Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i Ideal Home

When it comes to my home, how it feels really is as much a priority as how it looks. Creating a sensory space – making sure my home appeals to all the senses – probably lies at the heart of all my decorating decisions. My home is where I decompress and unwind, and I need it to feel like a relaxing haven. For me, lighting, scent and texture are my non-negotiables, but there may be a different combo of senses that works better for you. Incorporating sensory elements is much easier than you think (you’re probably already doing it to some degree) – if you want some help getting started our feature on page 160 lists five ways to create spaces that appeal to all the senses. Play around to…

STYLE DIRECTION“This fresh take on the 70s vibe has a clean, minimalist aesthetic; keep clutter to a minimum, focusing on natural materials and plants"HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PICK AN EARTHY PALETTE No garish clashing here – this palette is rich, refined and grounding. Mix warm shades of terracotta, tobacco and chocolate with retro greens, such as avocado and moss, adding touches of teal and saffron. Balance these with wood panelling and just a few metallic accents to prevent the look feeling dated. PLAY WITH PATTERN AND TEXTURE Be fearless when it comes to mixing patterns; a bold floral looks fab paired with linear geometrics, but give them space to breathe. Layer up plush fabrics and finishes, from deep-pile rugs to chunky corduroy upholstery, and velvet cushions. These spaces should feel like…

MEET THE EXPERTS ABIGAIL AHERN, DESIGNER, AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF ABIGAIL AHERN ‘Every single room has my cosy-core lens over it, so as I transition from room to room, it feeds into my well-being.’ BETHAN JOHN, BRAND DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH BLANKET COMPANY ‘It’s about layering with texture, warmth and personality so a home feels lived in and loved.’ CLAIRE HORN, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT NKUKU ‘Cosiness can be created with rugs, textured fabrics and natural elements like flowers or greenery.’ Who doesn’t love a cosy space to retreat to at this time of year? A place to hibernate from the outside world… but if your home isn’t hitting the mark, how can you turn up the cosy factor? We asked two designers and a blanket expert to share their tips.…

1. INCLUDE CURVES In a scheme where less is more, curved furniture pieces can create a feeling of softness and elegance. Whether it’s rounded sofas or side tables, these curves will help evoke a harmonious feel for a room that’s perfectly designed for relaxing in. 2. MAKE IT OVERSIZED Including soft textures such as rugs can instantly make your room feel cosy, so opt for an oversized design that spells luxury. It should be large enough that it doesn’t just cover the flooring in front of your furniture, but goes generously underneath it, too. 3. CHOOSE LUXE MATERIALS This trend is all about luxury, so make sure your large items of furniture and key accessories whisper sophistication and high quality. Marble, velvet, bouclé and leather will all work well to…

KITCHEN NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Hannah Gravett, a civil servant, her husband and their son live in this Victorian terrace in Penge, south-east London, along with their two cats. They’ve lived here since 2004. THE PROJECT A full kitchen extension and renovation that brought light, colour and clever design to the rear of the home. TOTAL COST £65,000 After living in their Victorian terrace in Penge for nearly 20 years, Hannah Gravett knew it was finally time to tackle the kitchen. ‘It had the classic long galley layout, with a tired lean-to bathroom tacked on the back,’ she says. ‘It was narrow, damp and not a space we ever wanted to spend much time in.’ They had done a temporary spruce-up years earlier — a coat of paint, some wallpaper…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Susie Thomson, an NHS service manager, her husband, David, who has retired due to disability, and their son, David, 18; Maya, 22, has left home. THE PROPERTY A detached four-bedroom Georgian former mill house in the Scottish Borders. 1 “Plants bring a room to life” ‘I wanted to create a rustic French farmhouse feel in the open-plan family room, so the key pieces here are second hand. The antique cabinet belonged to my parents, while houseplants brighten the space, particularly in the winter.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Kimpton sideboard in Natural, £1,050, Garden Trading, is similar. Try Wimborne two-seater sofa, £1,259, DFS. Try Carina washable rug 6960 in Blue, from £30, B&Q 2 “A quick fix isn’t always best” ‘We planned to replace the cabinet…

Porches don’t just add a thoughtful design flourish to a home – they provide a lovely in-between area, protecting waiting visitors and keeping us and our belongings dry as we hunt for our keys. We’ve spoken to several design experts to get the low down on what to consider when adding a porch… WHAT TYPES ARE THERE? When choosing the perfect porch for your home, finding the right design is the first and most essential step in the process. The material you pick (for example, PVC, wood or metal), its size and shape will all influence whether you can build the porch yourself or not. ‘There are essentially three types of porch: canopy porches, open porches and enclosed porches,’ says David Sutton, owner of The English Porch Company. ‘You can…

