Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 i Ideal Home

EDITOR’S LETTER December, already? How?! This year really has been and gone in the blink of an eye. If, like me, you feel like you’re playing catch up when it comes to Christmas prep, you’re going to find our festive countdown on page 142 a lifesaver, with everything you need to do from four weeks out to the big day. “Who doesn’t love glimpses of other people’s trees through windows?” I’m endlessly fascinated by how other people celebrate. Who doesn’t love catching glimpses of other people’s Christmas trees through street windows? Christmas traditions, and how you decorate your home, are so personal. It’s why the houses in our December issue are always some of my favourites of the year. As an added treat, in this issue we get to see…

I love Christmas. Some might even say I’m a little obsessed, but in my opinion the sooner the decorations go up and the jingles start playing, the better. It’s a moment when people embrace the festive spirit, and to me there’s no better feeling than the sense of togetherness it brings. Believe it or not, Pinterest users start looking for ways to transform their homes into Christmas grottoes as early as July, and this year searches for nutcrackers, candy canes and other classic Christmas decorations are soaring. Nostalgia is making a comeback in 2023, as people reflect on and take inspiration from Christmases of times past to dress their homes. There’s no doubt that we’re all searching for ways to cut costs, while also being mindful of superfluous shopping and…

1 HANG A SPARKLY GLASS DISPLAY Twinkly fairly lights are ideal for casting a magical glow in any room, so string them around windows and along shelves and mantels for seasonal sparkle. If you really want to make an impact, however, a cluster of large light-up decorations hung over the dining table is sure to set the scene and create a truly special Christmas ambience. 2 CRAFT A FAN-STYLE GARLAND Whether you use colourful pinwheels or dried spear leaves, as shown here, it’s easy to create a mantelpiece garland with no hint of greenery in sight. Once your palms are in place, dot in baubles along with a few paper snowflakes for a striking and stylish DIY decoration. STYLE TIP Spray-paint natural dried palm spears to match your scheme,…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Mari Galloway with her husband Tony and their two daughters, Elsie and Grace. THE PROJECT Converting a spare bedroom into a practical family bathroom in a five-bedroom Georgian detached home in Hertfordshire. TOTAL COST £8,944 THE PROBLEM Our house lacked a big bathroom for the family yet had bedrooms we didn’t use THE SOLUTION ‘When we moved in, this house had six bedrooms and two small shower rooms, so we decided to turn one of the bedrooms into a large wash space. Our starting point for the scheme was the bath. We knew it would make a fabulous statement in front of the Georgian window, but the floor timbers weren’t strong enough to take its weight, so our structural engineer advised us to build…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Bean-to-cup machines grind the beans before brewing, for the freshest cup of coffee you can get. Pod machines are top for convenience, making espressos and more without the faff or mess of using ground coffee. Drip filter versions are ideal for large volumes. Some models have integrated milk frothers and steam wands… The options are endless. ■ Bean-to-cup models are by far the most expensive as they have built-in grinders and usually the option to froth or steam milk. Expect to pay at least £250, though most are £500 or more. ■ Pod machines tend to be the most compact (and affordable) and are ideal for bleary-eyed mornings when you want a quick caffeine hit. Many come without milk frothers, though companies such as Smeg and…

It’s not like I don’t know that there are many ways to reduce stress over the festive season. But do I take any of them on board? No. And at the end of the predictably crazy month of December, I always vow to be more organised next year. Realistically, I’m never going to be one of those who has their gifts bought and wrapped by September (hats off to you guys – I’ve no idea how you do it!), but there are things I could definitely do to make life less angst-ridden for me in December. Let’s take the first of our family Christmas traditions: the activity advent calendar. For over 10 years, this has been a homemade affair, filled with an activity for the kids every day of December.…

