Innehållsförteckning för Oct-22 från Your Home

With Halloween around the corner, it's fitting that this issue is full of tricks and treats! But don't worry - they are the sort that will help you transform your home into a cosy and inviting haven, without breaking the bank! In Restyle your Staples (p41), we show you instant, easy swaps to give a room a whole new feel (amazingly, some of the ideas are totally free). Then, on page 48, we've a handy guide to picking the perfect rug - the right choice can elevate a scheme, and we've found some fab bargains. With hybrid working and WFH the norm for so many of us now, we've got three inspiring home office makeovers to show you. I'm so impressed with the creativity of these DIYers, who had to…

HOW TO… make your home cosy (for less) As the evenings draw in and the temperature drops, it's time to turn your home into a snug sanctuary. There are plenty of things you can do without taking up floorboards or ripping apart the loft - discover how to make your home warmer with our top tips… • Firstly, make sure your heating is working as efficiently as possible. It's recommended that your gas or oil boiler is serviced once a year (and many companies insist on an annual service to guarantee the boiler's warranty). Prices range from £60-£120, but it could save you bigger expenses in the future. • If your radiators aren’t heating up properly, or making loud noises, then they probably need to be bled. You can do…

Summer may be drawing to an end, but we’re not ready to close our doors to the outside world just yet – and you don’t have to be, either. By incorporating deep and rich colours with seasonal botanical prints, you can carry on enjoying the beauty of nature in your home this autumn. We’ve found inspiration from all over the high street to get you started. Leading the way is Dunelm and another collaboration with the Natural History Museum for AW22, featuring woodland flora and fauna prints galore. And with on-trend dried and faux flowers available from Matalan and Homesense, you can keep up with this stylish look all season long. £5 AND UNDER Get the look for less with these quick updates THE MOODBOARD Create a floral fantasy indoors…

WILD beauty Ca’ Pietra has collaborated with one of our favourite artists, Clarissa Hulse, to create a range of beautiful tiles inspired by flora and fauna. Though an investment buy, the Wild Botanicals tiles (right) are made up of nine intricate designs, giving endless pattern possibilities. Also in the collection are Jungle Hexagon, which has a tropical feel, and the watercolour-style Willow design. All are suitable for walls and floors. AMBER ACCENTS John Lewis & Partners’ Natural Contemporary collection takes inspiration from the changing season - think a rich colour palette, plenty of wooden textures and a Scandi-influenced simplicity. Dress your table accordingly with crockery, glassware and accessories. Plastic not fantastic Reduce your plastic use in the bathroom with Original Source's aluminium bottle and shower gel refills. Available from Tesco,…

INSIDER INFO THE HOMEOWNER I’m Abi Bunney, 58, and I’m a property consultant. I moved into my flat in May 2020 and have regular visits from my sons, George, 24, and Henry, 21. THE HOUSE A two-bedroom, ground-floor Victorian garden flat in Twickenham. THE PROBLEM I inherited a terrible layout. The toilet was right next to the bath – far too close – and there was a bulky corner vanity unit that had seen better days. Everything in here was dated and the shower over the bath was feeble, with just a rail and a grubby shower curtain. THE SOLUTION I ripped everything out, replaced the bath and invested in a quality shower and screen, which can be folded back. Then I added a streamlined vanity unit with a toilet…

Starburst mirrors are all over the high street, so why not make the look your own with this DIY version? All you need are some wood shims, a plain round mirror, and a free afternoon (plus glue-drying time). You can arrange the shims to your own design, so every mirror made using this tutorial will be unique. Once it’s constructed, apply varnish to a selection of the shims to give it a little depth and detail - then you’re ready to add a burst of style to your wall! SHOPPING LIST ✓ Wood shims measuring 10cm minimum ✓ Sandpaper or electric sander ✓ Round mirror 20cm diameter ✓ Pencil ✓ Wood glue ✓ 3mm hardboard ✓ Handsaw ✓ Hacksaw ✓ Sandpaper ✓ Paintbrushes ✓ Varnish ✓ Double-sided tape ✓ Eyelets…

Swapping a rented property for your first home is a big life change, but Lola Higham was more than ready for the challenge. Fed up with renting, Lola and her husband, Alan, decided to plough their savings into buying this 1970s, threebedroom house in Preston. ‘We wanted a house with character that we could transform to reflect our style,’ she says. The couple was impressed with this house’s generous outdoor space. ‘We were blown away with the large garden. There was potential to add an extension for when the time comes to start a family, so that was a great selling point for us. It was in a brilliant location, too,’ she explains. ‘We bought this house knowing it was potentially going to be our forever home.’ CREATE FOCUS Build…

