Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2018 i Style At Home

Amanda Burns ABOUT ME I’m 50 and I live in a Thirties four-bedroom house in Wirral with my husband Andy, 54, daughters Cordelia, 19, and Arabella, 12, and dogs Betty and Harry. WHAT’S YOUR LATEST PROJECT? My most recent upcycling project was painting an original Thirties walnut cabinet in a subdued silver shade – it looks wonderful. Kadie Cory ABOUT ME I’m 32 and live with my husband Jon and daughter Noa, one, in an early 1900s semi in Pontypridd. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM? I really love our bathroom, as we drastically changed it from the original. We ripped out the old fittings and knocked a wall down in order to make space for a large shower and roll-top bath. Danielle Parisi ABOUT ME I’m 35 and I live in…

I know it sounds strange, but when I first saw our flat online, I hated it!’ says Kathryn. ‘However, it was relisted a few months later with a different estate agent and the new pictures they’d taken made it look so much better that my boyfriend Jim and I decided to take a look at it. Jim and I are both originally from Yorkshire, but we moved down south three years ago for work. We decided to buy a place in Watford after renting here for two years – plus it’s where my work is and was within our budget. What really sold it to us, was that the flat has its own front door and an open-plan living space, which was something we wanted – I like that it…

My boyfriend Jonathan and I have lived in our two-bed flat for just over a year, and it’s the perfect location for us,’ says Lotte. ‘It’s just a 10-minute drive to Barnes and Putney, and our back garden opens onto Wimbledon Common, with fields, woodland and a stream. The downside was that the interior needed updating, including the living room, which had stained and dirty walls, ceilings with peeling wallpaper and stained carpets. We also needed to redo the fireplace, and maybe build some cabinets and shelving on either side of it. Building issues We began by sanding down all the walls, removing the old carpet and stripping the textured wallpaper from the ceiling. We wanted a neutral wall colour and chose Farrow & Ball’s Dimpse, as it went so…

Being first-time buyers, my fiancé Matt and I hit a steep learning curve when we bought this house in 2009. Our renovations ended up taking years to complete and we had to live off site some of the time,’ says Sam. We didn’t tackle the bathroom straight away as it was usable, so it wasn’t as much of a priority compared to the kitchen and living areas. We finally got around to redoing the bathroom in 2014. Size matters We’re lucky in that the bathroom is a good size, because it was originally a bedroom. However, the existing layout didn’t make the most of the space. We decided to reduce the size of the bathroom and create two large cupboards on the upstairs landing by installing a stud wall and…

SWEET STACK Store leftover cake, mince pies and biscuits in this fabulous Scion Mr Fox cake tin set, £35, Andshine BOX CLEVER Pack up and store your baubles and garlands safely with this handy ornaments storage box, £14.99, Lakeland SUPER SET Drop hints that you’ll be needing jewellery to show off! Marble Iris dressing table tidy set in white, £39, Made.com BAG IT UP Keep the festive spirit going right through until bin day. Christmas pudding bin bags, £7.99 for 12, Find Me A Gift WINDING DOWN Ensure your fairy lights stay tangle free until next year with these fab fairy lights storage winders, £5 for two, Store FESTIVE STASH Fake tree? Store all the bits in one place with this great-value Christmas tree storage bag, £6, B&Q COCKTAIL HOUR…

It’s been an expensive year for the Richmond family – which is only to be expected when you’ve moved into a new home – so we’re keeping Christmas to a tight budget. There’s nothing you can’t do with enough time and imagination, though! I’ve baked the Christmas cake myself (I’ve been injecting it with syringefuls of brandy since November…) and the littlest Richmonds and I have been making new decorations with air-drying clay and Christmassy cookie cutters. I should ’fess up, though, I did have a mini shopping binge at The Range, when I saw they had posh-looking feather-filled baubles for £1.29 that fit perfectly into my woodland theme! Oh, and fake snow to show up Santa’s footprints on the hearth. Wishing you all a happy holiday, SEND US YOUR…

