Innehållsförteckning för January 2021 från Ideal Home

It’s a new year, and for me, it’s also the start of my new role as Editor of Ideal Home . I’m no stranger to this wonderful magazine, having been part of the Ideal Home family for well over a decade, and I’m thrilled to be its newest custodian. Our previous editor, Vanessa, was the calm captain for five years, culminating in our centenary celebrations last year. Her warmth, wit and all-round interiors brilliance will be greatly missed by all. And so 2021 marks a new chapter for Ideal Home . What does this year hold? If last year taught me anything, it’s the importance of the place we call home. Lockdowns have seen us become more intimately acquainted with our homes than ever. We’ve rejigged, redecorated, reinvented. I’ve gone…

MY GO-TO STORES… LOODS 5 For fab Dutch design trends. SISSY BOY I love the quirky home accessories. HK LIVING Great for sleek Dutch design and UK stockists. FONQ My top choice for good value interiors shopping from the comfort of your own home. STYLIST’S NOTE “Boost a neutral scheme with plenty of texture, from tactile fabrics to woven pendant lights that cast dappled shadows throughout the day” STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR…

STYLIST’S NOTE “With white as the main base for your home, texture is key, from relief pattern on wallpaper to gloss finishes to contrast with matt walls” STYLE EDITOR , MICHELA COLLING…

DARREN WATTS, WREN KITCHENS SHOWROOM DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN DIRECTOR (WRENKITCHENS.COM) Darren has been a design expert at Wren Kitchens for 10 years and is passionate about closely following the very latest trends and innovations in kitchen design. LAURA CLARK, ARCHITECT AND FOUNDER OF LAMP ARCHITECTS (LAMPARCHITECTS.CO.UK) Specialising in residential conversions, extensions and new builds, Laura has also appeared on TV shows including Channel 4’s Ugly House to Lovely House and BBC2’s Your Home Made Perfect. Laura also set up Siren Sister (sirensister.co.uk), which provides a platform to promote female talent in television, media and film. SIMON BENTLEY, PARTNER & ASSISTANT BUYER, LARGE ELECTRICAL, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS (JOHNLEWIS.COM) Simon’s worked all bar three years of his career in buying for John Lewis & Partners, from nursery through to more recent…

Originating in ancient Venice, terrazzo was invented as a way to use up marble waste – early upcycling at its best! Q What is terrazzo? There are two types: cement and resin. Cement is the traditional form; it’s durable and usually less expensive than resin. Modern resin terrazzo includes epoxy resin, binding aggregate and pigments. It’s more colourful, less prone to cracking and staining and has a smoother finish – perfect for worktops. Q Why is terrazzo good for worktops? It is low maintenance (cement-based needs annual resealing, resin doesn’t) and can be cut for sinks, hobs and drainer grooves. However, most people choose terrazzo for its dynamic design. You can go as bold or calm as you like, match colours and even place chunks where you want them. Q…

IDEAL GREATDEAL CHOOSE MARBLE-EFFECT TILES FOR A BOUTIQUE LOOK…

It may have been around since Egyptian times, but polished plaster is enjoying a resurgence, not least because it is grubby grout free! This surface is also easy to clean and is suitable for use on floors, walls and ceilings. Q Is all polished plaster the same? No, there are various application techniques and ingredients, from traditional Moroccan Tadelakt and marble-based Venetian, to modern cement-based products. Some are 100% waterproof or can be waxed to repel water, while others are more textural, colour-led, extra durable, stainproof etc. Search for specialists online and explain what you are seeking design and performance-wise. Q What are the benefits? The seamless finish that can be achieved across surfaces is the big story here. The look can be very sleek and contemporary, or more rustic…

Larissa Alexis lives here with her husband and their sons, aged six months and two years. Larissa works for an environmental consultancy. THE PROPERTY A four-storey, five-bedroom Victorian semi in southeast London. THE VALUE Bought in 2016 for £1.3m; now worth more than £2m. WHAT IT COST Fees.……...............£62,500 Loft conversion.................. ............................£150,000 Basement..........£350,000 Kitchen extension.............. ………....................£150,000 Glazing..........…..£100,000 Structural work.................. …………...................£70,000 Kitchen.…..........…£25,000 Sanitaryware........£25,000 Flooring, tiles........£55,000 Landscaping.........£12,500 TOTAL.….....£1,000,000 “After living so long in a small flat, we couldn’t imagine having a basement cinema and gym! ”…

