Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2017 i Ideal Home

The wine rack is stocked with Shiraz, the giant Le Creuset casserole has been hauled out from the back of a cupboard and the porch is stacked with logs, ready for our very first open fire: the Richmond household is officially Ready For Winter. We put in the fireplace in sunny April, so haven’t used it yet! It’s a repro rather than the real thing – not just because they’re cheaper, but also because antique inserts are liable to crack with use (according to the uber-knowledgable man at the reclamation yard). So, I’m ready to accessorise our fireside armchairs with all manner of rug, cushion and throw action. The good news is, I won’t have to go far: the supermarkets are stuffed with goodies, and Tesco’s leading the pack with…

Known for her colourful, hand-embroidered designs, Jan has been an independent textile designer for years (after a 12-year spell in fashion), but now she's just launched a range for Dunelm. She lives in Cheshire with her husband David and daughters Camille and Mary (when they’re home from uni). Our house is still a work in progress, 25 years on! It's a Georgian farmhouse we bought at auction. When we got it, it was habitable, but freezing cold and everything needed doing. We had to move in straight away, though, because we had no choice. We've done it up on a budget. We got fireplaces and old bathtubs from salvage yards. Our old dining table looked ridiculously small in the big kitchen here, so we bought four oak table legs from…

“ It doesn’t matter how stressful the day has been, or what the weather is like, it’s always warm and cheerful inside this house ” THE PROPERTY A 20-year-old, four-bed detached house in Leeds. VALUE Bought in 2014, now worth £450,000. Sally Green describes her home as an ‘ordinary house in an extraordinary location.’ The house was modern, but looked unloved. ‘We needed a bigger house, closer to where we were both working, and this gave us the best of both worlds,’ she says. ‘It was clean and tidy, but needed updating.’ What began as a cosmetic revamp turned into a major renovation as the fixtures and fittings were stripped out, the rough plasterwork was removed and the wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed…

Year-round comfort Auburn is perfect for a cosy winter scheme, layered with velvet cushions and gold details, but in summer, give this baked terracotta colour a global spin with Moroccan lanterns and crisp cotton ikat fabrics Stylist’s note “Don’t team auburn with white – choose warm creams and greys to keep the overall look mellow ” NICKY PHILLIPS , DECORATING EDITOR Stylist’s note “Solid auburn colour on the walls would be hard to live with, so choose a faux-surface wallpaper with a mottled look for a softer effect ” SARITA SHARMA , STYLIST Go luxe in the bedroom This rich colour lends itself to an opulent look – perfect for a sophisticated bedroom scheme, loaded with plush textures and finished with metallic touches…

 THE PROPERTY A four-bed Victorian terrace in Lichfield, Staffordshire. “I don’t have one particular style – it was fun to experiment and bring different looks together VALUE Bought in March 2016 for £330,000; now worth about £375,000. With both of them working in demanding full-time jobs, Lucy and Robert wanted a house that didn’t need lots of structural work doing to it. The flow of the rooms appealed to them, as the downstairs has the balance of a sociable open-plan kitchen-diner, ideal for entertaining, and a cosy front living room. Having recently been renovated by a local developer, this place ticked all the boxes. The kitchen had been extended, newly fitted cabinets and skylights flooding it with natural light. Upstairs, the loft had been converted and an en…

 THE PROPERTY A Victorian four-bed terrace in south London. “I’ve loved every minute of this renovation. Even in the tough times, there’s always an end in sight! ” VALUE Bought for £427,000 in 2013; now worth £850,000. Steph and Stewart had to be open-minded when it came to the south London location of their new home: ‘Our budget was limited, so we found ourselves looking in areas we’d never considered before,’ says Steph. ‘It’s worth being open-minded. We didn’t know this area, but we’ve discovered restaurants, the market and green spaces, so it’s turned out to be a great location for us.’ But, when it came to the type of property, Steph was adamant: ‘I’m a traditionalist at heart, so it had to be a typical Victorian terrace.’…

RICH SHADES Purple and teal are a winning pair Teal floral print cushion, £18, Fox & Ivy, Tesco SOFT TOUCH Make beds and sofas warm and inviting Silver faux fur throw, £39, Fox & Ivy, Tesco FAB FAUX Go fake for a longer-lasting option Faux orchid in gold vase, £20, Fox & Ivy, Tesco SAY HELLO Spell it out in gold Hello ornament, £8, Fox & Ivy, Tesco FOR MORE INFORMATION... Discover Fox & Ivy AW 2017 range in selected stores and online at tesco.com/direct/fox-ivy…

