Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2025 i Your Home

To guide us through the switch from the cosy nostalgia of December and into the fresh optimism of January, we've put together an issue that is full of affordable tips and tricks to make sure your home bridges the gap too! If you've still got some Christmas prep to do, then we have plenty of last-minute magic making ideas for you: find budget-friendly stocking fillers (p20), and 30 thrifty finishing touches (p26). Excited for New Year's Eve? Don't miss our easy switches to get your home party-ready (p34), our expert guide to seamless hosting (p106) and put on a real celebration spread with our delicious buffet and canapé recipes (p120)! Keeping a tidy home is a resolution lots of us make, so we've assembled a panel of pros to reveal…

We're reading… Start with the Art by Natalie Papier and Stephanie Sisco (£32, Hachette) Build inspiration for your schemes from the pieces you love, using Natalie's insightful ideas and guides We're following… @decorbydonna_ Donna's account is a masterclass in how to create a cosy home, without forfeiting style. ‘I love to create spaces that make me feel safe and warm,’ says Donna, ‘with lots of texture, soft lighting, and muted, earthy tones.’ We're going to… head outdoors Wildlife Trusts’ 12 Days Wild Beat the January blues by celebrating nature between 25th Dec – 5th Jan. Head to wildlifetrusts.org/12dayswild for ideas – even for rainy days!…

BEST ON TEST Pet Pro electrostatic brush, £5.99, Vileda This brush was a real revelation – I thought I'd been doing a good job getting all the pet hair up until I tried this! You simply brush the surface you want to remove hair from, and the soft rubber bristles pick it all up – just a couple of swipes does the job. It gathers a pile of fluff (more pet hair and dust than you would ever imagine possible!), which you then vacuum up. While it's comfortable in the hand, you do have to press the brush quite hard, depending on the surface you are working on – a deep pile carpet takes a lot of effort indeed – but the results are very impressive. I found the extra…

Every year, Dulux brings together designers, editors and architects from around the world to identify the colour that best represents what we need from our homes this year. For 2025, they've chosen a striking shade of yellow to add feel-good energy to our living spaces. The bold shades of dopamine decor have made us all feel a little more colour confident over the last few seasons, and this tone is the ultimate representation of this trend. Popping a touch of yellow into your scheme is just like opening the window and letting in the light. But, it does more than just a give your space a dose of sunshine, adding this colour to your home can bring joy simply because you chose to do it. It's exactly the sort of…

Whether you're planning a whole new kitchen or are wanting to give your current design a lift, a swish new sink and tap is the way forward. First things first, think about the size and depth of sink that would suit your needs as well as the material and installation. Not all sinks fit into all worktops so check it's compatible before you buy. You can then pick a matching or contrasting tap. Consider a professional-style spray, single or dual lever, on-trend finish or multifunctional design for added value. Whatever you choose, go for high-quality, as it will last for years. SKILLS ON TAP ‘A savvy DIY-er should be able to fit a new sink and tap with confidence if they have the right tools and instructions. Just make sure…

SHOPPING LIST ● Ball of macramé yarn ● metal hanging hoop or D-ring ● scissors ● measuring tape ● masking tape HOW TO… 1 Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut five strands of macramé yarn, each measuring approximately 3.8m long. 2 Gather the yarn strands together so that they are aligned. Slide a metal hanging hoop, or D-ring, onto the gathered strands until it reaches their centre point. Then, twist the ends of the yarn around themselves, tying them into a large, chunky knot close to the edge of the metal hoop. Use a piece of masking tape to secure the hoop to your worktop so it's easier to work with. 3 Once you have a total of 10 yarn strands, group them into five pairs. Knot each…

SHOPPING LIST ● Floor sander (optional) ● vacuum cleaner ● mop ● pencil ● tape measure ● vinyl tile sample or cardboard square ● masking tape ● limewash or White floor paint ● Black floor paint ● small foam paint roller and tray ● clear floor varnish (optional) HOW TO… 1 Bagin by moving all furniture out of the room. If you are working on old wooden floorboards, you'll need to sand the surface with a floor sander. Once the floor is sanded, vacuum the surface to ensure there's no dust or debris. Mop the floor with a mild solution of floor cleaner to remove any remaining dust, then allow to dry thoroughly. 2 Apply two coats of woodwash or limewash to the surface to create an antique-effect pale base,…

