Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i HomeStyle

Welcome to your November issue, filled with simple ways to bring cosiness and comfort into your home. For seasonal charm, add A Touch of Winter Magic (p60) with our decorating and styling ideas with the latest trends, and discover 10 decor updates you can do in a day – small fixes that will inject fresh energy into your interiors through colour, pattern and thoughtful details (p64). Then, grab a cuppa and shop this issue’s 101 hand-picked homewares under £21 for a guilt-free treat (p69). This month, we’re also looking forward to Christmas – and not just because we love the excuse to go all out with our decorations! As the key to a stress-free festive season is to prep ahead, our kitchen experts share upgrades and shortcuts to make hosting…

Escape into a fantasy with a scheme that’s brimming with ‘main character’ energy. This full-on look is a playful reaction to the pared-back, minimal styles that have taken hold in our homes recently. The trend is inspired by grand spaces in the stately homes of aristocracy, but it comes with a knowing edge. The idea isn’t to copy the look of the upper classes, but to use these familiar country-house elements as a starting point for something more fun and theatrical. Now that we’re seeing this trend in abundance on the high street, it’s the perfect excuse to go a little over the top – even if you don’t have an inheritance to spend! Make your bed even dreamier with a canopy. This scene-stealing addition will draw the eye upwards,…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Caroline Conti, 42, a global product strategy lead for a pharmaceutical company. I live with my husband, Julien, and our two children, Elliot, nine, and Margot, five. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Clapham, south-west London. It was built in the 1920s and we’ve lived here for four years. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE Everything was in a good state, but the decor was so grey and depressing. It also felt really dark, so we wanted to brighten up the whole place and make it feel more ‘us.’ HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We hired an interior designer, Justine Guillermou @rainbow.shaker. Working together on concepts and ideas, Justine transformed each space with bright colours, clever lighting and personalised details.…

TOP TIP If the surface of your stair risers is really uneven, painting them is a better option as stickers need a flat surface to adhere properly. Create a graphic effect using stencils or painter’s tape to mask off sections. Use a specialist paint, such as Rust-Oleum floor paint, and protect it with a clear sealer. YOU WILL NEED • sandpaper • old cloth • tape measure • stair riser stickers or tile stickers • sharp craft knife • cutting mat • pencil • small squeegee or smoothing tool • clear sealer (optional) • beading (optional) • jigsaw (optional) • white satinwood paint (optional) • paintbrush (optional) • grab adhesive (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Give the surface a light sand to improve adhesion for the stickers and wipe away any dust and…

Look at Pinterest for real-world images of artworks on walls to find inspiration for particular room settings. Browse printsellers like Desenio, which offers design ideas by supplying curated sets of prints and sharing preset gallery wall templates. To experiment with your own images, use an online design tool such as Canva, that has a free photo editor, and begin by taking photos on your phone of the prints you want to include in your design. Save your photos on your computer, then upload them onto your chosen software. Create a new project and drag your images onto the template. The design tools will allow you to resize each image to make it correct proportionally. Then you can start arranging your images, experimenting with different layouts, and playing with different designs…

DRAPE OVER A SOFA OR ARMCHAIR 'Dark colours feel so cosy and whisper understated luxury' Style idea Add cushions in bold, botanical prints to emphasise a connection with the natural world Style idea Choose oversized prints to create a confident focal point on your wall EMBRACE DARK WOOD TONES 3 OF A KIND... COLOURFUL PLANT POTS…

REVIVE TIRED SPACES Using paint to refresh a room is a quick, easy and affordable update that can instantly change the look and feel of a space. With the festive season fast approaching, it’s a great time of year to consider giving entertaining spaces, as well as a guest bedroom if you have one, a little spruce up. For the hallway, consider a warming neutral colour palette to keep the space light but welcoming at the same time. Soft beige and light taupe are great choices that will provide the perfect backdrop to your festive decor. If you’re having visitors to stay this Christmas, giving a spare bedroom a quick lick of paint makes a nice touch. Add new bedding in a complementary shade to lift the look further. 'All…

