Home, interiors and gardening news, comment and advice

Make your own Christmas: a door wreath, a vase of sprigs and garlands

Festive decorating at its most satisfying – make every dog walk or park visit a hunt for free fallen treasure

Make your own Christmas: a door wreath, a vase of sprigs and garlands
Want stylish Christmas decorations? Here are some great ideas

Forget the holly and the ivy: update your Christmas with shimmering silver and warm emerald tones. Plus top tips from creative minds

Want stylish Christmas decorations? Here are some great ideas
Homes: a Scandi take on Christmas

Decorations go up early and candles shine brightly in Pernille Palmqvist’s home. It’s a place where homemade and modern objects sit side by side

Homes: a Scandi take on Christmas

Oliver Burkeman: do socks and forks have feelings?

Buying stuff, we’re told, will make us happy – but how happy is our stuff?

Oliver Burkeman: do socks and forks have feelings?
Homes: inside Lee Broom’s latest project, Old Tom & English

Shield your eyes: designer Lee Broom is lighting up the British interior. By Mark C O’Flaherty

Homes: inside Lee Broom’s latest project, Old Tom & English
Grayson Perry and questions of taste

What does the decoration of your home say about you?

Grayson Perry and questions of taste
Homes: the greenhouse effect

A pioneer of the vertical garden, Patrick Blanc has taken the idea of bringing the outside in to a whole new level in his Paris home, reports Ko Matsubara

Homes: the greenhouse effect

Could you live in a tiny house?

Lucy Mangan: With a one-storey two-room house on the market in London for £275,000, small is becoming a necessity for many looking to get on the property ladder

Could you live in a tiny house?
Homes: inside a print designer’s colourful east London flat

Michelle Mason’s home is punctuated with typographic wallpaper, bold colours and prancing zebras, finds Rachel Leedham

Homes: inside a print designer’s colourful east London flat
Get the hang of displaying art at home

Make the most of your walls: turn your pad into a gallery with paintings, posters, prints, postcards and photographs

Get the hang of displaying art at home
Who does the housework? Five Guardian writers reveal all

According to a Mumsnet survey, women still do two-thirds of the household chores. Is the work divided more fairly in your home? Our writers air their dirty laundry

Who does the housework? Five Guardian writers reveal all
Interiors: Gray area – how one designer puts her money where her mouth is

In-demand designer Bethan Gray has filled her London home with her furniture. As she tells Becky Sunshine, if she can’t live with it, why should you?

Interiors: Gray area – how one designer puts her money where her mouth is
Homes: inside an artist’s Lyon home

French artist Gérard Puvis’s work may be eccentric, but his stunning Lyon home
is a lesson in how to mix different eras and styles, finds Jeremy Callaghan

Homes: inside an artist’s Lyon home
Homes: big names and fresh talent creating 'wish list' designs in wood

Renowned designers and architects collaborate with people from new-generation crafts to create 10 objects for an innovative project to be highlighted at the London Design Festival

Homes: big names and fresh talent creating 'wish list' designs in wood
Experience: I live in my car

Nick Andrew: 'I always said I'd have my own estate by the time I was 40, but I didn't think it would be like this'

Experience: I live in my car
Homes: Britain's lidos make a splash

Once an integral part of our summer, Britain's long neglected lidos are undergoing a brilliant blue revival. Christopher Beanland dives in

Homes: Britain's lidos make a splash
How to mend ... a faulty table lamp

Don’t sit there in the darkness. Rewiring a plug can be fiddly work, but follow these five steps and you can reach that lightbulb moment

How to mend ... a faulty table lamp
Terrible estate agents’ photographs: excrement, horses and toilets in the kitchen

Alexis Petridis: You thought everyone trying to sell a house knew the golden rules of painting the walls magnolia, tidying away the junk and displaying fresh flowers? Think again.

