Table of contents for DIY 2025 in HomeStyle

Welcome to our Spring Decorating Special. With Easter bank holidays and warmer weather on the way, we've packed this issue with easy weekend projects, budget-friendly upgrades and fresh styling tips to give your home a mini (or maxi!) makeover. Find our sweet and sunny ideas for your Easter table on page 82 and make the most of springtime florals and cute motifs. For instant updates, head to page 58 for 12 ideas to bring in colour and pattern, then shop our 101 brilliant buys under £21 (guilt free!) on page 65. To wake up your walls, check out our inspiring ideas with wallpaper, murals and paint on page 73. While over on page 90, we show you how to hack your IKEA furniture to turn affordable flatpacks into statement pieces…

Tonal stripes Stripes are getting bigger and bolder than ever before. Have confidence and use them on wallpaper on all four walls to make a statement, textiles to wake up bedding or keep it more restrained with a couple of carefully selected pieces. Tonal stripes like these offer a new take on the classic. EASY PLUG-IN FITTING Animal lights Ensure your home is bursting with personality in every corner by giving your lighting a touch of wild style. Animal-themed lighting is a trend maximalists will love, or anyone wanting to give rooms a playful edge that's sure to be a talking point! Unexpected red We've seen pops of red coming through with the latest looks, and it's perfect for waking up tired schemes on a budget. Don't let this vibrant…

TOP TIP Step back often! When you work on a large scale it's difficult to see ‘the big picture’. After painting each daisy, move away from the wall to check your design – the beauty of this technique is that you can always paint over it! YOU WILL NEED • emulsion paint in your chosen base colour • foam paint roller and tray • tape measure • pencil • side plate • artist's paintbrush • paintbrush • white emulsion • yellow emulsion INSTRUCTIONS 1 Begin by applying two coats of your base colour to the wall using a foam roller. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. 2 Use a tape measure and pencil to mark on the wall where you want to place the daisy motifs. Allow plenty…

A BIT ABOUT ME I'm Karen Laurence, 44, a stay-at-home mum. I live with my husband Andy, 48, a damp proof specialist, and our sons Jack, 24 and Alfie, 21 plus our three pugs. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a 1950s terrace near Stevenage in Hertfordshire. You can see more @our_plant_loving_home. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE We modernised the whole house to make it a practical family home. This involved creating a utility room, renovating the bathroom and decorating the bedrooms. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We really put Andy's trade skills to the test, tackling the bulk of the renovation work ourselves. I've also added patterned wallpapers, bold paint shades and upcycled projects to inject more personality. MY FAVOURITE PART Our back garden is such a transformation.…

Heritage design A new duvet cover is an easy way to refresh your bedroom decor without picking up a paintbrush. For an elegant update, this bedlinen set by Laura Ashley will look beautiful as part of a traditional scheme. Part of its Ornamental Antique collection available at Next, the pattern is inspired by a textile sample from the Laura Ashley archive and features curving stems and exotic flowers in a gorgeous blue palette. If a bigger reno is on the cards, the design is also available as a wallpaper. next.co.uk Cherry picked Eat them, wear them, decorate with them! Cherries are set to be a favourite fruit in spring/summer this year and this cheerful collection from Gisela Graham will bring sunshine into your kitchen, even on rainy days. The range…

TREND-TICKING DESIGN…

MAKES A THOUGHTFUL GIFT…

Made to measure Large scale murals are the latest way to give your rooms the ‘wow’ factor and they come in a vast range of designs to suit whatever mood you want to create, including relaxing landscapes, bold graphic prints and intricate designs inspired by nature. You can even have them made from your own photographs, giving you the ultimate in personalisation. Most murals are custom made to fit your specific measurements, and come in numbered panels, making them quick and easy to hang. Reach new heights Wallpaper can be a great way to visually alter the dimensions of a room. Stripes, for example, can add width if used horizontally or diagonally, as they appear to visually stretch the space. If you use a vertical striped wallpaper and paint the…

We love IKEA for its practical, affordable designs and smart Swedish styling. Most of us have at least one IKEA classic in our homes – be it a BESTA, KALLAX, LACK – or all three! When you're ready to switch up your scheme, these pieces are upcycling gold and there are so many ways to give them a fresh new look. If you don't have any IKEA to upcycle, you'll find lots of preloved options on selling sites such as Facebook Marketplace, many of which you can pick up for just a few pounds. Alternatively, get creative with other pieces of furniture in need of a lift, as these ideas can easily be adapted to suit other projects. Transform your BESTA storage Use MDF moulding and a lick of paint…