Joan’s dining room Joan loves to entertain and is hosting Christmas this year. Tired of her uninviting dining space, she’s after something OTT – glamorous, luxurious and reflective of her style. She’s ready to invest in a stunning statement table, but has a limited budget for the rest of the room. Joan’s budget is £1,800 and our resident interior designer Rochelle Dalphinis has accepted the challenge! CHAMPAGNE TOTAL £89,828 LEMONADE TOTAL £1,746…

BRING IN SUNSHINE VIBES 'I love injecting my home with uplifting colour and pattern' LUXE TATEMENT LIGHTINGS 3 OF A KIND... OVEN GLOVES…

Head of home services at Compare the Market Director of external affairs at Worcester Bosch Director of communications at Smart Energy GB Heating engineer at iHeat Q Will I save money if I switch energy providers? Emily Barnett is head of home services at Compare the Market, which aims to help everyone make great financial decisions. She says… ‘While the energy market has been volatile recently, you could save money by switching your supplier. If you’re on a variable-rate tariff, the amount you pay for your energy is dictated by the energy price cap set by Ofgem [the government regulator for gas and electricity markets]. Comparing deals online could help you to lock in a more affordable deal for a set period -usually 12 months. There is no set guidance…

1 As temperatures drop and you swap out summer clothes for cosy knits and coats, use vacuum storage bags for off-season clothes to free up space and protect them from dust. Wipe down wardrobe shelves with a gentle multi-surface cleaner to keep things fresh. 2 Tackle the ‘junk drawer’ we all have – usually in the kitchen or hallway. Empty everything out, throw away broken or unnecessary items, and use small containers or drawer organisers to separate items such as batteries, pens and keys. 3 Before it gets regular use give your fireplace or wood burner a proper clean. Remove old ash with a metal scoop, wipe down the interior with a stiff brush, and use a glass cleaner to keep the viewing window clear.…

KEEP YOUR WORKTOP CLEAN!…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Red lentil, chilli and tomato soup VEGETARIAN PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 20 minutes SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ● oil, for frying ● 1 onion, finely chopped ● 1 garlic clove, finely chopped ● 1 tsp smoked paprika ● 2 tsp hot chilli powder ● 1 tbsp honey ● 250g dried red lentils, rinsed ● 1 litre vegetable stock ● 1 tbsp light soy sauce ● 400g tin chopped tomatoes ● thickly buttered bread or naan bread, to serve ● salt and freshly ground black pepper METHOD Add the onion and fry for 5 minutes over a medium heat until soft. Stir in the garlic for the final minute. Stir in the red lentils, followed by the stock, soy sauce and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. COOK'S…

French artist Nathalie Lété loved to draw as a child, and her playful designs continue to bring pleasure to young and old alike. Born in Paris in 1964, she still lives and works in France, dreaming up her enchanting creations in her city studio. Nathalie has collaborated with major fashion houses and big high street names, and has recently added Danish homeware brand, rice, to the list. The collaboration has been described as ‘a playful fusion of her poetic, whimsical universe and rice’s love for fun and functionality,’ and the result is a charming kids’ collection, tableware, vases and raffia bags. Nathalie invites HomeStyle into her magical world and tells us why the collaboration with rice is a full-circle moment. What does your collaboration and collection with rice mean to…

NEXT Laid-back living Simple, classic prints and warm, natural textures combine to create a welcoming scheme Style idea Team cushions made from different materials but within the same colour palette for a stylish, cohesive look GET THE LOOK This style leans into Modern Country living, and starts with a neutral palette of soft creams. With this base, you can then layer in gentle hints of blue for a fresh yet timeless feel. Incorporating pinstripes in upholstery brings a subtle nod to traditional country style. Anchor the scheme with an elegant piece of furniture, such as a tailored sofa or accent chair, to add balance. You can introduce understated checks in throws, rugs or fabrics for extra depth, then complete the look with plenty of warm, natural textures. GET THE LOOK…