1.Reflect the light in style Choose mirrored furniture that has a touch of Art Deco opulence. The surface will reflect light, creating an illusion of extra space, while details like the crystal drawer knob add a glam finishing touch. 2. Go for a plush headboard For a timeless statement piece that offers comfort and style, choose a beautiful upholstered and buttoned headboard. Rich velvet in a delicate silver is a classic pick. Team with bedlinen in similar shimmering shades. 3. Add wow with feature lighting Hang a standout pendant above the bed for more grandeur. Crystal designs cascade twinkling rainbows around the room, while bedside lights in an antique glass finish add another layer to this opulent scheme. 4. Layer the bed with texture For a cosy feel that still…

On a whim, we decided to view a three-storey townhouse in an intriguing new development near our home in Edinburgh,’ says Jennifer. ‘We were living in a large Georgian apartment at the time, which we loved, but the minute we saw this development we fell for it. Our apartment needed some crucial repairs and we knew at some point we’d have to either undertake the works or move, so we decided to take the plunge. However, we didn’t want to buy the house we had viewed – instead, we wanted one of the four-storey properties, which came with a roof terrace. But none of those were for sale. Undeterred, I decided to write to the owners of all the four-storey houses with a proposition to buy, and was thrilled when…

PART 9: Glam Christmas Indulge in a wintry scheme that’s full of sophisticated glamour. Choose from Deco-inspired designs, fresh Scandi surrounds and contemporary country looks... the STYLE RULES Add a little seasonal sparkle with glittering textiles Combine natural elements with shimmering metallics for a sophisticated look. ALL THAT GLITTERS Add a large helping of festive glamour to a pared-back country scheme by layering sumptuous sequinned cushions and a glitzy throw on your sofa. GOLDEN TOUCH Furnishings in metallic bronze and gold bring warmth to a neutral palette of classic cream and rustic wood. STAY NATURAL Choose Christmas tree lights with a warm glow as opposed to white LEDs. Save time and pick a pre-lit tree with a frosty finish. Modern MANOR Create an indulgent look…

I’d been thinking about revamping the kitchen ever since I moved in, but with working and writing a book, life was so busy that I kept putting it off,’ says Maria. ‘When I took a break from work, I realised I’d have time to enjoy the renovation process, and I decided to project-manage it myself. Ideas and inspiration I was determined to turn my dark, dated kitchen into a fresh, airy space, so a coastal look was the perfect choice. I searched online for kitchen and dining room images and soon pinned down the main elements – crisp, pale colours, rustic wood, painted pieces and a few nautical-style touches. I picked up extra pointers close to home, too, like the style of the table and chairs, the tongue-and-groove panelling and…

‘TALK TO YOUR LOCAL BATHROOM RETAILER TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST POSSIBLE ENCLOSURE FOR YOUR SPACE’ Barry Hoyne, Merlyn A separate shower enclosure is a real luxury, if you have space. The latest sleek, frameless models also add a designer element to your bathroom. Find your perfect fit for showering satisfaction. Q Which shape should I choose? This is usually determined by the shower’s location. The main options are square and rectangular, which can fit anywhere. D-shapes are designed for installation centrally against a wall, while quadrants and off-set quadrants are space-saving designs that tuck into a corner. In a recessed shower, you only need to buy one door panel. Q How do the doors work? A pivot or bifold door, which folds or slides inwards, is the best…

TAKES 15 MIN, PLUS SETTING MAKES 36 PIECES 450g granulated sugar 85g butter 150ml milk 170g evaporated milk 150g mixed dried fruit Few drops vanilla extract Vegetable oil 1 Gently heat sugar, butter, milk and evaporated milk in a heavy-based pan, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves. 2 Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally so that the sugar doesn't stick and burn. (Take care; it will be very hot.) When temperature reaches 114°C on a sugar thermometer, remove pan from the heat. (No thermometer? Check the temperature by spooning a little syrup into iced water – it should form a soft ball.) 3 Add the dried fruit and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until thickened. 4 Pour into a shallow 18cm square tin brushed with a little oil. Leave…

