Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i HomeStyle

At this time of year, it’s no surprise that our homes take on renewed importance as they become our sanctuary from the cold and wet outside! How we decorate our homes can have a hugely positive effect on our mood, stress levels and sleep, so investing time and energy in making our spaces work for us is effort well spent, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune. This month’s inspiring real homes are a testament to the transformative power of interior design. On page 20, Carly’s new open-plan kitchen-living area has given her a much-needed space to host special family gatherings after her parents downsized. Becca’s bold decor choices (page 30) helped her to express her personality and let go of self-doubt, while Nic, too, has grown in confidence…

TOP TIP Wrap the trim around the embroidery hoops to work out the length you’ll need, then add 1cm to this measurement to allow for a small overlap YOU WILL NEED • 20cm and 25cm diameter bamboo embroidery hoops • tape measure • scissors • 1m ribbon (colourmatched to the fringed trim) • hot melt glue gun and glue sticks • 3m × 30cm fringed trim • 30×20cm (DxH) drum lampshade with utility ring fitting INSTRUCTIONS 1 Remove the outer rings from the two embroidery hoops and put these aside, as you will only need the inner rings for this project. 2 Cut six 12cm lengths of ribbon. Place three lengths of ribbon evenly spaced around the edge of the 20cm diameter embroidery hoop and tie them in place, ensuring…

TOP TIP It’s important to use wax that’s specifically designed for pillar candles, rather than container candles. Pillar soy wax is harder, easier to remove from moulds and is designed to burn standing on its own YOU WILL NEED • digital scales • soy wax beads for pillar candle making • wax dye in 2-3 colours • old saucepan • wooden spoon • PM12 taper candle mould, £4.66, Fred Aldous • spiral taper candle mould, currently £4.99, Amazon • acrylic ribbed 250mm tall pillar candle mould, £9.99, Eazicraft Store on eBay • scissors • candle wick • toothpick or skewer • Blu Tack INSTRUCTIONS 1 Begin by weighing out 100g of soy wax and 2g of dye. Slowly and gently melt these together in a saucepan on the hob on…

TOP TIP Create a seamless look and chose a paint shade that matches your walls YOU WILL NEED • jigsaw • 5cm depth wooden shelf board • medium-grit sandpaper • router with dado router bit • combi drill • 12mm paddle bit • old rag or dishcloth • paintbrush • wood primer • eggshell paint • pencil • spirit level • rawl plugs • adjustable invisible floating shelf support brackets INSTRUCTIONS 1 Use a jigsaw to cut the shelf board to your desired size. Sand the cut edges smooth using sandpaper. 2 Use a router to make a groove along the back edge of the shelf to accommodate the floating shelf hardware. The groove should be approximately 12mm deep, but consult the hardware manufacturer’s instructions for guidance. 3 Use a…

TOP TIP These handy crate shelves work in any room! A toy tidy in the kids' room, a laundry caddy for the utility, or even a basket for dog walking gear in the porch YOU WILL NEED • pallet wood • crowbar or claw hammer • sandpaper • tape measure • pencil • jigsaw • 1m × 25mm timber angle fillet • wood glue • wood screws • combi drill • wood stain or varnish • paintbrush INSTRUCTIONS 1 Begin by carefully prising the planks away from the pallet base using a crowbar or claw hammer. Once removed, take out any nails and sand the planks until they are smooth. 2 From your pallet planks, cut four 25cm-long planks for the sides of the shelf, two 50cm-long planks for the…

3 SECRETS TO THIS SCHEME LAYER UP Get to grips with layering the easy way, by piling up cushions in different patterns but similar colours. The trick to this look is to make it appear as though it’s been added to by different generations, so using a variety of styles is key. PLAY WITH PATTERNS Mix and match traditional ‘British’ prints, like Arts & Crafts designs, with styles from around the world. Try Indonesian ikat, Turkish florals and Suzani-style embroideries. They’ll create the effect that you’ve picked these up on far-flung adventures. ADD STRUCTURE Ground patterns with strong architectural features. Opt for metro tiles in rich shades of burgundy, green or blue and add a tile border for a heritage effect. Recreate the look of panelling with strips of wooden…

