Costs can quickly add up in the garden, but sometimes the money-saving ideas are right in front of us. In fact, sometimes we're surrounded by them; take autumn fallen leaves, for example.

Whether you're looking for ways to save money in the garden this season or are trying to add more sustainable garden ideas to your space, reusing fallen leaves is a great place to start. Our garden often produce things that we can reuse to help in other ways, whether that's with mulching, feeding or composting.

Gardening expert Ish Kamran has taken to his Instagram @gardening.with.ish to share the different ways you can reuse fallen leaves in your garden and how doing this can save you hundreds in gardening essentials.

With planting spring bulbs and mulching to protect your garden from frost, the autumn-winter period can become quite an expensive time in the garden. Luckily, there's a budget-friendly solution literally falling from above.

"Leaves on the ground can save you hundreds in the garden. But the fact of the matter is, all these fall leaves are jam-packed full of nutrients and what a lot of people do is simply throw them away, but actually there are quite a few uses for these magnificent things," begins Ish.

"First of all, you can line the bottom of your planters with just this. You can chuck it straight in, put a layer of compost over the top, and you're saving a third in compost just by shoving this underneath. And this will still break down and turn into compost," he adds.

"You're also saving money on mulch as well; it may be a bit messy on the top here, but leave it at the base of the soil, and it actually works as a really nice thermal layer. Help retain moisture on the drier parts of the months but also less soggy on wet months. And as it breaks down, it's a feed," Ish points out.

Mulching can be a real saviour during the colder months, as it can ensure your hardy perennial plants survive until the spring without needing much effort and attention.

Whilst there are benefits to not raking your leaves at all, there are also many advantages to collecting them and storing them to create nutrient-rich feeds.

"You can shred these up, leave them in a bag with holes in it, or even pop them in a wire cage, and let them break down into leaf mould and add it to your compost heap. This counts as brown material, so add it 50/50 to green material to create a nice organic compost," explains Ish.

"You can also break these down, soak them in water and create your own natural feed. So there are so many things you can do just with a pile of leaves that are sat on your garden floor," he says.

Don't make an autumn garden mistake and throw out your garden leaves; they're the easiest way to care for your garden this season without spending a single penny.

Leaving piles of leaves in your garden is also a great way to help wildlife and provide them with some much-needed shelter during the winter months.

Have you seen the beautiful new Habitat x Morris & Co. Christmas decorations? The epitome of effortless country-style, these timeless decorations are perfect for dressing homes from head to toe in signature William Morris prints.

This festive collaboration celebrates British design heritage and the enduring beauty of iconic William Morris prints. From the adorable 'Strawberry Thief' felted bird decorations to the reworked 'Leicester' and 'Hyacinth' patterns on the reversible tree skirt, each design is unmistakably chic.

Whether you are a loyal fan of the rich Morris archive or simply love the feel of quintessential country designs, this new Christmas collection is worth a browse – but be warned, the captivating designs are pretty irresistible either way.

These recognisable Christmas decorations are perfect for adding to an heirloom collection of country-style treasures to your Christmas decorating scheme.

Morris & Co. has been a fan favourite for decades, gaining new popularity with a wider audience since collaborating with household homeware brands like Habitat and Ruggable.

Founded in 1861, Morris & Co. is the home of the celebrated textile designer William Morris. His distinctive style is as relevant now as it ever was, thanks to his original heritage designs being preserved and adapted for the modern day. The rich archive lends itself beautifully to home furnishings, accessories and even furniture thanks to the Swyft x Morris & Co collaboration.

Unfortunately, the time has come: Monty Don has finished his last ever episode presenting BBC's Gardeners' World and we, for one, are feeling rather emotional about it.

After hearing the news that beloved Monty was finishing his presenting on Gardeners' World this year, we were utterly heartbroken. For years now, he's been our go-to gardening guru for tomato pruning advice and taught us how to make the perfect bulb lasagne.

However, all good things must come to an end, and in fact they did with yesterday's episode, where Monty delivered his final goodbye, with Ned by his side.

After presenting the Gardeners' World episode with his usual charm and wisdom, Monty sat down with his companion, Ned, for the last time and spoke to his adoring viewers.

"Well, that's it for today and for this series, although we will be back with four special programmes celebrating winter between now and Christmas, and we've got some compilation programmes in the new year," Monty begins.

"And I will see you at Chelsea. But for myself, Ned, and Longmeadow, it's the final goodbye," he says.

We've been grateful not just for his seasonal lawn aeration methods and planting advice; Monty has shared his magical garden with us for years and introduced us to his beloved four-legged family members.

"I first began presenting Gardeners' World 23 years ago at Berryfields, and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago. And in that time, things have changed; the garden's grown, Nigel has been and gone, and Nellie and Patti," Monty reminisces.

"But there has been one constant factor, and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here, as well as working with so many superb people," he adds.

"So thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me, and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So for the last time, bye-bye," finishes Monty.

Celebrities and Instagram users have flooded the comments of the @Gardenersworldtv Instagram reel with well wishes, thank yous and many a teary goodbye.

There's still much speculation about who will fill those very big, beloved shoes and be the lead presenter on the show. However, what is clear is just how much Monty will be missed by each and every viewer around the world.

With hosting season fast approaching, you may be looking at your guest bedroom with dread. Don't fear; Ashley James has just delivered some serious style inspiration to turn any spare room into a blissful retreat.

Spare rooms have a habit of becoming hidden storage areas, or home to abandoned gym equipment. But once the festive period arrives, we want our guest rooms to feel more like a luxury hotel instead of a shed.

After sharing her bold blue living room makeover, activist and TV presenter Ashley James has delivered decorating inspiration again – this time with her pink room transformation. It boasts both personality and stylish functionality.

Sharing the pink room transformation on Instagram @Ashleylouisejames, she says: "Welcome to my pink room; come on up. The inspiration behind this room is Margate House; I bloody loved it there."

Pink is renowned as a happy paint colour, so we can seriously get behind Ashley's choice to colour-drench the entire room in the hue. "I’m so happy to have a pink room in my home again," Ashley beams.

"This is our guest room, for when family and friends come to stay, or when we all need a really good night’s sleep," she explains, of the attic room. "It’s been a bit of a storage heap since we moved in a couple of years ago, so we’re slowly turning it into a warm, welcoming space, especially for our parents."

"This bed belonged to my parents, who owned a B&B, and when my sister and I used to go stay, this was our favourite bed in the house. When they sold the house, this bed made it down here, and the whole room is worked around this bed," she explains.

If you've ever wondered how to combine an heirloom with contemporary style, this is a great technique. Work your room around the unique piece, and it'll never look out of place.

Very relatable; Ashley's renovation is not quite finished. But she has some great home organisation ideas for the space that will help utilise the spare room for extra clothing storage.

"This part of the room is actually very incomplete, so I'm going to do a big shoe wardrobe there. This is my favourite lamp in the house; it's from Pooky," she shows. Adding personality to your home can be as simple as a bold lamp or fun art print.

"So these will go, and I'm gonna get a big built-in chest of drawers here and then a big glass panel thing here just to give it a bit of a vibe to the room. Going to get curtains on the door," explains Ashley.

"We've got an attic room, so we've got these cupboards into the eaves, so I have just put these lovely little wooden buttons on. And whilst we're down here, we've got new carpet, which will be the carpet that I have all through the house," she adds.

"On the other side is just a rail with Tommy's clothes, but it's going to be a wardrobe. I think I'm going to block this space off and panel it, have a thing where you can pop it off so that you can put suitcases or Christmas decorations in there," Ashley says.

Although custom cabinetry can get expensive, it's a real lifesaver for storage solutions. And if you've got the spare space in a guest room, it can help ensure none of it is going to waste, and it's used in a neat, stylish way, too.

Thinking ahead with Christmas gifting can pay dividends in the long run, which is why the launch of John Lewis' latest Made by Care collection is so perfectly timed. The charity line offers stylish homeware at affordable prices - all in the name of a good cause.

Created in support of Action for Children, the 16-piece collection brings together homeware and accessories with distinctive, artistic designs from one of the charity's ambassadors, Peter Dyer. There are hand-painted vases, beautifully shaped ceramics for your very best candles, and carved tableware, with prices starting at just £9. They're little luxuries that make lovely presents, whether you're shopping for a friend who loves interiors or looking for something special for a Secret Santa.

But there's an even lovelier reason to add one of these stylish little home treats to your basket. A quarter of the purchase price of every product, alongside a £150,000 donation from John Lewis, will go directly to Action for Children, helping to support vulnerable children and young people. So, while you're ticking off gifts for the homebodies on your Christmas list, you're also helping to make a difference.

Our Top 6 Picks From The Made by Care Peter Dyer Collection

Made by Care is in its fourth year as part of the John Lewis Partnership's Building Happier Futures programme, which supports people who have experienced the care system to develop their skills, confidence and career opportunities.

This year's collection has been designed by Peter Dyer, who was selected from 14 candidates for his distinctive, fluid approach to design. Born in Holloway prison, Peter became a ward of the state before being adopted. His experiences have informed a creative practice that explores themes of belonging, identity and the way our surroundings shape us.

"My work spans architecture, landscape and product design. It is shaped by my experiences growing up and explores themes of belonging and identity," Peter explains. "These ideas inform my design work, art practice and many other aspects of my life."

His modern, personal range is both decorative and fluid, giving a little character to your everyday objects. The 16-piece collection spans homeware and accessories, with some particularly lovely gift options that won't require a huge Christmas budget. I'm especially drawn to the ceramic pieces, which offer an easy way to bring a little personality to a shelf, coffee table or kitchen.

The hand-painted vase, priced at just £15, is a lovely example. It's an affordable present for someone who enjoys interiors, and its artistic finish makes it feel a little more special than your everyday decorative accessory. There's also a geometric-shaped ceramic mug for £9, which would make a thoughtful stocking filler for someone who appreciates a good morning coffee or tea.

Of course, the most meaningful part of the collection is the cause behind it. With 25% of the purchase price of every item going to Action for Children, alongside John Lewis' £150,000 donation, every purchase contributes to supporting care-experienced children and young people.

The money will help Action for Children build supportive communities around children who have experienced the care system, making sure they have the right people beside them when they need support most. It's a reminder that thoughtful gifting doesn't have to stop with the person receiving the present.

With our favourite retailers filling shelves with charming Christmas decorations, it's more tempting than ever to splurge on new festive additions. But to avoid your existing decorations looking dated and dusty alongside new buys, experts suggest cleaning your keepsake collection to ensure they look as good as new.

We're not saying to avoid trying new Christmas decorating ideas; we're certainly treating ourselves to a new bauble or two, but with the endless costs of the festive season, refreshing your heirloom decorations is an easy way to keep costs down.

Cleaning experts at Astonish have shared top tips for cleaning and refreshing Christmas decorations to restore your beloved favourites to their former glory.

Cleaning Christmas decorations

“Christmas decor tends to be some of the most cherished household items we own. But because they spend most of their time in storage, they can gather dust, grime and even mould if not packed away and cleaned properly," says Emma Mannion, cleaning expert and product development scientist at Astonish.

So, with that in mind, here's how to clean a variety of Christmas decorations, from wreaths to tablescaping favourites.

