Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2022 i Style At Home

The humble Christmas tree may look all twinkly and innocent, but don’t be fooled - it can cause some fierce debate! First up, do you go for real or artificial (for the record I’m Team Real)? Then there’s the issue of when you put your tree up, closely followed by the question of when you take it down. The biggest controversy I caused a few years ago was when I admitted I don’t let my kids decorate our tree. I watched in horror when, as toddlers, they hung every bauble on one single tree branch, and I couldn’t settle until I’d rearranged all the decs after they’d gone to bed. The next year, they had their own mini tree to decorate to their heart’s delight and I reclaimed the main…

ABOUT ME I’m Calsey Banks, a personal assistant, and I live here with my partner Michael Figures, an electrician. MY HOME A three-bedroom 1950s semi in Great Barr, Birmingham. We bought the house in August 2018. WHEN WE MOVED IN Most people couldn’t see beyond the terrible decor and illogical floor plan, but I knew all that it needed was a little thought and some TLC. AND NOW We’ve moved walls around to create cosy rooms and decorated with a smart monochrome palette accessorised with houseplants and abstract art. STYLE TIP Don’t rush! It’s good to have an end date to work towards, but make sure it’s a realistic one that doesn’t come before the needs of your renovation.…

Think carefully about how you will be using the room. If children’s parties and big family meals are likely to be on the agenda, then a large dining table with plenty of space around it will be essential. Separate seating and serving space at a breakfast bar could also prove to be useful. Use different types of lighting to define the separate zones, such as overhead pendants in the eating area, and cosier low-level lamps in the seating spot. Change up the style of furniture in each area for extra definition, such as warming timber for the dining area, and cool stone at the kitchen island. Remember to consider practicality when picking surfaces that are used by children.…

Get your bake on this festive season by gifting homemade gingerbread men to friends and family. Package up in individual paper bags and why not include a tube of icing and some sweets for the recipient to decorate the biscuits themselves?…

The Japanese art of paper folding is simple, inexpensive, fun and therapeutic. Use up paper from around the house, such as wrapping paper, printer paper, tissue paper or newsprint. Online video tutorials are a great way to get started. Make multiple small ‘lucky stars’ as Christmas decorations and hang them from your tree. Alternatively, glue them to a craft hoop to create a contemporary wreath, or thread them together as a garland. Warning: you may become addicted……

Collect an array of twigs and cut to different lengths. Put in a vase and adorn with glittering baubles, paper decorations and bird clips with resplendent feathers. Pop on a windowsill or sideboard as a space-saving Christmas tree alternative.…

the STYLE RULES ORCHESTRATE AN ATMOSPHERE Moody shades of midnight blue and charcoal grey on walls offer a cosseting ambience. Add detail to a bare wall by installing panelling or cheat the look with panel-effect wallpaper. INTRODUCE OPULENCE Make guests feel like VIPs by enveloping them with an abundance of tactile fabrics. Velvet upholstery and accessories are the perfect choice when teamed with sophisticated finishes like quilted stitching and button details. FIT FOR ROYALTY Team deep sapphire blues with other rich jewel tones, including citrine yellow and emerald green. However, keep the look modern with the use of black accents and minimal pattern. PICK PARQUET Herringbone flooring is a timeless classic. Go for the real deal or stay on budget with a wood-effect vinyl. Why it…

Statement centrepiece Fill an oversized bowl with offcuts from your Christmas tree. Nestle candleholders or church candles into the foliage for a tabletop focal point. Combine foliage with different leaf shapes and colours for added visual interest. Warm welcome Hang garlands of evergreen foliage from hallway banisters for a fuller look, and accessorise them with groupings of baubles, twinkling fairy lights and smart ribbons. Position battery-powered LED candles on the stairs for an extra Christmassy touch. Green tablescaping Create a living table runner using seasonal potted plants such as cyclamen, placing them in rustic pots topped with moss. Finish each place setting with a wreath of dried foliage – try bay leaves for a fresh scent. Adorn a chair back Set off your festive dining scheme by decorating the backs…

