Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i Ideal Home

Five years after moving in I’m still head over heels in love with our current home – a converted Victorian porter’s lodge with history and quirks. We’ve worked hard to put our stamp on the place and the ground floor is pretty much done, bar a few snagging jobs and my ‘if money wasn’t an object’ wish list. The projects we’ve finished make me happy every day. If you’re like me you probably have a house that you covet. One you daydream about when you pass. Mine recently came up for sale, and I realised that what I actually admire most about it is how perfectly maintained and finished it is. It turns out that my real dream is being able to stay up to date with the countless ongoing…

Accent chairs Transform your space with a statement seat Table lamps Use texture and colour to light up the room Cushions Mix a new style into your collection Coffee tables Beautiful and useful investment pieces Rugs Choose something soft underfoot to anchor the room…

Upgrade your kitchen island That bare base presents the perfect spot to use a striking hexagonal tile that might be overwhelming on walls. Go for a matt finish if your countertop is glossy – or vice versa. Give it a twist… Choose tiles in two or three shades of the same colour to create a subtle pattern. Add a stepped pattern Transform stairs on a budget by applying two coats of ultra-tough floor paint to the treads, then add complementary tiles on the risers for a crisp, hard-wearing solution. Give it a twist… Rather than committing to a colour, choose white tiles with an embossed pattern. Make tile plant holders Using leftover tiles, lay one face down as the base, then use tile adhesive to add four upright tiles, sandwiched…

MEET THE EXPERTS BRYONY ACE, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND QUARTER-FINALIST ON INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS ‘I love oversized lighting that really packs a punch.’ JO PLANT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, POOKY ‘I love to see a thoughtfully layered scheme with plenty of warm, ambient glow that highlights architectural features.’ LUKE THOMAS, DESIGN DIRECTOR, JOHN CULLEN ‘The best lighting schemes are soft, flexible and responsive to both furniture and function.’ We demand a lot from our living rooms, asking them to serve as everything from places to relax in to entertaining family spaces for movie nights and even working-from–home offices. Yet when it comes to lighting, there are so many ways that your living room can work harder for you, while also offering a little extra panache in the style stakes. We asked an interior…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Hannah Wood, 43, lives here with her husband, Dan, and their three cats and dog. THE PROJECT Creating a bathroom from scratch and adding a touch of whimsy to the space, in a two-bedroom Victorian terrace in Cheltenham. TOTAL COST £13,000 When Hannah and Dan moved into their Victorian terrace, they knew they’d need to ‘steal’ a bedroom to create their dream bathroom. ‘We had to walk through the kitchen to get to the original bathroom,’ explains Hannah. ‘Also,the existing tub was a short, half-length design, not good for relaxing in, and the shower was tiny.’ The couple had already decided to incorporate the downstairs bathroom into a large kitchen-diner with a bedroom above, which meant in the long term they would get their second…

Galley kitchens – with two runs of cabinetry facing each other and a walkway in between – are notoriously difficult layouts to work with. They’re often too narrow to squeeze in an island and lack a back wall, making storage a hot commodity. But, when done right, the layout of a small galley kitchen can be impressive. Want to discover the secrets to nailing this arrangement? Here’s all you need to know. 1 CHOOSE SPACE-SAVING FEATURES If you want a clutter-free kitchen, then keeping as much space as possible for clever storage is key. This means that you’ll need to choose compact features that don’t take up too much room. Undermount sinks are perfect for small galley layouts. Although Belfast sinks add a classy look, they tend to take up…

If your HALLWAY is already submerged in coats, school bags and more, check out our top tips on how to TIDY it on page 140; then learn how to clean CURTAINS without removing them on page 141; if you (or someone you know) are getting DIVORCED, we have a handy guide on how to protect your MONEY on page 142; gen up on the latest SMART lighting on page 143; and finally, don’t miss page 145’s guide to SORTING out your wardrobe...…

Any interior designer worth their salt will tell you that lighting is one of the most important elements in a room. It’s far more than functional; it can make your home feel cosy, energise a space, and even highlight specific areas of a room that deserve extra attention. Gone is basic on-and-off functionality; thanks to smart lighting, you can dim your lights, adjust the warmth and, should you wish, change their colour. Master the basics In order to reap the benefits that smart lighting can offer, you really need to embrace it. Familiarise yourself with switching your lights on and off and dimming them with your phone, smart hub or by voice control. Aim to make all existing lights ‘smart’ by swapping in smart bulbs or attaching them to smart…