Cleaning Baubles

We've been eyeing up M&S's new novelty Christmas baubles, but that doesn't mean we're not excited to see our old favourites on the tree too. Here are some cleaning tips to make them sparkle just as brightly as the new ones.

"When it comes to glass baubles, they often collect dust fast," Emma explains. "The key to tackling this is to use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to carefully wipe away any dirt. If they’re particularly grubby, lightly dampen the cloth - but avoid excess moisture around paint or detailing."

"For plastic and shatterproof baubles, these can handle a bit more of a thorough clean. The best way to go about this is to mix a small amount of mild washing-up liquid in warm water and gently wipe the surface. You should then leave them to air-dry completely before hanging," she adds.

"Glitter-covered decorations are where things get a bit trickier," Emma says. "Glitter combined with water leaves a patchy, sticky mess, so avoid cleaning this way. Instead, use a clean, soft makeup brush to whisk away dust without disturbing the sparkle. For all baubles, make sure you clean them on a towel-lined surface - just in case any roll away."

Tree ornaments

No matter what Christmas tree theme you've gone with this year, you've probably got a mixture of sizes and shapes with ornaments. The non-bauble decorations may need a little more effort and attention when it comes to cleaning them.

"For fabric ornaments, grab a lint roller or low-suction vacuum (with the nozzle sock-wrapped) to remove any dust buildup. You can also clean any stains with mild soap and water," Emma says.

"If your wooden decorations need a spruce up, you should dust these with a dry cloth only. Water or any liquid can crack or warp the surface, so try to avoid any contact. Also steer clear of soaking any ornaments that contain glued-on embellishments; you might find it starts to loosen the bond, and the beads and buttons could fall off," she points out.

"Metal ornaments can be cleaned with a dry cloth or metal-appropriate polish if they are tarnished. Just make sure you avoid any detailed painted areas, as this could scratch away at the design," Emma explains.

Artificial trees

Got one of the best artificial Christmas trees money can buy? You'll definitely want to give it a clean this season, as they can get particularly dusty when stored during the off-season.

"Artificial trees attract dust while in storage, especially if they’ve not been stored correctly or in a concealed enough box. This often starts to show when the fairy lights go on, shining a spotlight on the dust, which probably isn’t the desired effect," Emma begins.

"Take the tree outdoors (or into a garage) before assembly so you’re not bringing the dust into your living room. Use a handheld vacuum on the lowest setting, or a feather duster, and work branch by branch from top to bottom to remove the dust," she continues.

"For PVC trees, a slightly damp cloth can then be used to refresh flattened branches. For a bonus glow-up, you can clean lights before you wind them round the tree with a dry cloth to help them twinkle brighter," Emma adds.

Wreaths and garlands

We always count down the days until we can put our favourite Christmas wreaths on our doors. And with the festive season around the corner, now's a great time to give them a little sprucing up.

"For artificial decorations, you should start by shaking them gently outdoors to remove dust, then carefully wipe the leaves, berries and any other decor with a microfibre cloth," Emma advises. "If something is particularly grimy, you can use a cotton bud with a small amount of a multipurpose cleaner for detail cleaning."

"For a real wreath, you can mist it with water to keep foliage fresh throughout the season and avoid placing it anywhere with excessive heat, such as radiators or stoves, as this can reduce its freshness much quicker. Keep an eye on any wilted foliage and remove it to extend longevity," she suggests.

Table accessories and ceramics

If you like to keep up to date with the yearly Christmas tablescaping trends, then you'll probably have collected a few charming accessories for your layouts.

"To get these looking fresh and ready for their décor moment, you can use a soft paintbrush to remove dust from delicate nooks. For ceramics, a slightly damp cloth will work well - but avoid the base if it touches batteries or electrics," warns Emma.

"If your candle holders are suffering from candle wax drips, you can easily remove these with a simple trick. Pop them in the freezer for around 20 minutes and gently lift the wax off once hardened – they’ll look brand new in no time," she finishes.

If you do have the budget to splurge a little this year, we recommend taking a look at Next's light-up decorations, Dunelm's Christmas wreath collection and our curated homes gift guide – there's something for everyone.

Bows of all sizes remain one of the biggest trends in Christmas decoration ideas this year, and I'm a big fan. A simple bow adds an elegant touch to any Christmas theme with minimal effort.

When the bow is oversized, like this one from M&S, it instantly becomes an even bigger showstopper. After being out of stock for weeks, I got an alert this morning that it was finally back in all three colourways – Red, Dark Green and Brown.

And because sharing is caring, I'm spreading the word so others don't miss out on these beautiful velvet bows. Indications show they are already 'In Demand'; therefore, I predict they won't hang around long.

Whether adorning trees, wreaths, mantelpieces, or bannisters, the bow decoration trend is an easy way to welcome colour, texture and whimsy to your festive decorating scheme.

The oversized M&S velvet bows measure H65cm by W26cm by L51cm, making them incredibly impactful. The luxurious piled fabric creates an opulent look, while flared ends ensure a premium finish to keep it looking effortlessly chic.

The best thing about these premium bows is that they are full and plump, so they retain that beautiful bow shape – rather than sinking and feeling flat, which some larger bow designs do.

Finished with a practical hanging loop, these XL bow decorations are ready to be hung around the home with ease.

I have just snapped up a Dark Green Velvet Hanging Bow as an alternative tree topper this year, because I've been inspired by Amanda Holden's Christmas decorations to keep it simple with lights and olive green bows.

I've also grabbed a red one to dress my front door, which will look stunning against the deep green shade I painted it last year. I always make my own Christmas wreath, so I may well end up hanging it from that once it's up – either way, the traditional red one is taking pride of place on my front door.

Alex Jones has been sharing her exciting journey renovating her four-bedroom Georgian house in Berkshire, and it’s proven eye-opening for various reasons.

From advice from Grand Designs expert Kevin McCloud to rediscovering the joy of retro design features, Alex’s renovation has been both a source of inspiration and valuable information for anyone considering their own home makeover projects. And she’s offered another invaluable piece of wisdom, one that could be worth its 'weight in gold'.

The presenter of The One Show offered her experience with paying upfront for a planning consultant. It’s a cost many might not initially budget for, or even want to pay when mounting costs loom, but it’s one that can save thousands in the future and streamline the notoriously tricky process.

For Alex, she admitted it was another cost she didn’t want at the beginning, but was 'absolutely worth it', in part because of the complexities of developing property on the Green Belt.

"We’re in a Green Belt area, so getting permission was never going to be straightforward, and when the architects suggested bringing in a planning consultant, my first thought was… brilliant, another person to pay.

“I was SO reluctant, but honestly, he ended up being worth his weight in gold," confesses Alex.

"It took a long time; there was lots of back and forth, but eventually we got planning through with no restrictions. Which will sound incredibly boring if you’re not renovating… but if you are, you’ll know this basically feels like winning the lottery."

It’s a helpful piece of advice from Alex, and it’s a reminder that paying for the proper professional guidance is more than just an extra expense; it’s insurance for the investment you’re making in your renovation.

Planning work on the Green Belt is notoriously difficult. Councils apply strict legal requirements and, for the most part, in simple English, unless your project meets very specific conditions, it’s likely to be deemed harmful to the countryside and rejected.

Even minor tweaks that many do to increase the value of their home, such as building an outbuilding, often require full planning permission, and you usually need to demonstrate 'very special circumstances'.

Consulting an expert planner helps to save admin. They are used to dealing with local authorities, know what to look for, how to navigate the regulations and the best ways to get what you need quicker.

A seasoned consultant will also help you decide early on what stylistic choices you might need to make to align with the 'special circumstances' often required to get approval. This can include matching heritage aesthetics and styles or using eco-friendly materials.

Getting this planned out early on means you won’t have to re-think your choices later on, potentially saving you from wasting your money on things you’ll not be allowed to use.

To forge ahead and hope you won’t get caught is a costly gamble. While it’s not initially a criminal act to build without permission, ignoring an enforcement notice is an offence under Section 179 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Failing to comply with an enforcement notice can lead to fines in the Magistrates' Court. For cases heard in the Crown Court, fines can be unlimited. If you refuse to tear down or undo any unapproved construction, the council can even enter the land, carry out the demolition or restoration work themselves, and bill you for the full cost.

The countdown to Christmas is officially on. Whether you're ready or not, it's time to deck the halls. And what better place to start than with a festive wreath for your front door?

Hanging one of the best Christmas wreaths is not only a seasonal treat for guests arriving, but a joy every time you enter your home. And while trying out all your favourite Christmas decorating ideas can get a little expensive, there are plenty of brilliant budget-friendly options from Dunelm this year, with prices starting from just £20.

From pre-lit to pretty bows, we expect these spectacular new styles for 2026 to sell out even faster than last year's popular door swags.

Whether you're trying out your Christmas hosting tips this season or want to make your hallway feel more welcoming, starting your guests' enjoyment before they enter is always a good idea. And wreaths are the easiest way to set the tone for the festivities inside.

There are so many outdoor Christmas decorating ideas to try, but these affordable wreaths from Dunelm are high on our list of what to buy. The light-up models are particularly charming and available in a variety of prices and sizes.

If you are trying to save a little money on your decorations this year, then faux wreaths are a great way to do so. They're long-lasting, meaning they can be reused every year. Simply pop them into a wreath storage bag, like this one from Dunelm, and take them out next year when you're ready to decorate.

And if you ever worry about how to decorate your house after Christmas or even want that extra bit of decor on your door all year round, there's a charming wreath design for every season.

Dunelm and many of our other favourite retailers offer plenty of choice for both fresh and faux wreaths and door swags to suit any occasion or aesthetic. So whether you want an autumnal display or a pop of colour for spring, investing in a wreath is the best way to add personality to your home without even needing to step through the door.

Don't want to stop the festive feels at the door? There are plenty of ways you can style your hallway for Christmas, so the seasonal excitement continues throughout your home for you and your guests to enjoy.

It’s that time of year again - John Lewis has people all over the country feeling sentimental as they share their latest Christmas advert.

This year, the theme of the advert is ‘Don’t give up on giving’ - a call to the nation to make festive gifting personal, joyful and meaningful once again. To do this, they have none other than Dame Kristin Scott Thomas playing a fed up grandmother who doesn’t know what to give to connect to her grandchildren.

Spurred on by a retro talking dog, Pickles, Kristin’s character is reminded to rediscover the magic of Christmas through a specially decorated ‘gran cave’ - full of decorative sparkle and a place where the family can make special memories.

If this touching move has inspired you to reconsider the gift card or cash in a card this year - or you just want to create a festive space dedicated to fun and magic - you can actually design your very own inspired Christmassy fun room.

One of the stars of the festive fun ‘gran cave’ is the disco ball decoration. Perfect for bringing together the generations, a disco ball might not take up space in your interior décor year-round, but when it’s time for family parties, nothing gets a party going quite like it.

There’s the added benefit of introducing the reflective disco ball during the cosy season - it’ll be great at reflecting light to jazz up any room or corner of a room without needing to switch on all the big lights.

