Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i Ideal Home

I find so much joy in pottering about at home, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a source of stress. There are the big picture worries – rising bills, expensive things that need fixing – but there are also other variables that impact my ability to relax. First up is mess. I am by no means a clean freak, but an untidy house makes me anxious. I struggle to work at a messy desk, I can’t sit still in a cluttered room and I’m absolutely sure the chair in my bedroom that’s piled high with clothes that need sorting has a negative impact on my sleep. “How we feel at home is so personal; our happy triggers are different” I’ve discovered that colour is another big factor. When we…

Storage stools Working double time, seats with hidden talents Jars Always a kitchen must-have, and collects bits and bobs in any room Baskets You can never have enough of these decluttering heroes Trollies These flexible, mobile carts can house more than just drinks Toy storage Make quick work of tidy-up time, accessible for little ones too…

Turn boot racks into shelving Fix two pairs of boot holders to a wall, then simply slot in shelves to accommodate items of different heights. Use the lower pegs to hang items. Give it a twist… Position a cabinet beneath to create a contemporary-style mini dresser. Bespoke a simple chest Pull out the drawers and remove the knobs. Cut strips of beading to the height of the fronts, then paint and fix to the fronts to create a ribbed effect. Replace the knobs. Give it a twist… Paint the beading black for a chic monochrome contrast, or try a fun pop of colour. Build a bench from cube units Lay modular cubes on their sides and fix together to the length required. Top with cushions to make a hallway perch.…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Ben Hillman, his wife Gaby and their two young children. THE PROJECT Gutting a small bathroom and knocking through to the adjoining shower room in a 1930s semi-detached house in West Sussex TOTAL COST £8,000 Ben and Gaby Hillman bought their house nine years ago with plans to gut the rooms and extend. One of the projects was to tackle the family bathroom but the job went on the backburner when building work costs overran. Six months ago the bathroom update came back on the agenda. ‘We’d somehow hobbled through with the old bathroom for years,’ says Ben, a presenter on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun and an interior designer from ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover (@benhillmantv). ‘The main issue was lack of space…

There’s a lot to consider when designing a new kitchen, and choosing whether to opt for a separate utility room or keep the floorspace for a larger kitchen will be a big decision to make. Both options have their merits; the best choice will ultimately be down to your home, preferences and lifestyle. We asked a kitchen expert for their advice to help you choose… 1 SMALL KITCHEN WITH UTILITY – THE PROS Having a separate utility room that you can close the door on is a massive bonus for those with busy lives who somehow are unable to avoid accumulating mess. However, it does mean that you lose square footage in the main kitchen. ‘If you are choosing between a modest kitchen with a dedicated utility, or one large…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ When it comes to choosing an iron, you should look for one with strong steam. Typically measured in grams per minute (or g/min), the bigger the number, the more powerful the steam, which relaxes the fabric weave to make it easier to smooth out creases. Plus, some models come with a steam shot – a button for an extra boost that will tackle stubborn creases. This is also measured in g/min, and again, the bigger the better. ■ The soleplate is also important. You want a material that glides smoothly over all fabrics, with plenty of holes to deliver steam and a groove above it, so you can easily iron under shirt buttons. An all-round soleplate is best, so you can iron in any direction. Look…

Waterlogging can cause several problems for lawns, such as dead patches and algae, moss and weed growth, so getting on top of the problem as soon as you can is imperative,’ says Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream. First you should assess why your lawn might be getting waterlogged. ‘There are a few reasons why this might be happening after heavy rainfall,’ he says. ‘You may have very compact soil, which means water takes longer to drain through it; you may have heavy clay soil, which naturally drains much more slowly; or the area might not have been prepared properly before your lawn was laid.’ Whatever the cause, here’s what to do to sort your drainage and rescue your lawn. AERATE YOUR LAWN ‘If you…

Since the Danish word ‘hygge’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017, it has become a permanent part of our interiors vocabulary, especially when describing a living room. It’s easy to dismiss a hygge living room as simply ‘cosy’ – it is so much more. Yes, there is a strong element of cosiness, but hygge is about how a space makes you feel. In Denmark, the word ‘hygge’ is used to describe a feeling of well-being and contentment. It is about creating a warm environment where you can be with people you care about or on your own, enjoying the things you love. When this translates into decorating a room, it is about creating a space where you can relax, indulge and spend time with others. The warmth…

