Table of contents for February 2026 in Your Home

Each February, we pull out all the stops to create a super money-saving special! Whether you want to cut your bills, refresh your home on a budget or even become mortgage free, we've got all the tricks you need. For all sorts of ways to spend less, check out 7 ways to cut your household bills (p99) – make one change a day and you'll transform your expenses in a week. And follow Ann Russell's sage advice on the topic of thrifty cleaning in Ask an Expert (p104). If you are able to cut costs, then you could be ready to draw up your roadmap to mortgage-free living (p107) – with our expert guidance it's more achievable than you might think! Or, if a relocation is on the cards, then…

DECADENT DELIGHTS Create a space that feels truly opulent by surrounding yourself with the radiant warmth of I Love Wallpaper's new Decadence collection. Inspired by the natural striated beauty of earth's minerals, each of the seven colourways is enriched with shimmering flecks of gold or silver that come alive as the light shifts. The result is a transformative finish that adds a touch of glamour, a sense of movement, and an atmosphere that feels both serene and effortlessly dramatic. ilovewallpaper.com…

Dark & dramatic For a room that feels uplifting and joyful as well as sophisticated, team dark walls with plenty of tropical brights and rich wood furniture with visible grain…

Layered living Bring in cushions in natural hues and a variety of soft textures – think crisp linen with plush velvet – to add depth while keeping the vibe serene and understated…

Petal power Florals are far more than a finishing touch – they're a standout design element. Use them in bold rugs and wallcoverings to bring a sense of warmth and depth to your scheme…

Making improvements to your home can be an expensive business, so it's vital to consider not only which jobs will add the most value, but also which are the most cost-effective and offer the best return on your investment. The projects you choose to undertake will depend on a number of factors, including – most importantly – your available budget, as well as how long you envisage staying in your current home. If you're not planning on upping sticks any time soon, it's worth thinking carefully about what will make your home more comfortable for you and your family now, as well as what will appeal to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future. 1 Convert the loft ‘Loft conversions are one of the most popular ways of…

Feta and tomato baked orzo YOU WILL NEED ✔ 500g orzo ✔ 2 echalion shallots, sliced ✔ 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped ✔ 1 bunch of dill ✔ ¼ lemon, juice ✔ 1 tbsp dried mint ✔ 50g capers ✔ 1L vegetable stock ✔ salt and pepper ✔ 200g feta ✔ 300g cherry tomatoes on the vine ✔ olive oil DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/180ºC fan/ gas mark 6. Put the dry orzo into a large, ovenproof dish. Add the shallots and garlic along with some roughly torn dill, lemon juice, dried mint and capers. ■ Pour the stock over the dry orzo and stir. Season with salt and pepper and bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes. Check and stir gently after…

HIGH AND DRY Tumble dryers may be convenient in winter, but they can drive up both energy bills and your carbon footprint. Save money and energy by drying your clothes outdoors whenever you can. The ideal drying conditions are around 12°C with a brisk 15mph wind – but don't worry if it's colder. Even at 5°C, a windy, dry day can still get your laundry dry. To help people make the most of drying laundry outdoors, Brabantia has teamed up with Netweather to develop a laundry weather index, making it easy to check hour-by-hour drying conditions for any postcode. So embrace the fresh air and let nature do the work – your clothes, your wallet, and the planet will thank you. Scan here to check the line-drying conditions near you!…

Fire it up I updated my typical 1930s dark wood fire surround with a lick of paint. I love how contemporary it looks now. In this picture you can also see my pendant light fitting, which was originally black metal with a dark wooden finial. Christine Herrington, Lancashire Rachel, operations editor says: This is such a gorgeous update, Christine! The painted fire surround with your log burner feels really fresh but cosy, and that pendant makeover is the perfect finishing touch. Sitting pretty I bought a lovely dining set but was short of chairs, so I purchased a few extra. These turned out to be not as good quality and the ‘leather’ started coming away on people's clothes! So, I bought some spray glue and attached rugs directly onto the…

FOR STOCKISTS SEE p112 LUXE FOR LESS AT Habitat Give your space an indulgent look with a new collection that's inspired by the glamour of tropical beach houses. Choose exotic leaf prints in rich green shades and combine them with dreamy earth tones. Bring the botanical theme to life with wooden furniture and rattan textures, and you'll have a room you can't wait to escape to. Lunar new year Get set to celebrate the year of the horse on 17th Feb. IKEA's new Fössta range has everything you need for a party, from traditional style snack boxes to decorative lanterns. We are very taken with the energetic spirit of the horse motif galloping across the range – who could say neigh to that? STYLE STEALS Treat yourself to designer seating…