VEGETARIAN PREPARATION + COOKING TIME 35 minutes MAKES 20 TOP TIP This recipe can be adapted for a mid-week meal by using the puff pastry and filling to make one large sausage roll. Increase the baking time and check the centre is piping hot. Spooky sausage rolls YOU WILL NEED ✔ 180g Quorn Cocktail Sausages, finely chopped ✔ 1 apple, grated ✔ 1 small carrot, grated ✔ ½ small courgette, grated ✔ 1 tsp English mustard ✔ salt and pepper ✔ flour, for dusting ✔ 250g light puff pastry ✔ 1 egg, beaten For the tomato dip ✓ 300g cherry tomatoes, quartered ✔ 1 tbsp tomato purée ✔ 1 tsp red wine vinegar ✔ 1 tbsp English mustard ✔ ½ tsp sugar DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/…

Lisa Weidner has had a variety of jobs during her career, including a stint as a jazz singer. ‘Unfortunately, lockdown put paid to that and, as I was approaching my fifties, I decided to find something I could do to earn an income on my own terms,’ she says. The answer lay at the bottom of her garden, where an old recording studio, built by her ex-husband, had fallen into disrepair following a flood. ‘It had become an eyesore and was only ever used as a party pad by my two daughters,’ says Lisa. ‘Lockdown gave us the opportunity to give it a new lease of life.’ Together with her partner, Robbie Munro, who has a background in construction, along with an architect friend, she came up with a design…

MONEY-SAVING IDEAS Q My bathroom tiles need a refresh – how can I do this myself? Can I paint them? Kate Edwards, Perth A Rachael Meadowcroft, Product Manager at Ronseal, says… You certainly can paint your tiles. Specialist tile paint is a must-have if you’re looking for colour, even coverage and protection against the damp and mould that comes with everyday bathroom use. Ronseal’s one-coat tile paint range can be used on old or previously painted tiles so is suitable for most interior tiled surfaces. To use it, wipe the tiles clean first, then apply the paint with a brush, working in one vertical direction. Paint up to the grout line and check coverage after 24 hours. If you’re painting over a dark colour, you may need to apply a…

Tales from the Hoop ‘I create modern embroidery kits and patterns inspired by nature for moments of mindfulness.’ Marion Sebbage, Tales from the Hoop talesfromthehoop.etsy.com NEXT MONTH The top boutiques for display décor Domestic Science ‘We’re an emporium for elevated everyday essentials and timeless vintage finds to make modern life that bit better.’ Libs Lewis, Domestic Science domesticsciencehome.co.uk; 7a Talbot Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds GL54 1BQ; 01451 263106 Still Life Story ‘Our emphasis is on well made products using natural materials and local resources.' Ruby Friel, Still Life Story still-life-story.com; 8 Market Place, Stockport, Greater Manchester SK1 1EW…

Whether you have a dedicated utility room or a smaller space, it's time to move laundry chores indoors. Take the hassle out of wash days with these effort-saving buys. 1. Hang slippery items, such as socks, with ease using these pegs with detachable loops - never end up with odd socks again. Slibb hanging clothes peg, £1 for a pack of eight, IKEA 2. If you're short on floorspace, this heated airer will hold up to 10kg of washing and is easily folded down. 2 tier heated airer, £75, Dunelm 3. Easy to store and comfortable to carry, this basket will make light work of heavy laundry loads. Collapsible hipster laundry basket, £19.99, Lakeland 4. Rather than wrestling with the ironing board for last-minute jobs, why not steam the odd…

CONSUMER NEWS Frequently asked questions… Should I get a smart meter? According to the Energy Saving Trust, smart meters eliminate the need for estimated bills so you’ll only ever pay for the energy you’ve used. They also say that being able to see how and when you’re using energy helps you to manage your usage better, resulting in lower bills and a lower carbon footprint. Which appliances use the most electricity? The Energy Saving Trust says washing machines, dishwashers and anything else that uses heated water comes out on top, accounting for around 16 per cent of your energy bill. Next is the fridge and freezer (around 12 per cent), then TVs, laptops and games consoles (7 per cent) and lighting (6 per cent). Cooking appliances typically make up just…

Restyle your COFFEE TABLE SAVE Splash Spend BARGAIN hunt Switching around the accessories on your coffee table can keep it looking fresh. You don’t need a lot here — a plant, scented candle, and a photo frame is a good start. Pop these on a decorative tray for an organised look, alongside a stack of books or magazines. Add a rug underneath to help elevate the space, too. And the best time to pick up some of these new pieces? End of season sales, which run periodically throughout the year. Alternatively, head to outlets or discount shops like Homesense. GET thrifty Colourful cushion covers and throws can completely uplift your sofa, but so can styling around the space — so think about adding pouffes, lighting and artwork. 'Old picture frames…