Terrible estate agents’ photographs: excrement, horses and toilets in the kitchen
Drunk online shopping regrets: clarinets, elephants and flatpacks

One glass of wine too many and one click too far – these days you can pay a high price for being drunk in charge of a laptop or smartphone. Our writers share their stories of accidental bulk buys and bargains that didn’t seem so wise the morning after

Drunk online shopping regrets: clarinets, elephants and flatpacks
10 ways to renovate sustainably

From sun tunnels to wood burners, here are a some small-scale, energy saving ideas for sustainable renovation, inspired by some of Britain’s superhomes

10 ways to renovate sustainably

Holly: the festive berry

Kate Bradbury profiles holly, a Christmas favourite that’s popular with wildlife, too

Holly: the festive berry
Gardens: dealing with deadwood

Clear what you must, but deadwood left for worms and insects allows nature to work its magic, says Dan Pearson

Gardens: dealing with deadwood
Ask Alys: your gardening questions answered

My star magnolia has outgrown its space. Should I prune it now? Alys Fowler has the answer

Ask Alys: your gardening questions answered

- Alys Fowler: how to grow perfect pears
  
  They like to bask in sun in good soil; put them in the corner with any sort of shade, and they will sulk, says Alys Fowler
  
  Alys Fowler: how to grow perfect pears
- ‘Spoons for Escargot’ and other odd plant names
  
  From ‘Tokyo Smog’ to ‘Eric’s Wotsit’, there’s a wealth of weird names for plants out there. Graham Rice picks some of his favourites
  
  ‘Spoons for Escargot’ and other odd plant names
- Where do sparrows go in the winter?
  
  Readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific concepts
  
  Where do sparrows go in the winter?
- Making Christmas presents from the garden
  
  Our thrifty gardener Kim Stoddart comes up with some home-grown present ideas to make at home as an antidote to the Christmas consumer frenzy
  
  Making Christmas presents from the garden
- Gardens: the first cut
  
  The garden might be inactive at the moment, but cuttings in a sheltered spot will grow roots ready for spring, says Dan Pearson
  
  Gardens: the first cut
- Alys Fowler: time to rustle up some lovely leaf mould
  
  ‘Leaf mould is extraordinary stuff… it will help break down hard clay soil, and bind thin, loose soil,’ says Alys Fowler
  
  Alys Fowler: time to rustle up some lovely leaf mould

Gardens: what to do this week

Raid your garden for Christmas decorations, take a break from festive planning and plant a hellebore that isn’t just for Christmas

Gardens: what to do this week
What is a rare plant?

When it comes to rare plants, it’s all about economics: from the theft of the world’s smallest waterlily to a snowdrop bulb that sold for £725. But is the accepted definition of a ‘rare plant’ missing something vital, asks Robbie Blackhall-Miles

What is a rare plant?
Gardens: the December checklist

As the year closes, use this breathing space for a winter clear-up, pruning and planning for a burst of seasonal colour, says Dan Pearson

Gardens: the December checklist
The garden of peace: helping veterans heal the mental scars of war

The charity Gardening Leave uses therapy to draw lost soldiers out of their isolation. Now it needs help to reach more of them, reports Tracy McVeigh

The garden of peace: helping veterans heal the mental scars of war
Ask Alys: your gardening questions answered

I have a Juliet balcony so can only grow things in pots. How can I grow celeriac successfully? Alys Fowler offers a potted answer

Ask Alys: your gardening questions answered
Alys Fowler: how to grow elephant garlic

It grows like a large leek, it’s perfect for roasting and baking, likes full sun and moist conditions, but not winter waterlogging, says Alys Fowler

Alys Fowler: how to grow elephant garlic
Strange beasts on the balustrade

Country Diary Wrest Park, Bedfordshire: Out of the fog came a jackdaw which landed on its stone head

Strange beasts on the balustrade
Gardens: what to do this week

Join stargazers, get rid of diseased plums and plant rose ‘Blue Eyes’

Gardens: what to do this week
Gardens: winter pots

Lia Leendertz: Ten tricks to get the most out of your containers this season

Gardens: winter pots
How does your garden grow? The hairdresser, Hither Green, London

