Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 i HomeStyle

Celebrating Christmas is going to be a little different in 2020, but after a difficult year that’s all the more reason to make it extra special. So we’ve packed this issue full of wow-factor festive decorating ideas, stylish Christmas makes and affordable buys to help you make your home look and feel festive fabulous. Discover this year’s must-have Christmas looks on page 76, along with easy styling tips for getting your home guest-ready on page 85, and all you need to set your best dressed Christmas table on page 94. Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a festive feast, so turn to page 120 to find our delicious, seasonal recipes. With vegetarian and vegan options and our show-stopping Pavlova, these are dishes everyone can enjoy. Starting to plan your…

Go to the dark side with these styling tips • Black can create a striking backdrop for your interior style and complements most colour palettes, but choose how you use it carefully – you want to create a space that feels inviting rather than gloomy. • As with any colour, all blacks are not the same; some can feel warm with brown tones whereas others might have a cool purple tinge, so use tester pots – as you would with any other paint – to see how the colour changes depending on the time of day. Also, think about the finish; matt won’t reflect the light as much as gloss or satin, which will give a soft sheen to a room. • Black can of course make a room really…

You will need 1 Remove the wrappers from the crayons and cut into small pieces. 2 Half fill the tin can with paraffin wax and place the crayon pieces on top. 3 Place the can in a saucepan half filled with water, using a smaller lid to hold the can in place. Bring the water to the boil and watch the wax melt. 4 Wearing an oven glove, carefully place the can on the greaseproof paper and give the wax a thorough stir with a skewer. 5 Dip the first candle into the wax for a few seconds then lift it out and hold until the wax has dried. Lay on the greaseproof paper and repeat with…

‘This room was also duck-egg blue when we moved in and the couch divided the room. Since then we’ve moved it to the side, so the space has a more full-flowing open feel with the kitchen. I particularly love my low vintage couch, which I came across in a reclamation centre. Originally it was covered in an olive-green velvet, but I had it reupholstered with a warm grey fabric to match in. Colour blocking the wall has also made a big difference. I used masking tape down the straight sides, then made a DIY compass using string and a pencil for the curves. By mixing two leftover paint colours together, I got the perfect shade.’…

£14 for two Next These sunny candle holders are a ray of light £40 Rose & Grey Dried floral displays look great in a circular vase £12.99 H&M Home Make dinner time lit with a modern candlestick £40 for four Denby Serve up style with these pastel rice bowls £12 Arket Elevate your style with this tealight holder £22 John Lewis & Partners Give plants a home in this brutalist-style pot £12.50 Marks & Spencer Earn your stripes with a textured bud vase £45 Oliver Bonas A pink planter is the perfect place for blowsy blooms £25 Debenhams It’s all about the angles with this sleek sgraffito vase £20 Matalan Oversized vases are perfect for displaying branches £10 for two Debenhams Give yourself some season-all style with these pinch pots…

Sometimes, the numbers speak for themselves. Here’s some important stats you need to know about smart meters. We could achieve 11%  of the UK’s 2050 carbon emissions target just by taking household energy efficiency measures. 64% of people with smart meters feel more in control of the energy they use at home. Britain could save a total of £5.6bn  on energy bills in the next 20 years. If every UK household took action on energy efficiency now, we could save up to 54 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.…

Light up your home in style with this advice • Plan your lighting carefully, particularly in a kitchen and dining room. Use a large pendant or chandelier above a table to zone off the dining space and carefully select task lighting for the kitchen – consider spotlights or undercounter strip lights, that are practical and functional. • To create a cosy atmosphere in the living room, use side lights or adjustable floor lights that can be used as a task light to finish off a snug reading corner. To create even more ambience, use LED strip lighting on shelves or hang fairy lights. • Work out what kind of light you want from a lampshade – the colour and style of the shade will determine the amount of light that…

• Plan the layout so it works for everyone’s needs. Consider how each space will be used, who will be using it and where people gather, so you can be sure of a practical layout with a good flow. If you have young children, take a forward-thinking approach and future-proof for adolescence, such as adapting a playroom into a teenager hangout. • Have a clear understanding of the end result so you can make the right decisions throughout the build. For example, Lou knew exactly where the sofas were going, so she had plug sockets positioned nearby for side lamps to avoid trailing wires. • Factor in hardwearing finishes and practical surfaces wherever possible. Kitchen worktops and bathroom surfaces that can withstand spills and scratches and can be wiped down…