“One handy feature is a pause button - if you have to deal with a knock at the door, press it and any active zones will be brought down to the lowest heat possible ” AMY CUTMORE, DIGITAL EDITOR AND TECH EXPERT, IDEALHOME.CO.UK The smooth surface makes it look like a standard ceramic hob, but an induction hob works very differently Q How does it work? An induction hob has a circular coil under each zone that generates a magnetic field. When you place a ferrous-metal pan on the surface and complete the circuit, heat induces through the coil and into the pan itself. Q What are the benefits? It’s very fast – 2pt of water take just over a minute to boil on an induction hob with a boost…

THE SMART DOORMAT Add some humour to your front porch (and ensure wet feet are wiped) thanks to the weather-wise Cloudy patterned doormat £20, Habitat THE MUDDY BOOT SCRAPER This smart wooden boot brush and bootjack will encourage your guests to leave their muddy boots by the front door where they belong £169.95, The Oxford Brush Company THE ALL-ROUND CLEANER Grubby skirting, wooden doors and floors will all benefit from a once over with this eco-friendly cleaner £4.25 for 500ml, Kinn THE FRESH SCENTED SPRAY Add five drops each of Sweet Orange and Frankincense oils to a small spray bottle filled with water and spritz regularly for a festive-smelling hall From £15 for 10ml, Sanatio Naturalis THE MULTI-TASKING BRUSH Dust, dirt, leaves… Lakeland’s neat The Wisp dustpan and brush set…

When it comes to keeping your house warm, Stelrad is a complete one-stop shop. Established in 1936, the company has been renowned for making high-quality steel radiators ever since. TOP DESIGN Stelrad’s expert research facility in Belgium is dedicated to continually developing innovative designs, making sure every product is of the best quality for its customers. In fact, Stelrad has been the number one radiator manufacturer for many years, supplying leading plumbers’ merchants. MAKE A STATEMENT These days, standard white box-style radiators are no longer the only choice. Stelrad has a wide range of designer and decorative styles which make a striking focal point in a room. The super-stylish designer series includes subtle, striking, classic or contemporary radiators to suit any space, while the Aqua Series offers statement radiators that…

WHERE TO BUY 1. CONDIMENT HOLDER Baolgi condiment basket, £75, Amara 2. WATER BOTTLE Tap-water bottle, £7, The Contemporary Home 3. SEASONING POTS J by Jasper Conran marble and wood pinch pots, £20, Debenhams 4. CUTLERY Fossano 16-piece cutlery set, £75, Habitat 5. PIE DISH Traditional enamel 16cm pie dish, £3.49, Lakeland 6. CHIP SERVER Wire chip basket, £2, Wilko 7. SERVING BOARD Board, £9.99, HomeSense 8. NIBBLE JARS Garden Trading jars, £7.50 for two, Cotswold Trading 9. NAPKIN Linen napkin in blue, £15, The Conran Shop…

Bedrooms might not be as public as living rooms or kitchens, but they deserve a lot of love, nonetheless. A bedroom that really works can have a big impact on your life: it’s crucial to your wellbeing to have a space where you can wind down and sleep well; as a busy woman, it’s essential to your sanity to get the right mix of bedroom storage, so you can be up and out of that door on time every day! And bedrooms that multitask as TV dens or offices need good planning to make them as comfortable and calm as possible. This little booklet has all the solutions and ideas you’ll need……

Stylist’s note “If your room has lots of light, you can get away with painting all four walls blue – but keep the floor and ceiling white for contrast ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR ADD AREAS OF WHITE Too much of any dark colour can be overwhelming, so offset deep blues with equal amounts of white for fresh relief. Use in blocks (on the floor or other walls), as well as on accessories dotted around the room. BREAK UP BIG AREAS Stop the blue from taking over by adding pattern to the room and make sure the furniture you put against blue walls is contrasting and textural. DO IT YOUR WAY Lagoon blues work with all kinds of looks, from the obvious coastal themes to glamour (fab…

Stylist’s note “Lilacs and lavenders can look chilly, so include warm blues, pinks and touches of gold to add warmth to your room ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR GET THE PALETTE RIGHT Your base colours are lilac and white, but you need to work in mid-weight (dusky mauve and lavender work well) and deeper tones (teal and sapphire blue) for a fully rounded colour combo. MIX FINISHES This is an eclectic, relaxed look, so mix painted and bare wood, luxe marble and simple glass, smooth cottons and plush velvets. Oh, and don’t forget touches of gold or brass to finish. DO IT YOUR WAY Swap country-style furniture for white gloss, with crystal details and white faux fur for an Ÿber-glam lilac look. GET THE LOOK FABRIC Layer…

