Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i HomeStyle

October is when my instinct to nest really kicks in. In my home, that means baskets full of colourful blankets, fluffy rugs and stringing the fairy lights around the banisters. While it’s a little early to being feeling festive, I love the cosy glow fairy lights bring on a dull day! We’ve packed this issue with ideas to help you cosy up your home for less. Bring the feel-good factor with this season’s trending shade (p12), try our 12 autumnal updates for maximum impact with minimum effort (p56) and shop the best new homewares for less with our 101 hand-picked buys under £21 (p69). This month, we’re also turning the spotlight on timeless interior trends: 21 pro designers share their go-to tips for choosing your signature style and decorating to…

Last year we fell in love with burgundy – on our walls and in our wardrobes – and this year it’s been given a playful update to a rich, cherry red. The shade boasts both a modern and retro feel, with curvaceous statement furniture creating focal points in any room of the house. Decorating with this colour will bring energy and warmth. Use it in your home with confidence by pairing with other shades of red for a bold enveloping scheme. Or, for a more subtle approach, look for cherry motifs to welcome the trend with simple accessories. Adopt this warming hue in a colour-drenching style for maximum, modern impact. Walls, floors, furniture and textiles in this on-trend colour create an instant, cocooning feel that’s perfect for this time of…

For a medium-sized living room, most people opt for a wood burner with a heat output of 5-8kW. As a rough guide, calculate the volume of your space in cubic metres and divide by 12. All wood-burning stoves must be Ecodesign compliant, as new regulations came into effect in 2022 to reduce harmful emissions. Your hearth needs to be able to withstand high temperatures. Slate, granite, natural stone and porcelain are all good options for a heat-resistant base. If you’re tiling, check the tiles are suitable before you buy. Always use a HETAS-certified installer to install a steel flue liner and fit your stove. Once installed, for safety, your chimney should be swept every year, otherwise your warranty may be invalid. It’s essential to use seasoned or kiln-dried logs as…

Style idea Experiment with accessories in bold shades first, if you are not so colour-confident SIT IN LUXURY 'I've added hot pink throughout my home it's my favourite colour' 3 OF A KIND… FLORAL WALLPAPERS…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Lesley Ritchie, a nurse specialising in tuberculosis management. I live here with my husband, Craig, and younger daughters Rachael, 27, and Zara, 22. My eldest daughter, Natalie, 29, lives nearby with our granddaughter, Lyra. I share more of my home on Instagram @my_colourfulscottish_home. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a four-bedroom house in Lanark, Scotland, which we moved into as a new-build in 2006. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE It worked well for us as a family for many years, but as our daughters grew up our needs changed. My sister and her family returned from Hong Kong, my parents moved closer, and we knew we wanted our kitchen to be a more sociable space. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We added an extension…

TOP TIP Leopard print fabric comes in many colours and styles, so you don’t have to stick with the classic brown and beige shades if they aren’t to your taste YOU WILL NEED • tape measure • dressmaker’s scissors • 0.5m leopard print fabric (W142cm) • iron • sewing machine • thread • 32 x 52cm cushion pad • pencil INSTRUCTIONS Cut one piece of fabric for the cushion front measuring W35 x L55cm, and two pieces of fabric for the back, each measuring W35 x L38cm. Sew a 1cm seam along the pressed edges of both back pieces. These back pieces will overlap each other. Ensure that all the outside edges of the front and back pieces are neatly lined up, then pin them together around the outer edge.…

HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

COMFY & COSY 'A recent trip to Marrakech was the inspiration for my bedroom scheme' Style idea A rattan headboard is the ideal way of bringing in natural elements 3 OF A KIND… CUSHION COVERS…