Forest floor Woodland wonders add seasonal cheer to your decor, with just a hint of fairytale magic 'This look is all about texture so layer wooden items with velvet, squishy yarn and dried flowers' Hannah Tribe, Style Editor 'This eclectic look is part boho, part maximalist, and it’s bursting with personality, so delight in displaying your treasures in unlikely groupings' Kirstie Duhig, Editor Intentional clutter Embrace maximalism! For the ultimate lived-in look revel in your trinkets, vases and colourful keepsakes Rustred accents Burgundy, oxblood, dark oranges and reds mingle for a rich depth of colour in key furnishings and decorations this season 'Oranges and reds across the spectrum work beautifully together so mix these shades to help create a warming feel' Hannah Tribe, Style Editor 'Gold is the ideal accent to neutral kitchenware and adds a…

LOOK ONE: SUNSET GLOW Gail's problem kitchen ‘I had a new kitchen put in last year, but I’ve not got any further with it. I still have the flooring, the decor, window dressings, and a table and chairs to pick and I can’t make my mind up! My flat is in an old Glasgow tenement, which means high ceilings, cornicing and big windows, but this room doesn’t get much sun coming in. I would love something colourful, warming and inviting that works equally well during the day and evening, that includes a seating area for four people.’ LIKES: Strong colour (greens, blues and oranges especially), Scandi design, plants, comfort, practicality, and rugs DISLIKES: Clashing colours and industrial looks Colour palette Use these colours in these proportions around the room Why…

Add Art Deco accessories For a quick, yet glamorous, update that’s both budget- and renter-friendly, bring in accessories inspired by Art Deco designs. Wavy lines, scallops and checkerboard patterns have an Art Deco feel, as do the heritage tile motifs on these towels. Search Facebook Marketplace, vintage stores and charity shops for pieces of furniture you can upcycle to include in your scheme. While giving your bathroom a new look with a style from times gone by may seem a contradiction, the vintage glamour aesthetic is timeless. Pulling on current trends for all things nostalgic, this style is sure to add serious luxury to your bathroom where everyday selfcare routines will be elevated through ambient lighting, warm towels -and, if you have the space, even a roll top bath. There…

Slow-cooked beef casserole with cheddar and herb dumplings PREPARATION TIME 30 minutes COOKING TIME 3 hours 40 minutes SERVES 4-5 INGREDIENTS ● 3 tbsp Borderfields cold pressed rapeseed oil ● 750g (1lb 10½oz) braising beef, diced into medium-sized pieces ● 1 onion, finely chopped ● 2 celery sticks, finely chopped ● 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks ● 1L (1pt 15fl oz) beef stock ● 2 tbsp tomato purée ● 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ● 2 bay leaves ● 4 sprigs thyme ● sea salt flakes For the dumplings ● 150g (5oz) self-raising flour ● 100g (3½oz) beef suet ● ½ tsp dried thyme ● 2 tbsp parsley, chopped ● 150g (5oz) mature cheddar cheese ● 2 tsp wholegrain mustard ● cold water, to mix METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to…

CATH KIDSTON Retro romance Signature florals with a little quirkiness add a fun touch HOMESTYLE LOVES! GET THE LOOK Step into a fairytale space with a romantic look that’s packed with dramatic ruffles, frills and pleats. Fabrics are the main event here, so dig into vintage upholstery styles and soft lampshades. To create a balanced scheme, stick to one detailed pattern and pair this with simple prints, like stripes and polka dots. This will help make sure that the sculptural shapes of the fabrics take centre stage. Pick striped or spotted designs which include colours that feature in your main print, so that they blend in beautifully with the rest of the room. Don’t be afraid to go all out. When one pattern dominates a space like this, it can…