Make sure you’re not at risk of invalidating your HOME INSURANCE by turning to page 139; check out our buying guides on SAUCEPAN SETS and CARPET CLEANERS on pages 140 and 142 respectively; skip to page 144 to find out how SMART HOME tech can save you money on your energy bills; while page 145 has a list of MONEY-SAVING must-dos for first-time buyers; and if your BATHROOM is in need of a good TIDY, head to page 147 for some top tips……

"For best results after cleaning, ensure the carpet has dried properly before you move any furniture back"LAUREN BRADBURYCONTENT EDITOR BEFORE YOU BUY ■ When searching for a carpet cleaner, ask yourself what you want to use it for. If you only want to wash flat carpets, then you probably won’t need one that comes with a range of hand tools. But if you’d like the option to clean things like upholstery and pet beds, or if you have carpeted stairs, then opt for a machine that has a selection of hand tools, such as a scrubbing brush. ■ Carpet cleaners typically have two separate tanks – one for water mixed with the cleaning solution, and the other for dirty water extracted from the carpet. The larger the tank, the longer you…

Even though it’s often the smallest room in our homes, the bathroom can quickly become one of the most cluttered and disorganised, especially when it’s shared by several family members. So, knowing how to organise your bathroom can go a long way to making a more serene space that you’ll actually want to spend time in. ‘Organisation is key for your bathroom to ensure your morning and evening routines run smoothly,’ says Warren Kinloch, in-house bathroom expert at Bathroom Deal. ‘Many people don’t prioritise it, but an organised bathroom can be a strong catalyst for a successful start and end to the day.’ Read on to discover clever tips on how to perfect your bathroom. Declutter… and be ruthless! When wondering how to better organise your bathroom, your first port…

Houseplants can really brighten up the colder months, but the shorter, darker days mean you might encounter a few troublesome issues relating to their health along the way. Even the most robust indoor plants can struggle in winter, that’s why learning how to spot problems before they worsen and adjust your care accordingly can help save your plants. ‘Whether you’re caring for a delicate orchid, a modern peace lily or the ever-popular snake plant, giving your houseplants a little extra attention in winter will help them thrive, despite the drop in light levels and temperature,’ says Rob Clarke, Westland’s technical manager. With the help of our most trusted houseplant experts, we’ve put together a guide to the most common winter houseplant problems, with tips for tackling them before it’s too…

The latest home décor trends often focus on the way a space looks, however, a new school of thought for interior design is considering how a space also makes you feel. It’s known as sensory design and is an inclusive approach to interiors that looks beyond appearance and aesthetics. Unlike other decorating trends, sensory design considers how a room impacts all five conscious senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste), and subconscious senses, like temperature, body awareness and emotional processing. The easiest way to integrate this new approach into the home as a starting point is through a sensory nook, carved out of the corner of a bedroom or living room. However, these principles can apply to the whole home, even the kitchen, to create a space that you can…

YOU WILL NEED ● A jar with a neck large enough to pass your mini plants through ● A selection of slow-growing plants, eg ferns, succulents and cacti ● Gravel ● Garden earth or terrarium soil ● Sustainably sourced moss While glass jars are easily recycled, you can also put them to use as a cute mini terrarium. Once clean and dry, fill the base of your jar with a thin layer of gravel; this allows for some drainage so your plant roots aren’t sitting in water. Next, add a layer of soil. Plant your greenery, then cover any exposed soil with a layer of moss. Pop on the lid. Take it off to mist with water when the soil looks dry.…

For too many, a bedroom can be overlooked when dishing out décor TLC. As it’s a room that visitors never see, it’s often low on the priority list when redecorating. If this sounds all too familiar, take this as your cue to change that sad pattern and make your bedroom a space that you look forward to settling down in at the end of the day. Start by finding a look that you love for the room. In this booklet, we’ve covered four super stylish bedroom schemes to help inspire you, as well as a host of key storage buys and bedroom essentials that will offer you the building blocks you’ll need to transform your space. Our handy bedroom design guide covers the must-have design elements with plenty of expert…

“The modern luxe look effortlessly elevates the ambience of your bedroom, so embrace rich colours and golden lighting”HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | THE PALETTE | Modern luxe THE FABRIC Velour fabric in Grape, £31.50m, Prestigious Textiles at Jane Clayton & Co THE WALLPAPER Galerie jute wallpaper, £46.95 a roll, John Lewis THE PAINT Olive wall paint, £55.95 for 2.5ltr, Annie Sloan THE FLOORING Skanor natural Dark Brown Oak solid wood flooring, £55sq m, GoodHome at B&Q…

