Innehållsförteckning för October 2025 från Your Home

Looking for ways to revamp your space for autumn? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve hundreds of tips and tricks for the new season, from expert decor ideas to real inspiration from our savvy homeowners. A room refresh isn’t just about what you can see – the scents that surround you also play a key part. In Fragrance that feels like home (p12) we show you how choosing the right candles, diffusers and even cleaning products can create an inviting ambience, and we reveal some amazing aroma dupes, too (get ready to run to Aldi!). For more autumnal updates, don’t miss Cosy kitchens (p32), and all three of our gorgeous real houses (from p39). I especially love Michelle’s characterful cottage (p40) – it’s all decked out with pumpkins, acorns and…

COUNTRY ESCAPE Capture the essence of the great outdoors with Scion’s brand-new fabric and wallpaper collection – the brand’s first in two years. Inspired by peaceful strolls along babbling brooks, cascading waterfalls, and winding hillside paths, Oakham boasts a soothing palette of coastal blue, barley, rust, and pine. Let these subtle yet striking patterns transport you to nature’s doorstep through an exciting mix of prints, embroideries, and tactile weaves. ‘The Oakham collection captures modern British design at its best,’ says lead designer Claire Greenfield. ‘It’s bold, playful, and brimming with personality.’ scionliving.com…

STEP INSIDE… WHO LIVES HERE? I’m Ryan Hirst, 36, a talent acquisition partner for an airline, @hectorsplace15. I live with my fiancé, Rob Field, 40, head of public policy at a national library, and our whippet-cross, Hector. Our home is a three-bed Victorian terrace in Leeds, bought in September 2021. WHAT WAS UPDATED? We’ve added a two-tone kitchen with tiled chimney breast and a feature cork wall, leaving space for a large table and sofa. WHY THE CHANGE? The old cream gloss Shaker kitchen wasn’t our style and was falling to bits. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? The fitting took two weeks, then the worktop templating took another week. We set up a makeshift kitchen on the living room sideboard with an air fryer and microwave. TOTAL COST £9,631 After…

THE GOOD LIFE For its latest bathroom collaboration, Ideal Standard has worked with Italian architect and designer Roberto Palomba to create the i.life O collection. Its products include ceramics with soft, flowing curves to bring fluidity and balance into your washspace. Roberto Palomba says, ‘The round shape is an evergreen choice in interior design, symbolising harmony and balance. With i.life O, we have reinterpreted this timeless form to create a modern look that brings a sense of softness and serenity to contemporary bathrooms.’ See more at innovationdays.villeroy-boch.com…

Q I live in a hard water area and struggle to clean all the limescale. What can I do? Laura Mountford, AKA @lauracleanaholic, is a cleaning content creator, podcaster and author. She recommends… ‘Whether it’s your shower screen, taps, the toilet bowl, or all of these, tackling the dreaded limescale will make your bathroom sparkle. Viakal is my favourite tried-and-tested product for removing limescale effectively with minimal effort, and I absolutely love the fresh scent. For showers, spritz Viakal onto the screen and scrub. An electric scrubber makes this job really easy. I then use a window vac to suck up the excess foam, and then wipe with a microfibre cloth for glass. Limescale in the toilet bowl can look really unpleasant. I use a pumice stone with a long…

SHOPPING LIST ● 1m checked fabric ● tape measure ● dressmaker’s scissors ● toy stuffing ● sewing machine ● sewing needle ● thread ● doll needle ● craft cord or embroidery thread ● twine ● wine corks (1-2 per pumpkin) ● hot melt glue gun and glue sticks ● craft knife HOW TO… 1 Measure and cut a piece of checked fabric measuring 40 × 80cm. 2 With right sides together, fold the cut fabric in half so the two 40cm ends meet. Pin ends together and stitch this side using a 1cm seam. 3 Use a sewing needle and thread to sew a long running stitch all the way around one end of the tube. Pull it closed and tie the thread ends tightly to secure them. Turn the…

