Innehållsförteckning för November 2023 från Your Home

EDITOR'S LETTER A corns and pumpkins, velvet cushions and faux fur throws, roaring fires and the gentle glow of lamplight… it's time to cosy up our homes for autumn! We've hundreds of quick-and-easy seasonal ideas throughout the issue, with inviting décor updates for every room (p24), the very best affordable lamps to buy now (p48), recipes for hearty dinners (p108) and so much more! To snuggle up with a good read, start with the fairy-tale story of how Gem Newberry found her forever home (p76). Restoring the character of her Edwardian terrace has been a labour of love, and she's achieved it all on a tight budget. The three homeowners behind this month's bathroom makeovers (from p30) were also keen to keep things thrifty. These savvy before-and-afters prove what can…

HOW TO… get the best deals on Black Friday Kick off the Christmas season by grabbing a bargain in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, which are on the 24th and 27th November respectively. From furniture to electricals, there are some great deals to be had. Read on for our top sale-shopping tips… • Whether buying online or in person, the best time to get great deals is early in the morning – for some shops, this might be as early as 5am, so check ahead and set your alarm to grab the best bargains. The peak shopping time on Black Friday and Cyber Monday is 2-4pm, so avoid these times if you are shopping in store and don't like crowds. • Black Friday is a great time to…

So much more than just stylish – this refillable washing-up liquid is free from parabens and other harmful ingredients Amalfi Coast washing up liquid starter kit, £14.50, MOAM Achieve a sparkling clean with Spruce's non-toxic bergamot, patchouli and geranium blend Refillable floor cleaner, £8.90, Spruce Freshen up your loo with these all-natural, earth-friendly lemongrass bombs Lemongrass toilet refresher bombs, £6.95, Eco Earth Market Swap your usual dishcloths for these 100% compostable and totally plastic-free alternatives Fish Eco dishcloths, LIGA x Hornsea, £6.36 for 2, Liga Clean up carpets, rugs and upholstery with a naturally powered, pet-safe formula Biological odour and spot remover starter kit, £10.80, Clean Living Fill your rooms with a fresh French lavender fragrance while deep-cleaning Anti-Bac surface cleaner in French Lavender, £3.95, Miniml Switch to these sustainably…

Get WINTER-READY How to save on energy bills this season Ben Dhesi, creator of energy-saving app HUGO, says the first thing to do is to see if you're eligible for council discounts or grants such as the government's Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which runs until 31st March 2024. Visit gov.uk. It's worth asking your bank or credit card provider if they offer assistance with essential expenses such as energy, and make sure you're doing all you can at home to lower the cost. This means turning appliances off at the mains overnight, switching to LED bulbs, washing at 30˚C, drying laundry on a clothes airer, optimising refrigerator settings, and checking your home for gaps around windows and doors. It's also useful to have a smart meter, so you can keep…

BEFORE STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? Emily Spry, 34, a deputy head teacher, (@ our_roundhay_reno), my husband, Adam, 36, a company director, and our daughters Mabel, two, and Sylvie Elizabeth, six months. Our home is a Victorian terrace in Leeds, bought in November 2020. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We knocked down an internal wall to incorporate an adjoining toilet, which allowed for a luxurious free-standing bath and walk-in shower. WHY THE CHANGE? We couldn't fit a shower into the old space, but the reconfiguration allowed us to transform it into a family bathroom. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? Five weeks, but Adam's brother did most of the work with long hours. Tradespeople doing standard hours would have taken a lot longer. TOTAL COST £3,040 When Emily and Adam Spry bought their…

SAVE Splash Spend ‘I love all the accessories I've found that tie the look together’…

COLOUR ME happy Howdens has launched a selection of bespoke paint-to-order timber kitchens, offering customers a choice of 24 shades in its Shaker-style Chilcomb and Elmbridge ranges. ‘It means that homeowners can really express themselves,’ says Linzi Walker, Howdens’ Commercial Director of Kitchens. Choose from classic neutral shades likes Linen and Seafoam, or more dramatic hues like Paprika and Charcoal (pictured). ‘You can even mix and match for a more eclectic look,’ adds Linzi. TURN ME ON Quooker Taps has added two gorgeous new colourways – Rose Copper and Gunmetal – to its Flex and Fusion ranges. The former is inspired by the warmth of copper and has added hints of pink. With its jewel-like charm it's perfect for lighter, Scandinavian-style schemes or paired with natural stone textures. Gunmetal features…