MARY LONG-DHONAU Property flood resilience champion at Flood Mary LEIGH BARNES Garden expert at Jacksons Fencing PROFESSOR LUCY EASTHOPE Expert and adviser on emergency planning JULIAN PALPHRAMAND Head of plants at British Garden Centres Q What flood defences should I have ready? Mary Long-Dhonau OBE – also known as Flood Mary – is a property flood resilience champion with 25 years’ experience supporting communities to prepare for and recover from flooding. She says… ‘Before thinking about specific defences, the most important thing you can do is make a plan. Floods happen quickly, so knowing exactly what to do and in what order can make a big difference. I always suggest creating a Flood To-Do List. It’s a practical way to stay calm and act fast when a warning comes. Next,…

HOW TO… clean and check your radiators Built-up dust and debris can significantly affect your radiator’s performance, making it harder for heat to escape into the room. Follow these steps and give your rads a regular clean – it can make a noticeable difference come winter! This prevents burns and stops the warm air from circulating dust as you clean. Pay particular attention to the top grille, where dust builds up quickly. For a quicker method, a hairdryer on a cool setting can blow out trapped dust. Dry everything thoroughly with a clean towel to avoid rust or watermarks. Put a bowl or cloth beneath the bleed valve, then turn the valve with a radiator key until you hear a hiss – when water trickles out steadily, the air is…

Monday HOT SMOKED SALMON, BEETROOT AND LENTIL SALAD PREP TIME 15 minutes COOK TIME 10 minutes SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS • 300g raw beetroot (or 330g ready-cooked beetroot) • 3 tbsp olive • oil salt and pepper • 1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp runny honey • ½ tsp salt • 250g cooked Puy lentils • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced • 40g watercress • 180g hot smoked salmon, flaked For the horseradish dressing • 3 tbsp Greek-style natural yoghurt • 1 tbsp hot horseradish sauce • 1 tbsp dill, chopped • salt and pepper METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. Trim and peel the beetroot and then cut into slim wedges. Toss with 1 tbsp of the olive oil,…

CROSSWORD Solve the clues then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to find the mystery word (8) CHECK HOW WELL YOU DID the answers are on page 113 ACROSS 1 Cruel or vindictive (7) 5 Navigation tool (7) 9 Cuban dance (5) 10 Every other (9) 11 Debt note (1,1,1) 12 Teenager (5) 13 Japanese fish dish (5) 14 Item (5) 16 Walk with a limp (6) 18 Lunatic (6) 19 Egyptian city (5) 22 Superior group (5) 24 Connected metal links (5) 26 Short-lived craze (3) 27 Unreadable (9) 29 Home of The Great Wall (5) 30 Resident of Newcastle, like the singer, pictured (7) 31 Voice an objection (7) DOWN 1 Judicial result (7) 2 Christian ritual (9) 3 Reproductive organ (5) 4 Carved figure (6) 5 Simple throwing game (5) 6 Spoil (3) 7 Collect (5) 8 Germ-free (7) 13 Reel of yarn (5) 15 Vine fruit (5) 17 Place to buy theatre…

CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1 Vicious, 5 Compass, 9 Rumba, 10 Alternate, 11 I.O.U., 12 Youth, 13 Sushi, 14 Thing, 16 Hobble, 18 Maniac, 19 Luxor, 22 Elite, 24 Chain, 26 Fad, 27 Illegible, 29 China, 30 Geordie, 31 Protest. DOWN: 1 Verdict, 2 Communion, 3 Ovary, 4 Statue, 5 Catch, 6 Mar, 7 Amass, 8 Sterile, 13 Spool, 15 Grape, 17 Box office, 18 Meeting, 20 Radiant, 21 Make-up, 23 Igloo, 24 Cable, 25 Nacho, 28 God. MYSTERY WORD: CLEANING WORD SCRAMBLE There are more than 25 well-known words – anything over 15 is excellent! SUDOKU WORD SEARCH Did you find them all? SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1. The clock is new 2. End hook is missing 3. Radiator pipe colour has changed 4. Towel colour has changed 5. Mug is different…