After buying our big three-storey Victorian home, we knew renovating it bit by bit would be a long process,’ says Jenny. ‘Having already tackled the bathroom, living rooms and bedrooms, I couldn’t wait to move onto the kitchen and breakfast room as I hated having two separate spaces where you couldn’t see the kids. Planning the space By knocking out the wall between the two rooms as well as a pantry cupboard, we were able to create one big space. This gave us room to add an island, which was top of our wish list. We also replaced the door to the side garden with sliding doors. Although we thought about knocking through to the utility and shower room at the back of the kitchen, it would have just been…

Balsamita kitchen units, £1,000; similar Hinita oak worktop (1800mm), £358, both B&Q. Similar Carlisle knurled brass handles, £3.15 each, Ironmongery Direct. Quartz island worktop, £1,500, EB Granite. Similar Fahrenheit unfinished brass 3-in-1 instant boiling water tap, £519, Fohen. Palm Springs pink tiles, £66sq m, Porcelain Superstore. Sheridan Steampunk electric pendant with clear glass shade, £24, Iconic Lights. Similar Neff integrated microwave, £339, Travis Perkins. Similar Neff built-in oven, £529; similar single bowl undermount sink, £190; similar black chimney cooker hood, £339, all John Lewis & Partners. Beko integrated dishwasher, £259; similar Rangemaster Eclipse induction hob, £359, both AO. Iperespresso capsule machine 1935, £416, Illy. Wicker garden high stool Sunset Vali, £124.95, Sklum. Similar Galleria rustic oak flooring, £49.99sq m, UK Flooring Direct. Walls painted in Natural Calico, £22 for 2.5ltr,…

ABOUT ME I’m Tessa Bird, 40, a photographer (@photography bylittlebird) and I live here with my partner Robbie Henderson, 38, a marketing manager, daughters Mya, six, and Thea, four, and dog Hank, in a 1930s mock Tudor semi in Addlestone, Surrey. THE CHALLENGE Creating a wet room from a slice of a much bigger project to extend out at the back of the house. We were unable to have big windows as they would overlook the neighbours so we factored in a large rooflight. MY WISH LIST To have a tropical rainforest feel, with amazing tiles, no shower enclosure, wooden accessories and plenty of light.…

SURFACE-MOUNTED SYSTEMS Eclisse has well-priced, wall-mounted sliding systems for both timber and glass doors. Finishes include industrial-look black or sleek stainless steel, or opt for a neat pelmet to conceal mechanisms. POCKET DOOR SELECTION Direct Doors’ range goes from paint-it-yourself composite options through to bespoke wood-framed, glazed doors. They also stock a big choice of sliding mechanisms and door furniture. KNOW-HOW Door supplier JB Kind’s website has easy-to-follow DIY guides and videos on how to fit sliding doors, plus where to source its products.…

ALL THAT GLITTERS Just 30cm in height, this pared-back tree adds shimmer to a sideboard. Small Blush glittered brush tree, £8.50, Cox & Cox TIMELESS LOOK For a classic scheme try a traditional 30cm tree. Mini artificial potted decorative Christmas tree, £9.99, Homescapes MUTED BEAUTY At 63cm tall, the foliage and faux white berries have Scandi appeal. White berry mini Christmas tree, £25.99, Lights4fun…

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE POTTING COMPOST REGULARLY AND WATER IF IT FEELS DRY Complete your seasonal tablescape with these sweet centrepieces featuring miniature spruce trees, creating little gardens full of magic. These would look just as beautiful on a hallway console to welcome guests and set a festive tone. YOU WILL NEED Old metal box Gravel Potting compost Miniature Picea glauca conica (white spruce) Three small Soleirolia soleirolii (mind-your-own-business) Three small Nertera granadensis (bead plant) Bun moss (available from floristry suppliers) Silver star 1 PREPARE THE CONTAINER Make holes in the bottom of the box to help with drainage. If your box is for a dining table, remember to put a tray underneath to prevent damage. Alternatively, leave the box without holes and water sparingly. 2 FILL WITH GRAVEL…

