Top Stories
-
3 things I regret about my open-plan kitchen, and what I wish I'd done when designing my own space
Make sure yours works seamlessly in your home
-
I’ve tried both portable and fitted air conditioning at home in a heatwave, and I have a clear favourite
Let's weigh up the pros and cons
-
I’ve lived with a south-facing garden for the past five years, and this is why I’ll never buy a house with one again
Controversial, but I hate my sunny garden
-
This £5 budget buy from Amazon is all you need to turn your fan into an air conditioner
You'll be cool again in no time
Ideal Home Experts
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Gardens
-
How to hang a rain chain and where to place it for the best water flow – experts share tips to make it both pretty and practical
Transform your rainwater harvesting set-up into a Japanese-inspired design feature with our expert tips
By Natalie Osborn
-
This hosepipe ban loophole for lawns could rescue your garden this summer – what you need to know about the rules
New turf or freshly-sown grass seed? Don't fret...
By Sophie King
-
Hosepipe bans have been issued for 7 million UK homes - these are all the affected areas
If you've been wondering, 'Have I got a hosepipe ban?' this is everything you need to know
By Kezia Reynolds
-
It's not too late to plant bedding plants in July – the 7 varieties garden experts say will flourish if you plant them now
These are the blooms to add colour and interest to your outdoor space this month
By Ellis Cochrane
-
How to protect birds from the heat – 2 non-negotiables your garden needs according to wildlife experts
We need to look after our feathered friends in hot weather
By Kezia Reynolds
-
6 of the best drought-tolerant plants for pots that thrive in a heatwave
These low-maintenance favourites love container life
By Sophie King
What To Buy
-
Aldi’s new solar floodlight is an expert-approved buy that will boost your home’s security - and it’s only £11.99
You won't want to miss out on this Specialbuy!
-
Would you buy an inflatable outdoor sofa for over £1500? This piece of garden furniture from Wayfair has 5-star reviews, but left me speechless
It's unconventional, but it's impressed shoppers
-
Best cooling mattress toppers to combat overheating – tried and tested
The best cooling mattress toppers for a cooler and more breathable sleep – tried and tested options from Simba, Panda, Emma, Silentnight, and more
-
Meet Ideal Home's Certified Experts - they've spent over 1,000 hours testing everything from appliances to mattresses so you can shop wisely
No-nonsense product advice direct from our team of in-the-know experts
Room Decor
-
3 things I regret about my open-plan kitchen, and what I wish I'd done instead
Here's how to make sure your open-plan kitchen works seamlessly in your home
By Holly Reaney
-
Green Smoke is Farrow & Ball’s most popular shade of green – this is how to best use this sophisticated colour to elevate your home
Green is the new neutral of 2025! And this moody, dark shade is leading the way
By Sara Hesikova
-
The 5 best worktop colours for a small kitchen - enhance the sense of space with these clever shades
The colour of your worktop might be making your kitchen look smaller
By Holly Walsh
House Manual
-
Cleaning experts recommend mopping your floor with this £1 spice rack staple to keep ants out of your home this summer
This spice isn't just for flavouring food
By Kezia Reynolds
-
This £29 IKEA buy has drastically reduced the amount of dust in my home — and it’s £100s cheaper than its competitors
It's small but mighty
By Lauren Bradbury
-
This clever air cooler has been designed with small spaces in mind, and you can get one on Amazon for less than £50
Cool down fast
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Lidl is selling a £70 cordless vacuum cleaner with a ‘secret’ cleaning function — and I predict it’ll fly off the shelves this week
The middle of Lidl has done it again
By Lauren Bradbury
HOMES DISCOUNT CODES
-
Debenhams discount codes for July 2025
SPONSORED Save more today with our top Debenhams discount codes.
-
Dusk discount codes - in July 2025
SPONSORED It's easy to save on your new mattress and bedding with our live Dusk discount codes.
-
Secret Linen Store discount codes for July 2025
SPONSORED Lower the price on beautiful bed linens, home furnishings and more with our verified Secret Linen Store discount codes.
-
Ninja Kitchen discount codes for July 2025
SPONSORED Save with one of our live Ninja Kitchen discount codes on air fryers, kitchenware, and appliances.
Renovation
-
I found out how much it costs to resurface a driveway
All homeowners should be aware of these 4 things that will impact the price
By Sarah Warwick
-
How to resurface a driveway, according to the pros
This is what you need to know in order to transform your drive
By Sarah Warwick
-
I’ve tried both portable and fitted air conditioning at home in a heatwave, and I have a clear favourite
Let's weigh up the pros and cons
By Sarah Handley
-
Is it worth fitting air conditioning in the UK?
This is what I think as someone who has tried both fitted and portable air con (and experts agree)
By Sarah Handley
Ideal Homes
-
'The restoration of the cottage has been well worth the journey'
A sensitive renovation and neutral colour palette have accentuated the character of this pretty Cotswold cottage
-
A dated Georgian cottage gets a modern-country update
Cream tones and rustic pieces keep it sumptuous but simple
-
A dreamy pastel coloured seaside home on the Dorset coast
A bold move to the Dorset coast saw this family completely transform their dated 1980s house into their ideal home
-
This tiny Cotswold cottage makes the most of every inch with a tailored, high-end look
‘I could see the cottage’s potential, and I knew I could make the layout work'
DIY
-
Is using the washing machine the easiest way to clean paint rollers? Experts debunk this viral hack
Think twice before using this cleaning method
By Maddie Balcombe
-
The £5 fix to stop your fence panels from rattling – DIY experts say it'll fix the problem for good
You'll never have to put up with this irritating problem ever again
By Kezia Reynolds
More From Ideal Home
-
Ideal Home Awards 2025 Kitchen Winners – our expert panel picks the standout kitchen designs and products of the year
Find the very best kitchen designs and products for the year ahead
-
Amazon Prime Day 2025 – the dates have been revealed for best savings on Ninja, Blueair, Shark and more
Our editors reveal the best deals to expect (and what might not go on sale)
-
The 6 best privacy trees for small gardens
No space? No problem!