It’s all too easy for children’s bedrooms to become a disorganised mess. Toys can quickly clutter a space, especially if storage is lacking or difficult for them to reach. With a bit of planning – and help from the kids – you can turn their rooms from chaotic to calm. ‘The best way to keep your child’s room organised is to help them simplify it by decluttering and creating a place for everything,’ says Helen Sanderson, author of The Secret Life of Clutter. ‘This will make it easier for them – and you – to maintain.’ To begin, take a look at the space and identify the problem areas. Consider whether there is enough storage and the right kind and assess how easy it is for your kids to access…

PAIR WITH GREEN AND WHITE It may be the most traditional of colour choices at Christmas, but that doesn’t mean that crimson is an old-fashioned look. Teamed with a deep green and crisp white, you can make this classic pairing feel contemporary and fresh in any setting. Your tree will tick off the addition of green, while white can be introduced through decoration and surrounding décor. Make sure any white painted woodwork is looking in tip-top shape so as to offset the deep red shade beautifully. ADD PLENTY OF PATTERN Work in a variety of patterns to your scheme via a selection of decorations and even co-ordinating crimson wrapped gifts under the tree. Stick with small-scale designs throughout, from botanical prints to graphic motifs – anything goes. LAYER UP TEXTURES…

TEAM WITH DARK WOODS Rustic and cosy, this clay-based colourway loves any fire-like shade, and as a nature-inspired look, it is perfectly paired with darker-toned woods on both furniture and accessories. Try barn stars and dark woven Christmas tree skirts for starters. CHOOSE SUPER-SOFT TEXTILES Warmer hues such as red, orange and yellow always look extra sumptuous in velvet so using this soft texture in any form – from furniture to cushions and even ribbon – is an easy style win in this colour scheme. ACCESSORISE WITH NEUTRALS While it’s tempting to layer on a wide range of tonal colours, your best bet is adding a selection of neutral grey, beige and cream shades to allow terracotta to take centre stage and even out its warmth. WEAVE IN SOME GOLD…

STICK TO MATT FINISHES As the name suggests, there’s nothing glossy and shiny about this shade. Decorations and accessories should remain muted and matt in finish, with natural materials like hemp, linen, cotton and unglazed ceramics working best. AVOID THE BLING While Christmas is usually the time to welcome a little sparkle into your scheme, a predominantly putty coloured space is best left without. You can still add plenty of glow using warm white lighting, both on your tree and scattered around the space with strings of lights. WORK IN COLOUR WITH GREENERY Since this is at its core, a classic, neutral look, adding greenery is key. From small touches like swags on the backs of chairs and decorative sprigs on table settings, to a decorated tree and a garland…

LAYER IT WITH TEAL AND METAL Some may feel this is too dramatic a look to have in their homes but with the addition of gold or silver highlights and navy’s lighter cousin, teal, the moody core of this colour transforms into something altogether more relaxed and soothing. Small pops of teal on baubles, decorations, cushions and accessories, together with shimmering highlights of silver or gold, will bring the look to life. STICK TO MODERN SHAPES If your existing room scheme has a traditional feel, you’re probably best trying a jewel-toned scheme (see page 14). This is because navy – together with crisp metallics – tends to work best alongside contemporary furniture and accessories. INCREASE ILLUMINATION As with all dark and moody schemes, having plenty of light sources is essential.…

MATT SIBERRY STYLE & TRENDS EXPERT As head of home at Pinterest, Matt is perfectly placed to spot the trends based on what we’re all searching for on Pinterest. NICKY PHILLIPS INTERIOR STYLIST & DESIGNER Nicky is a master of colour when it comes to decorating your home, from full room redos to easy tweaks. KALPANA FITZPATRICK MONEY EXPERT An award-winning financial journalist, Kalpana is a regular guest on TV and radio, and editor of moneyweek.com. GINEVRA BENEDETTI DEPUTY EDITOR Our Deputy Editor Ginevra knows the high street inside out, so she was the perfect person to track down 100 gifts under £20 for this issue. THE HOME OF GREAT IDEAS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS IDEALHOME.CO.UK…