“Have fun with this look and get creative – combine a variety of textures together in one space to add depth and visual appeal”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR | THE PALETTE | Textured neutrals THE FABRIC Hikari in Slate, £44m, Scion THE WALLPAPER Calacatta marble bead in Champagne, £80 a roll, Wallpaper Direct THE PAINT Absolute matt emulsion in Isabel’s Bloom, £45 for 2.5ltr, Claybrook Studio THE FLOORING Sisal Herringbone Holbury carpet, £58.45sq m, Alternative Flooring…

Sleep is so important for our physical and mental wellbeing, and just one night of poor-quality rest can affect productivity, stress levels and mood. We know how frustrating it can be to spend the night tossing and turning in bed, desperately trying to fall asleep. If this sounds like you, then give these tips a try. They’re easy to put into practice, expert-approved and can help you wave goodbye to sleepless nights for good. 1 LET LIGHT IN Sunlight helps reset our body clock. In fact, just 10 minutes of natural daylight in the morning can keep your sleep schedule on track, promoting a healthy circadian rhythm. In the winter months, sleep with open blinds to rise with the sun. Or invest in a sunrise alarm clock to feel the…

SURPRISE IN STORE Seasonal swaps Nobody would blame you for popping a few George Home buys in your shopping trolley this week – we’ve seen the irresistible pieces for ourselves and they’re impossible to leave on the shelf! For us, it’s the Autumn Revival collection that feels just right. It’s bursting with primary colours – rich red, yellow and blue – as well as mossy green. Leaning into vintage style, it has added nostalgia and joy, too. Stock up on seasonal cushions (the toadstool motifs are adorable) and cosy up the bedroom with the bold, Retro Floral bed linen. IH LOVES... Terracotta tones What to do this month... READ Plastic is everywhere we look, but according to Kate Jones, founder of The Natural Living Shop and creator of @my_plastic_free_home, there’s…

What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘Indigo is not quite as bold as navy: a hint of grey or purple gives it a classic, yet contemporary, feel. This colour works particularly well in period properties – its inkiness brings warmth, while it still has a cool undertone that suits large surfaces.’ SOPHIE SMITH, FOUNDER, ZHOOSH PAINTS ‘Indigo is a rich and grounding hue that will instantly elevate a room. Whether used on the walls, floors, or through carefully chosen accents, indigo evokes sophisticated calm. Pair with warm woods, crisp whites, and natural textures.’ EMMA BESTLEY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER, YESCOLOURS ‘Opulent and luxurious, deep indigo shades bring depth and drama to maximalist designs, effortlessly pairing with metallic accents and rich textures. For a more serene atmosphere,…

I’m available as a mattress bed and box bed, too…

WHERE TO BUY I also come in a navy blue finish and have matching dining chairs, too…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Sophie Brennan, a finance director, and her husband Carl, a pilot, their son Jack, 13, and their two daughters, Eliza, 10, and Lulu, eight. THE PROPERTY Detached, five-bedroom 1930s house in West Hampstead, north-west London. It was the impressive lateral space that drew Sophie and Carl to this 1930s house in Queen’s Park, north-west London. The couple had outgrown their small terraced house and were expecting their third child when they embarked on their property hunt. HOW DID YOU FIND THIS HOUSE? ‘We lived nearby for many years but as our family grew we needed more space, so when this came on the market we instantly saw the potential. It had a special feeling even before the renovations,’ says Sophie. ‘The house had an old…

Kitchen design should always be tailored to your needs, but there are some lighting rules worth taking note of to ensure that your space is both stylish and practical. ‘In a kitchen, where you want to transition from a bright environment during the day to a softer, atmospheric space at night, it is essential to create a flexible scheme,’ advises Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting. Unsure where to begin? We asked some top lighting experts for the rules they always follow. 1 INCORPORATE LAYERS Using various light sources to create a layered effect will ensure that the space is adaptable to levels of natural light and the activity that happens in the room. ‘Don’t just use downlights. By layering light you will add more interest and impact,’…

■ PREPARE YOUR LAWN FOR WINTER Schedule in your final mow of the year before temperatures drop and the first frosts arrive (check on a weather app and plan ahead if you don’t know when this might be). It’s also advisable to aerate your lawn to reduce waterlogging over the winter. Finish by feeding your lawn using a winter-specific fertiliser. ■ REFRESH YOUR BORDERS November is an ideal time to revamp borders by rearranging perennials. Lift the plants onto some newspaper on the lawn – don’t let the roots dry out. Place the plants on the soil in their new positions, taking care that taller plants are towards the back. Replant them, weeding as you go and lifting any self-sown seedlings to move elsewhere if you wish. Water in well,…

