Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i Ideal Home

When it comes to your Christmas décor are you all about embracing traditions, with a classic look your go-to every year, or do you love an opportunity to experiment and try something completely different? I sit somewhere between the two. I’ve got my trusty foundation – for me this is my treasured collection of mercury glass and crackle glass baubles, bought in the sales at The White Company over a decade ago, which I always use as the basis of my scheme. I usually give this a trend-led twist, whether that’s with a pop of a new colour, a steal-the-scene pattern (this year William Morris is king as you’ll see on page 34) or another must-have motif. To keep costs down I opt for affordable high-street buys or make decs…

Gifts for homebodies BEAUTIFUL BUYS FOR THE HOUSE PROUD PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION TO IDEAL HOME, VISIT WWW.MAGAZINESDIRECT.COM Gifts for foodies FEAST YOUR EYES ON THESE TREATS FOR COOKS AND HOSTS Gifts for gardeners TREATS FOR THE GREEN-FINGERED FOLK IN YOUR LIFE Gifts for the kids DELIGHT TODDLERS TO TEENS WITH THESE OH-SO-PERFECT PRESSIES Gifts for pet lovers GIVE YOUR EXTRA-SPECIAL FAMILY MEMBER A TREAT……

What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘Clean, calm and light-loving, white is often seen as the safest option, but it’s actually one of the most expressive tones in your decorating toolkit. White reflects light, which means it depends on the quality of natural daylight around it.’ JEN DEVANEY, COLOUR CONSULTANT, FRENCHIC PAINT ‘When choosing the perfect shade of white, you need to consider both north and south-facing aspects. In a north-facing room, pick a white with warmer undertones and a little more pigment.’ EMMA BESTLEY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER, YESCOLOURS ‘Off-whites are strong, standalone colours that can be used in every room. Shades with paler undertones work well if you are considering colour drenching a space, as they won’t feel stark.’ CARLY ALLISON, HEAD OF BRAND…

STYLE DIRECTION“Mixing textures creates plenty of drama. Try a linen table runner dressed with a luxe satin bow”HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR IN CHIEF STYLE DIRECTION“Stray from your colour scheme and use a different ribbon for each guest to help keep track of glasses”HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR IN CHIEF…

Picture windows have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, with more and more homeowners catching on to their many benefits. They do far more than let in oodles of natural light – they also act as an architectural feature in their own right, and can even double up as a cosy reading nook or window seat with the best views in the house. So if you’re currently considering replacement windows, then this is a style well worth looking into. WHAT IS A PICTURE WINDOW? ‘Large single-pane windows with slender frames are commonly known as picture windows because they perfectly frame the view, like a picture,’ explains Edward Stobart, technical sales manager at IDSystems. ‘With their slim frames and expanses of glass, picture windows have become a hugely…

Could your front door do with a lick of paint before you hang your WREATH? Check out our handy guide on page 142; make sure your real CHRISTMAS TREE goes the distance by skipping to page 143; if you’re keen to give to CHARITY this year, page 144 lists a choice of ways to do it; pages 147 and 148 explain how to DEFROST your freezer and CLEAN your oven in a flash; and finally, follow page 149’s lead and clear all the CLUTTER before the big day……

With all the magic that Christmas brings, it can also come with a lot of ‘stuff’, and dare we say, clutter. A cluttered home feels overwhelming to say the least, which is why taking the time to have a clear out before the merriment begins is a sure way to enjoy a more peaceful festive season. So, with now being the perfect time to pick up some new decluttering tips, we’ve spoken to the professionals and asked which areas of the home we should be focusing on before the big day. Their tips cover the essential places to start decluttering now to gain both physical space and more mental clarity in time for Christmas. Living room Given that this is often the biggest room in the home and where everyone…