Welcome to my home A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Carly Ellis, 41, a primary school teacher, and I live with my husband Stu, 41, a concept artist, and our children Jack, 10, and Anna, nine. You can see more of my home on Instagram @makingitmint. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a detached house in Blyth, Northumberland. It was built in 2012 and we bought it in November 2019. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE For a good-sized house, the kitchen was way too small. We also wanted to give each room personality as it was a little bland. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN After extending at the back of the house, we’ve transformed every room. Some are dark and some are light, depending on what works best. Our style…

My story After looking at numerous houses while on the hunt for their first home together, Nic and Chris Knowles stumbled across this place while out on a walk. ‘We’d already decided on a new-build, as our DIY experience was limited to painting and putting up shelves, so we wanted to play to our strengths,’ explains Nic. ‘We were drawn to this place as there are only 16 homes on the site, so it’s a really small development.’ The three-storey townhouse design appealed to the couple, and they also liked the brokenplan ground-floor layout, with double doors between the living area and kitchen providing a flexible space. Another factor helped seal the deal: ‘Someone had already put a deposit down but then pulled out of the sale, which meant we…

'Whether it's in-person or online, we all want to create beautiful homes which impress those around us and ourselves, too. But you don't need to be sitting on a fortune to achieve your own high-end look. We all know that money can't buy you style, but these three luxury-inspired decor schemes have it in abundance' THIS MONTH'S THEME RICH PICKINGS Fake your fortune with these pocket-friendly ideas for making your home look a million dollars, thanks to this year’s trending aesthetics…

COMES IN FOUR COLOURS ALSO IN GREEN & YELLOW…

TOTAL £3,080 About me I’m Carla Elliman, 32, a graphic designer, and I live with my partner Fraser, 31, a sales manager, and our cat Bramble, in a three-bedroom 1950s semi in Chester. We moved here in April 2023. You can follow my renovation at @carlaelliman. My problem bathroom It had a carpeted floor and a 1970s plum bathroom suite which wasn’t to our taste. Plus, it was in a bad state of repair, making it very difficult to live with. How I made it work We ripped out the lot and took the room back to plaster before starting from scratch to create a new modern, functional bathroom design. A large walk-in shower was key to make the most of this small space, and we wanted the room to…

BEST FOR… BUSY PEOPLE ‘Adding a mirror in a warm metal finish is a simple swap that’ll immediately draw attention. It’ll contrast beautifully with marble or white tiles, adding luxury while reflecting light. Secondly, consider swapping your taps for those in a brushed brass finish – replacing existing taps with like-for-like is relatively straight-forward but creates significant impact.’ Shamila Iqbal, director, Bathroom Mountain BEST FOR… RENTAL PROPERTIES ‘Removable wallpaper in a cloakroom or decals in geometric patterns or floral prints will instantly add Art Deco charm. Lighting also plays a crucial role – opt for easy-to-install pieces like a sunburst mirror or ornate chandelier that you can take with you if you move. Finally, accessorise with vintage finds such as jars and soap dispensers.’ Jack Jones, bathroom expert, Victorian Plumbing…

HOW TO… remove water stains Banish unsightly coffee cup rings and water stains from wooden furniture with these home remedies 1 Place a microfibre cloth directly on top of the stain, then gently iron over the top on a low setting with no steam. Check every 10 seconds, and repeat until the stain disappears. Or, use a hairdryer on a low setting to evaporate the stain. 2 Try using an oil-based product to replace the trapped moisture. Apply a small amount of full-fat mayonnaise, olive oil or petroleum jelly to a soft cloth and use it to buff out the stain. If that doesn’t work straight away, leave the oil, mayo or jelly on the stain overnight, then buff again. 3 A mild abrasive can help to remove water stains.…

