Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2021 i Style At Home

When it comes to interiors I’m less razzle dazzle, and more layered neutrals. But for Christmas this year I’m going for all-out glitter and sparkle, and let me tell you why... 1) It’s our first proper Christmas in our new house.OK, we did actually move just before the big day last year, but I don’t think decorating around packing boxes counts? 2) I want to play hostess with the mostest. I want to show off my home, and serve up spectacular cocktails and canapes! 3) Christmas is the perfect chance to push myself out of my comfort zone and try a new look. If I love it, I can keep it after the holidays are over. If not, I’ll pack it away along with the decs and try something different…

My husband and I had just finished developing a 1930s detached house when we viewed this place, which had been on the market for six years,’ says Laura. ‘We were up for the challenge of taking on a 17th-century mill house and barn – however, it was dilapidated, and the one-acre garden was so overgrown that we couldn’t even access it. We knew we could transform it into something really special, but the vendors refused to negotiate on the price. In the end we loved it so much that we decided to pay the full amount. Mark is a builder so we knew the work wouldn’t cost us as much as it might have. Our previous home was very much “the worst house on the best street” before we tackled…

1 The dark look is timeless and ideal for those who like dramatic interiors. And the less adventurous of us have no need to be afraid, as even dark accessories blend effortlessly with neutrals. 2 If you’re new to moody hues then start off small – paint just one wall in a dark shade or try introducing dark cushions or throws to sofas and bedding. 3 Don’t think you need a huge light-filled room to come over to the dark side. Painting a small space a deeper colour can actually mask its compact dimensions. 4 Go all out. If you’re going dark on the walls, try the same for flooring and furniture – you can break it up with lighter accessories.…

Firstly, you’ll need to remove your old grout. Use a grout removal blade to do the job as cleanly as possible. Run it carefully around the edge of the tiles and then use a scraper to knock off any leftover bits. 2 Gently wipe over the surface of the tiles with a damp sponge and leave to dry. 3 Now here’s the fun part! Apply your new grout in a diagonal motion with a grout spreader. Work as quickly as possible to avoid the grout drying out and wipe off any excess as you go. 4 Leave the grouting to set for a few minutes. Then using a large clean damp sponge, wipe the surface of the tiles in the same direction as before. 5 Wait for about an hour…

Back in 2011, we were just a family of three when we bought this house. Now there are six of us, so we’ve had to adapt it over the years to suit our needs. And this has included converting the attic and basement. ‘The process of renovating a house from top to bottom hasn’t been easy. It had been updated by previous owners with miscellaneous materials from the 1970s to the 1990s without respecting the era or character, so the whole thing was a bit of a shabby mess. The hard work We had no choice but to rip everything out and go back to the original screed floors before new partition walls could be erected. Finding asbestos was probably the biggest surprise, however. If we’d realised what we were…

Lightweight curtains offer a simple, affordable solution when you need to screen off a dressing or sleeping area. Try Ikea’s Dignitet curtain wire and fixtures. Slatted panels fitted from floor to ceiling are ideal as a divider that only goes part way across a room, and will let light flow through the space. Try naturewall.co.uk for acoustic oak panels, or use wooden battens from a DIY store. Shelving that’s open on both sides is a great option as a room divider, and is perfect for displaying books or treasured finds and ornaments. Try the Fjallbo or Vittsjo units from Ikea to create a sleek modern feel. If you just need to screen off a corner, a folding screen is your best bet. There are so many designs available, from on-trend…

Decorate twigs Pop a rugged into a heavy-bottomed vase. Use mini pegs to clip Christmas cards onto the twigs and place the vase on an occasional table or sideboard to create an eye-catching festive feature. Create a focal point Fix Christmas cards along lengths of decorative ribbon strung vertically across a gold hoop. For a finishing flourish, top with fresh foliage tied in place with florist’s wire. Use double-sided tape to attach the cards. Tuck into shutters Insert cards into louvred shutters for a creative display. Pick up old shutters at a salvage yard or buy new from a DIY store and paint yourself. Prop on a mantel as part of a larger arrangement with candles and a festive garland. Hang on the door Leave your mantelpiece free for festive…