SHOPPING LIST ● Dust sheet ● sponge ● sugar soap ● sandpaper ● 3 x medium-sized paint brushes ● lint-free cloths ● masking tape ● Frenchic Crème de la Crème Lazy Range, 750ml ● Frenchic Browning Wax, 400ml HOW TO… 1 Start by removing any fixtures and fittings from the mirror. Lay it down on a painter's dust sheet to minimise any paint splatter. It will help to raise it up off the floor slightly (you can use paint cans or food tins for this) to make painting the sides easier. 2 Clean the mirror thoroughly with a sponge and some sugar soap (one part sugar soap mixed with ten parts warm water). Leave to dry thoroughly (overnight is best). 3 Give the wooden frame a light sanding with some…

SHOPPING LIST ● Box frame ● white card ● black card ● backing card, to fit your box frame ● scissors ● pencil ● watercolour or acrylic paints ● double-sided tape or craft glue ● jewellery wire HOW TO… 1 Start by folding a piece of white card in half. Draw two sets of butterfly wings on to the folded card, positioning them so that the inside (narrow part) of the wings start at the fold. Your wings should be a suitable size for the box frame. 2 Next, draw the butterfly bodies onto black card. They can both be identical, or you can draw two different shaped/sized ones. Make sure the bodies work with the size of the wings. Cut out carefully. 3 Cut out the wings and unfold…

SHOPPING LIST ● Old chopping board ● coarse- and fine-grit sandpapers ● palm sander or sanding block ● mask ● soft lintfree cloths ● drinking glass ● pencil ● ruler ● rotary carving tool with a cutter-ball tip ● food-grade linseed oil HOW TO… 1 Using a sheet of coarse-grit sandpaper, sand the surface of the chopping board to remove any marks and scratches. A palm sander will make light work of this task, but if you don't have one, use a sanding block. Once the surface of the board is smooth, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. This can be a dusty task, so wear a mask for this step and work in a well-ventilated space. 2 Place a drinking glass in the centre of the board…

Lighting is one of the most important elements of the home, but it's often considered as an afterthought once the rest of a room's décor is complete. Plan your lighting from the outset, however, and you will create the perfect balance of task lighting for working, food prep and reading; ambient lighting for relaxing and unwinding at the end of a long day; and feature lighting to highlight specific areas and add that all-important wow-factor. The right combination will make your home feel warm and welcoming, too – perfect for visiting family and friends this winter. 1 SET A REALISTIC BUDGET Before you begin, consider your budget. If you're starting a new room from scratch, take into account any rewiring and other electrical work, as well as new light switches or…

GET HIGH Made from bamboo, this contemporary storage ladder is ideal for hanging towels, blankets, and hats and scarves too Levi storage ladder, £25, Urban Outfitters SQUEAKY CLEAN Perfect for bathrooms, this ladder is treated with anti-bacterial technology, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mould Bamboo ladder, £40, Next LADDER OF SUCCESS This high-quality towel ladder comes ready assembled and is a sturdy piece of more minimal furniture, made from solid teak Galyno towel rack, £89, Tikamoon…

FOOD & DRINK PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 1 hour 40 minutes SERVES 4 Keep it fresh! Jerusalem artichokes are cooked in a similar way to other root vegetables, but once peeled should be placed into a bowl of cold water with lemon juice or vinegar to stop them becoming discoloured Sausage, mushroom and Jerusalem artichoke hotpot YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 tbsp olive oil ✔ 12 chipolata sausages such as Cumberland or Toulouse ✔ 150g chestnut mushrooms, halved ✔ 2 leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced ✔ 250g carrots, peeled and sliced ✔ 2 tbsp plain flour ✔ 440ml can medium-dry cider ✔ 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped ✔ 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard ✔ salt and pepper ✔ 500g Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and covered in water with lemon juice…

