Innehållsförteckning för January 2026 från Your Home

Whether you’ve picked this mag up in December or January, you’ll find just what you need – from last-minute festive tips to New Year’s Eve know-how and fresh inspiration for 2026. Discover expert ideas for a clutter-free Christmas (p88), clever ways to use up festive food (p99), and ways to ring in the New Year in style (p101). Elsewhere, we have plenty of stunning decor to look forward to. Check out the top kitchen trends to watch (p34), discover a trio of colours that will define the year (p12) and the home tech (p78) that will make your life easier – yes, really! Our three real homes (from p41) are bursting with ideas, but special mention goes to two standout kitchen makeovers: Kate (p24), who rebuilt after a devastating flood,…

We’re reading… Use Elle’s clever seven-step method to achieve your dream home. She’ll help you pick out a colour scheme, arrange your furniture and get to grips with balancing old and new. We’re making… Start a group project with your nearest and dearest by working on this easy blanket pattern. Each square is worked on separately, then sewn together to finish the design. We’re visiting… See Cecil Beaton’s theatrical photographs, including portraits of Audrey Hepburn in costumes he designed for My Fair Lady.…

Once a place for picking up weekly essentials, the supermarket is fast becoming one of our favourite interiors secrets. Its homeware aisles are where we find stylish, affordable updates that bring instant joy to our spaces – there’s nothing as satisfying as nestling luxury dupes in your trolley among the lettuces and potatoes. GEORGE HOME, ASDA Asda’s homeware is so good, it’s no surprise it has standalone stores too. We’re always impressed by the speed at which trends land on its shelves and how considered the designs feel. George Home is a go-to for joyful seasonal updates that lift a space without stretching the budget, and we always look out for its chic seasonal collabs with Stacey Solomon. direct.asda.com ‘Maybe it’s because I’m there buying food but, I can’t resist…

BEFORE Step inside… WHO LIVES HERE I’m Kate Hewitt, 40, a content creator, @our_bears_home. I live with my husband, Tom, 40, who works in insurance, and our children, Greyson, 12, and Charlie, eight. Our home is a four-bed 1970s house, bought in March 2020. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We reused everything from the old kitchen, gave the units a dramatic blue makeover, and created a feature wall using a mural. WHY THE CHANGE? We had a massive flood which ruined our old kitchen, so we decided to start again in a different room. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? About a year as we’ve done the majority of the work ourselves. TOTAL COST £3,065 Kate Hewitt and husband Tom completely renovated their home when they first moved in, including replacing all the…

As we step into a new year, you might be feeling inspired to set a few home-refresh goals – and where better to start than the kitchen? As one of the hardest-working rooms in the house, kitchen design trends tend to evolve more gradually than those for other spaces. The choices we make need to stand the test of time, rather than change with every passing season. But that doesn’t mean things stay static – far from it. In 2026, we will see a move towards warmer colours, tactile materials and layouts that prioritise sociability and seamless living. From relaxed blue hues and grounding walnut finishes to cleverly concealed technology, the latest looks prove you can be both practical and stylish, creating a kitchen that feels as good to live…

‘A pop of blue keeps your kitchen on trend, especially when used as a feature – for example, on the doors of an appliance bank or on isolated drawer sections. Kitchens can be expensive, so think carefully before committing to a full colour drench, and request as many visuals as you can – you don’t want to be left feeling blue! Often, a wall, a piece of art, or a few carefully chosen accessories is all you need to get your blue-hue fix.’ John Amabile, interior designer and TV presenter, johnamabiledesign.com…

LATEST FLAME There’s nothing like curling up in front of a wood burner after a chilly winter walk. Traditional models are large and square, designed to fit inside a fireplace, but what if you don’t have a fireplace? A cylindrical stove could be the answer. Transform an empty corner in your living room with the sleek Woodtec FCS Cylinder 5kW wood-burning stove from Charlton & Jenrick. This beauty meets the Ecodesign 2022 standards, Defra Exemption and achieves clearSkies level 4 certifications. Plus, it’s super compact and can be installed as little as 10mm away from the wall, meaning it will fit neatly almost anywhere. Which corner in your home could do with a revamp? Find out more at charltonandjenrick.co.uk. ‘Many households want to cut energy bills but can’t afford upgrades.…

