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.

Autumn is the season for pumpkin-spiced lattes and apple crumbles, but let's not forget the humble cheese toastie. Nor should we overlook golden paninis and perfectly buttered bagels, because there's something especially comforting about toast-based lunches and cosy breakfasts at this time of year.

So, when Ninja announced a new appliance that promises to do much more than simply toast our bread, it certainly caught our attention. Ninja is famous for making some of the best air fryers, coffee machines, and blenders on the market, so we know that the brand rarely does things by halves. Its new Ninja Foodi Toaster is a case in point. We expected it to bring a little extra precision to our morning toast, but what we hadn't anticipated was just how clever this toaster-come-panini-press-and-grill, could be.

Combining three kitchen essentials in one compact design, it's an intriguing solution for anyone short on worktop space but unwilling to compromise on what their appliances can do. Naturally, I was keen to put it through its paces.

Ninja Foodi 3-in-1 Toaster, Grill, and Panini Press

Who would the Ninja Foodi 3-in-1 Toaster, Grill, and Panini Press suit?

• Small kitchens looking to streamline appliances
• People who want to elevate their lunch and breakfasts
• Creative chefs who want more from their basics

The Ninja Foodi Toaster is ideal for anyone who wants more from their kitchen appliances without filling every inch of worktop space. It's particularly well suited to smaller kitchens, where a separate toaster, panini press and grill might be impractical, but its versatility makes it a worthwhile consideration for busy households, too.

If you love a leisurely weekend breakfast, enjoy experimenting with different breads or regularly find yourself craving a toasted sandwich for lunch, there's plenty to appreciate here. The digital countdown is a particularly useful touch for anyone who likes their toast just so, while the additional grill and bake functions open up possibilities well beyond breakfast.

It's also a lovely option for anyone who enjoys making simple meals feel a little more special. Think golden mozzarella paninis, crisp halloumi for a speedy supper or a warm, flaky croissant alongside your morning coffee. Just bear in mind that the panini function takes around 14 minutes, so this is more suited to a leisurely lunch than a quick sandwich between meetings.

What is the Ninja Foodi 3-in-1 Toaster, Grill, and Panini Press like to use?

I started with the toaster function, which felt like the natural place to begin. The control panel offers seven browning settings, alongside dedicated functions for extra toast, bagels and defrosting. The slot is long and wide enough to accommodate two slices of bread or two bagel halves, and the overall design feels simple, considered and refreshingly easy to navigate.

One of Ninja's key promises is even, edge-to-edge heat distribution, so I put this to the test straight away. I popped two slices of white bread into the toaster and switched it on from cold. Both slices emerged with an impressively consistent golden finish, with no obvious pale patches or overly dark edges. The heat distribution was excellent, and the speed was equally impressive. But it was a seemingly small detail that quickly became one of my favourite features: the digital countdown timer.

With most toasters, I'm accustomed to waiting for a light to flash, watching a dial or simply hoping my toast will pop up at the right moment. The Ninja Foodi takes the guesswork out of the process by counting down to when your toast will be ready. It might sound like a minor addition, but it's wonderfully practical. When my sourdough needed two minutes and 20 seconds, I could see at a glance whether I had time to fetch a plate, butter and jam or whether I'd be better off waiting until the toast was ready.

I also tested fruit bread, bagels, brown bread and sourdough, and the toaster delivered consistently good results across the board. The fruit bread was ready in just one minute, while the bagel function toasted the cut sides beautifully without overdoing the outside. For a kitchen appliance you'll probably use every day, that combination of speed, consistency and straightforward controls is a real selling point.

Once I'd happily worked my way through more toast than was strictly necessary for testing purposes, it was time to explore the Ninja Foodi's party trick. Rotating the toaster onto its side transforms it into a grill, with a simple locking lever securing it in place. It's an ingenious bit of design that gives the appliance an entirely new purpose without requiring another bulky gadget on your worktop.