Having plants in your bathroom is a bit of a design no-brainer. Not only will they add visual interest and soften all the hard surfaces, but certain plants will also soak up excess humidity in the air, reducing the likelihood of issues stemming from damp and condensation. According to Claire Bishop, senior buyer of houseplants at Dobbies Garden Centres, ‘A bathroom can be transformed into a space of calm with the addition of lush leafy greens, creating a tranquil spa-like feel.’ Petar Ivanov, plant and gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners, advises: ‘It’s important to strike a balance in watering to make sure bathroom plants don’t become oversaturated. Also, do provide proper ventilation to prevent moisture-related problems.’ ENGLISH IVY Similar to the peace lily, English ivy thrives in bathrooms and kitchens,…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Finding the best mattress for the most comfortable night’s sleep can be tricky. That’s because we each have different needs and preferences for a mattress. If you’re an active sleeper who changes position a lot in the night, or you have any mobility issues, the responsiveness of a mattress can be important. This means how easily the surface of the mattress allows you to change position in bed. You may want to steer clear of memory foam, which moulds to your body to cradle it and can make turning over more difficult. ■ You should also consider your natural sleeping position when picking a mattress. For back sleepers, pick a pocket spring or hybrid mattress in a medium-firm to firm tension. Side sleepers should opt for…

“While Brintons’ wool is a biodegradable flooring choice, shearing sheep annually is also essential for their well-being” Natural comfort Brintons is the largest worldwide customer of British Wool, an organisation aiming to drive sustainable demand for wool, while championing the farmers behind it. The brand turns wool into luxury carpeting and rugs. From plaids to florals, Brintons offers numerous design styles in an array of classic colours, helping you effortlessly elevate your interiors. Plus, the company’s manufacturing aligns with strict animal welfare policies that British Wool adheres to, such as ensuring sheep are free from distress, hunger and thirst. ECO COLLAB Cox & Cox has teamed up with iconic British fabric house, Ian Mankin, to create a new range for its Made to Order upholstery collection. Not only does the…

TV’s favourite choirmaster lives in north London with his teacher wife Becky and their three children WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE HOME? We’ve got a Victorian townhouse and, if it’s dark and someone’s left the light on indoors, I stop and admire the way the light falls on the front step. It has black and white tiles and looks really nice. WHAT’S YOUR HOMEWARE ADDICTION? I have a lot of hand towels. I’ve got a thing about replacing the hand towel each time I use it. I have one for every day of the week. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SHOP TO BUY HOMEWARE FROM? We really like Anthropologie and, because we’re extremely middle class, we have Le Creuset pots. We were given some for our wedding…

1. HANG A CLOTHES RAIL There’s no need to splash out on fitted storage for the little one – simply slot in a rail and turn your alcove into a mini wardrobe. Tuck in lidded boxes for shoes, blankets and toys, and add a picture ledge above the rail to add extra storage, or to display your child’s favourite books and artwork. If you want a hide-all solution, use a floor-length curtain across the alcove. 2. CREATE A READING NOOK Lay a narrow bookcase on its side to use as an alcove bench with storage, and top with a piece of fabric-covered foam – perfect for a quiet break-out zone in a busy family space. You could swap out the wicker containers for relaxed belly baskets, labelled for each family…

You can increase the size of a small room without any need for construction. Reducing the door width gains internal space and isn’t often noticeable from the outside. Otherwise, let these expansive designer tricks be your small-space guide. GET CREATIVE WITH STORAGE For slightly smaller rooms, it’s essential to utilise storage space and find ways to conceal storage so that it feels like a genuine part of the scheme. In a living room, use an ottoman or trunk to stow blankets and magazines. If you can add joinery around the TV or fireplace this can be both a standout feature as well as an excellent use of vertical space. SCALE UP FOR GREATER IMPACT One of the misconceptions when decorating a compact space is that you need to keep everything…

1. CLEVER USE OF PAINT There are many ways to make a compact kitchen appear bigger, simply by using colour. Painting halfway up a wall, for example, will create a horizontal stripe that makes a wall look longer, while painting shelves or cupboards in the same colour as the walls helps them blend in, giving a sense of continuity to the space. Wall in Aquamarine Pale and Aquamarine Mid intelligent matt emulsion, Little Greene 2. TWO-TONE CABINETS In a small kitchen, it’s easy to play it safe with neutral cabinetry, but by using a two-tone design you can shift the focus from how compact the space is and create interest instead. Keep really dark colours to the base cabinets, where possible, so the upper half of your scheme feels light…

