Staying In

Tackle A Tile Transformation

New year, new you? While January encourages many of us to hit the gym, we’re looking to flex our muscles at home this year – literally. Trade in the weights and resistance bands for plaster and tiles, and tap into one of 2026’s biggest interior design trends: pattern splicing. The technique, which involves mixing and matching your tiles to create an eclectic feature wall or cosy nook, is the perfect way to jazz up a part of your home. ‘Pattern splicing lets you build a story into your space without overwhelming it,’ says Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra. ‘By interspersing decorative tiles with plains, you introduce rhythm, surprise and personality. It is a technique that feels instinctive and expressive, yet it works effortlessly in real homes.’

Going Out

Make The Most Of January Restaurant Deals

If DIY isn’t your remit, perhaps we can tempt you out to try one of the brilliant deals being introduced across London’s restaurants this month. One of the capital’s most aesthetic hotels, The Bloomsbury is offering a half price champagne afternoon tea, complete with smoked salmon finger sandwiches, treacle tarts and buttery madeleines. Bar Brasso in Nine Elms, meanwhile, is allowing guests to BYOB with no corkage fee, while cult veggie favourite Mildreds has 30 percent off the entire menu. Live south east? Be sure to visit East Dulwich hotspot Kokum, where you can get one half price curry when dining as a two (just say the code word ‘Kokum Curry Club’ upon booking or ordering). And if you haven’t tried Vivek Singh’s Westminster flagship The Cinnamon Club yet, now’s your chance: the restaurant is marking its 25th anniversary by reverting back to its 2001 menu – prices included.

Property Of The Day

Nestled in the North Wiltshire countryside, Northfield House is ‘authentic rural living’ at its finest – or so says its current owner. Dating back to 1710, this stunning family home is currently in the possession of a 20th century art collector who has discovered that its historic walls are the perfect backdrop for his rather enviable collection. Take a peek inside.

On the market for £1.75m. Find out more at knightfrank.co.uk

Little Luxury

There’s nothing like a big slice of cake to brighten up a gloomy winter day. Right now we’re eyeing up this decadent 20-layer matcha showpiece from LAVO at The BoTree, which sees tea sponge layered with Amalfi lemon and crème fraîche cream. Book at thebotree.com

Competition Time

Thanks to a brand new prize draw from Raffle House, this £3m Buckinghamshire dream home could be yours for as little as £10. Plus, you’ll be automatically entered into the draw to win a £60,000 Porsche Boxster or same value cash alternative. Enter here

Psssst…

Getting married and on the hunt for a venue? King Charles’ Dumfries House in Scotland is opening a new events space where couples can host their own royal weddings, named The King’s Hall in honour of the monarch. Source: Sky News

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Go full Marie Kondo without pausing to see the potential in your cast-offs. Design alumni from Burberry, Vivienne Westwood and more are available on the Loom app, ready to redesign your old outfits into something new.