Superb value for money Push&Go DFO 3T133F UK, £369, Indesit Simple and efficient A+++ design with an extra-hygiene cycle that destroys bacteria with a scorching 72°C rinse. Sensors adjust the cycle to get the best results, there’s a swift 28-minute wash and the cutlery tray is removable. THE BEST BIT Usually only found on flagship appliances, the motorised door opens slightly to allow fresh air into the appliance for better drying. Small but mighty iQ300 SR23EI28ME, £699, Siemens With this slimline (W45cm) 10-place setting design, you don’t need to compromise on results and features just because you’re short on space. It’s A++ energy rated, the baskets are fully adjustable, and you can control it all from your smartphone. THE BEST BIT As on a full-sized model, sensors monitor dirt in…

Luscious dish A mouthwatering rack of lamb makes a truly spectacular centrepiece for Christmas. It’s not entirely traditional but not everyone loves turkey. These two racks are hand-rubbed with crumb. Who’s to say it wasn’t made in your own kitchen? Garlic and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, 960g, £40, COOK Festive medley This mix of root vegetables, Brussels sprouts and spring greens is tossed in a parsley and black pepper dressing and topped with everyone’s favourite – pigs in blankets. Christmas Vegetable Medley with Pigs in Blankets, 400g, £2.50, Co-op Perfect pies A great trade for turkey for the herbivores you have around the Christmas table, this parsnip pie is full of flavour. It’s also a great way to save time if the whole family aren’t veggies. Higgidy Very Merry…

THE ORIGINAL We’re drawn into this formal but friendly living space, complete with roaring fire and rosy-toned furnishings. The wing-back armchairs, curvy loveseat and ornate, gilded frames bring a sense of grandeur, along with the polished, dark wood finishes, all offset by the cosy rug and ochre accents. THE UPDATE We’ve chosen a more relaxed, rounded shape for the loveseat and picked out rustic elements of grainy wood for the sofa legs, bowl and textured stoneware vase. The uplifting pairing of pink and ochre is warmed up with the rich shades of the rug, eucalyptus and polished brass lamp. WHERE TO BUY 1 Rock-effect vase with preserved red eucalyptus Nicholii bouquet, £71.99, Dowsing & Reynolds 2 Medium recycled polyester crimson cassis runner, £125, French Connection Home 3 Julius cushions, £35…

ART COLLECTORS’ CALENDAR Build a gallery wall throughout the year with Desenio’s art print calendar. The designs are printed on thick paper with a smart, matt finish – just tear along the perforation to remove the date, leaving you with a 30x40cm print. Frame or hang with clips for an easy-to-update formation. There’s both a botanical collection and a kids’ calendar, too. WONDER WOOL The Wool Room is championing this miracle material, dispelling the myth that it’s itchy, difficult to wash or too warm. The wool helps make its luxury bedding naturally temperature regulating, biodegradable and hypoallergenic. What’s more, the wool will absorb harmful VOCs in the air. The wool used is now traceable, too – you can scan the bedding label with a smartphone to see the British farmers…

Welcoming glow Bell jars filled with basic white baubles and a string of micro fairy lights are all you need. Arrange groups of different-sized jars on a console, sideboard or windowsill. Mantel moment Festooned foliage highlights a loosely symmetrical arrangement of lanterns and candlesticks in shining silver and glass. Put the tallest pieces at the ends for a balanced effect. Focus on foliage Create impact with fewer, but bigger, decorations rather than lots of little bits. In this space, a height-filling tree and voluminous garland is all it takes. Scene setting Gold cutlery, pretty crackers and a glittering leaf garland bring a sense of celebration to the dining table. Simple swags Pre-lit garlands, tied at intervals with super-wide ribbon, dress a traditional staircase beautifully. Quick style-ups…

Statement mantelpiece Replace an above-mantel mirror with an attention-grabbing wreath during the festive season. Take a wooden hoop and entwine dried foliage onto the bottom two thirds, using florist’s wire. Finish with battery-powered fairy lights wrapped around the wreath and a flourish of ribbon lengths, trailing down to the mantel.…

STYLIST’S NOTE “A backdrop of muted colours allows architectural details to take centre stage, from decorative plasterwork and cornices, to wooden mouldings and panelling”LISA FAZZANI, ACTING FEATURES EDITOR…

Winter wonderland Wash your chosen window to remove any dirt or grease and allow to dry. With the backing paper still on, experiment with compositions by laying your stickers out on a flat surface. Once you’re happy with the design, remove the backing paper and smooth onto the window using a credit card or squeegee to remove any bubbles.…

