Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2026 i Homes & Gardens

January often feels like a moment to pause between the celebrations just passed and the possibilities ahead. The tree may be down and the last of the mince pies gone, but what lingers – hopefully – is a sense of connection, of rooms filled with people we love, the extra table settings and conversations that ran late into the night. This issue is a gentle continuation of that feeling. We begin with homes that remind us of what true hosting looks like: not perfection, but warmth. Whether it’s a country house designed around a generous dining table or a city dwelling where every corner works hard to welcome. We’ve also gathered hosting wisdom from designers and tastemakers who seem unflappable, even when the souffle sinks and someone arrives with an…

LUCY Bathurst’s journey into textile design began with a simple love for making things. ‘I come from a long line of Scottish women who were handy with a needle and thread,’ she says. ‘My grandmother wrote a book on patchworking, and our mother taught me and my sisters to sew when we were young. I loved thinking about something I wanted, working out how it would be put together, then seeing it come to life.’ After completing a course at a curtain-making school in Warwickshire, Lucy joined interior decorating company Paper Moon. ‘One job involved making 32 pairs of drapes for a palace in India,’ she recalls. ‘After that, I enrolled in KLC for a diploma in interior design, then I worked at design studio Retrouvius for a year before…

COLOUR OF THE MONTH OCHRE HAPPY RETURNS ‘We chose a warm ochre for the sofa as it brings energy and optimism. It has a richness that works beautifully with soft natural light, creating a welcoming focal point that lifts the atmosphere. I like to balance it with earthy neutrals, tactile natural materials and muted pinky tones.’ Andrew Griffiths, founder, A New Day RICH PICKINGS ‘This kitchen belongs to a dynamic young family, so we chose Middle Buff by Little Greene for the Guild Anderson cabinetry to enhance their mood. We paired the rich colour with a stunning Blue Roma quartzite worktop that complements the cabinets.’ Lara Bates, founder, Lara et al BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL ‘For this entrance, we used the Ogata Saffron wallpaper from Fromental as we wanted a design…

WHEN you’re thinking about creating a welcoming space, you need to consider who you’re ultimately designing it for. People design for different reasons, and some people want a ‘show house’, but if you create a space that fits authentically with you, the guests you want to entertain – your friends and family – will love it, because they love you. The more representative of you and the way you live, the more comfortable it will be. ■ Unlocking your authentic self and displaying that in your interior is, I think, luxury in its purest form. It’s the one thing money can’t buy, and the best gift you can give yourself. This is what informs the style, the colour the music, the scent – it all comes from one place: you.…

THERE has always been ‘a little moment’ of Soane Britain in American designer Billy Cotton’s interior schemes. ‘This is the magical part of my dual life as an industrial designer and decorator,’ says Billy. ‘Part of why I love being a decorator is that I love to shop. I found Soane because I was shopping for lights and I fell for its brass and rattan double rise-and-fall pendant, so I started ordering it – drawn not only to the craftsmanship but to the use of natural materials, which lend a humanity and tactility – and I haven’t stopped.’ Now Billy has his own collection designed in collaboration with Soane Britain’s founder Lulu Lytle. Initially trained at the prestigious Pratt Institute art school, Billy founded his interior design practice in 2011.…

the interior is a cocktail, a culmination of different styles and feelings,’ observes Amy Dalrymple of Dalrymple Studio, about her favourite project to date – a rambling period house in Oxfordshire, complete with coach house, flint barn and party barn. ‘We dipped into every genre to create the interior around the clients who have travelled widely,’ explains Amy. The result is an intoxicating blend – an elegant yet practical home devised for modern living, with flowing open-plan rooms tempered by cosy hideaway spaces, designed to be a hub where visiting friends and family feel completely at home. The clients, a couple with young children, whose main base is in London, bought the property as an escape to the country. It was previously owned by the same family who had lived…

