Innehållsförteckning för October 2023 från Your Home

EDITOR'S LETTER If you're looking to cosy up your home this autumn, then you've come to the right place. Not only do we have easy revamp ideas aplenty, but also practical tips and tricks, so your home can look just as warm and welcoming as it feels. Start with the high street's hottest trends (p42) for the new season, then find affordable art finds (p48) to update your walls in a flash. With our boilers and radiators soon to kick back into action, we asked a panel of pros how we can keep our bills down – check out their expert answers on page 104. We also have some super cosy best buys on page 15 to help you keep the cold at bay for less – I especially love the…

HOW TO… Prep your garden for autumn The garden's prime time may be over, but there are still vital tasks to be done to prepare for the new season. Taking time to maintain an outdoor space now will keep it in good condition through the cold weather. Follow our tips to get the garden sorted… • Give the lawn a final mow on a dry day in October. Once temperatures drop below around 10°C, grass growth slows so you won't need to keep cutting. Next, aerate the lawn by spiking it evenly with a garden fork. This will improve drainage ahead of heavier rainfall. Scatter grit in the holes if your garden is prone to waterlogging. • Rake away leaves that have fallen on the lawn. They block light and…

Never slip into cold sheets again thanks to this super-soft teddy fleece duvet set. There are ten colours to choose from but we're loving this calm, forest-green shade Teddy duvet cover and pillowcase set, from £16, Dunelm Keep unwanted breezes at bay with this stylish draught excluder – we love the seventies-style swirls and bold colours Fabric draught excluder, £45, Oliver Bonas These eco-friendiy coffee logs last longer than traditional wood, and they burn hotter. And don't worry, they don't emit a coffee scent! Bio-bean coffee logs, £7.99 for 16, The Range Long hot water bottles are a treat for nippy nights. You can also wrap it round you when you're WFH Cream spot long hot water bottle, £15, Peacocks Ambient lighting is key for a cosy interior. Made from…

A NEW WAY to shop online Styling platform Flitch could transform the way you search for furniture and décor Whether you're looking for a single piece of furniture or a few items to give your interiors a fresh look, Flitch is a new, free-to-use tool that brings together over 100 leading UK retailers to take the hassle and time out of internet browsing. Simply take the style quiz, enter your budget and you'll get tailored results from over 250,000 products across multiple categories. The tool tracks the price history of items and can notify you when prices drop – allowing you to make some incredible savings. There are lots of different price points and styles, so there's something for everyone. If you want some extra help, there's also a styling…

Mermaidcore just got moody. Dive into dark décor with this trend that's all about the colours of the deep. For a complete room redo, start with indigo walls – a daring backdrop against which the blues, teals and greens of the ocean will pop! Layer up the jewel tones with richly-coloured pieces of furniture – the like of which you'll find at Dunelm, Sofa.com and B&Q. These will make just as much of a statement against neutral, pink or lighter blue or green walls if you want to give an existing scheme an oceanic flourish. Whatever your backdrop, you'll want to create a sense of flow, so connect all of your marine shades with co-ordinating treasures, such as textured rugs and shimmering cushions from John Lewis and Homesense. Complete the…

STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? Hannah Doran, 39, an interior designer and influencer, my husband Tim, 44, head enterprise manager for an airline, and our kids Eva, 10, Lyla, eight, and Seth, five. We live in a detached home in Leicestershire. WHAT WAS UPDATED? Everything! After removing the junk and furniture, we repainted walls and woodwork and installed new builtin units and shelving. Follow our journey @hannahdoraninteriors. WHY THE CHANGE? Having completed a diploma in interior design last year, I'm in need of my own workspace as I hope to set up my own business soon. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? Around five weekends, but it was hard work pulling it together in a short space of time. TOTAL COST £1,316 Having previously owned a period property, buying a new-build…

SAVE Splash Spend ‘Bargain hunting has helped me to create a modern, affordable look.’…

BATHROOM IDEAS When your bathroom is in need of a revamp but you don't have much time or budget, there are plenty of quick fixes you can do over a weekend that won't break the bank. Even something as simple as hanging a new shower curtain can make a difference – and if you want to tackle something a little more challenging, why not paint a wall, fit new flooring or upcycle an old cabinet? Whatever level your DIY skills are at, here are some ideas to get you started… FLOOR SHOW ‘When preparing for a speedy bathroom makeover, ensure that you've measured correctly before ordering your floor and clean the subfloor by vacuuming the surface prior to fitting. This will help prevent any unsightly lumps or bumps.’ Stuart Reeves,…