Having a dedicated utility room with bags of space to store bulky equipment and cleaning supplies might be the dream, but for many of us with small homes and a lack of extra space, this is not an option. Stashing everything in an understairs cupboard or cramming it all in under the kitchen sink is what tends to happen, which can ultimately make cupboards messy, access awkward and things harder to find. Storing cleaning supplies where you need and use them can be a good workaround when space is tight, with kitchen essentials kept in the kitchen and bathroom supplies in the bathroom. They’ll take up less space when not stored en masse and it will save you lugging all the stuff around. Then it’s simply a matter of keeping…

Tired of toys taking over your home? Whether in a child’s bedroom, family living area or playroom, smart toy storage ideas can help to keep play items organised and make tidying up easier. Remember that simple storage items, such as boxes, storage baskets, hooks, hangers and wall organisers, will all help to create an efficient space that still has plenty of personality – suitable for any room where kids are free to play. Good storage, multifunctional furniture that serves a child’s changing needs as they grow, and imaginative decor are all key. A balance between form and function will result in a hard-working layout that stands the test of time. Add personality Functional storage doesn’t have to be boring in a child’s room. Update a pine Ikea storage unit with…

When it comes to bedroom furniture, the combination of bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside table seems to be the standard set-up for many of us. And while these pieces offer an adequate amount of storage, more often than not turns out to be just not quite enough. Finding ways to incorporate extra storage into a bedroom can be a challenge, especially if it’s a small or average-sized space. But working in storage around, under and above existing furniture can be a savvy way of squeezing in more without making the room feel cramped or overcrowded – and it needn’t break the bank. Bridge a gap Utilise wasted wall space behind a bed with a bank of overhead units spanning the gap between two wardrobes. Bridge units can be…

Putting in a downstairs loo is one of the most practical renovations you can do, plus it can add around 5% to the value of your home. If you have young children, entertain regularly or have elderly visitors, this little room is a godsend. Installing one isn’t as expensive as you might think – but it’s not easy to DIY, as it requires plumbing experience. DECIDE WHERE TO PUT IT Once you’ve decided to add a downstairs loo, the first thing you need to consider is where the best place for it will be. For instance, you may be able to convert a cupboard under the stairs, in which case you’ll need to measure, measure, and measure again. Alternatively, installing a toilet at the end of a hallway, in a…

Keeping small bathrooms ordered and tidy can be a challenge. Lack of space often leaves little extra room for storage, meaning that surfaces get cluttered with toiletries, and rails and hooks overloaded with damp towels and bulky bathrobes. Space-saving furniture and multi-tasking storage pieces are a must when bathroom space is tight or there’s a danger of the space feeling even more crowded and chaotic. Look out for slimline shelves and units that can squeeze into small gaps or slot in beside baths and shower cubicles. Utilise wasted wall space with clever racks and rails over doors or neat shelving units that are designed to sit under wash basins or above the loo. Store and display The area running along and above a bath can be put to use quite…

Extending your home can be a costly affair both monetarily and in terms of space. The average 30 square metre home extension will cost around £66,000 and can eat up a significant portion of your garden. A loft extension can add space at a fraction of the cost and with significantly less disturbance. SUITABILITY The first step in planning a loft conversion is to assess whether your space is viable. ‘Most properties will be suitable for a loft conversion as long as the loft measures 2.3m at the highest point. Other features that will help you decide whether your loft space is suitable are the pitch of the roof, the type of structure, and obstacles, such as water tanks or chimney stacks,’ explains John Allen, managing director at Econoloft. COSTING…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Ryan James, a PR manager, and his partner Craig live here with their cat, Macy Grey, and dog, Darcy. THE PROPERTY A two-bed 1920s detached cottage in Woking, Surrey. THE LAYOUT You enter the cottage into the open-plan living area, which leads on to the kitchen. Off the living area is a snug-cum-home office, the main bathroom and a guest bedroom; there is also a large storage cupboard under the stairs. Upstairs in the eaves you will find the main bedroom with en suite bathroom. Outside there’s a large outdoor dining and entertaining area as well as planting and lawn. Ryan and Craig moved here several years ago from a Victorian two-bedroom property in Woking. ‘We’d renovated that quickly and made a bit of profit…

NEED TO KNOW Retro revisited M&S is paying homage to the past for this season’s homeware collection, gathering all the best bits from iconic furniture design and harnessing them in a collection that’s timelessly stylish. For us, the Slipper accent chair (shown above) stands out, with its rich, rust colour and sculptured shape, as well as the Blithe side table, a plinth-style stone design that looks far pricier than its £99 price tag. If you’re looking for bedroom or dining room updates, there’s plenty in the collection for those, too, including seventies-style ceramics and serveware, and a graphic jacquard bed set. IH LOVES... Autumnal leaves Autumn wreath, £34.99, Dobbies What to do this month... READ Elle Hervin (@elle_the_home_bird) has already inspired thousands of followers on social media (over one million…

