The Very British Edit: The Small Changes I’m Making to Start the New Year Well, and It Begins in the Kitchen
How thoughtful, everyday changes are helping me start the year feeling refreshed, inspired, and well-prepared
The Opening Note
The start of a new year always brings a quiet sense of possibility. While I’ve never subscribed to the ‘New Year, New Me’ mantra – and I’ve long disliked the idea of ‘clearing out the cobwebs’ – there is something undeniably appealing about beginning again. January offers a gentler moment to reset, to reassess daily habits, and to make thoughtful changes that feel both realistic and rewarding.
This year, my focus is firmly on health, and for me, that begins in the kitchen. It’s the space where routines are formed and sustained, and where small, consistent choices can make the biggest difference. With that in mind, I’ve invested in a few key appliances – blenders, juicers, and a soup maker – that not only support healthier cooking but also give my kitchen a much-needed refresh. These are tools designed to be used daily, quietly encouraging better habits rather than demanding perfection.
As winter settles in and the pace of life slows, the kitchen becomes even more central to daily life. There’s comfort in warm, nourishing food and in taking the time to cook well. This January, I already know what will be on repeat: chef Clodagh McKenna’s roasted cauliflower, garlic and cashew soup. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and restorative – simple to make, deeply comforting, and exactly what colder days call for.
Rather than a drastic change, this approach is about refinement. A well-equipped kitchen makes healthy choices feel effortless, whether that’s blending smoothies in the morning, juicing seasonal produce, or turning out batches of homemade soup to see the week through. These small upgrades support everyday living, creating a space that works harder and feels better to be in.
Ultimately, the new year isn’t about reinvention, but intention. By focusing on how our kitchens function – and the role they play in supporting our wellbeing – we can start the year feeling grounded, optimistic, and well-nourished, both at home and beyond.
The Edit: The Kitchen Reset
In the Spotlight: Denby
Few British home brands have achieved true design-icon status quite like Denby. Founded in 1809 in the heart of Derbyshire, the pottery has become synonymous with craftsmanship, durability, and understated beauty. What began as a local ceramics workshop has grown into a much-loved British institution, producing tableware that balances everyday practicality with timeless design.
Denby’s appeal lies in its quiet confidence. Each piece is crafted from locally sourced clay and made to withstand daily use, yet the aesthetic is anything but utilitarian. From softly glazed dinner plates to beautifully weighted mugs and serving bowls, Denby creates pieces designed to be used often, mixed freely, and displayed proudly – whether on open shelving or laid out on the table.
I’ve long admired Denby for its ability to elevate the everyday. These are pieces that feel reassuringly solid in the hand, yet refined enough for entertaining. They move effortlessly between casual breakfasts, family dinners, and more considered occasions, making them a natural foundation for a well-loved kitchen.
What sets Denby apart is its commitment to heritage without standing still. While the brand remains deeply rooted in traditional British craftsmanship, its collections feel fresh and relevant, with modern shapes, versatile colourways, and glazes that respond beautifully to light. Each range is thoughtfully designed to work together, encouraging a relaxed, collected look rather than a rigidly matched set.
Today, Denby continues to resonate with homes that value longevity over trends. Its pieces are dishwasher-safe, oven-safe, and built to last for generations – an increasingly rare quality in modern kitchens. For those seeking tableware that combines beauty, function, and a sense of provenance, Denby remains one of Britain’s most enduring and trusted names.
In the Queue
Next week on The Very British Edit, I’ll be shifting from a kitchen reset to a focus on maximizing lighting ideas throughout the home. As the days grow shorter and the evenings draw in, our homes naturally become places of retreat and connection, making it more important than ever to create spaces that feel bright, warm, and welcoming.
This issue explores practical yet impactful ways to counter winter gloom, from washing windows and positioning mirrors to reflect natural daylight to layering softer forms of illumination through table lamps, candles, and even subtle fairy lights left in place for added warmth. Together, these small changes help lift the mood while enhancing the atmosphere of a room.
I’ll be spotlighting pieces that help light work harder – beautiful lamps, reflective accents, and candlelight that brings a gentle glow rather than harsh brightness. The emphasis is on thoughtful layering, creating interiors that feel comfortable by day and inviting by night.
If you’re looking to refresh your home beyond the kitchen and embrace simple updates that make a noticeable difference, this edit offers inspiration for brightening your spaces and easing into the season ahead.
The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.