If you’re looking for ways to add a little sparkle to your front porch or brighten up your garden this Christmas, then consider planting up a pretty festive hanging basket. Not sure where to start? We’ve asked the experts for all of their best tips and tricks, from what plants to use, to how to care for it so that it lasts all winter – this is what they had to say… ADD YOUR PLANTS Use winter plants that will add some colour while staying fresh throughout the colder months, such as winter flowering pansies, cyclamen and ivy. ‘Pansies are generally well-known for their ability to tolerate cold weather,’ explains Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench, ‘and they also come in a variety of colours, meaning that you can create…

“As well as its core scents, Nkuku has two festive limited edition scents: Juniper & Fir and Mandarin & Clove” Candles that keep giving Furniture and homeware brand Nkuku is no stranger to sustainability, with many of its products boasting some element of eco cred. So it stands to reason that the brand’s first collection of home fragrance would follow suit. Available in five new scents, two of which sit firmly in the festive camp, each item, from single- and three-wick candles to reed diffusers, comes in beautiful hand-blown jars and vases that can have another life once the contents have been used up. STYLE, RECYCLED Scottish textile brand TBCo is known for its cosy PJs, bedding, clothing and super-soft woolly hats and gloves, but you may not be aware…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ The best bean-to-cup coffee machines will make the most elevated cup of coffee possible at home. But before you buy, make sure you know which sort of machine you’re after. Within our round-up there are two types – automatic and manual. Automatic machines typically grind your beans and froth your milk at the touch of a button. That’s opposed to the manual models, which involve hands-on input at each stage of the making process – perfect for those who want to tweak their coffee to the finest detail. ■ You might not be shocked to hear that bean-to-cup coffee machines tend to be the most expensive. The RRP of pretty much every model is high, so be sure to check whether the machine actually does more…

How do you decorate for Christmas? Chances are - you’re reading Ideal Home, after all - you love making sure your home looks its best, and as Christmas tends to be the time when friends and family see it most, you’ll already be looking for ideas and inspiration for your festive set-up. That’s where our favourite Christmas colour schemes are here to help. Now, no one is saying you need to redecorate an entire room for the festive season (and quite frankly, who has the time for that in the run up to Christmas?!). It’s likely you already have your space decorated in one of the key colours featured in our eight schemes - simply use them as inspiration to add in one or two new shades for a whole…

SPOTLIGHT ON Pure nostalgia Traditional schemes and nods to Christmases past have taken over festive decor this year and the high street is stacked with nostalgic details and colours. High on our wish list is the Cosy Christmas tablecloth from Sophie Allport (shown above). The blue and red palette is festive, yet has a fresh aesthetic. Plus, the hand-drawn illustrations of rocking horses, fireplaces and stockings have taken us right back to magical childhood Christmases when everything was unbearably exciting! There’s coordinating crockery in the collection too, as well as stockings, and a reusable advent calendar. IH LOVES... Big bows Harbour stripe fabric bow in Radish; Fastnet stripe fabric bow in Radish, £49 each, both Tori Murphy W hat to do this month... READ Sugar, spice and all things nice,…

STYLE DIRECTION“Use handcrafted tiles in a bold chequerboard design on a fireplace to give a traditional cosy cottage look a fresh, updated feel”HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STYLE DIRECTION“More is more – layer up the texture and pattern by pairing patterned wallpaper with painted panelling and thick floral drapes”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR CHOOSE YOUR PALETTE You can’t go wrong with the traditional winter favourite pairing of forest green and red to create a warm and inviting festive home. This year, to give the look a modern spin, choose pine greens with smoky blue undertones – perfect on woodwork and upholstery – and pair with pink-hued terracotta reds and soft creams. ADD NATURAL GREENERY Evergreen foliage has been used to decorate our homes for centuries and brings a wonderful, timeless, seasonal feel. Hang…

Supersize your wreath Use a wire ring measuring 50cm or more and bind cuttings to it using florist’s wire. For a contemporary look, swap holly, fir and eucalyptus for yew, cotoneaster and honesty. Give it a twist… Decorate with green grosgrain bows, berry picks or dried orange slices for more colour. Display a beautiful branch A length of silver birch makes a gorgeous wall display (or alternative Christmas tree for a small space). Hang it from twine and trim it with fronds of leylandii and eucalyptus. Give it a twist… Spritz the foliage with frost or glitter spray for a touch of sparkle and shine. Create a leafy chandelier Use wide ribbon or fabric strips to suspend a wreath entwined with pine and ferns, plus ivy strands for trailing detail.…