I spotted the bake setting early on and was keen to try it with some breakfast pastries. Croissants are a popular choice for this function, so I started with a plain one. The result was lovely, with flaky pastry and a soft, buttery centre. But I suspected a pain au chocolat might be an even better test. After just a minute and a half on the bake setting, I had crisp, delicate pastry wrapped around gloriously molten chocolate. If you enjoy a bakery-style breakfast at home, this is a very persuasive reason to give the function a try. I suspect my weekend breakfasts are going to look rather different from now on.

Of course, the real test of a toaster that doubles as a panini press had to be a toasted sandwich. The appliance comes with a dedicated press that slots into place to compress your panini as it cooks, helping to achieve that satisfyingly crisp exterior.

I used specialist panini bread, complete with the characteristic grill lines, to make a mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and basil sandwich. The results were delicious: beautifully crisp on the outside, soft and warm in the middle, with mozzarella that stretched wonderfully with every bite.

In fact, the paninis were such a hit that my family requested them for lunch three days in a row. By the fourth day, we'd run out of ingredients, so someone had to make a trip to the shops to ensure we wouldn't be disappointed the following lunchtime. I think that's a fairly convincing endorsement of just how good they were.

There is one consideration worth mentioning: making a panini takes around 14 minutes. That might feel a little lengthy if you're used to throwing together a quick lunch, although it's worth factoring in the time a conventional panini maker takes to heat up, too. Given that the Ninja Foodi can also toast bread, bake pastries and grill ingredients, I think the additional cooking time is a reasonable compromise for the versatility it offers. It isn't necessarily the appliance for anyone who needs lunch ready in a hurry, but it does make a very good sandwich.

The grill function proved just as useful, and it's a feature I can see myself reaching for regularly. I used it to cook halloumi for dinner rather than turning on my main oven, which felt like a sensible way to prepare a smaller portion without heating up a larger appliance.

The halloumi developed a beautifully golden exterior while remaining soft in the middle, and the included tray kept everything neatly contained. For smaller meals, sides or ingredients that benefit from a little direct heat, it's a particularly handy alternative to firing up the main grill. I'd happily use it again for halloumi, and I can see it coming into its own for other quick, simple dishes, too.

Should you buy the Ninja Foodi 3-in-1 Toaster, Grill, and Panini Press?

The Ninja Foodi Toaster is such a clever kitchen appliance. Combining a toaster, panini press and grill in one compact design is a smart use of space, particularly for smaller kitchens where every inch of worktop counts.

What impressed me most was that the extra functions didn't come at the expense of its primary job. The toaster delivered consistent results, the digital countdown made breakfast that little bit easier, and the grill and bake settings proved genuinely useful rather than feeling like features added simply to pad out the specification.

The 14-minute panini cooking time is worth bearing in mind if speed is your priority, but the sheer range of things this appliance can do makes it easy to overlook. From perfectly toasted sourdough and indulgent chocolate pastries to crisp, cheesy paninis and golden halloumi, it's a versatile little workhorse that encourages you to get more creative with everyday meals.

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.

We're not short on professional decluttering methods these days, and having tested most of them myself, I know each has its merits. But I'm always intrigued when I see a method that's gaining a lot of attention on social media, because it usually means it's doing something right. Lately, it seems that everyone is talking about the JACK decluttering method.

Decluttering enthusiasts and novices alike are swearing by this method as the ultimate way to curb the clutter and let go of items they no longer need. And now that we're officially in cosy season territory, I was only too eager to give the JACK decluttering method a go and see if it would help me restore order to my home for the winter months ahead.

How would it fare up against the other decluttering trends I've tried lately, from the 'decision fatigue' and upside-down methods to the 'use it up' rule? After putting it to the test, I'm pleased to say the JACK method has firmly earned its place in my decluttering toolkit.

What is the JACK decluttering method?

When I first heard about the JACK decluttering method, I was initially a little confused. It turns out this isn't a method named after someone – it's an acronym, with each letter proposing a different action we take when decluttering items:

• Justify: find a real reason for keeping something
• Assign: give every item a distinct role or job
• Contain: put the item in a fixed, specific place
• Keep (or let go): decide firmly whether it stays based on the previous steps

There are several variations of this method online, and like most of my favourite decluttering techniques, the JACK method can be adapted to suit your needs.

