Cath Kidston is cool now?! I got a preview of the brand’s trendy new homeware look at Next
The brand famous for ditsy florals is back – and it's better than ever!

Growing up, most of us proudly owned something by Cath Kidston - whether that’s a lunch bag, a bed linen set or a backpack. But the brand’s signature style of ditsy florals hasn’t necessarily aged so well into adulthood and you could say Cath Kidston has since fallen out of favour. But I previewed the new Cath Kidston homeware range at Next’s new autumn/winter press show it was nothing short of a revelation.
We at the Ideal Home office, myself included, did not expect to be lusting after Cath Kidston homeware anytime soon, if ever. And yet, to our surprise, that’s exactly what’s happening right now as the brand’s range perfectly blends current home decor trends with the company’s signature kitsch designs.
Next bought Cath Kidston last year, saving the brand from going into administration. And that’s why the new (and improved) Cath Kidston homeware range is available to shop exclusively at Next.
How is the new Cath Kidston homeware range different from what we’re used to
The ongoing cottagecore and traditional home trend was a hint that Cath Kidston and the brand’s ditsy florals were becoming en-vogue again.
But what is really hitting the spot this time around is the way that the brand pairs those classic cottagecore motifs with equally as pretty but more modern and on-trend finishes like contrasting scalloped trims, striped frilled cushions and stripes in general. It blends ‘the brand's iconic floral heritage prints with a whimsical design aesthetic for a modern era,’ Next says.
It’s a more pared-back take on the fun Cath Kidston which is exactly what our adult selves are after apparently.
What to look forward to from Cath Kidston
The two real stars of the collection are the made-to-order sofas which can also be purchased as love seats/armchairs – it’s the cushiony, pillow-like Mallow and Edged, named after the flounce-like edges similar to Oxford pillowcases. It looks especially stunning in the colourways with contrasting edges.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
As these living room seating ideas are made-to-order, they can also be covered in any one of the 15 different fabrics and patterns on offer.
Lighting is another strong category of the new collection with everything from table lamps to pendants and even floor lamps impressing the whole team and hitting several lighting trends of the moment. And the same goes for the soft furnishings of the range – I’m especially loving the already mentioned striped cushions and the floral scalloped rug.
Our top picks
This sofa was the first thing I saw from the new Cath Kidston range - and that alone made me rethink how I thought of the brand. As already mentioned, this sofa is made to order and comes in several different sizes and fabrics to complement your home.
Candy references are quite abundant in the new range - much like this glass table lamp reminiscent of a striped hard candy. Yum!
I saw and tested this beautifully cushiony love seat (it was super comfy!) at the Next press day last week where it was displayed in a pink striped finish. But I really love the idea of this baby blue version. But of course, you can have this made in any fabric and size you like, much like the Edged model.
similarly to red and white stripes, light pink and red ones are also reminiscent of candies, just slightly prettier ones. And it's not just the colour of the stripes that makes me think of sweets when I look at this one, it's the ruffled trim too which reminds me of candy wrappers. And I love the unexpected velvet finish of this one.
It’s safe to say that I’m a Cath Kidston convert! What about you – has this new range changed your mind about the brand imbued with childhood nostalgia?
Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. She is now also the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Furniture, and so far has tested 80 different sofas.
Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others.
-
7 things you should never throw out when decluttering a bedroom, and what to do with them instead according to experts
Toss it and you may regret it
By Jenny McFarlane
-
I saw the new Next luxury collection IRL and can confirm it feels as expensive as it looks (without the designer price tag)
Next is the new go-to for quiet luxury home decor
By Rebecca Knight
-
All the questions you must ask a bathroom designer before getting started — or risk a bathroom makeover disaster
10 questions to put to your bathroom designer
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
IKEA is putting an end to ugly extension cords – you won’t mind having its latest design on display in your home
I can’t wait to get my hands on one
By Sara Hesikova
-
Primark is selling a gorgeous green cushion that is almost identical to a £150 designer cushion — we predict a sell-out
The new collection is filled with beautiful designer-look pieces
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Aldi’s Blocks in Bloom Building Flowers are a dead-ringer for LEGO flowers - at just £2.99 they’re half the price too
When there's a dupe to be had, Aldi always finds a way to save us money
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Marks & Spencer has combined the best parts of a rose and peony to launch an exclusive new flower – I got a sneak peek at the beautiful bloom
And you don't have to wait for peony season to buy it
By Sara Hesikova
-
M&S have given their sell-out light-up candles a romantic update in time for Valentine’s Day - but you’ll have to be quick as they’re already a bestseller
Love is in the air - and it smells good
By Kezia Reynolds
-
5 colours that go with brown — the colour combos experts use to make this shade look incredible in any room
Make this trending shade shine
By Thea Babington-Stitt
-
Tiffany lamps have had a huge comeback for 2025 - how to style this nostalgic lighting trend
Tiffany lamps you will always be famous...
By Kezia Reynolds
-
La Redoute is selling a lookalike version of M&S's sellout Kirsten table lamp – it's now half the price on sale
Marks & Spencer’s viral gingham lamp is sold out again – but La Redoute comes to the rescue with a more affordable alternative
By Sara Hesikova