Stylist’s note “Use warm taupe on accessories as an accent colour to give a scheme of mixed whites more definition and depth ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR LESS ISN’T MORE… With this gentle colour mix, you can go for it with detail and pattern on furniture, walls and accessories. It’ll work beautifully, as long as you stick to a strict palette of mixed whites and taupe only. KEEP PATTERN SUBTLE You need to avoid strong colour contrasts in this scheme, so choose tone-on-tone neutral wallpapers and fabrics for style that doesn’t shout. DO IT YOUR WAY Glam it right up with faux fur and a fabulous chandelier light fitting. Or give it a Gustavian Scandi spin with simpler wallpaper and sheepskin rugs. GET THE LOOK FABRIC For…

1 TWO-FOLD NATURAL WOOL PILLOW, £59, DEVON DUVETS This wool-filled, 100% cotton-covered pillow is perfect for those with smaller necks where firmer or higher designs can strain the spine. 2 THE CLOUD PILLOW, £85, TEMPUR RANGE, FEATHER & BLACK Made from super-supportive memory foam, this is great for those with existing neck and spine issues. 3 STUDIO PILLOW, £49, SILENTNIGHT Has three removable pads within a soft cover that you can swap and switch depending on how soft or firm you want your pillow. 4 ULTIMATE HUNGARIAN GOOSE DOWN CHAMBER PILLOW, £65, SOAK & SLEEP The 90% goose-down content of this soft-to-medium-firm pillow guarantees cloud-like support throughout the night. 5 ANTI-ALLERGY LUXURIOUSLY SOFT & LOFTY GOOSE FEATHER AND DOWN PILLOW, £35, VERY With real feathers and down encased in a…

WE KEEP SEEING... BOUTIQUE PAINT BRANDS You won’t find these in your local DIY superstore, but they all have something different to offer Now in at Next… … a gorgeous range of bedlinen from new brand Dot & Ivy. Founder Kate Lawrie has spent 20 years designing bedding for high-street names, but this is her first solo project. It was inspired by time spent at the homes of her grandmothers, called – you guessed it – Dot and Ivy, and is exclusively available at Next. We love the painterly prints and the reversible designs that can be layered up with matching quilts, throws and cushions from the collection. LOVE LIBERTY PRINTS? So do we. That’s why we’re so happy that cool high-street store Anthropologie has delved into the Liberty archive…

MY GO-TO STORES… • EASY BATHROOMS ‘Has a really wide range of bathroom suites, accessories and tiles at very competitive prices’ • ZARA HOME ‘For the latest trends in luxurious home décor’ • BARKER & STONEHOUSE ‘A constantly changing, wide choice of furniture’ STYLIST’S TIP “Use a polished metal such as warm copper as an accent shade to add a shot of grown-up glamour, along with a smart, industrial edge ” HEATHER YOUNG, ACTING DEPUTY EDITOR…

WHERE TO BUY 1. LIGHTING Copper pendant light, £49.99, HomeSense 2. RUG Fine stripe rug, from £59, Very 3. VASE Dickins & Jones Beryl flower vase, £35, House of Fraser 4. SIDE TABLE Aspen lamp table, £299, Cult Furniture 5. LAMP Ultra table lamp by Där Lighting, £45, The Lighting Company 6. MUG La Cafetiere Core Brights mug, £12.99, Sophie Charles 7. THROW Geo chenille throw, £15, Matalan 8. SOFA Medium Needham sofa in Carron mix fabric, from £849, Marks & Spencer…

Laid-back botanicals Walls painted in Scottish Pine silk emulsion, £36.99 for 5ltr, Crown Trade range, Amazon. Skirting painted in Scottish Pine non-drip gloss, £15.99 for 750ml, Crown. Shoreditch 5 series stove, £1,182; Derwent fire tool set, from £366; both Chesney’s. Lantau faux shagreen gold coffee table, £885, Oka. Rhys mid-century leather recliner chair in Saddle, £999, West Elm. Brass hairpin leg console table, £475, Cox & Cox. Mid-century side table, £149, Swoon Editions. Kilburn rug in Green, £460, Floor Story. ON COFFEE TABLE Arys Trays Natural Dill tray, £26.50, Hus & Hem. Carafe, £15.50, Manufactum. Bei tumblers, £10 each, Heal’s. Cielo vase, £25, Habitat. Brass lantern, £40, Debenhams. Littala Kivi tealight holder, £13.50, Cloudberry Living. ON SOFA Cushions, from left: made in Forenza Forest 7558/30 (front); Forenza Neptune 7558/16; both…

