Top Stories
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7 fast-growing seeds to sow directly outdoors in May for a garden bursting with flowersEnjoy colourful beds and borders
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5 things people with incredible-smelling homes always clean with – game-changing tools and productsTackle two jobs in one
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Do you really have to vent a portable air conditioner outside? Air con pros on why it’s crucial to get it rightThe essential step you need to know
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These 5 storage options are silently making your home dustier – quick (and affordable) changes to makeKeep things clean and practical
Gardens
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5 fast-growing drought-resistant flowers you should plant now to fill your borders with vibrant blooms – no matter how hot it getsThese blooms are virtually unaffected by heatwaves
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5 fast-growing climbing plants to grow around your front door for a blooming summer entranceFrame your entrance with colour, fragrance and plenty of kerb appeal
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Outdoor table wardrobes are the secret to making alfresco hosting simple this summer – here's why you need one in your gardenThis easy storage idea will make summer dining a breeze
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5 of the best scented climbing plants to fill your garden with colour and fragrance, according to gardening prosMake your garden look and smell amazing
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Every garden and outdoor space needs a bistro set – and I found 12 budget-friendly sets, all under £100A bistro set is an essential, versatile and space-saving addition to any outdoor space, but you don't have to spend a fortune on one
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How to take root cuttings in water and save money on filling your home and garden with free plantsThe simple propagation trick that turns one plant into many
What To Buy
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Primark has just dropped a new quiet luxury homeware collection – 6 under £30 buys to make your home look more expensiveThe subtle design features will instantly upgrade your space
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I’ve tracked down the top places to buy the best garden furniture so that you don’t have toThese are my go-to brands and retailers to shop outdoor furniture
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Best cooling mattress toppers to combat overheating – tried and testedThe 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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Ideal Home's Certified Experts have spent over 15,500 hours testing products so you can trust their in-depth knowledge and adviceNo-nonsense product advice direct from our team of in-the-know experts
Room Decor
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Aldi's cooling bedding is back to help you sleep during the heatwaveIt's the ideal solution if you've found it too hot to sleep this week
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This easy, free furniture trick will improve airflow and cool a room – say goodbye to stuffy bedroomsToo hot to sleep? We've got you covered
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Ideal Home Awards 2026 Dining Room WinnersBrands and products that achieved the seal of approval from our judges
House Manual
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The new AirCraft LUME fan is the most powerful of any I’ve testedIts clever design means you you get two fans in one, plus it's whisper-quiet
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5 things that people with a tidy freezer always have – game-changing additions to maximise spaceAnd reduce food waste, too
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Dyson has launched a portable fan for under £100 — it's already sold out once, but I've just spotted it back in stockA Dyson for less than £100? Count me in!
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How much does it cost to run an air fryer? Do they save money?We've calculated what it will cost to cook with an air fryer following the new July energy price cap
HOMES DISCOUNT CODES
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Boots discount codes - for May 2026SPONSORED Take a look at our Boots discount codes hand-tested by our saving experts.
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Pro Breeze discount codes - in May 2026SPONSORED Choose from our Pro Breeze discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
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Furniture123 discount codes - in May 2026SPONSORED Choose from our Furniture123 discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
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Dunelm discount codes - for May 2026SPONSORED Choose from our Dunelm discount codes and promo codes, hand-tested by our experts.
Renovation
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5 things the heatwave taught me about how my home handles heatThis is what I'm doing to improve it before the next hot spell hits
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5 things that people with consistently cool homes in summer always haveHeatwave essentials that will keep your home comfortable when it gets hot
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I lost £13k to a scam builder – this is what I wish I'd done differentlyPlus, how I got my money back
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I clad part of my house to boost its kerb appeal on a budgetRecladding part of our home's exterior has given it a fresh look without breaking the bank
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 updateCream tones and rustic pieces keep it sumptuous but simple
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A dreamy pastel coloured seaside home on the Dorset coastA 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'
More From Ideal Home
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This Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is heatwave approved with no need for pre-freezing anything – I've used nothing else for making sweet treats for two years nowYou simply can’t beat home made ice cream
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7 clever design features that gave this kitchen a high-end look on a realistic budgetYou don't need to spend silly money to get the luxe-looking kitchen of your dreams
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Traditional bones with modern interiors – this classic townhouse has been updated for modern lifeIt's now a warm family home with a sympathetic nod to its past