NIGHT SHIFT Soak overnight. Oven Mate Just for Racks oven cleaning kit, £7.99, Robert Dyas DAYJOB A daily spritz avoids a big deep-clean. Dettol antibacterial surface cleaner, £2.74 for 1ltr, Nisbets EASY CLEAN Cuts through grime. Stardrops The Pink Stuff cream cleaner, £1 for 500ml, Poundland IN ONE PLACE Soak your grills clean. Oven rack soaking tray, £14.99, Lakeland SHINE ON This sponge cleaner polishes the lot, including the door. Astonish oven & grill cleaner, £3.99, Ocado…

Let cocktail season commence! The new Cole bar cart from John Lewis & Partners screams Deco sophistication with its sleek frame and gold-tipped legs. Create party glamour with metallic leaf glassware, injecting reflective sparkle into the set-up. Cheers! 3 of the best… TINTED GLASSES…

This Christmas, make a difference and help the planet with a few clever swaps. It’s cool to be kind as we ditch the plastic in favour of sustainably sourced natural fibres, and swap glitter-laden gift wrap for recyclable rolls and reusable boxes. Even greetings cards and tags are taking on a double identity, filled with wildflower seeds ready to plant come spring.…

1 Buy wood panels from a DIY shop cut to the height and width of your design. It can be helpful to draw out your idea beforehand and mock it up on the wall using paper cut to scale. 2 Measure the space on the wall where you plan to put the panelling and use a pencil to mark where the planks will go. 3 Apply a layer of No More Nails glue along the back of each panel and begin attaching them, holding each panel firmly against the wall for two minutes. 4 Use a spirit level to ensure that the planks are straight and measure the exact distance between each panel with a ruler before sticking down a new one. 5 Prime the wood and let it dry…

It took some convincing to finally bring my husband round to the idea that a tired and rundown 1960s rental would make an ideal family home,’ says Lou. ‘We were living in a three-bedroom cottage in a nearby hamlet when we discovered we were expecting our second child, so the hunt for more space was on. At first sight, this unloved home was ugly and impractical; however, after closer inspection, it offered a great opportunity to do exactly what we wanted to a detached house in a spectacular location. Future proofing We lived in the house for a whole year before doing anything so we could get a good feel for what we wanted – and save up, of course. We then spent another whole year drawing up plans, during…

BAG & BONES Neon lighting is guaranteed to elevate the energy of any space, adding an element of light-heartedness. Choose from their own innovative lights or customise your own design. FLYING TIGER This dynamic Danish design store offers fun, playful surprises at every turn. Pick up pocket-friendly kitsch decorations that are guaranteed to make you smile this Christmas. ZARA HOME A go-to shop for affordable furniture and accessories. Don’t miss their glassware, ceramics and linen collections that introduce elegance into your home and will elevate your Christmas table setting. HOMESENSE You never know what you’ll uncover in this Aladdin’s cave. Its eclectic furnishings are sourced from around the globe, helping bring lively, ethnic-inspired touches to your space.…

This was the first house I’ve ever owned, after moving to Cornwall from London in my 30s and renting nearby for a few years,’ says Zaya. ‘When I moved in, the house was in good decorative order, but not to my particular style. The upstairs bathroom, for example, featured a peach-coloured corner bath, and the kitchen walls were painted turquoise, with dark grey woodwork. There was also lino on the floor, which I wasn’t keen on. Although I didn’t need to do anything particularly structural, I wanted to put my own stamp on it. Keeping it simple Over the years, I’ve done a lot to the house, depending on time commitments and finances. The first thing I did was to paint all the walls and woodwork white, though later I…

1 Cut 20 wooden craft sticks to equal lengths using a craft knife. 2 Cross two strips over and use wood glue to attach in the middle. Make a second pair the same way, then glue the two crosses together to create a star with eight spokes. 3 Create a star point by arranging two strips to form a ‘V’ shape. Do this eight times. Arrange them pointing out from the central spokes and glue them all together to create the star. 4 Once the glue has dried, cover the star with evergreen branches, using a glue gun. Hook over a nail to attach to the wall.…

