Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2023 i Style At Home

When it comes to my Christmas fashion choices I like to glam it up, but with comfort high on the priority list (elasticated waists = always a winner!). Thinking about my home decorating style over the holiday season I think it’s pretty similar. I always make an effort and love plenty of sparkle and twinkling lights, but above all it’s got to feel warm and welcoming. I want to wow anyone that we’re hosting, but most importantly they should feel at home, and can kick back and relax. This year, we haven’t got big plans but with a new kitchen-diner to enjoy (assuming the building work goes to plan), I’ll definitely be stealing tips from our Best-dressed dining rooms feature (page 58) and I’m keen to set up a cocktail…

What could be more joyous at Christmas than an explosion of colour? Use all the colours of the rainbow, filling your tree with a selection of glittered, satin and shiny baubles in a variety of sizes. Swap natural foliage for bauble wreaths and felt garlands and throw in a few quirky decs for nostalgia.…

Are you looking to replace an open fire with a more efficient way of heating your home? Modern wood-burning stoves are more efficient and cheaper to run than traditional gas and electric heaters. That’s why they are so appealing during the current fuel crisis. What are the benefits of wood-burning stoves? They are ideal for supplementary use to keep warm during cold winter months. As of January 2022, all stoves sold in the UK must now meet the criteria for Ecodesign, so they also offer a low emission and low carbon way to heat your home using renewable and sustainable fuel. What do I need to do before I buy? Michael Coke, biomass product development manager at Stovax, recommends completing a site survey by a suitably qualified HETAS engineer before…

A sleek and shiny high-gloss kitchen is an ever-popular look – and by caring for kitchen cabinets correctly you’ll keep them looking pristine for longer. One of the more delicate decor options for kitchen fronts, gloss can be easily ruined if not treated properly. ‘Because of the reflection of gloss, every mark made can be easily seen and scratches and markings are more likely,’ says Karl Huckerby, cleaning expert at Spare and Square. ‘This means that you have to be really careful with what you use to clean your gloss cabinets.’ Use a non-abrasive cloth To get rid of general dirt, gently wipe over the surface with a dry microfibre cloth, before giving units a proper clean. High gloss is delicate and easily damaged by abrasive cloths, so always use…

Whether designing a new kitchen from scratch or making the most of what you already have, there are plenty of creative ideas that can make a small space function better. Opt for slimline units Wall-to-wall cabinets can make a small kitchen feel dark and overcrowded. Consider installing a run of slimline base units with worktop, rather than standard-depth cupboards, which will free up floor space and make the kitchen feel roomier. Work the wall space Walls are often under-utilised, particularly higher up, but it makes perfect sense to use the full breadth and height of walls where possible. This can allow useful extra storage to be squeezed in, from racks and utensil rails, open shelving and cubbies to hanging baskets and hooks. Keep counters clear Cluttered worktops look messy and…

Decorate with gold lettering and leaves Spell out a seasonal word with gilt letters, then echo the colour theme by spraying holly and ivy gold and laying on top of the mantel. Swathe a mirror with more gold foliage. Give it a twist Spray greenery in jewel tones of emerald or sapphire for a more dramatic feel. Create a party vibe Choose oversized coloured disco baubles to embed into luscious fresh greenery. Add a gold leaf garland and weave in among the ferns. Finish by attaching large glitter shapes such as butterflies and flowers for extra celebratory sparkle. Give it a twist Swap clear fairy lights for multi-coloured ones, turn them on to flashing mode and get the party started! Make a scented garland Lay a real or faux garland…

COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Riannon Selcuk, 38, a project director, and I live in a one-bedroom period flat in south London. I bought it in July 2019 and moved in the following November. THE CHALLENGE Although the living room wasn’t in a bad condition, it was extremely plain, with white paint throughout and a mid-tone timber floor. It was very basic and I wanted to fill it with colour and personality. MY WISH LIST A big velvet sofa, an Ottoman-style rug (a nod to my Turkish heritage) and a super-long display shelf for showcasing plants, ornaments, crystals and finds I’ve picked up along the way. TOTAL £4,689 TURN OVER FOR MY SHOPPING LIST After years of renting, I just couldn’t wait to decorate exactly how I wanted when…