SHOPPING LIST ● 52cm oblong cushion pad ● 0.5m dark fabric (142cm-wide) ● 0.5m pale fabric (142cm-wide) ● tape measure ● pencil ● dressmaker’s scissors ● sewing machine ● thread HOW TO… 1 Start by measuring and cutting the fabric for the diagonal stripes on the front panel. Cut four strips from dark fabric, each measuring 45 × 13cm and four strips from light fabric each measuring 45 × 13cm. 2 Place the strips right side down on your worktop in a diagonal formation, alternating between light and dark strips. Pin the first light strip to the first dark strip with right sides facing and sew them together, using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Repeat this process until you have joined all the strips together. Press all the seams open so…

SHOPPING LIST ● tape measure ● heavy duty 18-gauge natural rustic florist’s wire ● florist’s stub wire ● wire cutters ● lengths of faux ivy ● stems of faux eucalyptus ● battery-powered star fairy lights ● cup hooks HOW TO… 1 Measure the width of the fireplace where you plan to hang your garland. If you want your garland to have trailing ends, add around 60cm to the fireplace measurement. Use wire cutters to cut a length of heavy duty 18-gauge natural rustic florist’s wire to your chosen garland length. 2 To create a base, begin by winding strands of faux ivy along the length of the florist’s wire. Bind it in place along the florist’s wire at intervals using lengths of stub wire. Trim away any excess stub wire…

As a nation we’re known for our love of animals and, according to the PDSA, xjust over half of the UK population owns a pet. Some 28% of us have dogs, 24% have cats, and 2% own a rabbit. If you’re thinking of adopting one of these animals – or perhaps a smaller furry friend such as a hamster or guinea pig, or even a parrot or budgie – ensure it’s able to live its best life by keeping on top of check-ups at the vet and following these steps to create a secure and stimulating home environment, both inside the home and out. 1 Make your home safe Animals love to explore, so it’s vital to assess your home for potential dangers so that they can do so safely. Clean…

GENTLE GIANT Easy to grow and delicious too, sow elephant garlic now for a huge harvest next summer! Choose a sunny site with well-draining soil to plant the cloves in rows, about 20cm apart. Mulch to insulate over winter, feed in spring and harvest when the foliage turns yellow or brown. Treat yourself to some of the crop fresh, but allow most to dry for 2-4 weeks before storing – they’ll keep for up to three months. The whopping bulbs, around 10cm in diameter, contain giant cloves that have a much milder taste than standard garlic – they are particularly tasty when roasted. thompson-morgan.com…

PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 45 minutes MAKES 6 Mummy sausage rolls YOU WILL NEED ✔ 6 Heck! 97% pork sausages ✔ 1 pack Jus-Rol croissant dough ✔ 6 cheese slices ✔ ½ mozzarella string cheese ✔ 3 black olives ✔ ketchup and mustard, to serve DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/370°F/gas mark 5. Bake the sausages for 25-30 minutes, then set aside to cool. ■ Meanwhile, roll out the croissant dough and use a sharp knife to cut six 1cm (½in) wide strips. Cut the cheese slices into six 1cm (½in) wide strips. ■ Place the cooled sausages on top of the cheese strips and wrap the croissant strips around them both. Cut the trimmings off if too long. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes…

BEST FOR CLASSIC LOOKS Nordic pump espresso coffee machine in White, £119.99, Swan I loved how this retro-style coffee machine looked in my kitchen, and setting it up was easy with the illustrated booklet. Straightforward to operate, it makes brilliant espresso, with proper crema, at the touch of a button. Though I’m still mastering the art of milk frothing, the steam wand makes mountains of bubbles in a few seconds. I chose the white machine, which stains easily, so it’s best to keep a damp cloth nearby to quickly wipe up coffee splashes. This isn’t a machine for aficionados – you can’t tinker with the pressure or the temperature – but it makes a great cup of coffee, fast. BEST FOR SMALL KITCHENS Traditional compact pump espresso machine in Grey,…

