Your Home January 2021

After we’ve taken down the fairy lights, wrapped up the baubles and popped the decorations back in the loft, our homes can tend to feel a bit flat, but we’ve all the ideas you need to make your place as uplifting as ever this January. First of all, start with a good declutter – the eco-friendly way – to give yourself a blank canvas to work from (p11). Then turn to page 36 for clever décor tricks that will brighten your home. If one of the things you love about decking the halls is how charming and cosy the place feels, then try out the tips in 8 ways to add character to your home on page 124 – with some savvy DIY and a few well-chosen additions, even a…

BLANKET STATEMENT Continue the cosiness into the new year and beyond with these Scandinavian 100 per cent lambswool blankets from Lisa Comfort Home. Sourced from a Swedish, family-run business which uses fleece from New Zealand sheep, there are no synthetic nasties in these completely natural blankets. To introduce a splash of colour to a neutral living room, drape one of these over an armchair or, for an extra layer of warmth, spread across the end of your bed. Available in a range of colours including aqua, blush and mustard, these blankets are sure to put a smile on your face throughout the winter months. Priced at £50, lisacomforthome.com. Instagram inspiration If you’re looking to create a rainbow-coloured home filled with pretty patterns and oh-so fabulous shelfies, follow@ambershomestyle. Inspired by 1960s…

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE I’ve recently renovated my children’s bedroom and would like to share the finished look. I wanted a bold patterned wallpaper but was looking to avoid an accent wall as I never know what colour to paint the surrounding spaces. The paper I chose was too much for the whole room, so I paired it with panelling. I’m really happy with how the room’s turned out, and hope it helps someone else in a similar position. Katrina McGuigan, by email Your Home says Wow, Katrina! What a lovely room. The safari-themed wallpaper contrasted with the white panelling makes a real statement. New lease of life My 13-year-old daughter, Madaleine, and I love upcycling. She has her own social media page (managed by me) where she shares…

How to… start the year with an eco-friendly clear out Once the decorations come down, it often feels like a good time to clear the clutter – after all, a new year deserves a fresh start. But how to detox your home without affecting the environment? Follow these top tips to make your clear out as green as possible… Charity shops are the perfect solution for unwanted clothes, books, furniture and home accessories. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people to continue to donate to its 730 shops across the UK. As long as the item is in good condition and one that you think someone would want to buy, the BHF would love to receive it. If you don’t feel comfortable enough heading to your local high street just…

THINGS WE CONSIDERED • Did it keep the liquid warm?• Was it leakproof?• Was it easy to hold and use? VACUUM BOTTLE 0.5L, £22.95 , PRIMUS This medium-sized bottle comes in an array of pretty colours so there’s one for every member of the family. Its powder coated outer surface gives it good grip and it also offers a nifty click-close stopper for easy sipping. The lid doubles up as a cup and, although small, it’s a great size for short pit stops during leisurely walks. The double-wall design ensures that liquid stayed nicely warm throughout the day. FOOD FLASK, £29.95 , BLACK + BLUM This sustainable flask is small but handy if you’re often on the go. It lacks a cup but the lovely addition of a…

A new year, a fresh start – we all have good intentions when it comes to health and fitness in January. But before you invest in an expensive gym membership, check out our budget-friendly tips for a healthy lifestyle. Savvy ways to… Make healthy lifestyle changes If you have health goals for 2021, then start as you mean to go on with these ideas for improving your wellbeing, fitness and diet as well as your bank balance. ■ COOK SMARTER While it can be tempting to grab a ready-meal for a midweek dinner, ensuring you cook from scratch as much as possible will save you money – plus, it’s a much healthier option. A weekly meal plan will keep you organised, while tricks such as bulking out meat-based meals with…