Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Homes & Gardens

Festive fever will now be beginning to set in for most of us, so for this month’s issue we have gone all out with inspiration for decorating, hosting and gifting. My favourite feature is the stunning shoot by interior stylist Katrin Cargill, as featured on the cover and page 23. The inspiration was Swedish elegance, and the palette soft pinks, shimmering silvers and fir greens. I find it utterly charming. I also love our colourful entertaining story, for which we collaborated with top chef Ravinder Bhogal from restaurant Jikoni to come up with an unusual celebratory feast (page 79). Then we have our annual gift guide (page 33), a stunning wreaths story (page 128) and a look at Christmassy gems from our 100-year-old archive (page 68). Today I’m writing from…

DESIGN DEVOTEES AVID GARDENERS LITTLE ONES TRENDY TEENS FINE FOODIES OUTDOOR TYPES ZEN SEEKERS…

SECRET ADDRESS Oak Beam UK, just outside Cirencester. John Rawlinson and his team have an enormous range of beautiful reclaimed oak beams. The workshop is set in a barn carpeted in at least four inches of wood shavings – wonderful. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT I enjoy using pattern, colour and scale. I believe opening the door to a guest cloakroom should be a thrill – something of a Mr Tumnus moment. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? I think the question should be ‘how’. I find ideas everywhere: it might be the shadow a chair casts on a floor that translates into a panelling design or a bathroom tiling layout. DESIGN HERO? Paul Dupré-Lafon, the Art Deco designer-architect, who I discovered while I worked at the David Collins Studio. He was…

LEAF PEEPING  The United States is famous for its wondrous autumnal treetop canopies. Timing your view of the most enchanting colours can be tricky, but up here in the Smokies, the sweeping views of gold and auburn are near unparalleled. FONTANA LAKE  The damming of Little River in the Forties formed this long, slender lake on the park’s southern border. Hire a boat from Fontana Village for a day on the water, or for the more adventurous travellers, the kayaking is nothing short of superb. APPALACHIAN TRAIL  Considerable stamina and time is needed to walk the entirety of this hike that runs from Georgia to Maine. Luckily, the part that intersects the Great Smoky Mountains is beautiful, and routes can be tailored to your energy levels and schedule.…

PULL UP A CHAIR AT JIKONI Warm, welcoming and wonderful are the words that best sum up Jikoni, Ravinder Bhogal’s restaurant in London’s Marylebone – and the location of this shoot. Scented with spice and sweetness, her dishes are inspired by her mixed global heritage, with influences coming from Kenya, India and the UK. Fans include Nigella Lawson and Yotam Ottolenghi. ‘Christmas is a time for people to come together and celebrate their traditions,’ says Ravinder. ‘It’s nice to present guests with dishes they’re familiar with, but then to get them excited by an unexpected flavour or hit of spice.’ She recommends big platters for this time of year – easier to prepare and ‘they make the table look like a banquet’. Jikoni, 19-21 Blandford St, London W1U 3DG; jikonilondon.com…

Emma Pocock and her husband Ben had no idea of the mammoth task that lay ahead of them when they bought their chalet in Morzine, in the French Alps. Seduced by its location and potential as a rental property, the pair found themselves the owners of a large, run-down property in the centre of town. ‘We were very lucky to find it,’ says Emma. ‘It’s on a quiet street, yet only a two-minute walk from the ski lifts.’ It certainly wasn’t the chalet’s ‘un-charming’ looks that first appealed. The property was set out in two separate flats, with a confusion of badly executed extensions. ‘It had started off as a shepherd’s hut that had been built onto numerous times, with three unattached sections accessed by exterior staircases.’ Undaunted by the…

BIGGEST INDULGENCE  The trust of our clients. They gave us the freedom to make big changes and never interfered. In fact, they told us they felt the more they interfered, the weaker the design would become. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT  We were on a budget for the art, so we bought most of it at auction. Bold frames have given every piece a new personality. GO-TO DESIGNER OR BRAND  I deeply respected the late architect David Collins – I even once wrote to him, applying for a job. He wrote back, thanking me for the analysis of his style. FAVOURITE BUILDING  The Westerkerk in Amsterdam – we can glimpse its tower from our home. ON MY COFFEE TABLE  Modern Art Desserts by Caitlin Freeman.…

