Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i HomeStyle

Welcome to your February issue packed with savvy, affordable ways to refresh and renew your decor for 2026. Take a first look at the exciting new collaborations on the high street, including Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen at Next and Sophie Robinson’s latest collection at Dunelm (p14). New trends abound this month so our style editor, Hannah, has curated this year’s best looks alongside her expert advice for incorporating them into your home, whether you’re looking for a fresh pop of colour or a few statement accessories (p18). To kick-start your decorating this year, interiors experts John Cooper, winner of BBC Interior Design Masters Series 6, and Georgina Burnett, ITV’s home improvement ace on This Morning, share their top tips for making your budget go further (p26). And we take the stress out…

@joannathornhill stylist What’s your favourite room in your home? For cosy winter evenings, it’s definitely our living room: it’s a small space, but with lovely high ceilings and a few original Victorian features, which bring a bit of character and stop things feeling cramped. Its walls are all painted a very deep, rich green and I’ve layered in loads of different textures, from velvet curtains to a sisal rug and various sheepskin throws, knitted blankets and cushions. I’ve also layered in lots of lighting. What’s the best design advice you’ve been given? In the early days of my styling career, I heard a designer say that she always incorporates ‘a touch of wrong’ into her schemes – meaning a colour, accessory or piece of furniture that on paper doesn’t ‘go’…

Pattern drenching Indulge in gorgeous prints with this fun and fabulous decorating trend. Go all out with a single design to create a look that’s full of character yet still feels considered. It’s best to use this technique with simple patterns, such as gingham or stripes, as these are easy to source from a wide range of retailers at pocket-friendly prices. Stick to a limited palette of three shades – refer to the split complementary scheme on page 27 for guidance on choosing colours that work well together. To add depth and texture, choose patterns that show the same motif in different scales. This layering of size keeps the look lively and richly textured. Meadow florals Pick dreamy wildflowers to bring nature indoors this spring. These delicate blooms are an…

Embark on a design journey that takes you across the world and back again. This trend takes inspiration from the rich artistic heritage of India while combining this intricate style with British stately home staples to create something fresh and modern. Start small by adding embroidered cushions, patterned throws or brass trinkets, then build up the look with deep upholstery in bold fabrics and dark wooden furniture. This trend is all about layering histories, stories and cultures to create a home full of life. Make it refined and elegant by choosing a statement piece to build the scheme around. A patterned armchair or sofa is a great starting point, then balance the look with plain walls and floors to allow the traditional design to take centre stage. Layer floral patterns…

TOP TIP If you plan to use heavier sticks to make your bough, or want to hang heavier decorations, you’ll need to hang your bough using ceiling hooks drilled into a joist, to ensure it is fixed safely and securely YOU WILL NEED • selection of long foraged (lightweight) sticks • secateurs • natural twine • tape measure •selection of real or faux flowers • fresh herbs (optional) • 3M Command ceiling hooks INSTRUCTIONS 1 Use secateurs to trim two sticks to each measure 1m in length. Then cut four sticks to each measure 80cm in length. 2 Lay the two 1m-long sticks on your work surface 40cm apart. Then, place the 80cm-long sticks at right angles across the two longer sticks, like a ladder, with a 20cm gap between…

TOP TIP For the best results, use a sturdy ribbon that doesn’t fray easily, such as velvet or grosgrain. The ‘V’ shape you cut in step 3 will stop the tail ends from fraying YOU WILL NEED • ribbon (1.35m required per bow) • tape measure • scissors • pin • hot glue gun and glue sticks INSTRUCTIONS 1 To make one bow, cut a 1m length of ribbon. Place a pin at the 50cm centre point on the ribbon. Fold each end in to meet at the central point you marked with a pin, giving you a loop at each end. Hold the ends of the ribbon in place with a small blob of hot glue. 2 Fold each looped end in again to meet at the central point…

1 Meet your fitness goals Having a workout space at home can be one of the most rewarding upgrades you make, helping to save you time, boosting motivation and cutting down on monthly memberships. A garage or large shed are usually the best places to convert, though a spare bedroom is also a possibility. You would need to assess the upstairs floor’s load-bearing capacity and, if structurally sound, look to invest in padded floor mats to help absorb shock and distribute the weight of anything being dropped. When it comes to equipment, a ‘less is more’ approach works best, advises Guy Hollis, founder of The Gym People. ‘We always recommend under-filling the gym with equipment. You can always add more items gradually over time,’ he suggests. A flexible setup could include…