If you want to create a cosy but contemporary kitchen, take inspiration from the darker side of the colour wheel. Once deemed too gloomy for our homes, moodier shades make a kitchen feel stylish yet snug. They aren’t reserved for larger spaces, either - use dark colours in smaller spaces by contrasting with lighter-coloured worktops and tiles. The question is, will you dare turn to the dark side? Those tempted by the twilight, read on… Moody hues 'Shaker-style painted cabinetry takes colour especially well and adds depth to the look and feel of your kitchen. Deep blues and greens provide a smart aspirational finish that works well with brushed brass, copper or nickel accessories.' Ben Burbidge, Managing Director of Burbidge Kitchen Makers Bright idea 'With dark interiors, layering lighting is…

Bathroom lighting needs to be versatile enough to cope with all your family’s daily demands – everything from brushing your teeth and getting ready to leave the house to sleep-inducing bedtime soaks. But whatever style of lighting you choose, it has to be safe for use in close proximity to water, which can be determined by its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. IP ratings let you know how well sealed an electrical device is against moisture, the higher the rating is, the more the device is protected. A light inside a shower needs a rating of at least IP67, whereas IP44 is sufficient for a light above a basin. FIRST steps ‘Lighting should be thought about early in the process of your bathroom revamp, before any plastering or painting. The first…

Nothing says ‘autumn’ like the golden tones of fallen leaves and with this leaf banner you can bring the joy of a woodland walk into your home. We made this one in linen to dial up the rustic, natural look, and used a few different leaf shapes in shades of mustard, orange, red and burgundy to make it as varied as real leaves. The leaves are appliquéd using a sewing machine – you can use a straight stitch for an easy sew, or wavy lines to add detail. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can make a different banner for every season! SHOPPING LIST ✓ Pencil ✓ Paper or card for the templates ✓ Scissors ✓ 3-4 squares of autumnal coloured felt or fabric ✓ 50cm linen ✓ Felt glue…

Although they’re essential for heating, radiators aren’t always the most attractive of fixtures. But a cover can make them enhance your décor, rather than detract from it. There are plenty of options available to buy, but we’ve sourced a simple step-by-step project to follow if you feel like having a go at making your own. By building your own radiator cover you can make it to the precise dimensions you need to ensure it fits your radiator snugly. But you can also paint or stain it in the colour or finish of your choice, so that it matches or contrasts with the rest of your scheme. As well as looking good, a radiator cover has practical benefits, too. Most provide a handy shelf to display ornaments, but more importantly they…

Star material My home was featured in Your Home magazine back in 2007. I’m severely affected with ME and had a modest two-bedroom bungalow that I’d turned into a pretty environment. Fifteen years later, and with a limited income, my friends, family and I have redecorated most of the rooms in the house, which has also involved upcycling furniture and searching for beautiful second-hand sofas and accessories. Sarah Jane Slack, Northamptonshire Star letter Mel, Acting Group Editor says: It’s amazing to see how your home looked when we featured it 15 years ago. We love what you’ve done with the place since to create your dream home on a budget – well done! Islands in the scheme While decluttering our house we found two cupboards that I decided to use…

Pink Is Life multi-purpose antibacterial spray, £1, Fabulosa With both spray and stream options, this cruelty-free formula is easy to work into surfaces – and it’s also proven to kill 99.9 per cent of viruses. It cleaned up grease and hard water stains - it worked surprisingly well on glass, too, and left a shower screen sparkling and streak-free. The scent did divide us: it was more 'perfumed' than other sprays and did linger, so bear that in mind. Cillit Bang power multipurpose cleaner, £3, Wilko Despite the heavy-duty expectations of this well-known brand, we were pleasantly surprised by its slight floral smell – quite unlike the bleach-heavy scent we anticipated. Cleansing agents such as formic acid work effectively to remove limescale, and the foam makes light work of kitchen…

GET THE LOOK Tactile textures Transform your home into a cosy cocoon with these richly hued, tactile accessories – they’re guaranteed to make your space feel snug! Add warmth with a tufted woollen rug or layer in natural textures, like wood and seagrass, for a comforting, homey feel. Finish the look with a statement candle, et voilà! You’ve conjured up an inviting autumnal ambience. PUT YOUR FEET UP Embrace the joys of a retro room with Sofology’s new Mid Century Boho collection – it will inject some lived-in character to your space. Our favourite piece is the Angelo footstool, pictured below, but there’s also a three-seater sofa, storage footstool, table lamp and coordinating cushions. Prices start at £35 for cushions and £299 for furniture. YH LOVES Woven wonders Breathe new…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Anne Tiainen-Harris, 49 (on Instagram @nordiclivingincolour), an interiors PR and business consultant. I live in a 1920s detached home in the Chiltern Hills with my husband, Christian Harris, 49, MD of a digital marketing agency, and our daughters, Elsa, 16, and Hilda, 14. WHAT WAS UPDATED? During lockdown we had to turn the topfloor bedroom into a home office, but there wasn’t time to decorate. WHY THE CHANGE? Christian had a foot operation in November 2021 and was unable to climb the stairs for a while, so I surprised him by giving the office a makeover. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? A couple of months, as I was busy with work and family life, and I wanted to take my time to avoid…

