Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i Ideal Home

EDITOR’S LETTER It may not feel like it, but when I look back at what we’ve achieved with our house renovation over 2023, we’ve actually done pretty well. Sure, progress is slower than I may have hoped (I don’t think I can honestly declare that anything is fully complete!), but we have still moved things forward, and every day I fall more and more in love with our home and the spaces we’re creating. The obvious biggie is the kitchen transformation. “Every day I fall more in love with our home and the spaces we’ve created” Our new kitchen may have totally blown our renovation budget, but I have zero regrets. It’s a joy to spend time in, and I know it will offer us joy for years to come.…

What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘Violet blue might seem like a brave choice yet its bold splash creates the vibrancy that we are so in need of in our homes. This stunning royal colour looks purple in brighter lighting, or deeper blue in dimmer spaces. It adds a welcoming backdrop to any hallway and in the bedroom it provides a fabulous pop to complement calming neutral greens.’ JAMES GREENWOOD, COLOUR EXPERT, GRAHAM & BROWN ‘A deep and sophisticated blue with a dash of purple undertone that complements other blues for a gentle tonal contrast that’s easy on the eye. For a bold contrast, pair it with rich yellow or brilliant red for a pop of colour on the inside of cupboard doors, window frames or…

WHERE TO BUY…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Natalie Mann, her husband John Pindar, son Kai, 20, and twin daughters Ava and Sophia, eight. THE PROJECT Kitchen extension as part of a whole renovation of their 1930s detached house in Nottinghamshire. TOTAL COST £40,000 THE PROBLEM Small kitchen with limited storage, and no space to relax or entertain THE SOLUTION ‘When we bought our new home, the kitchen had two small work surfaces, four cupboards and a few appliances. Key to the success of the whole house was to replace it with a much larger, multifunctional space to suit our family. We were lucky to find designer Lucia Hallet when we visited the Harvey Jones showroom in Nottingham. We admired the quality of the cabinetry, and Lucia really understood our vision. I had…

Knowing the pros and cons of electric and gas boilers is a must when making the right heating choice for your home. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages in regards to energy efficiency, cost and actual heating power. Gas boilers are by far the most popular option in the UK at the moment, with around 78% of homes currently using them to heat their homes. But electric boilers have some important merits that may make them a more sensible choice. It’s also worth mentioning that new legislation passed in 2023 has banned gas boilers in new builds from 2025. This doesn’t affect existing homes or existing boilers, so if you’re planning on investing in a gas boiler for your home now or you already have one, this won’t affect…

How to make the most of your cash savings There’s been a lot of talk about savings lately, sparked by rising interest rates and, following pressure from the Financial Conduct Authority, banks increasing the rates they pay cash savers. As competition heats up, banks are having to work harder to bring in customers. If you have cash to save, now’s the time to make it work for you. SAVINGS ACCOUNTS It’s shocking how many of us have cash lying around in accounts earning little or zero interest. While we need money for daily spending, you can still make your cash work with an easy-access savings account. These allow you to earn interest but also easily access your money. Natwest-owned Ulster Bank was offering 5.2% interest* if you had at least…

We’ve all been there come 1st December – after piling our decorations into the only cupboard with enough space last January, we’ve pulled them out to find that there are smashed baubles, the tree lights are tangled, multiple ribbons have disappeared, and our more delicate decorations have sadly ripped. So why not do something your future self will thank you for come next December, and that’s learning how to store your Christmas decorations in a way that will keep them in perfect condition. Before you can start working out how to put away your precious decorations, make sure you remove them with care. ‘My hack when it comes to taking down decorations from the tree is to place towels or throw blankets around the base of the tree in order…

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. MICHELA COLLING SHOPPING EXPERT A trends enthusiast, Michela searches out hidden gems on the high street and independents that will add the final flourish to a room. THE HOME OF GREAT IDEAS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS…