SPOTLIGHT ON Pattern play It’s been quiet on the new-release front for Scion over the last couple of years, but the brand has more than made up for it with its latest collection, Oakham. The fabric and wallpaper collection tells a British design story inspired by the studio’s surrounding area. The coastal blue, barley, rust and pine colour palette is uplifting, as are the designs, with the ric rac-inspired Swithland Embroidery fabric (shown here) being particularly cheerful. Team the bold prints with one of the collection’s more subtle designs, such as Raft Stripe (shown here), or go all out with petal and pony patterns! IH LOVES... Vintage florals The Brambles tile collection: Hydrangea Belle; Bellflower Waltz; Golden Marigold, £25 per tile, Ca’Pietra x Divine Savages What to do this month...…

ADD A MANTEL Every room deserves a focal point and a mantel is a great way of turning a lacklustre fireplace into a stunning feature. Try adding a simple shelf and brackets in unfinished wood then painting it to match the wall colour. Or go rustic with a chunky timber beam that can be attached with hidden fixings, much like a floating shelf. 2 HIGHLIGHT A DIVIDE Use colour to create a visual separation between two different parts of a knocked-through room, such as a living-dining area or a dual-use kitchen-diner. Simply paint the edge of the dividing wall or archway, choosing a contrast paint colour that will stand out from the wall colour and highlight the divide. PAINT CHEAT SHEET 3 Refresh room fragrances post-Christmas - switch to lighter, more uplifting…

Our homes are our sanctuary, our place to retreat and recharge. But what if yours is having the opposite effect on your mood? Of course, this can be caused by more than one factor – from space to colour, lighting to clutter – but our three experts, two interior designers and one paint brand expert, have plenty of tips to boost your home for the year to come. PERSONALITY MATTERS ‘I love to see a real sense of personality in a space,’ says Sophie, ‘so I’m always looking for interest, intriguing colour palettes, beautiful collections of art, family mementoes and those things which make a space feel special, and original, personable and personal.’ Emma agrees: ‘Mood-boosting decor reflects who you are and not what’s trending – every colour, texture, scent…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Phil Smith, a celebrity hairstylist, lives here with his wife Louise and their dogs Ralph and Smudge. THE PROPERTY A 300-year-old, three bedroom terraced cottage in north Cornwall. 1 “The theme is natural, not seaside cliché” ‘I realised early on that I didn’t want the usual seaside clichés; no blue and white stripes or shells everywhere! Instead, it feels natural and inviting, somewhere cosy to switch off and unwind.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Barn coffee table, £365, Still & Bloom, is similar. Try Riley Zig Zag rug, £189.99, B&Q “I kept things NATURAL. Even the SISAL CARPET on the steep COTTAGE stairs stops Ralph and Smudge from slipping” 2 “Wood, stone and leather are hardwearing” ‘The stone floor and leather sofa echo the cottage’s character…

Q & a Off-road parking automatically adds value to your home, as well as being more convenient for everyday life – it means less dashing from the house to the car through the rain, plus it’s not as far to carry in shopping and other heavy things. However, if your parking space is at the front of the property it will be the first thing people see – and, as the saying goes, first impressions count. If your home currently lacks kerb appeal, improving your driveway can prove valuable. Laying a new surface can revive your existing one if it’s worn or stained, doesn’t drain well, or you’re fighting a losing battle against weeds, moss and algae. What’s more, resurfacing can ensure the drive complements the style of the…

Learn how to MOP floors like a pro on page 136; check out page 137 to discover a whole raft of CLEVER iPhone tricks; pages 138 to 141 will give you the lowdown on the very best STEAM IRONS and IRONING BOARDS, while page 142 has the latest in SMART HOME tech; gen up on ways to lower your CAR INSURANCE premium on page 143 and finally, your TIDYING task for this month is to tackle the oh-so-dreaded junk drawer... page 145’s guide can help!…

■ Before making your final decision, it’s important to consider the size of your home and your dexterity. A larger ironing board means you can get through big loads quickly, and can also make easy work of larger items like duvet covers. But if you’re short on storage space or want something easier to manoeuvre, a more compact board might be better. ■ The board you pick may also depend on your iron. ‘Steam generators are more robust than the average iron, so they need an appropriately hard-wearing and heavy-duty specialist steam generator ironing board,’ says Charlotte Bird, spokesperson for Brabantia. ■ If you want to ensure that your ironing board lasts as long as possible, one with a metal mesh beneath the cover is the optimal choice. This will allow…

Let’s be honest, we all have at least one junk drawer. And if yours has become a disorganised mess – easily done – it’s time to bring a little order. With care and attention, you can turn a mishmash of stuff into practical, efficient storage that’ll keep must-have items at hand. Empty the entire drawer When organising any space, things have to get worse before they get better. And while the idea of emptying the drawer might sound daunting, it’s one of the best ways to get the job done as efficiently as possible. After all, there’s probably a lot of things in there that you didn’t know existed. That’s why Ingrid Jansen and Lesley Spellman from The Declutter Hub advise: ‘Take everything out so you can see exactly what’s…