the STYLE RULES INTRODUCE FURTHER WARMTH Work in accent pieces in rust orange and copper. A snuggly seat in luxurious velvet is sure to lure guests to unwind beside a glowing fire. PICK FURNITURE IN RUSTIC OAK A dining bench and spindle back chairs have a modern country feel. Further the cosy woodland vibe by dressing the table with a foliage garland and decorations made from foraged materials such as pine cones and feathers. Dot around a few forest friends for a touch of whimsy. ENSURE A WARM WELCOME Wrap fairy lights everywhere from your tree to your table runner, then pop candles in house ornaments to look like a magical mini village. PAINT WALLS IN A NEUTRAL HUE Choose shades of taupe or dusky pink as warming…

the STYLE RULES INTRODUCE FURTHER PATTERN Select flooring with a subtle chevron wood design in warm oak. Make it modern by layering a large geometric rug in a seating area. TONE DOWN TEXTILES Avoid detracting from the patterns on wallpaper and flooring by keeping upholstery and window dressings plain. Subtly textured voiles are perfect to retain privacy in an overlooked garden. OPT FOR SHAKER STYLE Complement grey painted furniture by choosing shimmering silvers and icy whites as your festive colour scheme. Mix in natural woods and hessian fabrics for a rural vibe. CONVEY MODERN COUNTRY STYLE Bring wall panelling up to date by pairing it with iridescent wallpaper. Pick a contemporary warm neutral paint for the lower section and a silver metallic trail design above.…

Use a hanging rail to create a striking over-table display for a festive party. Position the rail with the pole above the table. Wrap it in a foliage garland and fairy lights, then hang decorations at different heights to frame the treats below.…

ABOUT ME I’m Jenny Tumilty, 35, a freelance hair stylist, and I live here with my husband Kev, 36, a company director, and our children Georgina, five, and Max, two, in a six-bed red brick Victorian end terraced house in Hartlepool (@_house_191). We bought the house in October 2017. MY CHALLENGE The kitchen and breakfast room were separate. There was a gas fire and carpet in the breakfast room, while the kitchen was dated, had lino and an old freestanding cooker. MY WISH LIST An island unit with breakfast bar was a must, plus we needed space for a dining table, better access to the garden and new alcove units to replace the rickety original ones.…

Hardwearing, low-maintenance and ultra-stylish, quartz is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an on-trend work surface for your kitchen. What is quartz? A man-made surface formed from mineral quartz mixed with resins and pigments. It’s also known as composite or engineered stone. Its ingredients are around 90% quartz to 10% binding and colouring agents. Why should I choose it? Quartz is considered more durable, heat resistant and easier to maintain than natural stone. It’s less porous, which means it’s more resistant to stains, as well as chips and scratches, and the surface only needs to be resealed occasionally. And because quartz is very dense, the surface repels bacteria, making it super-hygienic too. What finishes and colours are there? Quartz comes in matt and gloss finishes and in a wide…

Wall tiles, Amazonia Tropic in Emerald, £57.60sq m, CTD Architectural Tiles. Floor tiles, Cloud Beige Porcelain, £38.40sq m, Beswick Stone. Nuie Ambrose 450mm basin with semi pedestal, £188; Drift mono basin mixer, £169; twin thermostatic shower, £400; slim stainless steel shower head, £340; mitred wall arm, £57; Nuie Provosat back to wall toilet, £172.95, all Hudson Reed. Radiator, £95, Valve Kings. Walls painted in Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, £9.99 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. Scaffold board shelf, £45; brackets, £11 for two; metal beaker, £1, all eBay. Wooden chest, £80; Buddha, £3.99; wooden tea caddy, £12.99; coloured plant pot, £4.99; hook rack, £12.99, all TK Maxx. Painted unit, £70, Mr Matthews at Kempton Park Antiques Fair. Wooden pocket door, £80, XL Joinery. Mustard Egyptian cotton hand towels, £5; supersize bath sheets,…

