors) as one colour, then add 20% in a second colour (fabrics) and 10% in an accent (accessories). 2 THE PATTERN RULE When mixing patterns, use large with medium or medium with small, never large with small. Pick prints that share a colour in common. 3 THE PAINTED BOX RULE The look of paint changes according to the time of day and the light in a room. Paint the inside of a large box with a tester to create a miniature ‘room’ and see how the colour changes during the day within a 3D space. AND FINALLY… Always add a surprise. A focal point – whether it’s a feature wall or a piece of…

p 83 HALLWAY DECORATION AND FURNITURE Walls painted in Marine Blue Absolute Matt Emulsion, £37 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Wengé plank flooring, £19.99 per sq m, Eligna collection, Quick-Step. Runner made in Wool Indulgent Pewter; border in Worn Leather Evergreen, £692; both Crucial Trading. Mervyn console table in Rose Gold (H78cm x W150cm x D45cm), £585, Barker & Stonehouse. ON WALL Peacock wreaths, £49.95 each, Gisela Graham. Gaby decorative gold mirror, £180, Out There Interiors. ON CONSOLE Santerno lamp base, £99, Oka. Dara black and gold printed shade, £75, Biba range, House of Fraser. 746 telephone in Brushed Brass, £64.95, Wild & Wolf. Wire copper bauble, £2.50; slim diary with pen, £7; both Next. Copper letter rack, £10, George. Stanley panther statue, £50, John Lewis. Christmas card, from a selection,…

1 La dolce vita Inspired by the look of an Italian palazzo Botticino in Thistle, £79 per roll, Sukumala collection, Designers Guild range, Amara 2 Plastered print Use this blown vinyl to add an unfinished plaster effect to a room 11072406, £25.95 per roll, Texstyle 4 collection, Galerie 3 Semi precious Features the hypnotic ripples of malachite Malachite 77/7025, £76 per roll, Fornasetti collection, Cole & Son 4 Urban touch Keep it contemporary with a concrete look Aggregate Concrete Effect, £69.99 per roll, Your4walls 5 Country flavour Create a rustic feel with this dry-stone wall pattern Moroccan Wall 623000, £6.98 per roll, VIP Eclectic collection, Arthouse 6 Fade to grey Create the illusion of natural slate with this 3D-effect paper Large Slate Charcoal, £14.97 per roll, Muriva collection, Wilko 7…

Try it with… MID GREY Make a snowy all-white Christmas theme feel more inviting with warm grey walls and plush silver textiles Grey days A warm neutral Urbane Grey Absolute Matt Emulsion, £37 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene Soften up Glam, yet cosy Curzon velvet in silver/grey, £99 per m, Zoffany collection, Fabrics & Papers Don’t fret Add shimmer with this paper Portico wallpaper in Ash, £61.50 per roll, Fougere range, Romo Try it with… EAU DE NIL Give white-painted furniture a calm setting by painting walls in a green-toned grey. Pale wood-effect floor tiles will add a modern, Scandi-style vibe Classic style Cheat the look of parquet Hazar maple wood-effect floor tile, £15 per sq m, Tile Mountain Cool linen Perfect for blinds Bacall Eau De Nil, £26…

THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, detached Seventies house in Hertfordshire. WHO LIVES HERE Joan and Richard Short. WHAT THEY DID The Shorts extended and completely remodelled the original house over the course of several years, which has opened up the interior living space. Joan and Richard have also improved the property’s external appearance by upgrading the roof and cladding, and installing new aluminium-framed windows. WHAT IT COST The Shorts paid £210,000 for the house in 1992 and have spent £268,000 extending and remodelling the property, which is now worth around £1.5 million.…

Bespoke West Farleigh units, £23,000; Quooker Fusion 3-in-1 boiling water tap, £1,150; 1.5 undermount sink, £360; butler’s sink (in utility cupboard), £290; all Burlanes. Units painted in Pavilion Gray Estate Eggshell; island painted in Downpipe Estate Eggshell; both £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Silestone Lagoon suede-finish worktop, £3,900 (including fitting), DG Granite Factory. Glass splashback in Farrow & Ball’s Manor House Gray, from £222 per sq m, Balham Glass. For a similar electric oven, try the B16P52N3GB, £835; for a similar warming drawer, try the N22H40N3GB, £429; T54T95N2 induction hob, £1,164; all Neff range; for a similar microwave combination oven, try the AEG KM8403101M, £639; all RDO Kitchens & Appliances. Area Grey floor tiles, £40 per sq m, The Tile Place. Ingolf bar stools, £50 each, Ikea. For a…

RotPunkt Power HL high-gloss units in Kashmir, from £264 for a W600mm base unit; pink glass splashback, from £280 per sq m; both Kitchens Kitchens. Silestone worktops in Cygnus, from £252 per linear m, The Marble Store. For a similar combi oven, try the HBC84H501B, £570; for a similar single oven, try the HBA63B150B, £549; for a similar gas hob, try the PPQ716B91E, £401; for a similar chimney hood, try the DWW097A50B, £364; all Bosch range, Ao.com. Aria chrome mixer tap, £342; Kubus 110-45 sink, £317; Kubus 110-55 sink, £381; all Franke. For similar laminate flooring, try the Parador Trendtime 6 in Light Grey, £23.99 per sq m, Luxury Flooring & Furnishings. For a similar stand mixer, try the Artisan in Silver Medallion, £450, Kitchenaid range, Currys. For a similar…

