Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2015 i Ideal Home

…escape the cold weather by turning your home into a snug retreat. Give your living room a cosy country-house look (page 20) with neutral plaids and nature-inspired buys, or create a classic forest green tobacco feel with and shades (page 104). Alternatively, go for something a bit bolder with dramatic winter florals (page 91). If you fancy braving the outdoors, read our advice on planning a bonfire party (page 152) and putting your garden to bed for winter (page 154), then warm up by cooking one of our comforting pumpkin and squash recipes (page 166). Enjoy!…

Into the woods Bring a scheme alive with creature features Cushions, from £8 each, Hibernate range, George Family tree Put a treasured photo on show Wooden leaf-patterned frame, £4.99, Dunelm Little acorn… …to mighty oak Acorn candle, £6.95, Broste range, The Scandinavian Shop Soft touch Burrow into a sofa full of cushions Hare-print cushion, £14, Next Be seated Go for the rustic, stripped-bark effect Wooden stool, £39.99, HomeSense Cut above This striking board makes a good serving platter Essentials acacia wood chopping board, £12, BHS Hoot away Let this wise bird keep watch Vintage owl, £8, Debenhams It takes two Season in style Owl salt and pepper set, £7, The Contemporary Home Curvy cup Warm your hands Bold striped mug in turquoise, £8, Marks & Spencer Feel foxy Introduce some…

If you love the stylish schemes in Ideal Home, but aren’t sure how to transform your own rooms, we’re here to help. All great looks start with inspiring images, so indulge in a research session with our decorating section, then build a moodboard for your project. We’ll show you how on page 86. For all the inspiration you need, turn the page... FIND INSPIRING MOODBOARDS ONLINE AT housetohome.co.uk/moodboards…

1 THE 70-20-10 RULE For a balanced scheme, keep 70% of the elements (say, walls and floors) as one colour, then add 20% in a second colour (fabrics) and 10% in an accent (accessories). 2 THE PATTERN RULE When mixing patterns, use large with medium or medium with small, never large with small. Pick prints that share a colour in common. 3 THE PAINTED BOX RULE The look of paint changes according to the time of day and the light in a room. Paint the inside of a large box with a tester to create a miniature ‘room’ and see how the colour changes within a 3D space. AND FINALLY… Always add a surprise. A focal point – whether it’s a feature wall or a piece of art – is…

HOME OFFICE DECORATION AND FURNITURE Ortensia wallpaper, £88 per roll, Cole & Son. IM1862 flooring, £19.99 per sq m, Quick-Step. Undertones rug, from £100, Plantation Rug Company. Omega desk, £2,340, Natuzzi Italia. Chair, £79, John Lewis. Cabinet, £315, Graham and Green. Storage bin, £69, West Elm. ON DESK Lamp, £129, West Elm. Mug, £6, John Lewis. For similar scissors, try the gardener’s, £17.50, Hen & Hammock. Two-drawer chests, £30.95 each, The Holding Company. Funnel vase, £20, Heal’s. Clock, £16, Sainsbury’s. For a similar jug, try the utensil, £9.95, Rockett St George. IN CABINET For a similar vase, try the Kindred, £30; paperweight, £36; both Heal’s DINING ROOM DECORATION AND FURNITURE Wall painted in Subway Shadow Vinyl Matt Emulsion, £25.84 for 2.5ltr, Albany range, Designerpaint. Lilac mural (240cm x 270cm), £252,…

THE COMPANY Founded in 1993, Villa Nova is renowned for its range of contemporary and versatile fabrics and wallpapers. Part of The Romo Group, the brand’s youthful, vibrant pattens are intermingled with plain and semi-plain designs, for collections that are modern, stylish and effortless to co-ordinate. Look out for playful prints, distinctive pops of colour and easy-to-live-with plains, alongside pretty sheers and statement wallcoverings. THE NEW COLLECTION A modernist collection of prints and weaves, Etta features simple cut-out shapes, fluid organic flourishes and assertive marks in bold solid blocks of colour. Art Deco-inspired shades, including the bright tones of Clementine, Verdigris and Begonia, are teamed with a more neutral palette of Cedar, Quince and Onyx. The abstract patterns of Etta and Issy are also available as wallcoverings, and will create…

THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, detached Fifties house in Hampshire. WHO LIVES HERE Sheila and Jon Osborne. WHAT THEY DID They created extra living space above the garage, changed the roof line, fitted a lead-roofed porch and added an orangery-style extension to the living room at the rear. New timber windows were fitted throughout and the exterior brickwork was covered with acrylic render and weatherboarding. WHAT IT COST Sheila and Jon paid £725,000 for the house in 2005 and have spent £440,000 remodelling the property, which is currently worth around £1.4 million.…

Bespoke units, £17,000; painted in French Grey; island painted in Lead Colour; both £53 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene; Silestone Lagoon quartz worktops with 10cm upstands and drainage grooves, £4,800; LAX 110-45 stainless-steel sink, £225; Minerva Irena 3-in-1 boiling water tap, £1,000; both Franke range; Mercury stainless-steel induction range cooker, £3,800; Gaggenau RW404 built-under wine cabinet, £1,800; extractor, £300, Elica range; HF15M562B microwave, £300, Siemens range; all Edmondson Interiors. For a similar splashback, try the clear glass, from £210 per sq m, Splashback Shop. Flask pendant lights, £260 each, Tom Dixon range; Petrus bar stools, £349 each, Ligne Roset range; all Heal’s. Farmhouse dining table, from £430; farmhouse chairs, £110 each; all Kent and London. For similar flooring, try the hardwood whitewashed oak matt planks, £58.99 per sq m, Castello collection,…

THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom house, near Chesterfield in Derbyshire, built in the Nineties. WHO LIVES HERE Deana and Michael Emerson, with their daughters, Naimh, 15, and Caitlin, 13, and their spaniel, Jerry. WHAT THEY DID The couple knocked down a brick summerhouse to create space for an extension, and added a glazed roof to maximise light. THE LOOK Modern farmhouse, with pale and dark-grey painted wooden units and industrial-style elements. LESSONS LEARNED “Accept that you will go over budget. It’s the extras that create added expense, but it’s not worth skimping on radiators, lights and taps, as they’ll make the kitchen.” THE LAYOUT The base units have been arranged in a U-shape around the central island that doubles as a breakfast bar. An alcove was created to make a feature…