• There are increasingly more women in trade industries. If you’re specifically looking for tradeswomen, visit TaskHer, a booking platform listing all-female trades. • Get recommendations from family and friends. Local community groups, Facebook pages and neighbourhood forums can also be good sources. You can back up any referrals by asking your tradesperson for a list of past clients, and contacting them with a list of prepared questions. • Use trusted online platforms that include reviews and credentials, such as Checkatrade and TrustATrader. You’re looking for contacts with a high number of positive reviews, recent activity and consistent ratings. • Check your tradespeople are properly licensed – especially for trades like electrics and plumbing. You can also request proof of public liability insurance. • Always get multiple quotes – aim…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Siobhan Winn, 36, @therenovation_at_no18, a client and social media manager for a British bridal designer. I live with my partner, David Lorenzo, 44, a data analyst. WHERE I LIVE My home is a 1930s three-bedroom terrace in Addiscombe, south London, which we bought in February 2020. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE Everything! Some of the walls were wobbly, the plaster was falling off, there were fake Tudor beams and grubby patterned carpets everywhere, and the kitchen cabinet doors were hanging off. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN I wanted to make it equally welcoming and light-filled, so we took down most of the walls on the ground floor, and chose bold colours in muted shades to give each room a hug-like feel. MY FAVOURITE PART…

'Bold colours and patterns give my home a hug-like feel' ADD DEPTH WITH WALNUT 3 OF A KIND... CHECKED CUSHIONS…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Kathryn Dizon-Smith, 37, and I’m a pharmacist. I share more of my home on Instagram @the_woolgathering_home. WHERE I LIVE My home is a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It was built in the late 1990s and I’ve lived here since 2017. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE It was all very white, which made the north-facing rooms feel dull. I’m a ‘showers-only’ girl and the bath dominated the original bathroom, so I knew I’d need to change that, too. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN Initially, I ripped everything out so I could start with a blank canvas, including the kitchen and the bathroom. Then I slowly brought colour into the house, adding lots of plants and personal touches. MY FAVOURITE PART I love…

TOP TIP If you plan to upcycle an old ladder, you’ll likely need to sand the surface to create a key for the paint to stick to before applying the masking tape in step 2, particularly if it’s been painted previously or varnished. Wipe away any dust before painting. YOU WILL NEED • Bekväm step stool, £45, IKEA (or similar) • masking tape • satinwood paint in 3 colours (Kathryn used Green, Cream and Brown) • paintbrushes • tape measure • mid-duty anti-slip storage hooks • pipe and stud detector • combi drill and masonry bit • wall plugs • screws INSTRUCTIONS Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. Carefully peel the tape away before the second coat of paint dries. Then, apply masking tape approximately 3-4cm above each…

Style a surface Whether it’s bookshelves, a sideboard, storage alcoves or a coffee table, there are a few styling rules to implement to help them look their best. First, vary the heights of the objects you’re using. Got a tall, slim vase? Pop something short and round next to it. This will create visual interest and let the eye travel between objects easily. Play around with books, stacking some and displaying others vertically. And use the rule of three – arrange things in threes to create a more satisfying, cohesive display. Stylist’s tip: When grouping items, occasionally layer one in front of another to add a sense of depth Apply self-adhesive tiles Want a quick kitchen spruce-up? Apply some self-adhesive tiles! No grout is required and they’re water-resistant and washable,…

Whether you’re cooking for a few friends, or hosting extended family, the kitchen needs to up its game during the festive season. From having enough prep space, to making sure everyone has somewhere to sit, there are plenty of elements to consider. Is there enough room in your oven to cook a turkey and all the trimmings? Can your sink cope with all that washing-up? Is there somewhere to chill wine without using up too much fridge space, and how about after-dinner coffee? Read on for clever hacks, time-savers and best buys to ensure everything goes smoothly for Christmas and beyond. Let’s raise a toast to that. Cheers! Invest in an American-style fridge-freezer A large, side-by-side fridge-freezer comes in really handy at Christmas, with its ample capacity for both fresh…

Joan’s inspiration is the luxurious dining setting by Covet House. It’s over-the-top opulence, with deep green walls as a rich backdrop to a grand, gold dining table and chairs, making it the centrepiece of the room. It’s luxe, elegant, and the ultimate at-home, fine-dining experience. 01 Dining drama, without the price tag Choose one standout piece that anchors the room. For Joan, it’s a statement dining table. Shop around for something unique, but within budget, to get that luxury feel without overspending. 02 Ornate alternatives Wall panelling can be costly. Instead, I suggested Joan uses an ornate, full-length mirror hung portrait-style to add detail. Painting the frame the same colour as the wall elevates the look. This idea also works with large art frames – just remove the backing and…