MY GO-TO STORES… • H&M HOME ‘Fantastic for great-value bed linen and more’ • ST AIDAN’S HOMEWARE ‘Quirky designs from kitchenware to art prints’ • NEPTUNE ‘Stylish, beautifully laid-out shop and fab for faux flowers’ • LOAF ‘I love the pastel crockery and simple throws’ STYLIST’S TIP “Too many colours can make small spaces look messy, so copy Steph and stick to an all-white scheme, with pops of turquoise, silver and black ” HOLLY WALSH, CONTENT EDITOR…

1 Put colour on the walls Get out of neutral and give your living room some character with a colour makeover. A deep, vibrant blue like this feels cosy and comforting in winter, but cool and fresh in summer. Plus it’ll make your furniture and floor look amazing! We like Eaton Square emulsion, £44 for 2.5ltr, Mylands. 2 Rethink your windows If you’ve got draughty windows, try fitting a thermal-lined blind. Make your own with a Roman blind kit, from £63.50, with a layer of thermal lining fabric, £6.50 per m, both Just Fabrics. You’ll just need to supply your own main fabric. 3 PERK UP PLAIN WHITE CHINA If your plain white dinner set could do with some colour, or you’ve lost a few pieces over time, mix and…

WHERE TO BUY 1. CUSHION Inhale Exhale cushion, £11.99, Argos 2. LAMP Atley table lamp in Sulphur, £75, John Lewis 3. RUGS Vintage Black/Grey rug, from £199, Modern Rugs 4. BOOKCASE Jessie White wide leaning bookcase, £95, Habitat 5. CANDLE Monogram candle, £9.95, Notonthehighstreet.com 6. CLOCK Pocket watch clock, £54.99, Very 7. CHAIR Rattan tub chair, £275, Cox & Cox 8. BLANKET Essaouira white cotton throw, £71.99, Maisons du Monde…

WHERE TO BUY 1. CLOCK Cream Emma wall clock, £58, London Clock Co 2. TAP Abode Astbury twin tap, £349, Sinks-taps.com 3. TABLE Honorine extending dining table, £549, Maisons du Monde 4. PESTLE AND MORTAR Granite pestle and mortar, £10, Wilko 5. SINK Farmhouse double Belfast sink, £452, Sinks-taps.com 6. PAINT No 26 Down Pipe estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball 7. KETTLE Stove kettle in Charcoal, £38, Garden Trading 8. AGA Two-oven cooker, from £8,445, Aga…

 Forget the lone ceiling light and over-mirror combo that’s been illuminating British bathrooms, badly, for decades. Strategically placed mood lighting is the secret to creating a soothing bathroom that’s as indulgent as your favourite spa. “Installing low-watt LED uplights around the bath is a bit like having instant candles – relaxing and romantic ” SALLY STOREY, JOHN CULLEN LIGHTING. Q Where do I begin? Start by working out how you use the bathroom. If you’re a bath person, focus on atmospheric lighting to create ambience near the bath – floor lights around the perimeter of the bath will cast a restful glow. Waterproof light fittings can be added inside the bath and shower, creating a luxurious spa effect as they shimmer through the water. Q Do I need a lighting…

At this time of year, with trick-or-treaters knocking at the door, and firework parties to throw, the opportunities to get crafty are endless. With that in mind, Hobbycraft are encouraging the creepy crafters among you to # makeitdontbuyit, to create seasonal schemes that are eerily original! FUN TO BE HAD Hobbycraft is a treasure trove of craft supplies, with everything you need to put together your own spine-chilling seasonal displays. Light up your home by making a Boo sign in marquee letters, coat polystyrene skulls and bones in PVA and glitter, or decorate mache or ceramic pumpkins with paint, pen – or even melted crayons for a blood drip effect. Make and thread pompoms into a ghoulish garland, style up a chilling cocktail bar, or even create macabre masks! ONE-STOP…

Marmalade steamed puddings with whisky sauce Takes 2hr 25min Makes 6 INGREDIENTS FOR THE CANDIED ORANGES 2 oranges • 200g caster sugar • 2tbsp orange juice FOR THE PUDDING S 200g marmalade • 175g unsalted butter, softened • 175g light muscovado sugar • 1tbsp golden syrup • 3 large eggs • 175g self-raising flour • 1tsp baking powder • 1tsp ground ginger FOR THE SAUCE • 35g butter • 150g light muscovado sugar • 100g marmalade • 3tbsp whisky • 150ml double cream • juice of ½ a lemon 1 To make the candied oranges, bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil. Cut 6 slices of orange, add to the boiling water for 1min, then transfer to a bowl of iced water to cool. 2 In another saucepan, heat the sugar, juice and 250ml water until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Lower…