You might have considered feng shui indoors, but did you know that you can also use it in your garden? Harnessing positive energy when planning a garden is easier than you might think. ‘The idea behind feng shui is that of a peaceful and harmonious space, allowing the natural flow of energy, which influences all those who use the space,’ says feng shui expert Inbaal Honigman. ‘Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to harmonise the natural energy within a space, arranging things to promote health, prosperity and good fortune,’ explains Lucie Bradley, garden expert at Two Wests & Elliott. And with our gardens and outdoor spaces increasingly becoming an extension of our living spaces, it is only natural that we should make use of that knowledge outdoors.…

We all lead busy lives, which means it can often be hard to keep our homes in check. And as most people choose cleaning as their highest-priority task, this can often put decluttering at the bottom of the to-do list. However, it doesn’t have to be that way, as there are so many things you can tidy in a matter of minutes. While some decluttering methods can take you hours, weeks, and even months to complete, there are others that are remarkably quick and easy – you can tackle them in the time that it takes you to boil the kettle, wait for a TV ad break to be over, or for your washing machine to finish. We’ve gathered ten of the quickest decluttering jobs you can master in a…

YOU WILL NEED ● A used tin of your choice ● Hammer and nail ● Potting compost ● Fresh herbs If you’ve chosen a pre-used container, make sure it’s clean and completely dry before starting. Turn your tin upside down and make small drainage holes in the bottom using a hammer and nail. Place some compost inside the tin and plant your choice of herbs – basil, parsley, coriander and tarragon would all work well. Add more compost if needed and set your tins on plant saucers or decorative plates to catch any water. Keep your tins in a bright, dry area in the kitchen, and water them regularly.…

The actress and charity founder lives in Hampshire with her actor husband James Murray and their teenage daughter, Nell WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF THE DAY AT HOME? Early evening. When Jim and I are not filming, we’re working from home, running our charity Imagine This, which supports the mental wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families in the UK. When we get to 6pm, it’s tools down and time to relax. Our garden is on a hill and we’ve built a little sunset terrace halfway up where we sit with a G&T and watch the sun set over the Itchen Valley. WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE? A window seat in my bedroom. It’s a gorgeous spot to read or daydream. First thing in the morning, I see hares playing…

COLOUR PLAY Throw an energising pop of rich lacquer red in to the gentle green scheme, with a shapely chair. Bold abstract patterns on artwork and cushions give the look a modern edge. STYLE DIRECTION “Choose low, understated seating with soft curves and contrast with handcrafted, glazed ceramics for a quietly luxurious look" HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MATERIALS MATTER Create a dining room that feels crafted, contemporary and calm, with a round walnut and stone table and a mix of sculptural dining chairs. Keep clutter hidden away in a Japanese-inspired red cabinet. STYLE DIRECTION “Use a soothing green limewash to give walls a chalky, textured finish with subtle tonal variation, perfect to enhance the organic tactile feel"GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR CREATE A SOOTHING BACKDROP Choose a calming palette of muted sage, moss and sea…

What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘There’s something about a soft mid-blue that just feels… right. Neither icy nor grey, it’s the middle ground between energy and ease, and when it’s done well, it carries an emotional intelligence.’ JEN DEVANEY, COLOUR EXPERT, FRENCHIC PAINT ‘Chambray makes spaces feel relaxed yet refined, while its slightly muted quality gives a lived-in charm that adds depth without overpowering. It’s also very versatile, pairing with warm neutrals and natural woods, through to corals, whites and greys.’ ANNA HILL, BRAND DIRECTOR AND COLOUR CONSULTANT, FENWICK & TILBROOK ‘This iconic blue has been a major part of fashion and design. If you’re not feeling bold you can paint a feature wall to sit alongside in lighter off-white or cream. Or if you…

1. APRON-FRONT SINK No farmhouse kitchen is complete without the traditional apron-front sink. Deep and wide to allow ample room for pans and dishes, they are mostly made of ceramic or porcelain and set into the countertop with shallow cabinets or a cheery fabric skirt underneath. Preloved kitchen, Rehome. Single bowl Belfast sink, £169, Balterley, is similar 2. RANGE COOKER A staple of the farmhouse kitchen, a range makes a fabulous focal point set within a chimney breast and framed by a mantel. Whether it’s a classic oil-fired Aga or a modern all-electric model, a range is wider than a standard cooker, although there are more compact options available that offer the same cooking capabilities, but with a smaller footprint. Heatranger 100K range cooker, from £11,000, Rayburn 3. RUSTIC FLOORING…