An obsession with plants coupled with years of experience in the family’s weaving business helped hone Olivier and Trudy Vico’s appreciation of texture, colour and design. The layout and planting of their two-acre garden at Domaine du Ooievaar, a farmstead in the Flemish Ardennes, reflects this creativity and epitomises their desire to enjoy this idyllic outdoor space. It took 20 years to transform the abandoned property. ‘We saw the potential to harness the wide open space and create a unique garden,’ explains Olivier. The mid-19th century brick farmhouse and outbuildings, creating a large, internal courtyard, became integral to Olivier’s garden plan. Here, he built a parterre, with clipped box (Buxus sempervirens) hedging and yew (Taxus baccata) topiary providing structure, filled with a tangle of seasonal bulbs, flowers and grasses. Beyond…

Smart and sophisticated, Oxford Navy was named after the renowned university’s insignia. It has an alluring richness and when paired with a pop of red and a festive wreath, the inky shade takes on a whole new seasonal look. While it can create a stunning backdrop for the metallic colours of the festive month, teamed with crisp whites and earthy woods, it has all the makings of an elegant classic. Wall and woodwork in Oxford Navy chalk paint, from £5.95 for 120ml, Annie Sloan…

NEPTUNE The Wiltshire-based furniture company has a reputation for top-quality products, using cutting-edge technologies to precision-make every piece. Styles range from Provençal chic to Gustavian grandeur, neptune.com. ANTHROPOLOGIE Designs for the clothing retailer’s constantly changing selection of home accessories, such as textured bedlinen, colourful quilts and patterned duvet sets, are inspired by the worlds of fashion, entertaining and art, anthropologie.com. NINA CAMPBELL Each season, the renowned interior designer sources unusual Christmas decorations that display style, character and humour. They’re ideal for adding extra sparkle to any room of the house, shop.ninacampbell.com. VAUGHAN DESIGNS Known for exceptional craftsmanship, this designer and manufacturer offers an expanding collection of lighting, including chandeliers, lanterns table lamps and wall sculptures, in styles to suit all tastes, vaughandesigns.com.…

1. DOUBLE UP Pair slim tube extractors for real impact. This kitchen by Australia-based Auhaus Architecture features cooker hoods in a brass finish. Elica’s Tube Pro Island in stainless steel, £999, is a similar shape. 2. OVER ARCHING This hood by bespoke kitchen and furniture company Hetherington Newman is more than a match for the Officine Gullo cooker. The extractor is a version of Westin’s Bloque canopy, from £873. 3. CENTRE STAGE Shown in the Twelve kitchen by Carlo Colombo for Poliform, the steel island extractor, from £8,300 at Poliform, has a powerful presence yet is high enough not to obscure the chef’s view into the room. 4. SMART DETAIL Tiling the extractor ducting right up to the ceiling enhances the sense of height in this Gunter & Co kitchen.…

1 If we all had an army of elves busying away all year, we might be able to cram the whole of Christmas into just one night too, but we are not Santa – and life doesn’t work that way. So my first tip is not to treat this month like an un-merry marathon or to bite off more of the metaphorical mince pie than you can chew. My list is really a non-list list of things that are nice and helpful to do, but not essential. If you skip a step or two, panic not, have a marzipan fruit, or perhaps a sherry – Christmas will still be magical. 2 When it comes to pre-Christmas entertaining make nothing individual: no canapés, nothing that comes in its own cocotte. Instead,…

■ 2010 Its twisting loops won the Plumen 001 low-energy light bulb instant design status and immediately meant lampshades were now optional, and having an ecoconscience was cool. ■ 2015 Collaboration between furniture designer Sebastian Cox and deVol delivered an urban-meets-rustic kitchen in British-grown beech and ash, with Cox’s meticulous detailing. ■ 2016 Soho House launched Soho Home to meet demand for products seen in its hotels that the clientele covets. Its glassware, Burleigh Hibiscus china and exclusive cushions are must-have pieces. ■ 2016 William Morris’ designs are given a revelatory new look in the Morris & Co Pure fabrics and wallpaper collection. It explores the nature of his monochrome designs to sensational effect. ■ 2019 His ‘poetic design’ has established Russell Pinch as a leading creator of furniture and…