As seen in the John Lewis Christmas ad

On that idea, the other essentials in creating the John Lewis inspired Christmassy cave or corner are playful lights - from a neon star light that is suitable for indoor or outdoor use to a curtain of star lights to hang in your window to give a warm and welcoming glow.

Fun and functional, these lights consume up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs, allowing you to create a warm, layered lighting effect in your festive set up that can help with bills.

One can never forget oranges in the stockings, so to bring a bit more tradition to your family fun, the frosted orange bauble decoration is delightfully different and still oh-so festive.

For the finishing festive flair, a battery operated Layered Paper Star bauble in a neutral tone adds a classic touch to any colour scheme and oversized velvet bows are always a cosy and comforting Christmas addition that you can reuse for years to come.

Once you've set up your own dedicated space for family festivities, why not set up your own photo booth? Set up a selfie station and add a few props for silly photos, and you've got an inspired way to fill up the family album for years to come.

If you haven't come across Quince yet, consider this your introduction. The American brand has built a devoted following based on a simple promise: beautiful, luxury products without the designer price tag. And now, they're brining it to the UK.

The Quince homeware range is relatively small, but beautifully curated. There's European linen bedding that has a wonderfully soft, relaxed look that we adore; goose down duvets that will make you want to dive into bed; and cushions that have the makings of a hotel-worthy bed.

The place Quince shines best of all is how it can make your home cosy. There are cashmeres, soft bamboo, alpaca and merino wools. You get soft, buttery feels, on modern styles, with prices that are much more appealing than many other stores. It's the perfect place to look for little luxuries to make your home cosier this season.

Quince Homeware Edit: affordable, cosy luxury

Everybody's talking about Quince and it's move into the UK - and it's for good reason. We think their sheets, cushions, and throws might be the best way to make your home look expensive and feel cosy without blowing the budget. It's quality without any cosy quality without compromise.

The winter months can feel a little dull, with grey days and gloomy weather ahead; our homes could use a little pep-up to keep spirits high. Luckily, garden expert Sarah Raven has just the tip to brighten indoor spaces.

When our gardens go dormant in winter, and lots of the natural colour that surrounds us throughout summer fades, our homes become a necessary retreat to keep us feeling happy and cosy. This often makes us look to brighten dark rooms and keep SAD away by cheering up our interiors.

Gardening professional Sarah Raven has shared her simple tip to inject a little beauty and life into your home during the winter months, explaining why indoor bulbs are her saving grace in winter.

"As winter starts, and the garden gets potentially a bit gloomy, I really rely on indoor bulbs to cheer me up and give fragrance and beauty throughout the winter into spring," begins Sarah.

"One of the easiest ways of doing that is indoor bulbs like paperwhites, and all I've done here is get our leaf planter, the medium-sized one, got a little bit of grit in the base, then peat-free compost," she shows.

"I've pushed in 15 bulbs of Narcissus paperwhite Ziva into the compost and then sprinkled some compost over the top before I put on moss to make it look elegant and pretty from the get-go. Then I scattered a few autumn leaves from the garden," Sarah explains.

Similar to other flowering houseplants, you'll want to make sure it is in an appropriate pot and has a saucer or tray underneath to catch any water drainage.

"Water does seep through a little bit with these plants, which is a good thing actually because it really helps with drainage. But be aware if they're on a nice bit of furniture, put a waterproof tray underneath," Sarah continues.

"That's literally it, just put them somewhere frost-free but light for three to four weeks and bring them into the house where they will supply such beauty and such fragrance. Couldn't be easier," she says.

Just make sure you're up to date on your winter houseplant care and you'll have a blossoming floral display to keep you happy all through the winter.

There are also plenty of plants that need to be brought inside during the winter. While you can store them in a greenhouse, why not bring them into your home to enjoy the splash of colour indoors for the season?

Amanda Holden has wasted no time in preparing her home for Christmas - and her decorations might inspire you to get into the spirit of the season early too.

Sharing her impeccable set-up with her social media followers, Amanda’s winter wonderland is a masterful celebration of layered lighting and tonal decorations, which create the illusion of an immersive, enchanted woodland.

We’re loving the unexpected use of tonal green throughout Amanda’s decor. From the forest-green bows to the matching baubles, it definitely feels understated and elegant in comparison to jolly reds and other bright colour combinations we're seeing already this year.

Sticking to one consistent colour scheme of tonal greens with flashes of gold makes Amanda’s decorations feel sophisticated and impactful.

The rich greens nestled in the artfully imperfect fir branches, pine garlands and trees evoke a calming sense of nature, almost as if the decorations are an extension of a magical woodland. While the garlands are generous, the decorations are less obvious because of the matching shades of green.

With different-sized lights woven throughout the foliage, from antique-looking lamps and statement bulbs to smaller, warm fairy lights tucked inside the branches, there’s less uniform order and more the feeling of a starry sky peeking through the woodland.

It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it’s a festive twist on biophilic design that will leave many rethinking the burgundy baubles and silver tinsel this year. And despite Amanda using a professional company to achieve the wonderland feel, there are some clever tips to take away to recreate it for less.

First, focus on scale. Instead of limiting your decorations to a tree and some neat tinsel on the fireplace, as Amanda’s set-up shows, thinking bigger and bolder can really create an immersive feel.

To start, why not create your own archway of foliage with artificial or real branches that don’t just sit on the doorframes or bannister, but envelop and elongate? Don’t worry about it looking perfectly symmetrical or orderly – let it feel like you could be stumbling out of Narnia.

The other clever trick to emulate is mixing different tones. Whether you go with greens like Amanda or opt for a different hue, play with different shades and bring them together in a way that doesn’t feel overly planned or ‘perfect’.

Finally, lighting, as always, is the key. We’ve seen how lighting can transform any space before, and by mixing and matching different-sized lights, different types of lights - including the on-trend festoon style - and playing with different positionings, you can easily create a warm, enchanted atmosphere.

This is particularly useful if you want to play with the concept of size and space. Hanging lights higher up in canopy trees or arching branches creates an illusion of depth and size.

It’s a proven trick for making an outdoor space feel larger and it’s something you can experiment with to create your very own Christmas fairy tale garden.

The other benefit of focusing on your Christmas lighting is that you can use it to create a layered lighting scheme. Leave the big light off and make your decorations work twice as hard - one, conjuring the spirit of Christmas and two, making any room feel warm, relaxing and perfect for cosy nights in.

With the weather turning colder and the first frosts around the corner, there are some plants in your garden that need extra attention sooner rather than later.

If you're taking plant cuttings, you'll know that they are vulnerable while they're rooting and becoming established plants. Which is why you'll need to add potting them out to your October garden jobs list, as the weather worsens and the window for protecting plants from frost begins to shorten.

With that in mind, Monty Don has issued a gentle reminder that now is the time to pot out rooted cuttings and ensure they're properly prepared for the winter ahead.

While sorting the garden out this month, you may want to add this time-sensitive task to your list of jobs. Monty Don says now is the best time to do it before the weather properly begins to change.

"If you've taken semi-ripe cuttings and they've rooted, it's a good idea to pot them on individually rather than leave them over winter," Monty advises.

"Carefully separate the cuttings, trying not to damage the roots of each individual plant. Pot them up with peat-free compost and then put them somewhere where they can be protected against the worst of the winter weather," he adds.

Cuttings are a fantastic plant propagation tip to help fill your garden for free, but they do need a little extra effort to ensure they make it to fully established plants.

Make sure you don't make the spring gardening mistake of planting them out too early next year; the weather will need to be much warmer, and all risks of frost will need to be gone.

"They won't grow much over winter, but they will be ready to plant out in spring when the weather has warmed up," says Monty.

Again, if you're looking for ways to save money in the garden, cuttings are a great idea. Just ensure you've got space to grow them and keep them well protected during colder months before they can go outside to grow.

While you're out in the garden potting out cuttings, it's a good time to try out some autumn lawn care tips to keep your grass looking its best all winter long.

Although this season sees many plants starting to go dormant, that doesn't mean you can't add even more perennials to your garden and start building it again for spring. And if you're looking to save money, now is a great time to get started.

Whether you want to make your garden look more expensive or are simply a plant collector, buying plants at the garden centre can quickly add up. Luckily, this time of year is actually the best for saving money in the garden whilst adding some more plants to it.

If you are looking to add to your plant collection, Ish Kamran, garden designer and content creator on Instagram @gardening.with.ish, has shared his advice for snapping up bargains at the garden centre.

"One of the best pieces of advice I can give you for buying plants on a budget is to buy some of them right now, just before winter. Which, when you're looking at them, seems a little bit mad," says Ish.

"But actually, these, instead of being 13 pounds, 15 pounds and nearly 20 pounds, were one pound fifty. Which is absolutely ludicrous on the side of it, but what have I got here? I've got a hosta, a dahlia and a salvia; let's see what we've gotta do with it," he adds.

"The hosta is actually looking okay; it's just come to the end of its season; it had a little bit of a flower. All you have to do is remove some of this spent foliage, and I'd probably store it either in the ground right now or in the greenhouse until springtime, and I'll plant it back out. We'll have a big mature hosta for 50p," Ish explains.

Salvias are a great plant to find on discount; they're incredibly hardy and can make a big impact in a smaller garden thanks to their tall growth and vibrant colour.

"Now, the salvia has had a little bit of stress, but it has recovered quite well. What I'll do is leave this be. I'm not going to do anything; I'll probably have this out in the garden. It's hardy enough, and when it comes to spring, I'll take the top third of it off, encourage it to side shoot. No doubt this will be a huge salvia bush in spring and summer," says Ish.

Learning how to grow dahlias does require a little more effort when it comes to their tubers and storing them over winter, but the payoff is definitely worth it.

"The dahlia is a really interesting one because normally, when that kinda of a bit spent and rotten, you think that probably not going to do. But I do have an alive stem," he adds.

"And if you're not 100%, grab the plant right out of the pot and have a look for the tuber. If it's spongy and moist, it's too far gone, but if it's still quite solid, which means it's fine. Cut that stem off, let it dry out and plant it back up in the spring," Ish says.

"So, I've saved, what, 50 pounds on plants, and all I had to do is simply rescue them for five minutes," Ish points out.

Although these plants need a little more attention and care when you first get them, the discounts you can get far outweigh the effort needed to help them thrive.

Anna Williamson is best known for her dating and relationship advice, but her latest campaign explores a rather unexpected connection: how our bathrooms can influence the way we see ourselves, and even how we feel about others. After all, a bathroom is more than just a functional space. It's where we begin our mornings, wind down in the evenings, and carve out a little time for ourselves.

In collaboration with Wickes, the dating and relationship expert sat down with us to share her bathroom icks and tricks, exploring how a few thoughtful changes can transform your space into a calm, clutter-free sanctuary.

From stray toiletries and overflowing laundry to water-splashed mirrors, the little details can make a bigger difference than we might think, both to how we feel in our own homes and to the impression we leave on guests. Whether it inspires you to have a bathroom declutter, or simply to invest in some luxury candles for a treat, you'll certainly be surprised (and horrified) by some of the research she shares.

Anna Williamson Bathroom Advice: 8 tips and icks

For interiors enthusiast and television personality Anna Williamson, creating an inviting bathroom is all about thoughtful details, everyday luxuries and knowing how to keep your bathroom tidy.