Once I knew what the acronym stood for, I could instantly see the appeal. Any method that asks us to justify keeping something can work wonders, whether we're decluttering the bedroom or decluttering books. Trying to find a fixed place for something can really make us think about whether or not we want to keep it.

Before using the JACK decluttering method, I wanted to ask an expert whether they thought the method had grounds. Professional declutterer Shannon Murphy, founder of Simpl Living Co, says it definitely has potential.

"I think the JACK method is a useful starting point for someone beginning to declutter," she says. "The idea of asking yourself why you’re keeping something and having an honest conversation with yourself is particularly valuable."

But Shannon warns, the idea of having to 'assign' a place for everything might not work. "Not everything in our homes needs to have a practical purpose or a specific job. We might keep something because it’s sentimental, because we love how it looks, or simply because seeing it makes us feel good," she says.

That's interesting food for thought, and it definitely made me intrigued to see how I would get on trying the JACK decluttering method myself.

Trying the JACK decluttering method

The first place I tried the JACK decluttering method was in our home office, which also houses our wardrobes. I've started storing odd items on top of the wardrobes for lack of a better place, but this makes the whole room feel messy and disorganised.

I start by taking everything down and trying the 'Justify' step. This forced me to get real – what was my actual reason for storing these items?

I had old photos, stationery, books, and some early Christmas presents on top of the wardrobe, most of which I could justify keeping. But I also had filled-up notebooks from several years ago and random toiletries I couldn't even remember buying, which I couldn't think of a solid reason for keeping.

Next, I 'assigned' a role or job for each item. After talking to Shannon, I decided not to take this step literally and simply thought about what I was keeping each item for. Old photos, for example, don't have a useful 'purpose', but I'm never going to get rid of them because they're nice to look back on.

The 'contain' step was a little trickier. The advice I've seen online concerning this part of the method says we should find a fixed, limited place for each item, like one drawer or shelf. If it doesn't fit in that space, it means we have too much of the item and can let some of them go.

For example, I have a specific cupboard for storing my books in the living room, but they'd started spilling into the home office because the cupboard was full. This made me stop and think about why I was keeping so many books when I didn't really have space. Because I rarely read a book twice, I decided it was time to let the books on top of the wardrobes go.

Once I'd made the final decisions on what was staying and what was going, I was much happier with how the space looked. The tops of the wardrobes are almost empty, except for the Christmas presents, but given that these won't be in my home forever, I was happy to keep them there.

I also decided to try the JACK method in our hallway. I always like to organise the hallway for winter because of the bulkier coats and shoes we store there, and lately it's been a bit of a struggle to get coats on and off the overcrowded pegs.

Working through each step of the acronym, I decided to get rid of one coat, and then spent some time shifting things around in various wardrobes so that not every coat had to live in the hallway.

Decluttering success doesn't necessarily mean getting rid of the most items; it can simply mean reorganising and making the most of the space we have (which is what the wardrobe editing trend teaches us).

As my hallway is now looking much neater, I'd call the JACK decluttering method a success.

Verdict: should you try the JACK decluttering method?

All in all, I'm a fan of this method. I found the JACK acronym provided a really useful framework for structuring the decluttering process and encouraging me to think about what I was storing and why. If we don't have a reason to keep an item, or if we can't find the right place for it, it's probably time to let it go.

That said, I don't think you need to stick to the rules of the JACK decluttering method rigidly. Use it as a starting point, and if you get stuck on any of the steps, try to work through them in a way that suits you. Any progress you make towards organising your home is a win.

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.

As we all buckle down and settle into the cosy months, many of us are taking the opportunity to bring our homes up to speed. And if you've been struggling to curb the clutter in your home, the upside-down decluttering method could be a handy solution.

I've tried my fair share of professional decluttering techniques, from the 'didn't know' method to the 'use it up' one. All have their pros and cons, but the best ones are often the simplest: they make decluttering easier.