THE HEAVILY beamed 16th-century Wollerton Old Hall has almost certainly been home to some form of garden for around 500 years. Today, its three acres unfold as 16 distinct garden ‘rooms’, each with its own unique character, shape and style, which in winter can be seen in their barest form. When Lesley and John Jenkins moved to Wollerton Old Hall in 1983, Lesley was actually returning to her childhood home. She had taken a detour one day past the house, only to discover it was for sale and so without hesitation, the couple made an offer. ‘I was very excited and happy seeing my old home again, it brought back so many childhood memories. However, on exploring further I found the garden of my memory was no more!’ After two…

IN 2019, my husband Duncan and I decided to rent a cottage on the Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire border. We’d been in London for years and it was time for a new way of life. We dreamt of a garden and a location to stir our imaginations. We fell in love with our humble cottage because it sits alone, with views across fields, cow barns and a valley. Our farm-based studios are 10 minutes’ away. ■ We often head over to Stroud on the other side of Gloucestershire. Juliet is a wonderful bistro - we go for oysters, pasta and puddings. On Saturday mornings, we’ll often pop in for Bloody Marys while shopping at the town’s excellent food market. ■ Close to Stroud is Slad, a lovely village straddling a valley; it’s also…

1. Every morning I take my Cavapoo, Suzie, for a walk in Greenwich Park, and at weekends in Oxleas Wood. There’s something restorative about being surrounded by ancient trees and really giving yourself a chance to slow down and observe shape, texture and shadow. 2. My mum is a yoga teacher and so I’ve been practicing my whole life – not that I do it as much as I should. Once or twice a week I do yoga at Charlton Lido with a teacher called Emma Levy who is brilliant. It’s quite special practising outside, underneath the sky. 3. I can hear when Charlton Athletic FC score from my bathtub; they’re my local football team and while I can’t say I’m a lifelong fan, I’m a proud new one. 4.…

A CURATION OF THE BEST DESIGN AND HOME IDEAS GATHER ROUND NiX by Nicola Harding unveils the Raconteur – a convivial, hand-painted dining table designed for gathering. Its smooth circular top rests on a sculptural, totemic pedestal, while edge detailing lends a sense of movement. As with all NiX pieces, sustainability sits at the heart of the design: handmade in Portugal from FSC-certified cherry, it’s available in Glacier Blue or Berry Red, from £2,250. It reflects Nicola’s signature style, timeless and relaxed, with colour and character at its heart. Sky fall Sky Drops is a new collection from Christopher Farr Cloth, created in collaboration with Japanese design studio Nendo, founded by Oki Sato. Known for its minimalist aesthetic, Nendo draws on the ephemeral beauty and movement of rain, translating its…

ON THE ROCKS Striking designs to present your ice elegantly CONVERSATION STARTERS Any one of these smart drinks napkins will be a talking point with guests LIGHT THE WAY A portable, rechargeable dining table lamp will up the ambience TAKE A STAND Elevate puddings, literally, with a single tier cake stand COCKTAIL HOUR Serve a classic drink or your own concoction in a chic glass…

Height of luxury Boasting an unrivalled softness and lustre, silk velvets are the epitome of luxury, ideal for statement upholstery, drapes, trims and accessories. Woven from yarn-dyed silk and available in 14 alluring shades, these Palazzo Gangi velours would be the crowning jewel in an elegant and sophisticated scheme. Cushions in Palazzo Gangi in (clockwise from top) Khaki, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Mustard, Light Pink and Aubergine, £439.90m, Ardecora at Zimmer + Rohde Warm embrace Envelop spaces in warmth and cosiness with velvet drapes and upholstery in rich, earthy tones. Part of the Aurora collection, inspired by atmospheric sunrise skies, this Atlas linen velvet comes in eight contemporary tones and pairs beautifully with the painterly Odessa fabric, reminiscent of misty mornings. Drape in Atlas linen velvet in Camellia, £243m; chairs…