FOR STOCKISTS SEE p112 HOT FROM THE HIGH STREET Dunelm Turn your bedroom into a maximalist’s dream with the wild and wonderful Nature’s Exhibitionists collection. Key pieces for this look come from Dunelm’s latest collaboration with the Natural History Museum, and feature intricate patterns that put endangered species – like the pangolin and ring-tailed lemur – centre stage. Sew your stripes It won’t have escaped your attention that stripes are this year’s hottest pattern. Make your own trending pieces with the new range of cotton-linen blend fabrics from The Pure Edit. This collection features Ischia, a skinny stripe, and Capri, a wider stripe, in 28 harmonious colours, designed to be mixed and matched. Both £29 per m. ESCAPE TO MOOMIN VALLEY Bring a little Nordic nostalgia to your space with this…

Seasonal swaps It’s nice to change your scents seasonally, just like we do with our home decor and wardrobe. Not only does this keep your home feeling and smelling fresh, it also helps you lean into the mood of the season. In autumn, stick to richer tones of wood, cherry, pumpkin and oud, to create a warm and cosy setting. Then look forward to lighter, floral and more citrusy scents come spring. Scent is one of the most powerful, yet often underrated, tools we can use in our homes – especially when we’re looking to make a cosy and welcoming environment come autumn. Think of it as the invisible finishing touch to your decor, helping to tie interior spaces together by evoking emotion and creating an atmosphere in an instant.…

EDITOR’S CHOICE…

Remove all items from surfaces, including countertops and shelves. Use a disinfectant spray or a vinegar-based cleaner on sink, countertops, toilet lid, and cistern. Don’t forget handles and edges. Scrub taps with a soft sponge and an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar. Buff dry with a microfibre cloth. Spray mirrors with glass cleaner or vinegar-water mix and buff with a dry cloth. Soak your toothbrush holder in hot soapy water or run it through the dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe). Shine the shower door or screen using a limescale remover or white vinegar. Soak the shower head in white vinegar for 1-2 hours. Replace towels and bath mats for a freshly laundered set. Deep clean the toilet, scrubbing inside the bowl, under the rim, around the base, and behind. Disinfect the flush button.…

WARM BRIGHTS Ensure your home is always radiating sunshine – whatever the colour of the sky outside – with rich yellows and oranges, and a flurry of uplifting art prints…

BOLD & GRAPHIC This retro style is all about teaming dark woods with rich orange and green for a statement vibe. Ali’s love of typography works perfectly with the look…

NATURAL BEAUTY For a considered atmosphere, layer neutral tones in your wall shades and furniture. Add personality with carefully chosen textured accessories…

BAKE LIFE EASY Transform your kitchen into The Great British Bake Off tent with flavoured butter created in collaboration with former contestant Ruby Bhogal. All Things Butter has developed a chocolate version to make your homemade cocoa treats taste even better. Use it in pancake batter for a rich flavour; blend with icing sugar for an indulgent buttercream; or simply spread on toast for a grown-up take on a classic breakfast. ‘When we came up with the idea for a chocolate-flavoured butter, I thought, “I can’t believe this doesn’t exist yet!”’ says Ruby. ‘It is super delicious and takes the hard work out of baking for people who aren’t pro bakers.’ Discover more at allthingsbutter.co.uk and grab yours at Waitrose for £2.85.…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Cinnamon bun latte ■ PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes, plus cooling ■ COOKING TIME 10 minutes ■ SERVES 1 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 100ml (3½fl oz) double cream ✔ 1-2 shots (30-60ml/1-2fl oz) freshly brewed espresso coffee ✔ 300ml (10½fl oz) milk of your choice ✔ ground sweet cinnamon, to dust For the cinnamon bun syrup 1 tbsp dark soft brown sugar ½ tsp ground sweet cinnamon 2 tsp butter DIRECTIONS ■ Make the cinnamon bun syrup first, as it needs to cool before use. Heat the brown sugar, cinnamon and butter with 1 tbsp water in a saucepan over a gentle heat until you have a smooth thin syrup and the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool. ■ When you are ready to serve, whip…