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, Victorian, house in Newcastle. WHO LIVES HERE Hannah and Pete Philipson. WHAT THEY DID The couple knocked together a bedroom, bathroom and a separate loo to create a large bathroom with a laundry room next door. THE LOOK Traditional, with a roll-top bath, antique-style brass fittings and vintage mirrors. LESSONS LEARNED Stay focused on your vision, even when you get frustrated and can’t find what you want. With a bit of creative thinking you can always adapt things, like I did by giving the fittings an antique effect. THE LAYOUT To the left of the door is the basin, which is next to the loo. The freestanding bath is in the middle of the room. There’s a shower enclosure in the corner next to the fireplace…

THE PROPERTY A two-bedroom apartment in a Victorian house in west London. WHO LIVES HERE Susanna and Andreas Norum Lanz, with their children, Alexander, two, and Ella, one. WHAT THEY DID The couple extended upwards to create a new main bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. THE LOOK Contemporary-hotel chic with a luxurious feel. LESSONS LEARNED Take time to organise your project well. While waiting for planning permission, we thought about all the details, so it came together easily. THE LAYOUT The freestanding bath is to the right of the door. On the left is a vanity unit with twin basins. The loo and shower are tucked around the corner…

Dig a shallow pit and surround it with bricks or large stones (this will stop the fire from spreading) Arrange tinder (dry leaves, grass, bark, and twigs) into a bundle, then place it in the centre of the pit Build a tepee above it using kindling sticks of increasing size. Leave an opening for the wind to fan the flames Create a larger tepee around the kindling using fuel wood (branches the width of your forearm) Light the tinder and fan if necessary. As the tepee burns, feed the fire with more fuel wood…

Q WHAT EXACTLY IS IT? Although mindfulness is the latest buzzword, it’s actually been around for thousands of years. Based on ancient Buddhist meditation practices and breathing exercises, it is an awareness of what is taking place in the present moment. The rise in the popularity of mindfulness can be put down to the growing body of evidence pointing to its health benefits – in the last 10 years, it has been prescribed to thousands of NHS patients to help beat anxiety, depression and stress. Q WHY SHOULD I DO IT? If you find yourself racing from task to task and feeling frazzled, then mindfulness could be the answer. The basic practices are easy to carry out and can take less than 10 minutes. As well as helping reduce stress…

To-do list for NOVEMBER EAT supper from a Riverford Organic Farms recipe box. Delivered to your door, it has all you need to cook three seasonal dishes for two people, from £27.90. DRINK a mug of Waitrose’s Signature Spice golden hot chocolate, £3.69 for 250g, to keep Bonfire Night chills at bay. The powder is infused with golden dust, which gives it a decorative shimmer. TREAT yourself or find gifts at Burghley Fine Food Market in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 28-29 November. Try a new taste... ALMOND BUTTER Made by roasting almonds and crushing or grinding them, almond butter is a great source of protein, low in saturated fat, high in fibre and contains vitamin E for healthy skin. You can stir it into porridge, spread on toast and…

Celebrate autumn with a stunning seasonal wreath to hang on the front door or have as a table centrepiece. Place a ring of damp florist’s foam on a plastic base and add lots of sprigs from the garden, including vibrant Chinese lanterns and long-lasting beech leaves. Cover the base with scented pelargoniums, then add hydrangeas and hawthorn berries for colour. I also like using ornamental vegetables, such as the prickly hedgehog gourd and ‘Strawberry Popcorn’ sweetcorn, which are added for texture and shape. Drizzle with water every few days. Gardener, writer and TV presenter Sarah Raven runs a range of courses at her East Sussex garden, Perch Hill…

Smart scales Drop kitchen scales , Lakeland Use with the iOS app for easy baking. Low on one ingredient? It can scale the recipe for however much flour, sugar, etc, is left Easy control MultiMix 3 hand mixer , Braun It’s weighted so the power is directed into the bowl – not your hand – to let you mix, knead, blend and chop easily Fast food Retro 3-in-1 sweet snack maker , Gourmet Gadgetry A nifty device that can bake seven doughnuts, seven cupcakes or 12 cake pops in just a few minutes Stir crazy SMF01 Retro stand mixer , Smeg This stylish mixer is a joy to use – a Soft Start keeps ingredients inside the bowl and there’s an outlet for extras, including a pasta roller FACT! 47%…

Ahead of the curve HW-J8500 soundbar, Samsung GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘Your top-notch curved TV will look great paired up with this bar. Dialogue sounds especially clear, and it links up with Samsung’s Wi-Fi multiroom speakers when you’re in a party mood’ Packs a punch A70 AirSound soundbar, Orbitsound GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘The audio is rich and bassy, and I like the smart light-up display. It also has Bluetooth, so you can use it to play music from your phone or tablet, and you can control the volume with your TV remote’ Bargain bar Upstage 2.1 soundbar, Kitsound GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘This entry-level bar has surprisingly sophisticated looks, built-in Bluetooth and four modes – Game, Movie, Music and Night – so you’ll always get the best sound for…

1932 1932 Harry Roberts and Leslie Bidmead begin making portable receivers as Roberts Radio 1936 1936 Roberts moves to larger premises at Rathbone Place in London 1937 Launches the M4Q compact radio 1939 Harrods sells Queen Elizabeth an M4D radio ‘for her personal use’. The year before, Her Majesty had bought one for her daughter, Princess Elizabeth 1940 1940-45 Focuses on military commissions and moves production to Surrey 1948 1948 Launches the Junior – one of the first portable radios. It weighs 10lb and comes with a weatherproof carrying bag 1955 1955 The company is granted a Royal Warrant 1956 The first Revival-style radio, the R66, is released to the public 1999 1999 Launches the world’s first Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio 2007 2007 Releases its first internet radio, the…