We sat down with her to discover eight simple ways to transform your space, from fluffy towels and sparkling mirrors to clever styling tricks that bring a designer touch.

1. Keep your bathroom pretty, pared-back, and practical

You don't need an extensive collection of luxury toiletries or a five-star hotel suite to create a bathroom that feels special. Often, it's the simplest details that make the biggest difference, from beautifully soft towels to a hand wash that looks as lovely as it smells.

"I'm all about keeping it neat and tidy and having as few bottles and bits and bobs on display as possible to create a nice, calm environment," Anna explains. "Too much clutter just looks messy and unappealing."

Her approach is really achievable. "It's all about clean white fluffy towels, a few really nice products such as a nice hand wash or room spray, and always a decent smelly candle," Anna says. Coordinating your wash, hand cream and a room spray can bring a sense of cohesion without overwhelming the space too.

2. Make sure your mirror is clean

Lots of people look at the overall design and layout rules of a bathroom, but there are lots of elements that it's easy to overlook, but a sparkling mirror, neatly arranged toiletries and a toilet seat that's always put down can make a bathroom feel instantly more polished.

Anna emphasises these little touches with the research "almost half (49%) of people get the ‘ick’ from dirty, water-splashed glass. And please, put the toilet seat down, a visible loo puts off over a third (39%) of people!" They're easy, but obviously important elements of you bathroom that could put people off.

3. Ambiance is everything

After you've organised your space, Anna's tip for making a bathroom feel calming and charming is all about ambiance. "I love plants in the bathroom, and I think a little pot of greenery can really elevate a bathroom and make it look expensive and well curated," Anna explains. "Also, a scented candle is a big must."

Choose a plant suited to the light and humidity in your bathroom, then pair it with a candle in a fragrance you love. Together, these details bring softness, scent and a sense of intention to the room without taking up too much precious space. And make sure to have a cosy bath robe ready to step into.

4. Keep clutter and clothes out of the way

If there's one household item Anna would happily keep out of sight, it's the humble clothes airer. Practical it may be, but aesthetically pleasing it certainly isn't.

"The clothes airer is my biggest home ick because there is never a perfect place to have it, even though it is a home and laundry essential," she says. "It just looks so meh!"

It's a familiar dilemma. Laundry is part of everyday life, particularly in busy family homes, but a drying rack covered in clothes can quickly take over a room or creep into the background of a carefully styled space.

Anna's advice is to be mindful of what's visible, particularly when you're entertaining or taking photographs at home. Decluttering your home by finding a dedicated spot for laundry, keeping surfaces clear and putting away toiletries after use can help create a more restful environment without requiring a complete bathroom overhaul.

This is where clever bathroom storage earns its place. Baskets can conceal everyday essentials, while cupboards and vanity units keep spare products tucked away but within easy reach. The aim isn't to hide every sign of real life, but to make sure the things you love about your bathroom aren't competing with the clutter.

5. Soft lighting and little luxuries make a big difference

With the right lighting, a few tactile accessories and a little attention to atmosphere, even a compact space can become somewhere you look forward to spending time.

"I think less is more when it comes to feeling truly relaxed and pampered in your bathroom," Anna says. "You don't need a five-star hotel suite to get that feeling, but keeping your bathroom spick and span, free from any personal grooming debris and ensuring the lighting is not too harsh can make a real difference."

Lighting is particularly important. Bright, functional illumination has its place when you're getting ready in the morning, but softer lighting can help create a more relaxing atmosphere in the evening. If you're planning a renovation, consider how different lighting options can work together to make the room practical as well as inviting.

6. Schedule cleaning and chores

Of course, making a bathroom looking beautiful is one thing; keeping it that way when several people share the space is quite another. Between morning routines, piles of laundry and competing demands for hot water, even the loveliest bathroom can become a source of household tension.

For Anna, the secret to a more harmonious home is communication and compromise. "Compromise is the key to families sharing a bathroom without it becoming a battleground," she explains. "Ascertain a bit of a schedule and who needs to be ready when. This can hopefully create a bit of a pecking order of priority on who should be using the bathroom first, who perhaps can wait a bit, and everybody being respectful enough not to hog all the hot water."

The same principle applies to sharing household chores. Rather than letting resentment build over who cleans the bathroom, empties the bins or tackles the laundry, Anna recommends having an honest conversation about how to divide responsibilities. "Without a doubt, what I dub the 'chores wars' is the most common home-related argument," she says. "It's about having a proper conversation, owning what you think you are best at, and dividing the rest between you so everybody feels respected and valued."

7. Make your bathroom a place for sellf-care

A beautifully styled bathroom might make a lovely backdrop for a photograph, but Anna believes that feeling good about yourself matters far more than having the perfect setting.

"My favourite confidence trick is what I call the Mirror Self-Talk Reset," she says. "Before taking your bathroom selfie, look in the mirror and notice the first thing you say to yourself. If you wouldn't say it to a friend, don't say it to yourself. Confidence is the ultimate green flag!"

It's a lovely reminder that our bathrooms can be spaces for self-care in more ways than one. Rather than focusing on whether the room looks impressive enough for a photograph, think about how it makes you feel when you're using it every day. Anna adds that she's "'a sucker for a nice bubble bath too, just gives the epitome of relaxation and luxury," so if you need an extra pick-me-up, that's the place to go.

8. Don't skimp on the practical purchases

"I'm delighted to say that there is actually nothing I would change about my bathroom, purely because we have just had the bathroom of our dreams designed and fitted after many years of wanting to do it," she explains. "I love our shower, bath and basically everything about it, particularly the mood lighting."

Her remaining shopping list is a reminder that you don't need to undertake a major renovation to make a bathroom feel more considered. "I still haven't got round to buying nice toilet roll holders, bins, baskets and all of those bits for the bathroom, so that is definitely on my list to pop down to Wickes to get," she says.

These practical accessories will refresh your bathroom and coordinating them with your existing finishes can help bring the whole room together. And if you're looking for smaller updates rather than a full redesign, they're a lovely place to start.

Thanks to Wickes research, Anna's tips and tricks for avoiding bathroom icks are simple. Minimising clutter, keeping everything clean, and trying to take the messy parts of life out of the way are key for making a space that can be seen as chaotic, curated and calming instead. Whether that's finding storage solutions, giving your mirror a quick polish, or investing in a few beautiful finishing touches that make everyday routines feel more special. As Anna's advice reminds us, our bathrooms deserve the same care and consideration as the rest of our homes. After all, this is the space where we get ready to face the world, so why not make it somewhere that helps us feel our very best?

There's art in making your house feel like a home. Whether it's soft candlelight, cosy woolen blankets, or warm ceramics, Rowen & Wren has a masterful eye for the details that make your space feel inviting.

The British brand's collection brings together thoughtfully made homeware with a nostalgic, rustic sensibility, with pieces designed to be enjoyed for years to come. From a gingham bolster cushion to a handsome platter for your Sunday roast, there's a lovely sense of familiarity to its designs, as though they've always had a place in the home.

This season, Rowen & Wren makes it easy to bring classic country-inspired charm through in warm-toned woods, softly aged brass and hand-painted ceramics. Together with rich velvets and tactile woollen textiles, they bring a warmth to interiors, in an humble ode to the simple pleasures and comforts of home.

Rowen & Wren's Autumn Winter Collection

Some of the most beautiful homes are built on the little things that bring cosiness in: a favourite cushion, a well-loved wooden side table, or a handsome platter brought out for Sunday lunch.

British furniture and interiors brand Rowen & Wren understands the art of these thoughtful details, with a collection that sits in the sweet spot between high street and designer. These are certainly the little luxuries that make a house feel more like home, season after season.

It's no secret that interior trends come and go, with decades-old styles suddenly rising in popularity and finding their way into our homes. And after looking at Winona Ryder's glamorous home from the 90s, we're not surprised.

We've seen many iconic home trends recirculate in today's world, whether that's avocado bathrooms or even the nostalgic Christmas decorations trend. There's good reason we revisit interior styles from the past; they're usually full of character and personality, which some modern styles can lack. One look that is definitely on our radar now? 90s glamour.

Sharing her home with Architectural Digest in 1994, Heathers star Winona Ryder showed us how to create a space that oozes luxury whilst staying true to the personality of the homeowner. It's the perfect inspiration as we head into the autumn and winter months, and we simply can't choose a favourite element.

Whether you like to keep up with interior design trends or not, you may have started to notice styles that reigned supreme decades ago coming back into fashion. People are clearly looking to add more character to their homes, and even interior paint colour trends are getting bolder each year.

That's why, when we spotted Winona's home on a throwback post from Architectural Digest, we had to pause for a moment and admire the style notes. Somehow, Winona and her friend Kevin Haley, who helped restore the space, had perfectly balanced rich, charming interiors whilst keeping the space clean and cohesive.

Looking at the living space, there's lots to look at; however, because of the warm, orangey-brown colour palette that's been adhered to, it doesn't overwhelm the senses. There's a pattern with the warm wooden cabinet, rich orange velvet throw and accent chair with complementary hues. They managed to add so much personality to the space without it feeling too much or becoming gaudy.

Although the home was certainly on the side of the maximalist trend, with its powerful colours, statement art and unique pieces of furniture, it's not cluttered. Instead, each piece used in the spaces has a purpose. Take the large artwork in what seems to be a second living area; it's the loudest thing in the room and anchors an otherwise neutral space.

Another standout for us is the painted drinks cabinet, with its glossy finish and wonderful organic shape. One-of-a-kind pieces like these are often handed down through generations, and styling an heirloom piece like this can be a challenge. However, you must let a piece of furniture with such personality be the star of the show in a room. Only pair it with more subtly characterful accessories and furniture, like the marble coffee table and colourful vase of flowers.

Not only was this throwback timed perfectly with Halloween, but Winona's 90s home is fantastic inspiration for how to make a home cosy. Those rich tones, luxurious fabrics and candles galore are the perfect recipe for an autumn home.

Another easily recreated style note from Winona's home is the use of layered lighting. With warm-toned bulbs, candles and lamps, the space is comfortably lit without any overpowering main lights on. It keeps the space welcoming and cosy.

When it comes to home comforts, there are some things we simply won't sacrifice, and actress Julianne Moore has just revealed her non-negotiable home essential, which couldn't be more relatable.

While modern bathroom trends encourage homeowners to let showers take precedence over baths, if having a long soak is a priority, then you'll probably relate to actress Julianne Moore, who insists on always having a tub.

Speaking to Architectural Digest, the Still Alice star gives us a peek into her bathroom and the essentials she insists on having in her life.

Whether or not you're interested in making your bathroom look expensive, having a bathtub is always a welcome luxury. And one that some people simply cannot live without.

"I have to have a bathtub," says Julianne. "I have to have a bathtub in my house. I have to have a bathtub in a hotel. It's like something essential to my life, and this is the cutest little bathtub."

"It's actually the perfect size for me, because I don't like a bathtub that's too big because then the water gets too cold, too fast. I was fortunate that it was here, so we were able to use the original bathtub," she adds.

"The previous owner had excellent taste. These are all her marble tiles, and Oliver very painstakingly found tiles that would match them. It's sort of interesting, but it really works to have all of these different patterns," Julianne explains.