ABOUT ME I’m Katie Pullinger, 31. I work in finance and live in a two-bed cottage in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, with my partner Alex Jenner and our son Marley, who’s 12. We’ve lived here since January 2021. THE CHALLENGE The kitchen was quite traditional and felt rather dated and boring. My initial plan was to replace the cupboard doors as the layout really worked, but it was going to cost as much as a new kitchen, so I had to rethink how I wanted to make the change. MY WISHLIST Something different that would add colour to the bland magnolia room, but still have that classic cottage feel. I wanted dark units with accents of copper plus space for some of my upcycled buys.…

Ripping out a kitchen and starting again can cost thousands. But if your units are only looking a little tired, why not transform them with the help of a spray coating of paint? Which is best, spraying or painting?  Spray painting is the best option if you are after an extra smooth and professional finish. This technique is particularly speedy for kitchen cabinets with raised panels or grooves. Hand painting with a traditional brush is time consuming and may not achieve as sleek a finish. However, hand-painted kitchens tend to complement more natural materials such as wood. How long will it take to do? A small to medium kitchen will take a professional around three days, with larger kitchens three to five days. MDF and wood units will absorb the…

Appleby 1700 roll-top shower bath with chrome leg set, £599.95, Arezzo. Modern round thermostatic shower, £239.95; high rise mono-basin mixer tap, £94.95; basin pop-up waste, £84.95; Moon White 420mm round marble basin, £149.95; Turin Black W500xH1200 heated towel rail, £159.95, all Victorian Plumbing. Mode 8mm Black framed bath screen, £109, Victoria Plum. Upcycled vintage cabinet, £345, Webb & Gray. Chest painted in Florence chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. Console table for vanity unit, £45, Petticoat Lane Emporium. Wanda LED bathroom wall lights in Antique Brass, £39 each, Made. Bella wallpaper, £12 a roll, I Love Wallpaper. Lampas peacock tiles, £69.78sq m, Topps Tiles. Walls painted in Valspar Peacock Blues premium wall & ceilings V700 interior matt, £29 for 2.5ltr, B&Q. Gold octopus four-candle centrepiece, £33.50; golden concrete face…

IN-DEPTH ADVICE Big Bathroom Shop’s website does more than just sell lighting – it’s also got a super handy guide on its blog covering different types of lighting with lots of top tips to help you get started. LIGHT BULBS With a selection ranging from LED and smart bulbs to halogens and spotlights, B&Q have got all budgets covered. QUALIFIED ELECTRICIANS If you don’t know a trusted electrician, take a look at electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician to find one who is registered, insured and regularly assessed.…

FELT TREES CENTREPIECE YOU WILL NEED Polystyrene cones of various sizes Wool felt in a selection of colours Hot-glue gun Scissors 1 Take a polystyrene cone and wrap a 2cm strip of wool felt around the base of each cone. Secure the felt in place using a hot-glue gun. 2 Cut a series of triangles from wool felt and glue (point down), overlapping them so that the right-hand corner sits halfway across the centre of the next triangle. Continue in rows around the cone, working all the way up to the top. 3 To finish the top, cut a circle of felt around 3cm in diameter. Cut a slit to the centre, then wrap around the top of the cone securing in place with a hot-glue gun. Finish with a…

3 of the best… PAPER DECORATIONS…

ABOUT ME I’m Laura Stubbs, 37, an interior designer (@laura_ epitome_styling). I live here with my husband Mark, 37, a director of a construction company, our children, Charlotte, seven, and Jack, four, and our cats, Simba and Nala. OUR HOME A five-bedroom semi-detached mill house in East Yorkshire, with an adjoining barn dating back to the late 17th century. We bought it in September 2015. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was dilapidated, and the garden was so overgrown we couldn’t access it. AND NOW It’s a modern country family home with rustic touches. STYLE TIP Be true to your own taste and don’t just follow a style of the moment. Your home should be a representation of who you are.…