LAYERED HOME To make sure your minimalist scheme feels cosy and welcoming, layer up lots of different textures – contrast tufted cushions and woven throws with rattan and wood to bring a pared-back scheme to life…

CLEVER WITH COLOUR Even though she has used lots of rich, earthy colours throughout, Maureen's home still feels fresh and bright. Her trick is to mix these deeper, cosier shades with breezy light blues, yellows and white for contrast…

BACK TO BASICS This sleek, minimalist mirror has an MDF frame and will sit well with most interior styles. It measures 70 x 85 x 2cm Apartment window mirror in Grey, £50, Dunelm LET'S REFLECT With high-quality glass and an iron painted frame, this mirror is designed for indoor or outdoor use Window grid style mirror in Black by Living and Home, £78.99, The Range LOOKiNG GOOD This well-made industrial-style mirror is blessed with good looks, and will become a focal point in your room. It comes with a handy wall mounting template Metal window square wall mirror, £125, Next…

Flavours of mexico Celebrated chef Adriana Cavita grew up in a small town in Mexico watching her grandmother cook local dishes. The inspiration this sparked has taken her across her native country, from coast to mountain, collecting recipes and honing her authentic style. Cocina Mexicana (published by Ryland Peters & Small, £22) is a journey through her heritage and the food that inspires her. From appetizers to street food, to main dishes and celebratory feasts Adriana says, ‘this book is Mexican food culture, its vibrant flavours, colours and texture’. A STEP FORWARD Leading meat-free brand Quorn has announced two new additions, Tomato & Mozzarella Escalopes and Mini Vegan Sausage Rolls to its range. Both are the first meat-free products to carry NaviLens technology, which enables blind and partially sighted shoppers…

How to make ■ PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes ■ SERVES 1 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1tsp sea salt ✔ ground coriander ✔ 2 crushed sherbet lemon sweets ✔ honey ✔ 50ml tropical juice ✔ 25ml lime juice ✔ 1tsp cider vinegar ✔ 2 slices of green chilli ✔ ¼ tsp vanilla extract DIRECTIONS ■ Mix the sea salt, a pinch of coriander and the crushed sweets together on a plate for the garnish. ■ Brush honey on the rim of the glass then dip it into the mix to coat. Set aside. ■ Pour the tropical juice, lime juice and cider vinegar into a cocktail shaker with a slice of green chilli, a pinch of coriander and the vanilla extract. Add a large handful of ice. ■ Shake well until…

BEST ON A BUDGET Mode Easy click 3 function round hand shower, £12.49, Victoria Plum I was really impressed with this shower head, especially given the price point. Being the cheapest on test, it was easy to fit, use and keep clean, offering three settings – two of which were water-saving. While the most eco setting gave a very narrow spray, meaning I spent longer rinsing shampoo out, both the other settings were powerful and gave great coverage. The shower head loses a mark for being completely made of plastic and also very light-weight, which is practical for manoeuvrability but I question its durability in the long term. BEST FOR RELIABLE ROUTINE Hansgrohe Crometta Vario Ecosmart shower handset, £21.99, Screwfix A five-year manufacturer's guarantee is a plus with this option.…

Your October to-dos Fill any draughty gaps around doors, windows and fireplaces. Thoroughly vacuum under furniture to keep any carpet beetles and larvae at bay. Tidy up your wardrobes and store away any summer clothes. Polish brass surfaces such as door handles, to help reflect more light. Give your house an MOT! Turn to page 100 for our home health check. Eco ideas ‘Wipe that frown upside down’ with the limited-edition Happy TP range from Who Gives a Crap. Made from renewable and sustainable bamboo, each roll is wrapped with a design scientifically proven to make you joyful – from rainbows to affirmations! Plus, WGAC donates half its profits to sanitation non-profits. £48 for 48 rolls at whogivesacrap.org…

CONSUMER NEWS Frequently asked questions… How can I get a discount from my current provider? If you're coming to the end of your contract, ask your provider what they can offer if you renew. Tell them you're thinking of signing up elsewhere for a better deal and see what they come up with. If you're already midway through a contract, it's still worth calling. They may ask you to re-contract or extend your minimum term for 18 or 24 months but you should get a lower price, faster broadband including upgrades to full fibre as well as deals on add-ons. How do I check I'm getting the speed I pay for? Uswitch has a free online broadband speed test that shows your download and upload speeds and information on the…

STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? Sam Garvilovic, 50, a retail customer service advisor, my husband Mark Tucker, 51, a mortgage broker, and our cats Luna and Freya. We live in a three-bed, semi-detached house in Corsham, Wiltshire, built in 2003. I share my decorating progress on Instagram @my.interior.tales. WHAT WAS UPDATED? An all-white spare room was given a facelift, and we added a DIY built-in desk in the wardrobe to transform it into a mini office. WHY THE CHANGE? I was desperate to have a private space to work in, as well as a place for friends and family to stay. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? We spread the work out over a year, adding furnishings and accessories to finish the look gradually. TOTAL COST £1,128 PAPER POP Add splash…

SAVE Splash Spend ‘A few decorative accessories have brought this scheme to life’…

1 MID-CENTURY MODERN AT M&S More an interiors staple than a trend, mid-century design is effortlessly simple, yet never fails to look stylish. Tapered legs are a must as, of course, are geometric patterns, but M&S has added playful ceramics for a contemporary edge, using rust and teal tones. And to finish the look? ‘A curated minimalistic feel is encouraged with a selection of high shine ceramics and fun-yet-chic candle holders,’ says Karen Thomas, Head of Design at M&S Home. 2 NOSTALGIC SHAPES AT DUNELM Bobbins and scalloped edges are an offshoot from the hand-crafted trend, and while they sit neatly beside nostalgic details, they can also stand alone in contemporary schemes. ‘It embraces the idea of mixing old with new,’ says Debbie Drake, Dunelm's Design Director. Find both creative shapes…

SLEEK & chic British furniture company VonHaus has launched a stylish and affordable bathroom range. Chester offers a chic, functional solution for bathroom storage and the budget-friendly furniture will also appeal to those who like minimalist pieces with its simple, slatted design in oak wood effect. Included is an under-sink basin unit, a tallboy bathroom unit and a small bathroom cabinet. ‘The design for the Chester range is inspired by current trends for textures and natural materials,’ says Gina Homes, Furniture Buyer at VonHaus. ‘This collection enables our customers to tap into this look.’ A TOUCH OF CLASS KitchenAid is a brand synonymous with quality, and its new Cast Iron Collection of casserole dishes is no exception. Available in three sizes (22, 26 and 30cm), the dishes are made from…

F inding your dream home often involves a bit of luck, as interior designer Maureen Gomez discovered when she stumbled upon this house by chance. ‘I spotted an estate agent putting up a “for sale” sign outside this place and I made an appointment to view it before the agent even had a chance to put the details on their website,’ she says. ‘We put in an offer before anyone else looked at the place, because we'd always wanted to live in a period property that had lots of character. It was pure chance that I happened to be walking by our future home that day.’ The four-bedroom Victorian terrace had been rented out for years, so the interior was tatty and tired. ‘The former tenants held noisy parties, so…

Stylists and interior designers have a host of tricks up their sleeves to make rooms look and feel more spacious. One of these is the use of mirrors. This particular project takes that idea a step further. It's not only a mirror, but one that mimics a window, fooling your eye into thinking you're looking outside beyond the wall. Instant space! You'll often find windowpane mirrors – or Crittall-style mirrors – like these in contemporary spaces like upmarket restaurants or boutique hotels, so they not only make things appear more roomy, but also give an injection of class. And they're relatively straightforward to make, which means you can create your own and keep more of your hard-earned pounds in your pocket. You can use any wood for this mirror, but…

Many of us only think about giving our home a health check if we're putting it on the market, but doing this once or twice a year can help spot any potential problems before they start, saving you time, hassle and money in the long run. Now is the perfect month to give your home a 10-minute MOT, looking at specific areas before the winter sets in. From guttering and the roof to leaky pipes and the boiler, here's how to catch any issues at an early stage, making it more pleasant to live in, cheaper to run and even increasing its value at the same time. GET THE BOILER SERVICED If you don't have an annual reminder or have it written on the calendar, check your household paperwork to…

Air fryer cheese & Marmite crumpet loaf YOU WILL NEED ✔ 6 sourdough crumpets ✔ 6 tsp Marmite, or to taste ✔ 350g tub four cheese sauce (from the chiller) ✔ ½ x 250g pack grated Cheddar & mozzarella ✔ Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated, to sprinkle (optional) ✔ a few rocket leaves, to serve (optional) DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. If you have a small loaf tin that fits into the air fryer (about 18 x 8cm), use that. If not, use the cardboard sleeve from the crumpet pack as a size guide to make a rough tray out of foil, discarding the cardboard afterwards. Line the tin or foil tray with a rectangle of baking parchment. ■ Toast the crumpets for 2-4 minutes in the air…