Style idea Customise wardrobes with stylish handles from the high street About me I'm Keeley Wilson, 47, a make-up artist and hairdresser @keeleywilsonmakeup. I live in a three-bed semi in Hampton with my husband Alan, 57, and our children Archie, 17, and Violet, 13. ‘After eight years in the house, we're thrilled we have the bedroom we've always wanted’ TOTAL £5,590 BEFORE My problem bedroom We moved in eight years ago and concentrated our efforts on other areas of the house, neglecting the bedroom, so it had become a dumping ground. We really wanted a place for everything and for it to feel calm and cosy. How I made it work We decorated the space to look like a boutique hotel. We only wanted select pieces out on show so…

Can the kettle For convenience and a clutter-free worktop, a boiling water tap could be the answer. These clever taps are an investment, but if you're redesigning your kitchen this year these energy-efficient gadgets are certainly worth considering. The pros? No waiting for a noisy kettle to boil, unlimited boiling water for your pasta pot, and no need for a kettle or water filter as this 4-in-1 tap delivers 100°C boiling water, filtered drinking water and regular hot and cold flows. Mix and match Give your kitchen a fresh, new look by updating your splashback. This modern-retro tile design is part of the Art Colours collection by Tile Flair, which features nine patterns you can use as repeats, or mix and match for an eclectic effect. You'll keep the cost…

HOMESTYLE LOVES! GEORGE HOME Spring with Stacey Add dreamy cottagecore vibes with Stacey Solomon's newest collaboration ‘This drop is perfect to get homes ready for spring and summer’ Stacey Solomon GET THE LOOK This is a relaxed yet regal look with classical motifs such as artichokes and roses sitting alongside on-trend daisies. A limited, muted colour palette brings botanical elements together for a scheme that's fresh and stylish. Nod to the countryside via fauna too with subtle bee and rabbit prints (or a rotund sheep cushion!). Look for illustrative, pencil-drawn styles for added whimsy. Keep the overall palette neutral and light with ivory linen, beige upholstery and sheer muslin curtains. Limewash walls (or a wallpaper effect) will bring a rustic edge. GET THE LOOK There's a handmade feel to this collection,…

MUST-HAVE SEVENTIES VIBES…

A BIT ABOUT ME My name is Georgia Axtell-Powell, 35, a digital producer and content creator @georgiascolourfulcottage. I live here with my partner Adrian Dancea, 37, an engineer, and my miniature labradoodle, Snoop. WHERE I LIVE We live in a three-bedroom Victorian terrace cottage, built in 1891, in a small village in Buckinghamshire. I bought it in May 2022. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The cottage needed a complete renovation, and I wanted to add a single-storey extension at the back to create a large kitchen and dining area, filled with natural light. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN The downstairs has been reconfigured, with an extension that's doubled the kitchen and dining space. I've decorated with bold colours, patterns, and creative ideas that didn't break the bank. MY FAVOURITE…

A BIT ABOUT ME My name is Georgia Hetherington, 30, an e-commerce manager and part-time vintage homeware dealer @houseofhetheringtons. I live here with my husband, Alistair, 33, a music producer and P, our eight-year-old dachshund. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a 1930s three-bedroom, semi-detached house in Stratford-upon-Avon. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The house had good bones and only needed a few fixes here and there. Our top priority was fitting a new kitchen and replacing the outdated and worn floors. We also wanted to redecorate throughout, shifting from bold colours to a more neutral palette, to make the house feel calmer and more cohesive. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN In the kitchen, we chose a Shaker-style design that complemented the house's character and replaced the old flooring.…

TOP TIP For a really smooth finish, it's essential to sand at each step. You might also consider investing in a paintbrush with super soft bristles as this will minimise streaks and brush marks for a pro paint job. YOU WILL NEED • dust sheet • rubber gloves • rust dissolver (optional, such as Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver Bath) • cleaning cloths and disposable rags • white spirit • painter's tape • sandpaper in medium-coarse to fine grades • paintbrushes • metal or multi-surface primer • eggshell paint INSTRUCTIONS 1 Begin by protecting your floor with a dust sheet. If you're painting an older bath, you will need to remove any rust before painting. Use a rust dissolver formulated for this job and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Wear rubber gloves…