Top tip Head to yourhomestyle.uk to download the templates for these ghoulish designs BELL JARS SHOPPING LIST ✓ 3 × glass dome bell jar: minimum 14cm diameter ✓ Newspaper ✓ Matt black spray paint ✓ Scissors ✓ Black card ✓ Glue stick ✓ Hot glue gun ✓ Sticky tape ✓ Invisible thread 1 Lay down some newspaper to protect your surface and spray paint the bases of the bell jars black (do this outside or somewhere that's well ventilated). Allow to dry fully. 2 Download and print the cat, bat and spider templates. Cut out the templates and trace them onto black card, you'll need one of each of the bats, one of each of the larger spiders and two cats. Cut out a few of the small spiders too.…

Sweet potato chilli YOU WILL NEED ✔ 6 sweet potatoes (250g each) ✔ olive oil ✔ 1 tsp cumin seeds ✔ 1 × 95g jar of chipotle chilli paste ✔ 500g fresh or frozen chopped mixed onion, carrot & celery ✔ ½ a bunch (15g) of coriander ✔ 3 × 400g tins of black beans ✔ 3 × 400g tins of quality plum tomatoes ✔ 60g feta cheese DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 180ºC/160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4. Put a large, deep casserole pan on a medium-high heat. Peel the sweet potatoes, placing them in the pan as you go. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fry for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes start to turn golden. ■ Push the sweet potatoes to one side, add the…

We’re all feeling the pinch right now. With the price of pretty much everything going up, including the energy cap again this month, earning some extra cash would definitely help take some of the pressure off. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take on an extra job, as, for very little effort, you can use your home to make some extra money. It’s called ‘passive income’ and it’s a great way to supplement your salary, whether it’s by renting out a spare space or generating your own energy. Here are six ways to use your home to bring in a few more bucks… 1 GET A LODGER If you’re lucky enough to have a spare bedroom, consider renting it out to a lodger. Taking in a lodger can work…

PHOTO FINISH Unfinished, ready for you to paint in any colour you like, this smart radiator cover comes in various sizes, the smallest of which has internal dimensions of H82 X W78 × D19cm. Ressie radiator cover, from £35.87, Wayfair TOP DRAWER With a handy drawer that’s useful for keys and other essentials, this cover is designed to fit radiators up to H65 × W71.5 × D16.5cm in size. It’s also available in cream and black. Banbury mini radiator cover, £99, Dunelm SHINE ON Accommodating a radiator up to H80 × W106 × D16cm, this elegant design features hand-cut, bevelled white glass panels and doubles up as a console table. Anastasia white glass radiator cover, £249.99, MY Furniture…

A A Place for Everything 01244 680501 aplaceforeverything.co.uk Abode abodedesigns.co.uk Abstract House 020 8099 9243 abstracthouse.com Airbnb airbnb.co.uk Al Murad 0113 322 8075 al-murad.co.uk Amazon amazon.co.uk Amos Lighting + Home 01392 877737 amoslighting.co.uk Amtico 0121 745 0800 amtico.com Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com AO.com 0161 470 1100 ao.com Argos argos.co.uk Arley House arleyhouse.com Art Gallery Fabrics liveartgalleryfabrics.com Asda 0800 952 0101 asda.com Auburn Fox auburnfox.co.uk B B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 010 2353 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Mountain 01782 405047 bathroommountain.co.uk Beaumonde beaumonde.co.uk Bed World 020 3946 3800 bedworld.net Beldray beldray.com Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk BHS 0333 005 0070 bhs.com Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Bobbi Beck bobbibeck.com Bobo1325 07852 990697 bobo1325.com Boots boots.com Brabantia brabantia.com/uk Breville breville.co.uk Buck & Bear buckandbear.co.uk Burbidge Kitchen Makers 02476 671600 burbidgekitchenmakers.co.uk Burgon & Ball burgonandball.com C Ca' Pietra 01380 735885 capietra.com Camomile London camomile.london Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Casita Homeware casitahomeware.com Claybrook Studio…