You will need * Paints * Metallic leafing paint pen * Balsa wood or thin plywood * Craft knife or fine saw * Fine grit sandpaper * Ruler * Pencil * Paintbrush 1 On your sheet of wood, draw two triangles of the same size. Use a ruler to get straight lines. Use a craft knife or fine saw to cut the triangles out of the wooden sheet. 2 Now you need to make the slots. Draw a line down the middle of both triangles and make a mark in the centre of this line. On one triangle, saw or cut down to the midway point from the top and on the other triangle, cut up to the midway point from the bottom of the shape. Sand all…

Shine bright Add a bit of sparkle to your Christmas projects with metallic paints from Mylands. These glittering paints come from a collection of show-stopping shades, originally used by the film, TV and theatre industry, but specially formulated for use at home. A 250ml sample pot costs £8.50 from Mylands.com LET IT SEW Create a new tradition with Sophie Allport’s Christmas fabric collection. The 100% cotton fabric costs £26 per metre and would make gorgeous gift sacks, placemats or a festive apron! There’s a range of adorable designs, from woodland creatures to tiny skiers, so whatever you choose to make, you’ll enjoy it year after year. Deck the halls Unleash your creativity with these plain ceramic baubles, £1 each, from Hobbycraft. They’re ready to paint, dip or découpage straight out…

When you buy sale items you still have rights if you change your mind or the item isn’t up to standard but they do differ: Retailers must show the original price and it must have been selling at that price for a meaningful period of time. To return non-faulty goods in-store you will only get an exchange or refund if the seller has a returns policy. Not all stores do, so check before you buy. Sale items usually have restrictions on them, which you should be told about at point of sale. This tends to be a shorter window for returns than normal. Anything that turns out to be faulty will be covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, whether you buy it in a sale or not. If a…

Make it your own Becky has always lusted after a dressing table but wanted to incorporate a contemporary style to her must-have piece. ‘I loved the chevron inlay detailing in this table and also the brass handles,’ she explains. ‘I paired it with a large round mirror and wall light with brass accents.’ The stand-out feature makes perfect use of the space, with the added mirror bouncing light around the room. Colour co-ordinate The large window was given a makeover with some soft velvet curtains featuring a tropical print from H&M Home, which ties in perfectly with the rich blue-painted walls. A dark teal velvet blind from Blinds2go has a blackout lining, keeping the early morning sunlight at bay. ‘Choosing luxurious fabrics like velvet was important to create the hotel-chic…

Pick your palette For an unmistakably winter look, balance out big, blowsy floral patterns with dark colours. Floral prints with dark greens, navy, purple and mustard shades running through them will create that cocooning, cosy effect we all crave at this time of year. Make it look and feel good For a sumptuous feel, pair floral patterns with luxurious fabrics – velvet cushions, woollen throws or sheepskin rugs will complement the decadent design of the flowers. Adding metallic accents through accessories helps to lift the scheme and make it pop. Go bold Winter’s on its way, so if you want to create this style now, go for a few key pieces that will make for a strong look straight away. A floral duvet cover, headboard or rug will create a…

A bit about me I’m Riannon Selcuk and I work as a project lead at an interior design agency in London. I bought my one-bedroom 1960s flat in Crystal Palace, south London, in July 2019, and moved in November the same year. My problem bathroom The room was rundown and dated, with old black and white tiles that looked dirty no matter how much I cleaned them – plus, the shower didn’t work, and the basin was coming off of the wall! There was mould from condensation too, as there was no air going into the bathroom. I couldn’t wait to rip it all out and start from scratch. How I made it work First of all, I had all the pipework boxed in to create a more streamlined look.…

Simple styling Greer has combined all the key elements of industrial design to achieve a pared-back, loft living look, choosing an open-plan space and brick architectural features teamed with wood and metal accessories. ‘The brick column actually serves no purpose other than as a space separator, but I like the industrial feel it adds to the room,’ says Greer. The wire noticeboard and large Victorian-style radiator are the perfect nod to the simple, functional features often seen in factories and warehouses, where this look stems from. Choose the U-shape This horseshoe shape is one of the most practical designs in kitchen planning and conforms to the ‘working triangle’ rule. ‘I wanted to install a wider peninsular island to act as a breakfast bar and help define the space between the…