SCAN ME to discover more kitchen storage ideas on yourhomestyle.uk…

How to make ■ PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes ■ SERVES 1 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 60ml Zubrówka Biala vanilla vodka ✔ 25ml coffee liqueur ✔ 10ml vanilla sugar syrup ✔ 40ml espresso ✔ espresso beans, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Pour Zubrówka Biala vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur and vanilla sugar syrup into a shaker filled with ice. ■ Add espresso and shake well until chilled. ■ Strain into a martini glass. ■ Garnish with three espresso beans.…

A Abingdon Flooring abingdonflooring.co.uk Abode Living 01273 621116 abodeliving.co.uk Al Murad Tiles 0113 322 2028 al-murad.co.uk Amazon UK amazon.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 770061 anniesloan.com AO ao.com Argos argos.co.uk Asda asda.com Atkin & Thyme 01727 227 500 atkinandthyme.co.uk B B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Mountain 01782 405047 bathroommountain.co.uk Baylis & Harding baylisandharding.com BC Designs bcdesigns.co.uk Beach House Art beachhouseart.co.uk Bean Bag Bazaar 0800 988 1286 beanbagbazaar.co.uk Bed Kings 01274 955555 bedkings.co.uk Beldray beldray.com Beliani 020 3318 8222 beliani.co.uk Benchmarx benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Best 4 Flooring best4flooring.co.uk Best Heating bestheating.com Better Bathrooms 0871 244 0935 betterbathrooms.com BHS 0333 005 0070 bhs.com Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Blinds by Post 01274 214466 blindsbypost.co.uk Bobbi Beck bobbibeck.com Bon Bon Fistral bonbonfistral.com Bosch bosch.co.uk Boutique Camping boutiquecamping.com Brabantia brabantia.com/uk C Casa Bella 01225 667878 casabellafurniture.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Cast Iron Radiator Centre castironradiatorcentre.co.uk Castlegate Lights 01642 714444 castlegatelights.co.uk CGC Interiors cgcinteriors.co.uk Charlton…

BEST FOR BEGINNERS Air Fryer 4L, £109, ZWILLING We found the ZWILLING super-intuitive to use, with five pre-set options; a power button; a program select button; plus options to digitally set the temperature and the time. With just 4L capacity it's perfect for a two-person household, however, it could prove tricky if cooking for larger numbers as it would require cooking in batches. While at the top end of the price range, the low kWh credentials means it will save you money over time in energy costs. It cooks evenly, was easy to clean, and comes with full instructions as well as a recipe book, which is helpful when you're new to air-frying. BEST FOR BUSY HOUSEHOLDS Dual Basket Air Fryer With Easy View 8L, £129.99, Lakeland If you often…

Your November to-dos Book a winter boiler check and service to make sure it's running safely. Check that outside lights and switches are working, ready for the darker nights ahead. Insulate indoor and outdoor pipes against cold using foam rubber sleeves. Have a clear-out of kids’ toys, ready for Christmas time (see p18 for tips!). Check draught-proofing in the loft and add extra insulation if necessary. Eco ideas Swap your regular laundry detergent for eco-friendly laundry strips. These concentrated, biodegradable strips simply dissolve in hot or cold water to clean your clothes effectively, leaving them beautifully fragranced while at the same time reducing your plastic waste. This pack contains 30 double sheets, which is enough for approximately 60 washes. Laundry strips, £14.95, Clean Living…

SAVE Splash Spend ‘I wanted to future-proof the room and create a timeless look’…

The concept of ‘quiet luxury’ has got us reflecting more about the way we can bring a high-end look into our homes, without spending a fortune. It's all about creating a space that's understated yet interesting, with carefully selected, timeless pieces that will transcend the years; interiors that ooze luxury without being brash about it; think homely and inviting, yet with a calm and collected feel. With purse strings tighter than ever, we've uncovered some clever ways to help you achieve that luxury look, while keeping an eye on those pennies. It's all in the detail When it comes to your living space, there are certain styles that give an expensive look, and top of the list are curved sofas or armchairs. The flowing lines exude a chic, relaxing feel,…

LIGHT TOUCH Gem's dramatic interiors still have an airy, energetic feel because she's added plenty of contrast. Colour-block white walls and woodwork, light woods, and touches of gold in everything from cupboard handles to vintage mirrors help to lift the mood while still keeping that snug vibe…

