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From chocolate box cottages in the Cotswolds to super-sleek modern homes in the capital, we go behind the front door of houses up and down the country, and find out how the owners and renters created their dream homes, whatever their style and budget
This modern home is sprinkled with textural seasonal details for a luxe festive look
By Sara Bird
Following a top-to-toe renovation this Swedish family house is perfect for festive celebrations
By Rachel Crow
Because everyone loves a good nosy about in other people's homes
By Jullia Joson
Impress guests with one of the best candles for spring and summer, as tested by the Ideal Home team
By Molly Cleary
New tiles and lashings of Barbie-pink paint have turned a tired scheme into a colourful, knock-out design
By Laurie Davidson
Getting the colour right was key to this makeover
By Laurie Davidson
Vintage finds and natural decorations fill this Edwardian home with faded grandeur at Christmas
By Rachel Crow
This couple couldn't wait to escape to the country – and this Suffolk cottage was the dream home they'd been looking for
By Naomi Turner
A relaxed, neutral colour scheme makes a stylish setting for festive decorations and cosy Christmas get-togethers
By Lisa Fazzani
This retired couple wanted to downsize but their building project grew and became a family affair
By Maggie Colvin
With its mix of nostalgic decorations, this renovated Victorian home in Bath offers the perfect warm welcome for festive get-togethers
By Janet McMeekin
A super-colourful living room provides the perfect festive canvas for this Christmas-loving homeowner
By Laurie Davidson
This couple called in expert help to turn a magnolia-painted 1930s house into their dream home by the sea
By Marisha Taylor
Home provides the perfect colourful canvas for this Somerset-based illustrator’s bold work
By Laurie Davidson
Closing the door on your work day just got a lot easier!
By Laurie Davidson
We asked an architect how extending into the side return and out the rear of this Victorian terraced house has revolutionised the interior layout
By Ginevra Benedetti
Bright pink cabinets, new handles and hand-painting the tiles gave this tired room a brand new look
By Laurie Davidson
Determined to stick to their budget, this couple were hands on in renovating their rundown 1930s semi
By Karen Wilson
'We wanted to create a 'sensory-balanced' workspace that was both socially sustainable and adaptable'
By Jullia Joson
‘There’s something calming about having a white scheme. It’s a blank canvas you can add to and change up whether it’s with cushions, plants and flowers'
By Vivienne Ayers
A 1960s split-level bungalow has been revived with contemporary extensions, cleaned lines, and Scandi-inspired interiors
By Susan Walker
This young family can all be together in a stylish and spacious replacement for an unused extension
By Ifeoluwa Adedeji
Disappointment turned to delight as this aspiring interior designer gave her home a hotel-luxe makeover
By Pippa Blenkinsop
Wood, concrete and statement lighting give this bathroom spa-style credentials
By Laurie Davidson
Replacing colourful carpets and a bright green kitchen with a neutral colour palette transformed this five-bedroom home
By Sara Emslie
Being savvy with the space has allowed these happy home owners to include a generously-sized island in their stunning kitchen makeover
By Lisa Fazzani
This renovated terrace has been given the personal touch with a serene colour scheme and characterful styling
By Karen Wilson