Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Ideal Home

Every family has its Christmas traditions, but now and then they get shaken up. For mine, the arrival of the littlest Richmonds brought back the Christmas Eve excitement (putting out mince pies for Father Christmas; watching his progress via the USA’s NORAD tracker at noradsanta.org). Then, after losing Pa Richmond, we wanted Christmas to be more about the experiences than the stuff. However you do Christmas, this issue is designed to support and surprise you! From gifts and food, to lovely ways to decorate, it’s full of ideas and new twists on the traditions to make it all the more magical. Enjoy……

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All spaces ‘These colours work well in any setting – from raw linens and worn leather in this classic country dining room, to velvet sofas and metal accessories in a contemporary living room,’ says decorating editor Nicky Phillips. Warmer walls ‘Start with muted earthy hues, such as mocha or taupe, for the walls and introduce a piece of furniture in an accent shade,’ says Jane Rockett of Rockett St George “I normally use two or three colours in a room, but you need at least three of these – in varying shades – to provide depth and interest”NICKY PHILLIPS , DECORATING EDITOR Darker twist ‘This room is a deeper, moodier take on earthy neutrals. The contrasting white accents cut through the darker shades for a fresher feel – without them,…

Mirror them Walls in Royal Navy absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Mariinsky Damask Antique Mirror wallpaper, £90 for 10m, Cole & Son. Iggy armchair in Squirrel velvet, £990, Sofa.com. Blade navy rug, £299, Modern Rugs. Stirling bar trolley, £279, Atkin and Thyme. ON TROLLEY Lena brass cooler, £72; stoneware plate, £10, both Rowen & Wren. Gold cocktail shaker, £45; red wine glasses, £58 for six, both Amara. Paper honeycombs, from a selection, Pipii. ON MANTEL Blue fir garland, £21; crystal berry branch, £18, both Gisela Graham. Abigail Ahern faux dusk pine stem, £15; Bell jar, £26, both Rose & Grey. Pine cone lit garland, £6, Wilko. ON CHAIR Navy star cushion, £134, Amara. Navy herringbone throw, £90, Bronte by Moon at John Lewis & Partners Ombré effect…

From top left: A coat of paint and shelves edged with pompom trim transforms this old wooden cabinet in the bathroom; soft grey walls let the couple’s eclectic collection of antique furniture, gilt frames and colourful rugs stand out in the snug; Claire had the front door wreath made by a local florist; bespoke painted walls bring colour and pattern into the otherwise plain bathroom.…

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or first-time maker, there’s no better time of year to get creative, so avoid the high-street crowds and head to Hobbycraft for all you need for a handmade Christmas. DECK THE HALLS Decorating your home for Christmas is one of the many joys of the festive season and, thanks to Hobbycraft, you don’t need to be an expert to make your own beautiful bespoke home decor. There are dozens of great-value supplies on-hand for you to personalise with your unique style. Create a Christmas scene from ceramic Scandi houses, complete with bottlebrush trees and glowing tea lights, finished with a sprinkle of fake snow. Greet guests with a unique festive wreath to dress your door or begin the countdown with exciting Advent calendar ideas. When…

HOW TO GET THERE Fly British Airways or Easyjet direct to Copenhagen from just £35. THE LOCAL AREA Big enough to have world-class museums and eye-popping architecture, it’s also intimate enough for cobbled back streets and indie bars – it’s where hygge meets hipster. WHAT TO SEE AND DO The numerous Christmas markets are a joy. Try the quirky Freetown Christiania with its fine handicrafts and handmade jewellery, and Nyhavn market at the old harbour, for delicious food and mulled wine. WHERE TO STAY A budget-friendly, minimalist hotel in a central location, Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade (wakeupcopenhagen.dk) is carefully kitted out with classic Danish designer pieces.…

Hobbycraft has everything you need to make your Christmas totally unique. The new collection brings together all of this year’s festive favourites, as well as a flurry of seasonal classics and crafting kits, so you can mix and match pieces and create your own, to transform your home into a festive winter wonderland in keeping with your interior style. There’s something for every type of crafter – from spectacular design-your-own decor projects, to crafting kits for creating handmade gifts, cards, wrapping paper and more. Seasoned makers will love the elaborate wreath design assembly kits and the cutting-edge technology of the Cricut seasonal sets, while beginners can try their hand at card-making, baking and knitting simple, yet heartfelt, gifts. Not sure what to make first? You’ll find plenty of inspiration in-store…