KITCHEN NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Architect Mel Bax lives here with husband Slev and two young children. THE PROJECT A new kitchen as part of a ground-floor wraparound extension. TOTAL COST £50,000 When Mel and her husband Slev bought their Victorian terrace in 2016, the ground floor had been revamped by a developer just six months before – but they could already see the work had been shoddy. ‘Cracks ran across walls, and when you got a bit closer, tiles were literally falling off,’ says Mel. ‘There were no drawers, not even one for cutlery. The kitchen wasn’t functional, and it didn’t feel like home.’ The couple wanted a kitchen that felt light and spacious, where friends and family could gather, especially at Christmas. Their north-facing ground floor felt dark,…

While bathroom tiles offer flexibility, design-wise, and are a practical choice, they can come at a high cost, especially if you have a lot of surfaces to cover. Bathroom-specific wall panels are a lesser-known alternative, and while some styles might set you back a couple of hundred pounds, if you’re looking for a budget option, some designs cost as little as around £50. ‘Bathroom wall panels have been around for decades, but they have significantly grown in popularity in recent years. Finishes such as marble, granite, wood and tile effect can be replicated to provide a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to these materials,’ explains Lidia Cetrangolo, marketing manager at Grant Westfield. ‘Bathroom panels provide a 100% waterproof surface, they don’t require grout, they are quicker to install, and they last longer…

If you have purchased a smart home device, you’ll have noticed that it ‘Works with Google’ or ‘Works with Alexa’, so you can pair your gadget with that specific system. This means you can use voice control and create routines and schedules. But now, more often than not, the words ‘Works with Matter’ are appearing on the latest smart home kit. If you don’t know what Matter is – and worry not, most people don’t – read on… What is Matter? Smart home tech is transformative when it works, but it can be super glitchy. It’s frustrating when you have to toggle between several apps to control your kit, and it’s often a faff to manage. Connecting all your devices to one single ecosystem helps but, historically, some voice assistants…

■ PRUNE FRUIT TREES If you have apple or pear trees, now – when they’re dormant – is the best time to prune them. Not only will this maintain the health of the tree itself, but it should also improve the fruit yield year-on-year. ■ PREPARE YOUR SOIL Soil health is crucial for a productive garden, and enriching it with organic matter before spring is a must. ‘When it’s not frozen or soaked through, you can add compost to your soil to improve its fertility,’ says Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Villages. ‘Be mindful that February can be a really unreliable month weather-wise, so you’ll also want to monitor temperature changes and protect your soil from a resurgence of frost with outdoor covers,’ Mark advises. ‘Or, if it rains…

1 LAY A LIVING ROOM RUG Soften your scheme by adding an irresistible rug underfoot. Choose a colourful or patterned design for an easy pop of personality, or focus on tactile textures for a comforting feel. A deep pile wool rug is a great option if you’re after something durable yet snug. 2 KEEP FLOORS FRESH When mopping floors, add a few drops of essential oils to the hot water, along with your chosen cleaning solution. It’s an easy way to mask any musty smells while keeping your space sparkling clean. Try peppermint for a fresh finish, or lavender for something more calming. 3 ORGANISE THE BATHROOM CABINET If you live in a busy family home, you’ll know just how cluttered bathrooms can get, especially if you have teenagers. But…

“97% of Pottery Barn’s cotton is responsibly sourced and grown in a way that reduces water usage and pesticides” Stylish and sustainable Pottery Barn opened its doors in the UK a few months back, bringing iconic American designs into our homes. But did you know the brand also boasts impressive eco creds? All products are made with low-impact materials – from the standout dining tables, built from FSC-certified wood, to sumptuous bed linen, crafted with responsibly sourced cotton. Plus, many of the brand’s products are screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs to help maintain clean and safe indoor air quality at home. CONSCIOUS COLLABORATION Interior Design Masters alum Jack Kinsey has teamed up with Naturewall to release a new SlatWall collection – and it’s as calming in the home…

Sausage meatballs with mustard mash SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR 40 MINS ● 400g pork sausages ● 1 egg ● 100g fresh breadcrumbs ● 1tsp dried sage ● 2 red onions, thinly sliced ● 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced ● 100g white wine ● 3 bay leaves ● 400g vegetable stock ● 1 1/2tbsp good-quality balsamic vinegar ● 90g double cream ● 5g parsley, leaves chopped (optional) ● Olive oil, for cooking FOR THE MUSTARD MASH ● 750g Maris Piper (or similar floury potatoes), quartered ● 75g butter ● 75g double cream ● 75g whole milk, plus extra as needed ● 1tbsp wholegrain mustard ● Nutmeg 1 First, start the mash. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, then add the potatoes and cook for 20-25 mins,…