1 CREATE A STAR MANTEL If ever there was a time to pay special attention to your mantelpiece it’s over the festive period, when you can really make it the star of the show. Go to town with foliage (real or faux), string some baubles from one side and a stocking or two from the other. Plus, add a few tall candlesticks for height. 2 ADD A FESTIVE SPIN Every nook and cranny provides a chance to get creative, right down to a small window seat area. String garlands overhead, add fir and berry sprigs to the windowsill, along with a faux candle and gifts wrapped in fabric or wallpaper scraps, and you’ve got a cosy spot to relax in during the festive run-up. WALLPAPER CHEA T SHEET 3 Elevate…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Lou Crane, a chief operating officer, lives here with her house cats Sirius and Luna. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, late Edwardian villa in Cheshire, bought in 2022. 1 “Choose rich, harmonious shades” ‘I plucked my Christmas colour scheme from artwork and other elements in the room, focusing on bright reds and pinks because they feel joyful and festive.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls in Homespun washable matt, £29.99 for 2.5ltr, Rustoleum. Jonathan Adler rug, £429, Ruggable. Try Christmas tree bows in Pink, £14 for five, Lizzie Chancellor 2 “Add soft shades and subtle details” ‘The room is centred around the pretty fireplace, with the TV above, cleverly disguised by changeable artwork when it’s not in use. I painted the mantel in the same soft pink…

KITCHEN NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Nicola Murphy lives here with her husband Phil and their children, Jake, 12, Wilf, nine and Ben, eight, plus Rufus, their Hungarian Vizsla. THE PROJECT To reconfigure the existing kitchen, underused dining space and large garage into a multifunctional family space. TOTAL COST £50,000 Nicola and Phil Murphy fell in love with this house as soon as they saw it, with the exception of the kitchen, which they instantly disliked. ‘It was so dark and it was located in the centre of the house. Plus, the rough stone floors didn’t work with three very young children toddling around. It just wasn’t a comfortable or inviting space to be in,’ says Nicola. The couple had previously worked with interior designer Lucy Burt from Nest Interior Design…

Christmas is an expensive time for us all, so you’d be forgiven if fitting a new kitchen isn’t top of your to-do list. However, with the winter months come generous sales periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as well as the Boxing Day and January sales. So, if you’ve had your eye on an upgrade, there’s no better time to finally bite the bullet. Sound tempting? These are our favourite retailers for kitchen sales. 1 MAGNET From 4th November until 1st December 2025, Magnet is offering big discounts to help you afford the kitchen of your dreams. ‘Our Black November event brings together value with the exceptional design, service, and craftsmanship that Magnet is known for,’ explains Charis Hawkins, head of brand marketing at Magnet. ‘Our pre-built cabinets come with…

Your freezer is going to be under a lot of strain for the festive season, so to ensure it is in top working order, it’s worth defrosting it before the countdown to Christmas begins. Traditionally, the process of defrosting a freezer can take around 24 hours, which involves turning the appliance off and waiting for the ice to melt naturally. But did you know you can do the same job in under an hour? Follow these steps for an ice-free freezer that’s spotlessly clean, too. 1 EMPTY YOUR FREEZER & PREP THE SPACE First, empty your freezer. If you have a fridge-freezer combo, you can move all your frozen food to the fridge then keep the fridge door closed – everything in it should stay chilled while you tackle the…