PROFITEROLE WREATH TAKES 1 HR MAKES 36 50g butter 150ml whole milk 4 balls of stem ginger in syrup, quartered ½tsp sea salt 75g plain flour 2 eggs, beaten FOR THE FILLING: Finely grated zest of 1 orange 300ml double cream FOR THE GLAZE: 100g dark chocolate 2tsp golden syrup 1tbsp toasted chopped hazelnuts 1 Heat the oven to 190C/ Gas 5. In a pan, melt the butter. Add the milk, ginger and sea salt, and bring to the boil. Take off the heat, remove the ginger and put them into a food processor. 2 Add the flour to the pan and mix to bring the dough together. Return to the heat and mix until the mixture begins to stick. Transfer to a bowl. Set aside for 10 mins. 3…

ON REFLECTION Echo the glitz of your tree decorations with this shiny copper ring-style tree skirt. Copper metal Christmas tree skirt, £39.99, Very BACK TO BLACK This simple, unfussy tree skirt doesn’t distract, allowing your decorations to stand out. Black wicker tree skirt, £20, Next Home TWINKLE TWINKLE Is it even Christmas if there are no sequins? This fun fabric tree skirt brings bling to the base of your tree. Gold sparkly tree skirt, £16, Habitat…

Cut down on festive waste Christmas time is full of joy, but it creates a lot of waste, most of which ends up in landfill. In The Eco-Christmas Craft Book (£12.99, Search Press), Marrianne Miall has collated 30 projects to inspire you to make your own planet-friendly decorations. By recycling or upcycling what you already have and mixing it with sustainable and natural materials, the makes not only avoid harming the environment, but you’ll have something unique to show off. Try this easy Advent project using recycled envelopes. GET PERSONAL Personalisation is a massive trend this Christmas – and what if we told you that you could get all your prezzies sorted in an afternoon? Cricut has launched a new Mug Press, £179.99, which whips up unique DIY mugs in…

CATCH OF THE DAY The flavour of the seaside in every bite, each stacker has a mini potato rosti base, topped with mushy peas and a piece of battered cod. They come with zingy salt and vinegar powder for dusting. Irresistible Sea Salt & Chardonnay Fish Rosti Stackers, £5 for nine, Co-op FUSION BITE We are obsessed with the turkey dinner steamed dumplings. They are filled with juicy turkey, pork, bacon, sage and cranberry. Ready in just 4 mins, itsu’s Christmas Gyoza, £3.75 for 12, Waitrose and Ocado PERFECT PASTA For a surprising party nibble try the Mini Lasagne Bites from Iceland. A crisp breadcrumb exterior conceals fettuccine with a succulent tomato and beef sauce centre with oozing mozzarella and vintage Cheddar. Mini Lasagne Bites, £3.50 for six, Iceland BIGGER…

BLOODY MARY PRAWN COCKTAIL DIPPERS TAKES 15 MINS PLUS CHILLING MAKES 16 FOR THE BLOODY MARY SAUCE 500ml good-quality chilled tomato juice 150ml vodka Finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 2-3tsp Worcestershire sauce ½-1tsp Tabasco Pinch of smoked paprika 1tsp horseradish sauce FOR THE DIPPERS 1 celery stick 16 large, cooked tail-on prawns Pinch of ground black pepper Pinch of celery salt YOU WILL NEED 16 wooden skewers 1 Put all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, season to taste and stir well until mixed. Cover and chill for at least 1 hr. 2 Chop the celery into chunks. Skewer each prawn lengthways through the body then arrange on a serving platter. 3 Pour the chilled Bloody Mary mix into a dipping bowl, then place on…

Cheat’s eats! Perfectly timed for warming winter lunches, healthy fast food soups from Leon have landed in Sainsbury’s. Delicious and nutritious, each single-serving pot has less than 300 calories and contains two of your five a day! Choose from Roast Tomato & Harissa with red lentil and fennel seeds, Curried Coconut & Sweet Potato with carrot and cauliflower florets, or Pea & Pesto with Italian basil. Plus all the soups are vegan and gluten-free. NEW POP ON THE BLOCK Move over salted, step aside plain toffee… a new popcorn is coming to town. For the festive season Tesco has launched an Irish Cream Liqueur popcorn, fusing the rich and creamy flavour of the favourite spirit with sweet toffee to create a wonderful and moreish combination. Fill up a few bowls…