1 ADD A STATEMENT MIRROR Sometimes all it takes to refresh a room is one new piece – and a curvy or wiggly mirror can give your space a whole new feel. Whether you choose one that’s wall-hung or freestanding, pick a design that’s interesting in shape or texture to draw your eye towards it. 2 PAINT A CHALKBOARD WALL Want a clever way for the family to remember their chores, important dates and update the weekly shopping list? Paint a large chalkboard area on your wall, where everyone can see it. No more leaving sticky notes or updating a tiny wall calendar! PAINT CHEAT SHEE 3 Try painting a plate that you can hang either on its own or with other artwork. Use ceramic paint for your design, then…

1. BE PRACTICAL WITH FLOORING You may not have a cottage nestled deep in the countryside, but you can still achieve the look. Flooring, for example, is usually practical in a rural home, especially in a hallway where you’re likely to have muddy boots. Opt for patterned tiles – not only are they hard-wearing, but they'll help to disguise day-to-day marks, too. Melville Grey tiles, £55sq m, Porcelain Superstore 2. CHOOSE SMART STORAGE Country cottages aren’t known for spacious hallways, but if yours allows, go for a cupboard to hide away all those winter coats, hats, scarves and wellies. Whether you choose a freestanding design, like this, or opt for something bespoke, make sure it delivers country charm with a timeless painted finish and smart handles. Chester Dove Grey hallway…

Q & a When renovating, the most cost-effective way to add space to your home is to make better use of the space you already have, and converting your loft could be the ideal way to do this. Planning a loft conversion can be complex, but getting it right is essential if you want a project that runs smoothly and produces a successful result. But there’s a lot to consider. First, find out if your loft is suitable for conversion. If it is, you need to weigh up what you can afford against the type of conversion you’d like to build. There are considerations over permissions, too – while some loft conversions don’t require planning permission, there are strict building regulations that your project will need to pass. Everything from…

When planning a bathroom redesign, so much emphasis is put on the fittings and décor that heating can often be overlooked. But if there’s one room that needs good heating, it has to be the bathroom – the space in which, without getting too graphic, we get naked and drench ourselves in water. Picking the right type of heating for your bathroom isn’t straightforward either. For starters, you have to decide whether you want a standard radiator or a heated towel rail. Then, the size of the room will inform the type of radiator you pick, as it needs to be able to heat the space efficiently. With so much to think about, we asked a selection of bathroom experts for their advice on what to look out for… TOWEL…

Keeping your wardrobe neat is crucial if you want your clothes to feel organised and within easy reach whenever you need them. Without clever wardrobe management, it’s very easy for clothes storage to turn into a cluttered, overflowing mess where you won’t be able to find anything. As a result, you’re likely to forget that you even own certain items. The specifics of your wardrobe storage system will vary from person to person, but there are certain things that apply in pretty much every situation. For instance, before you purchase any form of internal organiser, you should declutter first. ‘To maximise your wardrobe storage, you need to face the reality of how much clothing you have versus the space available,’ says Laura Haddy, founder of Clear The Chaos. ‘Wardrobes can…

Pruning can improve both the aesthetics and the health of hedges. But it’s not the major task it might seem. As Owen Simpson, managing director at Henchman, says: ‘Generally, hedges are very low maintenance and only require light trimming two or three times a year, depending on the variety.’ And once you know exactly how to prune hedges, it’ll be easy-peasy. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME Avoid pruning hedges during bird nesting season (from March until the end of August). Generally you can wait until late winter or autumn, though the timing really depends on the type of hedge that you have. Owen explains, ‘There are a whole host of hedges out there, from floral varieties – such as forsythia, viburnum and jasmine – to evergreens such as English yew, privet,…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ The right pillow differs for everyone, and a lot of it depends on how we sleep. Your usual sleeping position is key to your pillow choice, because this affects the pillow height (also known as loft) that you need. Generally speaking, your pillow should hold your head in the same position as it would be if you were standing with good posture. If your pillow is too low, your head is at risk of falling back and creating pressure in the neck. However, if it’s too high, you may wake up to find that your neck muscles feel stiff. ■ If you sleep on your side, you are likely to benefit from a firm pillow to keep your head lifted. Back sleepers require a medium-firm pillow to…