LA REDOUTE Teeming with great-value buys, this trendy French retailer covers all bases from cool neutrals to vibrant brights. MADE Curates stylish furniture and accessories by working with independent designers. CULT FURNITURE Cult by name and by nature, you’ll find its chairs, lights and tables everywhere. ZARA HOME Here you can find everything from napkins to bedding plus super-stylish homewares. HEAL’S Spend a little more and you’ll find modern furniture and lighting, ideal for investment pieces.…

ABOUT ME I’m Roxanne Hudson, 32, an operations manager. I live here with my partner, Michael, 30, a buyer, and our dog, Monty. OUR HOME We live in a three-bedroom 1980s semi-detached house in Leicester, which we bought in September 2017. WHEN I MOVED IN It was beige central and just very bland – but we fell in love with the extension that the previous owners had added. AND NOW We’ve chosen bold, dark colours for a moody and modern yet cosy vibe. STYLE TIP Consistency is vital! Always have a consistent theme throughout your home as it will help the rooms flow seamlessly. I even decorated similar to how I dress – in black, white and greys, with bursts of colour.…

IKEA A first port of call for many homeowners and renters, this stylish Scandi store has everything from cutlery to furniture, all with budget-friendly price tags. H&M HOME Proving that it doesn’t just know about fashion, here you can browse fabulous home decor pieces, cosy throws and statement pieces at fantastic prices. VALSPAR Famous for its colour-matching service, don’t forget to also check out its own range of rich colours – there’s a reason Roxanne used these paints so much. MATALAN Stocks classic pieces and on-trend accessories – perfect for a speedy makeover or refresh. SOSTRENE GRENE One of Roxanne’s favourite stores, this treasure trove is the definition of hygge. It’s bursting with ethical, reasonably priced and stylish accessories and furniture.…

ABOUT ME I’m Hanna Nipala, 38, a business manager, and I live here with my husband Timo, 36, a product manager, and our four children. I share our renovation story on Instagram @nipalanipanat. MY HOME We’ve lived in this detached three-bedroom 1940s house in Turku, Finland, since 2011. WHEN WE MOVED IN There was only one useable floor, but we could see the potential of the roomy attic and the basement. AND NOW We’ve gone for natural materials and a palette of white and grey plus lots of wood, texture and flea-market finds to add character. STYLE TIP In a family with children, you should choose high-quality materials as much as possible. They should wear beautifully, and this can only add to their character.…

1 Display baubles on the stairs If you’ve no room for a tree, or just fancy displaying your baubles in a different way this year, string onto colourful ribbons and hang from the stair spindles. Alternatively, create a cluster and hang from the bannister newel or from a hook on the wall. 2 ADD FESTIVE FUN TO THE KITCHEN Bring some spirit into the kitchen with festive crockery and linens. Display sweet treats in glass jars adorned with ribbons and personalised labels. 3 Wheel in a trolley Make a display of beautifully wrapped gifts by piling them high on a drinks trolley. When guests arrive, not only will it look the part, you can have fun wheeling it around the room, delivering each gift by hand. 4 LAY THE PERFECT…

Search for a material that works with the overall look of your kitchen – this could mean mirroring the worktops or trying a dramatic contrast. Find samples that you can take home and view in different lights in the room. Make sure you don’t overrun your budget. Don’t go too trendy – it may not work in your scheme and may also date more quickly than you think. Consider durability. Well-used areas need flooring that will last and is reasonably low maintenance – try ceramic, slate, vinyl, laminate. Be clever with patterns – plain tiles can be laid in a herringbone style, or try hexagonal shapes for something fun.…

We moved to Margate two years ago from south London for a better lifestyle by the sea,’ says Carrie. ‘We’ve got a lot more space here, including a studio which is ideal for my business. There is also a great creative community and a good vintage scene.’ Getting started The house had been completely refurbished and it was a blank canvas but we planned to redecorate over time to make it our own. We decided to start with the bathroom because we wanted to rent out the front bedroom on Airbnb with an en suite. The layout fell into place with ease, as there was only really one place for the bath to go. I looked at various bath options. I wanted a roll-top bath that would work with a…