CURVE APPEAL Switching up your walls with a fresh lick of paint has instant impact but, if you want a different kind of transformation, panelling can really ramp up the wow factor. For a designer look, Trepanel Flex from Walls and Floors offers versatility, while also being a great choice for keen DIYers. Crafted from FSC-certified MDF and finished in real wood veneer, the panels are lightweight, easy to cut, position and install. They even wrap beautifully around curves and corners, so you can upgrade a rounded kitchen island for a seamless, textured finish. The panels are available in two sizes and five colourways to suit your space, and cost £49.95 each. wallsandfloors.co.uk GIVE IT A GO! Our expert says… ‘There are some decorating jobs we can do that help…

The exact responsibilities of a project manager can vary between projects. But, as a general rule, they are there to organise, coordinate, communicate and provide advice at every stage. Ensuring a renovation is completed on time, within budget and to a high standard is no small feat so, if you are thinking of taking on the task yourself, take a look at our quick guide for some helpful pointers. ✔ DO research the process Taking on a project manager role is not for everyone, and all the different elements of a renovation project can seem overwhelming. Take some time to read up on what's involved from start to finish, so that you can make an informed decision on whether you're cut out for the job. x DON'T assume that it's…

Liv Conlon, founder of multi-award-winning ThePropertyStagers.co.uk and StagerBoss, teaching women how to launch their own property-staging business, has this advice… ‘If you want buyers to fall in love quickly, your home has to feel inviting from the moment they step through the door. Start with letting in the light – open your curtains and add extra lamps or candles in darker corners. Don't make the mistake of using harsh lighting. Opt for softer, layered tones to add warmth. Furniture placement matters more than you think – whatever the size of your rooms. Create clear zones that are functional and flow well. This doesn't mean that items need to be staged in a symmetrical style. A chair tucked into a corner, a leaning mirror or angled artwork can make rooms feel larger…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Ricotta, pea and pesto tart TO PREP 5 mins TO COOK 40 mins SERVES 4-6 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 320g packet ready-rolled puff pastry ✔ 200g frozen peas ✔ 250g ricotta (check vegetarian, if preferred) ✔ 1 egg ✔ ½ lemon, zest and juice ✔ salt and freshly ground black pepper ✔ 4 tbsp Genovese basil pesto DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Lay the puff pastry on a nonstick baking tray. Score along each side, around 3cm in from the edges, to create a border – take care not to cut all the way through. Prick inside the border all over with a fork. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until lightly golden. ■ Meanwhile, tip the peas into a heatproof bowl and…

7/10 BEST GUARANTEE Silentnight luxury heated throw in Olive, £45, Sleepy People The material is velvety soft and, at 120 × 160cm, the throw fits across a double bed, though doesn't quite reach my feet. I would have liked a timer, but the twohour auto shut-off prevents overheating, while nine heat levels offer plenty of control. It washes nicely at 30ºC (it is safe up to 40ºC) however the heat does now feel slightly patchy. Cat owners note: the material catches easily on claws – mine caused several pulls. For extra peace of mind, this blanket comes with a three-year guarantee. 8/10 BEST FOR SOFTNESS Teddy electric throw in Redwood, £40, Dunelm This throw is made from teddy bear fabric for a cosy look and feel. Its 130 × 160cm…

Q How many products do you actually need in your cleaning kit? A There are a few essential items I couldn't live without, starting with washing-up liquid. It's the ultimate degreaser – it contains surfactants, which break down and lift grease and oil from surfaces. You can go a really long way with washing-up liquid alone – it has 101 uses, from floors to general-purpose cleaning. A bowl of hot, soapy water and a cloth is really all you need to clean, dust, and even remove marks from carpets and furniture. Cotton cloths are another must-have. Old T-shirts (or any old cotton garments) make great cloths, as they are usually tightly knitted cotton, which is both durable and absorbent. Cut them into neat squares, and they'll last just as long…

We're making… Paint your own vase trio, from £38.99, artypax.com Make your own masterpiece with clever kits that let you decorate ceramics in style. We love these vases for showing off seasonal blooms, but there are plenty of designs to choose from. We're reading… What the Builder Won't Tell You, Judith Leary-Joyce, £12.99, AoEC Press Make your home warmer and more efficient with Judith's no-nonsense advice. She spills the beans on her own home transformation, and shares tips for what to look out for. We're going to… Crafting Live, 27th–28th February, Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher Spend the weekend exploring the stands, meeting fellow crafters, and learning new skills. Tickets from £8, ichfevents.co.uk.…