For similar units, try the Metod in Bodbyn Grey, from £37 for a W400mm base unit, Ikea. For a similar sink and tap, try the Reginox traditional ceramic 1.5 sink and mixer, £200, Victorian Plumbing. Wenge worktop, from £300 for a L300cm x W62cm, Worktop Express. Kentish Town grey tiles, £19.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors. Walls painted in Purbeck Stone Estate Emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. For similar flooring, try the Classic laminate in Old Oak Grey, £17 per sq m, Quick-Step. For a similar gas hob, try the PCH615M90E, £249, Bosch range, Ao.com. For a similar radiator, try the Acova classic three-column, from £97, Screwfix. Jasper table, £99; Jasper chairs, £39 each; all House range, John Lewis. For a similar armoire, try the Provencale, £1,450,…

THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, Victorian, terraced house in Balham, southwest London. WHO LIVES HERE Libby and Adam Lygoe, with their children, Lucas, 15, and Holly, 10. WHAT THEY DID The couple lowered the ceiling on the first floor by 22cm to create more headroom in the loft area, then they boxed out and squared off the loft space to form straight walls. They also installed a skylight and had the en-suite bathroom tanked. THE LOOK Contemporary classic, with clean lines and a neutral colour scheme. LESSONS LEARNED A loft conversion requires expertise, so hire professionals to ensure you achieve the best layout and a quality finish. THE LAYOUT On the left of the door are vanity units with twin basins and mirrored cabinets above. The bath sits under the skylight,…

THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, late-Victorian house in Clapham, southwest London. WHO LIVES HERE John Gregory and Paul Harris. WHAT THEY DID The couple merged two rooms to create a main bedroom with a dressing area and an en suite, which has a walk-in shower, a wall-hung loo and twin basins. THE LOOK Contemporary and luxurious, with top-quality materials including grey-veined marble, dark-wood detailing, heated-mirror bespoke cabinetry and underfloor heating. LESSONS LEARNED We could have had the glass shower screen made slightly wider, then we wouldn’t have to use a floor mat outside the shower. THE LAYOUT A dressing area leads to the en-suite bathroom, which is divided into a wet area with a walk-in shower and wall-hung loo, and a dry area with twin basins in a marble vanity unit…

Charitable giving doesn’t have to be a one-way street. These ideas involve making an easy commitment, getting involved and seeing the results of your generosity in ways that will enrich your life as well as others’. SUPPORT A SOCIAL INCUBATOR You can join with other people to lend money – from as little as £15 – to entrepreneurs in developing countries who want to set up their own micro-businesses. Lendwithcare (lendwithcare.org) is run by Care International, a social development charity and provider of micro-loans for small businesses in developing countries. There are many micro-projects to choose from in countries around the world. When your loan is repaid, you can withdraw the money or lend it out again. You can also buy a gift voucher to give to a friend or…

To-do list for JANUARY PICK tasty, easy-to-grow leeks through winter for soups, casseroles and steaming or braising. Sow seeds from February, move seedlings in June and harvest from autumn. PLANT bare-root roses. Soak in a bucket of muddy water overnight, then sow in a sunny site. Dig a generous hole, fill with water and allow to drain before planting the rose, then add organic matter and fertiliser. SOW delphinium seeds in late January in seed compost – look for RHS-trialled varieties, such as ‘Pagan Purples’, ‘Double Innocence’ and ‘Rosy Future’. Grow something beautiful… HAMAMELIS These beautifully scented, deciduous shrubs are part of the witch hazel family, and are a delight in the winter garden when colour is scarce. Their velvety flowers come in gold, orange and red,…

BY PHONE Call 0905 652 2138 and leave your answer to the question on the coupon (below), plus your name, address and phone number. Lines are open from 25 November 2015 until midnight on 7 January 2016. Calls cost £1 each, plus your telephone company’s network access charge. BY TEXT Text IHWINA followed by a space and your answer, then your name, house number and postcode to 85088. Texts cost £1 per text, plus your usual network rate. When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Time Inc. (UK) Ltd and Ideal Home. If you don’t want to, please end your text with NO INFO. BY POST Fill in the coupon (below) and send to Button & Sprung/Ideal Home January 2016 competition, PO Box…

Anyone who has ever gone out shopping in search of decorative lighting knows how hard it is to find standout products at affordable prices. Lighting company Pooky sells elegant lamps, pendants and shades, as well as some more eclectic designs, at reasonable prices. The Pooky design team works with manufacturers around the world to create lights that are made to last, and it is constantly producing new, on-trend designs with extra colour and quirkiness to delight customers. Most of the company’s products can be viewed in its London showroom in Chelsea Wharf or by appointment at its warehouse near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Alternatively, you can browse through the whole collection online at pooky.com and play around with combinations of lamps, shades, wall lights and ceiling pendants. Once you have chosen your…

