Top Stories
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I’m in my electric mop era – and all my guests say my floors are cleaner than they’ve ever seen them
It's convinced me to ditch the bucket for good
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Burning rosemary in your home can not only improve your air quality, it can get rid of pests, and boost your wellbeing
Experts explain why it’s worth trying this October
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Farrow & Ball's newest paint finish is their best kept secret for painting kitchens – it's their most durable yet
You won't need to worry about scuffs on your cupboards
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Lidl is selling a dehumidifier with a dedicated laundry mode to dry clothes faster – it's half the price of similar models
You won't find a similar version at a lower price than this
Ideal Home Experts
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Gardens
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As a garden editor, I swear by these are 4 ways to prepare your lawn for winter to stop it from turning into a boggy mess
Your lawn doesn't have to look like the spot where Artax succumbed to the Swamp of Sadness; just winter-proof it...
By Kayleigh Dray
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When to cut new grass from seed – how long freshly sown grass should be before its first mow
Look at the length, not the calendar!
By Sophie King
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This is the best time to cut agapanthus back for big blooms next year
It depends on the type...
By Sophie King
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I'm a gardening editor and these are the plants I'm cutting back in October for healthier, more lush growth next spring
Pruning these plants in autumn will encourage stronger growth and healthier plants
By Lisa Fazzani
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This is when you should prune your climbing hydrangea if you want it to flower again next year
Don't trim your plant out of season...
By Sophie King
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I'm a gardens editor, and these are the best trees to plant for autumn colour in a blaze of dazzling shades
From vivid reds to warm golds, these are the trees to plant for a kaleidoscope of autumnal colour
By Kayleigh Dray
What To Buy
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Aldi's new £100 robot vacuum also sweeps and mops – it's a time-saving must-have for spotless floors
Save on time and money
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I asked bedding experts what the best sheet material for a good night's sleep is – the fabrics to buy, and one to avoid
Cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk sheets are all high on our experts' list
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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
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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
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These Christmas trends will be everywhere in December – the best festive looks and star buys from the high street collections
The trends insiders are predicting will be big news in 2025
By Sara Hesikova
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M&S's new collection with designer Bella Freud includes super stylish homeware that looks so expensive
The cult designer’s latest collab features iconic gifting pieces you’ll want to keep for yourself
By Rebecca Knight
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What four kitchens taught me about getting the lighting right, at long last
In my experience, lighting is the difference between dinner-party chic and dental surgery bleak
By Linda Clayton
House Manual
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If your carpets feel cold and damp when you walk over them, one of these 5 serious problems could be the culprit
And what you can do to prevent mould and musty odours
By Lauren Bradbury
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What is the cheapest electric heater to run? I’ve compared all of the options, and this one is undoubtedly the most affordable
Experts advise on the cheapest electric heater to run, so you can be mindful of costs while staying warm this winter
By Jullia Joson
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My dog and I have spent months testing the best vacuums for pet hair – these are my top picks for homes with furry friends
Find the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair with our expert reviews
By Lauren Bradbury
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Lidl is selling a Vax carpet cleaner for a steal of a price – get your carpets looking like new for less than £80
Bargain alert!
By Rebecca Knight
HOMES DISCOUNT CODES
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Appliances Direct discount codes for October 2025
SPONSORED Use our verified Appliances Direct discount codes to get the best deals on your next appliance, phone, or TV.
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Furniture123 discount codes - in October 2025
SPONSORED Spend less on home and garden furniture with our live and hand-tested Furniture123 discount codes and promos.
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Miele discount codes - for October 2025
SPONSORED Choose from our Miele discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
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Shark Discount Codes - in October 2025
SPONSORED Use our verified Shark discount codes and save on industry-leading vacuums and floor cleaners.
Renovation
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I thought it would be a bad idea to put a log burner in a conservatory
But heating experts say it could be key to a cosy garden room in winter
By Sarah Handley
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These 7 design tricks will make a small kitchen extension feel bigger
But experts warn there are some you should definitely avoid
By Sarah Handley
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4 things I wish had been done differently in my kitchen extension
This is how I've managed to make them work
By Sarah Handley
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These 5 underfloor heating mistakes will make your system cost more to run and less efficient
No wonder experts say they should be avoided
By Sarah Handley
Ideal Homes
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'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
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A dated Georgian cottage gets a modern-country update
Cream tones and rustic pieces keep it sumptuous but simple
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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
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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
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Upcycling furniture? Here are 5 things I wish I knew first
Countless upcycling projects (and plenty of mistakes) later, here's what I wish I knew before my first project
By Holly Reaney
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This DIY panelling mistakes could cost you £2,000
If you're considering installing DIY panelling, make sure you don't make this common mistake
By Holly Reaney
More From Ideal Home
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If someone gave me this gorgeous coffee advent calendar as a gift I'd be so impressed
You can pick from the ground or whole bean version
By Molly Cleary
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I made soup from scratch in under 30 minutes with Panasonic's new soup maker – but it does so much more
It blends, heats and keeps soup warm while you do other jobs
By Molly Cleary
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It's officially roast season – these handy Joseph Joseph will make cooking a Sunday roast fuss-free
Upgrade your essentials now and you'll use them all winter
By Holly Cockburn