Store shampoo, conditioner and body wash in a caddy to bring order to your daily ablutions. This one hangs over your shower riser or curtain rail, so there is no drilling required Hanging shower caddy, currently £17.28, Wayfair Shower screens look gorgeous, but water residue builds up fast. Keep limescale at bay with a quick swipe with a squeegee after the last shower of the day. Use its rope loop to hang nearby. Eco squeegee, £7.99, Beldray Prevent drain blockages with an ingenious hair catcher – sit the ShowerShroom over your plug to catch the clogging culprits. ShowerShroom, currently priced at £14.03, Amazon UK…

Life can be messy sometimes, but nobody wants a permanent reminder. Some stains refuse to budge because they've been left for too long, so act fast and follow our tips to shift those stubborn marks ASAP… • For red food stains like berries or ketchup, lay your stain face-down on a clean piece of paper towel. Gently rub a stain remover or some laundry liquid into the back of the stain using a soft-bristle brush, then leave for five minutes. Rinse and soak in lukewarm water, and repeat if you need to. • Grass stains can be hard to get rid of due to a mixture of chlorophyll and proteins. Pre-treat the stain as above, using an oxygenbased bleaching agent that's colour safe. Add more bleaching agent to some lukewarm…

 GET THE LOOK Forest drench Take a leaf out of the Japanese book of shinrin-yoku – forest bathing – and drench your space with rich green for a look that's invigorating yet calm. Paint walls and woodwork in green, and layer up the lush shades with soft furnishings and simple artworks. Plants are key, naturally – the bigger the better. Almost any colour would work as an accent, but we love the way monochrome pieces catch the eye without overpowering the look – as seen, right, at Iconic Rugs. YH LOVES STACEY x GEORGE HOME Fans of BBC One's Sort your Life Out and Stacey Solomon's Pickle Cottage social updates will be thrilled to hear that the TV personality now has her own range at George! ‘I am beyond excited…

SAVE Splash Spend ‘I have so much fun styling up the room and I continually do so’…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I'm Ami Scott, 46, a pharmacist, with my son Josh, 13, and our Jack Russell Minnie. Our home is a detached, three-bedroom house built in 1925 in Reading, and we've lived here for nine years. WHAT WAS UPDATED? This room was really mismatched, and didn't suit my needs, so I transformed it with sleek, DIY fitted furniture and lots of pretty accessories. WHY THE CHANGE? I got a new job that involved me working from home full time, so I needed a dedicated space that is organised and clutter-free. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It took six months, as we had to move the radiators, rewire and construct the DIY built-ins before we could add the finishing touches. TOTAL COST £1,400 When Ami Scott…

WALL ART IDEAS GO BOHO WITH A WOVEN DISPLAY £15 & UNDER Purse-friendly pieces for a luxe-for-less gallery wall Design your display Collecting art over time is key to creating a gallery wall on a budget, says Ryan Calvert, product manager at Hiatt Hardware Buying enough art to fill a wall can get expensive, so when you're putting a gallery wall together remember that curating your display can take time, so don't feel like you have to collect every single piece before you start. When choosing frames, decide if you want a contrast, or if you want them to blend in. To really spruce up your space, try collecting different frames in the same colour – you can find lots in charity and second-hand shops. To make your gallery cohesive,…

SHOPPING LIST ● blank canvas or framed artwork ● paintbrush ● masking tape ● matt emulsion paint in white ● bicarbonate of soda ● painting palette knife HOW TO… 1 Clean your canvas and leave it to dry completely. 2 Mix half a cup of paint with one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, and paint the canvas in the mixture. If you're using existing framed art, tape off the frame with masking tape. Leave to dry before painting a second coat. 3 Mix the plaster of Paris according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using the palette knife, scrape the plaster of Paris out of your mixing bowl onto the canvas, then begin spreading from the centre towards the edge of the canvas. Scrape and swoosh the plaster in every direction, working…

SHOPPING LIST ● 1 x piece of fabric cut according to cabinet measurements (see step 1) ● 1 x piece of fabric for curtain ruffle (see step 2) ● basic sewing kit ● sewing machine ● iron ● matching thread ● adhesive hook-and-loop tape such as Velcro HOW TO… 1 To calculate your fabric requirements, measure the height and width of your cabinet. Cut out a piece of fabric measuring the height plus 12cm for hemming, and three times the width of the cabinet for a ruffled, gathered effect. 2 Cut a second piece of fabric to the same width as the main fabric piece by 20cm in length. This is for the top ruffle. 3 On the first fabric piece, fold both of the side edges in by 1.5cm…