1 Gilding can be used to update metal. Historically done with gold leaf, these days you can buy imitation leaf in a variety of colours, such as bronze and silver. 2 Before you start, make sure there is no grease or dirt and the surface is completely clean. Apply a suitable primer to ensure the gold layer has an appropriate surface to rest on. 3 Apply a water-based adhesive. When it becomes tacky, you are ready to apply your leaf. 4 Carefully apply the leaf and use a soft-hair brush to remove excess leaf and polish the surface.…

BLACKBERRY, ORANGE AND OLIVE OIL CAKE TAKES 1 HR 15 MINS, PLUS COOLING SERVES 10 150ml extra virgin olive oil 125g natural yoghurt 275g caster sugar 3 eggs Zest of 1 orange 2tbsp squeezed orange juice 375g plain flour 16g baking powder 175g blackberries, fresh or frozen and defrosted Icing sugar, to decorate Creme fraiche, to serve YOU WILL NEED Greased and lined 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/ Gas 4. Combine the oil, yoghurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest and juice. Beat for 10 mins with an electric whisk. 2 Sift in the flour and baking powder and tip in the blackberries. Gently fold in until smooth. Pour the cake batter into your prepared cake tin. 3 Bake in the oven for 50-55 mins, or until…

SPEEDY CLEAN Instant wipes for a quick fix. Kilrock Dabitoff carpet and upholstery stain remover wipes, £3.44 for 20, Amazon FUR FRIEND Includes a tool to remove pet hair. Cordless HandVac Pet Model CH950UKT, £59.99, Shark STAIN BLASTER Works just as well on upholstery too. Dr Beckmann carpet stain remover, £3.50 for 650ml, Wilko DUO CARE Use the cleaner and a protective cream. Leather cleaning & care kit, £20, John Lewis & Partners DEEP DIVE Tackle tricky stains with this hand-held wonder. Little Green spot cleaner, £129.99, Bissell…

FESTIVE SPIRIT KIT YOU WILL NEED Mini crate Paint Paintbrush Shredded paper Gin infusion blend Dried citrus slices and star anise Luggage tag Florist’s wire Glue Bottle Stirrer Ribbon 1 Source a mini crate and give it a little makeover with some washed layers of paint. When dry, fill with shredded paper. IF YOU’RE FEELING GENEROUS, ADD A BOTTLE OF UNFLAVOURED GIN TO THE CRATE OR INCLUDE A COUPLE OF GIN GLASSES 2 Blend herbs and teas, such as dried rosemary, citrus peel and edible flower heads or source ready-made blends from artisan gin-infusion makers. Our blend came with a muslin bag, which we decorated with star stickers, however one could easily be crafted from a square of sheer cotton fabric knotted together. 3 Make a label featuring dried citrus…

Cheat’s eats TV’s Gino D’Acampo has partnered with ASDA to launch a brilliant range of Italian ready meals. Inspired by the recipes of his Mamma and Nonna Flora and his southern Italian upbringing, each dish is a delicious recreation of a classic. We particularly enjoyed the rich and sumptuous ragu in ‘My Mamma’s Lasagne’, and couldn’t get enough of the flavourful and delightfully cheesy Aubergine Parmigiana. SOMETHING DIFFERENT A cute tree calendar with a daily decoration to add, plus chocolate. Cadbury Christmas tree Advent calendar, £6, all major retailers SPICE UP YOUR LIFE This warming spiced gin is beautiful all year round. Opihr creates unique spiced gins infused with flavours from places lining the ancient Spice Route. This new Black Lemon expression takes inspiration from Iran with Persian ‘loomi' or…