SHOPPING LIST ● Floral shears or secateurs ● length of Green rope ● Green floral tape ● florist's wire ● fresh or faux flowers ● fresh or faux foliage ● decorative picks (optional) HOW TO… 1. Measure a piece of rope to the length of your table. For a luxurious look, add 60cm so the rope drapes 30cm off each end, giving a more organic feel. 2 You can use either fresh or faux flowers and foliage to create your centrepiece, or even a mixture of the two. Cut down the stems on the foliage to various lengths and arrange different types of seasonal greenery together to add the desired texture and weight. To add bulk to delicate foliage, group a few stems in small bunches, binding with floral tape.…

COME ON IN… We peeked inside Jessica and Oliver Collins’ colourful home back in March's Decorating Special and were instantly inspired by painted stripes among many other thrifty ideas. The couple moved to the Brighton area from London with their two small children in 2021 and brought their well-practiced renovation skills to what was once a bland, beige terrace. You can follow their reno journey on Instagram at @ren.hove.ation. What's your favourite room? Our bathroom has always been my favourite room since we renovated it. It just reminds me of boutique hotels and relaxing on holidays. I've recently painted it in a soft, shell pink shade and now I love it even more! What's your best budget hack? Our stripy lounge. Everyone always thinks the yellow stripes are wallpaper and…

‘We loved the way Sharna mixed interior influences, from classic English Royal Doulton crockery and William Morris prints to Eastern patterns and rich, opulent finishes. She achieved so much on a modest budget!’ Megan Gaen, production editor COME ON IN… Sharna Currington and Raymand Khan (@fix_no_166) found their semi-detached, 1930s house in Luton when looking for a bigger home for their growing family. They instantly fell for the high ceilings, original fireplaces and the stained-glass windows, but they had their work cut out for them structurally. ‘The lounge and dining room were knocked through to create one long space, but the kitchen was tiny,’ explains Sharna, ‘and there was a metre void underneath, so the cold came whistling through the exposed floorboards.’ A loft conversion and an extension later, no. 166…

LIGHT THE WAY Is your New Year's resolution to zhuzh up your outdoor space? Start now with Agriframes’ new range of outdoor lights. They are handcrafted from solid brass and mouth-blown glass for a beautiful look. Then, to suit your style, there are a variety of finishes from heritage-style aged iron and antique brass, to more industrial vintage copper. Plus, the whole range is designed to cope with classic British weather – it can withstand rain from any angle. To see the whole range and pick one for your outdoor space, head to agriframes.co.uk. Our expert says… ‘Painting a section of the room or wall creates the illusion of a separate area, which is perfect for those wanting a designated corner for working from home or a reading nook. Using…

How can I entertain children at my NYE party? Chanelle Smith, social media marketing manager at Baker Ross, is an expert in ideas for keeping little ones busy. She says… ‘If you're looking to keep the kids entertained at your New Year's Eve bash, set up a crafting table and let their imaginations run wild! Fill bowls with plenty of materials such as metallic paper, ribbons, tissue, stickers and sequins to encourage maximum creativity. If you're looking for an edible craft, try cupcake decorating. Offer pre-baked cupcakes along with frosting in festive colours like gold, silver and black. Provide fun decorations such as edible glitter, candy stars and metallic sprinkles. Then, the kids can design their own New Year's Eve treats. The decorating process will keep them entertained, and they'll…

Pumpkin, sage and chestnut crumble ■ PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes ■ COOKING TIME 50 minutes ■ SERVES 4 If pumpkins aren't available, fresh (or frozen) butternut squash makes a great alternative YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 tbsp sunflower oil ✔ 700g pumpkin, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces ✔ 1 red onion, roughly sliced ✔ 2 garlic cloves, crushed ✔ 1 rounded tsp dried sage ✔ 150ml vegan double cream ✔ 180g cooked vacuum-packed chestnuts, roughly chopped ✔ sea salt and black pepper ✔ 200g plain flour ✔ 3 tbsp rolled oats ✔ 2 tbsp vegan butter ✔ 1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Add the oil and pumpkin to a large hob-to-oven dish and cook over a medium heat for…