Kale and black bean Mexican casserole YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil ✔ 1 large onion, finely chopped ✔ 3 garlic cloves, crushed ✔ 3 tbsp sundried tomato paste ✔ 2 tbsp chipotle paste ✔ 1 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes ✔ 2 x 400g tins black beans, drained and rinsed ✔ 180g curly kale ✔ 80g plain tortilla chips, to serve DIRECTIONS Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or casserole dish over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 8-9 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir through the sundried tomato and chipotle pastes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and black beans. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the…

ICE, ICE, BABY Whether it’s cocktails, fizz or sparkling water, no one wants a warm drink, especially on the biggest night of the year! Keep those ice cubes flowing along with the party tipples – did you know, for every 10 guests you should aim for 7-9 kg of ice? Be sure to make plenty in advance, or you can cheat and buy bags of ready-made ice cubes to make things easier. To get the party started and add some serious sparkle, try this eye-catching ice bucket that doubles as a glittering centrepiece. It’s roomy enough to chill multiple bottles at once and pairs perfectly with disco lights for the ultimate NYE vibe. Add instant glam to your bar cart!…

DUPE ALERT! Just like YSL’s Black Opium…

STITCH IN TIME Bring your home to life with the intricate botanical designs of ILIV’s new fabric collection. The Tree of Life range is inspired by archival artworks from Central Asia. These pieces have been thoughtfully reinterpreted for modern homes using hard-wearing fabrics and eight fresh colourways, but you’ll still find traditional details such as embroidered accents and crewel-stitched medallions. Make the most of the richly textured designs by pairing them with solid shades. Try making patterned cushions to group together on a plain sofa, or create dramatic, full-length curtains with subtle painted walls. iliv.co.uk…

These brands make updating your home fun and accessible. When an interior trend starts dominating your Instagram feed but you’re unsure if it’s here to stay, their low prices let you test the look without the commitment. B&M We head to B&M whenever we want to add a little seasonality to our homes. Its gorgeous collections for occasions like Easter and high summer are always full of trending pieces. The low price points mean you can get the latest looks without stretching your budget. bmstores.co.uk PRIMARK Primark’s homeware range has been impressive this year. The new ‘The Edit’ line feels more elevated, appealing to shoppers who usually spend more elsewhere. Overall, the collections have been trend-led, unexpectedly detailed and brilliantly affordable. primark.com SØSTRENE GRENE With limited stores around the country, it’s…

‘With so many of us favouring open-plan living, it’s important that the kitchen should transition harmoniously into the rest of the home. But, as much as we need them to be practical, they also need to feel like a cool hangout where we enjoy spending time. I have a lot of my tableware and utensils on display for a curated restaurant look, and I reign in the colour palette and favour natural earthy tones. Shades of baked clays and terracotta will soften harsh lines of worktops, while wooden chopping boards, hand-thrown mugs and rustic bowls sit beautifully together, offering contrasting textures and artisan vibes to set the tone and intrigue the eye.’ Abigail Ahern, designer, author and presenter, abigailahern.com…

Store & order Multifunctional kitchens are the way forward in 2026, and hidden features help to balance functionality and style. Maximising internal storage is a must too, with compact cookware and smart organisers…

‘I love adding striking details to a more neutral scheme’ Shopping list ● 1m fabric for cushion cover ● tape measure ● scissors ● pins ● sewing machine ● ball of yarn ● cardboard ● needle ● thread ● 40 x 40cm cushion pad How to… by 1cm. Fold it over again by 1cm and pin into place. Then sew a 1cm seam along this edge and remove the pins. Repeat for the second back piece. facing up. Next place the first cushion back piece on top with RS facing down, making sure its long unstitched bottom edge lines up with the bottom edge of the cushion front. Repeat with the second cushion back piece, making sure its long unstitched top edge lines up with the top edge of the…

‘Wooden accents bring tranquillity and a sense of calm into my home’ Shopping list ● sack of kiln-dried logs ● saw ● adjustable workbench ● palm sander ● pencil ● sheet of 3mm MDF ● jigsaw ● combi drill and wood bit ● wood glue ● jute rope ● staple gun How to… Clamp the logs in an adjustable workbench to hold them steady as you saw them. You can choose to leave the bark on the log slices, or peel it away, depending on your desired finished effect. Sand away any rough edges using a palm sander. Use a pencil to draw a heart shape, which measures about 50cm high and 50cm wide, onto a sheet of 3mm thick MDF. Then draw a second heart shape 6cm inside this…