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Now that winter’s set in, I’m claiming the cosiest sofa spot, dusting off my needlework box and craving hot puddings… DOING THINGS WITH APPLES It turns out that the apple tree at the bottom of the garden of my new house is a prolific fruiter. Being a ‘waste not, want not’ kind of person, I’ve been diligently storing all the apples wrapped in newspaper in the garage, giving rise to all manner of apple-related projects: oven-dried apple slices; baked apples; stewed apples; apple printing with the littlest Richmonds… but strictly no apple pies or apple crumbles because I am now a fully paid-up member of WeightWatchers and on a mission to be back in a size 12 by Christmas. Now I’ve gone public, I’ll have to stick to it! REVIVING…

THE STORY SO FAR In a creative mix of innovation, tradition and British eccentricity, established fabric houses are forging strong relationships with designers and high-street retailers to bring their designs to a new audience. WHERE WE’VE SEEN IT Liberty’s latest collection, Secret Garden, features leaf and floral prints both dense and dainty in linen, velvet and satin. A recent collaboration sees Liberty Art Fabrics as cover fabric options at Sofas & Stuff. Vanessa Arbuthnott worked with spinners and weavers in the Outer Hebrides to create Harris Tweed for her Birds and Beasts collection, after her artist daughter Rose brought back homespun fabrics from a painting tour there. LATEST RELEASES Artist and theorist William Morris was at the centre of the radical Arts and Crafts movement, which still inspires designers today.…

TRAY SPOTTING Keep rings and bracelets out on display on your dressing table Trinket dish, £10, Laura Oakes/ Edition range, Debenhams INSIDE STORY  Add a subtle glimpse of extravagant print Lamp with teal base, £75, Laura Oakes/Edition range, Debenhams GO GREEN A fresh glow Lily Bloom scented votive, £16, Laura Oakes/ Edition range, Debenhams WILD THING Display decoupage with other artwork for an eclectic look Wall art, £36, Laura Oakes/Edition range, Debenhams ROSY ROMANCE Introduce a little edgy glamour Mirror Mirror cushion, £28, Laura Oakes/Edition range, Debenhams…

BOUGHT FOR £115,000 SPENT £25,000 NOW WORTH £170,000 THE LOOK A three-bedroom, semi-detached house in Nottingham, which was built in 1900. The owners bought it in August 2009. WHAT IT COST Building work andnew windows............................£6,500Kitchen.........................................£7,000Electrics and lighting...............£1,000Decorating.................................£4,000Furniture.....................................£6,500 TOTAL......................£25,000 WHO LIVES HERE Martin Holland and his partner, Mark Walters, who together run MartinMark Design. THE LOOK Contemporary and bright, with bespoke design elements and soft textures set against white walls and dark-wood floors. LESSONS LEARNED Measure furniture carefully before you buy. One section of the sofa we bought for the second living room wouldn’t go up the stairs, but we managed to fit it through the window.…

BOUGHT FOR £635,000 SPENT £200,000 NOW WORTH £1 million THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, Fifties beach house in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. The owners bought it in December 2009. WHAT IT COST Building work.......................£120,000 Roof and loft conversion..............................£35,000 Windows.................................£25,000 Kitchen.......................................£8,000 Bathrooms...............................£10,000 Flooring.....................................£2,000 TOTAL...................£200,000 WHO LIVES HERE? Mette Bergmann, her partner, Jon Lucas, who is owner of web hosting company Hyve, and their daughter, Liv, eight. THE LOOK Contemporary, inspired by modernist principles of clean lines, simple furnishings, open-plan living spaces and fuss-free décor in shades of white, black and grey. LESSONS LEARNED If we’d had the money, we would have fitted underfloor heating. Then we could’ve got rid of the radiators, simplifying the look.…

BOUGHT FOR £365,000 SPENT £34,000 NOW WORTH £850,000 THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, terraced house in Dublin, built in 1890. The owners bought it in June 2011. WHAT IT COST Structural work.......................£21,500Electrics and plumbing..........£3,500Windows and doors................£2,500Kitchen.......................................£4,500Bathroom..................................£2,000 TOTAL......................£34,000 WHO LIVES HERE Siobhan Lam and Jamie Hughes, with their dog, Gizmo. Siobhan runs an online interiors company and Jamie is a retail manager. THE LOOK Eclectic, with distressed surfaces, industrial-style furniture and plenty of retro and quirky details. LESSONS LEARNED Make sure you get professional advice if you are doing structural work, so you have a good idea of the costs and know what’s involved.…

BOUGHT FOR £395,000 SPENT £10,000 NOW WORTH £450,000 THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Victorian terrace in Hove, East Sussex. The owners bought it in July 2011. WHAT IT COST Rendering.................................£1,000 Kitchen.....................................£2,000 Decoration and furniture....£4,000 Decking.....................................£1,000 Front garden..........................£2,000 TOTAL.....................£10,000 WHO LIVES HERE Lucy and Philip Stentiford, with their children, Chloë, 17, and Amelia, 14, and Coco the cocker spaniel. Lucy owns interiors brand Slate Grey Sea, while Philip manages the creative and design teams for a lingerie company. THE LOOK Bold and individual, with a striking palette of greys and a mix of period features, modern art and mid-century furniture. LESSONS LEARNED “Don’t be scared to use strong colours on walls and floors. Also, when buying accessories for your home, go for good-quality designer pieces that will last.”…

FOREST GREEN & TOBACCO Layer calm colours for a relaxed, autumnal feel ULW1541 laminate flooring, £27.99 per sq m, Perspective Wide collection, Quick-Step. Oblong leather tray, £95, Life of Riley. Fabrics, from top left: Asplin Spearmint V3151/01, £47 per m; Ashdown Ink V3154/01, £35 per m; both Villa Nova; Dune Malachite 7490/57, £32.50 per m, Romo; Asplin Ink V3151/04, £47 per m, Villa Nova. Teapot, £59, Ceramica Blue. Form bowls, from £70 for five, Tom Dixon range, John Lewis. Teal matt emulsion, £41 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany VIBRANT BOUQUETS Be inspired by a colourful floral print Floribunda Magenta fabric, £28 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Rectangular navy velvet and linen cushion, £30; square mustard velvet cushion, £35; both Graham and Green. Classic candle, £28, True Grace. Faux foxglove stem, £15, Bloom.…