Growing up, Emma J Shipley was constantly sketching animals and creating imaginary worlds. She studied textiles at the Royal College of Art in London, where she developed her signature fantastical style, and her graduate collection of printed scarves went on to set the tone for her brand, which launched at London Fashion Week in 2012. Drawing inspiration from her travels, mythical influences and her imagination, Emma’s range of homewares and accessories features her striking, maximalist designs. This year, she created Mythica, a special collection of wallpaper and fabric, in partnership with Clarke & Clarke, which features bold new colour palettes, as well as jacquard weaves and embroideries for the first time. She tells HomeStyle how her fantastical world of design found a home in the real world, and why colour…

PAINT THE CEILING TO MATCH HABITAT X MORRIS & CO Vibrant Victoriana Take a fresh look at these classic designs, reimagined in bold new colours Style idea Stand your pillows on edge for a perfectly made bed GET THE LOOK Get a new perspective on Victorian design with this vibrant collection. These days it’s easy to think of these popular patterns as a sensible, uncontroversial option for adding heritage charm to your space. However, these fresh colourways give us an insight into how they would have been viewed when they were first produced – outrageously bold and almost psychedelic. Lean into this radical spirit and layer up patterns with abandon. Then, pick out a couple of colours from those designs and use these as plain bedding or wall paints, to…

'Blending warmth with traditional elements is key to my home's style' Style idea Choose copper, brass or gold for any metallic elements to tone with the theme TIME FOR A NEW LOOK 3 OF A KIND… AUTUMN CANDLES…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Larissa Harrison, an HR director in my fifties. My grown-up daughters, Tazy, 24, and Charlie, 21, are regular visitors. WHERE I LIVE My home is a four-bedroom, 1990s semi-detached house in Bradfield, Berkshire, which I moved into in August 2001. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The downstairs didn’t work as I wanted it to. I love to cook and entertain, and it had always annoyed me that when I was standing at the hob, I was staring at a blank wall, rather than being able to chat to my guests who were on the other side. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN I decided on a wraparound extension, took down internal walls, repurposed rooms which we’d grown out of and added tons of colour and…

TOP TIP If you get any paint on your mirror, remove it with nail polish remover (acetone) or white spirit, or alternatively use your fingernail to gently scratch it off. Fingernails are better than a sharp object as they won't scratch the glass YOU WILL NEED • round mirror with wooden frame • 30mmD wooden half spheres • gold spray paint • gold paint • paintbrush • masking tape • pencil • hot melt glue gun and glue sticks INSTRUCTIONS Place the half spheres on top of the dust sheet and apply two coats of gold spray paint, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. Use light, sweeping strokes when spray painting to ensure an even, drip-free coverage. Then, use a small paintbrush to carefully apply two coats of…

Freestanding screens below ceiling height are effective as they help to create a sense of separation but still maintain a feeling of airiness. Look out for interesting textures, such as willow or bamboo, and slatted wood is very popular. Or, try adding colour or pattern onto a flat screen with paint or wallpaper, and you could also hang artwork on them for extra interest too. If you use shelving to divide a room, remember that what you display has to work well on both sides. Baskets can provide useful storage, but books can be tricky to display pleasingly. Beautiful objects such as ceramics or sculptures will work from any angle, as can a double-sided photo frame. Consider incorporating glass bricks, or stained or frosted glass, as a feature that also…

1 Relax into lounge luxe Treat yourself to glamorous comfort with this season’s take on retro style. The seventies’ look has already been a huge hit on the high-street, but this autumn its less boho, more Soho. We’re seeing an uptick in designs inspired by the slinkiest bars – with enveloping upholstery and glowing metallics. Bring the look home by picking up a velvet accent chair in a deep shade of terracotta or navy. If the budget won't stretch to new furniture, try plump cushions in these shades instead. Then add gold-toned accents, like coasters or lamps. 2 Say it with cushions Let your furnishings do the talking with cheeky designs that add a touch of fun to your living room. Give your space a sense of humour with these playful pieces…