Shopping list ● 2.5m length of 20.5mm x 144mm PSE planed timber ● tape measure ● jigsaw ● sandpaper ● pencil ● combi drill and wood bits ● screws ● ruler ● wooden Shaker peg rail pegs ● eggshell paint ● paint brush How to… Cut a rectangle measuring 144mm wide by 123.5mm long from the timber. Make two right-angled triangles by cutting the rectangle diagonally in half – these will be your shelf brackets. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. Use a combi drill to drill a hole at each pencil mark. Repeat at the other short end. Line it up with your pilot holes and screw through the back of the panel into the bracket to secure it to the shelf. Repeat at the other end of…

Even if you’re apprehensive about technology, you almost certainly often use it without even realising – such as scrolling through Instagram on your phone, asking Alexa a question or planning a route on the satnav. Integrating tech into your home is the logical next step, as it saves time, money, energy and effort while boosting comfort and security – and, thanks to wireless connectivity, you won’t have to redecorate. From smart plugs to solar panels, technology will future-proof your home and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. 1 Install a smart hub A central hub is a must-have if you own more than a couple of smart devices, gadgets or systems. Rather than managing them separately, a smart hub connects them together, enabling you to programme and control them…

Although a kitchen extension can be an exciting prospect and a worthwhile investment, it can seem a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about before you begin, and our essential guide has all the know-how you need to help you turn the hub of your home into a larger, more family-friendly space. 1 Decide on your goal Whether you find preparing meals in your small kitchen less than enjoyable, or you dream of a more open-plan space that the whole family can enjoy, an extension could provide the perfect solution. Any sort of extension is a big undertaking, so the first step is to consider if you could achieve your ideal space by simply reconfiguring what you already have rather than increasing the floor space. If the answer is no,…

‘If you want to go all-out, invest in beautiful storage bags for wreaths and Christmas trees, so they are kept in perfect condition for the following year. If you have an artificial tree, don’t throw away the box it arrived in – keep that to store it in. Buying a bespoke Christmas ornament box is such a worthwhile investment. There are so many options on the market – be sure to take measurements before you buy to make sure everything fits. Your ornaments will be accessible, visible and most importantly intact. Alternatively, egg cartons can be a brilliant DIY solution to store delicate baubles. You can also buy winders for Christmas lights, so they don’t get tangled, or create a DIY version. All you need is an empty kitchen roll…

How to make TO PREP 5 mins + chilling SERVES 2 You will need ✔ 100ml grapefruit juice ✔ 100ml strong Earl Grey tea, cooled ✔ 40ml lemon juice ✔ 25ml honey ✔ few drops Angostura or orange bitters ✔ 1 free range egg white ✔ ice  To garnish ✔ twist of grapefruit zest DIRECTIONS Place two martini glasses in the freezer to chill, preferably an hour in advance. Fill a cocktail shaker (or flask) with ice and add all the ingredients. Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes or until the shaker feels cold and the mixture is frothy. Strain into your chilled glasses and garnish with a twist of grapefruit zest. Serve immediately and enjoy! Recipe and image courtesy of Dobbies Garden Centres, dobbies.com Steeped, not stirred…

Best sound quality Emberton III portable speaker in Midnight Blue, £149.99, Marshall This speaker looks like a mini amp, plus, when you turn it on it makes a guitar noise! It has volume-control buttons on the top as well as to skip forward or backwards. It also has a battery guide, with 10 lights to show the level. However, these won’t go down fast at all – this speaker boasts a 32-hour battery, so you can keep partying all night! The sound quality is incredible, with a rounded and full sound. For this quality, you pay the price, but it is a worthwhile investment. Best for durability Boom 4 speaker in Raspberry Red, £129.99, Logitech This speaker looks fun, sounds great, and is packed with features. It has basic buttons…