...For the homebodies 1 Henry Holland Chunk lamp in Mint, £30, Freemans 2 Anyday digital radio in Teal, £40, John Lewis & Partners 3 Vierno diner seed feeder, £10, National Trust 4 Men’s bee cotton socks, £12, National Theatre 5 Sow & Co Save the Bees grow kit, £15, Oliver Bonas 6 Pick Me Up pulse points roll on collection, £19, Clarity Blend 7 Porter water bottle, £35, Made 8 Plant Parent mug, £12, Oliver Bonas 9 Flamingo salt and pepper shakers, £24, Red Candy 10 Geo vessel with plant, £33, Priormade ...For the coolest kids 1 Personalised velvet Christmas stocking, £45, Magic & Monroe 2 Cat folded pass case, £8, Paperchase 3 Elf doll, £39, Bokuno 4 Trowel and fork set, £9.99, National Trust 5 PopSockets Tidepool, Peachy Pink,…

1 Give the unit a deep clean, including any drawers. Leave the drawers out. 2 Remove handles or mask around any that won’t come off. Lightly sand surfaces to remove imperfections. If there are cracks, fill with a suitable filler and then sand lightly again. 3 Apply a primer (go for waterproof if the item is intended for a bathroom), then wait to dry and if necessary, apply a second coat. 4 Using a brush, apply at least two coats of paint. Ensure you’re using the right product and finish for your item. Gloss will look more modern, matt or eggshell more traditional. 5 If there are drawers, prime and paint them. Once dry, reattach handles and slide drawers back into the console.…

Is your room south facing? These spaces tend to get a lot of natural sunlight beaming through the windows so don’t be afraid to go as dark as possible – in fact, you can probably go one shade darker than you think you need! If you’ve got a north-facing room, don’t despair. Embrace the limited amount of natural light you’ll have in this space and choose dark, rich tones for a cosy, cocooning effect. Remember that testers are your friends and can save you making costly mistakes further down the line. Apply your favourite colours in different parts of the room so you can see how the paintwork looks as the light moves around. If you’re one of those who love to achieve a bit of drama in their interiors,…

Roxanne has transformed a bland three-bed semi into a riot of colour. Dark painted walls create a cosy atmosphere, alongside moody monochrome accents and industrial-inspired furnishings. Tactile cushions and throws contrast with lustrous metallics. Neon lights and vibrant fluoro decorations lift the scheme for the festive season and create a cool disco vibe with a hint of nostalgia.…

For a natural look, linen is such a lovely material, and you can buy scraps relatively cheaply. Make your own festive bunting by cutting out triangles of linen, leaving a 1cm seam allowance. Hem the pieces, then attach them to a length of cotton tape bias binding. This is a great first sewing project to try with the children. For the tree, linen can be used to make bows for pine cones. Alternatively cover old baubles in linen tied around the top with wire or string for a rustic look. Be inspired by traditional Japanese wrapping cloths (furoshiki) and use linen as a novel Christmas wrapping, tied up with string and a stem of foraged foliage. Not only will your presents look great under the tree, but the linen can…

the STYLE RULES CREATE A FEMININE BACKDROP Swap candy pinks for a muted blush shade on walls to avoid the overall scheme from looking too sickly sweet. For a grand focal point, make the most of an ornate fire surround. GO FOR TRIED AND TESTED COLOUR COMBOS Team blush pink walls with a mid-century shape sofa in light grey and embrace the seasonal sparkle with embellished cushions featuring opulent snowflakes and Deco-inspired scallop designs. JUXTAPOSE TEXTURES Contrast hard surfaces like cool marble and foxed glass with softer accents such as satin ribbons, feathery pendant lights and a slubby linen tablecloth. RAMP UP THE GLAMOUR When it comes to decorations, pick a frosted tree laden with bejewelled baubles in sugared-almond shades. the STYLE RULES REINVENT A CLASSIC…

This little cottage was a good buy for my partner Alex and I as we knew we could use it as a springboard to our next property,’ says Katie. ‘The kitchen ticked all the right boxes, except the magnolia colour scheme – I wanted to go dramatic, so I chose deep green. I really liked the layout of the kitchen when we first viewed the cottage. We talked about replacing the units and not including a table or adding in some additional storage, but after having several quotes we realised that the cost was out of our price range. I just wanted to get rid of the bland cream kitchen. Calling in the pros I considered replacing the doors, but nothing was available in the colours I wanted, so I…