We're all tightening our belts at the moment, but if you have a home improvement project on the cards that just can't wait, there are a number of clever ways you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. From forward planning and bagging cut-price items in the sales, to sourcing free building materials and ex-display units, read on to find our savvy solutions and insider secrets for making huge savings on your next home renovation. 1 Reuse what you have If you're tired of the look of your existing kitchen, but the carcasses are still in good condition, consider simply replacing the door and drawer fronts. It's a quick and easy job to do and can save you thousands of pounds, let alone saving you from the mess and…

SAVE Splash Spend TOP TIP Save money by bulk-buying chocolates and sweet treats for a refillable advent calendar from Amazon or Costco – the earlier you shop, the better the prices will be!…

Sharing is caring My 72-year-old neighbour worked hard over the summer to make a wonderful space in our shared garden! He even made the bench and planters and created a mini greenhouse for tomatoes. It's become such a special place. Helen Warner, Bristol Mel, Editor, says: What a lovely way to create a space that everyone can enjoy! Sew sister My sister-in-law acquired a bedside cabinet that was stuck in the 1980s. It was destined for the tip but my sister-in-law wanted to use it to store her sewing bits and bobs. I repainted the cabinet, sourced some arty ceramic knobs and lined the drawers with an oil painting-style wallpaper. I liked it so much I was sad to have to give it back! Kizzy Bent, via email Michelle, Homes…

Easily control the quantity of oil for your air-fryer cooking (as well as dressings and sauces) with this easy-to-use pump and spray. It creates a nice mist of oil, and looks great in the kitchen with its stylish-looking bottle. Cole & Mason oil & vinegar mister, £16, Harts of Stur This eco-friendly silicone basket is reusable, making it a great alternative to disposable paper liners. The separator means that two different foods can be prepared at the same time, avoiding crossover between flavours and oils. BIOSA 8 inch silicone air fryer liner, currently £8.69, Amazon Learn the basics and discover the endless possibilities of air-frying with this brilliant book, packed with easy, healthy recipes that will save you time and money. The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook by Clare Andrews, £20,…

•Ventilation is crucial to maintain airflow throughout the home and force any stale air out, so open your windows for a short time each day, and make sure the window vents are open, too. If moisture still builds up on the insides of your windows, wipe it away with a microfibre cloth or squeegee to minimise any drips that could damage the paintwork. •Try to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, using a thermostat to help you monitor any fluctuations. When radiators are on in some rooms but not others, it leads to cold air meeting warm air. This creates condensation and conditions where mould and mildew will thrive. •Invest in a dehumidifier to remove moisture and mould particles from the air, especially in areas where you dry wet…

GET THE LOOK Hipstoric Bring the past into the present with this comfortingly familiar trend, which calls on classic style from the best-dressed country houses but has fresh, new energy with whimsical colour combinations and playful use of pattern. Try it out yourself by painting your flooring with a checkerboard design, plump up your sofa with striped or gingham cushions and dress up your side tables with dramatic ruffled tablecloths before piling up vintage tableware for that joyful, English eccentric look. FLEX YOUR LOOK Maximise on space without compromising on style with the Les Ingénieux collection from La Redoute. These multifunctional pieces are full of clever tricks that make sure they earn their floor space. We're big fans of the Volga shelving unit, which can be arranged in three ways.…

SAVE Splash Spend ‘I wanted my new bathroom to be fresh and clutter-free’…

DECORATING IDEAS Aaron Jepson, Company Sales Manager at Juice Electrical Supplies Perfect match ‘When choosing lighting to work with an existing scheme, consider whether warm-white or cool-white bulbs will be best – cool-white gives a fresh, bright look, while warmwhite bulbs are more cosy. It's also important that the size of the fixtures is proportionate to the room and other elements within it. First, though, prioritise functionality. You can always add decorative lamps once you've ticked off the necessary task lighting.’ More is more ‘For a welcoming feel, embrace the whole range of lighting sources available – think pendants, recessed lights, chandeliers, track lighting, tall floor lamps, small table lamps, wall sconces, under-cabinet lighting, and other spot lighting. Create little pockets and pools of light, to add interest to a…