When it comes to bedroom furniture, the combination of bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside table seems to be the standard set-up for many of us. And while these pieces offer an adequate amount of storage, it often turns out to be just not quite enough. Finding ways to incorporate extra storage into a bedroom can be a challenge, especially if it’s a small or average-sized space. But working in storage around, under and above existing furniture can be a savvy way of squeezing in more without making the room feel cramped or overcrowded – and it needn’t break the bank. BRIDGE A GAP Utilise wasted wall space behind a bed with a bank of overhead units spanning the gap between two wardrobes. Bridge units can be tailored to…

SPICE AND NUT MILLIONAIRE’S SHORTBREAD TAKES 1 HR 30 MINS MAKES 9-12 * 100g plain flour * 50g caster sugar * 100g unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces (plus extra for greasing) * Zest of ½ small orange * ½tsp ground cinnamon FOR THE TOPPING * 170g unsalted butter * 170g caster sugar * 400g tin condensed milk * 50ml golden syrup* 200g plain chocolate* 30g mixed chopped nuts YOU WILL NEED * 20X20cm baking tin, greased 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/ Gas 4. Whizz the shortbread ingredients in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Tip into the tin and press firmly with your fingers. Prick all over with a fork and chill for 20 mins. 2 Bake for 25-30 mins, until golden, then cool…

TIME AT HOME With the cost of living crisis and colder months upon us, we’re all making small changes at home to help keep our energy bills down. In the kitchen, many of us have been turning to air fryers to cook with or using microwaves to save both time and energy, rather than depending too heavily on the oven. But are they a cost-effective way to cook or a fad? What is the cheapest kitchen appliance to run? According to Hometree (boiler, heating and home cover company), slow cookers are the cheapest kitchen appliance to run, costing around 5p an hour. Slow cookers have a low wattage and on average use about 1.2kW over the course of eight hours, which means that a slow cooker will only use around…

COCKTAIL SET Party on into 2023 with this super-glam bar-tending trio from Dunelm. In a luxe gold finish, there’s all the kit you’ll need to put together a festive spritzer, including tools, cocktail shaker and glasses – just add your own fizz. Happy New Year!…

1Turn a dresser into a bar Convert an existing storage space such as a display cabinet or dresser into a makeshift drinks station. Built-in shelves make a great cocktail prep and serving counter if space is tight, while keeping wine and spirits on display rather than hidden away creates a warm and hospitable feel in a house full of guests. A contrast colour at the back of shelves or cubbies will help showcase a festive selection. Try painting the back panel in a bold shade or cover with patterned wallpaper secured with double-sided tape, for a temporary solution that can be taken down afterwards. 2 MAKE GLITTERY DRINK TAGS Make it easy for party guests to keep tabs on their tipple with personalised markers. Use card labels or gift tags…

When decorating a small living room, working around the list of do’s and don’ts can be a challenge. From colourways and pattern choices to furniture layout and storage, there are lots of things that need to be considered for rooms that have limited space. Plan the layout ‘To achieve the most comfortable layout in a small living room, planning is key,’ says Mariana Ugarte at Interior Fox. ‘To maximise space, consider the main pieces of furniture first. Work out where you will place them and how they’ll sit alongside others. Avoid leaving a big, open space in the middle of the room – seating arranged around a central point, such as a rug or coffee table, feels much more sociable.’ Size-up furniture Avoid too many large, bulky pieces of furniture…

Hosting family and friends for Christmas or New Year gatherings puts the spotlight on being at home, so you’ll want all areas to be looking their best. Cleaning and tidying the house in advance can take some of the pressure off, with just key areas like the living room and bathroom needing a last-minute blitz. For hassle-free entertaining, try an eye-catching hanging centrepiece idea that is easier to put together than it looks, or a mini home bar so that you’re party-ready when guests arrive. Cheers! Spruce up the sofa Make a start with upholstery, running the vacuum over sofa and armchairs to perk them up. Use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum, starting on the arms, seat and back cushions, then using the nozzle to get into…

BEST FOR SMALL FAMILIES MORPHY RICHARDS SEAR & STEW 3.5LTR CAPACITY 3.5ltr FEATURES Non-stick pot, glass lid DIGITAL? No PRICE £59.99 Available in two stylish colourways – Rose Gold and Titanium – this slow cooker is easy to use and even easier to clean. With a 3.5ltr capacity, it is the perfect size for making four servings without taking up too much space in your kitchen, so if you like to batch cook but don’t want to store anything too large or bulky in your cupboards, it’s a great choice. Being a manual model, it lacks a keep warm mode, but we found that the low setting will do the job just as well. REASONS TO BUY The pot insert is both hob-friendly and dishwasher-safe; great value for money REASONS…