Not only has Julianne's interior designer, Oliver Freundlich, absolutely mastered the tile-drenching trend, but he's also added small, genius touches that make the space even more functional.

"This is a signature of Oliver's. I love this, a marine lip. This is, you know, so if you spill, say, drinking your water, and you go like this, it's not going to go off the edge; it's going to collect on the marine lip," Julianne points out.

"These are Eileen Grey light fixtures; I just love them. As I said, I like things that are a little bit industrial or a little bit hard," she adds.

These more industrial-styled lights are gaining popularity in this year's lighting trends and are a great way to add a stylish touch to your bathroom without transforming the entire space.

"What I think is great about this bathroom in particular is that the marble is so bright and these lights are so good; you tend to look really good in this bathroom," laughs Julianne.

This bathroom has certainly shown how to brighten a dark room in so many ways, and we can certainly get behind a space that makes us look our best, too.

Decluttering is typically a task you save for spring cleaning; however, doing it earlier can make a world of difference in your home, especially once winter arrives with its gloomier weather and shorter days.

If you're already looking for ways to keep the sadness and gloominess away this winter, you might consider an interior refresh. And while there's plenty of happy paint colours to try, decluttering is a simple, no-nonsense fix.

So don't put off trying the latest decluttering methods until spring, because of the seasonal clock changes, there's no better time than now. Not only does decluttering help free up space in your home, but experts also point out the ways it can help brighten a dark room – which

“The first thing I look at in a dark room is what is blocking the light, not what colour to paint it. Heavy curtains, furniture pushed too close to windows, tall pieces near the glass, or dark rugs can all make a room feel dim before you even get to the walls,” explains Tasha Frie, Head Interior Designer at Sims, an interior design and remodelling service.

While we're big fans of the maximalist decor trend, Tish does point out that crowded surfaces and furniture filling every corner can make a room feel darker.

“Keep window areas as open as possible and avoid placing bulky furniture where it cuts across the path of daylight. Even moving a chair or cabinet away from a window can change how the room feels. Clutter also makes a room feel darker," says Tasha.

If you regularly declutter your home, you'll probably be aware of how much of an impact it can have on your space. When our environments are messy and overwhelming, it quickly affects how we feel when we're in them.

"When every surface is full, and every corner has something in it, the eye has nowhere to rest. A room can feel brighter just by clearing the window area, lifting things off the floor, and giving the main surfaces a little breathing room,” suggests Tasha.

You don't need to go full minimalist, but removing unnecessary clutter will make all the difference during darker months, brightening up your space both literally and figuratively.

You can try all the lighting trends out there, but if your natural light is being blocked, your home will keep feeling stuffy and dim.

If, even after decluttering, you still want to take a serious stance against SAD this year, interior designers recommend doing the following for an upbeat winter.

You deserve to feel cosy at home, even when you're trying to keep the heating and energy bills as low as possible. Whether you're working, settling down with a book in the evening, or trying to keep the chill at bay, a portable heater can be a smart way to stay cosy for longer without reaching for the thermostat.

That's where Meaco's new Grisos range comes in. Best known for its impressive dehumidifiers and fans, the brand has launched two new heaters designed to warm the spaces you're actually using, rather than the entire house. With speedy heating, adaptable power usage and a focus on keeping running costs down, they're a big help if you want to make the colder months more comfortable without switching on your central heating every time you feel a chill.

Portable heaters, whether electric or oil-filled, can be an effective way to stay cosy without turning on the heating. However, choosing the right model matters, particularly if you're balancing comfort with energy costs. Not all heaters are made equally, so it's worth looking at what Meaco's new range has to offer.

Meaco Grisos Heater Launch

If you're holding out for the perfect time to turn your heating on, these little heaters might be the hack that gives you a few extra weeks. The Meaco Grisos heaters are designed to use PTC ceramic heat, which means they warm up quickly. I'm not being dramatic when I say the heat coming off these is instant when you press the on button. It's exceptional.

Rather than blast you with one power setting, they have automatic heat controls and in "auto mode" they reduce power as the room warms up. It's a clever way to stay comfortable without the heater working harder than it needs to (saving your energy bills too.

The airflow is also just as important when it comes to warming a room. The adjustable Air Bean precision directs warmth wherever you want it, whether that's your feet under the desk, the sofa in the evenings, or a chilly corner. Even better, it's quiet whilst doing it, so you can take calls, read, and wind down in peace. They take it another step further with "calm mode" which runs quietly with no lights or beeps for minimal disturbance.

Meaco’s Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Chris Michael, says, "with Grisos, we wanted to make everyday decisions easier, helping people stay comfortable while managing their heating costs." He adds, " heating the room you are using gives people more choice about when and where they use energy, whether they are working from home or relaxing in the evening."

If safety often plays on your mind with heaters, you're not alone. Meaco has meticulously run through measures, so that there's a tilt-switch protection, thermal overload protection, a heat-resistant grille, and fire-rated enclosure around the circuit board. And if you're worried you'll fall asleep or forget to turn yours off, the Meaco Grisos heaters have an automatic switch-off after eight hours as well as on and off timers too.

It's also worth noting that Meaco offers a five year guarentee on all of their heaters. a promise that Chris says "no other heating manufacturer offers." He explains that it's "a commitment to heating performance for the full five years, giving customers confidence that they can depend on their heater for years to come.”

How do the Meaco Grisos Heaters compare?

Both heaters share the same core strengths, so the choice comes down to how much intelligence you want from your heater. The Grisos 1.5kW is the straightforward, great-value choice. It’s ideal for a bedroom, a small living room or a home office, where you want fast, controllable warmth without fuss.

The Grisos Smart 2kW is the one for those who like a heater that thinks for itself. It senses presence and motion as well as open windows, and its remote control has an integrated thermostat, so it adapts to how you actually use the room. If you’re forever popping in and out, or you’d like it to stop heating when a window is open, that extra intelligence could pay for itself.

Heating only the room you’re in is one of the simplest ways to feel cosy at home and more in control this winter, and the Grisos range makes it feel easy. With fast, quiet, ceramic heat, thoughtful safety features and a five-year warranty that Meaco says no other heater maker matches, both models offer real reassurance.

If you want dependable warmth for a smaller space, the Grisos 1.5kW at £69.99 is a smart buy. If you’d like a heater that adapts to you, the Grisos Smart 2kW at £129.99 is well worth the extra.

Sure, sofa beds are great if you have room to accommodate extra seating, but what about those looking for a more compact solution? That's when an ottoman sofa bed might be a better fit.

And they don't come more chic than the new model that has just arrived at Dusk. I stumbled across this new addition while looking for ways to maximise my living room ahead of hosting guests over the coming months.

While I've entertained the idea of one of the best sofa bed armchairs, they've always felt too big and bulky to add to my existing furniture collection. This savvy new design feels like the smart way to add extra seating, a footrest and a bed when needed. It's ticking all the boxes for my small living room.

One minute the Kennadi ottoman is a generous footstool to put your feet up while sitting on the sofa, or an upholstered alternative to a coffee table, but as soon as it's needed, it folds out into a single sofa bed with a chic integrated headboard.

The thing I love most about this sophisticated design is how undetectable it is as a sofa bed. In pouffe form, the button-back cushioned top and streamlined footed base give no clues to its hidden purpose.

The understated, traditional look ensures it blends beautifully into the surrounding decor in any living room or bedroom.

The decorative button-top then becomes a stylish headboard, giving it a clear and distinct purpose as a bed - an incredibly clever design concept.

And of course, the choice of three very different colours makes it incredibly versatile from one room to another.

Given its compact design, the mattress component is understandably a little on the thin side. But for a night or two, that is perfectly acceptable and provides adequate comfort to aid a good night's sleep.

The design team at Dusk do advise adding a little extra cushioning if required, because the "folding design creates a firmer sleep surface than a traditional bed."

As the team suggests, we too would recommend adding one of the best mattress toppers to bulk it out, providing an extra layer of cushioning if your guests are staying longer or need a little more support.

The ottoman sofa bed is available in single and small double sizes, to cater for all rooms.

Because the product is brand new, it's currently available on pre-order, with an estimated dispatch date between 11th November and 18th November - still plenty of time before the festive hosting season begins.

There are several key considerations when caring for wildlife during autumn, and Halloween decorations are an often-forgotten one.

While many charming Halloween decorations are harmless enough, popular stretchy faux cobwebs are being called out by wildlife experts as a potential danger to birds and other smaller wildlife.

The stringy faux webs are a perfect trap for winged creatures looking for food and shelter in shrubbery or trees. And thanks to the stretchy material, it's almost impossible for small animals to free themselves once they're stuck. An outcome nobody wants.

"Fake spider webs are a particularly concerning danger, as birds and bats can become easily entangled," say the Ecology experts at Arbtech."The struggle to escape can lead to injury or death from exhaustion, broken bones, or strangulation."

It's not just the cobwebs that can pose a threat to wildlife; if you're working to protect hedgehogs this season, you might also want to be careful where you're placing your pumpkins. "Pumpkins also cause a range of issues for common garden visitors like hedgehogs if eaten, such as severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and even death."

"With hibernation season just around the corner after Halloween, hedgehogs cannot afford to lose any weight through illness if they are to survive the winter," they add.

There's also another way you could be accidentally upsetting wildlife in your garden during the spooky season and beyond.

Halloween-themed or not, the exterior lighting trends you've chosen for your garden can scare off hedgehogs and other small garden visitors.

"Unnatural flashing lights can even confuse wildlife and disorient them from their surroundings, making them more vulnerable to predators and less likely to locate their food sources," say Arbtech experts.

Instead, opt for warmer-toned lights, nothing that flashes and keep them away from any entry points hedgehogs or other critters might use to pass through your outdoor space.

If you're especially keen on attracting birds to your garden, you'll want to stay well clear of this messy, damaging decoration. Watching bird populations decrease is the horror film we want to avoid this Halloween.

Also, if you have carved some spooky pumpkins this Halloween, don't throw them out; there are plenty of ways to use leftover pumpkin in your garden.

It's a rare treat to see Nigella actually baking in the tent, so her latest Instagram appearance, where she whipped up her olive oil chocolate mousse on set, is a joy to watch. Of course, we took recipe notes, but it's the slightly retro and wonderfully clever baking tool she's using that really caught our eye.

We've been paying close attention to every episode of Bake Off to find out all the kit being used in the tent. So, seeing one of the tent's most-used treasures up close in Nigella's hands, only confirms what we suspected: it's surely one of the best hand mixers of all time.

This one from Dualit, with all its charming retro features bucks the cordless, app-connected trends, but that's actually why it is such a must-have. But what makes it the baker's choice in the tent and does it deserve a place in your kitchen over a stand mixer or a whisk?

Nigella Lawson's presence in the Great British Bake Off tent has been a joy this year. Her thoughtful comments and delicious suggestions (hello, bread and butter pudding) are very welcome. And her chocolate mousse Instagram video is yet more proof of why we love her.

Whilst I'd normally expect the Bake Off's famous pastel pink, blue, and yellow stand mixers to feature in any content, Nigella's video is all about showing off the hand mixer that's been getting a lot more air time this year.