When I first heard about the upside-down decluttering method, I'll admit I had my doubts. Would this be a genuinely helpful method for organising my home, or would it be more hassle than it's worth? Having now put it to the test, I'm pleased to say this method surprised me.

What is the upside-down decluttering method?

The upside-down decluttering method does pretty much what it says on the tin. The idea is that you decide on an area or batch of items to declutter, then you turn these items upside down.

If you use them, you turn them the right way up. If not, they stay upside down so you have a clear indication of what needs to go and what needs to stay.

A method like this won't be necessary for everyone, but not all the decluttering methods I've tested in the past are, like the 30-day minimalism challenge. It just means it will be better suited to certain people.

Professional declutterer Rebecca Crayford can see the appeal. "It's a simple, visual way of seeing what you actually use, rather than what you think you use," she says. "We often hold on to things 'just in case', so the upside-down decluttering method could be a useful way of identifying things you might no longer need or want."

The caveat is that you can't use this method on every area of your home. It's great for items you can easily turn upside down, like mugs, crockery, toiletries, and food cupboard essentials, but it won't work for larger items or items that aren't stored upright.

That said, you can adapt this method. For instance, if you'd like to organise your wardrobe, you could turn your coat hanger hooks the wrong way round, then turn them back around once you've worn each item of clothing.

"It's not quite the upside-down method in the literal sense, but the principle is still the same," Rebecca says. "Over time, you'll see which clothes you're wearing and which you aren't."

I've had a lot of success with some of the latest decluttering trends – both the 'decision fatigue' method and the 80/20 rule have become firm favourites. My thoughts after giving the upside-down method a go? For certain areas of the home, it could be just the ticket.

Trying the upside-down decluttering method

Once I learned the nuances of the upside-down decluttering method, I was keen to give it a go. My mug cupboard was the first place I wanted to start.

I may have doubled my small kitchen storage space with some handy space-saving solutions, but I still struggle to contain my ever-growing mug collection. It's completely my fault for buying more mugs, but I'm feeling ready to let some of them go.

I have some mugs hanging on these handy self-adhesive hooks, £5.99 from Amazon, and these are the ones we reach for most frequently, so I was happy to focus on all the mugs on the cupboard shelf. I turned each mug upside down, and I'll admit I wasn't keen on the way it looked. It made the cupboard feel messy, but I knew that the long-term gain could outweigh the short-term annoyance.

Over the course of a week, most of the mugs were turned the right way round, but it was interesting to see the ones that didn't. A week felt like long enough for this method to do its work, but I'd recommend setting a timeline that feels right for you. Different items may require longer for you to get around to using them.

After seeing which mugs stayed upside down, I was happy to get rid of them. Now I knew they weren't getting used most of the time; storing them felt pointless.

Next, I tested the upside-down method on my spice cupboard. This cupboard has been annoying me for a while because despite having aesthetically pleasing spice racks, there are still lots of jars and clutter to contend with.

I couldn't turn the spices on the rack upside down, but these are the ones we reach for most regularly anyway. After turning all the other spices in the cupboard upside down, I settled on three weeks for the testing period.

Some spices get used less often than others, but they do get used eventually – and then there are the ones that didn't get used at all. The upside-down method provided a clear visual on this, and after letting the unused spices go, my cupboard is in a much better place.

Finally, I decided to try the upside-down method on my shoe collection. I'm constantly reshuffling the shoes in this area, and it's supposed to be a shared space for me and my partner, but there's currently only room for one pair of his shoes (among 8 of mine).

Like with the mugs, I wasn't thrilled about how the shoes looked once I turned them upside down, especially given that I was now greeted by muddy soles every time I went in there. But again, I kept the long-term gain in mind and stored them this way for a couple of weeks, only turning the shoes around once they'd been used.

Given that the shoes that remained upside down were summery in nature, I actually didn't let them go. I'm still glad I tried this method on my shoes, as it was helpful to know that I actually do wear most of the shoes I'm storing, depending on the season. I've now decided to move the sandals and flip-flops elsewhere during winter, which has freed up a lot of space.