Give your home a warm, sumptuous feel with sultry colour and statement flower prints. THE RULES 1. PICK THE PERFECT FLORAL Look for oversized patterns on a dark background. Think traditional, but with a modern twist: trailing prints in silhouette; painterly designs in bold colours. 2. MIX A DUSKY PALETTE Make it cosy by using sultry colours, such as grey or purple. 3. ADD AN ACCENT COLOUR Lift the look with a touch of fresh green, shiny metallic finishes, or even a hint of neon colour. 4. BE SELECTIVE Keep it elegant by limiting florals to one area – this could be on walls or fabrics. 5. STRIKE A BALANCE Ensure you use large areas of block colour to counteract busy pattern. GIVE WALLS WOW FACTOR Pick a wallpaper in…

Because every child deserves their own mini haven, John Lewis’s new interiors collection is full of ideas to create a gorgeous space for your little one to feel at home. From long-lasting furniture and stylish bedding to fun accessories and cuddly pyjamas, its timeless range of great-value products will leave you and your family feeling inspired. From start to finish Covering each aspect of children’s interiors, John Lewis has everything you need to bring your child’s bedroom to life. Start with practical features, such as the easy-to-assemble furniture and stylish lighting, then get creative with an extensive selection of fabric and wallpaper, and finally complete the look with playful bedding, cool accessories and charming toys. Make it your own Whether your child wants to travel the world with adventure-adorned prints,…

HEATANDPLUMB.COM  020 3113 2122; heatandplumb.com Offers more than 100 brands, including compact versions and EcoRad models with reduced water content to lower heating bills. Trade prices start at £17.17 for a basic compact radiator. THE RADIATOR & BATHROOM GALLERY 0800 055 6450; theradiatorgallery.com The Radiator & Bathroom Gallery imports designs from all over Europe. It has two London showrooms and offers free UK delivery. Designer models start at £103. THE RADIATOR COMPANY 01342 302250; theradiatorcompany.co.uk With more than 650 showrooms in the UK, The Radiator Company sells an impressive range, starting at £838 for a stainless-steel radiator. The website also features a useful heating output calculator. RADSTORE 0114 231 7300; radstore.co.uk Radstore offers everything from basic radiators to modern flat vertical…

Adding a roof lantern has totally transformed Sheila and Jon’s living room, which was previously dark and uninviting. The work was carried out by Oakhanger Joinery (01420 478090; oakhangerjoinery.com ). Roof lanterns differ from roof lights as they project up from the roof, with glazed sides bringing in more light than a flat pane of glass. Lanterns can be bought off the shelf or made to order, and can take many forms. They are ideal for flat roofs and can have opening elements for ventilation. Consider material carefully – timber has a traditional look but will need to be treated every few years to keep it looking good, while UPVC and aluminium require less maintenance. Planning permission is not usually required for installing new roof lanterns, as…

Units made from spruce plywood (2,440mm x 1,220mm x 12mm), £25 each; MDF boards (2,440mm x 1,220mm x 9mm), £15 each; yacht varnish, £32 for 2.5ltr, Ronseal range; for a similar worktop, try the 03886014, £518 for a 3m length; for a similar splashback, try the stainless steel (70cm x 75cm), £68; all B&Q. D-Sash pull handles, from £3.59 each; cup pull handles, £4.89 each; both Ironmongery World. Shelves made from scaffold boards, from a selection, Leaside Wood Recycling Project. Shelf brackets, from £8 each, Yester Home. RB31FDJNDBC fridge-freezer, £429, Samsung range; for a similar oven and hob, try the OSF21133SX, £250; all Currys. For a similar paint, try the Intense Chestnut matt emulsion, from £24.49 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. For similar flooring, try the 12103 tiles, £19.45 per sq m,…

Half Pencil and Scalloped units, from £350 for a W600mm base unit; painted in Partridge Grey, Charcoal and Chalk; 1909 Kitchens range; Farmhouse ceramic double sink, £343; Callisto tap, £347, Perrin & Rowe range; HC3300 hot-water tap, £399, In-Sink-Erator range; solid white granite worktops, £3,250; all Kitchen Solutions. Elise 110 dual-fuel range cooker, from £2,199, Rangemaster range, John Lewis. Walls painted in Timeless Classics Porcelain Doll matt emulsion, £25.42 for 2.5ltr, Dulux range, B&Q. For similar tiles, try the Forecase in Fair Isle, £89.76 per sq m, Fired Earth. For similar flooring, try the KP39 Knight tile, £17.50 per sq m, Karndean Designflooring range, Flooring UK. Hooked 3.0 ceiling light in Nude, £420; Hooked wall lights in Nude, £205 each; all Buster+Punch. Diego bar stools, £215 each, Barker & Stonehouse.…

Millbrook double-ended cast-iron bath, from £915, The Cast Iron Bath Company; painted in Ball Green Estate Eggshell, £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Nouvelle countertop basin, £69.95, Victorian Plumbing. Hydrolux walk-in shower enclosure with tray, from £435, Plumbworld. Classic exposed-mixer shower system in antique brass, £152; Chester floorstanding bath-filler mixer tap, £189; Chester wall-mounted antique brass basin mixer tap, £65.36; all Homary.com. Halo bevelled Sage tiles (20cm x 10cm), £19.80 per sq m, Westerhope Tile Centre. Walls painted in Cornforth White Estate Emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. For a similar radiator, try the traditional four-column, from £82.80, The Cast Iron Radiator Centre. For similar mirrors, try the vintage-style bevelled, £175 for three, Cox & Cox. For a similar hessian chair, try the Louis roundback, £275, Derry’s range, WorldStores.…

Cleo bath, from £1,608; Kloodo basins, from £348 each; all Livinghouse. Bespoke Monolite Ciclamino vanity unit, from £3,500, Artelinea range, CP Hart. DE416FC bath-shower mixer, £765, Design range; basin two-hole tap sets, £255 each, Kai Lever range; all Crosswater. For a similar shower and mixer, try the Raindance Air Overhead 240mm with valve, £960; for a similar hand shower, try the Starck baton 1jet, £99, Axor range; all Hansgrohe. For a similar shower screen, try the Collage panel, from £262, Roman. Wangaline 1200mm illuminated mirror cabinet, £775, Schneider range, The Original Bathroom Company. For similar paint, try the Porcelain Doll Bathroom+, £27.98 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. For similar flooring, try the PAL1338, £50 per sq m, Quick-Step. Ouse towel rails, from £228 each, JIS Europe. Glass mosaics, £274 per sq m,…