HOW RUTH AND ED DID IT ‘We lived in our house for five years before updating the kitchen, once we had a better idea of what would work for us. It was at the back of the house, with a separate dining area behind it in the dark centre of the house, which was a dumping ground for coats and toys. The wall between the front living room and the dining room had been removed, so we reinstated it, then merged the dining room with the kitchen and added a side extension to create a big, open-plan space. We also managed to squeeze in a loo and a storage area. We reused our appliances, as they were fairly new, and our dining chairs because we still liked them and didn’t…

Elaine Brant lives here with her partner Mike Galletley. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom house built in 1937 in Thames Ditton, Surrey. WHAT IT COST Bath.......................£499Basin.....................£204Bespoke drawer...£1,415Shower...............£1,804Taps.......................£706Tiles.....................£3,013Mirror cabinet....£1,644Radiator.................£537 TOTAL...............£9,822 “I love its fresh look and feeling of luxury. The spa-style design makes it a great place to start the day”…

Sleek, hygienic and easy to keep clean, these stylish countertops can be gently curved to avoid sharp edges, and they offer the feel good factor of being reassuringly warm and soft to touch. Q What is solid surface? Solid surface is a man-made material formed from stone and mineral dust, acrylic, resin and pigments. Also known as composite stone, solid surfaces are flexible, and can be seamlessly thermoformed to create curves and shapes. Q Is it similar to Corian? Corian invented solid surface and remains one of the best-known brands, but several manufacturers are now making it, such as LG Hi-MACS and Staron. Ingredients and quality vary between manufacturers – cheap solid surfaces may not offer the same performance or durability as top-end brands. Q Why are solid surfaces good…

1 SEPARATE ZONES TO CREATE VARIETY We regularly use our homes for lots of different activities, including working from home. Think about independent access for each use and how you can separate the zones to achieve a good balance of work and home life. 2 STORAGE IS KEY Families often find storage to be a challenge. Remember to consider space for wheelchairs or buggies to be stowed away. 3 VIEWS MATTER For the more static lifestyle, a pleasant outlook will make for a happier person. Consider the view for people sitting down or even lying in bed for long periods. 4 LIGHTING WORKS WONDERS A well thought-out lighting scheme is key. For example, families need dark spaces for sleep-filled nights. Older generations will need bright rooms to accommodate fading sight.…

“Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machines make the perfect cup without the hassle of grinding, tamping and frothing. Get creative and invest in syrups, speciality milks or flavoured blends, and add some cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg to your milky coffee for a festive treat ”CATHERINE KIDDLE, CUISINART UK Great-value option CEG5311X One Touch bean-to-cup espresso machine with steam wand, £289, Beko For budding baristas on a budget, this 19-bar machine (H38xW23.6xD43.6cm) is a must. Its stainless steel grinder lets you adjust the strength of your espresso and it can take both beans and ground coffee. A nifty steam wand gives you the option to heat and froth your milk exactly the way you like it. THE BEST BIT The pre-brewing system releases oils from your coffee, ensuring a rich, aroma-packed cuppa.…

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST… When The White Company said it had the scoop on the next big tree trend we were all ears! Apparently, the maximalism thing is so over and we should be dressing our trees with just one type of bauble. Simple as. If you try it, the trick is to go large with oversized, texturally interesting decs – like these feathery baubles. One Small Step WHERE’S ALL THE GLITTER GONE? Doing your Christmas shopping this year, you might notice that there’s a distinct lack of sparkle. This is because glitter isn’t eco and everyone’s getting ‘woke’ to that (as the kids say). The big names are on the case: Tesco has plastic-free biodegradable glitter on its plants, flowers and trees, and John Lewis & Partners is…

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‘The problem with all-neutral palettes is that they can feel a little dull,’ says Amber Green. ‘Avoiding that comes down to balance. So, if you’re not bringing in contrast with a vibrant colour, play with light and shade instead.’ ‘Ochre, burnt orange and deep olive accents give rooms life and interest, though,’ says Judy Smith, ‘without being overpowering.’ Jane Rockett adds, ‘I’d mix them with sandy yellows, nudes and dusky pinks.’ ‘Texture is crucial with these colours,’ says Judy. ‘The soft touch of velvets and wool is the perfect partner to warm colours. Materials such as dark wood and exposed brickwork also enhance warmer hues.’ Amber agrees. ‘They’re a great base on which to make a statement with texture, because the palette won’t compete.’ ‘They’re perfect for north-facing rooms,’ says…