Overwintering is the act of seeing a plant, usually one that’s tender or less hardy, over the winter. ‘This could mean protecting tender plants such as ferns or palms with horticultural fleece in situ, or it could mean bringing some of your plants into a greenhouse or conservatory,’ says Rob Grayson, head of plant distribution at Hillier Garden Centres. ‘Plants in pots are more at risk from the cold as the entire root zone in the pot can freeze.’ DO IT IN AMPLE TIME ‘Don’t wait until the first frost arrives, as it will be too late by then,’ Rob warns. Check when the first frost is predicted to arrive in your area, via the Met Office, Accuweather or plantmaps.com. ‘Before this, tender plants should either be cut back, lifted…

As the days cool and evenings draw in, the urge to surround yourself with cosier décor takes hold, so to help you add those necessary touches to your scheme, we’re delighted to offer you an exclusive 25% off purchases at Garden Trading this month*. SEASONAL STYLING In the colder months, our homes become a sanctuary. Garden Trading’s latest collection is crafted with this in mind - inviting textures, soft neutrals, and warm ambient lighting, all designed to help you slow down and savour the season. From upholstered furniture to tactile bouclé cushions and throws, every piece blends style with practicality in a way that feels effortless. Whether you’re hosting, hibernating, or simply refreshing a room, these considered designs enrich your everyday living, both indoors and out. TIMELESS CLASSICS Beautifully made…

Double mushroom burger with Gorgonzola and pickled red cabbage SERVES 4 READY IN 35 MINS ● 1 red onion, thinly sliced ● 5tbsp olive oil ● 8 large flat mushrooms, stems removed ● 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ● 50g butter ● Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped ● 100g Gorgonzola, chopped or crumbled (picante or dolce) TO SERVE ● Small red cabbage, very thinly sliced (or 100g pickled red cabbage, drained) ● 2tbsp red wine vinegar ● 1tbsp sugar ● 4 burger, brioche or ciabatta buns ● 4tbsp aioli or mustard mayonnaise ● Big handful of watercress ● 4tbsp crispy fried onions ● Hot sauce, to taste 1 Rub a big pinch of salt into the red cabbage and leave for 5 mins. Stir through the vinegar and sugar…

The ‘perfect’ bedroom will look different to everyone, but our environment and surroundings play a huge role in the quality of our rest. If you want to transform your space into a comfortable environment that not only looks good, but also helps you to truly relax, then there are a few basic design elements to consider. Not sure where to begin? We’ve asked the experts for all their top tips and advice… 1 EMBRACE SLEEP COLOURS Believe it or not, the colours we use in our bedroom have a direct impact on the way we sleep. So, it is important to incorporate shades known to aid sleep quality. ‘Choosing colours that soothe the nervous system, such as rich jewel tones or hues inspired by nature – such as soft greens…

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“Cottagecore is all about unwinding and slowing down – the soft subtleties of this look lend themselves naturally to the bedroom”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR | THE PALETTE | Classic Cottagecore THE FABRIC Summerby cotton fabric, £104m, Colefax and Fowler THE WALLPAPER Gingham wallpaper in Duck Blue, £60 a roll, Sanderson at Jane Clayton THE PAINT Dayroom Yellow estate emulsion, £57.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball THE FLOORING Wells Acacia, from £31.99sq m, Karndean…

“Be sure to balance the natural and light materials with soft, inviting textures to keep the overall feel cosy and calming”MADDIE BALCOMBE, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT | THE PALETTE | Smart Scandi THE FABRIC Bouclé Andes fabric in Ivory by Warwick, £32m, Jane Clayton & Co THE WALLPAPER Panacea Wood Slats wallpaper, Natural Belgravia 1162, £14.98 a roll, B&Q THE PAINT Serene Pink matt paint, £48 for 2ltr, YesColours THE FLOORING Whitbeck Grey carpet, £60sq m, Brintons…

BED LINEN Add a pop of personality with stylish sheets WHERE TO BUY BEDSIDE LAMPS Set the mood and get cosy with a golden glow WHERE TO BUY…

Put baskets on show Hang a group of woven bowls for a striking textural display. Don’t try to form a specific shape – keep the arrangement organic – but make sure the baskets overlap. Give it a twist… Get a more structured effect by using identical baskets arranged in a row, fan or grid. Create a deconstructed display Choose prints with a themed motif and hang them in backless frames. Letting the wall colour show through will make the artwork ‘float’ against its backdrop. Give it a twist… Swap wooden frames for some in colour-popping hues. Use plates as artwork Pull together a group of plates with interesting designs – they’ll work together if they share a colour palette, even if the designs are very different. Frame with beading, painted…