NURTURE THE LAWN Treat it as soon as possible with a special lawn feed to help the grass recover after a summer of wear and tear. Some lawn fertilisers will both strengthen the roots and kill moss for a healthier lawn come spring. Give it one last mow before winter. Grass continues to grow as long as the temperature is above 5°C, so raise the cut to winter height, around 25% higher than in the summer months, and mow before frosts arrive. Rake up fallen leaves throughout autumn – fallen leaves and debris can trap moisture, encourage disease and turn your lawn yellow. Keep off the grass if it’s frosty or wet to prevent damage. PROTECT PLANTS Cut back perennials once the foliage has died back and mulch around the…

ESSENTIAL KIT Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment Laundry detergent Cloths or sponges Window cleaner Soft cloth Furniture polish Washing-up liquid Old sheet Old toothbrush 1 WASH CURTAINS Remove dust once a week using the vacuum’s brush attachment – a gentle shake will do for delicate fabrics. Wash every six months on a cool setting, or by hand if the fabric is delicate. Tumble dry on a low temperature, then iron while still slightly damp. 2 BLITZ BLINDS Lay roller blinds on the floor and vacuum with a brush attachment. If suitable for washing, soak them for two hours in a bath of soapy water, concertinaing the fabric if necessary. Gently sponge clean, then rinse. Spot-clean paper blinds with a damp cloth. 3 WIPE AWAY DIRT Close Venetian blinds and remove…

Stuffed butternut squash with chard & red onion SERVES 4 TAKES 5MIN PLUS 45MIN IN THE OVEN • 2 butternut squash, halved lengthways and deseeded • 2tbsp olive oil • 2 red onions, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 10 stems of chard or a large handful of spinach, shredded • 6tbsp breadcrumbs • A few sprigs of thyme, leaves only • 100g feta, crumbled • 50g pine nuts • A handful of basil leaves 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Score the flesh of the butternut squash halves in a crisscross pattern, leaving the skin intact. Transfer to a baking tray or ovenproof dish, and brush the flesh with a little of the olive oil. Roast in the preheated oven for 30min, or until the flesh is…

Meet Amy, our expert blogger: she’ll keep you one step ahead in the ever-changing world of tech GIRL ABOUT TECH’S MANIFESTO I believe that tech should... Make your life easier Be super-simple to use Stand the test of time Look good and work brilliantly WHY WE LOVE THEM... It’s time to whack up the central heating, give up drying our laundry outside and batten down the hatches for winter, but did you know having damp clothes and dry air inside our homes can cause health issues? The solution is to keep humidity levels at an optimum of between 40% and 60%. Low humidity, which brings on anything from wrinkles to eczema, can be treated with a humidifier, whereas high humidity, in which allergy triggers such as mould and mildew can…

Ooh la la Elise W90cm electric range cooker in China Blue , Rangemaster GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘I fell for the French styling and fast-heating main oven with defrost, grill and pizza modes’ Turkey-tastic A1PYID W90cm electric range cooker , Smeg GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘The 90ltr oven has space for the biggest of birds on Christmas Day, and it cleans itself, too’ Old meets new 110i W110cm electric range cooker in Burgundy , Everhot GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘This heat-storage cooker has a hotplate and an induction hob, and plugs into a regular socket’…

WHAT IS IT? Blame Heston and his fellow TV chefs, but the days of passing off that shop-bought soup or tzatziki as your own are over. When it comes to dinner-party food, it’s a case of ‘go home made or go home’. After all, if Celebrity MasterChef finalist Rylan Clark – a man who hadn’t even cooked fish before – can turn out an impressive trio of lavender desserts, surely you can, too? That’s why it’s worth adding an appliance or two to your pre-Christmas shopping list. WHAT DO I NEED? Start with buying an induction hob – you’ll be in good company as top restaurants, such as London’s Le Gavroche, are now kitted out with them as chefs love their precise heat. If you’re a keen baker, try an…

CLASSICAL SPAIN Andalusia is one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, where the excesses of modern life don’t seem to have taken root. It is the Spain of Carmen, Figaro and flamenco. SELECTED DEPARTURES FROM MARCH TO NOVEMBER 2016. THE PRICE INCLUDES Return flights from most UK airports, taxes and transfers Six nights in hand-picked three- and four-star hotels with breakfast, staying in Seville, Granada and Mijas Fully escorted tours of the historic city of Seville, the stunning Alhambra in Granada, plus Cordoba and Ronda Escorted by an experienced tour manager DUBROVNIK, THE DALMATIAN COAST & MONTENEGRO Croatia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. SELECTED DEPARTURES FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER 2016. THE PRICE INCLUDES Return flights from most UK airports, taxes and transfers Seven nights in three- and four-star…

1 A SUPER-LUXE THROW Laugh in the face of chilly draughts swathed in one of these faux-fur numbers from Cox & Cox. At £195 a pop, you’d better not spill hot chocolate on it, though… 2 DIVA-STYLE WRAP You’ll shimmy, not walk, around the house in this silk gown, £210 from Gingerlily. All you need to go with it is a glass of prosecco and a pair of maribou-trimmed mules (no, your Uggs won’t do!) 3 POSH CHOCOLATES Originally created for Claridge’s, these No1 salted caramels, £14.99 from Artisan du Chocolat, are definitely not for sharing 4 UPSCALE GIN Who said gin is best as a summer drink? Mix equal parts vermouth and Hendrick’s, £28 from Waitrose, with a dash of bitters and an orange slice for a great autumn…

SET THE SCENE Up the welcome factor by adding a personal touch to a wreath – simply write a message on a chalkboard tag and attach it to the wreath with ribbon or jute twine Gather around the fire for the big present-opening moment BRING THE OUTDOORS IN Luxe up the living room with plenty of greenery – trail garlands over the fireplace and around mirrors, and fill vases with blooms START A NEW TRADITION PJs and popcorn night Beat the new Christmas Day outfit tradition with a pair of PJs. Get the family to unwrap theirs on Christmas Eve, along with a festive DVD, then lounge wih popcorn ( buy popcorn holders from gingerray.co.uk , £3.99 for eight). FOR EXTRA MAGIC Ask one of Santa’s elves…