MY GO-TO STORES… NAKEN INTERIORS For modern lighting and design-led furnishings. IKEA The epitome of problem-solving in Scandi style. AMARA Designer brands and essentials all in one place. STYLIST’S NOTE “Update your seasonal scheme with wire shapes and origami-style decorations in contemporary white and soft pastels”STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR…

We’re hot for woodburners – eco-friendly and efficient, they give living spaces an attractive focal point. With good advice, yours should last a lifetime. Q Can I have a woodburner? A woodburning stove can be installed pretty much anywhere, but if you live in a Smoke Control Area, you must buy a model listed as exempt. To see if you live in a Smoke Control Area, what rules apply, and for exempt stoves, see smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk. The Government plans to outlaw all but the cleanest stoves by 2022. Q What output do I need? To estimate the output you need in kW, multiply the height, width and length of the space (in metres) and divide by 14. Double glazing, ventilation and cavity wall insulation can all affect this figure – check…

I STARTED MY PORTFOLIO AT JUST FIVE YEARS OLD My first illustration was of a group of little girls getting onto a school bus. They all had a handbag, jewellery, beautiful clothes… the detail was amazing. I love detail. I recently went to see the Bayeux Tapestry and I couldn’t draw my eyes away from the beautiful embroidery. I’ve been back to the Dior exhibition at the V&A Museum about five times, too! I find influence from the intricate beauty in Frida Kahlo’s works, and David Hockney is my hero. MY DRAWINGS ARE ABOUT REACTING TO A MOMENT IN TIME Once the lights go down, I focus solely on capturing my emotive response to the fleeting vision in front of me and let the lines dance across the paper. I…

HOW NATALIE AND GILES DID IT ‘We had a rough idea of what we wanted and worked with an architect, who drew up plans. After finding builders Magic Projects online, we worked with them to adapt and evolve the plans. It was pretty major work and we knew it would take around six months, so we created a temporary kitchen and living area in the loft. There were a few hiccups along the way, for example the bifold doors arrived in the wrong colour so had to be remade, which took a few weeks. Then we found we’d have to have two supporting columns as the cost of a steel running the width of the house was prohibitive. Six months and £140,000 later we had an amazing new space, plus…

Roof windows can transform a dark or dingy room, especially in the mornings. While perfect for loft conversions, roof windows can also be used to brighten up any room with no void between ceiling and roof, such as extensions with flat roofs and mansard rooms. Q What is a roof window? Many people use the words skylight, rooflight and roof window interchangeably. But, according to British Standards, roof windows must be installed in the same orientation and ‘in plane’ with the surrounding roof, typically at a minimum 15 degree pitch and weathered into the roof using a skirt or flashing. Q Which opening method should I choose? The main options are centre pivot or top hung. Centre pivot can be swung around to clean on both sides, and is the…

Selecting taps, tiles, baths and basins are big choices when it comes to designing a bathroom, but don’t underestimate the impact that the right heating solution can have on your room. Q What type of heating should I go for? The three main types are underfloor heating, a radiator or a towel rail. Underfloor heating is great, especially if you’re short on space. Radiators and heated towel rails come in a variety of styles, shapes and colours. Q Where do I start with underfloor heating? Underfloor heating adds everyday luxury to your bathroom. It’s also the eco-friendly option – radiators tend to need water at 70-90º, while a wet underfloor heating system can work at just 50º, so you’ll save on heating bills, too. Warmup underfloor heating at VictoriaPlum.com allows…

When Kate and Andy Strong bought this house in 2012, they knew it was ripe for renovation. ‘It hadn’t been touched for about 30 years and living space was tight,’ says Kate. ‘It came with a big garden though, so we always knew we were going to extend it to create more space.’ They got in touch with Granit Architecture & Interiors, who they’d worked with on a previous house, to draw up plans. ‘Our original intention was to build a rear extension, then convert the loft in the future. The drop from the back of the house to the garden was more than 5ft, which meant it made sense to excavate the basement, as well. My vision was for a bright, open space with a connection to the garden.’…