Steal ideas from our gorgeous readers’ homes Easy makes for an instant style update Hot décor ideas for stay-home parties Sweet and savoury celebration bakes NEW YEAR, NEW STYLE! * EASY, AFFORDABLE STYLE UPDATES FOR EVERY ROOM * HOW TO USE THE HOTTEST COLOURS FOR 2021 * REVAMP YOUR RADIATORS * COOK YOUR FAVE ‘TAKEAWAYS’ AT HOME * INSPIRING MAKEOVERS, BEST BUYS & MUCH MORE! BE IN HOMESTYLE! For your chance to grace our pages and win a fantastic prize, use the #myHShome hashtag on Instagram and tell us all about you and your stylish home! Get your copy! JANUARY ISSUE on sale 8th December 2020…

• You don’t have to spend a fortune on wall art. If I see a birthday card or postcard that I love, I’ll pop it in a cheap frame, and since I haven’t spent a lot I don’t mind swapping it out for a different piece if the scheme changes. • Think of your ceiling as a fifth wall and consider how to decorate it. Our bedroom ceiling needed replastering, but it was a lot cheaper to paper and paint it with textured wallpaper, which covers a multitude of sins. • Be brave. If you have a preference for a tradesperson, but you found a cheaper quote, don’t be scared to let them know so that they can price match, or at least compromise on their cost a bit. See…

Update the heart of the home without breaking the bank • Painting existing doors will give you the most bang for your buck. Remove and number the doors before cleaning and sanding, then try two coats of B&Q’s V33 cabinet paint with a brush or mini roller. To make the job easier, you could hire a commercial spray gun instead. • If some of your cabinets have glazed doors, use patterned wallpaper on the back panel to brighten up the inside. You’ll probably only need one roll, and you could even create DIY art by framing a leftover piece. • Removing a couple of wall cabinets and replacing them with shelves will make your kitchen feel bigger and allow you to curate a creative display. Scaffold boards can be bought…

You will need * Printed fabric * White cotton fabric * White ribbon * White cotton thread * Air or water erasable pen * Basic sewing kit * Scissors 1 Go to yourhomestyle.uk and print out the stocking template. Cut out a left and right stocking foot from both the white and printed fabric. 2 Pin one printed stocking piece right sides (RS – the front of your fabric) together with the corresponding white stocking piece. Sew along the top, 1cm in from the edge, then press this seam open. Repeat with the other two stocking pieces. 3 Lay one of your open stocking pieces RS up. Fold your ribbon in half then place it on top of the stocking piece, about 3cm down from the seam so the…

• Combining off-the-shelf units with bespoke kitchen cupboards saved a fortune. We went for a plain white design for the base units and splashed out on the tall gold units that would be on show. • A hidden pantry is brilliant for hiding kitchen chaos when you’re entertaining and also for lighting birthday cake candles at a surprise party! • Velvet upholstery might seem impractical for young children but in fact it’s extremely robust and wipes down easily. For peace of mind, if you’re worried about marks and stains, stick to darker tones, such as navy or charcoal. See yourhomestyle.uk for more great real homes…

68 Fir Green From Nordic pine to evergreen, verdant tones will freshen up your space 70 Holly Red Fire things up with a sumptuous look based on unexpected colour pairings FIR green This vibrant palette combines elements of nature, Scandi slopes and vivid blue-greens to restore and revive WHY YOU’LL love this look • Mix bold, blue-toned greens with calming slate grey and sea blues. Choose a variety of similar shades and layer them up for a tonal effect that’s both relaxing and therapeutic. • Use warm neutrals to balance out the look. Patches of cream and taupe will provide a break from the darker colours and make them appear richer. A dash of pink-toned grey or lilac makes a great contrast and really boosts the vibrancy of the blues…