There’s so much to think about in the run-up to Christmas that it’s easy to forget about the bathroom. If you’re having family or friends over during the festive season, not only do you want your downstairs loo to be on best behaviour but you might like to smarten up the main bathroom too, especially if your guests are staying the night. Unless you’re already in the middle of a full refit, this is probably not the best time to be switching out sanitaryware. However, our high-impact, low-effort ideas will help you give your bathroom a refresh without spending too much time or money. Pick one or more quick fixes for a boutique bathroom you can’t wait to show off! ADD STATEMENT WALLPAPER Give the cloakroom instant wow factor by…

The main difference between a fixed deal and a tracker tariff is that the price of the tracker can change. A fixed tariff will give you fixed rates for the energy you use, and this won’t change for the length of the deal -usually 12 months or more. With a tracker tariff, the rates you pay will change during the term. Some tracker tariffs are directly linked to wholesale energy prices. So, as the market price changes, your rates change too – sometimes daily, sometimes weekly, depending on the plan. There are also price cap-linked tracker tariffs, where your energy rates change in line with Ofgem’s price cap. This means your prices are updated every three months when the price cap changes. Some tracker tariffs offer a discount on the…

Ideal for on-the-spot clean-ups – especially during the festive season – stain remover pens are a handy solution for spills on clothes, upholstery, and more. We tested three on mud, ketchup and coffee stains, judging them on how effectively they worked, ease of use and value for money. Best value I was really impressed by this pen, as it handled a few different stains effortlessly, even on light fabrics. It works on a variety of materials and colours, which makes it super versatile, and I love how compact it is. It’s ideal for carrying in your bag, car, or even a coat pocket, so I may invest in a few for easy and quick clean-ups. The fact that it doesn’t need water is a game-changer, especially when you’re out and…

Simple and satisfying dinners to make this month M VEGETARIAN Monday HONEY-HARISSA HASSELBACK HALLOUMI PREP TIME 5 minutes COOK TIME 20 minutes SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS • 5 tbsp rose harissa paste • 3 tbsp honey • 2 tbsp olive oil • 250g cherry tomatoes • 2 red peppers, cut into chunks • 2 courgettes, cut into rounds • 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 2 × 225g blocks halloumi • mint leaves and lime wedges, to serve (optional) METHOD Mix the harissa, honey and olive oil in a bowl. Pop the tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and chickpeas into an ovenproof dish and then spoon in the harissa mix, holding back about 1 tbsp. Mix well so that all the veg is coated. Add it to the baking dish, then drizzle…

CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1 Florist, 5 Sausage, 9 Nasty, 10 Following, 11 Ins, 12 Leeds, 13 Sling, 14 Grips, 16 Mopped, 18 Canyon, 19 Drill, 22 Lofty, 24 Power, 26 Tub, 27 Indignant, 29 Opera, 30 Maestro, 31 Hearsay. DOWN: 1 Fencing, 2 Obsession, 3 Idyll, 4 Toffee, 5 Sulks, 6 UFO, 7 Alibi, 8 Engaged, 13 Sword, 15 Story, 17 Pointless, 18 Calcium, 20 Library, 21 Swatch, 23 Fudge, 24 Piano, 25 Rioja, 28 Get. MYSTERY WORD: WALLPAPER WORD SCRAMBLE There are more than 15 well-known words – anything over 10 is excellent! SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1. The seat pad is orange 2. The rug is plain 3. One of the pendant lights is different 4. The middle shelf on the right is empty 5. There’s a blue mug on…

TOP TIP This is a great project for using up scraps of wall or furniture paint, as you can coordinate your striped frames with your decor YOU WILL NEED • wooden photo frames • sandpaper • damp cloth • white acrylic or eggshell paint • paintbrushes • masking tape • scissors • acrylic or eggshell paint in your chosen shade INSTRUCTIONS Lightly sand the surface of the frame to remove any old, flaking paint or varnish, and to provide a good key for the new painted finish. Wipe away any dust or debris with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry. Ensure the distance between the tape strips is equal (ideally the same width as the tape) and that you have taped off a square section at each…