When it comes to my Christmas Day menu, I’m a classic girl at heart. I’ll have my signature Prosecco-brined turkey breast with Brussels sprouts and speck (above right) and glossy glazed ham on the table. Cloudy Bay makes my favourite pinot so that’s a must. Plus, I love to bring a showstopper dessert to the table. Little (and big!) kids get such a thrill, and when else do you get the excuse to be so festive? It doesn’t have to be daunting: pile a pavlova high with berries. My guests round the table this year will be, as always, my extended family and friends. I don’t get much time in my busy schedule to see my family as much as I would like, so I really love it when we…

Instagram inspiration Currently residing in the North Yorkshire moors, Parisian @carole.poirot’s feed is full of joie de vivre. How would you describe your Instagram account? A bit of everything I’m interested in. Food, interiors, people – documenting life and sometimes work. Who would you recommend we follow and why? A beautiful account full of ‘quiet’ shots and moments is @augustinaugustine. For understated and delicate elegance @jo_rodgers, and @kathryn_davey for gorgeous naturally dyed textiles. CURVE APPEAL Known for its strong track record in supporting original design talent, Heal’s has added decorative artist Genevieve Bennett to its impressive offering. Her Knot motif can be seen across mirrors and lighting – and in the Knot rug, £699. TAKE IT HOME Two stalwarts of eclectic design, Soho Home and Anthropologie, have joined forces. The…

Christmas in the Cotswolds home of Katherine and James Hiddlestone is made special. Here, baubles twinkle on boughs, stair rails are entwined with ivy and mistletoe dangles from beams. On a late afternoon, as candles flicker against panelled walls, it is easy to imagine centuries of festive prosperity filling this Georgian townhouse. But the picture wasn’t always this idyllic. Built in 1703 for a prosperous merchant, the house was later acquired by the local brewery and turned into a pub. In the 1980s a solicitor moved in, installing a huge safe and partitioning the interior into a warren of offices. By 1990, however, the four-storey property was back in private ownership. James grew up in the village and would walk past the house on his way to school. ‘I’d always…

MAKE: A WREATH FOR CHRISTMAS A home-made wreath will give a wonderful first impression as your guests arrive. Head to Daylesford Organic’s Gloucestershire HQ for courses running until the 20 December (daylesford.com). Grace Alexander Flowers in Somerset is hosting morning and afternoon workshops on the 7 December (gracealexander flowers.co.uk), or, if you are in the capital, Aesme (pictured) in Shepherd’s Bush has sessions on the 7 and 14 December (aesme.co.uk). € STAY: MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE, BRAY Monkey Island is located on a stretch of the Thames that runs through the sleepy village of Bray. Sleepy it may be, but this Berkshire outpost has developed an international reputation for world-class cuisine, with two of the country’s five three-Michelin-star restaurants in the unlikely foodie hotspot. All Bray needed was a luxury hotel…

1 OUR YULETIDE COVERS USED TO BE PAINTERLY SCENES, SNOW-CAPPED HOUSES AND CANDLELIT TREES. OR, AS IN 1960, A FAIRY-TALE IMAGE OF A COUPLE, THEIR CASTLE AND A ROAMING FLOCK OF TURKEYS. 2 TWELVE GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS Entertainment in 1937 was charmingly simple. A list of games to play with the family included Bead Threading, with the rules as follows: stand a large bowl of wooden beads in the middle of the table. Provide each player with a length of string, then get them to thread as many beads as they can on their cord. Have a time limit of two to three minutes, then count the beads and see who has made the longest chain. Other suggestions were just as straightforward: Luck at the Tea Table Bouncing Balls Needle…