BEE POSITIVE!…

Jo’s bedroom ‘I’ve recently moved house and am renovating it fully. I love colour and pattern and want a bedroom that’s fun. I’m a bit eccentric and would like that to be reflected, but I struggle to do bold design on a budget.’ Jo’s budget is £1,200 and our resident interior designer Rochelle Dalphinis has accepted the challenge! CHAMPAGNE TOTAL £3,784.27 LEMONADE TOTAL £1,131.99 Bold looks on a budget Jo’s inspiration image – Carissa Henderson’s Pattern Party project – combines playful patterns and rich textures. It’s a space full of character and confidence, blending vibrant colours with a cohesive, curated palette. It lifts your mood in the morning and offers cosy comfort at night. Transformative touches: from basic to bespoke To inject texture and eccentric charm without overspending, I’ve suggested…

1 Disinfect the toy cupboard Toys can pick up germs, so regular cleaning prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses, particularly during cold and flu season. A tidy also reduces clutter by clearing out broken, unused, or outgrown toys, making space for the ones your child actually plays with. 2 Remove pet hair from carpets, sofas, stairs, and even car seats, using an electrostatic brush. The soft rubber bristles use electrostatic action to attract hair and reach into corners easily. Simply rinse under the tap to clean and reuse. 3 Clean your toothbrush holder to prevent bacteria and mould from building up inside. It’ll keep your toothbrush dry and fresh, reduce unpleasant odours, and maintain tip top oral hygiene by stopping any germs from spreading.…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Prawn moilee PREP TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS For the prawns ● 250g prawns, heads and shells removed and deveined ● ½ tsp salt ● ½ tsp black pepper ● ¼ tsp ground turmeric ● ½ lime, juiced For the curry ● 1½ tbsp coconut oil ● ½ tsp black mustard seeds ● ½ tsp fenugreek seeds ● 8-10 curry leaves ● 160g red onions, thinly sliced ● 1 tsp ginger paste ● 1 tsp garlic paste ● 1½ tsp salt, to taste ● ½ tsp ground turmeric ● 1 x 400g tin thick coconut milk ● 2 green chillies, stems removed, slit in half lengthways ● 6-8 cherry tomatoes (optional), cut in half METHOD Add the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Once…

A Abigail Ahern abigailahern.comA Bold New Hue aboldnewhue.comAfter Noah afternoah.comAmalia & Co. amaliaandco.co.ukAmazon amazon.co.ukAnnabel James annabeljames.co.ukAnnie Sloan anniesloan.comAO ao.comArgos argos.co.ukAtkin & Thyme atkinandthyme.co.ukAtkinson & Kirby akirby.co.ukA Wood Idea awoodidea.co.uk B B&M bmstores.co.ukB&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.comBarker & Stonehouse barkerandstonehouse.co.ukBean & Bemble beanandbemble.comBeanbag Bazaar beanbagbazaar.co.ukBeliani beliani.co.ukBenjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.ukBen Simpson Furniture bensimpsonfurniture.combenuta benuta.co.ukBlinds 2go blinds-2go.co.ukBobbi Beck bobbibeck.comBohemia bohemiadesign.co.ukThe Boutique Handle Co boutiquehandleco.comThe Braided Rug Company braided-rug.co.uk C Candlemeleon candlemeleon.comCasa by JJ casabyjj.comChristy christy.co.ukClarke & Clarke clarke-clarke.sandersondesigngroup.comClick Style clickstyle.co.ukCooks Professional cooksprofessional.co.ukCornishware cornishware.co.ukThe Cotswold Company cotswoldco.comCotterell & Co cotterellandco.comCotton Traders cottontraders.comCox & Cox coxandcox.co.ukCrown Paints crownpaints.co.ukCult Furniture cultfurniture.com D daals daals.co.ukDanetti danetti.comdär lighting darlighting.co.ukDarthome darthome.co.ukDecathlon decathlon.co.ukDesenio desenio.co.ukDFS 0800 110 5000 dfs.co.ukDobbies dobbies.comDowsing & Reynolds dowsingandreynolds.comDualit dualit.comDulux dulux.co.ukDunelm dunelm.comDUSK dusk.comDust Shack dustshack.co.uk E Earthborn earthbornpaints.co.ukEarthkind earthkind.co.ukelho elho.comEnamelhappy enamelhappy.co.ukEnglish Blinds englishblinds.co.ukEtsy etsy.com/uk F Fable & Mirth fableandmirth.comFarrow &…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Siobhán Gregory, 35, a science teacher, and I live with my husband, Glenn, 35, a plant manager. You can see more of my home on Instagram @green_is_my_neutral. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a two-bedroom 1930s semi-detached railway workers’ house in Matlock, Derbyshire, which we bought in July 2017. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The decor was bland with lots of white lining paper and brown carpets. We knew we’d need to save to transform the mouldy bathroom, and we also hated the black kitchen floor, which was badly damaged. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN Warm colour palettes, vintage mirrors, and homely furniture give a classic feel with rustic elements like exposed brick and a wood-burning stove. At the same time, bold colours and…