HOW TO… find the best deals The start of the New Year often comes with the resolution to get fitter. If this is your goal, the gym is the perfect place. But before you sign up to a costly contract, here’s how to get more for your money. • Most gyms advertise special offers at the start of the year with incentives such as no joining fee, free trials and bring a friend. Compare the cost of your local gyms, and consider venturing further afield if there are good offers. • If you’ve found one you want to join, ask for a free session to make sure it has everything you need. Once you’re happy this is the gym for you, enquire about flexible, short-term and pay-as-you-go memberships. • You…

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Macaroni, 5 Pop, 7 Locate, 8 Fir, 9 Lose, 11 Hoe, 12 Ridiculous, 15 Assistance, 16 End, 18 Shed, 19 Wow, 21 Avenue, 22 Yes, 23 Lacrosse DOWN 1 Miff, 2 Charade, 3 Replicas, 4 Idle, 5 Peach, 6 Preserve, 10 Selfish, 12 Rosemary, 13 Untidier, 14 Answers, 17 Dress, 18 Sell, 20 Wire SOLUTION RAISINS WORD SEARCH Did you find them all? WORD SCRAMBLE There are 77 words in total – anything over 15 is excellent, especially if you got any five letter words, including: grown, goner, wrong, rogue or rouge Find puzzles on p110! SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1. One line missing from artwork 2. Wall hanging missing 3. Lamp colour changed 4. Flowers on piano changed 5. Leaf on wallpaper pattern missing 6. Cushion stripes…

When Dulux named its Colour of the Year 2026 as not just one, but three shades of blue, we fell in love with the colour all over again. The three hues, united in a family called Rhythm of Blues, are comprised of serene Mellow Flow, rich Slow Swing and vibrant and expressive Free Groove. They are all aimed at helping us to slow down, connect and embrace creativity. How you use them in your own home, however, really depends how bold you’re feeling… for example, you could layer them with soft neutrals for a peaceful ambience; pair with rich tones for a warm, welcoming feel; or contrast them with bright accents for a more creative burst. M&S, John Lewis and Dunelm are among the big retailers to have embraced the…

Expect the unexpected in these imaginative stores, where each piece is chosen with passion, care and creativity. Celebrating small makers and thoughtful design, these brands offer homeware with soul, that promises to make your home feel unmistakably you. FIG1, BRISTOL Brilliantly botanical, Fig1 is the natural destination when you’re searching for homeware that’s full of life. Its stunning vintage-style prints, handmade goods and colourful cards bring instant energy to a room. The brand works with makers who share its ethical values, and that care shows in every detail. fig1.co.uk THE CORNROW Look to The Cornrow for a cool, curated edit of Afro-chic homeware – including reimagined vintage prints and swoon-worthy coffee table books. It partners with brands, artists and artisans from around the world to bring you pieces that celebrate and…

Editor’s choice…

Wine & dine Create a cosier, more sociable layout in your kitchen by foregoing the classic island in favour of a dining table. Add benches that can be tucked away for a relaxed feel ‘The kitchen is popularly referred to as the heart of the home, which has resulted in an increasingly trend-led drive for ever larger and more ostentatious cooking spaces flowing unbounded into our living areas. The dining room has become all but obsolete, and an enormous kitchen island is the status symbol du jour. While it’s great that kitchens are receiving as much attention to aesthetic detail as other areas of the home, I challenge its designation as the epicentre and champion instead a return to a more pragmatic focus on function. In the kitchen, the overall…

‘The natural wood kitchen is one of those long-lasting looks that refuses to date, always delivering elegance with undeniably tough, hardworking surfaces. But how can it stay in the game of cutting-edge kitchen design? In my own home, reclaimed wooden cupboards and drawer fronts have a dark walnut oil finish, which lets the timber grain shine through and highlights a rough sawmill finish. I love it, and it combines beautifully with dark, khaki painted units and almost black work surfaces. A dark wood kitchen is top of many people’s dream list. Bye bye white gloss, hello nuanced wood with all its cutting marks and flawed grain on show. Bring it on I’d say – more sustainable, more desirable. With wood it’s nigh on impossible to design a bad looking kitchen,…

Prints charming Let patterns shine by pairing them with calm, grounding elements like wooden tables or simple chairs – this looks balanced while putting the pattern centre stage…

In season Swap out your floral accessories with the changing of the seasons. Try maple leaves in the autumn, holly in winter, daffodils during spring and sunflowers for summer…