Relaxing on Kerran and Sam Langley’s veranda at Lumière Lodge in Tasmania, you can easily picture yourself back among the original quarry workers and bush rangers, who settled here in 1804. Step inside, though, and you’ll find a beautiful home filled with modern-day comforts. Kerran and Sam grew up in Hobart and married two years ago. Their Victorian weatherboarded house sits on a wide tree-lined avenue in their home town – 20 minutes from Mount Wellington and five minutes from the sea. The renovation was an ambitious project that included replacing a tired Sixties extension with a more capacious addition that is home to an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. With a welcoming central fireplace, cosy furnishings and French doors that lead to a courtyard, there is a feeling…

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS I love natural foliage and wood, mixed with white fairy lights and antique mirror. CHRISTMAS ISN’T CHRISTMAS WITHOUT… A tree and as many family and friends as we can squeeze in. FAVOURITE FESTIVE SMELLS Eucalyptus and The White Company’s Winter candle. GO-TO COLOUR A smoky blue-green BIGGEST INDULGENCE IN THE PROJECT Importing concrete tiles from Morocco. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT Cladding the walls in the wood from Norway.…

Cool, calm and collected is an apt description of the home of Tine Kjeldsen and her husband Jacob Fossum, founders of the Danish interiors brand Tine K. Their 19th-century country home, near Odense in Denmark, was once a doctor’s house, but behind its elegant period façade lies a deceptively modern decor. Tine and Jacob bought the house in 2005, lured by its idyllic location and the opportunity to raise their children Klara, now 19, Tilde, 17, and Konrad, 13, in the countryside. ‘We moved here for space,’ explains Tine. ‘Original features, such as the exposed beams, still existed in the house and we also loved the two wooden buildings in the garden – one is now used as a playhouse for the children and the other has a huge fireplace…

HAWTHORN AND WILLOW COLOUR TWIST In the pale of winter the brilliant, coloured stems of Cornus sanguinea Winter Flame (bottom right), coral bark willow and crack willow erupt. Their pliable switches are easily entwined to create colourful circlets or wreath bases. Add golden highlights, orange hawthorn berries (left) and faded, filigree hydrangea heads for warmth before finishing with a flourish of fresh seasonal snippings, such as holly (top right), ivy and mistletoe (centre right). FEATHER AND THISTLEDOWN CHRISTMAS CROWN A winter’s walk will reveal an abundance of the countryside’s seasonal treasures. In a gently faded palette of ivory, burnished gold and brown, frosted teasels (top right), downy, ermine thistle heads, bunched berries, pine cones (centre right) and lost pheasant feathers (bottom right) abound. Nestle foraged finds in a comely crown,…

GREAT ESCAPE A trick often missed when revamping a spare room is to make it feel as comfortable as other rooms in the house. Add cushions and layer fabrics, or carve out a snug sleeping area and decorate with dark, cosseting tones. If the room layout is narrow, a single bed might slide in horizontally under a window. Then one option is to hang a curtain at each end of the bed, creating an alcove. Alternatively, copy Beata Heuman’s scheme shown here, which boxes in the bed area with a theatrical frame. To ramp up the cosiness, paint the interior of the alcove a different colour from the exterior. Use the same treatment for the curtains by interlining them with a shade that matches the bed nook. UP AND DOWN…

HAVING TRAINED at the Ilam School of Fine Arts in her native New Zealand, artist GrAzie moved to London 14 years ago, around the time the UK’s street-art movement was making waves. Inspired, she channelled a lifelong passion for colour and pop culture into creating modern portrayals of people and imagery throughout history, from the likes of Kate Moss and David Bowie to the iconic Coca-Cola logo. Despite her signature ‘faceless painting’ style, her canvases are not short of personality; using a mix of materials, from spray paint to diamond dust, she brings her subjects to life. Here, GrAzie tells us more. Talk us through your working process… I work on stretched canvas, building up layer upon layer of colour and texture before adding in finer details – a pop…