Beetroot-cured side of salmon TAKES 1hr 25min, plus marinating SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS • 1.2kg fresh side of salmon • 2tbsp fennel seeds • 1tbsp black peppercorns • 175g light soft brown sugar • 115g rock salt • Small bunch of dill, chopped • 1 large beetroot, scrubbed, grated FOR THE ROAST BEETROOT • 12 baby beetroots, scrubbed, trimmed • 2tbsp olive oil • 2tbsp balsamic vinegar • 4 thyme sprigs 1 Check the salmon for bones, remove any. Lay fish skin-side down in a non-metallic dish. 2 Crush the fennel seeds and peppercorns in a pestle and mortar. Mix with the sugar, salt and half the dill in a bowl, then stir in the beetroot. Spread mixture over the fish, tucking a little underneath. Cover with cling film and top with a baking tray, weighed down. Chill for at least 24hrs…

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Yes “Christmas dinner at home feels like it’s just another Sunday roast” Laura Prior, 33, lives in a semi-detached new-build house in Ferring, West Sussex, with her husband, Steve, their son Maddox, four, and daughter Cerenna, two. Laura is a stay-at-home mum. ‘We began spending Christmas Day at The Grand hotel in Brighton in 2012 – and we’ve never looked back. Although my sister and I had left home, we still spent Christmas with our parents. But as we started to accommodate in-laws and children, too, it didn’t seem fair that one or two people (usually Mum and Dad!) had to play host and do all the hard work. It was Mum who suggested we go to a hotel for Christmas dinner. The men were concerned that spending Christmas away…

Mirror them Use made-to-measure glass (a classic New York apartment trick), tiles, or mirror-effect wallpaper like this to boost light and the sense of space. Ombré effect Forget flat colour – use graduated shades of the same colour between shelves to bring those functional corners to life. Log stacks A simple solution that adds texture, natural colour and cosiness to a room – plus no more trips out into the cold to restock the log basket… Statement shelving Make book storage more beautiful – but still just as functional – by wall-mounting cube or box shelves in a diagonal pattern. Serving nook Put even narrow alcoves to use with short lengths of worktop or scaffolding plank to hold tableware and condiments – saving you a schlep to the kitchen. Picture…

The mirror trick A functional piece of furniture, like a hallway console, can often fail to stand out, but hang a mirror above it and position a tall lamp or lantern at each end and it suddenly commands attention. Colour theme If you have an ornate, carved or decorated piece like this, don’t cramp its style with complexity. Fill or top it with tableware in one or two colours only, like this white and gold theme. ‘Wow’ wallpaper Highlight a statement piece of furniture – ideal if you’ve inherited Granny’s vintage sideboard – by giving it a show-stopping backdrop. A deep colour will bring the texture of natural wood grain to life. Glass vases Free up cupboard space and put your glass vases on show for an ever-changing display. Fill…

Returning to Denmark, having been stationed in Angola and then South Africa for several years, Cathrine and Anders de Lichtenberg were looking forward to setting up home somewhere permanently. ‘We’d been living out of a suitcase for years,’ says Cathrine, ‘so it was great to finally make plans for a home of our own. When I found this apartment, before showing it to Anders, I sat down with an architect and came up with a plan for what we could do, so I could then convince Anders that it was the place for us. We loved the lovely old marble windowsills, stucco work, panelling and parquet flooring. ‘It was a huge project. We basically turned the house inside out, so that the kitchen became the bathroom and the living rooms…

1 TOP YOUR TABLE WITH GREENERY Use a selection of house plants, borrowed from around your home, or even small potted plants from the garden, to dress your table for a festive lunch. Arrange down the middle of your table and wind fairy lights around for a bit of sparkle. 2 DRESS THE TREE WITH SUPERSIZE DECS Go for a simple, yet stunning, tree theme by keeping the baubles to a minimum (if at all) and instead choose oversized star silhouette lights. 3 HANG WREATHS ON THE WALL Although traditionally hung on doors to greet guests, a duo of wreaths create a pretty display when hung on the wall above a sideboard or by the fireside. 4 CO-ORDINATE YOUR WRAPPING PAPER To ensure cohesion under your…

Natalie Menzies lives here with her husband Giles and their children, Bea, 10, and Felix, eight. THE PROPERTY A five-bed Victorian semi in southwest London. WHAT IT COST Kitchen units.......£3,000Appliances...........£3,450Sink and tap............£400Worktops..............£4,000Splashback.........£2,000Flooring..............£10,000Lighting................£2,000 TOTAL...............£34,850 “I love cooking, but hated being hidden away in a separate kitchen. Now I can prepare meals while keeping an eye on the kids”…

