Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd Ideal Home is Britain's best-selling interiors magazine and has been empowering home-owners to make the most of their properties for over 80 years. The magazine covers every aspect of contemporary living, from a wide range of transformed houses, kitchens and bathrooms.
Welcome
Set the scene for… A MAGICAL EVENING • In the busy run-up to Christmas, decorating the house can become a bit of a chore. This year, make it an event with wine, carols and candlelight, then get stuck in with your box of decs and fresh and faux foliage to conjure up a chic, natural look
The STYLE EDITOR • Michela Colling, Ideal Home’s tastemaker-in-chief, shares her top news from the high street
A little bit of luxe • Indulgent treats for homebodies
MIDNIGHT GLAMOUR • Combine shining brass highlights with inky blue accents for a look that will set the scene for entertaining and see you right through ’till the New Year’s Eve celebrations
Foodie finds • Surprises for those who like to cook… and those who love to eat
SNOWY NATURALS • This snow-dusted style has plenty of warmth and cosy winter vibes – just heap on the texture and natural materials with a little icy shimmer
The great outdoors • Ideas for gardeners and nature lovers
AMBER WOODLAND • Embrace the magic of the forest and its friends, with burnished bronze and copper highlights, dark green and rustic wood, to create a cosseting, warm finish
Picks for pets • For the animals you love (or your pet-obsessed friend…)
Treats for £15 or less • Perfect as stocking fillers or Secret Santa at the office
ADVENT CALENDARS • Make the countdown to Christmas extra special for the ones you love with a giftable calendar. Whether they’re a beauty buff, have a sweet tooth, or just love to craft, there’s something for everyone…
QUIRKY CRACKERS • To surprise and delight your dinner guests on Christmas day
IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL • Turn your guest bedroom into a welcoming retreat for family using cosy textures, practical storage ideas and a few festive flourishes
Smart thinking • Leoma Harper started with a big, bland house and filled it with character, sophisticated style and clever colour choices
Welcome to our home
Make it work for you LEOMA’S STYLE: POLISHED SCANDI • A mix of vintage buys and modern pieces, paired with pops of colour, lends character to a neutral space
HOW DESIGNERS USE EARTHY NEUTRALS • If your go-to colours are grey, white or beige, a deep, natural palette will take you into warmer, braver territory. These richer tan, ochre, baked earth and soft terracotta tones give a deeper, more relaxing feel
THE BEST Warm neutrals
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY... • Designers and stylists share their views
Would you celebrate Christmas at a hotel? • Is it still Christmas if you have your dinner away from home? Meet two women with very different ideas on how to spend the big day...
Labour of love • Marjolein and Jankees bought an old vicarage nobody else wanted and rolled up their sleeves to turn it into a comfortable family home
Welcome to my home
Make it work for you MARJOLEIN’S STYLE: MODERN SCANDI • Combining angular furnishings with textured pinks and natural materials creates a contemporary, cosy aesthetic
WHAT TO DO WITH ALCOVES • Turn these awkward spaces to your advantage – it’s a great opportunity to add style and storage, and frame a fireplace
WHERE TO BUY
Escape to the country • Claire and Ed Croft bought Claire’s parents’ holiday home in Norfolk and customised it to suit their busy family
Welcome to my home
DON’T MISS THE DETAILS...
Make it work for you CLAIRE’S CHOICE: A WOODBURNER •...