NATURAL WONDERS Celebrate the beauty of nature by choosing natural, recyclable and renewable materials. You can recreate elements of this look at home for free by making decorations from objects foraged on winter walks. Fallen fir cones, twigs and leaves will all help to bring the outdoors in. Check out our upcycling project on page 72 for a make that you can create with bottles rescued from the recycling bin. Wall paint in Old White, £41.95 per 2.5l; tabletop in white chalk paint wax, £21.95 per litre; legs in Olive chalk paint, £21.95 per litre, and clear wax, £54.95 per 2.5l; chairs in Country Grey chalk paint, £21.95 per litre; floor in Old White chalk paint, £21.95 per litre, and matt lacquer, £21.95 per 750ml, all Annie Sloan SEEING STARS…

From plates and glassware to accessories and decorations, we’ve scoured the high street and online for the most gorgeous options available this year. So now you can impress your dinner guests with an Insta-worthy table setting!…

Walls in Hicks Blue absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5L, Little Greene. For similar curtains, try the Layne velvet curtain, from £78, Anthropologie. For a similar mirror, try the Katun brass mirror, £25; for a similar cushion, try the Dutch Glam fringed cushion, £14, both Argos. Keltner bedside table, £164.99, Wayfair. Annie double duvet cover set, £49, MADE.com. Blossom Pink low stool, £59, Cult Furniture. Soprano pendant lights, £63 each, Pooky. Plush velvet Roman blind in Teal, from £28.95, Blinds2go. Navy velour cushion, £10, Wilko. V&A Everlasting Bloom throw, £91, Oldrids & Downtown. MOALIE woollen throw, £45; FLÅDIS seagrass basket, £13; PEPPARKORN vase, £6; FEJKA artificial eucalyptus plant, £7; FEJKA artificial string of hearts plant, £9; PAX TYSSEDAL wardrobe, £605, all IKEA. Mantel Echo clock, £30, Newgate. Elaina brass wall…

My experience… I had been renting in London for a while when I started looking for my first flat to buy. I was so excited when I saw this place as it’s in a great location and most of the rooms are spacious and light. The flat had some wear and tear, but mainly it was out-of-date décor and didn’t need much work – except for the bathroom, that is, which was very rundown, dark and small. I worked out from a previous property listing that the bathroom was installed 10 years ago, so it was definitely time for it to go and a new one installed. Because I work in the interior design sector on high-end projects, I often get to see a lot of inspiring ideas and I…

Plan everything out beforehand Measure and mark furniture and fittings on the floor or walls so you can get a feel for how the space will eventually look. ‘Small bathrooms are difficult because they do limit what you can get in, like the size of the bathtub,’ says Riannon. ‘I found mine at Bathroom Takeaway – they do a smaller design for more compact rooms.’ Add alcoves for storage In a small bathroom, keep the walls as clear as possible – the less you have fixed to the wall, the more spacious your room will feel. ‘I had alcoves built in at the end of the bath as storage for some toiletries,’ says Riannon, ‘but you could have them in your shower or under a sink unit too.’ Experiment with…

Clerkenwell Gloss Grey units, £2,700; Lamona Grey granite composite single bowl sink and Lamona Chrome Enza Monobloc tap, £333, all Howdens. Boston Concrete laminate worktops, £760, Egger. Spaces Hamble Indoor Vanilla porcelain floor tiles, £51.94 per sq m, Topps Tiles. Baumatic Black cooker hood, £120, DR Electrical. For similar cooker, try the Belling Farmhouse dual fuel range cooker in Black, £929, Stoves Are Us. For similar Eames-style chairs, try the Brich Scand chair, £24.74, Sklum. Sophia three-seater sofa, £999; Sophia Cuddler chair, £699, both DFS. For similar dining table try the traditional waxed farmhouse table, from £499, Country Life Furniture. For similar bar stools, try the solid wood kitchen stools, £30 for a set of two, Argos. FABRIKÖR glass-door cabinet, £129, IKEA. For similar radiator, try the Keswick cast-iron-style two-column…

Monday Caribbean prawn and mango soup Prep and cook time 25 MINS Serves 2 Ingredients • 2 tsp vegetable oil • 4 spring onions, trimmed and chopped • 15g root ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 225ml vegetable stock • 1 tsp jerk seasoning • 150ml mango juice • Half 250g microwave pack ready-cooked basmati and wild rice • 110g cooked peeled prawns • 75g fresh prepared mango, finely chopped Method 1 Heat the oil in a saucepan and gently fry the spring onions and ginger for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomatoes, stock and jerk seasoning. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 5 minutes. 2 Stir in the mango juice and rice and simmer for a further 5…