DESIGNERS Yousef Mansuri and Hayley Kent, CP Hart, 0345 600 1950, cphart.co.uk. THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom new build in Buckinghamshire. DESIGN BRIEF One of two en suites leading from the master bedroom, this space was designed for the man of the house. The brief called for a bold aesthetic with layers of texture. DIMENSIONS 3x2.4m LAYOUT The exterior of this one-off new build by EAB Homes features references to the Art Deco period. Here, that inspiration continues in the form of symmetry. ‘The layout is focused on the vanity, which is central to the room’s double-door entrance, which is reflected in the vanity mirror,’ says Yousef. SURFACES Yousef introduced textured, three-dimensional tiles on the walls to lift the inky colour palette and bring an extra design dimension. The tiles feature…

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“I ALWAYS DECORATE THE BANISTER, THE FOCAL POINT OF THE HALLWAY. I LIKE IT TO BE BUSY, STARTING WITH LOTS OF FOLIAGE AND ADDING RED BOWS, APPLES, BERRIES AND CANDY CANES”SOPHIE CONRAN, owner and founder, sophieconran.com “INVEST IN A BEAUTIFUL FAUX IVY GARLAND; THEY LOOK VERY REAL AND CAN BE USED YEAR AFTER YEAR. EMBELLISH THE LEAVES WITH BERRIES OR GARDEN GREENERY FOR DIFFERENT LOOKS”ANNABEL LEWIS, owner, VV Rouleaux, vvrouleaux.com…

“MY ADVICE IS TO LAY THE TABLE THE NIGHT BEFORE. IT’S IMPORTANT TO ENJOY OURSELVES, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE’RE HOSTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS; THERE IS A LOT OF PRESSURE FOR EVERYTHING TO BE PERFECT”LESLEY YOUEL, stylist, John Lewis & Partners, johnlewis.com “AS GUESTS WILL BE LINGERING AROUND THE TABLE, PUT CUSHIONS ON YOUR DINING CHAIRS, AND AS WE TEND TO EAT LATER IN THE DAY, CANDLELIGHT WILL ADD THAT SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SPARKLE”NICOLE SALVESEN, co-founder, Salvesen Graham, salvesengraham.com…

HAIR OF THE DOG Prepare your hosts for the morning after with this Bloody Mary Gift Box, containing all you need to make the perfect Boxing Day pick-me-up. With Cotswolds artisan vodka, organic tomato juice, peppercorns and celery salt, they’ll be raring to go by brunch! £70, Daylesford, daylesford.com SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Our favourite master of taste, Ottolenghi is making it easier than ever to experiment in the kitchen with this new hamper of spices. Sixteen attractive jars contain a tempting variety, from sumac and baharat to ground dried lime. £65, Ottolenghi, ottolenghi.co.uk IN A PICKLE Make Christmas lunch leftovers even tastier with the Particularly British Piccalilli, a classic that packs a punch of sharpness and crunch. £5.50 for 260g, Tracklements, tracklements.co.uk SWEET SURPRISE Whether you’ve been naughty or…

Q Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I did an art foundation course at Central Saint Martins in London and went on to study art history at University of Leeds. I had always admired the work of Kit Kemp, the creative visionary behind Firmdale Hotels, and the opportunity to work as the design assistant on her London team came up when I finished university. I was instantly immersed in the diverse, bright and layered aesthetic, guided by the powerful mentorship of Kit and the wider design team. Over the years I began to head up bigger projects, which eventually led to me moving to New York to launch the NYC studio. Q How did you begin making your art? It was always something I was involved…

DISPLAYING ART To keep the revived interior of the period house fresh, a mix of traditional and modern art was sourced. These giclée prints by SYRETT (above) add lively colour to the subtle classic backdrop. Find work by this artist and others at Runway Gallery. Take your interest further by attending one of the gallery’s informal Soho Salon supper clubs, with a three-course meal, a life-drawing class and a talk by an artist. WHERE TO SOURCE ORIGINAL WORKS An eclectic art collection creates impact and adds personality to your scheme. BEDROOM JOINERY Interior designer Garry Meakins created wardrobes to frame the door to the new en suite as a deliberate contrast to the more traditional woodwork elsewhere in the house. The green colour is echoed inside the bathroom, while the…