The Dualit Chrome Hand Mixer has long been a quiet workhorse in the tent, but seeing the bakers reach for it more regularly and Nigella making use of it is a lovely reminder of why retro beauty is such a treasure.

When you’re whipping up a mousse or chasing a light, fluffy texture, you need two things: precision over exactly where you’re mixing, and enough power that your arms don’t tire. A stand mixer can manage it in batches, but for smaller quantities like this, it’s often overkill. Nigella has picked the perfect tool for the job. And because it tucks neatly into a drawer, it frees up precious worktop space too.

While many hand mixers have gone cordless for convenience, Dualit has stayed true to its roots. Being corded makes it more powerful, and it’s one of the most powerful, speedy hand mixers we’ve tested (and we’ve tried them all). That doesn’t mean it can’t be gentle: the 4 speed settings make it wonderfully versatile for delicate folding-in as well as serious whipping. But as the bakers show, that speed and power come into their own when the clock is ticking and Paul Hollywood is looming over your bench.

In line with the look and feel, the hand mixer is fully repairable, so you can buy it for life and make little tweaks (if you ever need to) rather than needing to worry about a battery losing power or the motor running itself ragged. Repairable features are becoming few and far between, but they're brilliant and extremely valuable.

More hand mixers that we love

If you're feeling inspired by the hand mixer, here are three more that we think are Star Baker-worthy:

This isn’t the first time Nigella has inspired our kitchen shopping list. Her iconic stand mixer is the same one Paul Hollywood uses, and the one you’ll spot in the tent. And if you keep scrolling past her chocolate mousse recipe, you'll see that her Instagram is just as tempting, with so many recipes that it’s hard to scroll without getting distracted. The sticky toffee pudding is firmly at the top of my list for this weekend.

His theories on The Celebrity Traitors may be missing the mark, but James Blunt’s idyllic kitchen design proves his instincts are strong when it comes to on-trend paint shades.

The singer gave fans a sneak peek at his kitchen, while poking fun at some of his best moments on the latest series of the BBC show, and his choice of warm, butter yellow interiors was an instant hit – a perfect blend of modern warmth and heritage rustic charm.

In the clip shared on social media, James showcased the soft yellow cabinetry, stylishly contrasted with dark, grounding elements of the metallic hardware and sleek, matte black countertops.

An interesting, perhaps an unexpected colour palette for the former army man, it’s one that strikes a perfect balance between old-fashioned countryside charm and contemporary design.

Without the contrasts of the built-in fridge lights and dark shelving, for example, the yellow colour scheme could feel overwhelming and more outdated and kitsch than subtly rustic.

By stopping short of colour-drenching the kitchen in the buttery shade, James has kept it distinct but modern, offering a lesson in the art of balancing a bolder kitchen colour.

Understanding the art of tone also comes into play. If this yellow were brighter, it wouldn’t feel as relaxing. Yellows are dopamine colours, but the soft, pastel yellow feels almost nostalgic – evoking the feeling of traditional country kitchens, or sun-dappled farmhouses.

As the heart of the home, the soft, warm yellow in the kitchen creates a feeling of cosiness, making the space one that can truly be used for its intended purpose. Who wouldn't want to spend a lazy Sunday baking with the enveloping calm of the relaxing yellow tone?

The sunny colour choice might also be inspired by where James lives. It’s thought that he, along with his wife, Sofia Wellesley and their two children, owns several properties. One is an English pub in Chelsea, and the other is a home in Ibiza.

This uplifting shade would work in both. If James recorded this from his home in Spain, the warm yellow trapping light and opening up a space, those sunny days will really make the kitchen come alive. On the other hand, if it were in his London home, the sunny yellow will work over time to brighten up the greyer, rainier climate.

With so much happening in the garden this autumn and winter, it can get a little overwhelming and sometimes knowing what's best for each plant going forward can be a mystery.

Whilst you've been completing your October gardening jobs this month, you might've been pondering what the best next steps are for your hydrangea plant. It'll probably be well on its way to drying out and becoming dormant for the winter months; however, there are a few steps you should take to give it the best chance at surviving the cold weather.

The next time you're out protecting your garden from heavy rain and winds, here are some jobs to add to your to-do list to help your hydrangeas thrive.

Whilst you may already know how to prune hydrangeas, deadheading them before the colder months is a common point of confusion for gardeners. And knowing how to prepare them for winter isn't always the most straightforward task.

"We're talking autumn hydrangea care and whether it's a good idea to cut those flowers off. Hydrangeas are seriously hardy plants, and they'll survive quite well throughout the winter, but there are a few things we can do to keep them nice and happy," begins Ish Kamran, garden design expert and influencer at @Gardening.with.ish on Instagram.

"First of all, I'm going to hold off feeding. I want to allow this to start to wind down over the next few months and then go dormant for the winter, so feeding is not necessary anymore," he explains.

"Something that is still necessary, though, is watering. By all means, make sure these stay hydrated; otherwise, they're going to stress out before they go dormant, and you don't want that. It's still a little bit warm in October, so make sure this soil is staying hydrated," Ish adds.

So, should you deadhead hydrangeas this time of year or are they best left alone?

"The most common question I get is, 'Should I deadhead my hydrangea flowers before winter?' and the answer is yes and no, which is helpful to no one. First of all, you can see that a lot of my flowers have been cut off on this one," continues Ish.

"That's because we had a windstorm. As a result, I had a fair few snapped stems; as it starts getting colder, it gets a little more moist, and that can start introducing infection into the plant. So I've deadheaded those away to make sure that they don't get any infection, but I've still got a few drying and a few that'll stay dead," he points out.

"I'm gonna leave those over the course of winter because they make a great thermal barrier to keep these a little hardier," says Ish.

That way you won't have to worry so much about protecting the plants from frost when the temperatures eventually drop below zero.

"Hydrangeas may be hardy, but they can still benefit from a bit of mulching. Whether you've got some multi-purpose compost, some bark or some shredded leaves, apply that to the base of the plant and give it a thermal barrier to keep the roots happy in the cold weather," he finishes.

Luckily, you won't need to worry about your hydrangeas too much during autumn when the wet weather arrives, as they are one of the best plants for wet gardens. However, they will need these helping hands to get through the cold snaps and frosts that winter brings with it.

Kitchens are one of the most used spaces in our homes, and because of this, we really need them to work for us and our daily routines. Which is why keeping them organised is so important.

Knowing how to organise your kitchen properly is an absolute godsend when you're cooking every day and especially when you're writing your shopping list, trying to figure out what you actually need. Using organising tips can also help you double a small kitchen's storage space, which really helps out when you're running out of room for food, pans and more.

That's why, when we spotted organising professional Dilly Carter's reel on her Instagram @declutterdollies, we simply had to share her wisdom on streamlining your dry food storage.

If you struggle with organising your kitchen cupboards in a way that works for you, then Dilly has some fantastic methods for making the most of the space and ensuring it's functional for your daily needs.

"Cupboards can be utter chaos; we don't want that. We want it to look beautiful. Now, you might not have a pull-out pantry like this. You might have five shelves; you might just have one shelf. Why I'm showing you this is so you can take snippets of what I'm showing you and recreate that in your own house," explains Dilly.

These tips aren't just helpful if you want to organise your pantry; they can be customised to suit any sized space.

"The reason that we use glass is that we can see what we've got and we don't overbuy. The reason I haven't labelled any of these with dates to see when they run out is that I use them on repeat," she continues.

"Anything you use on repeat is what you decant; we don't put things into jars that we're never gonna use. We put them somewhere else, so the things I use on repeat are always here. So all my dry pasta, all my lentils and rice, my tins are on a lazy Susan. And then my jars are in this basket here," Dilly shows.

And if you have a larger household where there are always extra packs of pasta or tins of beans just in case, then Dilly also has a solution for that.

"My back stock is in that top basket, so anything messy that I don't want you to see, or I don't wanna see, is in that basket. So, that means that everything can look beautiful, so take snippets of what I've done and recreate that in your own house," suggests Dilly.

"The most important thing is that you give every shelf, every cupboard in your kitchen, a purpose; give it structure. If there's no structure, then you don't know where things are. We want to be able to find things super easily. Everything is about what works for you and your house," she finishes.

If you're trying to organise a small kitchen, having as many jars and baskets as Dilly might not be possible, but you can swap things out for smaller sizes and still achieve the desired effect.

Dilly has also shared her expert advice for maximising storage space in your home, especially the kitchen, which will help with making rooms even easier to clean and keep organised.

When you hear minimalism, you think of a rather empty home that's lacking personality and warmth, but after seeing Amanda Seyfried's NYC apartment, we know that doesn't have to be the case.

If you're a big fan of the warm minimalism aesthetic or simply don't want your home to be cluttered and busy, then you're probably a lover of all things simple when it comes to home decor. And whilst the minimal look can sometimes appear a little empty and soulless, there are ways to add personality to your home without covering every surface with colour and clutter.

Not convinced? Take a look at actress Amanda Seyfried's New York apartment and the way she's subtly injected character into what appears to be a pretty neutral space.

The maximalist trend is certainly not for everyone, and if you like your home to be relaxing and serene, sometimes the last thing you need is heaps of stuff inside it. That doesn't mean you can't sprinkle in some character and personality, though.

Showing her NYC apartment to Architectural Digest in 2023, the Mamma Mia actress proved that having a simpler space with touches of charm is possible. Looking at the apartment with its mostly white walls and oak floors, you don't immediately have a whoosh of character hit you in the face.

However, when you zoom in a little to the accessories, fixtures and decor choices, you'll be able to find those pockets of magic that make a house a home. Starting in the kitchen with that explosion of blossoms sitting on the island. This is a great way to style a home and give it that fresh look without committing to a painted wall or more permanent feature like a statement painting.

Moving into the bedroom, you're once again met with a rather stripped-back interior; the dark accents do provide a much-needed contrast. In keeping with the lighting trends we've been spotting this year, Amanda has taken the bedside lamp up a notch with this sculptural design that features a hand holding the light in the wall.

You could almost miss it if you weren't taking notice, but it's these subtle nods to eccentricity that really elevate the space and, in another way, make it feel more expensive. Similarly, the quiet luxury look can transform a home without the need to add flashy interiors or gaudy style touches.

Lastly, we love how Amanda has used a large, open bookcase to add more interest to the kitchen diner space. Again, it's more curated clutter than anything else, and the coloured books give a subtle mosaic effect, helping them blend seamlessly in with the neutral surroundings.

If you're tired of wondering how to declutter your home so it looks less cluttered, this more minimalist aesthetic might suit you. But always make sure to add or keep certain aspects that ensure the space still feels like home.

Picking a paint colour for your home isn't always the easiest choice, and it's one that can be quickly regretted once you finish. To save you the hassle of repainting and repurchasing, here are some colours that homeowners most commonly regret using.

Whether you're looking to try out one of the interior paint colour trends this year or simply want to try to make a room look bigger with paint, picking a colour can become quite the challenge. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which hues suit the space you're decorating and how you'll feel about your choice for years to come.

With these sorts of decorating risks, we often like to chat to the experts and see what they advise. And if you want to avoid the pesky repainting episode when a colour doesn't quite look like you imagined, you might want to avoid these commonly regretted colours.