‘That strawberry tree has got a flat-top; the hydrangeas are more bouffant,’ says Jenny Harford. Interview by Jim Cable

How does your garden grow? The hairdresser, Hither Green, London

Beautiful homewares from The Simple Things - in pictures

From hand-knitted gloves to pineapple wall scones, a selection of beautiful homewares for The Simple Things

Beautiful homewares from The Simple Things - in pictures
Houses with chimneys fit for Santa – home and away

Father Christmas should have no trouble squeezing his ample frame down the chimneys of these palatial houses

Houses with chimneys fit for Santa – home and away

Homes on the slopes

From a restored castle on the Italian Alps to eight bedrooms and an annexe overlooking the Grand Massif

Homes on the slopes
Houses on your own private island – home and away

Get away from it all on an island paradise – from the Isle of Wight to Panama

Houses on your own private island – home and away
Homes with famous owners – in pictures

From a pop star’s palace to a writer’s retreat, these A-list properties will leave you with stars in your eyes

Homes with famous owners – in pictures
'This place saved my life': the gardening charity helping veterans - in pictures

Gardening Leave, one of the charities for the Guardian and Observer Christmas appeal on mental health, helps veterans heal mental wounds through horticultural therapy

'This place saved my life': the gardening charity helping veterans - in pictures

Going underground – homes with covered parking

From a magnificent converted hospital in Bristol to the Stamp Exchange in Newcastle, these homes all offer secure parking among their other attractions

Going underground – homes with covered parking
Wine and dine in these houses with cellars

In vino veritas? You can find out, if you can afford these houses with space for your collection

Wine and dine in these houses with cellars
Once a vicarage – in pictures

From a 16th century four-bed house in Shropshire to a pricey pile in Pembrokeshire, all these properties have been vicarages

Once a vicarage – in pictures
Christmas baubles: the wish list – in pictures

The best baubles and festive ornaments to hang from your tree this Christmas

Christmas baubles: the wish list – in pictures
Houses with towers – home and away

From a converted granary in Norfolk to a watch tower with potential in Italy

Houses with towers – home and away
See what's cooking in these houses with Agas

From a mews house in the Midlands to a rural retreat in Redgrave, these could be right up your street

See what's cooking in these houses with Agas
All in a day's work: houses with offices

From a stone-built garden eyrie in Cumbria to a glass-fronted garden room in Kent, we find properties where your office is but a few steps away

All in a day's work: houses with offices
Old mill houses – in pictures

Enjoy the soothing sounds of running water with these homes converted from former mills

Old mill houses – in pictures
Interiors wishlist: top 10 jugs and pitchers

Perfect pourers or makeshift vases – here’s our pick of the best jugs and pitchers

Interiors wishlist: top 10 jugs and pitchers
Live the country life with these farmhouses

From a country house near Colchester to a farmhouse in France, these houses are all in rural idylls

Live the country life with these farmhouses
Gothic homes – in pictures

These ominous-looking homes can be yours … if you’re not too frightened

Gothic homes – in pictures
These castle homes will let you lord it up

From a turret in Trowbridge to a fort in France, these castle homes can be yours – if you’re prepared to put the work in

These castle homes will let you lord it up
Stamp duty free homes

From a seafront house in Sussex to a countryside retreat in Cumbria, these homes are all under £125,000

Stamp duty free homes
Homes wish list: 10 of the best clocks – in pictures

Don’t forget to put your wall clock back (and ease the pain with one of these)

Homes wish list: 10 of the best clocks – in pictures

Popular in lifestyle
Popular across the guardian

Let’s move to Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

Dylan Thomas would have scoffed, but this remote, picturebook market town is idyllic, says Tom Dyckhoff

Let’s move to Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
Let’s move to Dartmouth, Devon

It may not be an important port any more, says Tom Dyckhoff, but this attractive naval town has history, boutique bistros and just enough grit