A A Place for Everything aplaceforeverything.co.uk Accessorize accessorize.com/uk Aldi aldi.co.uk Amazon amazon.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Anthony Burrill anthonyburrill.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com/en-gb AO ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Atkin & Thyme 01462 412100 atkinandthyme.co.uk Audenza audenza.com B B&M bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Baylis & Harding baylisandharding.com Beards and Daisies beardanddaisies.co.uk Beldray beldray.com Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Big Bathroom Shop 0330 027 1032 bigbathroomshop.co.uk BLANCO blanco.co.uk Bloom & Wild bloomandwild.com Boostology boostology.co.uk Boots boots.com Bosch bosch-home.co.uk The British Blanket Co. thebritishblanketcompany.com C California Shutters californiashutters.co.uk Caple caple.co.uk Carron Phoenix carron.com Charley Chau charleychau.com Claybrook Studio claybrookstudio.co.uk Clearwater sterling.eu.com Click Style clickstyle.co.uk Core Balance corebalance.co.uk The Cotswold Company 0333 2001725 cotswoldco.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Craig & Rose craigandrose.com Cult Furniture 0208 185 6960 cultfurniture.com D daals 02477…

Your January to-dos 1. Make space in your wardrobe for any new clothes or accessories you acquired over Christmas. Donate or sell anything you no longer wear or need. 2. Declutter and put away the Christmas decorations. Sort through baubles and lights, throwing away or donating any broken or unused items, and label storage for easy access next year. 3. Deep-clean the kitchen, focusing especially on the well-used appliances like the oven, fridge, and microwave to start the year afresh. 4. Get a head start on tax season by organising important documents and receipts. You can also review budgets, set financial goals for the year, and file any paperwork that's been piling up. 5. Refresh pet bedding, such as dog and cat beds, by removing fur, putting any washable parts…

HOW TO… keep your home fresh and fragrant Lingering odours can make even the cleanest home feel dirty and unwelcoming, so here are our top tips for maintaining a fresh-smelling home every day! • Regularly ventilate your home by opening up windows and doors and letting fresh air in. This should be done for at least 15-20 minutes a day to circulate air and remove stale smells. In the kitchen and bathroom, use extractor fans to reduce the humidity and any associated odours from mould or mildew. • Remove the source of bad odours as soon as possible. Bins and drains are the obvious culprits, so empty bins daily, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, and pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drains every few weeks…

LINE OF BEAUTY Next year's biggest trend is set to be ‘nostalgia’. We're going to see some of our old favourite ways to decorate come back into fashion, from textured paint effects to swagged curtains. Boråstapeter's latest launch has us all eagerly heading back down memory lane. The Swedish brand has released a collection of dreamy wallpaper borders, ready to pair with the rest of its gorgeous Scandi wallpapers, or to add a flourish to painted walls. Prices start from £43 for a 10m roll, see the full collection at wallpaperdirect.com.…

Whether you're planning to party or get comfortable on the couch with a glass of bubbly, these changes will take your home from cosy Christmas to elegant NYE. We've scoured the most affordable offerings to bring you swaps to suit every style, from those who want to turn their maximalist home into decor fit for disco divas, to traditional festive schemes where a low-key NYE look is preferred. Plus, you'll find two simple craft projects and advice from interiors experts including dopamine decor advocate Zeena Shah. So, get ready to take note of your favourite betwixmas inspiration and let the celebrations begin! Restyle your mantelpiece Pack away your pinecone garland and bring the party spirit to your living room's mantelpiece with a stylish New Year's Eve display. Try hanging a…

EDiTOR'S CHOiCE…

LIFE IS A GALLERY Make your curation stand out with a few framed pieces that mean something to you, from cherished notes to holiday finds…

‘It's hard to believe this is a one-bedroom flat in Wandsworth! I love the way Lucinda added lots of clever features such as wooden mantels with large mirrors to create texture, character and the illusion of more space’ Mel Sherwood, editor COME ON IN… Lucinda and Charlie Kimmins (@our_wandsworth_home) made the most of the stamp duty ‘holiday’ during Covid to take the leap and buy their first home together: a one-bedroom groundfloor flat in a Victorian conversion in Wandsworth, London. Lucinda grew up in rural Kent and wanted the same vibe in her own home, which she achieved with a palette of neutrals and soft greens. With only four rooms to play with, every corner counts – the couple added period features on a budget and did much of the work…