LOOKS THAT LAST PRECIOUS JEWELS Boost faded pinks with bolder shades of bubblegum, dusty purple, teal and turquoise, teamed with mixed metallics STYLE DIRECTION“For balance, pair simple wooden furniture with ultra-glam pieces like a chandelier strung with baubles"HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LUXE TO THE TOUCH Soften every seat with plush velvets, touches of silk and the softest linens for laid-back opulence STYLE DIRECTION“With a busy colour palette like this, keep your accessories simple to avoid visual overload"GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR SHAPE AND SHINE Look for statement shapes, like these Art Deco inspired glasses, and gold or pewter trims to elevate every detail to a new level of glamour PUT COLOUR ON THE WALL White walls with colour added via accessories just won’t do this look justice. Set the scene for an…

Supersize it We made this wreath with a gold-sprayed hoop and foliage tied on with florist’s wire, but you could bulk out a big, basic wreath with holly, eucalyptus and even trimmings from the Christmas tree for a really thick, lush look. Give it a twist... Elevate a basic wreath with dried orange slices, pine cone picks and faux berry sprays. Hang in threes Replace your overmantel mirror or artwork with a matching trio to give your room a festive focus. Hang the wreaths in a row from the picture rail (or where the wall meets the ceiling) for chic styling. Give it a twist... Keep the sizes the same, but mismatch the designs and colours for a bolder look. Trim your table settings You can buy small, plain wreaths,…

1. GOOD LIGHTING With hallways often dark, narrow or windowless, they can be a tricky space to make feel welcoming. Luckily, good lighting can work wonders so factor in a few sources, from overhead pendants, to wall lights and lamps. If your hall feels cramped, fit wall lights higher up to draw the eye and make the area feel more open. 2. SAVVY STORAGE Good organisation is key, so make sure you have some storage to avoid the space turning into a dumping ground. Console tables are ideal for more compact halls (choose one with a drawer and pop baskets underneath), while larger units with cupboards are effective for giving busy households space to store clutter. 3. DURABLE WALLS Hallways are notorious for taking scuffs from a constant stream of…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Tracy Head, owner of location house @ottersbarninteriors, and her husband Steve, marketing director for a power supply company. They have two sons, Toby and Max. THE PROPERTY Five-bedroomed new-build house in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. 1 “We love spending time together in this room” ‘This family seating area adjoins the open-plan kitchen and dining room where, thanks to the sliding door, we each can have our own space but still be together. The exposed beams and trusses here set the style for the house. I balanced the warmth of the wood with a monochrome palette, green-grey slate flooring and weathered metals. The twinkle of candlelight is irresistible at Christmas.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bluebell sofa, from £1,180, Sofa.com. Stafford cushion, £65, Sweetpea & Willow, would work here.…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Anna Hart, founder of social media agency One Roof Social, lives here with her husband, Tim Boardman, a tour manager. THE PROJECT A bathroom refit in a six-bedroom Victorian house in Hertfordshire. TOTAL COST £30,000 THE PROBLEM The existing bathroom had a strange layout and a leaky shower THE SOLUTION ‘When we moved into our house, the shower leaked and the layout was strange, plus the sink was on top of a dining table which meant it was enormous and you could see spray foam and pipes underneath when you were in the bath. I had a clear idea of the style and layout I wanted to create, but no idea which suppliers to choose. We’d never used a design service before, and Sophie at…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ A slow cooker transforms cheaper cuts of meat into tender dishes and livens up economical healthy pulses, like lentils, beans and peas. Plus, while it can be on all day, it will only cost pennies to run. ■ They’re generally quite affordable so you can snap one up for as little as £25, but it’ll be pretty basic in terms of features. Spend more and you’ll get more functionality. Differences might include a metal pot instead of a ceramic one (so you can also use it on your hob and put it in the dishwasher afterwards) and the more expensive versions may also double up as a multi-cooker, perfect for steaming food and cooking rice. ■ A model’s capacity depends on its bowl size in litres.…