We’re in love! PERSONAL TOUCH Individuality is at the heart of the new ME by Starck range for Duravit, a pared-back collection that’s easy to tailor to your space. Designed by Philippe Starck, this timeless series focuses on a reduced design aesthetic to give you the freedom for creativity. Learning curves Fancy a traditional bath with modern benefits? The new Senator from BC Designs is based on the fireclay style of tub but weighs less and retains more heat. Its shapely silhouette and bun feet are a nod to the curve trend, with colours such as Khaki Green and Powder Blue. Senator Colourkast in Satin Rose, £4,650, BC Designs On our wish list... Mandarin Stone’s Arena porcelain floor and wall tiles will easily fool you into thinking they’re marble, from…

1 IT’S NOT A DIY JOB Specialist companies will hold appropriate insurance cover and be able to offer warranties. 2 YOU’LL PROBABLY NEED PLANNING PERMISSION Excavating a new basement is likely to require it, but converting an existing residential cellar or basement into a living space may not. The Planning Portal has more details (planningportal.co.uk). 3 THERE ARE RISKS Excavation could undermine existing foundations, leading to instability or even the collapse of supporting walls – another reason to use an experienced company. 4 THEY MUST BE DRY Water penetration should be carefully controlled. Building regulations for cellars and basements state that all floors and walls below ground level need to be waterproofed. 5 LIGHTING IS KEY A well-designed light well with tall windows or doors is the most obvious way…

Same size, more capacity Samsung RB34T652ESA frost-free A++ classic fridge-freezer, £649.99, Argos Thanks to the slimmer, but no less effective insulation, and an ingenious internal layout – including huge door drawers and a slim water dispenser – you’ll be amazed by its storage space. THE BEST BIT The traditional wine rack has been replaced by an extra-wide shelf that can be used for bottles or food. Add a little personality Portofino FA490RR A++, £1,699, Smeg A beautiful modern design, available in standout red, white, anthracite and black, that features design flourishes alongside practical must-haves, such as huge internal drawers, fast freezing and exacting temperature control. THE BEST BIT Designed to co-ordinate with the Smeg Portofino cooker range, it’s an impressive way to add function and style to your kitchen. Smart…

Dining room Although the living space has been split into two separate rooms, when the doors are opened wide, they still feel like one, large space – ideal at Christmastime. BUY THE KEY PIECES Britolli White marble ceramic dining table, £921.60, First Furniture, would work here The kids were getting bigger and the small living room in our old 1930s house was very small,’ says Karen van Tongeren. ‘We needed more space, and this townhouse in central Haarlem fitted the bill. We had three months before we moved in, so rather than make any big structural changes, we decided to focus on redecorating – replacing the floors and painting every square inch. Many of our neighbours had ripped out original features in their houses, but details, such as the hallway’s…

Paula and Matthew Gowar embarked on a labour-of-love restoration when they moved into their home a decade ago. It hadn’t been touched for 40 years: ‘Every room was a 1970s throwback of patterned carpets, woodchip and flowery wallpaper. We installed central heating and moved in three days before Christmas. Caspar arrived two weeks later,’ says Paula. ‘I drew up the plans for six separate stages of planning applications, including a glass side-return extension.’ Growing up, she had seen her father run his construction company and developed a passion for spatial planning. She now works as an interior designer (balancedesign. co.uk) and Matthew is the founder of Range Left Graphic Design Studio, so the couple had plenty of ideas. However, when the extension’s shell was finished, they hit a cash-flow crisis:…

Decorate twigs Pop branches into a heavy-bottomed vase. Peg cards onto the twigs and place the vase on an occasional table or sideboard to create an eye-catching festive feature. Hang on the door Leave your mantelpiece free for foliage, utilising usually un-decorated doors instead. Attach lengths of velvet ribbon to the top of the door with a staple gun or drawing pins. Create a focal point Pin cards along ribbon, strung vertically across a gold hoop. For a finishing flourish, top with some fresh foliage tied in place with florist’s wire. Tuck into shutters Insert cards into louvred shutters for a creative display. Prop on a mantel as part of a larger Christmas arrangement with candles and a festive garland.…

1 SEE IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE The celebrations might be smaller this year, but that’s no reason to rein it in. Go big with luxe gold balloons, sparklers and fizz to create an instant party vibe at home. Inflate balloons with helium, so they’ll float up to the ceiling. 2 ENJOY COSY SUPPERS Make better use of space in a small dining room by switching to a circular dining table rather than a long, rectangular design. They’re compact, sociable to sit around and have no sharp corners to bash into. 3 RAISE YOUR GLASSES Invest in extra glassware so you have the right glass to hand, whether it’s cocktails or champers. Choose gilt-edged, cut-glass or faceted designs for extra glitz and sparkle. 4 GO…