Decide where you want to apply your gold leaf and make sure the whole area is completely dry, to avoid the gold leaf getting damp. Apply gilding size (glue) to the area in small sections with a flat brush and wait for this to dry until tacky to the touch, which should be around 20 minutes. Then, lay your gold leaf sheet flat over the area, rub over it and gently peel off the backing sheet. Try to slightly overlap the gold leaf sheets so that there are no visible gaps. After leaving this to dry, buff off the excess gold leaf with a brush. You can then touch up any gaps by applying size to specific areas and going over it with fresh gold leaf. Leave your gold leaf…

Retro revival One of George Home’s gorgeous new ranges for A/W25 is Autumn Revival – a cosy, 70s-inspired collection of homewares. Rooted in bold, primary colours – think rich reds, mustard yellows, deep greens and vintage blues – this look is a cheerful take on a vibrant throwback. We particularly love the bathroom accessories -you’ll find towels, dispensers, bath mats and tumblers, alongside on-trend chequerboard patterns and retro florals, perfect for an autumn bathroom update. Still loving Laura To celebrate 100 years since Laura Ashley’s birth, Wallpaperdirect has launched the Laura Ashley Exclusive wallpaper collection, a selection of classic and bestselling designs recoloured in a contemporary palette. Laura Ashley started her small home business in the 1950s, and went on to build the global lifestyle brand we still love today.…

COORIE UP Get cosy the Scottish way with blankets, cushions, crafted items and hot drinks aplenty THE COSY CORNER HOMESTYLE LOVES! HOME ON THE PRAIRIE Stock your home with goods reminiscent of a simpler time SHINE A LIGHT As the nights draw in, illuminate your home with great lighting STRIPES ON STRIPES Whether you go for narrow, wide or multi-coloured, stripes are the pattern of the season SHOWGIRL CHIC Make like Taylor Swift and indulge your inner diva with these glam picks To The Disco MAKE AN OPULENT ENTRANCE BATH & BED Treat yourself to a little luxury to soothe and invite restful dreams… SPARKLE SEASON Don’t delay! Shop these brilliant new baubles now before they sell out!…

Best for…big families ‘To create a magical Christmas for a large gathering, get creative with what you have. Repurpose a garden table, draping it with an elegant old sheet or curtains and a natural hessian runner. Decorate with foraged moss-covered logs, ivy, rosehips, mixed-height candles and baubles for a rustic-luxe look. Trestle tables are often rentable from a local village hall, along with chairs. Add charm with ribbons and ivy on chair backs. Think copper-wire fairy lights in dried hydrangea heads, and homemade colourful paperchains with suspended paper snowflakes to bring warmth, nostalgia and fun.’ Alexandra Young, design director, Alexandra Young Best for… small kitchens ‘Even the tiniest space can feel warm, inviting and festive with a little planning and a touch of nature. Zone your space, keeping prep, cook…

Style idea Black accents add drama and particularly suit a modern, industrial vibe TOTAL £9,250 BEFORE My problem kitchen The original kitchen, which is now our bathroom, had minimal worktop space, a tiny sink area and cupboards falling off the wall. There wasn’t space for a table, and it just wasn’t practical for a family. How I made it work We have a big garden so we extended out 8.5 metres, creating space for a large island and family-sized dining table in a generous open-plan kitchen-diner. Once the building work was completed, I pulled the large room together using a fun coral and turquoise colour palette and lots of wood to warm up the look. My favourite part I love the bespoke dining table. It wasn’t cheap, but choosing the…

This month’s pro designers are all members of the British Institute of Interior Design. Here are their top tips Best for… modern bathrooms ‘A quick way to refresh a modern bathroom is by focusing on small, highimpact details. Crisp white towels – or ones that pick up the tones of your tiles or walls – instantly elevate the space. Floating shelves or slim wall-mounted cabinets with pull-out baskets or trays can make storage feel more considered, almost like bespoke joinery. An antique mirror or a piece of art adds character, while swapping out cabinet handles for warm metals gives an instant update. I also love using a sheer Roman blind to soften the light and add texture. And do not underestimate the power of finishing touches – a scented candle,…

A retractable brush removes crumbs, while the microfibre pad clears smudges and fingerprints. Compact, portable and perfect for on-the-go cleaning. Ideal for keyboards, laptops, and other hard-to-reach spots, it’ll keep everything clean and dust free. They’re suitable for all electronic devices.…