1 COSY UP IN COMFORT This month is all about hunkering down and adding in those small cosy touches to embrace the change in season. A few extra blankets for chilly evenings, candles for added glow and a display of leafy stems are all simple ways to update your living room. 2 PAINT OPEN SHELVING Match the inside of an open cabinet or bookshelves to other furniture in the room with a fresh lick of paint. This kitchen cabinet has been painted a beautiful soft yellow shade that gives it an injection of summer sunshine all year round. PAINT CHEAT SHEET 3 Have a go at candle painting, using non-toxic acrylic paint to create unique designs. They make great gifts, too. 4 TIDY IN STYLE Quirky storage pieces are a…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Patsy Greenwood lives here with her husband Lyndon and their children, Issy, 19, and Sophie, 17. THE PROJECT Updating the en suite with a freestanding bath and walk-in shower in a five-bedroom 1940s house in Weybridge. TOTAL COST £14,000 Choosing a design-and-fit approach was the perfect solution for Patsy and Lyndon Greenwood when the time came to upgrade their dated en suite. ‘The room was designed around a badly thought out 1990s re-fit, the main issue being that the doorway from the bedroom looked straight onto the toilet,’ explains Patsy. Having previously been told it wasn’t possible to move the bathroom fittings because of the concrete floor, she was resigned to looking at the loo when she went to bed. But after a design meeting…

With an identity that often ends up somewhere between a dumping ground for coats and bags and a downstairs loo, cloakrooms are usually the smallest room in the house, and often most neglected one too. When used correctly, they are a space where you can let your mind for design run wild. But these ‘smallest rooms’ do have their own set of design rules. We’ve rounded up advice from the experts to make your next cloakroom renovation foolproof. 1 NAIL THE LAYOUT Layout is key when it comes to designing a cloakroom. Yes, within such a small space your options are limited, but it pays to make the most of what you have. Start by considering the door. Look at where it will swing in relation to the location of…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ When looking for the perfect saucepans, it’s important to think practically about the sizes you choose. Pans measuring 16cm, 18cm and 20cm in diameter are great standards to make up a set of three. Plus, this combination is all likely to fit on the hob at the same time, often essential when cooking. The other sizes worth considering are a larger stockpot and a 14cm milk pan. This will usually have a pouring spout but no lid, making it perfect for hot liquids such as sauces or gravy. ■ It’s also important to check which kind of pan you need. Induction pans are specifically designed to work on an induction hob. The pan’s base will be made from a magnetic material, such as cast iron or…

1 SWITCH TO SMART BULBS As you settle down for the evening, lighting is key for creating a cosy atmosphere. Swap your bulbs out for smart, dimmable options to have complete control over the ambience. Try lowering the brightness for a peaceful and snug feel in the colder months. 2 CREATE A SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE The way a room smells is linked to how it makes us feel. So to get it right, consider layering your scents using a mixture of different candles and reed diffusers. While certain scents will create a calming feel when mixed together, this also allows you to conjure up a fragrance that’s unique to your home. 3 BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HALLWAY Nothing leaves a lasting impression quite like a feel-good hallway. Coat the walls in a…

“More good news: the price of Little Greene’s absolute matt emulsion will stay the same” Eco upgrade Little Greene’s signature flat finish, absolute matt emulsion, has been upgraded, and it’s good news for the environment. Now, 40% of every tin is made from completely recycled ingredients, with a high-quality recycled resin. The look of the paint remains the same, but you’ll know that you’re doing your part to help the planet. This change aligns with the brand’s long-standing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by offering paints that are non-toxic, VOC free and environmentally friendly. STRESS-FREE SUSTAINABILITY Founded with a goal to lead the way on ethical design and sustainable homeware, Nkuku’s new interior design service has made it easier than ever to give your home an eco-friendly upgrade. After…

The TV personality and photographer lives close to the Essex-Hertfordshire border with her husband, Rod Stewart, and their two sons WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE WHEN YOU’RE AT HOME? Definitely the garden. We’re lucky to have a good bit of land because it’s in the country. We have three goats, three horses and about 20 chickens sprawled over the property. We’ve also got five beehives, and have just installed five more. I love being among nature, watching the bees do their work. I love gardening too, but have a bad habit of not wearing gloves. I end up spending days trying to get the dirt out of my knuckles! WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SHOP TO BUY HOMEWARE? I like to shop at Homesense as they have a great selection of all sorts…

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