Best for… small bathrooms ‘This year, we’ll see a continued move towards bold yet refined materiality in bathroom design. Large-format panels will dominate for their seamless, contemporary look. Statement stone effects, such as onyx marble, are set to feature more prominently, particularly in showers, where they create a striking focal point. Wall panels are also an excellent choice for small bathrooms, offering a spaceenhancing finish that reduces visual clutter. Their smooth surface makes even compact spaces feel larger, brighter and effortlessly modern.’ Jorge Hernandez, head of design, Crosswater Best for… family bathrooms ‘Family bathrooms need to strike a balance between practicality and enduring style. Wall-mounted vanities are an excellent choice, as they open up the space and enhance the sense of light and airiness. Large porcelain tiles reduce grout lines…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Yoghurt and berry bark TO PREP 10 minutes TO FREEZE 4 hours or overnight SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 500g natural yoghurt 100g dark chocolate 4 tbsp blackcurrants 50g mixed nuts, chopped 1 tbsp coconut flakes METHOD 1 Line a medium-sized baking tray with baking paper and pour the yoghurt onto it. 2 Grate over the dark chocolate. 3 Sprinkle the blackcurrants, chopped mixed nuts and coconut flakes evenly over the top. Then, freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. 4 Carefully peel away the paper and slice into pieces or break into shards. Serve immediately, or keep in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. SUPERFOOD STATUS Blackcurrants are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re good for your gut and immune system, too. COOK'S TIP If…

Portmeirion Village If you watched the latest series of BBC Interior Design Masters, you’ll remember judges Michelle Ogundehin, Alan Carr and Sophie Robinson all came to Portmeirion for the final episode in which John and Rita liberally sprinkled their unique fairy dust on two apartments. Portmeirion is a riot of classical architectural styles, from Italianate to Gothic with a generous dash of fantasy. Built between 1925 and 1976, the multicoloured village crowns the hills above the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales. Around 10 minutes’ drive away to the east is Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, offering spectacular mountain ranges and breathtaking valleys. If a day trip doesn’t feel quite enough, there are a number of overnight options, from bijou self-catering to luxe hotels, to suit every budget. Staying here for a…

READ The Quiet Home by Michelle Halford ‘House hushing’ is about dialling down visual noise and creating serene spaces. In her book, interior stylist, writer and designer Michelle Halford, explains how all items in a room create ‘noise’ and reducing this helps us feel happy and calm at home. Published 12th February. £27, Mitchell Beazley LISTEN The Chromologist podcast Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador, interiors consultant Patrick O’Donnell, hosts this fab podcast, asking each guest to choose four key colours that have shaped their life. They are fascinating discussions with designers, artists and well-known cultural figures, inviting a fresh perspective on the tones that make them tick. farrow-ball.com/the-chromologist/podcast VISIT Interior Design Masterclass – Learn how to design your home in a day, 7th February, Stylemongers of Bristol This one-day workshop…

When fresh blooms aren’t as abundant as in the spring and summer months, look to this cleverly crafted variety. Søstrene Grene’s new collection of lifelike replica flowers brings lasting colour and life into your home, with pieces that look almost as good as the real thing and need no upkeep. From soft hydrangeas to tall foxtails, each stem reflects the movement and texture of real flowers. Try styling a single stem for a simple, elegant touch or build a full arrangement to add colour and warmth. While you’re at it, peruse the new glass and ceramic vases with twisted details and organic shapes to complete the look. sostrenegrene.com…

John's advice 1 Don't buy on impulse ‘When I’m designing a space, I always start with a story – not a shopping list. Every room should feel like it has a mood, a sense of place, a rhythm. Impulse buys can throw that balance off. Before you buy anything, take time to build a vision. Create a simple moodboard with images, textures, and tones that reflect how you want your home to feel. Keep it on your phone so it’s always close by when temptation strikes. Next, walk through your home and really look at it – what’s missing, what works beautifully, and what’s just taking up space? Photograph, measure and plan. When something catches your eye in a shop, ask yourself: “Does this add to the story, or distract from…

