EDITOR’S LETTER

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ThePortra

TheperfectChristmasgiftforonly£25

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WelcomeChristmasmeansdifferentthingstodifferent people. For me, it’s about taking time off from my usual work and everyday routines to relax with family and friends, reflecting on the past 12 months and looking forward to the new year ahead. In my house, it will mean clearing out clutter to find storage space for all the new toys, games and other paraphernalia that Father Christmas will undoubtedly bring my four-year-old son. For my mum, it will be the usual dilemma of what colour scheme to have for her Christmas tree, along with her annual search for the best gold lametta trim, and my sister-in-law (the perfect host) will be scouring the shops for the ideal dining table accessories to use on the big day, which we’ll all enjoy together, complete with grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and kids.

Top of my to-do list for 2012 will be finishing off my garden – after speaking to Paul Thomas, director at Stuart Garden Architecture, I can’t wait to start planning and planting up the space to create the perfect scheme. Eco-wise, 2012 will also be the year I vow to make my home greener – see p30 for quick and easy ways to make your property more energy efficient.

To get inspiration for your home in 2012, look no further than the incredible projects we’ve included in this issue. From an exclusive tour of Paul and Penny Denby’s huge, modern, Miami-style new-build in Kent, which features in the new TV series (p46), to the more compact, contemporary London townhouse of David Goldhill and Sophie Liddicoat (p76), there’s a great selection of real homes to browse through and take ideas from.

Struggling to find the right presents? Our gift guide on p141 will prove invaluable, as will the advice on p137 about how to give your guests a day they’ll remember. I’m looking forward to the festive break; I hope you are, too. Happy Christmas.

Lisa Allen Editor

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GRAND DESIGNS / DECEMBER 2011 / 9