BE CLEVER WITH COLOUR Bring your decor up to date with bold use of colour. Primary colours are on-trend this year, but they can be a little tricky to live with. The secret to using these bright shades is to add them in small doses to a neutral scheme, repeating the colours around the room. In this living room, red is picked up in the rug, cushion and blind and green in the cushions and ottoman. This technique creates a sophisticated scheme that's full of colour without feeling overwhelming. This neat trick is handy if you're living in a rented home and have to work around plain decor. RETHINK WREATHS Wreaths aren't just for Christmas! Bring that abundant spring feeling into your space with floral designs. Pop one on your…

CUTE CHILDREN'S GIFT…

HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

Bring the outside in Decorate your dining space with flowers and plants that echo the changing of the seasons. Spring flowering bulbs, such as daffodils and hyacinths, planted in small pots and dotted around the table will bring a welcome refresh. Make a striking centrepiece with a foraged branch – a flowering magnolia adds extra wow factor – and decorate it with glass Easter eggs for an elegant flourish. Hoppy shopping! Add instant Easter style with these top picks Check it out Maximise on one of this season's freshest prints and introduce a gingham check to your tablescape. Choose a tablecloth or a runner in a shade to match your decor – we love this relaxed green and white combo. Team gingham with coordinating pastel accessories and add natural elements…

Head of marketing at Forest Garden Director of Focus Town Planning Chief marketing officer at Anglian Home Improvements Residential services director at Geobear Q Can I build a garden room or garden studio without planning permission? Jenny Davis is the head of marketing at Forest Garden, the UK's leading manufacturer of wooden garden products. She says… ‘Generally, you don't need planning permission to build a garden room, as long as it doesn't exceed 2.5m in height and is not used for overnight accommodation. Plus, it can't take up more than half of the land around the house. There are further restrictions if you're within a conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so check with your local authority before investing. Other exceptions where you may need planning permission are…

ADD STRUCTURE & DRAMA CHIC CLUSTER LIGHTING ‘A rich colour palette creates a cosy, cocooning feel’ Style idea Keep bedside tables curated with a lamp, book and a trinket dish or candle INSTANT COLOUR POP 3 OF A KIND… ACCENT CUSHIONS…

Best for… small bathrooms ‘For small bathrooms avoid dark shades, which can feel intrusive. Instead, go for more neutral, pale or muted tones to help make the space appear bigger, while boosting any natural light. Using the same tile across walls and floor also creates a streamlined look. The size of tile can make a huge difference, too. Picking something too big can make the room feel overpowered; too small will make the bathroom seem to shrink. Medium-sized tiles around 30x60cm are your best friend. Pair with a matching grout for a uniform finish that helps the room feel more spacious.’ Harriet Goodacre, style consultant, Topps Tiles Best for… family bathrooms ‘Textured tiles will be at the forefront of family bathroom design in 2025, offering a perfect blend of functionality and…

Try these tasty egg recipes as a weekday dinner or weekend brunch Monday HUEVOS RANCHEROS PREP TIME 15 minutes COOK TIME 15 minutes SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS For the crispy shallots • round shallots • 2 tsp cornflour • vegetable oil For the beans • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 2 large echalion shallots, sliced • 1 garlic clove, chopped • salt and pepper • 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika • ½ tsp each cumin and cinnamon • 1 small red pepper, finely diced • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 1 x 400g tin black beans, washed and drained • 1 tsp honey (optional) • 1 tbsp chilli sauce (if liked) To serve • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 4 eggs • 1 red chilli, sliced • 1 avocado, sliced •…

A truly British collection This latest collaboration sees high-street favourite Habitat team up with iconic British brand Sanderson and the National Trust to create a collection that captures the timeless beauty of the country's landscapes. Inspired by the much-loved patterns and flora found at National Trust properties nationwide, there is dinnerware, kitchen textiles, glassware and hosting essentials adorned with woodland motifs and bold, hand-painted stripes to make for the most eye-catching tablescape. Four captivating prints appear across the collection, all inspired by Sanderson's extensive archive, in a palette of green, ochre, sky blue and rose pinks. Prices start at £2.25 for printed glassware. habitat.co.uk Japandi styling Create a tranquil and luxurious look in your home with the latest range from kitchen and bedroom retailer, Wren. The new Athena collection features…