WhatCost, a company that matches homeowners with installers, has found that homes equipped with technology stand out in competitive markets and can sell for up to 5% more than those without it. This means that smart upgrades can increase the value of a £300,000 property by as much as £15,000. When it comes to selling, they can help your property stand out from the crowd as Henry Griffin, of estate agency Winkworth’s Farnham office, explains: ‘Turnkey homes are as popular as ever and properties in good nick are the most saleable. Features such as smart heating, lighting, security, smart meters, EV charging points, solar panels and new boilers will add saleability and it is these small details that will be picked up on second viewings and might be the deciding…

If you’re considering a timber-frame extension like Rhian and Tom’s, take note of these top tips to help you make the right decision The main elements of a timber frame extension include wall studs, floor joists and roof trusses, which form the structure of the building. These can be prefabricated – manufactured off site and delivered already assembled – but the vast majority use the ‘stick build’ method, where the frame is made up by a joiner on site. A timber construction is generally considered to be a more affordable option than an extension built in the traditional way, mainly due to the reduced labour hours needed. Timber-frame extensions tend to progress more quickly than those built using blockwork. The weathertight stage can be achieved in days rather than weeks,…

CHEERS TO DRY JAN Who says going alcohol-free has to be dull? Look no further than these mocktails from Belvoir Farm. They are made with pressed juices, blended botanicals and a touch of fizz for a gorgeous glass. The range includes Lime & Yuzu Mojito, Pink Grapefruit Paloma and Peach Bellini, so there’s something for everyone. They are special enough that you could serve them up at your New Year’s party for a hangover-free toasting option. Priced at £3.65 per 750ml bottle; find out where you can get yours at belvoirfarm.co.uk.…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Cream of Brussels sprout and chestnut soup TO PREP 15 mins TO COOK 30 mins SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil ✔ 2 leeks, finely sliced ✔ 2 celery sticks, finely chopped ✔ 500g potatoes, peeled and diced ✔ 1 bay leaf ✔ salt and pepper ✔ 400g Brussels sprouts ✔ 1 vegetable stock cube ✔ 200g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped ✔ 1 lemon ✔ handful of sage, finely sliced ✔ 250ml double cream DIRECTIONS Warm 1 tbsp oil in a large pan on a low heat. Add leeks, celery, potatoes and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Pop the lid on and sweat the veg, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, until soft. Trim and roughly chop the sprouts.…

Back to back I find it impossible to throw out my back issues and reread them multiple times. I’ve discovered that if I begin at the back, I notice articles and images I missed before. My theory is my concentration wanes towards the end, so starting from the back is like seeing it for the first time! Lynda Wright, Chelmsford Art of display My twin sister gave me this botanical reference book because she thought I would love the illustrations – she was right! I planned to pop a few into frames, but I found it impossible to choose any favourites. Then, a friend gave me the idea of using them as wallpaper in my loo. I picked a yellow from the flowers to paint the window inset, too. Debbie…

A Aldi aldi.co.uk ALKEMI Store 020 7635 7109 alkemistore.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk B B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Bailey & Tibbs 01355 222 365 baileyandtibbsinteriors.com belarteSTUDIO belartestudio.com Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Bisley 03333 583 856 bisley.com Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Bloomsbury bloomsbury.com/uk Bose 020 4571 2383 bose.co.uk BOXT 0800 193 7777 boxt.co.uk Brewers 01323 576555 brewers.co.uk Britannia Rose 02031 67 87 57 britanniarose.com British Heart Foundation bhf.org.uk Burg-Wächter burg.biz/en by Crea by-crea.com C Caple caple.co.uk Charlton & Jenrick 01952 200 444 charltonandjenrick.co.uk Checkatrade checkatrade.com Corston Architectural Detail 01249 549332 corston.com The Cornrow thecornrow.com The Cosy Stove Company 01527 916339 thecosystovecompany.co.uk The Cotswold Company 0333 200 1725 cotswoldco.com Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk Crosswater crosswater.co.uk D daals 02477 180 023 daals.co.uk där lighting 01295 672200 darlighting.co.uk The Dancing Woodman 01489 795283 thedancingwoodman.com Desenio desenio.co.uk DesignerSofas4U 01254 268 590 designersofas4u.co.uk Dexam 01730 811888 dexam.co.uk DFS…