Poundland REGAL JEWELS Combine royal blue with ruby red for a sumptuous scheme B&M WINTER WOODLAND Embrace a traditional style with green foliage and berry reds M&S SWAN LAKE Team frosty blues with shimmering silver for an elegant and classy result Matalan WONKA VIBES Create a fun look the kids will treasure with bold colours and candy cane stripes…

COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Olga Prinku, 40, an artist, embroiderer and author (prinku.com). I live here with my husband Andrew, 48, a journalist, and our son Matty. MY HOME A detached four-bedroom house near Stockton-on-Tees. We bought it in December 2013. WHEN WE MOVED IN The house was built in 1963 and although it had been well-loved, the interior was very dated. There were lots of wallpapers, ugly storage heaters and an old-fashioned wood-type kitchen with lino flooring. AND NOW We’ve completely renovated the interior and added a new kitchen and bathroom. STYLE TIP Good-quality quartz worktops have made our budget kitchen look much more expensive. When Andrew and I came back to the UK after working abroad we decided to settle in the North East, near his…

COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Hannah Mcloughlin, 36, a part-time teacher, and I also run an online homeware store with my mum called Colour Pop at Home. I live here with my husband Chris, 40, a history teacher, our son, Jesse, seven, and daughter Alba, five. OUR HOME We live in a three-bed 1970s detached house in Felpham, West Sussex, bought in 2013. WHEN WE MOVED IN Downstairs was a warren of rooms that didn’t serve a proper purpose, with lots of brown and beige, and Artex ceilings! AND NOW We opened up the rooms to create one large kitchen-diner-living space, and our home is now awash with pops of pastel. STYLE TIP Give things a go… I’d never tiled or wallpapered before, but it really is easier than…

COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Holly Grundy, a stay-at-home mum, and I live here with my partner Paul, a delivery driver, and our sons Winston and Monty. MY HOME A 1930s, three-bedroom cottage, near Thetford, Norfolk. WHEN WE MOVED IN The house was dark, tired, and not my style, but it ticked those ‘practical’ boxes. AND NOW I’ve developed a very distinctive, ‘American farmhouse’ look and I feel more committed to it than to any previous styles I’ve enjoyed. STYLE TIP You don’t need a lot of money to make a lovely home. I snap up aged, worn items at salvage yards – it’s all about how you see things. I’d have loved a characterful old farmhouse, but when I started house-hunting I had to prioritise head over heart,’…

SPLURGE Blow the budget with these top picks COMBINE RAINBOW BRIGHT HUES WITH BOLD STRIPES AND GEOMETRIC CHEVRON DESIGNS FOR A STRIKING SCHEME STEAL Grab a style bargain with these budget buys…

Stack up appliances to save on space If your home is on the small side, consider stacking appliances instead of housing them side by side. A stacked arrangement can easily be slotted neatly into a cupboard. For safety, use a stacking device that will keep appliances secure, with the dryer positioned on top of the washing machine. Choose open storage for easy access Having an organised utility area will help to speed things along. Easy-access open storage ensures that you can see where everything is at a glance, so essentials can be grabbed quickly when needed and put away again speedily afterwards. Arrange cubbies of different shapes, heights and sizes so that everything has a dedicated spot. ‘IF YOU HAVE KIDS AT HOME POP CHILD-PROOF LOCKS ON CUPBOARDS HOLDING CLEANING…

MIDDLE EASTERN LAMB WITH DATES TAKES 1 HR 30 MINS SERVES 4 * 1tbsp olive oil * 2 large onions, sliced * 2 garlic cloves, sliced * 5cm piece fresh root ginger, grated * 2tsp ground cinnamon * 2tsp ground cumin * 1tsp paprika * 2tsp ras el hanout spice blend * 1kg lean leg lamb, cut into chunks * 250ml chicken stock * 100g Medjool dates, roughly chopped * 75g chopped pistachios * 6tbsp chopped fresh coriander and mint * Pomegranate seeds and giant couscous, to serve 1 In a large casserole dish, heat the olive oil and cook the onions over a gentle heat for 15 mins. 2 Add the garlic, ginger and all the spices and cook for 2-3 mins until fragrant. 3 Add the lamb and…