1. Deep red tones

If you want to make a living room look more expensive, you might have considered opting for a deep, luxurious red. However, these darker tones are often quite tricky to change once they're painted.

"There are many wonderful colours with deep red tones, be it a dark purple or maybe burgundy, and in the right space, they can definitely create a lovely atmosphere," says Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed.

"But I do always recommend caution around these colours, because they are very dark and pigmented, which makes them the most difficult colour to paint over. So if you fall out of love with it, it can become a lot of work," he adds.

2. Cold neutrals

This one may be a surprise, as they can be some of the best bedroom paint colours, but neutrals on the cooler side don't often look good in certain rooms in homes.

"Opting for a neutral tone can seem like a safe choice, but with so many variations of white, beige and grey to choose from, even keeping things simple can quickly become overwhelming. With these shades, it's particularly important to consider their undertones," explains Michael.

"If you're thinking about using a neutral in a living room or bedroom especially, I would steer away from coolness. That means any grey or beige with blue or green undertones. While these shades can look sophisticated in the right environment, they don't have the warmth and the homey feel you want in a living space," he continues.

3. White

While it's considered one of the best colours to paint a ceiling, white isn't always the safe choice you think it is. And although it's incredibly easy to style in your home, many people do end up regretting settling for it.

"I am not saying that you should never paint anything white. It's a wonderful colour that can help accent bright colours, open up spaces, and look nice and sleek. But white indeed is one of the colours you are most likely to regret choosing. Many people are overwhelmed by options, or don't want to commit to a certain shade, and they resort to white as a basic," points out Michael.

"But in reality, white doesn't go everywhere; it's not always the most flattering shade for any given room. So don't use it as a safe choice or an excuse to not pick a better-suited colour," he continues.

If you want to add personality to your home, it's worth taking more of a gamble with a brighter, bolder colour so your space reflects your character.

Of course, paint colours are completely up to personal preference, and you should paint your home whatever colour you'd like! But if you are in need of some help, it's always great to hear from the experts.

Gardening can be surprisingly busy during the colder seasons; with pruning, deadheading and weeding, there's so much to do. So much so that it's easy to forget about the smaller but just as crucial jobs, like maintaining your tools.

Working through your list of October gardening jobs will keep you plenty occupied this month however you're gardening is only as good as the essential garden tools you're using. And although it's easy enough to replace your worn and dirty tools, you can use a little elbow grease to save money in the garden and get them looking brand new again.

So before you make a winter gardening mistake and prune your plants with a rusty, perhaps disease-ridden pair of secateurs. Here's how to give them a proper clean and get them working properly again before pruning season.

Whilst it's incredibly important to keep all your tools sharp and have a sharpening tool on hand, cleaning your secateurs before you start snipping and pruning is especially crucial this time of year.

"As we're heading into the pruning season, it's worth giving your secateurs a good clean," starts Simon Akeroyd, author and gardening expert, @simonakeryodgardenwriter on Instagram.

"Soaking secateurs in white vinegar helps loosen rust and debris. But don’t soak them for too long (two hours max) because vinegar is corrosive. You can then gently scrub the blades afterwards with an old toothbrush," he adds.

"Although I find rubbing with tin foil works well too. Just be careful you're not scratching your blades. Afterwards, dry them thoroughly and add tool oil to keep them lubricated and prevent them rusting more," Simon continues.

Although secateurs aren't exactly obscure gardening tools, there are many kinds to choose from; each comes with its own

"My fav secateurs are Felco 8 (I’m not sponsored by them). Ergonomically, they fit nicely in the hand, are powerful and are made in Switzerland. They’re beautifully engineered. And the iconic red handles make them easy to find if you lose them in the garden," Simon says.

As long as you keep sharpening your garden shears and clean them regularly before pruning, your plants will not become diseased or damaged.

Knowing how to maintain your tool is a sustainable gardening practice that will ensure your shears last for years to come.

There are lots of ways to make your home look cosy this season, but what’s the secret to making it feel cosy too? The answer is simple: scent.

We adore this season for its warm, spiced autumnal candles, but this year is bringing something extra special and more unexpected. It also happens to be the way that Tom Daley is making his home feel cosy as soon as you walk through the door.

Carefully placed around this family home, the athlete swears by Air Wick’s new Frost home fragrances. So which scents is he using to make his home warm and welcoming and where does he put them? We sat down with Tom to find out.

Air Wick fragrances has long been a home staple, with a library of scents to suit every mood, but its new collaboration with Tom Daley may be one of its most heartfelt yet. Inspired by the athlete's love of knitting and crochet, the collection is designed to conjure your favourite seasonal memories and wrap your home in a blanket of comforting scent.

"I like to make sure that my home is curated in a way that is not just about the way that it looks, but how it feels as soon as you walk through the door," says Tom, He explains, "for me, home is something that I associate with family, with my boys, and making sure everyone is happy and safe - a large part of that comes down to the scent of your home."

It's easy to see why Tom considered the partnership such a natural fit, because it's all about being cosy at home. While he became a household name for his gold-medal diving, he is just as well known for his crafting talents, knitting and crocheting some seriously impressive projects. For Tom, it's all about feeling "cosy and calm and giving meaningful gifts to my family and friends," he explains. A flickering candle or a softly scented room is, after all, one of the simplest ways to curate a truly cosy space.

The collection features four autumn and winter scents: Smooth Pumpkin Ginger Chai, Cosy Rose Tea, Velvet Vanilla Latte and Warm Mulled Wine, each available as a mist, diffuser and air freshener. The mists are perfect for a quick refresh of a room before guests arrive, the diffusers are brilliant for creating a constant, gentle backdrop of fragrance in a living space, and the air fresheners are an easy way to keep smaller spaces like hallways and bathrooms inviting.

Tom Daley has been scent-scaping his home for the cosy season and it's got us feeling ready for the autumn. Whether you're lighting one of your favourite candles or going for a more low-maintenance diffuser, it's the perfect way to bring fragrance into your home.

Stacey Dooley's stylish living room might make you rethink your next DIY project, because her painted ceiling proves that walls don't have to do all the talking in a chic decorating scheme.

The documentary maker recently shared a peek inside the living room of her Liverpool home, which is inspiring us to get the paintbrushes and rollers out to try something new.

If you fancy giving your living space a splash of statement colour with one of the latest on-trend paint tones, look no further than Stacey's olive green ceiling for inspiration to maximise impact.

In a recent Instagram post, @sjdooley fans got a glimpse of the unexpected design elements within the couple's elegant living room. The extra-high ceiling is a gorgeous olive shade, which beautifully complements the room's soft cream walls and neutral taupe-toned carpet.

The rich, deep green ceiling provides contrast and depth to such a bright, airy space. The dark tone enhances the intricate, swirling cornice border and ceiling rose, celebrating the classic Georgian-era feel of her stunning home.

Why does colours on the ceiling work so well?

"The ceiling is the fifth wall," says Rob Abrahams, CEO and Co-Founder of COAT Paints. "A soft tonal ceiling changes the quality of light in a room."

"Brilliant white bounces cold, flat light back onto your walls and can make even a gorgeous shade look washed out. A bold ceiling creates personality and a sense of occasion, and it’s a brilliant way to bring in a strong colour without committing all four walls to it."

In a dining room or bedroom especially, a deep ceiling draws the space in around you and makes it feel cosy and deliberate. Either way, bringing the ceiling into the scheme is what makes a room look designed, not just decorated."

"A bold, contrasting colour turns the ceiling into the hero of the room," Rob adds. "The secret to contrast that looks designed rather than accidental is choosing colours that share an undertone." Just as the 'gradient layering' paint trend suggests.

"Different depths, same family DNA. What I’d steer people away from is the default brilliant white ceiling," Robs suggests. "It’s neither tonal nor a real statement, and against warm walls it usually looks stark."

Of course, we couldn't help but notice (and fall in love with) the statement lantern lampshade hanging in the centre of the room.

The focal light is bold and unmissable - but doesn't distract from other standout elements, thanks to its fresh white neutrality and soft, curved silhouette.

The translucent nature of a lantern lamp also makes it perfect for transforming a room with layered lighting by filling the space with a cosy, ambient glow if used with a warm-toned bulb.

Resetting your home for autumn can be as easy as introducing some new accessories and burning your favourite autumnal-scented candle to make a space feel cosier. But giving a room a lick of paint as the seasons change can make a huge difference, too. Even more so when that involves using colour on the ceiling.

Breakfast is easy to rush – a quick slice of toast or grab something and go. But a little inspiration can transform the first meal of the day. Think golden waffles, freshly toasted sourdough and something worth sitting down for.

Of course, no breakfast is complete without characterful kitchen pieces, like a chunky coffee mug and your favourite cereal bowl. But making breakfast isn't just about the cosy details. Ninja's new waffle maker and toaster-come-panini press put a fresh spin on two hard-working kitchen staples.

Versatile, simple to use, and designed for golden results, they're just as handy for sweet treats and toasted lunches as they are for breakfast. And with Christmas on the horizon, they might be worth stowing away as a present for someone special (see our homes Christmas gift guide for more ideas).

Ninja Waffle Maker and 3-in-1 Toaster

Ninja's new launches will help you turn breakfast into one of the most special meals of the day, especially if you're hosting a brunch at the weekend or over the festive season.

The Waffle Maker offers something different and memorable, but still at a reasonable price point. It brings thick, Belgian-style waffles to the table with a mess-free approach to how they're made. Ninja also boasts zero-flipping and a wide range of sweet and savoury recipes to follow for fast, delicious meals.

Meanwhile, the 3-in-1 Toaster is an appliance our whole team has been dreaming about. Not only can the long wide slots consistently toast your breads (and pastries - hello warm croissants), it can be flipped on its side for a grilled sandwich or panini.

There are seven functions in total (toast, bagel, defrost, panini, bake and reheat) and seven shade settings. The slide in drawer is still non-stick and non-toxic, yet more proof that Ninja does practical design with simplicity better than almost anyone else.

“For too long, breakfast lovers have had to choose between the convenience of a quick meal or the quality of a homemade waffle” said James Kitto, SVP EMEA Managing Director at SharkNinja. “We’ve eliminated that trade-off...with vertical design with intuitive controls to deliver a truly effortless experience that doesn't compromise on quality.”

Complete the cosy breakfast look

Investing in your breakfast is one of the best ways to lean into making your home feel cosy. Another one of our favourite tweaks is bringing wool into your home, be it in rugs or cosy throws to wrap up in when the waffles are going golden on the hob.

Martin and Shirlie Kemp's recently renovated kitchen is a sophisticated space, designed around the family's love of entertaining and bringing everyone together.

The new kitchen beautifully embodies classic country style with a muted colour palette and period design details. In contrast, an expansive kitchen island and smart appliances help future-proof the space and ensure it caters to the demands of busy family life.

Much like the couple's cottage-style garden, the space is a vision of vintage-inspired charm and character. Shirlie's love of timeless, heritage style has clearly influenced key design choices.

"I'm naturally a bit of a vintage person," Shirlie reveals. "I'm a really big fan of the old-fashioned Butler style sink, and I went for a vintage-style tap."