1 More is definitely more when it comes to this decoration style. Mix and match accessories and build up textures on your surfaces and walls; hang a pom pom wreath above a wooden garland, next to a sparkly tree. 2 Stick to bold, primary colours, such as blue, yellow and red. This style is reminiscent of childhood Christmasses and the retro décor of the Eighties and Nineties. It’s all about adding fun and playfulness to the scheme– the quirkier and brighter the better!…

A bit about me I’m Liz Moore@niceinnotts. I live with my fiancé, Rick, and our 13-year-old daughter, Ava. Where I live Our home is a four-bed detached house built in 1937 in Nottingham. We moved here in 2014. What I wanted to change Literally everything needed doing, from installing new central heating and windows to rewiring the whole property. The décor needed an overhaul too. How I made it my own We created a large kitchen-diner and installed new kitchen and bathroom furniture. I also went wild with patterned wallpaper and colourful furniture. My favourite part The hallway. Every time I walk through the door, I breathe a happy sigh. I also love the panelling and fireplace in the living room.…

£9.99 Prezzybox Enjoy a purr-fect brew with this cute leopard £10 Dunelm Create an oasis of calm with this serene cushion £65 Bobby Rabbit Guests will badger you to find out where you got this rug £15 National Trust Shop Keep things mice and simple with this tealight holder £16 The Matalan Heads up! This wall planter is great for trailing plants £14 Anthropologie perfect cake plate should a tiger ever come for tea £84 Dar Lighting Brighten your bedroom with a pair of cheeky monkeys £65 John Lewis & Partners This collaboration with heritage brand, Spode, is full of style £26 Red Candy This bold tiger doormat is grrr-eat! £6.99 H&M Home A dainty addition to the breakfast table or a dresser £45 Mint & May Treat your…

A bit about me I’m Louise Hart, a freelance product and clothing designer@houseonthehey. I live with my partner, Sean Melling, our daughter, Poppy, five, and son Cooper, two. Where I live My home is a three-bedroom 1930s semi in Wigan. We’ve lived here since August 2018. What I wanted to change The duck-egg blue in the main reception rooms and purple walls in Poppy’s room had to go. How I made it my own I’ve given it a  clean, modern look with lots of open shelves and wooden peg rails that are constantly restyled. My favourite part Upcycling the kitchen-diner on such a small budget has definitely given the room a new lease of life. I love the light in here and the way we use the…

• Upgrade what you’ve already got to save money. Painting our kitchen made it look brand new and cost less than £500. I tend to keep tiles neutral though, as it’s easier to change the wall colour with paint if you get bored. • Try to keep your colour schemes complementary throughout the house so you can change a room easily by moving things around. Enhance whatever original features you can and mix in some old with the new. I always like to bring a vintage piece back when I travel for work. • Colour blocking is an easy way to add drama and detail to a room, especially if you have high ceilings like us. See yourhomestyle.uk for more great real homes…

A bit about me I’m Ediana Dolan and I’m studying interior design. I live with my husband, Kevin, and our two children Oisin Mateuss, eight, and Caoimhe Maria, five, and our kitten Amber. Where I live My home is a three-bedroom detached house in Killucan, Westmeath. It was built in 2008 and we moved here in 2017. What I wanted to change The house had been rented for nine years and the interior was a sea of magnolia and pine – the whole house needed a revamp. How I made it my own Over a period of time we’ve added lots of colour and filled the rooms with a mix of bargain finds and practical furnishings to suit our lifestyle. My favourite part The dining room, with our handmade table,…

£16.99 The Range Lanterns aren’t just for Christmas, bring them out for summer too £18 Dibor Display winter blooms in style with this shimmering vase £120 Matalan A style classic, the Helene lamp shines where you need it £79 for 16 pieces MADE.com Give your dining table a Mid-century makeover with the Bude cutlery set £15 John Lewis & Partners Stand candles on a metallic tray for extra glow from £45 Mint & May This copper-lined lampshade can be personalised to suit your look £20 George Home A simple bulb lamp is great for a bedside table £179 Dunelm This Halston bedframe will stand the test of time £130 La Redoute This embroidered Raipur throw has us seeing stars £20 for two Habitat This pair of…