Let’s move to Dartmouth, Devon
- Let’s move to Romsey, Hampshire
  
  Florence Nightingale, Charlie Dimmock and the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine all lived in this timelessly English market town, says Tom Dyckhoff
  
  Let’s move to Romsey, Hampshire
- Let’s move to Poplar, east London
  
  It may not be the prettiest place, Tom Dyckhoff says, but it has its moments… and the gentrifiers have it in their sights
  
  Let’s move to Poplar, east London
- Lets move to Winchelsea, East Sussex
  
  This hill town rising from the Sussex marshes has some lovely period property, like its neighbour Rye, says Tom Dyckhoff, but none of the crowds
  
  Lets move to Winchelsea, East Sussex

Let’s move to Carlisle, Cumbria

Nations have fought over this ruggedly beautiful border city, says Tom Dyckhoff, and it’s easy to see why

Let’s move to Carlisle, Cumbria
Let’s move to Earlham and west Norwich, Norfolk

There’s more to Norwich than Delia and Alan Partridge, says Tom Dyckhoff, and this area around the UEA campus certainly cuts the mustard

Let’s move to Earlham and west Norwich, Norfolk
Let’s move to Faversham, Kent

It may have been the setting for TV’s Southcliffe, says Tom Dyckhoff, but this ancient port is far from grim – it boasts a pretty medieval centre, a picturesque quayside and the country’s oldest brewer

Let’s move to Faversham, Kent
Let’s move to Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

It might not be the wild border country it once was – and could have been again if the vote had gone the other way – but the town has history, Georgian town houses and gallons of heather-scented honey, says Tom Dyckhoff

Let’s move to Jedburgh, Roxburghshire
Let’s move to Sidmouth, Devon

‘If John Betjeman implies that Sidmouth is the loveliest seaside resort in England, who are we to argue?,’ says Tom Dyckhoff

Let’s move to Sidmouth, Devon
Let's move to Filey, North Yorkshire

An elegant, understated, proper old-school affair, Tom Dyckhoff says, with a rather wonderful prom

Let's move to Filey, North Yorkshire
Let's move to Wanstead, east London

With ancient royal connections, Wanstead could have been as posh as Richmond, says Tom Dyckhoff, and with soaring prices, it might be again

Let's move to Wanstead, east London
Let's move to Birchington-on-Sea, Kent

It's not modern, but it's marvellous, Tom Dyckhoff says

Let's move to Birchington-on-Sea, Kent
Let's move to Dolgellau, Gwynedd

Soggy in the weather department, but this town is structurally beautiful and all around is the wildness of Snowdonia

Let's move to Dolgellau, Gwynedd
Let's move to Haslemere, Surrey

'Haslemere seems like a town built for homeliness, comfort and seclusion,' says Tom Dyckhoff

Let's move to Haslemere, Surrey
Let's move to Sudbury and Long Melford, Suffolk

These villages are as pretty as England can get, with a catwalk of gorgeous stunning period property, says Tom Dyckhoff

Let's move to Sudbury and Long Melford, Suffolk
Let's move to Catford, south-east London

It's not the prettiest spot, says Tom Dyckhoff, but it has beautiful houses and is one of the last places in the capital that's still reasonably priced

Let's move to Catford, south-east London
Let's move to … Kirkcudbright and the Colvend coast

If it's dubbed the 'Scottish Riviera', says Tom Dyckhoff, it's because Kirkcudbright's brightly coloured houses, cafes and galleries offer a whiff of southern climes

Let's move to … Kirkcudbright and the Colvend coast
Let's move to Newcastle, County Down

Tom Dyckhoff: 'The town must be one of the most magically positioned seaside resorts in the British Isles'

Let's move to Newcastle, County Down
Let's move to Brixham, Devon

It has the pumping heart of a bona fide fishing town, with views that would give the Bay of Naples a run for its money, says Tom Dyckhoff

Let's move to Brixham, Devon

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