BOOST YOUR BREAKFAST Sunny additions to the table to set up brunch with style HOMESTYLE LOVES! SUNSEEKERS Our favourite things to make dark mornings feel brighter START YOUR DAY RIGHT HOME SPA Boost your mood with calming self-care HOMESTYLE LOVES! SOFA SEASON Cosy up with cushions, throws and a cuppa ENJOY A MOO-VIE! INDOOR GARDEN Invest in a few new house plants and feel the vibe shift POT IT LIKE IT’S HOT SLEEP SANCTUARY Calming colours and curated accessories will help to maximise rest HOMESTYLE LOVES! HALL AND ORDER Kit out your space, ready for rambles and rain showers HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

GOLD ADDS EXTRA GLAM…

TOTAL £15,272 About me I’m Valentina Gross and I live here with my daughter, Astrid, 13, and son Diego, nine. Our home is a detached 1940s house in Weybridge, Surrey, and we moved here in July 2020. BEFORE My problem kitchen The decor was bland, and the dining room was separate from the kitchen. It felt much more inclusive to combine the two spaces so we could be together as a family and socialise more easily with guests. How I made it work I knocked through to create a kitchen-diner, but the existing white kitchen was in good condition, so it was remodelled to suit the space. I created a breakfast bar and a bank of floor-to-ceiling cupboards at the back of the space, which was sprayed bright yellow. My…

Lynsey Crombie, AKA the Queen of Clean, is a TV presenter, mum, homecare guru and author of four bestselling books, including The 15-Minute Clean (£14.99, Headline Home). Find Lynsey on Instagram @lynsey_queenofclean 1. Streamline your routine The 15-minute clean routine is simple. It involves putting 15 minutes aside every day to tackle different areas of the home, in three consecutive five-minute blocks. Lynsey Crombie developed the routine aged 24, as a busy single mum of twins, after finding that she could pop her babies into the playpen for 15 minutes while she quickly whipped round and freshened up her home. ‘Fifteen minutes is short enough to feel manageable, yet long enough to make a noticeable difference,’ says Lynsey. ‘Most people don’t want to spend hours on housework, but short bursts…

3-portion health grill and panini press, £24.99, Tower To use this grill, you simply plug in and it automatically starts to heat up. It was ready in just 3 minutes. It only has one temperature setting; more options would be helpful, especially as it wasn’t that hot. It comes with three recipes: a grilled veg panini; a bacon, pear and brie panini; and grilled halloumi skewers. I used it to make paninis, toasties and grilled veg. While this is called a 3-portion grill, it is only big enough to make one filled panini at a time. The sandwiches turned out well, but took longer than expected – it took 7-10 minutes to cook a mozzarella, tomato and basil panini, but it was worth the wait! The cheese was all melted…

‘It’s not just about decoration, it’s about the feeling it gives you,’ says Laura Hamilton, when asked what she loves about wallpaper. And as someone with 20 property renovations under her belt, she’s certainly speaking from experience. For her new ‘Style at Home with Laura’ curated collection, she’s hand-picked a selection of I Love Wallpaper designs that reflect her trademark style and evoke special memories. ‘Decorating should tell your story,’ says Laura, and here she shares hers. Congratulations on your collection! How did you select the wallpaper, and what inspired your choices? Thank you! Honestly, I’ve been inspired so much by my travels. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see so many different places and properties, and I always notice the little details: the textures on old buildings,…

From the latest releases to inspiring collabs, here’s what we’re loving this month… HomeStyle loves… The chair edit DFS has added a trio of stunning new accent chairs to its range, in three modern-retro shapes. Got an overlooked corner or ‘dead zone’ that’s proving tricky? The right chair can turn it into a cosy, inviting nook. The new models are Amalie – a wooden tub frame paired with ivory bouclé; Rayna – an Art Deco-inspired swivel chair in black bouclé; and the mid-century modern Minka (shown above) upholstered in ‘Minka Moss’ – a cosy chenille – in a classic olive green. dfs.co.uk HomeStyle loves… A caring cause The latest Made by Care collection has arrived – a vibrant new chapter in the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, which…