Q Tell us about your family and the Petersham dynasty. When I was 11, my family moved from Kensington to a beautiful Queen Anne house in Richmond and I remember being so excited to be surrounded by gardens and trees. A nursery had been carved out of the grounds of the house in the Seventies, and when the owner retired he asked my parents if they would like to buy it. That marked the beginning of my family’s journey to create a sustainable and organic nursery, filled with beautiful plants, handcrafted furniture, gifts and seasonal produce. Q Can you share your sustainability and slow-living ethos? Most of our ethically produced, organic food, including the meat, eggs and vegetables for our restaurants, comes from my brother Harry’s farm in Devon, where…

GO-TO COLOUR I don’t have a favourite, but I love shades with less pop and more dirty, earthy tones. BIGGEST SUCCESS Not being scared to use colour. This, combined with natural light and evening mood lighting, creates a beautiful ambience. GREATEST INDULGENCE A claw-foot bath. MAIN SOURCE OF INSPIRATION Our little island. It’s hard not to be inspired by the wild and rugged landscapes that have been shaped by the seasons, and the stories of early explorers and settlers. MY STYLE IN THREE WORDS  Quirky, romantic and moody.…

GO-TO COLOURS  Camel, soft white and pale grey. BIGGEST INDULGENCE  The light that embraces each room creates a feeling of being close to nature and almost outside. SECRET ADDRESS  Once a month I visit Suzanne Varming, a small antiques shop in Odense, and I buy old silver frames and beautiful old glass vases from her. MUSEUM TO VISIT  The CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art in Middelfart, and the Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen. I’LL NEVER PART WITH...  The little things and pictures our children have created. Everything else can be replaced.…

‘A BEAUTIFULLY FADED BLUE HYDRANGEA CHRISTMAS WREATH IS UNIQUE AND SLIGHTLY “ALTERNATIVE” WITHOUT BEING REBELLIOUS’SHANE CONNOLLY, florist Gardeners love to gather a host of cherished spent flowers and seed heads. Hung up to dry, their forms create delicate winter decorations. The unique alchemy of desiccation turns baby-blue hydrangeas (left) into vintage verdigris, while indigo eryngiums (top right) become steely and metallic. Complement these muted tones with blue-hued spruce (centre right) on a ready-made fir wreath base and add highlights of silvery eucalyptus. This beautiful no-need-to-water wreath will continue to self-desiccate creating a re-usable Christmas decoration.…

DECORATING A SPARE BEDROOM In your zeal to be creative in every other area of your home, don’t forget the spare room, says Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. ‘To make it inviting think about texture. Fabric walling doesn’t have to cost a fortune and will transform the space, making it look sophisticated while feeling cosy and warm.’ By the same token, use proper Roman blinds or curtains. Also be a bit punchier with pattern or colour. ‘You can risk it here,’ says Irene. Make sure the guest room doesn’t have a neglected ambience and hang as many pictures as you’d have in your own bedroom. Then add details, such as fresh flowers or even faux flowers – the best ones will make the spare room look ready for…

OUR homes might have to work harder over the festive season, but discover the secret of effortless entertaining and you’ll feel just as relaxed as your guests. The trick is to get everything in place way before the doorbell rings. Check out Swoon for an exceptional dining table for festive meals, clever seating for casual drinks and accessories that add ambiance to any occasion. RAISE A GLASS Bring a sideboard or home bar into the living room to avoid trips back and forth to the kitchen. Along with eye-catching mid-century styling, Swoon’s Fresco bar cabinet has a marble top, bottle storage and wine glass rack to keep everything close at hand. Nesting Seymour side tables provide the ideal place to set down glasses. BE FLEXIBLE Occasional seating works best when…