Units resprayed in Moss Green, from £900, Onestop Refinishers. Alpha vinyl flooring in Sundown Pine, £39.95sq m, Quick-Step. Walls in Urbane Grey absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr; staircase in Obsidian Green interior eggshell, £73.50 for 2.5ltr; both Little Greene. Picket Carrara tiles, from £1.25 a tile, Tile Giant. Beko KDVF100K dual-fuel range cooker in Black, £697, Ao.com. Nordic digital microwave, £119; Nordic-style kettle £49.99; Nordic-style toaster, £64.99, all Swan. Cosmopolitan Seattle Grey wooden blind, £121, Blinds 2Go. Kilner jars, from £5.32, Amazon. Titan copper 6-piece knife block, £90, Viners. Bamboo chopping board, £29.99; non-stick saucepan set, £94.97, Lakeland…

ABOUT ME I’m Carrie Webb, 40, a professional furniture upcycler (webbandgray.com). I live here with my partner Bob, 49, and our daughter Imogen, eight, and son Max, four, in a four-bed Edwardian terraced house in Margate, Kent. MY CHALLENGE As the room was previously a bedroom we had to work out the interior design, plumbing and layout from scratch. MY WISHLIST I wanted it to be a luxurious space to unwind in with a bath taking centre stage, so we decided to use part of the spacious landing to create a separate WC.…

Gone are the days of stark overhead spots and grubby pull cords. From pendants and chandeliers to show-stopping wall lights, bathroom lighting has come of age. But there’s more to think about than dreamy fixtures and fittings – you’ll need to plan carefully for practicality and safety. What should my first thoughts be? Assess how much natural light you have. Rooms with big windows are likely to require less artificial light. It’s worth thinking about how you use the bathroom too. Do you apply make-up there? Or do you want to create a soothing mood? How can I make it waterproof and safe? Safety is the most important thing to bear in mind when designing and choosing your lighting set up and a qualified electrician should be employed for all…

ALL THAT GLITTERS Display Christmas wreaths, stockings or string fairy lights on this set of snowflake wreath hangers, £15.99 for two, Very SEW EASY Stash your Christmas crafting essentials in this retro-style wooden cantilever three-tier sewing box, £45, Hobbycraft WRAP QUEEN Get your rolls of gift wrap, ribbons and tags in order ready for Christmas Eve. Skubb storage case for wrapping paper, £9, Ikea BE OUR GUEST Make space for extra jackets and scarves from visitors this festive season. Rivage tree trunk coat stand, £93.50, Maisons du Monde HANG TOUGH Keep ties, scarves and belts neat and crease-free, then fold away when not in use. Accessories hanger, £4, Wilko JUNGLE KING Encourage kids to tidy away toys and games, both old and new, in this fun and friendly rope lion…

STITCHED TREE CARD YOU WILL NEED Black card Needle Clear tape Silver thread Glitter stars 1 Start by folding the card in half. Next find the centre of the front of the card along the top; approximately 1.5cm down use a needle to make a small hole. Then in a line, 1.5cm up from the bottom and 2cm in from each edge, make small pinholes 1cm apart. 2 Thread the needle with a long piece of silver thread. Starting at the bottom left hole, push the needle through from the inside (securing the end of the thread in place with a small piece of clear tape). Take the thread up through the top central hole, then back down through the second hole from the left. 3 Repeat the process until…

MUSHROOM AND BRIE CRACKER TAKES 1 HR SERVES 6-8 200g frozen whole cranberries, defrosted, keeping some for garnish 1tbsp caster sugar 750g chestnut mushrooms 100g unsalted butter 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 onion, chopped 2tbsp dry sherry 200g breadcrumbs 30g chopped chives, reserving 8 whole chives for garnish 200g Brie, cut into 3cm strips 12 sheets filo pastry 1 Place the cranberries and sugar in a pan with 150ml cold water and season with pepper. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 12-15 mins until thick and glossy, then cool. 2 Chop half of the mushrooms into quarters then halve again. Blend the rest to a paste-like consistency. Strain off excess liquid. 3 Melt 20g of the butter in a large pan, add the garlic and onion and sauté for 8…