1 COASTAL COOL In 2026, seaside style is all about contemporary schemes that feel full of natural beauty. Begin with a palette that's grounded in landscape, choosing soft tones of sand, stone and weathered shell, then layer in the dreamy greens and blues of sea glass. Introduce details that evoke a rugged, windswept coastline, such as wooden furniture with rounded, driftwood-like edges, and fabrics featuring abstract wave or ripple patterns. Enhance the watery atmosphere with semi-sheer curtains and glossy ceramics in blue hues. For a finishing touch, incorporate rattan accessories that feel reminiscent of traditional lobster pots, and you'll have a look that feels authentically coastal and beautifully serene. 2 HEDGEROW HAVEN This year's biggest floral trend centres on designs that feel light, floaty and realistic. These subtle patterns are ideal for introducing a…

Editor's choice…

Shopping list ● old bar stool ● sandpaper ● damp cloth ● light-coloured multi-surface paint ● wax candle ● dark-coloured multi-surface paint ● blue multi-surface paint ● plastic lettering stencil ● stencil brush ● white multi-surface paint ● paper towel ● paintbrush ● clear furniture wax or clear varnish How to… 1 Begin by lightly sanding the surface of the stool to remove any loose paint or varnish, and to provide a key for the new paint finish. Wipe away any dust or debris with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry. 2 Apply a coat of light-coloured multi-surface paint to the legs of the stool and allow to dry. Then, rub a wax candle over the areas of the legs that would naturally show wear and tear,…

Shopping list ● approx 1m of fabric for cushion cover and frill (see measurements below) ● scissors ● pins ● sewing machine ● thread ● needle ● iron ● ironing board ● 40 × 40cm cushion pad How to… 1 Cut a square of fabric measuring 42 × 42cm for the front, and two pieces measuring 42cm × 28cm for the back. 2 Take one of the back pieces and fold one long edge over to the wrong side by 1cm. Fold it over again by 1cm and pin in place. With a sewing machine, sew a 1cm seam along this edge and remove pins. Repeat for the other back piece. 3 To make the frill, cut a piece of fabric measuring 252cm long x 12cm wide. To create a…

Shopping list ● 3x fretwork panels ● tape measure ● 2x 2.4m(L) × 68mm(W) × 21mm(D) smooth planed pine stripwood battens ● pencil ● jigsaw ● sandpaper ● combi drill ● screws ● multi-surface spray paint ● dust sheet ● set of interlocking headboard brackets How to… 1 Begin by laying the three fretwork panels face-down on the floor, side by side, with the edges butting up tightly together. Measure the total width of the three panels and use this measurement to cut two wooden battens of the same length using a jigsaw. Sand away any rough edges. 2 Place one batten horizontally across the panels, 10cm up from the bottom. Using the vertical frames of the three panels as a guide, measure and mark six points along the length…

There are plenty of projects that can be done to keep your home looking fresh. The key is to work out which tasks you are capable of as a DIYer, and which require specific skills and safety measures. The good news is we are here to help you navigate this conundrum. We've identified four improvements you should be able to take on yourself, and five areas where it's best to get the experts in. We've also factored in time and money implications, to help you feel prepared. 1 Painting & decorating Perking up walls, woodwork and ceilings with paint is one of the simplest ways to update a room. You can also go a step further with wallpaper, and this is great for adding pattern to zoned areas. You only need…

An architect is a highly skilled professional who plans, designs and oversees a renovation or building project. Visit riba.org (Royal Institute of British Architects) to find an accredited member near you. Depending on the scale of your project, you may need to enlist a structural engineer. They specialise in the structural integrity of a building, whether you're removing a wall or adding an extension. Visit findanengineer.com to search for a member of The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) in your area. A surveyor will inspect and assess the condition of buildings, ensuring they meet legal and safety requirements. Visit ricsfirms.com to see a list of local RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) regulated options. The tradespeople you require will vary according to the type of project, but you may need…

A QUICK DIP These innovative potato snacks from McCain will transform your picky teas or sharing boards. Crispy Dippers have a defined V-shape that's perfect for dunking in sauces or scooping up tasty tapas bites. Plus, they are skin-on and crinkly for bonus flavour and texture. Simply pop them in the air fryer for 10 minutes and you'll be ready to serve up the ideal accompaniment for a saucy main or starter to share – or just enjoy them as a quick snack. Available at Tesco, Asda and Morrisons from £2.69, or find out more at mccain.co.uk.…