= mail order available A  Aga 0845 712 5207; agaliving.com Alexander & James alexanderandjamessofas.com Also Home 01483 608611; alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Amtico 0121 745 0800; amtico.com Angel & Boho 0845 200 0723; angelandboho.com Anglian Home Improvement 0808 159 1777; anglianhome.co.uk Anthropologie 00800 0026 8476; anthropologie.com Apavisa apavisa.com/en Argos 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Arlo & Jacob 0333 220 9892; arloandjacob.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 331 5248; barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathstore bathstore.com Beko 0345 600 4911; beko.co.uk Berry Red berryred.co.uk Bert & May 020 3744 0776; bertandmay.com Best Tile 00 353 51 354905; best-tile.co.uk Best Wallpaper Place (The) 0121 289 4290; thebestwallpaperplace.com Bio Bean 020 3744 6500; bio-bean.com Birlea 01332 812870; birlea.com Black By Design 01889 502716; black-by-design.co.uk Bloom 0844 482 2332; bloom.uk.com Bosch 0344 892 8979; bosch-home.co.uk Bronte by Moon brontebymoon.co.uk Button & Sprung 03333 201801; buttonandsprung.com C  Cable & Cotton cableandcotton.co.uk California Shutters 0800 1950 196; californiashutters.co.uk Candy candy-domestic.co.uk Caple…

= mail order available A  Alexander & Pearl 020 8508 0411; alexanderandpearl.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Amtico 0121 745 0800; amtico.com Argos 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Atkin and Thyme 020 3768 7775; atkinandthyme.co.uk B  B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Black By Design 01889 502716; black-by-design.co.uk Bronte by Moon brontebymoon.co.uk C  California Shutters 0800 012 6009; californiashutters.co.uk Carpetright 0845 604 5619; carpetright.co.uk Casper 0800 980 6900; casper.com Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055; clarissahulse.com Crown Paints 0870 240 1127; crownpaint.co.uk D  Debenhams 0344 561 6161; debenhams.com Devon Duvets 01752 345399; devonduvets.com Dreams 0800 652 5090; dreams.co.uk Dulux 0333 222 7171; dulux.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565; dunelm.com E  Emma 0144 290 2151; emma-mattress.co.uk F  Farrow & Ball 01202 876141; farrow-ball.com Feather & Black 01243 380600; featherandblack.com French Bedroom Company (The) 01444…

INTRICATE DETAILING Invest in a feminine, highly decorative design Aaliyah grey bone-inlay chest of drawers, £1,944, Alexander & Pearl OPEN OPTION A simple and functional choice with a pared-back Scandi feel Toj clothes rack, £300, Normann Copenhagen range, Black by Design FRENCH FANCY This beautiful armoire features classic wire-mesh panels Provençal showcase armoire, £1,295, The French Bedroom Company SIMPLY STYLISH Made of reclaimed Indonesian teak with grooved hidden handles Mino natural wardrobe, £1,075, Puji SPECIAL EFFECTS Make a statement with this decoratively patterned chest Sahara chest of drawers in grey wash, £479, Swoon Editions MINIMALIST METAL In a glam copper finish, with a tray for storing smaller items Alana copper hanging rail, £199, Made.com TIMELESS FEEL A classic style that would sit well in a variety of settings…

Stylist’s note “Unless your room is really bright, just use dark green on one or two walls, and keep it pale above the picture rail ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR PICK THE RIGHT ACCENTS Stop this dark shade looking oppressive with brightening partner colours, such as pale pink and chartreuse yellow. TEAM WITH VIBRANT WOOD Green is a great colour for showing off beautiful, grainy wood furniture. Together, they lend a nature-inspired forest feel to a room scheme. DO IT YOUR WAY Go for a rustic effect with some chunky oak furniture, or try going mid century and add a little Fifties-inspired pattern. If you prefer a chic look, choose bold black wood furniture and touches of gold. GET THE LOOK FABRIC Give your room a Fifties…