Verdict: should you try the upside-down decluttering method?

While I did run into a couple of obstacles when trying the upside-down decluttering method, I don't think this makes the whole thing redundant. It's simply about finding a way to make the method work for you – which I've found to be the case for most decluttering methods anyway.

My favourite thing about the upside-down method is the clear visual it gives you of what's been used, and I was pretty surprised by some of the results. But, as I found when organising my shoes, just because something hasn't been used doesn't mean it should automatically be thrown away.

'I'd treat this as a useful starting point rather than a complete decluttering method,' Rebecca advises. 'If something hasn't been used, ask yourself why.'

If you have a real, valid reason why something might be used in the future, it's fine to keep it. If not, use what the upside-down method has shown you and let it go.

I'd definitely recommend giving the upside-down decluttering method a go. Discovering what items you actually use could be just the dose of motivation you need.

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.

It's easy to forget your shed in the winter months, but you need to do a few things before the worst weather arrives to keep wood rot at bay.

Several winter gardening mistakes can trip you up, but completely abandoning your wooden garden structure during the wet season is pretty high on the list. Whether you use your shed to store your best garden furniture or all your essential gardening tools, it's an outdoor building that requires maintenance.

And while they're not typically used as much during winter, this is when they take the most battering from the weather. With that in mind, experts share tips to ensure your shed and other wooden outdoor buildings don't suffer from rot and moisture damage.

How to prevent wood rot in your shed: 4 expert tips

If you've been decluttering your shed ahead of the colder months, you may have already noticed a moisture issue or the first signs of rot.

That doesn't mean your shed is destined for the tip, but it does mean you need to act quickly to stop any further rot and prevent it from happening in the future.

1. Keep it ventilated

Just as you'd protect the rest of your garden from heavy rain, your shed needs help with wet weather too.

“Good airflow is important. Try to avoid placing your shed too close to fences, hedges or overgrown plants, as this can restrict ventilation and prevent the timber from drying out properly after wet weather," explains James Crane, director at Crane Garden Buildings. "If you have climbing plants growing against your shed, keep these trimmed back too."

If your shed has windows, it can be helpful to open them once in a while during winter and let some air into the space. Only avoid this when it's raining or when the frosts arrive.

2. Treat with a wood preserver

If you've ever had to remove algae from fence panels or your shed, you'll be aware of how helpful proper wood preservers are in keeping the material in good shape.

“Don't underestimate the importance of regular timber maintenance. Depending on the type of timber and finish, applying a suitable protective treatment at the recommended intervals can help prevent moisture from penetrating the wood," explains James.

"A well-made timber shed that's properly installed and looked after should provide many years of use, even through the wettest British winters,” he continues.

3. Check the roof

While you're out sorting the garden out this autumn and winter, make sure you check your shed roof. “One of the most important things is to keep moisture away from the timber. Start by checking your shed's roof for any damaged felt, loose shingles or gaps that could allow rainwater to seep in," says James.

"It's also worth clearing away fallen leaves and debris from around the building, particularly where they collect against the walls or around the base, as these can trap moisture against the wood," James points out.

Continuing to check the roof as the season progresses will help you avoid any particularly bad damage to your shed from both wind and rain.

4. Reduce the moisture inside

As the winter weather arrives, you'll no doubt be looking for ways to reduce humidity in your home. The same should go for your outdoor buildings, and luckily the same solutions work.

As well as ensuring adequate ventilation, you can find one of the best dehumidifiers for bathrooms because it doesn't need to be plugged in. Having one or two, depending on the size of your shed, in the space can make a huge difference to the moisture levels.

Reducing moisture in the shed will drastically slow down any rot growth or the possibility of mould, which is especially important if you use the space to store soft furnishings.

FAQs

What to put under a shed to stop rotting?

Before you've even installed your garden shed, ensuring you've chosen the right foundation is a huge help in preventing wood rot.