TRENDING METALLIC FINISH NEXT House Llewelyn-Bowen Indulge in an opulent collection from design legend, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Style idea Distressed finishes give an antique feel Get the look Treat yourself to a fantasy interior with luxurious designs from the godfather of maximalism. Use Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s latest line to add delicious drama to your existing schemes, or to help inspire a new look. Make your take feel modern by pairing these antique-style pieces with simple, Scandi furniture. Laurence says of this collection: ‘My quest has always been to provide design that intrigues, excites and continues to fizz in the corner of your room like the unstoppable bubbles in a gorgeous coupe of Champagne.’ Cheers to that, we say! Get the look Breathe new life into your space with a scheme that reimagines…

We’ve all been there: full of big ideas for a makeover, but we get to the nitty-gritty and problems start to appear. When it comes to paint colours, one brand’s ‘Forest Green’ may be another’s ‘Olive’, making it hard to know where to start. Creating a moodboard is the best way to get a true sense of how all the elements of your new look will come together. A clear vision Moodboards take your ideas and make them tangible. You might have an inkling that blue velvet will look great with mustard walls, but seeing fabric samples and paint swatches together on a moodboard will let you know for sure. It’ll also help you to share your vision with the other people in your home, and any trades you need…

Welcome to my home A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Tamzin McGillen, an interior stylist and content creator, @tamzinmcgillen. I live here with my husband, Donovan, a software engineer, our two children, aged six and four, and our Jack Russell, Monty. WHERE I LIVE My home is a four-bedroom house, built in 1999, in north Bristol. We moved here in February 2021. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE When we moved in, the house was entirely white, grey and black. I set out to change everything, adding in more colour and pattern. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We started in the kitchen, which was our first big job. We painted the units a lovely bright blue, added patterned tiles and changed the cabinet handles. It made it feel brand new and…

TOP TIP Emily’s shades are purely decorative, but if you’d like to add light bulbs, choose USB rechargeable bulbs, which come with a remote control for ease of use YOU WILL NEED • 3 scalloped bell lampshade frames or old lampshades • paper • masking tape • pins • pen • scissors • selection of fabrics in a ditsy print • hot glue gun and glue sticks • braid • ribbon INSTRUCTIONS 1 If you’re re-covering an old lampshade, instead of using a new wire frame, begin by carefully removing the old fabric and trim to reveal the bare wire frame. Take a piece of paper and lay it over one panel of your shade. Use tape or pins to secure it around the frame. Next, using a pen, draw…

Best for… small kitchens ‘To achieve a sophisticated, traditional look in a small space, blend period styling with classic country charm and an elegant modern twist. A hallmark of the Downton Abbey kitchen is the warm gleam of copper and brass, so hang copper pans on an antique brass rail, ideal for smaller kitchens where storage space may be lacking. Use downlighter wall lamps with a dimmable setting to enhance the cosy feel and slim down the sink area with a monobloc tap. Antique finishes bring a vintage vibe and timeless character that suits any home, from modern new-build to country cottage.’ Paul Bangs, category director of kitchens & bathrooms, Wickes Best for… galley kitchens ‘Tactile natural wood styles add warmth and a touch of understated elegance to a galley…

COMES IN 18 COLOURS 'I found the brightest yellow to transform my space' Style idea Add some houseplants to soften a bold scheme 3 OF A KIND… CRACKING EGG CUPS ADD A POP OF COLOUR…

Nutritious dinners to boost your vitamin D and B12 levels Monday QUICK SAUSAGE AND MUSHROOM STROGANOFF TO PREP 5 minutes TO COOK 20 minutes SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 8 pork sausages • 1 x 485g pack vitamin D chestnut mushrooms, sliced • 300g long-grain rice • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 x 200g pot reduced-fat soured cream and chive dip • ½ reduced-salt chicken stock cube, made up to 100ml • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 320g frozen peas • 10g fresh parsley, chopped METHOD 1 Heat the oil in a deep, non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Squeeze the sausages out of the skins and break the meat up in the pan – discard the skins. Fry for 5 minutes, until golden. Add the mushrooms…