Pine cone wreath YOU WILL NEED ● Grapevine wreath● Pine cones● White paint● Liquid glue● Eco glitter ● Wooden beads● Clear cord or acrylic wire ● Real or faux eucalyptus● Ribbon Make this using gathered pine cones. Paint the wreath and the cones white. When dry, dab the ends of the cones with glue and sprinkle with glitter. Glue the cones to the wreath and leave until firmly fixed. Thread the beads onto clear cord and tie to the wreath. Push in eucalyptus leaves all around and finish with a ribbon. Jam jar votives YOU WILL NEED ● Jam jars● Tape● Liquid glue● Eco glitter● Mica sand● Candles ● Twine● Small ornaments To jazz up jam jars, simply tape off a section of glass at the bottom of the jar,…

1. DRINKS AREA Set up a spot where guests – and you – can help themselves to a tipple or two. Bar trolleys are ideal for wheeling wherever you need them, but it could be something as simple as a tray on a sideboard with bottles, glasses, ice... everything you need for a Christmas-style cocktail or glass of fizz. Try the Clementine drink trolley, £119.99, Daals, for a similar style 2. WALL DECOR Wreaths aren’t only for the front door, so why not choose a large design to create a point of interest in your dining room too? Echo the flowers or foliage on your table to set the scene and, if you don’t have a hook already in place, try a Command M strip to make it easy to…

STYLE HOME HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Ali Lovett, Houses Editor at Ideal Home, lives here with her husband, Rob Meldrum, an advertising executive, and their children, Ellis, six, and Rae, three, and mini schnauzer, Betty. THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Edwardian terrace in Aldersbrook, east London 1 “Go bold for maximum impact” ‘We use this space for grown-up relaxing and listening to music, plus there’s a WFH desk in the bay window. I love the dark shade of blue – it feels cosy and calm. When we moved in, the original fireplace had been replaced with an ugly 1970s gas fire, so when I saw a huge Georgian surround on eBay, I went for it. We recently added a gas stove, which heats up in an instant.’ BUY THE KEY…

If the entrance to your home is no longer serving its purpose, whether aesthetically or functionally, you might be looking at replacing a front door. It’s the first thing guests see when they arrive and it plays a part in the kerb appeal of your home, so you want to get it right. It’s also crucial for security and energy efficiency. Replacing your front door gives you a great opportunity to add style to your property and mark a sign of what’s to come on the inside. There are so many colours and materials to choose from, to fit the style of your building as well as your taste. Thermally inefficient doors will also let precious heat leak out and channel cold draughts in. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS ON TYPES…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Stand mixers take the muscle work out of beating, whisking and kneading and often do a better job thanks to the range of speeds and the attachments. ■ While you can buy a basic mixer for as little as £50, if you’re looking for something that will last you’ll need to spend upwards of around £150. ■ Most models come with a beater for general mixing, a balloon whisk for whipping light mixtures and a dough hook for kneading. They usually have a splashguard, which is essential for stopping the contents of the bowl escaping during vigorous mixing. ■ Bowls tend to be made from stainless steel or glass with an average capacity between 4 and 5 litres, though you can get bigger bowls (for batch…

Get your finances ready for Christmas The festive season is almost upon us – and while most people tend to leave the bulk of the prep and shopping to the few weeks before the big day, when it comes to money, the sooner you start preparing the better. This month, Kalpana shares her top tips to help make your budget stretch further and avoid a new year financial hangover. BUDGET NOW It’s easy to get carried away with spending at this time of year. But shopping without a budget and allowing yourself to overstretch ‘because it’s Christmas’ can land you in debt, which you could spend 2024 paying back. Instead, work out how much you can afford to spend this festive season and draw up a budget for everything from…