The start of a New Year often comes with a fresh set of intentions, in all areas of life but especially in the home. We swear to ourselves that this will be the year we’ll get round to all the big jobs that we never seem to find the time for. Whether it’s cleaning the windows or taking care of the garden, plenty needs to be done to keep our homes ship-shape, and the New Year is the perfect time to commit to doing them. But how do we keep on top of all the cleaning? The answer is simple – create a cleaning calendar. Not only will it help you organise all the jobs that need doing, it’ll flag up certain tasks that are best done at specific times…

I’ve got mixed feelings about New Year resolutions. Part of me loves that enticing promise of a fresh start that the first of January offers, but it’s a double-edged sword, walking a fine line between it presenting itself as an opportunity or an obligation. Because on top of all the Christmas organising mayhem, who needs any extra pressure at this time of year? One way I try to keep myself organised and on track is with a bullet journal – I’ve been doing this for a few years now. For anyone who hasn’t heard of it before, it’s really just a trendy name for a hardworking notebook. You take a plain journal and fashion it into your perfect organiser. Mine ticks a number of boxes: monthly planner, weekly diary, to-do…

“Keep pets toasty too with Stoov’s Woov heated pet beds with washable covers, £139.99” A constant warm hug When you’re feeling a bit chilly, it often seems a little excessive to whack on the heating full blast, especially when you’re trying to save energy. Stoov’s genius heated cushions and ‘bottles’ solve that issue by using infrared technology to provide you with an instant wireless warm hug. The cushions, which have a rechargeable battery, come in a choice of two sizes and four types of fabric in a host of gorgeous shades, while there are five different types of Homey waterless hot water bottles available, to keep you warm for hours. IT’S A (REUSABLE) WRAP! While the majority of high-street brands are now producing fully recyclable gift wrap, there’s no escaping…

Fig & pomegranate pavlova SERVES 6-8 TAKES 1 HR 30 MINS, PLUS COOLING ● 3 egg whites ● 175g caster sugar ● ½tsp vanilla extract ● ½tsp white wine vinegar ● 1tsp cornflour FOR THE TOPPING ● 300ml whipping cream ● 5 ripe figs, quartered ● 3tbsp pomegranate seeds ● 1tbsp roughly chopped pistachios ● 1tsp pomegranate molasses 1 Beat the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric whisk until very firm. Starting spoonful by spoonful, add the sugar, whisking continuously. Once the sugar is all whisked in, and the meringue looks thick, smooth and glossy, add the vanilla extract and vinegar and sprinkle over the cornflour. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl just in case any sugar has sunk. Whisk for…

The Strictly head judge lives in southeast London with her mother, Audrey, and her Lhasa Apso dog, Charlie WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME AT CHRISTMAS? Lunch on Christmas Day when I eat with my family. I love to set the table nicely, with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the middle, a red linen cloth with a white lace tablecloth over the top, and candles. Each person receives a big cracker! WHAT’S YOUR HOME MUST-HAVE? Alder Hey Hospital pyjamas, from Matalan. They bring out their range every year and I absolutely love them. Both my boyfriend Danny [actor Danny Taylor] and I love to snuggle up to watch a movie in them. Even my dog Charlie gets a set! WHAT PART OF FESTIVE PLANNING DO YOU LOVE THE BEST? When…

COLLAB ALERT Nina Campbell x Next Celebrated interior designer Nina Campbell has joined forces with Next to create a line of exclusive homewares, bringing her iconic style to the high street. Mixing contemporary and classic shapes and materials, she has introduced a whole range of furniture, accessories, fabrics and wallpaper, using her recognisable colour palette of greens, blues and pinks. For us, it’s the high-quality upholstery that makes this collection a winner, while the lighting range also has an array of stand-out designs that we love. IH LOVES... Christmas keepsakes Flora Twelve Days of Christmas small plates, £35 for a set of 12, John Lewis & Partners What to do this month... LISTEN Feeling bombarded with health advice and don’t know what’s nonsense and what to pay attention to? The…