1 GROWN-UP GLAM THE BED LINEN Shibori double duvet set, £25, Marks & Spencer THE HERO CUSHION ‘Love’ sequin cushion, £86, Jan Constantine range, Amara THE BASE CUSHION Midnight print cushion, £15, House of Fraser THE THROW Blush throw, £30, Ideal Home range, Very 2 NOD TO NATURE THE BED LINEN Floral-print double duvet set, £15, Matalan THE HERO CUSHION Marine fern-print cushion, £60, Clarissa Hulse THE BASE CUSHION Pompom cushion, £14, Sainsbury’s THE THROW Yellow and white throw, £24.99, TK Maxx 3 PINK ‘N’ PRETTY THE BED LINEN Lousa pure linen, from £19 for a pillowcase, Urbanara THE HERO CUSHION Pompom cushion, £25, Matthew Williamson range, Debenhams THE BASE CUSHION Embroidered fur cushion, £29.50, Marks & Spencer THE THROW Large supersoft throw in purple, £11, Primark 4 COLOUR POP…

OPEN/CONTINUOUS COIL  The most common type available, these mattresses are fairly basic in design. They’re either made using a single looped wire or single springs joined together by one wire. They’re cheap to make and the price reflects that – they’re a good budget option for a guest room. Expect to pay from around £150 for a double. POCKET SPRUNG  These mattresses feature individual springs, each sewn into separate fabric pockets. This provides much better support than an open-coil mattress, with the springs moulding to your body better. As a rule, the more springs, the more comfortable the mattress. Prices can vary greatly depending on the number of springs, as well as the fillings used to make the mattress – you could pay anything from around £200 to more than…

Stylist’s note “The best neutral to use with pastels is white, or pale grey for a more contemporary feel ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR ASSEMBLE YOUR COLOURS Pastels work together harmoniously, so there are no rules – just mix the shades you like, aiming for at least three to get some lovely contrasts. PICK ANY PATTERN From blowsy florals to ditsy checks or modern geo prints, anything goes – but be sure to stick to your chosen pastels to stop it getting messy. DO IT YOUR WAY This palette is truly versatile: if fancy French style isn’t your thing, try it ultramodern or Scandi with simple white furniture and statement lighting, or go hotel chic with a buttoned, upholstered bed and hits of chrome. GET THE LOOK…

“Consider installing solid shutters for a period look – they have a lovely traditional feel and provide full window coverage ”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR Go electric on roof windows Stop balancing on a chair when you want to open and shut roof-window blinds and invest in an automated system that works at the touch of a button. WHERE TO BUY Solar-powered energy blinds in grey, from £319, Velux Add colour to a child’s room Use a rainbow shutter for a bold colour hit – its neat slats will block out light well, too. WHERE TO BUY Rainbow shutters, from £299 per sq m, Shutterly Fabulous Split up a wide window Tier-on-tier shutters are great for floor-to-ceiling windows or doors that open to an outside space – you can split…

Stylist’s note “White with navy is an uplifting combo, but for a mellower vibe choose ivory or grey ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR AVOID BLOCKS OF BLUE Breaking up the colour will keep the look more informal, so choose a navy-on-white patterned wallpaper and work in checks and nautical motifs on fabrics. BALANCE NAVY WITH NEUTRALS Use equal amounts of off-white, with touches of flannel grey, cream and brown layered on top to soften the effect. DO IT YOUR WAY Tip the look more smart or more casual, according to your taste. Nautical navy looks great with rustic oak and leather, or go upscale with buttoned upholstery and chrome lights. GET THE LOOK FABRIC A woven denim adds rugged good looks Kali, £30 per m, Scion range,…

1. PHOTO-REAL TEXTURES We’ve seen peeling planks and brick wallpapers, but now textured effects have been given an opulent twist. Wallpapers are replicating oxidised or burnished metals using highly-textured vinyls as well as digitally printed realistic surfaces. Meanwhile texture is created on fabrics using foil-printed velvet and lustrous yarns woven into materials. If you love a polished interior style, these designs will add depth and dimension in place of pattern. 2. SOFT GEOMETRICS The repetition of shapes in the new wave of geometrics is less regimented, giving a more relaxed and expressive finish. A mix of offbeat shapes, curves and hard edges are softened by overlapping, translucent layers or imperfect patterns. Lovers of modern Scandi and mid-century styles will adore this fresh take on graphic prints. 3. PAINTED PANORAMAS Unlike…

“It had been rented out and was last decorated in the Seventies, but we felt we could do something special with it ” THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom Georgian townhouse in Oxfordshire. VALUE Bought in 2012 for £475,000; now worth around £750,000. When house prices in London proved too high for them, the Pryces switched their search to a small town near Oxford. ‘We were still working in London at that time, so needed to live somewhere with easy access to the city,’ says Alice. ‘We were both brought up in the country and that was a big pull.’ Having been rented out for years, the interior needed a lot of love. ‘We had to look beyond the dated décor and just try to appreciate the charm of the…