“All of the Paper Dreams decs use sustainably sourced paper that can be recycled” The bold & the beautiful Looking for decorations that pack a punch style-wise, but are easy on the Earth? Check out the ranges at The Conscious, a new online store dedicated to sustainable homeware and accessories. Founded by an ex-buyer of The Conran Shop, The Conscious stocks a number of super-stylish brands, but notable for its simplicity and joyfulness is Paper Dreams. Choose from bold paper garlands, pom-poms large and small, snowflake fans and 3D Christmas trees, in a wide range of rich, saturated colours. Prices start at as little as £3 for a 3m garland. SCENTS & SUSTAINABILITY If you splash out on a Christmas candle every year, check out Skandinavisk’s sustainable offering. The Swedish…

Singer songwriter Emeli Sandé lives in east London with her partner, classical pianist Yoana Karemova. Here, she shares her Christmas loves. WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU? I adore Christmas. For me, it’s about being around family so I go back up to Aberdeenshire where my parents live. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF CHRISTMAS? The build up, putting up the decorations and belting out Christmas songs! The best part of Christmas Day is the smell of stuffing in the oven. Nobody else likes it so Mum gets it in just for me! WHAT CHRISTMAS TRADITION DO YOU HAVE EVERY YEAR? An advent calendar. When I was younger, we were content with finding a picture behind the little door. Now I’ve slipped into buying chocolate advent calendars. DO YOU HAVE A…

START WITH THE CLASSICS This cosy cream lends itself perfectly to traditional and vintage styles. Try to avoid any modern style elements in favour of curved edges, whitewashed wood and soft textures such as wool, faux sheepskin and fur. BRING IN SOME WARMTH An all-white scheme can feel a little chilly, especially in winter. So along with cosy textiles, it’s worth warming up the look by including of lots of festive lighting, from strings of lights to pre-lit wreaths and battery-operated tealights. Add in a few silver highlights too to help maximise the glow. KEEP PATTERN SIMPLE Warm white is a calming shade so the patterns you choose need to follow suit. Avoid any bold, complicated prints, in favour of subtle stripes, freehand linear designs and weave-look patterns. TEAM WITH…

PICK PALE WOODS When you think of Scandi style, oak reigns supreme. Furniture and decorations in washed pine and pale oak tones are a must for this look – just make sure they’re all in contemporary shapes. MIX THE MOTIFS From stripes and gingham, to ditsy florals and snowflakes – you can choose pretty much any small- to mid-scale pattern you like, provided it’s red and white. STICK TO SIMPLE DECOR Classic Nordic Christmas motifs like stars and reindeers are a must. Love ’em or hate ’em, Christmas gonks also have a genuine home in this scheme. Paper decorations and honeycomb baubles of all sizes (as long as they’re red and white) are excellent choices and can be placed under the tree, hung from the mantel, suspended from the ceiling…

INTRODUCE LUSH GREENERY As both colours have been taken straight from nature, it stands to reason that this look will benefit from plenty of lush foliage. Exposed wood and a smattering of pine cones all work wonderfully in this scheme too. GROUND THE LOOK WITH WHITE These shades always look best with lots of natural light, which can be tricky in wintertime. Instead, keep it fresh by touching up any white painted areas of your room, from ceilings to woodwork. You could even add in a few decorations in white or cream to balance out the muted colours. ADD TOUCHES OF SHINE While the core of this scheme is a neutral one, there is scope for adding in a little sparkle. Frosted white berry decorations or wreaths work well, as…

CHOOSE YOUR STYLE Depending on whether your room is decorated in a classic or modern style, this will inform the type of gold coloured Christmas decorations you choose. Stick to decs in unfussy, contemporary shapes for modern schemes, while traditional décor can afford to go more ornate and decorative. EMBRACE THE SHINE As with all metallics, gold is naturally reflective so is perfectly paired with any type of lighting. From the flickering glow of candles to twinkling fairy lights, place your lights alongside gold decorations for maximum effect. USE GOLD LIKE A NEUTRAL When you choose decorations in burnished golds, they can almost pass for neutrals. Inject life into your scheme using plenty of fresh greenery and contrast that with small touches of jet black. ADD NATURAL, NEUTRAL TEXTURES From…