QUICK FIX If you can't find coconut yoghurt or you have plain yoghurt in the fridge, mix 2 tbsp yoghurt with 1 tbsp desiccated coconut instead How to make TO PREP 20 minutes SERVES 3 You will need ✓ 40g tender-leaf kale ✔ 200ml pineapple juice ✓ 125g pineapple chunks ✓ 1 banana, peeled and sliced ✓ 3 tbsp low-fat coconut yoghurt ✔ 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup DIRECTIONS Put the kale and pineapple juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blitz until super smooth. Check the consistency - if it's a little thick, add a splash more pineapple juice or some water and blend again, then serve. Recipe and image courtesy of Tesco, realfood.tesco.com…

Identify energy-hungry devices, like TVs and computers, then plug them into this smart strip. It connects to your phone so you can switch them ‘off-off’, even remotely. Tap aerators may be small, but they make a big difference. They smooth water flow, reduce splash, and cut water consumption by up to 50%, making every drop count. Reflecting up to 95% of radiant heat back into your room, this insulation goes behind your radiators to reduce energy loss. Install it in a jiffy using the self-adhesive pads. Keep your home cosy and your heating bills low, with draught-proofing tape. Sustainably made from 100% British wool, it seals gaps around doors and windows to lock in warmth. Brighten any room with this frosted bulb. Its 15,000-hour lifespan and A++ energy rating will…

HOW TO… whittle it down There are plenty of ways you can start the journey to being mortgage-free. • The quickest way to become mortgage-free is to pay it off, so whether that's with a lump sum as and when you can afford it, or regular monthly overpayments, it all helps to reduce the mortgage itself in terms of money owed and years left to pay, as well as interest accrued. • If you have a fixed rate, check to see if there are any penalties for overpaying each month. If there are, weigh this up against the money you'd save on interest to see if it's worth it. If it's not, you'll need to wait until you come to the end of your deal. • Start looking at remortgage…

A ABI Interiors 020 4538 9222 abiinteriors.co.uk Amazon amazon.co.uk Animal Gifts 4 U 02380 600623 animalgifts4u.com Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk AO 0161 470 1200 ao.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk B B&M 0330 838 9000 bmstores.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Baked Tiles 01792 439239 bakedtiles.co.uk Barker and Stonehouse barkerandstonehouse.co.uk The Basket Room 01608 239482 thebasketroom.com Beautiful by George beautifulbygeorge.com Belling belling.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Benuta benuta.co.uk Best 4 Flooring 0800 170 7123 best4flooring.co.uk Big Bathroom Shop 0330 027 1032 bigbathroomshop.co.uk Bosch 0344 892 8979 bosch-home.co.uk Brabantia brabantia.com/uk The Braided Rug Company 01654 767248 braided-rug.co.uk Britannia Rose 02031 67 87 57 britanniarose.com Bulljam 07811 265738 bulljam.co.uk C Caroline Gardner carolinegardner.com Casa by JJ 020 7349 8528 casabyjj.com CASO Design 020 3318 6187 casodesign.co.uk Catherine Jane Designs catherinejanedesigns.co.uk Chimney Sheep…

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Fuchsia, 4 Flat, 7 Garage, 8 Bowler, 9 Rehearsal, 11 Roomy, 12 Act, 14 Bleat, 15 Endeavour, 18 Fitter, 19 Infant, 20 Feta, 21 Breaker DOWN 1 Foghorn, 2 Cardboard, 3 Sugary, 4 Fewer, 5 Arena, 6 Absent, 10 Sidetrack, 12 Advert, 13 Starter, 14 Bronze, 16 Noise, 17 Extra SOLUTION STUFFING WORD SCRAMBLE There are 173 words in total – anything over 40 is excellent, especially if you got the 6-letter word: FLAKES, and 5-letter words: LEAKS, GALES and FALSE. Find puzzles on p110! SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1. Cupboard handle is different 2. Glass cupboard door has been filled in 3. Foliage is now pink 4. Glass bowl has disappeared 5. The kettle has changed 6. Flowers have been added 7. The cake is different 8.…

ONLY £4! Global goddess Matalan's new Nevada range invites you to indulge in a fusion of natural textures, intricate woven details and geometric motifs – with a touch of luxe leopard-print for good measure! In sun-baked shades of gold, sand and rust, these pieces will effortlessly complement homes that already lean into neutral, grounded decor, but they also work well with bold hues such as hot pink and lush green. The collection lets you play with smaller pops of colour, too – a vibrant cactus in a wooden planter, for example, can bring life to an empty corner. We love how this range embraces contrasts in texture. Imagine the tactile feel of bobbled cushions paired with the smoothness of soft faux leather – it's a masterful mix of the rugged…