Play with plaid Mix up scales of check wool fabric in modern brights such as teal, coral and russet. A slim-armed sofa and buttoned footstool add a smart edge to rustic style WHERE TO BUY  Austin sofa in Glen Coe fabric, £2,259; Wexham footstool in Parquet fabric, £499; both Multiyork STYLIST’S NOTE “While rustic style is about using texture to add warmth, rich colours can add even more depth ” MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR Add retro to cottage style Update organic, natural country tones with a colourful display of mid-century inspired geo-patterned vases. WHERE TO BUY Vases, from £20, Dickens & Jones range, House of Fraser STYLIST’S NOTE “Complement accessories inspired by nature with luxe finishes such as polished copper or warm brass ” MICHELA COLLING ,…

“I just love the mix of exotic style and glam touches in this look ” EIMEAR VARIAN-BARRY , STYLIST & INSTAGRAMMER What an amazing room for a dinner party!’ enthuses Eimear Varian-Barry about this stunning dining room, designed with furniture and accessories from Dunelm’s new Colonial Charm range and styled with Eimear’s enviable eye for detail. ‘The warm walnut furniture against the teal walls is a match made in heaven and the beautiful glassware is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to the scheme.’ TALES OF THE ORIENT Part of Dunelm’s Autumn/Winter collection, the Colonial Charm range has a distinct exotic flavour with a rich palette of teal, peacock blues and gold highlights, combined with sumptuous textiles, walnut-effect furniture and brushed brass touches. ‘There are also some…

OUR NORTHERN LIGHTS PROMISE Our travel partner Hurtigruten are so confident you’ll see the Northern Lights† during your 12-day voyage that, if you don’t, they will give you another 6- or 7-day Northern Lights cruise free of charge For full terms & conditions, visit hurtigruten.co.uk/uk-offers/norway-offers/northern-lights-promise/ Following the huge popularity of our first ever holiday to see the Northern Lights with Michaela Strachan, we’re delighted to launch a new adventure in the company of Dallas Campbell, star of BBC science show Stargazing Live, and world-renowned astrologer Penny Thornton. On this exclusive holiday, you’ll join Dallas for a talk and Q&A about the science of stargazing. You’ll also take a guided trip with him to visit Nordkapp, the northern-most spot in Europe – plus hear an award-winning talk by Dr Tamsin Edwards…

WHERE TO BUY 1. FRAMED PRINT Penguin Books print, £66, King and McGaw 2. CONTAINERS Dispenser, £6, tumbler, £4; both George Home 3. TILES Stratum Anthracite, £48.96 per sq m, Topps Tiles 4. VANITY UNIT Royo Life 600mm wall unit, ceramic basin, £545, Frontline Bathrooms 5. FAUX PLANT Faux money tree, £75, Sweetpea & Willow 6. BATH Trend 1500mm freestanding bath with surround panel, £749, Bathstore 7. STORAGE Tier unit, £23, Sainsbury’s 8. TOWELS Supreme towels in Honey, from £4, Christy…

THE BIG NOTICEBOARD Once Hallowe’en is out of the way, the countdown to Christmas finally starts so get a headstart on your list-making by investing in this brilliant, so-bigyou-can’t-miss-it chalkboard from Cox & Cox. Whether it’s Christmas groceries or things to do in the run-up to the big day, it’ll ensure you’ll never forget a thing. You could even write up your festive menu when the big day arrives! Large oak frame chalkboard, £175, Cox & Cox THE KEYLESS LOCK Step into the future with the new Yale Conexis L1 Smart door lock. Operated via an app, the door opens by holding your smartphone over the sensor and turning it 90°, as you would a key. You can send family or guests mobile keys that can be deleted when you…

THE OPEN STORAGE Hardcore handicrafter? Create your own storage solution with the Elvarli open units, an array of adjustable flat and display shelves, drawers and hanging rails. Great for dressmakers! £308 for two sections as shown, Ikea THE GO BAG Take your un-put-downable project with you in this cute sausage dog craft bag. It has plenty of pockets for all your kit, whenever and wherever the mood for making takes you £22, John Lewis THE NEEDLE CASE Keep sewing essentials to hand wherever your stitching takes you with this chirpy bird-shaped needlecase, ready-stocked with five needles £8.50, Cath Kidston THE PRETTIEST SEWING BOX Modelled on that familiar storefront and with a choice of lining in Liberty’s iconic fabric prints, this sewing box contains removable compartments that will ensure your haberdashery…