DRESS THE TABLE Damson was the colour most favoured by the Victorians in a dining room as it conveyed a look of sophistication, plus the red shade was said to stimulate one’s appetite, making it ideal for a Christmas dining space. Layer your table with a damson coloured linen tablecloth and napkins, together with matching candles for a twinkling finishing touch. MIX WITH ORANGE AND GOLD Shades of saffron and gold are stunning when paired with a rich damson; timber furniture in either rustic or polished finishes also works well against a damson backdrop. Decorate with a host of autumnal coloured greenery, working in damson through baubles and berries, alongside luxe flashes of warm metallics. TRY PAPER DECORATIONS Oversized honeycomb decorations are on trend this year and their deeply saturated…

START WITH SURFACES Hard, reflective surfaces are where the key to this look lies, from foxed glass to mercurised metal – they need to shine, but not in a glossy way. The look you want to achieve is aged beauty, so traditional and antique pieces with ornate frames or fixtures are best. LAYER IT WITH LACE Delicate patterns such as lace panels and floral ribbons will soften the hard surfaces and stop them looking too industrial. Just don’t go overboard or your home may end up looking like Miss Havisham’s. Textured linen and cotton are also worth adding for softness. ADD DARK GREEN TOUCHES… Reminiscent of oxidised glass, flashes of green will add depth to the look, so plenty of fresh foliage is a must at Christmas. Tie several stems…

WE KEEP SEEING Winter wonderland If you go down to the high street this Christmas... you’ll find all manner of woodland-themed decorations to bring a touch of cosy magic to your home. Think natural fir cones and textured bark, tree silhouettes and masses of lush-green foliage, with pops of ruby-red berries and toadstools (we love the cute LED mushrooms from Matalan, above). The odd stag head or feathered friend won’t go amiss either, but try not to go overboard on cutesy stuff or you’ll risk getting lost down the novelty path. IH LOVES... Beaded beauties Negroni and Margarita cocktail decorations, £7.50 each, Oliver Bonas What to do this month... LISTEN Keep your cool with the help of bestselling well-being author Beth Kempton’s cosy podcast, The Calm Christmas. Her tips, advice…

STYLE DIRECTION“This look is all about relaxed living; an off-centre garland and a casual scattering of decorations add to the laid-back mood"HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DOUBLE UP Choose decorations that have multiple uses – these rattan trees can become a table centrepiece or a stylish shelf statement FORAGED FINDS Create a mantel display with eucalyptus stems, fir branches and dried twigs, interwoven with tiny fairy lights STYLE DIRECTION“Earthy elements such as wooden ornaments, hessian and pine cones create a warm and cosy ambience”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Leave out a treat for Santa before transforming it into a delicious festive display of sweet baking or savoury cheeses USE NATURAL ELEMENTS Go foraging and collect plenty of evergreen branches, pine cones, holly and eucalyptus stems to incorporate into your decor. Use…

perhaps it’s a post-lockdown thing, after all, many of us invested in outdoor seating and firepits, but our gardens are getting more year-round use than ever before. With Christmas approaching, why not turn up the heat on your patio and create a cosy, inviting space that will allow you to extend your entertaining space in style? We asked three experts – a stylist and author, a creative design manager and a stove expert – how to create a warm, hygge-filled area. THINK DIFFERENTLY ‘Most of us associate barbecuing with a scorching hot day but inviting your friends over for an outdoor dinner party during winter can be just as enjoyable. There’s nothing quite like wrapping up in blankets and gathering around a roaring fire during the colder months,’ says Declan.…