SPICE IT UP Just add beans, beef or chicken to give meals a fiesta vibe. Potts’ Mexican cooking sauces, £2.30 for 330ml, Tesco QUICK CURRY Whip up delicious Indian curries with confidence in 20 minutes. Patak’s Plant Based cooking sauces, £1.89 for 345g, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Co-op ON THE PULSE Jazz up rice, pasta and potatoes with versatile lentil-based sauces. Merchant Gourmet Plant Jars®, £3.50 for 330g, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Ocado…

To be completely honest, it wasn’t love at first sight when Michael showed me this house,’ says Calsey. ‘We’d be looking for a place to buy together for a while and I had an idea of how my home would look. Although the location was lovely, the house’s exterior left a lot to be desired. It had also been empty for ten months and clearly hadn’t been updated for a lot longer, so I didn’t expect much when I stepped inside. As soon as I walked in however, I knew it had the bones to become a beautiful home – mouldy carpets and dated, swirly wallpaper aside! I could see what needed doing to turn it into a modern space that would work with our busy lifestyle. Updating the layout…

1 Drill a hole in each of the four corners of a wooden chopping board. Use a ruler beforehand to measure and then mark with a pencil the spot to drill. 2 Cut two lengths of jute rope at double the length of how low you want the table to hang. It’s a good idea to leave yourself plenty of extra length for tying the knots, which can be fiddly. 3 Fold each length of rope in half and make a knot at the middle of the two pieces of rope. 4 Thread each strand through each of the four holes and knot to secure underneath the wooden board. 5 Attach a C-hook to a ceiling stud, or use a pole like Calsey, then hang your floating bedside table using…

ABOUT ME I’m Lou Wolfenden, an interior designer, and I live with my husband who works in finance and our three children, Edie, six, Bas, five, and Otto, three. MY HOME A six-bed detached house in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, originally built in the 1960s. WHEN I MOVED IN The house had been rented out for years. Every room felt dark and there was a lot of damp. It needed a complete overhaul. AND NOW We reworked the entire layout to create a showstopping living space at the heart of the house, a funky playroom, two home offices and an adults-only snug. Oh, and not forgetting our dreamy wine cellar. STYLE TIP If you’ve moved out during renovations, give builders a deadline of when you’ll be moving back to keep your build…

Rather than taking this style down the minimalist path, Lou has used rich tones and textures to create an inviting open-plan family area. Inky blue and charcoal walls bring immersive cosiness to contrast with the brass kitchen and lighting, while velvet seating in mustard and blush, piled with tactile cushions, adds an even more cocooning vibe. Pops of green from plants and accessories are ideal for bringing refreshing accents to the room.…

ABOUT ME I’m Zaya Gilchrist, 48, a designer-maker (@kelmi_craft) and maths and English tutor. I live here with my son Felix, 12, and our border collie/labradoodle cross, Izzy. MY HOME A four-bedroom Edwardian terrace in Falmouth, Cornwall, bought in May 2013. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was in good order but not my style. One bathroom had a peach corner bath and the kitchen was painted turquoise and dark grey. AND NOW I took up the carpets and painted most things white. I redid the kitchen and bathrooms and added a wood burner. STYLE TIP Buy from charity shops. It reduces waste by saving things from landfill, it’s cheaper, you get unique items – and you’re supporting a good cause.…

Zaya’s Cornish townhouse is a sanctuary of calm, decorated in fresh whites and serene neutrals. Natural woodgrain and woven rattan add texture and provide a link to the outdoors, as do the forest green sofa and garlands of foliage. Macramé and knitted accessories lend an artisan feel along with tufted cushions and cosy sheepskin throws. Mid-century-inspired pieces and simplistic Scandi shapes enhance the boho vibe.…

the STYLE RULES CREATE A RELAXING RETREAT Prepare a guest bedroom for visitors over the festive season. If furniture is looking a little tired, give it a refresh with chalky finish paint. Combine olive green with red and cream to paint a freestyle scallop pattern. BIG UP STATEMENT STRIPES Create a striking effect on walls that’s still restful by using wide stripes in tonal shades. Warm neutral pinks offer a muted alternative to candy stripes. Use wallpaper or get creative with paint. SOOTHE WITH SOFTNESS Contrast the precision of vertical stripes with fluid forms including scallops, twists and frills. Organic shapes also boast a folksy vibe. GET CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP Wrap presents in lively folk-inspired printed papers. Finish with coordinating ribbons and arrange as part of a seasonal…