A bit about me I’m Lou Wolfenden, an interior designer at House of Wolf @house_ of_wolf_interiors. I live with my husband, Tom, and our three children, Edie, Bas and Otto. Where I live We live in a six-bed detached house in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. What I wanted to change The entire house needed gutting so it meant I could reconfigure the internal spaces to create a versatile family home. How I made it my own I’ve combined sumptuous textures, edgy designs and plenty of playful touches to create a practical family home that’s fun, lively and inviting. My favourite part The open-plan living space. It’s so comfortable to relax in and the practical layout makes it great for entertaining.…

TAKE CARE  Candles pose a fire risk, so before lighting make sure they’re on a stable surface away from flammable materials, and never leave a lit candle unattended. This effortlessly simple project brings the beauty of nature indoors for the festive season. Collect sprigs of foliage during a family walk and you’ll be able to relive those happy memories during Christmas dinner. TAKES 45 MINS YOU WILL NEED Empty, clear glass bottles Tall candles Selection of foliage Secateurs 1 Thoroughly clean the glass bottles. Leave to fully dry. 2 Collect foliage from your garden, forage from a walk with family or buy from a local florist. Holly or bay tree sprigs will give a traditional look, but you could use fern and eucalyptus for an on-trend feel. The woodier the…

Modern spin Our home has gone through a major renovation over the last year, which was mainly done by us. We still have a long way to go but our vision is to take a modern spin on a Victorian style. It’s important to us to be respectful of the period décor and features, which is why we love finding antique items and testing our creativity by upcycling aged furniture. We are hoping to combine vintage with modern to create our perfect home. @homes_and_renovations Golden sunrise This is the first room we have completed since getting the keys back in July. I had a vision and I am lucky that my partner lets me run with all my outlandish ideas, and so grateful to my stepdad for being a DIY…

A bit about me I’m Becky, 36, and I’m an auditor. I live in a four-bed house in St Albans with my husband, Chris, and our children, Chloe, six, and Alex, four, and our cats, Apple and Mac. My problem bedroom Our old bedroom had peeling woodchip wallpaper on the ceiling and walls, crunchy brown carpet, an entire wall of orange wood wardrobes and crumbling single-glazed windows. The dated décor was an eyesore! The house needed a lot of TLC, but we could see the potential. How I made it work We just didn’t have enough rooms for our growing family so we decided to build a two-storey extension to include our brand-new bedroom, which meant we could start from scratch. We remodelled our whole house and gave the existing…

‘Avoid the style looking delicate by choosing floral designs in a darker colour palette’…

1 Measure the distance between the back of each pipe and the wall, taking measurements throughout the length of the pipework. Note the largest measurement – adding a few extra mm on top – and cut a batten equal to or larger in size. 2 Next, measure the length of the area you want to box in. It should run the whole way along the pipework in one continuous section. Cut battens to the size of the measurements taken. You will need two identical lengths of battens as these will be fitted either side of the pipework. Secure the battens to either side of the pipework, fitting your battens as close to the pipework as possible. 3 Now you need to fix a board on top. Measure…

Kurv basin in Gunmetal, £454, BC Designs. Marvel basin two-hole tap set, £619; Marvel three-hole basin set, £775, both Crosswater. Single-ended bath, £99.97; gold bath waste, £9.97, both Bathroom Takeaway. Orchard Wye black thermostatic bar valve shower system, £179, Victoria Plum. GoodHome Cavally close-coupled rimless toilet, £120; Cusko floating shelves in Black, £7.50 each, both B&Q. Metro blush wall tiles, £30 per sq m, Topps Tiles. Mapei Ultracolor Plus Terra Siena grout, £13.99 per 5kg, Tile Giant. Sorrento Correale floor tiles, £99.80 per sq m, Fired Earth. Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting Group Estee aged brass ceiling light, £377, Decolight. Phoenix Ascot electric designer heated towel rail, £199.99; Vellamo smoked black glass bath screen, £129.99; Vellamo matt black mirror and shelf, £216, all Drench. Walls in Tuscan Red intelligent matt…