BEST INVESTMENT BUY Semi-automatic espresso machine with burr grinder in Candy Apple, £699, KitchenAid I’ve been using this machine for a few weeks, and I love it! It’s clearly built to last, and the red model looks stunning on my kitchen counter. It comes with a nicely weighted portafilter and tamper, single and double filters (which store neatly behind the drip tray), a stainless-steel milk jug, and a built-in grinder. The large 2.5L water tank also includes a filter and a handle, making it easy to refill. While it may look complex at first, it‘s easy once you’ve read the short instruction manual, plus there is a QR code linking to helpful videos and tips. The well-designed controls have adjustable settings for grind size, brew temperature, shot quantity and more,…

Every letter featured wins a prize! Thanks to French Soaps, our star prize winner will receive a Route du Mimosa set of soaps (worth £20) plus a Large Cottage Garden soap set (worth £29.50). The runners-up will each receive a Route du Mimosa soap set. Check out French Soaps’ range of traditional soaps and household cleaning essentials at frenchsoaps.co.uk. Drab to dreamy My beloved mother-in-law, Eileen, sadly passed away last December and, on sorting out her property, I couldn’t bear to part with this chair. I taught myself to do some basic upholstering and used an offcut of a William Morris fabric that cost me a bargain £10. The sponge for the seat was about £5 from Dunelm. I’m so pleased with the results. Angela Kelly, Cheshire Mel, editor, says:…

A Aldi 0800 042 0800 aldi.co.uk All Things Butter allthingsbutter.co.uk Amazon amazon.co.uk Amtico 0121 745 0800 amtico.com AO 0161 470 1100 ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Ark Wildlife 0800 085 4865 arkwildlife.co.uk Arran 01563 852401 arran.com Astonish 01274 767440 astonish.co.uk Atkin & Thyme 01462 412100 atkinandthyme.co.uk B B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3357 diy.com Bathroom Mountain 01782 405047 bathroommountain.co.uk Baylis & Harding 01527 505000 baylisandharding.com Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Blinds Direct 01924 481729 blindsdirect.co.uk Bloom & Brew bloomandbrew.co.uk Bobbi Beck 01209 440089 bobbibeck.com Bodum bodum.com/gb/en/ Brabantia brabantia.com/uk British Garden Centres 01652 241065 britishgardencentres.com Burleigh Pottery 01773 740740 burleigh.co.uk C Caple 0117 938 1900 caple.co.uk Charley Chau 0161 848 8702 charleychau.com CJ Wildlife cjwildlife.com Clarke & Clarke 020 3457 5862…

We’re reading… Get Stitched, Tom Daley, £18.99, HarperCollins Tom credits the mindful effects of knitting for helping him win his Gold medal for diving at the Tokyo Olympics. This book of easy-to-follow projects is his way to spread the love. We’re exploring… The Stranger Folk app at National Trust locations Have a Halloween adventure at historic estates this autumn. The Stranger Folk app is a magical way for families to explore the wonder of British folklore, while getting out and about in nature. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for locations. We’re shopping… The Giant Shepton Flea Market, 5th October, Royal Bath & West Showground Wear comfy shoes to explore the huge selection of vintage and handmade finds at this stylist’s-favourite event. £6 entry at the gate.…

Take it easy and design your next new look from the comfortable middle ground between minimalism and maximalism. Midimalism is all about blending simplicity and character to create highly personalised spaces, which never feel overdone. Rooms decorated in this style feel calm and uncluttered, but still warm and welcoming. Key to making this look work for you is to pick out pieces you really love and use them as the starting point for the whole scheme. Look for paints that match the colours, or patterns that match the print. Designing in this way means all your choices will feel coherent, as they’ll each lead back to the same place. Keeping your taste at the heart of your designs means you’ll create a look that’s full of personality, without the drama.…

Highlight a feature and add glow with picture lighting ‘The kitchen is a space not just for cooking, but for calm, comfort and socialising, too. Soft and layered lighting is key to this look. When it comes to ambient light, a central pendant, or cluster of pendant lights above an island or table, creates the perfect focal point. This should be complemented with task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights and wall lights that illuminate countertops and cooking areas, without taking up valuable workspace. Lamps – once reserved for living rooms and bedsides – now have a place on kitchen counters, sideboards and open shelves. Their warm pools of light create inviting corners and make even the most functional area feel softer – perfect for turning the Sunday reset into an…