1 Set up a wrapping station Clear some space on your dining table or desk and set up a spot to do all your wrapping in one go. Gather your ribbons, tags, scissors and tape and make an afternoon of it, adding personal touches to each one, while munching on mince pies, sipping hot chocolate and listening to festive tunes! 2 WHEEL IN A SMART BAR CART Set up your drinks trolley with bottles in ice buckets and dress the top with your fanciest glasses and decanters. Don’t forget the fairy lights! 3 Hang baubles from bannisters If your tree is already chock -a-block with decorations, but you still have plenty you want to display, try stringing them onto a selection of ribbons and hanging a cluster from the newel…

An alcove can be a great spot for a desk, with shelves above. Painting the walls behind in a contrast colour will zone the space. A popular solution is bespoke cabinets below with floating shelves above. This enables you to hide away more utilitarian items and display your prettier pieces. In a kitchen, an alcove is the ideal place to create a larder unit. After you’ve done a big shop, measure cereal boxes, bottles and jars to make sure there’s a space for everything. Herb racks can be attached to the inside of doors. Space for taller items, such as ironing boards and mops, is often overlooked. Consider a cupboard with tall double doors below and smaller doors above for items that are used less often.…

The original features of this house appealed to us when we moved in five years ago, but the downstairs, other than the living room, was always going to be a major project,’ says Tessa. ‘There was a tiny and very cramped kitchen, with a dining room off it, and a conservatory that had lots of issues. It seemed obvious to make the whole space into one and extend, which also gave us the opportunity to create a much-needed shower room. With lockdown upon us, we decided to get on with the plan. Working it out Where the wet room is now was a small utility room which we ripped out. So, after the basic build we were left with a slice of space with a high ceiling and one small…

We could all use a bit more space in certain spots in our homes. Standard, side-hinged doors, opening outwards or inwards, cut into rooms. But what’s the alternative? What are my options? The main alternatives are sliding or folding doors. Sliding types include pocket doors and surface-mounted sliding doors. Bifold doors are hinged down the centre, so they fold in two and take up less space when open. Folding sliding doors fold back concertina-style and slide to one side. Which works where? Pocket doors slide out of sight into a cavity in the adjacent wall and suit tight spaces with stud walls, such as between a bedroom and en suite bathroom. Bifold doors work well for small openings like narrow doorways, or on wardrobes and cupboards. Sliding, folding doors come…

PROTECT YOUR WREATH Treated yourself to a new wreath this year? Keep it safe and dry until next year in this storage bag, from £12.99, Very STAND TO ATTENTION This genius set of Christmas storage boxes stacks up to create a fun Nutcracker tower, £8, Next Home RETRO REINDEER Keep leftover mince pies (if there are any!) fresh in this 50s-inspired Christmas cake tin, £9.95, Rex London HANDLE WITH CARE Avoid breakages through the year by stowing up to 64 baubles in this adjustable ornament storage box, £5, Homebase FAIRYTALE FAVOURITE If you’re gaga for Gonks, then this festive gnome basket is for you – perfect for hiding away seasonal clutter, £14, Matalan PRECIOUS JEWELS An abstract gold frame and handy box base will ensure accessories stay tangle free. Jewellery…

CANDLE CONES YOU WILL NEED Cardboard craft cones Pencil and rubber Embroidery needle White primer spray Chrome spray paint Battery-operated tea lights 1 Using a pencil and ruler, mark out your chosen design onto the surface of a cardboard craft cone. Make sure the dots are evenly spaced so you’re left with neat lines and keep the dots at least 5mm apart to stop the cone from tearing. For designs with curved edges, you may find it easier to mark the dots without using a ruler. 2 Take a sharp, rounded object, like an embroidery needle, and push through the cone along your marked dots. Be careful not to push down too hard, as this can cause the cone to buckle. Continue working your way along the dots until you…