"You want a firm, level base that drains and keeps the timber off the ground, so a concrete slab over a polythene damp-proof membrane or paving slabs on a compacted sub-base would work," says Andrea Haydon, a home improvement and DIY expert and Director at Simply Plastics. "Recycled plastic grid bases filled with gravel can also do the job, and they’re particularly good for softer ground because water drains straight through them."

"The shed should sit on pressure-treated bearers rated for ground contact, which is Use Class 4 under the Wood Protection Association’s system, as standard Use Class 3 ‘outdoor’ timber isn’t designed for it," he adds.

"If you cut a bearer, brush preservative onto the fresh end, because the treatment doesn’t go all the way through the wood. Also, make the base slightly smaller than the shed’s footprint, so rain running off the walls drips onto the ground instead of pooling on the base and soaking into the floor edges," Andrew explains.

Can you stop wood rot once it starts?

Finding wood rot is far from ideal, especially this time of year when the weather is only going to get worse. Luckily, there are some things you can do to fix the issue.

"If you catch it early, yes, one reliable test everyone can do is with a screwdriver. Simply push it into any suspect areas, and if it sinks in easily or the wood seems spongy, it means you’ve got rot. From here, you first need to fix the water source, and then let the wood dry out. Using a moisture meter, get the timber below 16% to 18% moisture, so you prevent further decay," says Andrew.

"Next, find and cut the soft wood back to solid timber and treat the surrounding area with preservative before filling any small holes with wood hardener and exterior filler. If the rot has reached a bearer, floor joist or corner post, replace that piece entirely, as patching structural timber only buys you time before it will inevitably collapse," he continues.

Make sure you're regularly checking on your shed during the autumn and winter months, as catching it early could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Before winter sets in, take note of household items you should never store in a shed and therefore need to be stored elsewhere.

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.

You might've noticed fewer hedgehogs scuttling around these days, and while that's largely due to population declines, there is a common mistake you might be making that's accidentally scaring them away from your garden.

If you've been trying to attract hedgehogs to your garden but haven't had any luck, several things may be keeping them away. Surprisingly, your exterior lighting choices may present a problem for hedgehogs visiting your garden, whether seeking shelter or just passing through.

So, if you want to look after wildlife this autumn, one lighting expert has shared the ways you can still enjoy an illuminated garden without upsetting or deterring any prickly visitors.

The common garden lighting mistakes deterring hedgehogs

You may be aware that hedgehog populations are declining at a pretty shocking rate, so it's important to help them through the colder months in any way we can. What you might not know is how your garden lighting can negatively affect them.

“Lighting is not the first thing you think about when encouraging hedgehogs into your garden, but it can make a real difference as to whether the wildlife feels comfortable using the space," explains Jon Saeed, co-founder of LightingLegends.com.

Here's what to consider when picking your outdoor lighting this autumn and winter.

1. Light positioning

While we love layered outdoor lighting, there are several types of lights we'd recommend avoiding if you want to keep hedgehogs happy.

"Rather than using floodlights or uplighters, which illuminate the whole garden, consider spike or path lights which direct light onto the ground. Hedgehogs are most active and vulnerable to disturbance when large areas are lit up at once," explains Jon.

"If there's a hedgehog hole in the fence, don't place a light right beside it as it will stop then using the route and coming into the garden," he adds.

2. Type of lighting

If you're looking for lighting ideas for your garden decking, keep these conditions in mind when making your decision. That way, your decking will look fantastic and no wildlife will be scared off.

"Warm white bulbs with a K rating of 2700K are less disruptive to nocturnal wildlife than cool white or blue-toned LEDs. These are harsher and can affect insect activity, a hedgehog's main food source," says Jon.

"These are best avoided around nesting areas. A sudden bright light can startle a hedgehog and disrupt its route. Aim security lighting away from hedges and compost heaps," he continues.

3. Not leaving dark spots

Should you need to add certain lighting types to your garden, you can keep some spots dark for wildlife. Similarly, you can choose to leave some of your garden to grow wild with the mosaic gardening trend.