CABINETRY Bespoke kitchen in grey-stained oak veneer, around £48,000. Design by De Rosee Sa, made by Urban Living Constructions. Lighting consultancy, Veritais APPLIANCES H 6090 BP single oven, £7,596; KM 3034-1 gas hob, £1,719; DA 3496 integrated cooker hood, £669.97; G7365 SCVi XXL integrated dishwasher, £1,499; K 1801 Vi integrated refrigerator, £7,499; F 1472 Vi integrated freezer, £7,199; KWT 4154 UG-1 wine cooler, £2,299, all Miele SINK & TAPS Mode 150 undermounted sink £299.99, Caple. Tara Ultra tap, £1,134; Elio single-lever mixer tap, £665, both Dornbracht SURFACES Moonrock granite worktops and splashbacks, £390sq m, MGLW. Walls in Manor House Gray estate emulsion; ceiling in Skimming Stone estate emulsion, both £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Engineered oak herringbone flooring, from £135sq m, Barbers Flooring ACCESSORIES Black Academy five-light pendant, £350,…

FITTINGS Cielo Milano basin and vanity unit, £4,485; Dornbracht Deque three-piece matt black basin mixer, £1,743.96; Dornbracht Symetrics overhead shower in matt black, £1,291.56; Dornbracht Symetrics hand-shower set in matt black, £738.48; Dornbracht Deque thermostatic shower valve in matt black, £2,762.65; Drench Frahm Crittall-style wet-room panel, 120cm wide, £2,625.84, all CP Hart SURFACES Basel Black Hexagon 30x90cm wall tiles, £44.95sq m; Plain 30x90cm wall tiles, £44.95sq m; Plain 60x60cm floor tiles, £49.95sq m, all Luna Tile and Stone. Wall (seen in mirror) in Heritage Midnight Teal vinyl matt emulsion, £33.40 for 2.5L, Dulux ACCESSORIES Glow LED 120cm-wide mirror, £462, CP Hart…

THE INSTAGRAM APP, launched in 2010, started a revolution in transferable imagery that took the design world by storm. It allows users to share photos and videos and gain followers, spreading the word on trends instantly. Clicking a hashtag on a post brings up other images with the same keyword from around the world, offering inspiration for room makeovers. ‘Instagram has captivated us since its early days,’ says Emma Pocock of interior designers Turner Pocock. ‘We mix shots of our work with other interiors that inspire us and the more colourful our posts, the more likes we get!’ Consequently, restaurants, hotels and then our homes started to be designed with an eye for what looked good on the ’gram. Bright, graphic shades, pastels, houseplants – the app’s billion users turned…

I love to decorate my home with nativity scenes. Ever since we got married, my husband and I have collected them, and we’re now the proud owners of more than 50 from all around the world. They range from a tiny salt nativity scene from Bolivia and exquisite examples in glass domes to a Barbie and Ken tableau made by my children. We pride ourselves on extraordinary tree displays, sometimes suspending them from the ceiling. But since moving to our old school house, we realise that the ceiling is too high and for ethical reasons we can’t waste such a tall tree. So last year we had a paper honeycomb version from The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk). My dream place for flowers is Kitten Grayson Flowers (kittengrayson.com); her ‘chandeliers’ are things…

My favourite tablescape look is more is more! I really go all out at Christmas. It doesn’t mean having to spend lots of money but I like it to look abundant. I forage for things and re-use elements, such as old wooden chopping boards, to give height to votives at the centre. Fruit, such as clementines with their stalks on and pears, look stunning and seasonal, and I like to add tall gold candlesticks with hot-pink candles for pops of colour. I love personalised place settings. Small cellophane bags filled with homemade fudge and tied with a ribbon and name tag is an attractive sight. If really stretched for time, I’ve been known to use a silver pen to write place names on leaves collected from the garden; simple but…

BRAISED SOUR RED CABBAGE WITH POMEGRANATE I’ve made a favourite recipe even more Christmassy with seasonal pomegranates, adding a vibrant, acidic tang to Christmas lunch SERVES 4 2 tbsp olive oil 2 red onions, thinly sliced ½ large red cabbage (or 1 small one), cored and thinly sliced 100ml red wine vinegar 150ml water 3 tbsp brown sugar 50ml pomegranate molasses 3 juniper berries Pinch of ground cloves Seeds from ½ pomegranate Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper ■ Heat the olive oil in a large pan (I use a wok) and gently fry the onions for 8 minutes, or until they have softened and started to take on a golden tinge. Add the cabbage and stir-fry for 5 minutes. ■ Pour over the vinegar, water and sugar,…