TUCK OUTDOOR FAIRY LIGHTS AROUND THE PLANTS TO MAKE YOUR POTS MAGICAL AT NIGHT YOU WILL NEED Large container Compost Slow-release fertiliser granules A selection of plants Christmas decorations and ribbon 1 DO THE PREP You need a mixture of evergreens, with a pop of bright red colour. Try upright plants such as skimmia, to give height, and different varieties of ivy to trail over the edge of the pot. Rosemary will give a lighter green for contrast and add cyclamen for scarlet blooms. Put broken crockery in the base of the pot to aid drainage, and half-fill it with compost. Add a handful of fertiliser granules, ready for planting. 2 ARRANGE THE PLANTS Position the plants on top of the compost, teasing the roots out as you go. Play…

‘WHEN DRILLING INTO INTERIOR PLASTER OR BRICK WALLS,HOLD THE NOZZLE OF A VACUUM CLEANER UNDER THE DRILL BIT TO SUCK THE DUST AWAY’ New year, new stairs If your staircase lets down the look of your hallway, why not ring the changes for 2018? The Fusion range from Richard Burbidge allows an experienced DIYer to give a tired staircase a modern revamp by fitting replacement parts. Detailed instructions online explain how to remove the old staircase parts and attach new newel posts to the existing base, then add a handrail and your choice of glass (ideal for brightening a dark hall) or metal balustrades. The job should only take a weekend to complete and will give your hall a slick new look for the new year. Smart security Yale’s Conexis…

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PINT OF SANTA’S MILK (45P, ASDA) READY ON CHRISTMAS EVE – THE BIG MAN GETS THIRSTY! Boxing Day buffet essential If you’re having friends and family over for Boxing Day lunch, then the previous day’s leftovers aren’t really going to cut it. Before the big day, head to Iceland and stock up on its frozen ready-to-cook dishes – they’re quick and easy to prepare and a practical choice for the festive season, since you store them in the freezer – perfect when there’s no fridge space left. We love the Turkey & Gammon Wellington – layers of both meats packed with a pork, cranberry and apricot stuffing, all wrapped in delicious puff pastry. Cheese, please! Christmas isn’t complete without a posh cheeseboard and Co-Op’s Irresistible…

A  Alice Caroline 01386 725000, alicecaroline.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645, amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210, annabeljames.co.uk Anthology anthology.uk.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476, anthropologie.com Appliances Direct 0871 984 4416, appliancesdirect.co.uk Argos argos.co.uk B  B&Q 0333 014 3098, diy.com Bathstore 0330 053 5661, bathstore.com Better Bathrooms 0844 484 7678, betterbathrooms.com BHS 0344 411 6000, bhs.co.uk Black by Design 01889 502716, black-by-design.co.uk C  California Shutters 0800 195 0196, californiashutters.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444, carpetright.co.uk Casa Ceramica 0161 870 2108, casaceramica.co.uk Cath Kidston 0333 320 2663, cathkidston.com Co-Op 0800 068 6727, co-op.co.uk Country Baskets countrybaskets.co.uk Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123, coxandcox.co.uk Cream Cornwall 01326 617177, creamcornwall.co.uk Creative Tops 01536 207710, creative-tops.com Culture Label 020 7908 1627, culturelabel.com Currys 0344 561 0000, currys.co.uk D  Debenhams 0344 800 8877, debenhams.com Designerpaint 01323…

3 of the best… CHRISTMAS CUSHIONS…

Just like the shimmer of a dragonfly’s wings or a mermaid’s tail, this super slick trend features all the colours of the rainbow, each one dazzling as it catches the light. Add this lustre effect to your home with bold vases, cutlery and glassware to make a colourful statement. For an iridescent look that’s a little more subtle, opt for pearlescent pinks and purples – they have a softer feel, but look just as impressive.…