"These are where hedgehogs will walk, nest and forage, so leave them as a dark corridor where they can move undisturbed. Instead, keep lights focused on patios, decking and paths," suggests Jon.

"Leave a part of the garden, ideally a quiet, planted corner, completely unlit overnight for hedgehogs and other nocturnal wildlife," he recommends.

If you want to do something extra for the critters that visit your garden, then leaving weeds to grow that wildlife likes to eat is a huge help to them during winter, when food sources start to run low.

Should you want to see how many hedgehogs are in your local area, The BIG Hedgehog Map website can help with recorded sightings.

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.

The cold has officially crept in, which means we're keeping one eye on the energy bills and one eye on the thermostat. To help you worry a little less and stay warm a little more, we've found 9 ways to stay cosy and worm without the cost.

The smartest way to stay cosy is to warm yourself rather than the whole house. Whether it's a heated throw on the sofa, an electric blanket in your bed, or a warmed cushion at your desk, today's heated accessories are efficient, toasty warm, and beautifully made.

Pair these with dehumidifiers that keep damp at bay and mini heaters for zoned warmth and you'll be snug all winter long. Here are our nine favourite ways to do it.

Nine cost-effective ways to stay cosy at home

Staying cosy at home needn’t mean cranking up the heating or putting up with a chilly house. By warming yourself directly, choosing soft layers you love and keeping damp under control, you can create a home that feels warm, calm and quietly indulgent whilst saving energy. Treat yourself to one or two of these this winter, and you may find the thermostat stays untouched far longer than you expected.

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.

Potter and designer Jonathan Adler is famous for bringing colour and personality to everything he touches. He's globally celebrated for vibrant, maximalism at home, but his new rug collection offers a different, inspired approach to softer, organic styling.

We sat down with him to get the designer's dos, don'ts, tips, and tricks for how to style a rug at home. We delved into his new collection launch with Ruggable and asked him for personal favourites.

Whether you already have colour and character in your home or you're looking to add some to a more neutral palette, here's how to do it. The designer way.

Jonathan Adler x Ruggable Collection

We started out by asking Jonathan for his three favourite rugs. He explains that the "collection explores more of my crafty side. Each rug design is a little softer, a little more organic than what we’ve done in the past but still features my favourite colours and patterns. They’re usable, they’re wantable and, of course, they’re washable." Here are his recommendations:

Ruggable has celebrated some stunning collaborations this year, from Morris & Co and Sanderson to an all-new wool collection, but Jonathan Adler's has to be one of our favourites. The characterful, designer pieces are an easy way to make your room look expensive, so we had to ask Adler what his secret is. "Good design looks like it was uncovered rather than created," he explains. In his new collection Adler chose the colours, patterns, materials, and textures to come together so that it looks naturally, expertly "life-enhancing" in Adler's words. Here are some more of our favourites - and we've got some tips and tricks on how to choose the right rug and style further below.

Jonathan Adler Ruggable Styling Advice

We wanted to make the most of having the designer for tips and tricks, so we asked him all our pressing question, starting with how to choose the best rug for your room. Adler's first tip is choosing the correct size. "I find most folks err too small and, like so much in life, when it comes to rugs size matters!"

Next, he talks about style and patterns. "Start with a graphic rug, and then build from there." If you’re nervous about patterns, he recommends choosing "a softer palette or smaller-scale design. You don’t need to go from zero to maximalist overnight. And remember: life’s too short to look back and see an endless haze of beige."

From there, Adler says "there are no rules. If you love it, it will work." When we pressed him on how to add more colour to neutral rooms, he says "going bold doesn’t have to mean going overboard. I love a rug with colour and personality, but I also believe in giving it a little breathing room. Let the rug set the palette, then pull a few colours or shapes into the rest of the room. Above all, your space should reflect your personality."

One of the most special things about this collection is that it is quintessential Jonathan Adler. He even says "this collection is ME in a rug. The crafty potter? The fancy decorator? The couple with a senior rescue dog who likes to add her own…patina…to our floors? It’s all here and, thanks to Ruggable, you don’t have to choose between good design and pieces you can really live with."