SOLID GROUND With all the passing traffic, you may feel nervous about laying a much-loved rug in an entrance area, but it is the perfect way to introduce immediate warmth and colour, as shown in this design by Nicola Harding in collaboration with Christine Van Der Hurd. CHARACTER STUDY Hallways can be quickly overlooked as functional areas that need to provide space for essentials such as keys and coats. However, they often make the ideal canvas for displaying statement works of art or curating a console table that sets the scene for the rest of the home. ‘I love using really interesting furniture in an entrance, such as a beautiful console table or a very sculptural piece,’ explains Charu Gandhi, founder and creative director of Elicyon, who designed this apartment…

“Sissinghurst is famous as the epitome of the English Garden. Founded in 1930, it’s a result of the exuberant planting style of poet and writer Vita Sackville-West, combined with the more formal eye of her husband, diplomat and diarist Harold Nicolson. I’m from the Yorkshire Dales and first came to Sissinghurst as a visitor nearly 40 years ago. Captivated by its romantic beauty, it wasn’t long before I sought work here as a gardener. After periods at The Courts and Bodnant, I returned as head gardener here 12 years ago, immersing myself in the worlds of Harold and Vita. With my team of eight, we garden in a way that puts beauty and romance first. Now is the only time of year when you can keep pace with the garden.…

CLASSIC LUXURY Distinguished designer Nina Campbell OBE is admired for her ability to create timeless, elegant interiors. Comfort, colour and luxury – with a subtle touch of glamour – are hallmarks of her style. ‘A bathroom should feel like a haven of relaxation,’ she says. ‘A beautiful bath in a window for the view, a fireplace for warmth on winter evenings, an armchair so that a child or friend can sit and chat while you bathe – and why not a drinks tray at the end of the bath?’ Nina also highlights the practicalities which include a large countertop for soaps and toiletries by the basin, a shower with a powerful jet to massage the shoulders and a loo tucked away for privacy. Nickel taps, a mirrored vanity and walls…

ROAST CAULIFLOWER, GARLIC & CASHEW SOUP SERVES 4 1 tbsp olive oil800g cauliflower florets and leaves1 onion, chopped2 tsp ground turmeric1 tsp ground cumin2 tbsp olive oil150g cashew nuts3 garlic cloves, crushed1 tbsp finely chopped sage leaves1ltr hot vegetable stockJuice of 1 lemonSea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE GARAM MASALA CROUTONS 4 slices of sourdough bread, cut into small cubes2 tbsp olive oil2 tsp garam masala ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C fan/gas 7. ■ Place the cauliflower florets and onion on a roasting tray. Sprinkle over the turmeric and cumin and season with salt and pepper, then drizzle the oil on top and toss well. Roast in the hot oven for 10 minutes, then add the cauliflower leaves, cashews, garlic and sage. Toss well and…

Fine fabric Naturalmat has launched ReNew – a limited-edition fabric made in partnership with IINOUIIO – as an upholstery option for its beds and headboards. ReNew is entirely recycled; it is made from cotton and linen offcuts gathered at Naturalmat’s Devon workshop, which are then sent to Yorkshire-based IINOUIIO, the UK’s leading wool recycler. IINOUIIO (the name being an acronym for ‘it is never over until it is over’) has been repurposing wool for 40 years and is an expert in specialist traditional recycling methods. The offcuts are shredded, blended with IINOUIIO’s recycled wool and cashmere fibres, and then respun into a new yarn, before being woven on a hand loom to create fabric. ReNew is shown here on The Narrow Halstock bed, a new design for Naturalmat. Prices start…

Lucy Goldbart Interior Design When Lucy Goldbart launched her eponymous studio in 2022, she was already armed with a wealth of experience from two of London’s most respected practices. She began her career at Fiona Barratt Interiors, where she learned the value of pushing design boundaries and encouraging clients to be braver. Later, as a senior designer at Elicyon, she honed the skills of project management and process. ‘It’s such a well-oiled machine,’ she says of founder Charu Gandhi’s practice. ‘I learned so much about organisation and how to manage large-scale projects.’ That preparation served her well when her first solo commission came through: a private island property in Antigua, its ongoing design inspired by the volcanic rock and limestone landscape. Since then, every project has arrived by word of…