GET CREATIVE Adorn your front door with a bespoke wreath – transform a plain faux or real one by decorating it with fresh roses, snow-dusted pine cones and jewel-toned berries Welcome guests before you’ve even opened the front door by adding a few simple touches outside GO GREEN For a festive flourish, fill a rustic trug with seasonal greens, such as ivy, eucalyptus or holly. Try your local florist for budget-friendly offcuts, or shop online at crocus.co.uk SHOP THE LOOK GOLDEN TOUCH Add a luxe look with shimmering metallic accents Brass hanging lantern, MiaFleur BARN STYLE Lean this light-up accessory next to the door for a rustic feel Faux rattan star, Cox & Cox WARM WOOD Just add a pillar candle for a warm glow Tapered large wooden…

WARM GLOW Natural candlelight and yellow (rather than white) fairy lights create a soft, inviting warmth and look a treat with lush greenery Start the celebrations as soon as the front door opens with a cosy but grand mix of foliage and glass, peppered with enchanting decorations SHOP THE LOOK ALL-ROUNDER Use to display decorations or keep mince pies fresh Cloche, H&M WINTER WONDER Dress up your doors, either indoors or out, with this natural-looking rustic wreath Snowbud wreath, John Lewis BEWITCHED A whimsical light feature will add enchantment Large lit 3D wooden church, Tesco LOVE BIRDS Sweet, tactile decorations provide plenty of cute factor Nature’s Noel bird decorations, Wilko A metallic palette teamed with super-soft furnishings and a smattering of sparkle creates a glamorous living room SHOP THE LOOK…

IDEAL HOME Shopping Spy See Acting Style Editor Michela’s edit of what’s in the shops this month Warm grey This simple beauty will light up a gloomy day Grey pendant light, £100, Gray & Willow range, House of Fraser To the wire Fill with logs and place next to the fire Wire baskets, £99 for three, Nordic House Artisan style Keep it simple Stoneware pitcher, £32, Murmur range, Bedeck Material mix Add a hint of industrial style Desk lamp in white, £145, Out There Interiors Stone circle Use cushions with simple two-tone patterns Cobble cushion, £35, Cox & Cox Plain face We love the unfinished plywood look Giant wooden clock, £15, Wilko And relax… Big enough to curl up in Chalk cuddler sofa in Silver Combination, £879, French Connection range,…

FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN, TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY…

DECORATION AND FURNITURE Harlow Sand wallpaper, £24.50 per m, Voyage Decoration. Chimney breast painted in Kent Grey Spectrum Emulsion, £39 for 2.5ltr, Sanderson. Skirting painted in Silver Acrylic Eggshell; hearth painted in Silver Double Acrylic Eggshell; both £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany. Rustica RU102 flooring, £79 per sq m, Crucial Trading. Elis rug, £220, Cox & Cox. Flat Victorian fire surround in pine, £348, Amazing Grates. 3410 Owl stove, £1,751, Morsø. Rustic Stone interior panel, £594, Chesney’s. Bluebell three-seater sofa in Ash soft wool, £1,540, Sofa.com. Sophia chair, £349, Tesco Direct. Contemporary footstool, from £235, The Dormy House; covered in Burlington Cobalt, £59.50 per m, Romo. Suffolk 4ft sideboards in Honed Slate, £995 each, Neptune. ON SOFA Cushions, from left: Natural knitted, £14, Sainsbury’s; made in Burlington Henna, £59.50 per m,…

GET TO KNOW HER SIGNATURE STYLE Renowned for her individual approach to interior design, Laura’s unique style is influenced by her love of history, nostalgia, travel and the world around her. ‘I collect books and photographs, and these are where most of the images I use in my designs come from,’ she says. ‘I love anything that has a history and a story behind it, so I can’t walk past an old junk shop without rescuing something. I have a particular interest in Victorian ephemera – postcards, calling cards, photos, packaging, fabric and wallpaper, and have an obsession with collecting things with an emotional attachment. I like to create pieces that are unique, that have a sense of the past but don’t feel old-fashioned, so I combine the vintage imagery…

IDEAL In the spotlight Go for an elegant chrome design Mini lounge chrome floor lamp (H197cm), Heal’s Peace token Bring some Zen to your living space Buddha head sculpture in resin (H42cm), Wayfair Lounge lover Inspired by the classic Mies van der Rohe design Barcelona-style chair in white semi-aniline leather, Voga Warm wool Get cosy with a cable-knit blanket Chunky knit throw, House of Fraser On reflection Add a bold focal point Delphi mirror (H46cm x L122cm), Furniture Village Spacious chaise Wide seats offer extra comfort Tokyo sofa in Bala Putty (H80cm x W300cm x D240cm), John Lewis GREAT DEAL Curvy choice Neater in size, but still ultra-stylish Ball floor lamp in chrome (H143cm), Homebase Wise head A serene sculpture on a wooden base Chrome Buddha head on stand (H40cm),…

IDEAL Shades of grey Keep to a soft, tonal colour palette throughout Herringbone cushion, Marks & Spencer Burning love This wood burner is set into the wall for a sleek look 5660 insert wood-burning stove, Morsø Stuff of legends For a playful, mystical touch, display this wooden unicorn Wooden unicorn head (H43cm), Safari Life range, Cult Furniture Recycled style Strong and flexible storage Recycled-tyre log holder, Woodburner Warehouse Full pelt Drape it over the sofa Sheepskin rug in grey (L100cm x W60cm), Nordic House Corner cool Zone your space in style Vittorio corner sofa in Pearl Grey (H81cm x W289cm x D151/90cm), Made.com GREAT DEAL Soft option Get chic on the cheap with this linen-look woven cushion Grey weave cushion, Wilko Flame on Enjoy flames at the flick of a…