When my partner Ian and I bought this Victorian villa in 2015, it was an ex-rental property that had been empty for six months before we moved in,’ says Hester. ‘Everything was very Eighties and the whole place needed plenty of love and attention. Fortunately, I’m used to that! Our previous home was a rental property and we did a deal with the landlord where he offered us a cheap rent in exchange for our renovating the house. I’ve always loved crafting, but the prospect of doing up my own home ignited something in me, and friends began asking me to teach them how to make some of the pieces I’d created. It led to me giving up my former career as a make-up artist to explore a whole new…

1 Go for gold Give a neutral living room a glam Christmas look with a chic gold and cream scheme. Deck the tree with glass baubles and gold stars, then add a stack of foil-wrapped gifts underneath. Bring in more gold accents around the room on lighting and accessories. 2 Bauble bouquet Make a table centrepiece with spare baubles. Cut lengths of wire and push a piece into the end of each bauble. Fill a vase with oasis and arrange the bauble sticks as you would flowers, adding foliage and berries to finish. 3 EASY MAKE Decorate pillar candles with scented cinnamon sticks. Use short, chunky candles, trimming cinnamon sticks to the same height, then hot-gluing into place around the outside of the candle. Tie with bakers’ twine to secure.…

‘VISIT WORKTOP WEBSITES AS MANY HAVE CLOSE-UPS OF THE REPRODUCTION AND GRAIN REPEAT.YOU CAN ALSO ORDER SAMPLES OF YOUR FAVOURITES’ Ruby Larvin, Wilsonart Advances in photographic quality and colour printing have had a serious impact on the realism of wood-look worktops. The best examples are almost impossible to tell apart from the real deal, making going faux a seriously attractive proposition. Q What are wood-look worktops made from? Essentially, they are laminate worktops. The core material is a high-density chipboard or particleboard, built up with laminated layers, including a decorative top layer that’s basically a very high-quality photograph of timber. Q How does it compare to real wood? Purists argue you can’t beat the natural beauty of solid wood, but faking it has distinct advantages. For a start, laminate can…

Champion dancers Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace are two of the most popular stars to have appeared on TV’s Strictly Come Dancing. Now you have the chance to see them perform in an exclusive one-off showcase in Vienna. On this eight-day river cruise, you’ll join Vincent and Flavia for a private ballroom masterclass, plus get to visit Budapest, Linz, Passau and the Wachau Valley. Travel in style on a state-of-the art ship, with all meals, drinks and excursions included. It will truly be a holiday to remember! Luxury cruise includes Private performance by Vincent and Flavia in Vienna, plus ballroom masterclass Return flights from a choice of five UK airports; taxes and transfers Seven nights’ luxury accommodation* All meals, drinks**, tips and gratuities All listed activities and excursions Price and…

NUTTY COUSCOUS & GARLICKY JACKETS TAKES 1 HR 15MIN SERVES 6-8 FOR THE COUSCOUS 350g barley couscous 1tsp each ground coriander and ground cumin 700ml hot chicken stock 6tbsp olive oil 4tbsp tomato purée 100g walnuts, chopped 100g hazelnuts, chopped 3tbsp pomegranate molasses 2tbsp each coriander and parsley, chopped pomegranate seeds FOR THE JACKETS 20 small potatoes 100g butter, softened 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1tbsp chopped parsley 1 Put couscous in a large bowl with the spices. Pour the stock over. Cover bowl and set aside to absorb liquid. Mix in remaining ingredients and season. 2 To make jackets, preheat oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Cut a thin slice off the base of each potato so they sit neatly in a roasting tray. Using a melon-baller, scoop a hole in…

Win £150! Post your snap on Instagram with the #SAHwintermakes hashtag and our favourite picture will win a Hobbycraft gift card worth £150! See terms and conditions on page 121…