A bit about me I’m Greer and I live with my husband, Tim, my daughter, Poppy, and son, Ted, and Tim’s son, Carter. We work for Tim’s garden company, TJK Outdoor Living. My problem kitchen The original downstairs actually had too many rooms, including a formal living room, a kitchen and a separate dining room. We’re a big blended family, which includes my stepson, who is autistic, and we need to keep an eye on him, so we wanted to create a space large and versatile enough to suit the entire family’s needs. How I made it work We removed the internal walls in the kitchen and dining room, turning it into one big space. We then upgraded the kitchen cabinets, appliances and flooring and redecorated in a contemporary style.…

Tomatoes and cucumber Little Gem lettuce Green beans Red onion and spring onions Root ginger and Thai chilli Lime and a lemon Fresh prepared mango Fresh mint and coriander Fresh parsley, chives and basil Greek yogurt Feta and halloumi Chicken mini breast fillets Lean minced lamb Cooked peeled prawns Clear honey Harissa paste and tamarind paste Quince paste (membrillo) Jerk seasoning Ready-made crispy fried onions Apple juice and mango juice Microwave packs of cooked basmati and wild rice Fresh baps/rolls These recipes are taken from The Quick After-Work Cookbook, £8.25, published by Dairy Diary. It’s packed with 80 easy-to-follow triple-tested recipes for delicious, nutritious meals that can be on the table in half an hour or less. Want more inspiration? For more delicious recipes, head on over to the HomeStyle…

Best buy Award-winning British cheese producers, Sharpham, have created a classic Christmas edit. The Essential Devon Cheese Board, £20, celebrates five artisan cheeses and comprises Sharpham Ticklemore Goat, Quickes Mature Cheddar and Devon Blue, plus a ‘Grader’s Choice’ from both Sharpham and Quickes. To order visit sharpham.com. QUICK FIX Fed up of rich festive food? Give your meals a freshly foraged twist with Sacla’s delicious new Wild Garlic Pesto, £2.50 for 190g. Made with the fragrant green leaves, stems and flowers of wild garlic, fresh Ligurian basil, Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino cheese, drizzle on pasta, bruschetta, risottos and more. Buy online at www.sacla.co.uk. Fresh find Finders Spirit of Christmas Pudding Rum, £25 per 70cl bottle, captures all the flavours of Christmas in a glass. This limited-edition festive oak-aged rum is…

A Abode Living abodeliving.co.uk Albert & Moo albertandmoo.com Alice in Scandiland aliceinscandiland.com Amara amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Ao.com ao.com Andkeep andkeep.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com Antipodream antipodream.co.uk A Place for Everything aplaceforeverything.co.uk Archivist Gallery archivistgallery.com Argos argos.co.uk Arket arket.com Atrafloor atrafloor.com Audenza audenza.com Aufora aufora.com B B&Q diy.com Bags & Bones bagsandbones.co.uk Baines & Fricker bainesandfricker.net Barista & Co baristaandco.com Bathroom Takeaway bathroomtakeaway.com Baylis & Harding baylisandharding.com BC Designs bcdesigns.co.uk BHS bhs.com Biscuiteers biscuiteers. com Blinds 2go blinds-2go.co.uk Block Design blockdesign.co.uk Bobby Rabbit bobbyrabbit.co.uk British Heart Foundation bhf.org.uk Brio brio.uk Brook + Wilde brookandwilde.com Button & Sprung buttonandsprung.com C Caesarstone caesarstone.co.uk Cambridge Imprint cambridgeimprint.co.uk Carpetright carpetright.co.uk Cath Kidston cathkidston.com Catherine Rowe Designs catherinerosedesigns.com CEWE cewe-photoworld.com Cheeky Food Co cheekyfoodcompany.com Chilli Winter chilliwinter.co.uk Christy christy.co.uk Clair Louise Creative…

How did it all begin? Flock began as a way of giving young designers a much-needed platform in the interiors market. It is almost impossible to get started as a designer when you have just graduated and we wanted to make sure that young graduates received a fair royalty and recognition for their work. We started slowly, initially launching one pattern in Liberty and the collection grew from there. What’s a typical day like for you? Each day is so different but always filled with colour and pattern. I am either hunting down the latest designers that I would like to work with, twiddling away with work-in-progress patterns, cutting orders and samples or planning potential collaborations. My favourite part of the job is meeting new stockists or interior designers to…