TURNED WOOD DETAILS £5 AND UNDER We're crushing on these pocket-money buys £10 AND UNDER Let these bargain buys take your fancy £50 AND UNDER Make a commitment with these forever pieces…

SIMPLE, SLEEK SHAPE ‘I've decorated with bold colours, patterns, and creative design’ Style idea Subtly patterned jute rugs add an earthy, grounded texture to rooms 3 OF A KIND… FLORAL WALLPAPERS A BOLD COUNTER TO FLORALS…

TOP TIP To give faux blooms a bit more ‘life’, gently separate the petals and leaves, starting at the centre and working outwards. A hair dryer on a low setting can help if the petals are tricky to manipulate. YOU WILL NEED • woven willow wreath base • selection of faux flowers and foliage in a variety of shapes and sizes • bundle of 10in 20-gauge florist's stub wire • wire cutters • pliers INSTRUCTIONS 1 Arrange the flowers and foliage in three piles, with all the foliage together in one pile, then another pile for small, sprig flowers and a third for larger blooms. 2 Before adding any flowers, you need to cover the wreath base with foliage. Do this by making small bunches of foliage, about the same…

HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

Leyya's home office ‘I run my business from home, so having a dedicated workspace is a priority. I need plenty of storage, but I also want it to be inspiring and reflect me and my business. As someone who travels often and works with the global majority, I'm drawn to Alice Crawley's East-meets-West fusion.’ Leyya's budget is £1,000 and our resident interior designer Rochelle Dalphinis has accepted the challenge! CHAMPAGNE TOTAL £15,297.99 LEMONADE TOTAL £977.29 How to get a luxe look for less The lifestyle image Leyya chose as her inspiration is striking, blending vibrant contrasting colours, diverse textures and global influences. It's a functional yet bright and inspiring office space that draws you in daily. 01 Fun and functional When designing your office space, focus on how it supports…

Thomas Goodman is a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote. He suggests asking: 1 What is their experience with similar jobs and can they supply references from clients or arrange for you to view their work? 2 Who will oversee the project, and what will the estimated duration of the work be? How are any delays and challenges dealt with? What guarantees or warranties do they offer? 3 Can they supply their public liability insurance certificate, and membership details of any trade associations or federations such as Federation of Master Builders (FMB)? Ask to see Gas Safe, NICEIC, ELECSA membership details or FENSA, Certass or Assure where relevant. 4 What are the payment terms and conditions? This should be agreed before work commences and be included in a written agreement.…

Pink pourers Pale Pink oil pourer stoneware, £32.50, Habulous Classic kit Speckled stoneware pestle and mortar, £9.99, Homesense TREND-TICKING COLOUR Spread joy Green stoneware butter dish, £7.99, Homesense Lick the bowl Blue stoneware mixing bowls, £16.50 for 2, Funky Chunky Furniture Vintage style Speckled Brown stoneware jug, £24.99, Gisela Graham HAND-PAINTED GLAZE Rustic edge The Super Sparrow soap dish in Sea Green, £16, Not Just a Shop Hug in a mug Blue stoneware mugs, £27 for 4, ProCook Modern finish Stoneware soap dispenser in Beige, £9.99, H&M Home…

Best for… small kitchens ‘Create a country vibe in a smaller kitchen scheme by opting for a two-tone painted design. You could also consider pairing complementary shades with decorative glass wall units to add a light, reflective surface that will enhance a feeling of space. Elevate a compact kitchen further by choosing one traditional element, such as a classic cornice, for visual simplicity and go clutter-free with a tall larder to organise and hide away all your kitchen essentials. Cottagecore-inspired handles, which you can also add to existing cabinets, are the perfect way to create timeless charm.’ Sophie Devonald, designer, Crown Imperial Best for… galley kitchens ‘When it comes to designing the perfect farmhouse kitchen, even in a compact galley layout, incorporating wood into the overall design introduces a natural…

‘I decided to turn my hobby into a business and haven't looked back since’ When Nicky Edmunds left London for a slower pace of life in Devon, she had no idea the move would lead to where she is now. Based in her Dartmoor studio, Nicky's British-made pottery embraces the charm of small-batch productions to create beautiful products for everyday life. Favouring quality over quantity, Habulous is a go-to brand for shopping charming ceramics that will stand the test of time. Nicky's come a long way since first sitting down at the wheel 10 years ago and we couldn't wait to hear how she did it. How did you get into pottery? I've always been creative. Over the years I've tried so many different crafts, but pottery is the one…