FEATURES WE LOVE 1 Flexible spaces I’m currently panicking about how I’m going to fit the ingredients for Christmas dinner for 12 people inside my fridge – so if only I had this beauty. Its freezer can be converted into a 0ºC zone for meat or a full-on fridge in under two hours. All I’d need to do is ditch the peas and a half-eaten tub of ice cream (how long has it been in there?), and load the lower part with my turkey and trimmings. 2 Clever storage The freezer’s XXL drawer is big enough for a huge bird or several pizzas, the Multibox is designed to store butter and cheese, and there’s a metal rack to keep bottles neat and tidy while freeing up shelf space. 3 An…

My battle for a home office is ongoing. The space in question – a makeshift desk in the corner – suffers frequent invasions from toys, tools and tat. Still, I’m hoping I can fight back with this little gem. Despite being the size of a takeaway box, it has the storage and processing power to rival most space-hogging desktops. Alternatively, plug it into the telly and have yourself a big-screen PC! It’s also port-tastic at the back, with an SD card slot, HDMI port and four USB 3.0 inlets for your mouse, keyboard, webcam and so on, or you can go wireless by pairing them up to the built-in Bluetooth. Hurrah! With my old tower gone, I might just treat myself to a Bisley filing cabinet. Take that, clutter! FOR…

Space invader BeoPlay A6 , Bang & Olufsen GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Its boomerang shape fills the entire room with music. Just swipe your hand over it to skip a track’ Mid-century music R7 radiogram , Ruark Audio GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Now available in matt white, this sexy stereo console lets you play music via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even CD’ Soulful soundbar DIVA , Libratone GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Can beef up the sound of your telly or stream music, with wool covers in 14 shades’ FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN, TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY…

WHAT IS IT? As you’ve leafed through this month’s issue, no doubt you’ve been thinking about ways that you can make your home even more special, which suggests you’re just as keen to keep it safe – and that’s where a few Wi-Fi gadgets can help. From cameras that send you a live feed of your living room to sensors that message you if they detect a leak, this tech takes just a couple of minutes to set up, but will give you peace of mind 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. WHY DO I NEED IT? Maybe you’re going away on holiday and want a system that will keep an eye on the place and turn the lights on at dusk and off at bedtime, or perhaps…

Alarm Security camera, Canary GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘See an intruder? Call the police and sound the built-in siren with a tap in the app’ Complete system KX-HN6010EW home-safety starter kit, Panasonic GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Easy to set up, it works even if your Wi-Fi is weak and includes a hub and sensors. Add more devices, such as cameras, as you like’ Keyless lock Keyless connected smart lock, Yale GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Connect this lock to a compatible smart hub, such as Samsung SmartThings, and control it with your phone’ Wireless camera Arlo single HD security camera kit, Netgear GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘You can put this weatherproof, battery-powered camera anywhere, and it lets you save footage to your hard drive’…

SPOTIFY iOS, Android and Windows Phone, free Think music streaming and this is probably the first app that comes to mind. Its popularity is no fluke – it’s easy to navigate the 30 million or more tracks and it’s fun to discover new tunes by old favourites with the artist radio station feature. Listen for free or pay £9.99 per month for ad-free music and the option to download tracks to listen offline. ALSO TRY Rdio for iOS, Android and Windows Phone, free TIDAL iOS and Android, free Set up by Jay-Z and some of his superstar pals, Tidal aims to improve the quality of the music streamed to your phone. Compressed digital music can get a bad rap (no pun intended), but this gives you access to more than…

mail order available A Acer 0371 760 1020; acer.co.uk Aflair For Home 020 8789 7377; aflair.co.uk Aldi aldi.co.uk Alexander & Pearl 020 8508 0411; alexanderandpearl.co.uk Allotinabox 0800 288 8683; allotinabox.com Allposters.co.uk 020 8435 6555; allposters.co.uk Alphabet Store (The) 01538 388554; thealphabetstore.co.uk Alternative Flooring 01264 335111; alternative flooring.com Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Amazon.co.uk amazon.co.uk Ambiente Direct 0870 005 2275; ambientedirect.com Andrew Martin 020 7225 5100; andrewmartin.co.uk Annie Mo’s 01224 576957; anniemos.com Annie Sloan 01865 803168; anniesloan.com Antique Mirror antiquemirror.it Ao.com 0844 324 9222; ao.com Apple 0800 048 0408; apple.com/uk Appleyard Flowers 0844 995 0375; appleyard flowers.com Argos 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Art Fund 0844 415 4100; artfund.org Arthouse 01706 230077; arthouse.com Attic 020 8943 9626; discoverattic.co.uk B Balham Glass 020 3613 2543; balhamglass.co.uk Balsam Hill 020 3368 6726; balsamhill.com B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Bang & Olufsen 0118 969 2288; bang-olufsen.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 355 9046; barker andstonehouse.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323; bathstore.com Berry Red 0845…