YOU CAN HANDLE IT Drawer handles and cupboard knobs are often the last things we think about during a project, either due to budget constraints or simply reno fatigue. But there’s no denying that for a really high-end finish it’s these details that matter. If you are regretting not putting more thought into this area, or need a quick fix to refresh your kitchen, this is the perfect next step. The latest solid brass bar handles from Pushka Home will instantly zhuzh up plain white kitchen cupboards and drawers. Their sleek silhouettes come in four sizes and five finishes – antique, bronze, black, silver and gold. Use the same style throughout, or mix and match for a more eclectic feel. Our expert says.. ‘Key features to consider in a pet-friendly bathroom…

Instead of being a dumping ground for your family’s junk, your garage space could be transformed into a vibrant, valuable and practical living area. A good garage conversion has the potential to add up to 20% to your property’s value, depending on the size of the new space, its use, and the quality of the finish. However, for a successful conversion, it’s important to plan the project thoroughly to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible, meets your needs and keeps within budget. 1 Planning Start by consulting your local council building control department. It provides guidance on compliance with building regulations and whether planning permission is needed. It’s not usually needed for a garage conversion, as long as the work is internal and doesn’t involve enlarging the building. However,…

Family favourite PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME In a slow cooker: 2-2½ hours on high; 4-6 hours on low SERVES 4-6 Ravioli bake YOU WILL NEED ✔ 240g (8½oz) baby leaf spinach ✔ 500g (1lb) fresh ravioli of your choice (uncooked) ✔ 200g (7oz) grated mozzarella cheese For the sauce ✔ 500g (1lb) passata ✔ 2 tsp garlic granules ✔ 2 tsp dried oregano ✔ 2 tbsp tomato purée ✔ 1 tbsp runny honey ✔ sea salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS ■ Put the spinach into a colander or sieve in the sink and pour over boiling water to wilt. Leave to drain. ■ Next, make up the sauce; mix the ingredients together in a bowl or jug. Pour about a third of the sauce into the…

LOAF AT FIRST SIGHT Add this stylish Brabantia bread bin to your kitchen setup, for a tidier, tastier breakfast! The roomy design fits up to two loaves, making it perfect for larger households, and it’s a true multi-talent – ideal for storing, carrying, and serving your favourite baked goods. The convenient handle makes it easy to take from kitchen to table, while the bamboo lid doubles as a serving board. It also has a soft, non-skid rim to prevent slipping and scratching, and a ribbed base to improve airflow, helping to keep the contents fresher for longer.…

YOUR 7 STEP… nighttime reset The key to a smooth morning routine is a bit of prep the night before. Here are seven ways to set yourself up for a calm and happy start to the day • Take 5-10 minutes to tidy up key living spaces, such as the kitchen, living room and hallway. Wipe down surfaces, put away shoes, empty or fill the dishwasher, and clear away any clutter. Waking up to a tidy space helps you start the day feeling in control. • Set out breakfast items, including cereal, bowls, spoons and mugs. You could also pop a teabag in a mug or put the coffee machine on a timer for the morning. If you’re feeling extra organised, prep some overnight oats or slice up some fruit.…

Find puzzles on p110! CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Backhand, 5 Bob, 7 Beckon, 8 Sundae, 9 Ever, 10 Oboe, 12 Inner, 13 Buy, 15 Satin, 16 Roll, 19 Neat, 20 Cinema, 21 Differ, 22 Gas, 23 Amethyst DOWN 1 Babysit, 2 Cochineal, 3 Hoover, 4 Destroy, 5 Banjo, 6 Bravo, 11 Butterfly, 13 Bandana, 14 Inherit, 15 Strict, 17 Owing, 18 Leeks. SOLUTION SILVER BIRCH WORD SEARCH Did you find them all? WORD SCRAMBLE There are 58 words in total – anything over 15 is excellent, especially if you got any of the 5-letter words: clyde, clued, or duple. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1. One antler is missing 2. ‘A’ embroidery is upside down 3. A bird has been added to the frame 4. One frame is missing its picture 5. Penguin…