Still the heart of our homes, but when it comes to kitchen colour, style, design details and appliances, there are some exciting new trends, from cabinetry to appliances. Whether you’re planning a full redo or just replacing elements, where should you start? We asked the experts… WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST TRENDS FOR CABINETRY? ‘The industrial look is here to stay, but it’s reaching another level of sophistication,’ says Darren Watts from Wren Kitchens. But it’s not all industrial, with Art Deco tipped by Darren as one to watch, along with retro-style kitchens in blush, mustard or cinnamon shades. ‘We’re also seeing a rise in organic influences and a modern take on country-style kitchens as younger generations develop an interest in older styles and chintz prints – think peacock teal, forest…

Louisa Pacifico lives here with her husband Doug. THE PROPERTY A 1920s semi in Beckenham, south London. WHAT IT COST Units...................£18,800 Plain worktops.....£1,800 Patterned worktop.......... ...............................£1,200 Appliances...........£3,756 Sink and tap............£588 Flooring...................£800 Wall tiles..................£375 TOTAL................£27,319 “Instead of working in my home office, I’ll often sit at the island. I love the garden view ”…

Rachael Somerville lives here with her husband Tom and one-year-old daughter Nancy. THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom Georgian house in Shrewsbury. WHAT IT COST Bath.......................£1,295 Vanity unit and basin....................£2,968 Loo.........................£1,047 Bath taps..............£1,604 Shower fittings......£1,178 Basin taps...............£534 Shower enclosure........... ...............................£1,500 Tiles.......................£1,750 Mirror.......................£249 Wall lights.......£120 each TOTAL...............£12,365 “I love how calming and peaceful this bathroom is”…

Aeron Greenwood lives here with her husband Matthew, their daughter Darcey, three, and son Harrison, eight months. THE PROPERTY A five-bed 1920s semi in Barnet, north London. WHAT IT COST Basin unit..............£1,033 Loo............................£155 Tiles.......................£1,380 Polished plaster..£2,200 Lights........................£218 Showers................£1,866 Shower screen........£406 Bath......................£2,400 Taps..........................£750 TOTAL ...............£10,408 “The polished plaster walls have been such a hit. They’re warm, luxurious and easy to clean”…

Create a custom wreath Invest in a pre-made wreath base to re-use year after year for your Christmas decorating. Hobbycraft offers a selection of basic designs and shapes – polystyrene rings, wicker wreaths and metal stars – that you can simply decorate each Christmas to fit in with your look, rather than buying new. 24cm light willow wreath base, £4; asparagus bush, £4; wooden star shapes, £3 for 21; red berry picks, £3 for 50, all Hobbycraft Celebrate the new year in style Kick off 2021 with a bang by popping a confetti cannon when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. And with biodegradable confetti, this party piece is eco-friendly, too. Luxe confetti cannon, £7, Talking Tables PRE-MIXED DRINKS FOR HASSLE-FREE HOSTING SHAKEN NOT STIRRED Serve up a…

IDEAL HOME TIP Pierce a hole in each cookie before baking and hang from the tree with ribbon once baked. IDEAL HOME TIP You can bake and freeze these cakes un-iced. Defrost for 1 to 2 hours, then ice. Chocolate truffle torte SERVES 16 READY IN 30 mins, plus chilling • 450g dark chocolate, broken into squares • 5tbsp liquid glucose • 5tbsp Disaronno liqueur • 75g amaretti biscuits • 600ml light double cream • 350g assorted truffles • Edible gold metallic lustre dust • YOU WILL NEED • 23cm loose-based cake tin, greased and lined with baking parchment 1 Melt the chocolate, liquid glucose and liqueur together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. 2 Crumble the amaretti biscuits over the base of the…

Pile them high After a glittering crowd pleaser? These 30 choux pastries are filled with cream and covered in salted caramel sauce, golden malted cereal balls and chocolate shortcake. Oh, and with extra gold sparkle to finish! Golden Balls Profiteroles Stack, £12 for 620g, M&S A right royal trifle Forget the old-fashioned trifle in a bowl, this not only looks great but it can be served in style, too. All the traditional flavours remain, layered on top of a light feuilletine base. Queen of Trifles, £12 for 360g, Waitrose & Partners Christmassy caramel Not everyone loves a Christmas pud. Behold the perfect substitute: an elegant showstopper with a rich chocolate flavour and layers of salted caramel. Chocolate and Salted Caramel Layered Bar, £5.99 for 350g, Aldi Prep free pudding Unless…

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