YOU WILL NEED ● Two bath-width lengths of wood ● Measuring tape ● Junior hacksaw ● Medium sandpaper ● Three pieces of 90x4.5cm stripwood moulding ● Ruler and pencil ● Superglue ● Quick-dry satin varnish ● Paintbrush If you have leftover wood from shelving or decking, you can put it to good use. Measure the width of your bath and, using a hacksaw, cut two pieces of wood to fit. Sand any rough edges. Measure and cut approximately 14 pieces of stripwood 15x4.45cm in size. Sand these too if necessary. Using a ruler and pencil, work out where each slat will sit on the longer pieces of wood so they are evenly spaced. Glue the slats onto the longer pieces of wood, then leave to dry thoroughly. Coat the whole…

Small house but lofty ambitions? Don’t worry – there are so many ways to make smaller living spaces full of character and charm. In this brand-new title from the makers of Ideal Home magazine, we’ll share expert advice on making the most of the space you’ve got, including clever storage solutions to hide clutter, and designers’ tricks to make spaces feel brighter and bigger. From compact kitchens to bijoux bedrooms, we’ll help you make the most of every room to keep your home cosy and completely you!…

1. SHELF Rather than choosing bulky furniture to house a TV or decorative accessories, streamline your space with a low-level shelf instead. Build a simple wooden box that runs the width of your wall, ensuring it’s deep enough to safely support what it needs to. Paint or panel the front to match the wall behind, then top with a plank of painted wood, leftover worktop or even a slab of slate. YouTube has lots of ‘how to’ guides to follow 2. PANELLING Panelling your walls is a great way to add interest and texture to a blank space, plus it’s hard-wearing too. If your living space is also a games room or play area, panelling is a good option for coping with everyday wear and tear, but it still looks…

Only a few years ago, working from home was something most of us did very rarely, if at all. But how things have changed! Now, and possibly forever, our routines will involve some element of home working – meaning keeping your office-related essentials neatly stored at the end of the working day is vital in ensuring you keep your home and study space separate. Almost any space in our home can work as a place to do business. But regardless of whether you have a separate study, are conference calling from a desk in the bedroom or are working on the kitchen table, good storage will make things a lot easier. Hide everything in a ‘cloffice’ The latest WFH trend, a ‘cloffice’ is a combination of ‘closet’ and ‘office’ –…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Sarah Jones, who is a doctor, lives here. THE PROPERTY A Victorian mid-terraced house in Newcastle. 1 “Green is a powerful colour” ‘I love being around nature, so added large windows and used green on walls and ceiling to bring the outdoors in. Outside, vertical planting and clusters of pots have turned my garden into a haven.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Wall and ceiling painted in Louisburg Green, Benjamin Moore. PlantBox living-wall system (opposite page), Growing Revolution “I love sitting in my SUNNY KITCHEN with my COFFEE, reading the SUNDAY papers” 2 “Kitchens can be practical and pretty” ‘My interior designer, Cathy Dean of Studio Dean, helped me to create a bright, sleek, modern layout that is so functional, and beautiful to boot.’ BUY THE…

Our kitchen cabinets store pretty much anything and everything, from most reached-for utensils and cookware, crockery and glasses, food ingredients, cleaning kit and kitchen electricals. As a result, the contents of cabinets can quickly become messy and disorganised, and though the doors do a good job of keeping everything out of sight, often chaos lies behind. Instead of sticking with standard interior storage, fine-tuning the fittings and tailoring the inside so that it meets specific needs or solves storage issues can make a big difference in terms of usability, so cupboards will be easier to organise and the contents more easily accessible. Access tight corners Corner cabinets can be notoriously difficult to access, with blind spots that make it tricky to see or reach what’s inside. Carousel fittings are a…