Lauren Gilbey has always been creative, having studied textiles at A-level, and more recently sewing for her friend's boutique swimwear business. However, after decorating her previous home and renovating this house, she's found her true passion. ‘I've loved interiors since I was young and helped my mum decorate,’ she says. ‘We'd go off to the shop and choose the paint and do the work together. Although I didn't pursue a creative career – I worked in childcare for a long time – I'm now studying an interior design course part-time.’ Lauren and her boyfriend, Charlie, decided to move after the government made temporary changes to the stamp duty law in 2021. It meant that they wouldn't have to pay the fee if they bought a property that was under £500,000.…

A new-build home wasn't Claire Ramshaw's first choice when she started looking for a place with her husband, Keith, 17 years ago; but, now they've put the work in to make it their own, she wouldn't live anywhere else. ‘Though I'd rather have had a doer-upper at the time, we've decided to stay put and put money into the house instead,’ says Claire, who sold her two-bedroom Victorian terrace in Durham to set up a home with Keith, welcoming their daughter three years later. The couple has since embarked on a whirlwind of structural changes to create a home that works for them at every stage of family life. ‘I'm so lucky that Keith is great at home renovation,’ says Claire, detailing all the big projects the couple have undertaken…

PRACTICAL pattern We are head-over-heels for the new collection of decorative tiles from Quorn Stone. As well as modern plains, such as glossy metro and matt-finish kit-kat tiles, there are some gorgeous patterns. Choose the Pampalona collection (inset), inspired by Italian Maiolica tiles, to add a touch of artisan style without the price tag. Or, for a classic design that will bring character to period schemes, try the Grosvenor design. It takes inspiration from geometric Victorian tiles, and the subtle mix of colours gives you lots to play with in the rest of your décor. COSY THINGS UP Conservatories are great in spring and autumn, but when the mercury drops or rises, they can really swing in temperature. Enter the specialist thermal blinds from Blinds 2go. Sitting flush within the…

REST, EAT, enjoy You won't be surprised to hear that Sophie Godwin, author of this delectable new cookbook, is a big fan of Sunday. ‘[It's] all about sharing and feasting with friends, eating breakfast at any time of the day, or slow-cooking something magnificent,’ she says. In honour of her favourite day, she has compiled a smörgåsbord of delightfully indulgent recipes. With chapters such as Sunday Slow, Sunday after a Big Saturday, and Sunday Feasts, there's culinary satisfaction no matter how you decide to end your weekend. TO TRY A RECIPE FROM THE BOOK, SEE PAGE 110 NUTS FOR ICE-CREAM Luxury ice-cream brand Häagen-Dazs has announced some new flavours as we head into the winter season. Pistachio & Cream is perfect for celebrations, while The Nut Collection – Dark Chocolate…

Hannah Richards Stellar Brand Manager stellar.co.uk Kathryn Farrell Lakeland Kitchenware Buyer lakeland.co.uk Lucy Bye Bosch Group Marketing Manager bosch-home.co.uk Rob Falconer Head of Range at ProCook procook.co.uk I'm not sure whether to store eggs in the fridge or cupboard, and I wonder what else I'm missing. Any advice? Lucy is our go-to expert on cold food storage… There are specific areas in your fridge where food will stay fresh for longer. Cooked foods, prepared meals, deli meats, baked goods, and leftovers can all be stored on the top shelf, where the temperature should average between 5° and 8°. Dairy products can be stored on the middle shelf, where the temperature should be about 5°. The temperature on the lower shelf is closer to zero – if you don't have a…

Crispy kale toast with whipped feta and honey ■ PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes ■ COOKING TIME: 10 minutes ■ SERVES 1 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 tbsp runny honey ✔ ½ red chilli, sliced ✔ 1 garlic clove, sliced ✔ 30g feta ✔ 50g cream cheese ✔ 2 drizzles of olive oil ✔ 80g kale, tough stalks removed ✔ 2 slices of sourdough bread ✔ 1 sprinkle of sea salt DIRECTIONS ■ Set a small saucepan over a medium heat, add the honey, chilli and garlic and heat until starting to simmer; remove from the heat and set aside for the mixture to infuse. Discard the garlic. ■ Use a fork to mash the feta into the cream cheese (alternatively, whizz this in a blender), then mix well with a…