ASK SIOBHAN WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR HOME? ‘The location. It’s really near the city centre. I also love that it’s beautifully bright since we opened it up downstairs and fitted new doors and windows.’ WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL INTERIORS SHOP? ‘A second-hand shop called The 3rd Policeman. There are always some cool and interesting pieces to be had.’ WHAT’S YOUR WORST DECORATING DISASTER? ‘Painting my dining chairs without priming them first. The paint blistered and chipped off, so I had to sand it all off and start again.’ WHAT’S YOUR DECORATING SECRET? ‘Fill your house with things you love, and don’t be afraid to use dark colours for mood and atmosphere.’ WHAT ITEM INSPIRED YOU? ‘The sofa in the living room. My parents were getting rid of…

1 Choose your base colour Whether it’s flooring or a wall, the base colour will be the largest area of colour in your room, so place a generous sample of it onto your board. Including carpet samples will help you think about texture, too. 2 Add an accent tone A dramatic contrast or an accent just a few tones away from your base colour? Use your moodboard to play with options and layer it with swatches of fabric, scraps of wallpaper and paint colour charts. 3 Find the right accessories These will really set the tone in your room – go for ones that share an accent colour and stick to a single theme. Don’t mix styles, or your finished scheme will look messy rather than effortlessly eclectic.…

LUXE TOUCH Bring in a vibrant hit of colour against dark bedding or sofas Magenta 130398, £54 per m, Folia Velvets collection, Harlequin DARK ROMANCE Use a painterly fabric for a decadent touch Midnight Garden in Velvet, £98 per m, House of Hackney ROSES ARE RED A stylised posy repeat looks striking on black Rosa Alba NCF3942-05, £66 per m, Paradiso collection, Nina Campbell range, Osborne & Little FLORAL FANCY Available in nine colours Floribunda wallpaper in Magenta, £49 per roll, Clarke & Clarke range, Wallpaperdirect GRAND DESIGN This fantastic fake will give the illusion of grandeur Classical XV Panelling wallpaper, £39 per roll, Rockett St George GOTHIC GLAMOUR  Set feminine, boho accessories against a dramatic feature wall Seven-drawer storage; birdcage lantern; both £26; hexagonal floral storage box, £8; all…

1 Subtle effect Soft cream and a delicate red weave create a relaxed, understated look Plaid cream and red, £10 per roll, B&Q 2 Pretty in pink Add a feminine feel with this rose-coloured tartan, ideal for a bedroom Inga 110285 Lipstick Linen Apple, £43 per roll, Harlequin 3 Modern update This restyle of a heritage design is fresh yet timeless Modern Tartan FG059/V87, £85 per roll, Mulberry Home range, Amara 4 Zesty choice Choose lime green and warm pink for a chic look Fairburn Green/Pink 252702, £18.98 per roll, Lochs & Lagoons collection, Arthouse 5 Bold backdrop The wide stripes of this contemporary design work well in larger spaces Vincent Pink, £76 per roll, Rydal collection, Sandberg 6 Rustic twist This textured design has a soft country feel Arthouse…

Try it with… COPPER Go glam and team sumptuous fabrics and papers in forest green with high-shine copper highlights for a luxurious feel Coppery contrast Stick to warm tones Plain cotton L-010, £86 per m, Fermoie Sexy swirls Roll out a bold pattern Malachite 77/7024 wallpaper, £76 per roll, Fornasetti range, Cole & Son Honey pot A sweet choice Wholemeal Honey 1 Mixing Matt, £24.49 for 2.5ltr, Dulux Try it with… MONOCHROME For a subtler effect, start with a matt, mottled wallpaper in green on the walls. Pick a mix of patterned black-and-white fabrics, then accessorise with clear glassware and linen for a clean, contemporary feel Smart carpet Choose a chic check SP304 Sisal Plaid in Rich Black, £100 per sq m, Crucial Trading Softer shade So sophisticated…

Every parent knows that true comfort is vital for a restful night, which is why John Lewis’s bedroom range has been specially designed to ensure your little one sleeps soundly. Get the basics right by selecting from its choice of supportive mattresses; try teaming the natural cotton option with a lightweight duvet and soft bedding for a night that’s comfortable, cosy and kind to skin. Next, create a soothing atmosphere and keep disruptive light to a minimum with clever blackout blinds, then add warmth with a fun nightlight or glow-in-the dark stars. Finally, choose toys, throws and cosy pyjamas for a personal, homely feel, to help ensure that your child gets the best night’s sleep. Plus, with the entire kids’ range available in store and online, it has never been…

Many alterations can be made under Permitted Development, meaning you don’t need to get planning permission. For more information on planning and building regulations, visit planningportal.gov.uk and always check with your local authority before making any major changes. Keep your neighbours informed at all stages and you might need to obtain party-wall agreements, too. Check the advice given at planningportal.gov.uk. For extensions and major remodelling, it’s usually advisable to employ an architect to draw up accurate plans: the Royal Institute of British Architects (architecture.com) holds a directory of approved architects. Get at least three quotes for all major purchases, including when you’re hiring tradesmen and, whenever possible, negotiate fixed prices for each job rather than paying a daily rate. It’s not usually advisable to undertake major roofing work on a…

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, four-storey, Victorian town house in Blackheath, southeast London. WHO LIVES HERE Sarah and Iain Urquhart. WHAT THEY DID The couple moved the kitchen-diner back to the basement to free up space on the ground floor for a large living room. THE LOOK Elegant and pared back, with grey painted units, pale quartz worktops, farmhouse-style dining furniture and exposed brick walls. LESSONS LEARNED We didn’t anticipate how much building costs would be. In future, we will do our homework first. THE LAYOUT A range has been built into what was the fireplace, with units either side and an integrated fridge-freezer, microwave and wine cooler on the wall opposite. An island unit sits in the middle of the kitchen and there’s a dining area at the other end…

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, Victorian, semi-detached house in Woodford, northeast London. WHO LIVES HERE Katie Jay and her daughters, Beth, 22, and Evie, 19. WHAT SHE DID Katie kept the kitchen carcases, but replaced their doors, swapped the wall units for shelves, repainted the walls, changed the lighting and bought a new fridge-freezer. THE LOOK Modern, rustic and utilitarian, but with touches of faded grandeur. LESSONS LEARNED “ The biggest lesson is that it has been possible for me to make my own unit doors. It took planning and careful measuring of the wood, then simply a basic knowledge of how to distress it.” THE LAYOUT As you enter the room, the run of units is to the left and a Fifties drinks cabinet is on the right, with the…