‘Temi's bold choices really paid off – the black units, painted structural beams and marble waterfall island give the statement kitchen a high-end look. The way she's carried the monochrome theme through the house is a masterclass in cohesion and luxury!’ Michelle Grady, homes commissioning editor COME ON IN… Temi and Eugene Lorant (@home.chest.of.dreams) and their two kids are reaping the benefits of their meticulously planned side and rear kitchen extension, which they shared with us in the June issue along with the polished décor throughout the rest of the four-bed house. The couple's reno tips included looking at the planning portal online to see how neighbouring properties have designed their extensions and viewing finished houses for sale in your area for more ideas. What's your favourite room? Right now, it's…

Before the 1990s, virtually all new homes were designed with separate kitchen, B living and dining areas. These were succeeded by multi-functional, open layouts, which aren't going anywhere. Fully open-plan rooms often comprise an airy integrated kitchen, eating and sitting area – and possibly a desk – while broken-plan layouts are partially segmented by screens, doors or in other ways. Going open plan maximises space and light, giving you a versatile and sociable home. On this page, we explore key considerations of open-plan living, and from p102, we tackle broken-plan spaces… 1 Choose to remove walls Creating an open-plan layout involves removing at least one wall – usually the one dividing the kitchen from the dining room, the one between front and back living rooms or the one separating a narrow…

While we've all been guilty of scrolling pics of clean-fluencers’ beautifully coordinated larders and impossibly tidy playrooms, decluttering is not about setting unrealistically high standards, nor is it about being shamed into having the perfect home. The fact is clutter gets in the way. In the way of having a quick clean, of locating what we need and allowing us to see the items that actually spark joy (in the words of Marie Kondo). In fact, experts suggest that most of us only use 20% of what we own 80% of the time. And it's not just a physical thing. Everything we own is something else for us to take care of (hello, increased domestic load). No wonder clutter is linked to anxiety! If you want to make a resolution…

PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes SERVES 4 Italian cold cuts with marinated artichokes YOU WILL NEED ✔ 450g thinly sliced mixed pork charcuterie, such as prosciutto crudo, prosciutto cotto, mortadella, speck, coppa, culatello ✔ 4-6 marinated artichoke hearts with stems in oil ✔ pickled vegetables, such as okra, green beans or carrots ✔ 4-6 Belgian endive (chicory), cut into thin spears, or torn radicchio and escarole lettuce leaves ✔ sesame sourdough crusty bread and herb breadsticks For the salsa verde ✔ 2 tbsp each of parsley, coriander, chives, and dill, finely chopped ✔ 1 tsp rosemary, finely chopped ✔ 1 shallot, finely diced ✔ 2 tbsp sherry vinegar ✔ 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses ✔ 2 tbsp green olives or capers, coarsely chopped ✔ 120ml extra virgin olive oil ✔ 1 tsp…

HOST'S TIP Be sure to carefully and safely remove and dispose of the sparkler (once it has burnt out) before drinking. The sparkler adds flair, but is not integral to the taste of the drink… How to make ■ PREPARATION TIME 5 MINUTES ■ SERVES 1 You will need ✔ 50ml vodka (raspberry flavoured vodka works particularly well) ✔ 25ml cranberry juice ✔ 25ml pink grapefruit juice ✔ 10ml maraschino liqueur ✔ sparkling wine, to top up To garnish ✔ sparkler, cocktail cherries and lemon or lime zest DIRECTIONS ■ Shake all the ingredients (except for the sparkling wine) vigorously with ice and pour into a larger coupe or cocktail glass. ■ Top up with the sparking wine ■ Garnish with a mini sparkler, weighted by two cocktail cherries, and…

TREAD SOFTLY The real secret to making a space feel serene is to minimise unwanted noise. Use textiles to absorb sound…

TOP TIP ‘I love to fill my home with seasonal fragrance, I light my favourite festive candle an hour before guests are due to ensure they're greeted with that special aroma’ Mel Sherwood, editor TOP TIP ‘I make sure my Christmas table is polished with a microfibre cloth – it's the perfect finishing touch’ Hannah Tribe, style editor TOP TIP ‘When I'm entertaining over Christmas I always fold napkins in a fun, festive design – such as a tree or bow – it's a great talking point when guests sit down at the table’ Michelle Grady, homes commissioning editor TOP TIP ‘I love to add a final flourish of fairy lights before the big day – banisters, mantelpieces, door ways, window sills and seasonal displays – a scattering of these…