As we enter another New Year, it's natural to think about ways to refresh our lives. Maybe a wardrobe update, a cupboard declutter, or even a touch of home redecoration? And let's not forget about those cherished friendships that may have taken a backseat during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The start of the year offers the perfect chance to rekindle those connections. So, why not extend an invitation, dust off your hosting skills, and relish in the joy of entertaining guests at home? Now, you might be thinking that throwing a party sounds a bit too fancy after the recent festivities, but enjoying good company doesn’t always demand a full-blown boozy celebration, especially with the popularity of Dry January. There are plenty of enjoyable activities to…

1 ADD FOLIAGE TO WALLS AND BEAMS Echo the green of your Christmas tree with lush garlands hung from walls and ceiling beams. Tie bunches of eucalyptus, fir and holly together, or opt for a ready-made faux garland that you can add some real sprigs to for a beautifully traditional decoration. Elevate your garland with some micro lights weaved in for extra sparkle. 2 BRING PATTERN TO WALLS Give your living room a new look with a bold, colourful wallpaper – and don’t be afraid to clash some patterns for a striking look. Here, the wallpaper’s squiggly lines marry with the stripes on the wall light and stripy cushion, while plain coloured furniture helps ground the look. WALLPAPER TO WOW 3 See in the celebrations by hanging party decs like…

Cost OF living £PROJECT PLANNING A separate living space for a senior relative, whether referred to as a granny pod, flat or annexe, is all the rage. A recent Aviva How We Live study has revealed that 10% of those surveyed are currently living with older family members, and would consider adding to their household if necessary. And, the same survey also revealed that 5% of UK households already have an annexe, such as a garage or basement conversion, or a separate outbuilding, available to provide the necessary accommodation. What’s more, a further 7% of householders say they have plans to develop this type of space for relatives, proving just how popular multi-generational living has become. ‘The pandemic changed how we live and work in our homes,’ says Sarah Cull,…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ All heated clothes airers will give you an estimate of how much drying space they offer, either in kg of washing, or metres of drying rack available. If you only tend to dry a small amount of washing at once, a smaller option will be more cost- and energy-efficient. If you have larger laundry drying requirements, opt for one of the most generous airers you can find. ■ Don’t underestimate how large a heated clothes airer can be once unfolded. Before you choose one, think about where it will stand when in operation. Remember this needs to be near a plug socket and away from children and pets. Consider what available floor space you have while still being able to open doors and manoeuvre around it…

We talk a lot about good sleep hygiene and bedtime routines in our quest for better rest. However, there’s more to getting zzzs than buzzwords alone. So, we asked the sleep experts, what do they mean when they talk about our ‘sleep schedule’? ‘It’s really important to have a regular opportunity to sleep every single day that doesn’t change much,’ explains Stephanie Romiszewski, sleep physiologist and founder of Re:sleep (re-sleep.com). And so, adhering to a sleep schedule doesn’t mean, for example, that you have to go to bed at 10pm and you have to wake up at 6am. Instead, it means that you know how many hours you need on average (it doesn’t have to be the same every night), and that you give yourself the chance to sleep for…

HAPPY HOME UPCYCLE PROJECT YOU WILL NEED ● Saw ● Reclaimed wood ● Wood filler ● Sander ● Interior wax, oil or varnish ● Hairpin legs ● Spray paint ● Screws ● Screwdriver Cut the wood to a suitable size for a desktop. Plug any holes with wood filler, then sand it so that it’s smooth and level on top. Next, seal it with wax, oil or varnish and allow to dry. Spray-paint the hairpin legs in your chosen colour and leave to dry. Apply a second coat, if needed. Next, position the legs on the underside of the table top and screw into place.…