So, if you're looking to bring colour into your kitchen and a little warmth to your rooms, we think we've found your perfect collection.

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.

When the colder months arrive, drying laundry becomes a weekly struggle, and we often come to rely heavily on heated airers. However, with safety and cost in mind, how long should you be running these appliances?

If you own one of the best heated airers, then you'll know just how helpful they are during the autumn and winter when drying clothes indoors starts to take over your life. And although they are one of the best ways to dry your laundry inside, much like other appliances, there is a limit on how long they should be turned on consecutively.

So, to avoid making a common heated clothes airer mistake and keeping them on for too long, we asked appliance experts for their advice.

How long should a heated airer run per day?

Just as there's an ideal amount of time to run a dehumidifier per day, your heated airer will have a similar suggested run time.

"Just follow the instructions for your model and check how damp the clothes are now and then. There isn't going to be one perfect running time that suits every airer," Rhys Powell, Director of Operations, WarmZilla.

"A small load that's been spun well might dry after a few hours while towels and jeans might take much longer. The more important thing is that you leave gaps between items so warm air can circulate and turn any thicker garments partway through to expose damp patches," he adds.

"If your airer has a timer, use it, and don't keep extending the cycle without checking the clothes. A high spin speed on your washing machine also helps because it removes more water before drying starts," continues Rhys.

Keep an eye on your drying clothes while you complete your daily cleaning habits; that way, you won't have the airer running longer than it needs to.

w&h's top heated airer picks

Can I leave a heated airer on all day?

With busy lifestyles and work schedules, it's tempting to set your airer on before you leave the house and hopefully come home to completely dry washing. However, that's not what the experts advise.

"That's not something I'd recommend... It's an electrical appliance operating around wet laundry, and models differ in their safety features, so just always follow the manual and use a timer if it has one," Rhys explains.

"Don't assume a low-temperature rail is safe to leave unattended, and if the manufacturer sets a maximum continuous running time, stick to it, and unplug the airer after use if the instructions recommend doing so," he adds.

Avoid making this laundry drying mistake; it could damage your appliance and cause possible safety risks.

FAQs

Do heated clothes airers use a lot of electricity?

Safety risks aside, you may be wondering how much it costs to run a heated airer, and with electricity prices raising this year it's important to know how efficient your appliances actually are.

“Running costs depend on the airer’s wattage, your electricity tariff and how long it takes to dry the washing. As an illustration, at an electricity rate of 25p per kilowatt-hour, a 200 to 300-watt airer would cost around 5 to 7.5p an hour, or 20 to 30p over four hours," says Scott Byrom, Energy Expert at The Energy Shop.

“However, a lower hourly running cost doesn’t automatically mean a lower cost per load. Compare the airer’s total drying time with the tumble dryer’s energy consumption per cycle, particularly if you have a heat pump model. If you also run a dehumidifier, include its electricity use in the calculation," he highlights.

If you are worried about the energy bill rise affecting your household, then checking how much energy your appliances are using is a great way of controlling your spending.

Do heated airers make your house damp?

If you usually tackle reducing humidity in your home during winter, then you might be slightly worried that a heated airer will add to the moisture issue.

“The airer itself doesn’t add moisture, but the wet washing releases moisture into the room as it dries. If that moisture isn’t removed, it can contribute to condensation and, over time, damp and mould," Scott explains.

“Use the airer in a suitable room with effective ventilation, or use a dehumidifier to help remove moisture. Keeping the room’s door closed can help stop moisture spreading through the home, provided there’s a way to remove it, such as an open window or an extractor fan venting outdoors. Always follow the airer’s guidance on where it can safely be used," he continues.

Having one of the best dehumidifiers in your home will make all the difference both when you're using your heated airer and when you're not. They're also incredibly helpful for speeding up the clothes drying process, which will reduce how long you need the airer on for.

Staying clear of the most expensive appliances to run will help massively with saving money over the colder months. But when you do need to use them, follow the suggested run times and make sure to switch them off at the plug when you're done.

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.