■ PRUNE OVERGROWN PLANTS December is the perfect time to prune back wisteria, fruit trees, and climbing roses as we’ve entered into the dormant season for the majority of plants. Prune them now to remove any overgrown, damaged or diseased growth. ■ TAKE HARDWOOD CUTTINGS Another task that’s perfect for the dormant season is taking cuttings. ‘Ensure you select the healthiest shoots possible and remove any soft tip growth before cutting into 15-30cm sections,’ advises Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. ‘Then, when cutting into sections, trim just above and just below buds (so that you have one right at the top and right at the bottom of your cutting).’ Once this is done, all you need to do is plant your cuttings in well-drained soil and water regularly,…

1 PICK A REAL TREE They’re a staple in many festive homes, but did you know real Christmas trees can also make you feel good? They release oxygen to improve indoor air quality, and the scent can offer mood-boosting effects. Plus, nothing gets you into the spirit of Christmas quite like a trip to the tree farm! 2 EMBRACE CREATIVITY If you’re hosting this Christmas, have a go at making a DIY centrepiece for your table. Keep it simple and layer decorative foliage and cranberries around candlesticks, or really impress guests by adding height with a tiered tray, complete with fairy lights, ornaments and greenery. 3 GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Christmas is for giving, so be sure to keep an eye out for local charity drives. Whether you donate…

YOU WILL NEED ● Thread ● Ribbon ● Popcorn ● Fabric or lace scraps ● Wallpaper samples ● Beads Create unique garlands by stringing together anything from leftover popcorn to foraged pine cones or upcycled sections of vintage lace and crocheted doilies. Search for offcuts of fabric or wallpaper samples, spare buttons or beads and so on. Feed items onto thread or ribbon, thread them back to back, secure them in staggered breaks or mix and match items for more variety.…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ When it comes to durable cookware, there’s no beating cast iron. But there are some things you should know before investing. Ensuring your pan is well cared for is key to making it last as long as possible. To prevent rusting, season the pan (see manufacturer’s instructions), then wipe away excess oil and store the pan in a dry place, free from steam and water. ■ In many cases, putting cast-iron cookware in the dishwasher is not recommended as it will strip the seasoning. However, a lot of the best cast-iron cookware is enamelled, which means it has a layer protecting it from rusting and won’t season in the same way. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s care guide for best results. ■ Before buying a…

Choose from five coloured bases and twelve pleated shades…

1. GO FOR A GLOW UP Ambient lighting is key for a bedroom that’s inviting, so include lamps with a warm light, rather than anything too harsh. And, because it’s Christmas, why not add fairy lights, maybe on a wreath on the back of a door, strung across a headboard or around window frames? Ribbed table lamp in Red, £37.99; Cambel cable knit throw, £32.99, both Wayfair 2. ADD FESTIVE DECOR It’s the small touches that can really make guests feel welcome: a bowl of lustrous baubles, a snow globe, small reindeer ornaments or seasonal foliage in a vase. A stocking with their initials on, stuffed with little presents, is a nice gesture, too – you could even wrap up some overnight toiletries or a festive sleep mask. Alphabet stocking,…

When it comes to decorating your home outside for Christmas, the Brits have never really taken to it quite like those in the US have. However, this changed a few years ago and we have the many lockdown Christmases to thank for it – the theory being that if people can’t celebrate indoors, we can still do it outside instead. This has meant that the trend for exterior lights has been on the up ever since – not in a super-blingy-everything-covered-in-lights kind of way, though, we mean a gentler, twinkly, magical look, brightening the greyest day (or mood) and instantly lifting the entire street. So whether you wish to dress your house in lights for Christmas, or even do it year-round, there are important things to consider before you do…