"Welcome to our gorgeous, brand-new kitchen, designed by Howdens," Shirlie beams. The couple worked closely with the expert design team to ensure their new-look kitchen retained the timeless charm of their Victorian property while still feeling contemporary and relevant.

As a result, they chose the classic Shaker-style Elmbridge kitchen, with solid wood cabinets and beaded detailing."They wanted their design to have a country aesthetic that would stand the test of time while making it fit for modern living and entertaining," as quoted by the experts at Howdens.

"I love all the features, the decorative plinths. The kitchen tops are Calacatta gold quartz, which I absolutely love. The curved island, which is gorgeous, is solid wood," Shirlie exclaims. Every one of these charming design details feels intentional in making the kitchen look expensive.

In keeping with Shirlie's love of heritage style, she chose on-trend brass hardware, which effortlessly adds a sophisticated touch to the off-white cabinetry.

While the overarching theme is antique brass, the couple have created an eclectic look by choosing different styles of knobs, latches and handles to dress different cabinets. Design tip: changing hardware for something more striking is a budget-friendly update to elevate existing kitchen cabinets.

Speaking of the island, it was clearly an intentional focal point, ensuring the couple have plenty of dedicated space for entertaining and hosting.

"Family is a big priority for Martin and Shirlie, so an island format was a must-have to bring everyone together in one space," say the design team at Howdens.

"This is the centre of our house," says Martin, gesturing towards the generously sized kitchen island, which sits proudly in the centre of the room. "It always has been the island. This is where people come round for Sunday dinner, or your friends come round in the evening."

"Every great kitchen needs a great oven," Shirlie explains. True to her word, the couple chose one of the greatest ovens, a RangeMaster. A fan favourite in many country homes for good reason, the powerful model with its multiple ovens is ideal for those who love to cook lots and host dinner parties.

While Shirlie openly declares her love of all things vintage, Martin hilariously points out that the integrated coffee machine is his favourite design aspect because it's connected to the WIFI.

He explains: "So when you're in bed in the morning, you can switch it on using the app, and you can say I want my coffee ready at 10 o'clock and it comes on." Let's be honest, that is the dream for any home; I'm fully supporting Martin on that.

"Another important aspect of the kitchen was to add the utility room," Shirlie explains. "The nicest thing about the utility is that when you come out of the kitchen, you still feel like you're in the kitchen because I carried on the same cabinets." Continuity in design helps one space seamlessly flow into the other, a great way to make a small space feel bigger.

Love it or loathe it, Halloween decor is bigger than ever this year, with characterful decorations for every room to cater to all levels of enthusiasm.

As Halloween decorations grow in popularity, more and more of our favourite retailers are embracing the trend, making it more appealing to a wider audience – myself included.

From beautifully illustrated ceramics and luxe velvet pumpkins to homespun-style soft furnishings and felt decorations, these are my favourite finds for an easy autumn update that feels sophisticatedly spooky...

Tasteful Halloween decorations for 2026

Forget garish colours and spooky plastic characters; these days Halloween decorations feel more sophisticated and tasteful. Rather than focusing on ghosts and ghouls, many of these tasteful pumpkin delights and felted decorations are perfect for displaying right up until Christmas as charming autumn decor. Have no fear; these seasonal must-haves are more chic than eek.

I'm not normally one for Halloween decor, but some of these are proving too irresistible – I've just added the adorable felt decorations from The White Company to my online shopping basket.

Now, I know it might still feel too early to mention Christmas decorating ideas, but things are moving faster than usual this year, so I've already purchased a few novelty M&S Christmas decorations too, because I missed out on some of the best-sellers last year.

Although the busy growing season is officially over, your beloved mini plastic greenhouse needn't be exiled to the shed just yet. In fact, there are several unexpected ways you can still use it throughout autumn and winter too.

While completing your October gardening jobs, you might've noticed your plastic greenhouse isn't getting the attention it usually does in spring and summer. Although it's not quite as necessary during autumn and winter, you might be surprised by how many ways you can still use it.

So when you're sorting your garden out this month, don't bid farewell to your greenhouse just yet. Tap into its potential by trying one of the alternative ways to use it to help you through the winter months, such as an alternative airing cupboard.

Whether you're trying vegetable gardening or are limited to a small garden, a mini plastic greenhouse is a great choice.

And although they're mainly used for seed germination and helping heat-loving plants grow in summer, they're just as useful once the weather turns.

"If you're not utilising your plastic greenhouse in the autumn and winter months, then you're missing a massive trick because I use this quite a lot. In fact, there are loads of out-of-the-box things you can do with these that make it really practical," explains Ish Kamran, garden design expert and horticulture influencer at @gardening.with.ish on Instagram.

"For example, I've removed the middle shelf, and it actually makes a really good clothes dryer for outside. It's slightly warmer than the normal temperature and also means it's not going to get rained on. As long as you leave a bit of ventilation, it actually dries quicker than if I left it on an airer inside," he adds. Unless you have one of the best heated airers, of course.

"Not all of us are blessed with a porch or a canopy in which they can dry their boots and shoes. So if you've been out on a muddy walk and it's not looking its best, just utilise the bottom shelf. It's got cover, and you can close it up to let it dry," Ish points out.

If you've been using your essential gardening tools this season, your greenhouse can be the perfect post-cleaning drying area.

"It's not just your clothes and boots that you can dry off as well; if you've been washing some of your gardening tools, why not pop them in here, especially in between jobs. If you're like me and your tools get a little rusty now and then, putting them in a dry space will do you a favour," Ish explains.

Looking to overwinter your dahlias this season? Your greenhouse can help out with the tubers too.

"And finally, if you're a true horticulturist at heart, why not use this space to dry seeds or tubers before you store them away. That little bit of extra heat will make sure they're perfectly dry before you put them in a nice little brown envelope ready for next year," he adds.

Greenhouses can also help protect your garden from heavy rain. Any vulnerable potted plants can be moved inside during more intense weather and storms.

Victoria Beckham has revealed the dinner party "sin" she says is "unforgivable" - and we're taking note ahead of hosting season.

Her prowess when it comes to homeware and interiors is something we've long admired. A glimpse inside her and her husband David's homes treats us to plenty of gorgeous inspiration and proves to us that she's certainly clued up on all things trending and stylish.

Amid the launch of her luxurious new homeware and dining range with Westwing, Victoria has admitted she has a few serious no-nos when it comes to throwing (or attending) a great dinner party.

Now's the time to polish up on our Christmas tablescaping, soirée skills, and festive dining room design - and, in Victoria Beckham, we trust.

Victoria's Westwing collection is all about quiet luxury and elegant styling, so we're not too surprised that she thinks that humble paper napkins have no place on a dinner party table.

While she admits she's "not one for rules", VB says "some things are non-negotiable".

In a video shared on the Westwing Instagram account, she simply states: "One unforgivable sin. Paper napkins."

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Victoria has some other strict table design guidelines. As she shared her ultimate do's and don'ts for a "proper dinner party", the former Spice Girl says: "Don't ever overcrowd the table. Less is more."

Using "proper" glassware when serving drinks is also a must. "It's just rude to a martini if you don't, let's be honest," she adds.

Don't save your best homeware for special occasions only; if you have some stunning glassware, every dinner party is worth getting the nice glasses out of the cupboard.

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"Don't ever ignore the lighting. Lighting is crucial," Victoria also explained, adding: "I mean, you can ignore the lighting; I mean, I probably won't come."

We couldn't agree more, and using warm layered lighting is the best way to create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere without scaring your guests away with the dreaded big light.

The expert hostess even has a sneaky and subtle tip for when you're ready for your guests to be gone, and it's one that David pulls out at the end of parties in the Beckham household. "Don't overstay your welcome," she says.

"You know what happens in the Beckham house when David wants people to leave? He literally walks around the room blowing out the candles, hoping that people will get the hint."

We might have to steal that tip for the holiday season, although we seriously doubt we'll be able to pull it off quite as well as Becks.

Emily English, more commonly known as Em The Nutritionist, has shared the before-and-after of her decadent kitchen transformation, filled with unique style notes.

While we pride ourselves on knowing the latest kitchen trends, occasionally we see a space that brings something new to the table, and it immediately catches our attention. Nutritionist and food journalist Emily English's recent kitchen renovation has given us several reasons to stop and take inspiration.

Now, if you're looking for budget kitchen updates, this might not be the inspo you've been looking for; however, there are so many style notes you can take from this space and utilise in your own home.

While it's possible to transform your kitchen with budget buys, this renovation is a whole other ball game. Em's London flat previously had a more confined galley kitchen, with a separate room for the dinner table.

Now it's a stunning open-plan space, with a chic stainless steel island softly separating the cooking and dining areas. Em also opted for a stainless steel sink, which we wouldn't usually choose for a home, but it works incredibly well with the statement marble surfaces and backsplash.

Choosing an open-plan kitchen can be a common kitchen design mistake to make; however, if you decide on the functionality of the room before you make the decision they can work incredibly well.

While marble and neutral cabinets are a classic design choice, Em has added personality with dusty pink dining chairs and a complementary green tufted rug under the table.

She's also thoughtfully introduced the cafecore trend with a hidden drinks and coffee area which sits opposite the dining table. Finished with stylish glassware, Smeg appliances, and luxurious fitted lighting, giving the area a welcoming glow.

The room still feels and looks expensive with these homely touches, which shows how choosing confident interior styles and materials can do the heavy lifting when transforming a space.

Keen to see how Em uses her luxurious kitchen? Well, you're in luck because she recently shared the blow-the-budget kitchen essentials she uses regularly; just be warned, your bank account may take a hit.

With cosy season officially here and December just around the corner, it won't be long before we're cracking open the first doors of our advent calendars.

If you're looking for an alternative way to count the days, try a candle advent calendar. Is there anything more festive than striking a match, lighting the wick of your best Christmas candle and filling your home with the smell of warmth, sweetness and spices? We think not.

That's why an advent calendar filled with enchanting yuletide scents to make our homes feel a little cosier is always something we're in favour of. So when we heard the surprisingly affordable Marks & Spencer Christmas Wax Melt Advent Calendar was returning for 2026, we were pretty thrilled.

With an affordable £35 price tag, this M&S offering won't throw your finances into disarray ahead of the festive period. And it isn't too hard to get your hands on, either.

Perfectly packaged in a decorative box, the wax melt calendar will see you through to the big day with 24 individual star-shaped, tree-shaped and cottage-shaped wax melts.

Scented with three of the retailer's most popular seasonal scents, you'll be enjoying the essence of Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon, Yuletide Pine & Spice, and Frankincense & Myrrh to set the scene for you to hunker down and get cosy on December evenings.

Each melting session will be made all the more special by the included ceramic townhouse-shaped burner, which is adorned with the year, making for a charming decorative piece you bring out each and every Christmas.

The set comes complete with tea lights, so you can get melting straight away.

How can I get the M&S Wax Melt Advent Calendar?

The M&S Wax Melt Advent Calendar is available to buy now for December 2026. You can snap it up in stores and online, with delivery and pre-ordered collection services available.

It's recently arrived in stock, but it's already being added to dozens of baskets and selling fast, according to the M&S website. So if you really want to get your hands on one, it might be a good idea to order ASAP.

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