A AKT The Deodorant Balm by AKT came about after three years of development and collaboration with experts in fragrance and cosmetic science. Choose from gender-free fragrances including woody After Thunder, calming The Onsen and summery Orange Grove, as well as fragrance-free and sensitive No Notes. The cheerful yet chic aluminium tubes are durable, portable and fully recyclable. aktlondon.com ANCIENT + BRAVE Lewes’ Ancient + Brave fuses organic botanicals, intelligent nootropics and the functional. Its sustainably sourced ingredients are rich in nutrients, and each product is rooted in progressive, clinically proven results. A must-have from its range is True Collagen, a tasteless powder that supports natural repair processes. Browse by health goal, from balance and stress resilience to menopause and new-mother support. ancientandbrave.earth B BON CHARGE Experts in how spectrums…

“The arts and crafts movement eschewed mass production in favour of simple, joyful artistry, which we fully embraced” if the arts and crafts movement stood for ideals of individuality, artisan production and the beauty of everyday objects, then this renovated London home surely embodies them in abundance. Filled with graphic pattern, modernist shapes and contemporary artwork, it’s a novel take on a 19th-century set of principles, from its gently reworked architecture to the handcrafted cement tiles in the entrance hall. ‘It felt intuitive to channel that concept,’ says interior designer Suzy Hoodless, who reimagined these schemes. ‘The building had great bones and we wanted to honour its heritage, albeit in a fresh way. The aim was to create bold, unique spaces that were also deeply functional.’ Built in 1874 by…

Nature’s form Alba is David Harber’s latest sculpture. The softly curving vessel follows biophilic design principles, as David took inspiration from the delicate architectural forms of coral, aiming to highlight its beautiful fragility. The rounded layers that make up the piece overlap, creating a soft feeling of movement, while the openings let light through, allowing it to interact with the surrounding environment. Alba is made from oxidised mild steel and stands at around 60cm. A smaller version is also available, designed for indoor display with a smart leather base. Prices start from £3,194. Small wonder For outdoor parties or quiet moments enjoying the winter night sky, you can’t beat a flickering open flame. We love this portable gas-fuelled firepit from Cox & Cox. Made from glass and steel, it is…

SET IN STONE Few bathroom pieces command presence quite like Waterworks’ Marbella sink. Carved in Italy from Prunella marble, its strong geometry and softened edges balance sculptural impact with refined craftsmanship. The pedestal, hewn from the same stone, creates visual continuity, while an integrated overflow ensures seamless function. Marbella is one of six new stone basins available within Waterworks’ core collection for the first time. Offered in eight marbles and two sizes, this expansion brings the luxury of custom stonework in-house, eliminating the complexity of external fabricators and streamlining projects. Marbella sink with pedestal, £14,893, Waterworks. FEEL THE HEAT Freshly warmed towels are one of life’s underrated luxuries – trust Dornbracht to turn that small comfort into a design opportunity. Created with radiator specialist Zehnder and Sieger Design, they come…

CHARM FACTOR Fast earning admiration for combining classic design with a youthful edge, Sean Symington likes to create warm and inviting bathrooms. ‘I see them as an extension of a bedroom or living space, which is why I love incorporating elements like soft furnishings and artwork,’ he explains. ‘I prefer to tile only where it is absolutely necessary, typically in the shower enclosure and on the floor – that said, I’m not opposed to even carpeting a bathroom if it suits the space.’ Wallpaper and half-height panelling bring in texture and a sense of continuity with other rooms in the house, while a side table stacked with fluffy towels and bath oils adds a note of delicious indulgence. ‘I almost always prefer free-standing furniture to built-in joinery,’ he continues. ‘There’s…