HOW ELAINE AND MIKE DID IT ‘When we bought this house in 1981, we fitted a burgundy bathroom that was very much in fashion at the time. Thirty years on, we were using our small, separate shower room instead and only coming in here to brush our teeth. When we were building an extension above the bathroom, our builders discovered a large void which let us open up the alcove where the bath was fitted and gain an extra 1.5m. If we were 20 years younger, we would have managed the project ourselves, but instead we drew up plans and handed them over to a designer at Bathroom Eleven. She found a way to add a shower by fitting a wet-room floor next to the bath, and arranged all the…

STATEMENT SHAPE With curved rails in a contemporary chrome finish. Reina Teano chrome steel designer towel rail, £339, VictoriaPlum. com HANG IT UP A classic ladder design with hangers for faster drying. The Heating Co. Rohe white heated towel rail with hangers, £175, VictoriaPlum. com MINIMALIST The open-sided design makes slipping towels off even easier. The Heating Co. Harrison anthracite grey heated towel rail, £169, VictoriaPlum. com FOR MORE INFORMATION… Find everything you need at online bathroom specialist VictoriaPlum.com, call 0344 804 4848 or follow on social media @victoriaplumuk…

Kate Strong lives here with her husband Andy, their twins Saskia and Oscar, nine, and her mother, Laraine Munro. Kate is a project manager and Andy works in financial services. THE PROPERTY A five-bed semi built in 1924 in south London. THE VALUE Bought in 2012 for £875,000; now worth about £1.5m. WHAT IT COST Architect.........£18,000 Construction................. £360,000 Flooring.............£7,000 Glazing............£15,000 Kitchen and worktops.........£16,500 TOTAL..........£416,500 “The extension has been a win-win for every member of the family ”…

Top sound quality 8804 (H70.6xW112xD9.7cm), from £1,000 for 50in, Philips This LCD TV has a built-in 50W speaker system, with exceptional sound quality. With 4K resolution, the design boasts a slim metal stand, and the speakers are hidden beneath grey designer fabric. THE BEST BIT Its Ambilight LED lighting system projects colours from the screen onto your wall. Best big-screen value XG95 (H109.9xW191xD7.3cm), £4,699, Sony You’ll need a large wall to fit an 85in TV, but if you want the best 4K ultra high resolution, this model from Sony is exceptional value. The HDR LED display boasts rich colour and brilliant contrast with impressive sound and Android TV built in. THE BEST BIT This TV also comes in 55, 65 and 75in, starting at £1,599. Best smart features OLED C9…

Simple supper Mushrooms are the usual go-to for vegan pastry dishes. But what’s the alternative if you’re not a fan of fungi? Packed with roasted carrots in a creamy spinach sauce, this stunning option is a clear winner. Vegan Root en Croûte, £5.99 for two, Waitrose & Partners Plant-based panettone The new range of vegan panettones available at Ocado come in three fab flavours – Classic, Chocolate and Mixed Berries. All that’s missing is a good cuppa. Mindful Bites Veganettone, £8.99 for 500g, Ocado Giftable chocs With flavours like Tropical Colada Caramel, Crunchy Almond Praline and Agave Honeycombe, this dairy-free, handmade chocolate Advent calendar may prove hard to share… Vegan Advent selection box, £24.50, Chococo Party-ready platter Having lots of friends over for drinks and snacks? Make your spread completely…

A  Abahna abahna.co.uk Abraham Moon & Sons 01943 873181 moons.co.uk Aldi 0800 042 0800 aldi.co.uk Also Home 01483 608611 alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazing Grates 020 8883 9590 amazing-grates.co.uk Amazon amazon.co.uk Andrew Martin 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Another Studio another-studio.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com AO.com 0344 324 9222 Arlo & Jacob 0333 1221 537 arloandjacob.com Asda 0800 952 0101 asda.com Aspace 0800 021 9015 aspace.co.uk Atkin and Thyme 020 3768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk Att Pynta attpynta.com Audenza 01162 986393 audenza.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Baa Stool 01824 790882 baastool.co.uk Balsam Hill 01234 227155 balsamhill.co.uk Baobab baobabcollection.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Eleven 020 8335 6821 bathroomeleven.co.uk Bathroom Planet bathroomplanet.com BC Designs bcdesigns.co.uk Beautify beautify.co.uk Beko 0345…