If safety issues have put you off the idea of a fireworks party in the past, these are the basics you need to know for a stress- and problem-free do. 1 BE BONFIRE-SAVVY Build your bonfire a safe distance (at least 18m) from houses, trees, hedges, fences and sheds. Don’t use petrol or paraffin to light it – domestic firelighters are a safer option – and check for hibernating hedgehogs first. While a bonfire is a good opportunity to burn scrap wood or garden waste, never burn tins of paint, tyres, batteries, foam-filled furniture, aerosols or used fireworks. 2 BUY THE RIGHT FIREWORKS Make sure you buy fireworks that are intended for garden use (Category 2) and look for the British Standard number BS7114. ‘Garden’ fireworks still require a spectator…

1 PICK A POT Choose an open terrarium for drought-loving plants, or a closed one for moisture-loving varieties. 2 MAKE A BASE Line it with gravel and aquatic charcoal, then a layer of potting compost. 3 ARRANGE PLANTS Embed two or three slow-growing plants in the compost, not letting the leaves touch the sides of the terrarium. Fill gaps with bark chips, lichen, moss and stones. 4 WATER SPARINGLY Mist the leaves and glass to clean off any soil. Do not seal the container until the moisture has evaporated. Make sure an open terrarium doesn’t totally dry out. 5 TAKE CARE OF IT Place your terrarium in good light but not in direct sunlight. If it’s closed, air the plants every two or three weeks.…

Grow something beautiful… ACERS Also called Japanese maples, these deciduous trees or shrubs are loved for their colourful foliage. They come in either a domed or upright shape, and vary in size, reaching from 1.2m to 8m high, with the smaller varieties ideal for containers. HOW TO GROW While acers suit all types of soil, if it’s clay, you’ll need to add some organic matter to aid drainage. You should plant them in autumn, while the soil is still warm. Red and purple-leaved cultivars colour up best in some sunlight, while green-leaved varieties can tolerate full sun, but really all acers do best in dappled shade. Shelter them from cold winds and late frosts to protect delicate foliage. To-do list for NOVEMBER PLANT tulip bulbs now, as cooler…

Cooks and crisps ZOS37902XD built-in combi-steam oven , Zanussi GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Has an easy-fill water tank, and the True Fan + Steam function puffs pastry and roasts meat a treat’ Easy scheduling Crock-Pot Digital Countdown slow cooker , Amazon.co.uk GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Set this family sized pot to the time you want it to finish cooking – it keeps food warm if you’re late’ Super blender Professional Series 750 , Vitamix GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘Presets will keep newbies happy, while top cooks can pick speeds and pulse manually’ Chef’s control HKH81700FB MaxiSense combi induction hob , AEG GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘Feel like a pro as you take a pan from boil to simmer in an instant by moving it…

Hand-held heritage Travel Pad Bluetooth speaker, Roberts GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘Better late than never to the Bluetooth party, the Travel Pad has a 12-hour battery life and a crisp sound that belies its price tag’ World music Stream 93i internet radio and media streamer, Roberts GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS  ‘Open yourself to a world of internet radio – be it Japanese J-pop, Goa trance or Kizomba from Angola – or just stream tracks directly from Spotify’…

Create an inviting space that’s perfect for whiling away chilly, dark evenings with the new winter collection from Cox & Cox. LAYER UP TACTILE TEXTURES From chunky knits and faux-fur beanbags to velvet quilts and sheepskin rugs, Cox & Cox’s winter collection is packed full of buys that are ideal for building a Scandi-style scheme with the all-important snuggle factor. GO FOR CHIC COMFORT Cox & Cox has a wide range of cosy furniture designs – create a relaxed look by teaming sumptuous sheepskin beanbags with faux-fur cushions, rattan chairs and Scandi-style side tables. For a luxury look, shop the brand’s range of elegant mirrors, vases and home accessories. CREATE A WARM AMBIENCE Finish off your scheme with a design from Cox & Cox’s extensive range of lighting. Whatever your…

For when me, as do soon you as start Bonfire with Night all is over, the countdown your festive begins preparations . First up ? If is a visit to the local grower you’re reading to choose this a magazine tree then, once it’s dressed, the room decorations go up and invites are sent out to come and celebrate at our home. However, my husband, our two dachshunds and I recently moved to rural Devon from the South East, so this Christmas throws up a few questions. Will friends and family travel to see us? Where will I put the tree? Where will I get a tree? What if it snows and the roads are blocked? Most pressing of all, though, is where have I stored all my lovely decorations?…

01 DEC Brighten up breakfast time by opening the first window in your Advent calendar, be it chic (see page 68) or quirky (see page 16) 03 DEC SNAP UP AN ONLINE FOOD-SHOP SLOT – THEY GET BOOKED IN NANOSECONDS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR 05 DEC Make this a family day to choose the tree (see page 131 for tips), then get caught up in the magic of a festive film at the cinema 06 DEC Hang your decorations. Treat yourself to some new ones this year (see page 44 for inspiration) and set up a mini tree in the children’s rooms, where they can get creative without damaging your style sensibilities 08 DEC Visit majestic.co.uk to find your local store. Most branches offer wine tasting, so you can…

LOOK 1 Art Deco Pair burnished gold with bold black for an opulent Great Gatsby vibe PEACOCK PROUD Add a lavish touch of sparkle with this opulent bird Glitter bird, Sainsbury’s POINTED STAR Look at tree baubles from a new angle 3D metal star, John Lewis BANG ON TREND Choose chic metallic designs Mini luxury crackers in black/gold, Sainsbury’s GOLD LEAF Hang this on the front door Gold wreath, Marks & Spencer ELEGANT GLASS Nordic lanterns, small £5; medium, £12; large, £35; all The White Company MAKING SHAPES Give your tree an Art-Deco edge Gold hexagon bauble, George DECO DECADENCE Add texture and glitter Black-and-gold bauble, National Portrait Gallery Shop BRANCH OUT Go for full-on glam with a golden tree 7ft Christmas tree in Champagne Gold, John Lewis WARM GLOW…