“The house has GROWN with us as a family. It’s become a space that’s not just practical, but WELCOMING and full of warmth – a home that brings us real JOY every day” AILEEN SHAH HOMEOWNER HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Aileen and Stephen Shah, who run family business, 1st Choice Window Blinds, live here with their youngest son Aidan, 22, and cat Elvis. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, semidetached new-build house in Glasgow, which the couple bought in 2002. After years living in a damp, hard-to-manage flat, Aileen and Stephen Shah were ready for a fresh start – somewhere with a garden and more space for their young family. So, when they spotted a brand-new build off-plan in a lovely part of Glasgow, they knew instantly it was ‘the one’. WHAT…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Emily Houghton lives with her husband, Brian, in this three-bedroom detached house in Newbury, Berkshire. THE PROJECT Updating the bathroom, which hadn’t been changed in more than two decades. TOTAL COST £15,400 After 25 years without a single update, Emily Houghton’s bathroom was overdue a transformation. ‘I told my husband I was going to paint it green to match the existing tiles and he just looked at me and said, “Why don’t you get a whole new bathroom?” He was right — it was time,’ says Emily. This wasn’t a shared bathroom, but one Emily used as her own. ‘That made it easier – I didn’t need to compromise on design, we’ve got quite different tastes. Instead, I could just go with what I loved.’…

There are very few bathroom conundrums worse than dealing with mould. Not only is it bad for your health, but it’s also unsightly. Bathrooms are humid places and, whether yours is a shower room, wet room, or simply a downstairs loo, you’ll need the right ventilation to ensure that humidity is kept to a minimum. Unsure where to begin? We spoke to the experts to determine exactly how to reduce humidity in the bathroom. 1 INSTALL AN EXTRACTOR FAN Regardless of whether you are using the bathroom as a place to shower and bathe or not, airflow is still vital. If your bathroom is windowless, adding an extractor fan is your best bet. And, even if you have a window, installing an extractor fan will still help, particularly in the winter…

Christmas prep is in full swing, and the list of things to clean ahead of the big day can sometimes feel never-ending. If you’re not fortunate enough to have a fancy pyrolytic (aka self-cleaning) oven, this chore is sadly one you can’t skip. Thanks to our step-by-step guide, you’ll get the job done in double-quick time. 1 USE STEAM TO LOOSEN GRIME Lauren Clark, large appliance expert at AO.com says, ‘If you have a lot of build-up, a great pre-cleaning solution is to steam the oven out. You can do this quite simply with an oven-safe bowl of water and a squeeze of lemon – heat up the oven and allow the water to steam for five minutes, before turning off and letting it cool.’ Acidic fumes from the lemon…

The winter months can be a tough time for wildlife. Trees are now bare, once plentiful fruit and berries are scarce and nuts and seeds are hard to come by. That’s why, if you have access to any sort of outdoor space, it’s important to include a few plants in your garden that will continue to provide sustenance for birds, bees and butterflies (and the rest) throughout the colder months. We’ve selected nine of the best plants that will keep giving once the temperature drops.…

Joghurt stollen (yogurt stollen) MAKES AN 18X25CM STOLLEN (OR TWO HALF THAT SIZE) READY IN 2 HRS, PLUS SOAKING AND RESTING ● 120g raisins ● 120g currants ● 150ml rum ● 300g strong white flour ● 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting ● 16g baking powder ● 150g caster sugar ● 120g ground almonds ● 1 pinch salt ● 1/4tsp ground nutmeg ● 1/4tsp ground cloves ● 1/2tsp ground cardamom ● 100ml full-fat milk, at room temperature ● 150ml full-fat Greek yogurt, at room temperature ● 2 eggs, at room temperature ● Zest of 1 lemon ● 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature, cubed ● 120g mixed peel TO DECORATE ● 150g unsalted butter, melted, for brushing ● Icing sugar, for dusting 1 Soak the raisins and currants in…

The actress and author lives in Oxfordshire with her actor husband James Thornton, and children Eva, 12, Kit, 10, Noah, 9, and three-year-old Boe WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME AT CHRISTMAS? I love the lead–up. There’s that change in the air and an excitement, like I’m about to go off filming, like something new is about to start. I’m obsessed with Christmas. I love watching the kids’ music concerts and plays, sitting at home while everybody’s in school and having a glass of sherry while wrapping presents slowly, putting The Holiday on for the first time. I also like the bit after Boxing Day when we’re all over the place, drinking from 10am, eating chocolate all day and we can finally sit down and play kids’ games and cards. WHAT’S…