SHOPPING LIST ● All-purpose filler (optional) ● sandpaper (optional) ● dust sheet ● masking tape ● magnetic wall primer ● small paint brush for cutting in ● paint roller ● black chalkboard paint ● chalk HOW TO… 1 Carefully consider which wall in your home you'd like to transform. Avoid areas where furniture or people are likely to brush up against the wall. 2 Prep your wall by cleaning it, filling any holes with all-purpose filler and sanding if necessary. You want your wall to be super smooth for the best results. Mask off your wall for painting to ensure crisp, clean lines. Use a low-tack masking tape to avoid pulling any existing paint off the wall. Cover the floor with a dust sheet to avoid paint splatters. 3 If…

There's a very good reason why virtually all new-build homes incorporate dedicated utility spaces – because people want them. A recent report from B&Q found that 40 per cent of Brits with a utility room describe it as the most useful part of the house, and according to Rated People, alongside a downstairs WC and an en suite, it tops home buyers’ wish lists. A well-designed utility space provides a place to wash and dry laundry, plus storage for cleaning products and everyday clutter, and it may even combine other functions too. Follow our guide and you'll wonder how you ever managed without one. I THINK THE LAYOUT THROUGH Utility spaces are typically located on the ground floor next to the kitchen, though can be installed in a basement or hallway…

A laser level is an electronic device that shines a straight beam of light onto a surface, either horizontally or vertically, so you can ensure perfect alignment, whatever the project. Though originally the preserve of the construction industry, laser levels can make short work of long jobs for DIYers, too, and can be especially useful for hanging pictures and installing cabinetry. Stanley's cordless one is powered by two AA batteries (included). Stanley Cubix Laser Level, £57.34, Toolstation…

Joanna O'Loan Knowledge Manager at energysavingtrust.org.uk Gavin Murray Hive and EV Director at britishgas.co.uk Giuliano Ghidini Commercial Leader at signify.com Greig Millar Energy Expert at ovoenergy.com How can I keep a better tab on my energy usage? Energy Expert at OVO Greig Millar shares his advice… Smart meters are a hugely useful tool for providing a closer view of the amount of energy you're using and where it's going. You'll not just save money, but time too – as smart meters send automated readings to give you more accurate bills, enabling you to only pay for what you use. When it comes to installing smart meters, it's completely free! All you need to do is book an appointment through your energy supplier and an engineer will come out and do…

Roasted butternut squash with blue cheese and apple & cider brandy chutney ■ PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes ■ COOKING TIME 45 minutes ■ SERVES 2 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 1 butternut squash ✔ 8 sage leaves, finely chopped ✔ 2 tbsp olive oil ✔ 150g blue cheese, crumbled ✔ 4 tbsp Tracklements Apple & Cider Brandy Chutney TOP TIP Butternut squash can be very firm and difficult to cut – you will need a large, sharp knife to prepare it. DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 190°C/Fan 170°/Gas Mark 5. ■ Halve the butternut squash and scoop out the seeds. Score the flesh right through in a diagonal pattern (but not through the skin). ■ Mix the sage leaves with the olive oil. Drizzle the sage mixture over the butternut…

A A Place for Everything aplaceforeverything.co.uk Amazon UK amazon.co.uk Anglepoise 01227 538038 anglepoise.com Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Anna Jacobs 07813 321496 annajacobsart.com Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com AO ao.com Argos argos.co.uk Asda asda.com Atlas Flowers 0330 912 8630 atlasflowers.co.uk Aureous aureous.co B B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Baked Tile Co. 01792 439239 bakedtiles.co.uk Beach House Art beachhouseart.co.uk Beldray beldray.com Benchmarx benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Big Bathroom Shop bigbathroomshop.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Blinds by Post 01274 214466 blindsbypost.co.uk Bloom & Brew bloomandbrew.co.uk Bobbi Beck 01209 440089 bobbibeck.com Bohemia 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk Boots boots.com Brummy Artist brummyartist.co.uk C Ca’ Pietra 01380 735885 capietra.com Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Claire Louise 07715 373344 claire-louise.co.uk Claybrook claybrookstudio.co.uk Cotswold Trading 01386 853331 cotswoldtrading.com Cotton Traders 0844 844 1111 cottontraders.com Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk Crown Imperial 01227 742424 crown-imperial.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 0208 185 6960 cultfurniture.com D Daisy Park…

We Are Lunarium I started out creating basic three-disc wall hangings, and from there my designs have grown and changed into all sorts of shapes and colours Tim Stevenson wearelunarium.etsy.com Dorcas Creates ETSY DESIGN AWARD WINNER! As someone who's inspired by fashion, having my piece chosen as an Etsy Design Award winner by style icon Sarah Jessica Parker feels incredible Dorcas Magbadelo dorcascreates.etsy.com Dominique Johnson I love experimenting with striking palettes, and my designs are printed on museum-grade art paper for quality without an extortionate price tag Dominique Johnson dominiquejohnson.co.uk…