TOP TIP When deciding on a wood stain, buy samples first and test the colour on an offcut. This way you can ensure you like the finish before painting the surround YOU WILL NEED • tape measure • pencil • jigsaw • L3000mm x D27mm x W144mm finished planed softwood PAR timber • L1000mm x D44mm x W144mm finished planed softwood PAR timber • four 97 x 35mm jointing plates • screws • palm sander • combi drill • wood filler • natural oak interior wood varnish • paintbrush • grab adhesive (optional) • wall plugs (optional) • plasterboard fixings (optional) INSTRUCTIONS To make the central brace piece, measure and mark one 500mm length of 27 x 144mm timber. Sand any rough cut edges smooth using a palm sander. Place…

Measure the space and decide what you intend to use it for. Put the accent on key features, such as a window. If it’s an awkward space, think about bespoke seating by a carpenter. It’s often cheaper than you think it’s going to be and can be used for extra storage if you plan ahead. For a small bay window, go for an unfussy approach with separate blinds rather than curtains, and keep to a neutral colour to allow the rest of the scheme to pop. Add colour with the soft furnishings and cushions. Stripes are a great option, and you can then highlight the colours in the accessories. A rug always softens a scheme and a low coffee table gives you somewhere for drinks and books. Add extra seating…

We all want our homes to look and feel full of character and personality, but when it comes to choosing a signature style, it can be tricky to commit. After all, you don’t want to be redecorating every couple of years. So, how do you design a space with style that’ll last? We asked 21 interior designers for their top tips for achieving a timeless finish. 1 Characterful traits ‘It’s hard to design a home that never dates, but you can reduce the risk with a few smart choices. Start with timeless materials like wooden floors and stone worktops, and keep walls and furnishings neutral. That gives you a solid base to layer in threads when you love them. Mixing old and new pieces adds character and longevity, but honestly, design…

FANCY A SPOT OF COFFEE?…

TOTAL £2,261 My problem bedroom The room was yellow and spotty – not my taste at all! I wanted to introduce muted earthy colours inspired by a recent trip to Morocco, to create a calming and serene ambience. I also needed ample storage to keep the room tidy and organised. How I made it work My first port of call was IKEA for furniture. I invested in a tall wardrobe to take advantage of the high ceilings and added leather strap handles, then bought two chests of drawers and laid a wood laminate worktop on top to create a large dressing table. With storage sorted, I chose earthy pink tones, with lots of raffia and rustic wooden details. My favourite part It’s got to be my lampshade, which I carried…

Best for thick glazing I tried this window cleaner on my double glazing and was really impressed – it was so much faster than doing both sides separately and the pointed design was good for getting getting into all the corners, leaving the glass streak-free. I also liked that it had a built-in sponge. As it’s suitable for thicker glazing (up to 30mm), the magnet is very strong, which means that separating the halves can be tricky. It took a little practice to get the hang of using it, and you do have to be careful with the magnets, but overall, it’s a really clever tool that can save time and effort. Best value I was a bit sceptical at first, but this magnetic window cleaner really works! It’s suitable…