Everyday chores like vacuuming and washing up often feel like they take over our lives, especially in small homes where a little clutter can look like a lot of mess. So how can you keep on top of bigger household jobs? The answer is a seasonal checklist, says Ann Russell, author of How to Clean Everything. SPRING Lighter days and gentle breezes are the perfect conditions for giving your home a spring clean. Dust hard-to-reach areas, such as the tops of doors, cobwebbed corners and behind furniture Clean windows and polish mirrors Clean curtains with a vacuum attachment or wash them, following instructions on the label Prepare your lawnmower and any necessary garden tools Give the patio a good scrub; repair and repaint fences Get your roof checked for damage…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Janice Talkington and her partner Paul Bates, who run a catering business. They have four grown-up sons, Phillip, Tom, Piers and Toby, and live here with Stanley the Irish Doodle. THE PROPERTY A two bedroom 19th-century village cottage. This chocolate-box-pretty cottage was only meant to be a detour on their way to a new life in Devon, but the lure of village living close to home in Oxfordshire proved irresistible for Janice Talkington and her partner Paul Bates. The couple had put their farm up for sale in 2021 with plans to move to the West Country, but it sold more quickly than expected. ‘The day we moved out in June, Paul booked me in to view a traditional two-up two-down cottage with an extension…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Anya Seymour and husband Justin bought the house as a country pad for their children and for when they visit from their home in France. THE PROPERTY The 19th-century Grade II-listed cottage has a living room, kitchen-diner, bathroom, pantry, three bedrooms and a garden, plus a garden room, reached via the courtyard. Despite living in Paris, Anya Seymour and husband Justin were keen to keep their roots grounded in British soil, making regular trips back across the Channel to visit friends and family, including their four children. Looking for a base, they were drawn to Suffolk’s stunning coastline and heathland. ‘As a child, Justin learned to sail dinghies while holidaying here in Orford,’ says Anya. When the couple spotted the small listed three-bedroom cottage in…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Tim Freeman, an events producer, lives here with Lizzie O’Neill, an architect. THE PROPERTY A compact self-build home with two bedrooms and two bathrooms in Clifton Village, Bristol. Externally, the design is based on a traditional mews house. When Tim Freeman moved back to his home town of Bristol in 2019 and bought a small commercial property, his intention was to build a compact bachelor pad while working on other projects. A mutual friend put him in touch with architect Lizzie O’Neill (ejstudio.co.uk) to help with the design and obtain planning approval, and a few months after planning the project they got together as a couple. Work had begun on the difficult, small site when Tim’s builder went into liquidation and he was left with…

IN THE MIX A simple pencil stripe on walls anchors a scheme when mixing patterned fabrics in a room, providing a sense of order and preventing the space from feeling disjointed. STYLE DIRECTION “As well as traditional stripes, look for block print fabric designs with curved or wavy linear patterns to create a more relaxed look" HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TALL ORDER Use narrow vertical stripes on curtains for an elegant touch that draws the eye up, making the ceiling appear higher. A ruffle heading in a contrasting stripe softens the look, as does pairing stripes with curvaceous furniture. CHOOSE YOUR SCALE There’s a stripe to suit every space. For a playful, modern look, choose a fabric or wallpaper in confident wide stripes and bold colourways. Narrower pencil or ticking stripes…

What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘Caramel is a rich, earthy tone that evokes comfort and luxury. It pairs beautifully with soft neutrals and deep navy blues, making it an ideal choice for open-plan spaces that need to feel warm and welcoming. This comforting yet versatile hue is perfect for creating a soothing and sophisticated feel in any space.’ EMMA BESTLEY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER, YESCOLOURS ‘A nod to the traditional tones of terracotta clay, caramel sits beautifully with both earthy and moodier shades thanks to its orange and yellow undertones. It creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, especially when paired with natural materials like wood.’ BAILEY OATES, COLOUR EXPERT, EARTHBORN ‘Caramel sits at the crossroads of golden yellow, soft orange and warm brown. It’s the…

While carpet was king for decades, in recent years, it has fallen out of favour due to advances in hard-flooring technology, as well as the decorative flexibility of layering hard flooring with rugs. But carpet still has so much to offer a home. Not only is it soft underfoot, it’s naturally insulating and soundproofing, too. Plus, it instantly makes a room feel cosier, both visually and physically. If you’re on the fence about whether carpet is the right choice for a room in your house, read on to discover the various options available and the pros and cons of each… 1 BEST FOR AFFORDABILITY SYNTHETIC Polyester, nylon and polypropylene are entry-level, man-made materials, and as such, are the most affordable choice for carpet. They come as carpet tiles or on…

KITCHEN NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Amy Walker lives here with her husband Jon and two children, Otto, 12, and Klara, 10. THE PROJECT A kitchen extension in a four-bed Victorian terraced house in north London. TOTAL COST £30,000 When Amy and John Walker moved into their Victorian terrace ten years ago, their daughter was just three months old. ‘We did some light refurbishments early on,’ Amy says, ‘but we always knew the kitchen would need more attention one day.’ That day came 18 months ago, when the family decided to unlock the potential of the dark and disconnected layout. The existing kitchen had once been extended into a conservatory-like structure at the rear, but the interior walls had remained intact. ‘It meant the kitchen and dining space ended up in…