Recipes and images courtesy of Irish Kitchen Cocktails by Oisín Davis (£16, Nine Bean Rows Books) Photography © Joanne Murphy Irish coffee SERVES 1 THE PERFECT TIPPLE FOR A LITTLE BOOST! INGREDIENTS ● boiling water ● 35ml Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey ● 100ml medium roast French press coffee ● 1 tsp brown sugar ● cream, for whipping ● freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish METHOD 1 Try to get hold of a Georgian Irish coffee glass for this – it’s the ideal size, perfect for the ratio of whiskey to coffee. You can pick them up online, or if you live near a catering store, swing by there. If you can’t get one, use a small wine glass or a glass coffee cup instead. Heat it with some boiling water.…

CHOOSE DARK WOOD…

EDITOR'S CHOICE WASHABLE DESIGN…

USE IN A GALLERY WALL…

LOOK FOR METALLIC FINISHES…

1 TAP INTO THE POWER OF NOSTALGIA Gallery walls offer a wonderful way for you to reflect your personality and passions, as well as making a fun decorative focal point in a room. As the seasons shift from autumn to winter, now is a great time to refresh, or create, a gallery wall. Rather than filling it with readymade posters and prints, try to personalise it by including cherished photos of loved ones, favourite postcards, nostalgic objects and richly-coloured art that reflects the season. You could also try creating your own artwork – whether that’s drawing, painting or creating collages to frame. If you’re on a budget, you can find free images to download and print on sites such as unsplash.com and pixabay.com. Instead of spending on new frames, search…

With autumn upon us and winter on its way, now’s the time to consider how to cosy up our homes. At this time of year our spaces need to soothe and uplift us. Lighting and window dressings play a key role in injecting this warmth into our decor, making our living spaces feel comfortable and relaxing, yet also functional and practical when they need to be. Layering your schemes with warming textures through soft furnishings and fabrics, and gentle lighting – think low-level lamps to keep that harsh big light off – will dial up the snug factor, even when it’s cold, wet and grey outside! Floor lamps are a portable solution – choose one with multiple adjustable lights for ultimate flexibility. If you need to work in a multifunctional…

Q How can I clean my earbuds without damaging them? Laura Marsden has worked at Marigold for over 8 years. She has a wealth of knowledge on the best ways to clean your home and a passion for durable, long-lasting products. She says… ‘Earbuds can harbour dirt and bacteria, and there have been plenty of studies to show they can host lots of germs. So it’s a good idea to clean them when you start to see dirt or wax, ideally once every couple of weeks. If they have removable silicone tips, you can remove these first and wash in soapy water, then rinse before thoroughly drying them with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth. Dampen another microfibre cloth, making sure to properly wring it out, so it’s slightly damp rather…

Tuck into these tasty recipes – they’re as easy as pie to make! Monday MUSHROOM, CHICKEN AND TARRAGON POT PIE PREP TIME 15 minutes COOK TIME 30 minutes SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 200g (7oz) purple sprouting broccoli • olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 300g (10½oz) closed cup mushrooms, chopped • 320g (11oz) boneless and skinless chicken thighs, diced • 1 tbsp dried tarragon • 2 tbsp plain flour • 300ml (10½fl oz) chicken stock • 3 tbsp milk • 2-3 sprigs thyme, leaves picked • 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Toss the broccoli in olive oil and season well. Put the florets on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a saucepan…

IN CONVERSATION WITH Interview Whinnie Williams (whinniewilliams.co.uk) is no stranger to decorating under pressure, having redesigned spaces on a tiny budget (and often an even tinier time limit) for BBC Three’s Flat Out Fabulous and Channel 4’s Changing Rooms reboot. Now, though, she’s relishing talking all things rest and relaxation in her new role as interiors expert at bed and mattress retailer Dreams. As co-founder of retro-inspired wallpaper and interiors brand Poodle & Blonde (poodleandblonde.com), Whinnie is known for nostalgic interiors that, as she puts it, ‘make you feel like you’re in your very own movie set.’ Bringing her flair for creating unique, personality-filled schemes to her collab with Dreams, expect designer tips and tricks for everything from choosing a bed frame to styling up your nightstand. We caught up with…