All in a row These clip-top trouser hangers hold an A4 print perfectly. We chose a themed set of prints, but photos or designs in complementary colours will look equally good together. Line up the hangers in a single row above the bed for simple impact. To get a more relaxed look, arrange an uneven number of prints in a cluster. BUY THE KEY PIECES Bumerang hangers, 80p each; Blecka hooks, £4 for 4; all Ikea. Set of six prints, £39.95, Over & Over; bobble-edge cushion, £30, Nomadic Being; leopard-print cushion, £35, The Loft and Us; all Notonthehighstreet.com. Spotty vase, £12 for two, Next. Shoe Fund money box, £10, Sass & Belle…

Stylist’s note “Adding blush pink fabric or wallpaper will lift a mix of neutrals and stop them looking dingy ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR PUT THE FOCUS ON TEXTURE Natural textures are the heroes of this scheme, so choose unfinished wood furniture, artisan ceramics, cottons or washed linens, and lots of beautiful basketware. KEEP PATTERN SMALL SCALE Pattern is just there to add to the textural feel, not to be the star of the show, so choose small-motif repeats, subtle ombre or silhouette designs, or faux-texture prints. DO IT YOUR WAY Give this look a Scandi spin with mid-century-style furniture and accents of burnt orange instead of blush, or put a glam twist on it with brass details. GET THE LOOK FABRIC Start with a versatile, textured…

COMPACT DESIGN This vanity is perfect for a smaller room Limbo oak dressing table, £250, Habitat PRACTICAL & PORTABLE A simple, freestanding design that can be easily moved Bertilie psychedelic mirror, £199, La Redoute ELEGANT PAIR Made of distressed mango wood with a padded stool Amelie dressing table set, £399, Dunelm EXOTIC INFLUENCE Curves add a Middle Eastern feel to this wall mirror Milly wall mirror, £390, Lene Bjerre range, Sweetpea & Willow HOTEL STYLE Go for a dark wood, traditional design for a hotel-chic feel Garrat chestnut dressing table set, £900, Laura Ashley DIAMOND DETAILING A modern take on the traditional dressing table Milan dressing table, £299, Atkin and Thyme UNDERSTATED GLAMOUR Give a bedroom the luxe touch with this gold-framed cheval Scandi luxe mirror, £420, The French Bedroom…

Stylist’s note “Use varied shades of blue, white and grey for a layered, textural effect. If you want to add a brighter accent, use small pops of scarlet ” NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR ADD WARM NOTES Choose warm, mid-toned blues and work in some cream to make this fresh-feeling scheme more cosy. Texture’s important, too, so add knitted and rough-wood finishes to crisp cottons and smooth, painted furniture. HAVE A HERO PATTERN The colour scheme’s so simple and subtle, you’ll need to add interest with a strong pattern to break up the plain blocks of white. DO IT YOUR WAY Love mid-century style? Work in some darker wood pieces and leather upholstery. Or, go trad-revival with antique-look furniture and a buttoned headboard. GET THE LOOK FABRIC Add…

1 HYBRID MATTRESS, FROM £550 FOR A DOUBLE, CASPER This bed-in-a-box memory foam and latex hybrid is a must for a pressure-relieving night’s sleep. 2 DALTON TRADITIONAL SPRING MATTRESS, FROM £149 FOR A DOUBLE, DREAMS This great-value traditional spring mattress is an ideal choice for a kid’s room or guest room. 3 EMMA MATTRESS, FROM £599 FOR A DOUBLE, EMMA A UK-made hybrid combining memory foam, pocket springs and cold foam for comfort, support and breathability. 4 POCKET SPRING 1000 NO-TURN MATTRESS, FROM £249 FOR A DOUBLE, ESSENTIALS COLLECTION, JOHN LEWIS Save yourself the hassle of flipping with this genius no-turn medium firm design. 5 BALMORAL TRADITIONAL 2000 POCKET SPRING MATTRESS, FROM £925 FOR A DOUBLE, REYLON 2000 pocket springs, hand-tufted wool and two inches of reflex foam.…

Like duvets, your choice of filling in pillows is dependent on your preference and whether you’re an allergy sufferer. The firmness depends on how you usually sleep. Go for a medium-to-firm pillow if you usually sleep on your side, a soft-to-medium if you sleep on your back, or a soft pillow if you sleep on your front. While most companies sell standard pillows, larger European square designs are becoming more popular. FEATHER Duck or goose feather fillings are cheap and cheerful – handy as backups for the guest room or even when going camping. PROS These are inexpensive and widely available. CONS Not as soft as a down (or down and feather mixed) pillow. Feathers can sometimes feel slightly scratchy. DOWN Like duvets, these types of pillow are made from…