When you’re trying to save energy, insulating your home is key. However, typical home insulation doesn’t last forever. In fact, depending on the type, it can last for anything from 15 to 100 years, so you should keep an eye out for the signs you need to replace yours. ‘Most modern homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, but if you live in an older building, you might find that your insulation isn’t as efficient as it could be,’ says Stuart Middleton, consumer energy expert at So Energy. This is usually because different insulation materials have been used throughout the years. Fibreglass has the potential to last 80 to 100 years, but may start to degrade after 15 to 25 years. Cavity wall insulation can last between 20 and 100…

Make the most of a small, underused corner of your bedroom by turning it into an en-suite bathroom. Although you will lose some floor space in the room, you will gain so much in convenience and luxury. When designing these bijou spaces, you need to make sure that you have everything you need, but without it feeling cramped. Unsure where to start? We asked the experts how we can remain level-headed during the planning process. 1 MEASURE THE SPACE YOU’RE WORKING WITH Before you start designing your en suite, you need to make sure that you have accurate measurements of the space – taking care to account for windows, doorways and any chimney breasts. Accurate measurements are key for a successful room design. Once you’ve recorded your measurements, make sure…

■ CLEAN THE DECKING Outdoor living areas can look worse for wear after a long summer. A thorough clean will refresh the look, but it’s also an important safety measure. ‘Don’t forget to give the decking a good clean using a pressure washer or a stiff brush or scraper to remove any moss or lichen on the boards, which can represent a serious slip hazard,’ says Leigh Barnes, gardening expert at Jacksons Fencing. ■ MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST A fully laden compost heap cooks itself. Aim to get a balanced mix of wet ingredients (leaves, clippings and vegetable peelings) and dry elements, such as wood ash and scrunched newspaper. Pile onto a plastic sheet and mix with a garden fork, then pack into a compost bin. After nine to 12…

1 GIVE YOUR LIVING ROOM A SEASONAL SWITCH UP The seasons are changing, and so should our decor. Layer up the sofa with throw blankets and cushions for a cosy feel, and add candles in warming autumn fragrances. 2 BRING THE SUNRISE IN Ditching your alarm and letting the sun do the work guarantees an energising start to the day, but it’s not always possible as the mornings get darker. A sunrise alarm clock will help you achieve a consistent sleep-wake cycle. The increasing brightness mimics a real sunrise, subtly alerting you that it’s morning, while reducing the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy. 3 ADD GREENERY TO YOUR WORKSPACE Whether it’s a few potted succulents or a tall leafy palm, there’s no better way to breathe…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Spend some time looking for a new duvet and you’ll soon realise that there is a whole host of options available. But finding the right one for you depends wholly on your personal sleep preferences and, of course, your budget. ■ Tog rating is an important factor to consider before buying a duvet. This is a measure of how effectively a duvet insulates heat and therefore how warm it will keep you during the night. Typically, a 4.5 tog is great for sleeping in the summer, while anything between 10.5–13.5 will offer good winter warmth. Or you might want to consider an all-season duvet, consisting of two lighter tog duvets, which can then be joined together (typically a 4.5 tog and 9 tog, which join to…

IDEAL HOME TIPDon’t have raw prawns? Use cooked prawns in this dish instead, just reduce the cooking time ‘Marry me’ pork meatballs SERVES 4 READY IN 30 MINS FOR THE MEATBALLS ● 750g minced pork ● 100g fresh breadcrumbs ● 100g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped ● 40g Parmesan cheese, grated ● 1tsp garlic granules ● 1tsp paprika ● 1/4tsp salt ● 1/4tsp black pepper ● 1 1/2tbsp vegetable oil FOR THE SAUCE ● 1 onion, chopped ● 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped ● 300ml chicken stock ● 200ml double cream ● 2tbsp sun-dried tomato purée ● 40g Parmesan cheese, finely grated ● 20g basil (about 3/4 pack), leaves torn 1 Put the pork in a large bowl with the breadcrumbs, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic granules, paprika, salt and pepper. Get stuck in…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Luci Staden, a pilates instructor, and husband Paul, owner of Pilgrim furniture makers, live here with their dog, Floki. THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, detached, Grade- II listed, rendered flint cottage built around 200 years ago. The village of Sutton in West Sussex is where you’ll find Daisy Cottage, once part of an estate owned by the Barlavington family which dates back at least 200 years. ‘I often used to ride my bike through the village and had always loved this cottage,’ says Paul. ‘Luci and I were living nearby and looking for a bigger house . When we saw the cottage had come up for sale, we snapped it up!’ The house hadn’t been touched for years, which meant it was a project but also…