STAN'S PANS Actor and foodie Stanley Tucci has collaborated with cookware brand GreenPan to create a new PFAS-free ceramic non-stick collection. He designed the pans with his own kitchen and style in mind: ‘These pieces have thoughtful touches that make a difference and are shaped by a long tradition of craftsmanship,’ says Stanley. The premium designs are ideal for at-home chefs – take this casserole dish, the cast aluminium design ensures rapid and even heating and can be used on all hobs, while the ergonomic handles allow for a secure grip and easy transportation to the worktop or dining table. The whole collection is available now at johnlewis.com.…

Victoria Eggs and her husband Dan viewed 20 houses before they found the one, and spent another few years mulling over the changes they wanted to make to it before starting their reno project. The couple relocated to Kingston after 10 years of living in North London, where they used to visit nearby Richmond on the overground train. ‘We liked the park and the river, but property there was way out of our budget,’ says Victoria. ‘We widened our search to Kingston, but the houses we saw were either too dark or had already been done up, until we found this end-of-terrace with a south-facing garden. Downstairs was mostly open plan and had been decorated in dark brown and, although it felt oppressive, there was lots of natural light, so…

Emily and her family moved to Epping Forest nine years ago when their children were very young. Initially, they thought they could only afford a flat in the area, but this particular house had sat on the market for over a year as it needed a lot of work. ‘We were over the moon when we realised that we could purchase it,’ says Emily. She wanted to give her home a light, bright, airy feel. ‘I referenced the fact that we live near the forest with the entrance hall, while making sure it was light and welcoming’, she says. The couple hand-painted the floor themselves as an affordable alternative to traditional tiles. ‘We love living here because we have beautiful Epping Forest at the top of the road. It's quiet,…

When Lorna McMahon and her husband Rob started house hunting, they were planning to buy a fully refurbished home, but fate had different plans. ‘We stumbled upon this fixer-upper 1930s property online, and as soon as I saw it, I could picture our future here,’ says Lorna. ‘It wasn't our plan to take on a huge renovation project, especially as I had a newborn at the time, but life has a funny way of surprising us sometimes!’ AND SO IT BEGINS The couple moved into the five-bed house in October 2021 and tried to save money by doing the removal themselves, something Lorna wouldn't recommend. ‘I will never do that again!’ she says. But with their new home in need of a top-to-toe revamp, the hard work was just beginning.…

‘I would have loved to have featured Sarah's home tour in HomeStyle! The colour palette, wall (and floor!) murals are so beautifully done. There is so much personality in this home with souvenirs and memories on display – it has the feel of an eclectic museum or gallery’ Kirstie Duhig, HomeStyle editor COME ON IN… Sarah and Jack's fixer-upper in Bristol featured in our October issue. It required just the right amount of work: ‘Every room needed updating, but we didn't have to do a full rewire, rip out the kitchen or knock down walls,’ said Sarah. ‘It was liveable as it was but just needed some TLC.’ The creative couple – Sarah is an illustrator and muralist (@sarahdowlingart) and Jack is a landscape gardener and woodworker (@jack_ labanowski) – got…

Improving your fitness is one way to get the New Year off to a healthy start. If you prefer to work out at home rather than visiting a gym, however, it can be difficult to know which equipment is worth spending your money on. You could easily spend thousands kitting out a home gym, but, in reality, most of us have neither the budget nor the space for a setup on this scale. According to research by UK fitness network Hussle, over a quarter of people in the UK have almost £200 worth of unused gym equipment in their homes, so it pays to do your research before you splash out… HOME GYM DOs AND DON'Ts Gavin Cowper, fitness expert and owner of Exersci, suggests the following to ensure that…

SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS In her first book, Craveable, Seema Pankhania has created recipes from around the world to meet any cook's needs. The eight chapters – Fresh, Salty & Savoury, Spicy, Green, Comforting, Special, Sweet, and Now! – will give you recipe inspiration for whatever you fancy. Take this spiced rum sticky toffee pudding from the Sweet section, it's ideal as a treat on a winter's night in. Craveable is available in hardback now for £22 – find out where you can get a copy at penguin.co.uk.…