KITCHEN PROJECT PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Claire Jellema, her husband Nick and their sons, Seb, 11, and Max, eight, plus Albie the cocker spaniel. THE PROJECT Relocating the kitchen in a four-bedroom end-of-terrace Victorian house in Edinburgh. TOTAL COST £37,000 THEPROBLEM The kitchen was on the first floor, which didn't work for family life THE SOLUTION ‘When we bought our house, the downstairs had been office space and the first floor was a flat – and it took us four years to start the project of moving the kitchen downstairs. We love cooking and wanted a family space, so two rooms were knocked together to create a broken-plan area. The kitchen is in the middle of the house. It has pocket doors to the living room and is…

HOME NOTES HOMEOWNERS Gilad and Susan Loewenstein. PROPERTY A three-bedroom Victorian semi-detached maisonette apartment, south London. ARCHITECT Bolans Architects (bolansgroup.com) BUILDER Ferbogar UK (ferbogar.com) TOTAL COST £140,000 THE PROBLEM The ground floor was disconnected, dark and dreary, and urgently needed more light and flexibility THE SOLUTION ‘The Loewensteins’ maisonette apartment, arranged over two floors, had no real connection to the garden at the back and received very little natural light. To rectify this, we opened up the property’s ground floor and created a number of multifunctional areas, complete with concealed spaces for a utility cupboard, a loo and plenty of storage. We designed a new infill side extension with an elongated roof in the shape of a scalene triangle, doubling the height of this area. The 2.5m-long ridge rooflight forms…

I f you’re just starting to shift into that seasonal state of mind now, there’s still lots of time to organise everything. Here, we’ve laid out what to prioritise each week in the run-up to Christmas so you can be the host with the most without breaking a sweat. FOUR WEEKS TO GO… SORT YOUR GROCERIES If you haven’t already done so, nab yourself an online delivery slot. Securing a time for your main food shop early will take a weight off your shoulders and allow a big fat tick on your to-do list. The beauty of ordering online means you can add to and amend your list as the weeks go by, ensuring you’ve got all the food and drink you need for the celebrations. BUY ANY REMAINING GIFTS…

IDEAL HOME OFFER As the season for celebration approaches, Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to decorate your home and embrace your inner maximalist. With the promise of festive parties in the air, our homes become the centre for celebrations with all our favourite people gathered and fizzy-filled coupes raised in a toast to the season. With that in mind, we’re delighted to be able to offer you an exclusive 20% discount at Rockett St George. CELEBRATE IN STYLE Inspired to help capture the fun and frivolity felt throughout December, the wide selection of Christmas decorations at Rockett St George includes baubles inspired by bottomless brunch favourites, reusable paper party fans and honeycombs, disco ball wreaths, metallic tinsel fringing and pops of pink that Barbie herself would be proud of. THE…

Datteri farciti (Stuffed dates) MAKES 12 READY IN 20 MINS, PLUS RESTING AND CHILLING ● 50g whole blanched almonds● 30g caster sugar● 1tsp vanilla bean paste ● Zest of ½ unwaxed organic lemon ● 2tsp limoncello● 12 dates● 80g dark chocolate chips, or bar broken into small pieces (70–75% cocoa solids) 1 Put the almonds and sugar in the bowl of a food processor and blitz them to a coarse texture: you will need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to process the small quantity. Transfer them to a small bowl and add vanilla, lemon zest and limoncello. Mix well with a spoon to make a firm paste. Cover the surface with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 20 mins. 2…

When it comes to favourite seasons, Christmas easily tops my list. I love the weeks of prep and the fizzing excitement that builds as the big day approaches. While tradition reigns at Christmas time, I always try to introduce something a little different each year to keep it fresh. That might be a new dish for the table, a different wreath for the door, a fun outing for all the family - and my favourite - tweaking my Christmas colour scheme for a whole new look. Now, I’m certainly not suggesting that you completely redecorate your home for Christmas (unless you want to!) but the simple task of adding some new decorations can make a huge difference to your space. With that in mind, we’ve collated 16 beautiful festive colour…