Our living rooms are where we go to kick back and relax, but they can also be one of the busiest rooms in the house and home to an awful lot of ‘stuff’. Whether its books and games, media kit and music, or newspapers and magazines, keeping the clutter in check can be a challenge. With living room space often at a premium, investing in sleek built-in furniture, alcove storage and neat hideaway pieces can be a clever way of squeezing in maximum storage without overcrowding the space and most can be adapted to suit any size living room or layout. Finish by creating a curated look on open shelving for a stylish scheme. Take over one wall Go for multifunctional TV and media storage that will house all the…

The secret to decorating a small space is to embrace its natural character, rather than fighting its flaws. If your room is naturally dark, welcome the hygge aesthetics with cosy textiles and warming hues. If the space is bright but soulless, bring personality with pretty prints that celebrate its lighter feel. ‘Decorating small spaces can be enormous fun,’ says Joanna Hauptman, co-founder of bespoke furniture brand Hyde House. ‘As the area is smaller in scale, the money saved on quantity can be invested in quality. By curating a collection of one’s most treasured picture frames, luxury scented candles and objects to dress surfaces, combined with smaller scaled furniture pieces, a tiny haven can be achieved.’ Read on to see what the experts recommend for these common questions. Q.1 CAN I USE…

1. OFFICE HOURS While you may not have the space to carve out an office in an existing room, the area under the stairs can prove fruitful. ‘This family wanted a place that was office-like, which could double as a designated homework spot, but they didn’t have space in the floorplan for an auxiliary room. To solve the problem we created this understairs nook which incorporated both a desk area and organisational space,’ says Marie Flanigan, interior designer and founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. If creating a workspace under the stairs, be sure to prioritise lighting and opt for bright colours that will ensure the area doesn’t feel dingy. 2. ON A CURVE Adding a loo and basin is the traditional choice for an understairs space, and can provide an…

1. EARN YOUR STRIPES Stripes are a valuable tool in decorating. They draw the eye upwards and can create the illusion of height, which can be incredibly useful when it comes to decorating small spaces. ‘Vertical stripes emphasise height better than any other pattern. Reaching up to the ceiling, they cultivate a sense of airy loftiness that can enlarge smaller spaces. Thick stripes in particular, especially those contrasted with a plane of white, offer up blocks of colour which also impart a sense of depth in a room,’ says Rebecca Craig, lead designer at Sanderson. To soften the bold, graphic look, try adding cushions and beautifully draped curtains in floral fabrics, or contrasting rugs. 2. FLYING FREE One of the best tips when designing a small room is to opt…

Do you have cupboards filled with junk, wardrobes bursting with clothes and drawers crammed with all sorts of things you never use? You keep meaning to have a clear-out, but something always holds you back. You’ve watched Sort Your Life Out and read Marie Kondo, so you know all about only hanging on to things that ‘spark joy’. If only you could ditch all the gadgets and glassware cluttering your kitchen, the unworn clothes, unloved gifts and teenage love letters taking up space in your home. ‘There’s owning your stuff and there’s when your stuff owns you,’ explains Tracy McCubbin, author of Making Space, Clutter Free: The Last Book on Decluttering You’ll Ever Need. ‘When you have too much clutter, constantly thinking about how you’re going to manage it takes…

Just because your bathroom is a little tight on space, you shouldn’t have to forgo the feeling of luxury you’d get from a more spacious interior. ‘With some clever planning and smart design decisions, a small bathroom can feel spacious and offer everything your household needs,’ says Jonathan Phillips, category lead for plumbing and heating at MKM. We’ve asked several bathroom experts for their failsafe tips on how to eke out the most space in a small bathroom. Here’s what they shared… 1. TURN A SMALL SPACE INTO A WET ROOM ‘Wet rooms are a great way to create an illusion of more space in small bathroom layouts, and wet room panels are less bulky than shower enclosures so will offer a smart, streamlined finish,’ says Lucy. If you would…

I f you’ve let things build up and the thought of sorting through it all seems overwhelming, there are a few ways to declutter a house quickly and easily. Starting with the ultimate decluttering checklist, begin by thinking about what items are important for you to keep and anything that you’ve been wanting to get rid of for a while. ‘Start by creating a compelling vision of what you want to achieve: something inspiring that you can move towards when the tidying gets tough or boring,’ explains Helen Sanderson, professional declutterer and author of The Secret Life of Clutter. ‘Write down all the practical, social and emotional benefits you will get when you have completed the work. This will help motivate you and give you more energy to work with.’…