PERFECT IN ALL SPACES This colour pairing is so versatile, working in rooms both large and small, and in any type of space from bedrooms to kitchens. Its universal appeal allows you to carry the same look through from room to room should you choose, decorating your living room, then continuing a similar colour scheme through to your hallway and onwards again to another room. THE TREE IS KEY It goes without saying that in a green and gold Christmas scheme, your tree will always be the main focal point. Use its greenery as the dominant colour, then add mostly gold decorations, alongside a few extras in a tertiary shade like russet, orange or even neutral wood. HIGHLIGHT YOUR STYLE Work in some coppery metallics for a more modern look,…

COMBINE WITH DEEP HUES From baubles in precious gem shades of ruby, emerald and sapphire, to decorations in semi-precious tones of amethyst, aquamarine and garnet – these all combine to make a rich rainbow of colours that naturally look their best when placed alongside plain, dark backgrounds. CHOOSE LUXE TEXTILES A luxe look cries out for luxe textiles and velvets – textured or plain – are your best bet. There’s no need to buy new – a plain throw can be given a quick, chic update by sewing on a band of velvet all around the sides. ADD RUSTIC HIGHLIGHTS… To avoid your scheme looking too eclectic or tipping into royal palace territory, make sure to include a few rustic elements to ground the look. A wicker tree skirt is…

CHANNEL A NARNIA-LIKE VIBE Delicate, magical and looking like everything is covered in a light powdering of snow — that’s the true essence of this look. The majority of your décor should have some sort of frosted element, from a tiny sprinkle on a garland to an all-over covering, such as a white-tipped artificial Christmas tree. LAYER WITH FRESH GREEN Pale mint green is the perfect colour pairing with ice white. Fresh greenery should also feature highly, but stick to lighter leaf shades, avoiding the deeper forest greens. Place a variety of white and pale green baubles in glass bowls on a sideboard or console and add white and mint green etched glass and crisp linens to your table. ADD TOUCHES OF TIMBER Pale wooden furniture, such as washed oak…

BALANCE THE SHINE Use a spectrum of shine when decorating your space in silver tones. Start with a classic grey base, build up with soft sheen fabrics, then finish with full-on sparkling accessories. Finishes like chenille, crushed velvet and even faux silver leather are great – just keep glossier finishes on the smaller pieces in your space. BALANCE KITSCH WITH CLASS Sequins and tinsel absolutely have a true home in this scheme but too much and it can look a little tacky. A grey painted wall or a plain grey rug ensures the sparkle isn’t fighting for attention. PICK REFLECTIVE ACCENTS Dark wood won’t work with this scheme so instead opt for mirrored or chrome framed furniture and accessories to keep the look light and airy. WHITE KEEPS IT BRIGHT…

ADD TONAL LAYERS OF COLOUR Much like the variegated shades on a real eucalyptus tree, work in a mix of light sage greens and greys to your scheme, using existing furniture and accessories, with a few items in a darker shade of green to add focus to the room. INTRODUCE LOTS OF GREENERY Aside from your Christmas tree, consider adding some additional greenery (real or artificial, it doesn’t matter which) to your space, from a selection of trailing plants on a high shelf to a wreath on the wall or a lush garland draped on the mantelpiece. All will balance the paler shades of green, which you can bring in on soft furnishings. PICK A BOTANICAL PATTERN If you’re keen to introduce pattern, a botanical print in pale greens is…

ANYTHING GOES If you’ve never been one for a set colour scheme at Christmas, then this look is for you. Focusing on different pops of colour, rather than a set mix of two to four shades, ensures an eclectic look that is truly unique. MIX AND MATCH Anchor the scheme using plain accessories, each in a different rainbow tone – a set of colourful baubles, a selection of velvet cushions in various hues, layered throws in block shades, and so on. The rest of your decorations can then dance around these core colours, like frivolous finishing touches. STICK WITH A SIMPLE BACKDROP This look is all about the decorations. The rest of your scheme should remain plain and relatively neutral so as not to pull focus or fight with all…