This heat doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and with cooling appliances flying off the shelves, a big part of my job is tracking down quality fans still in stock. John Lewis’ High Power Handheld Fan with Aluminium Casing (£25) is one of them.

I’m not exaggerating when I say the best fans, desk fans and portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere. And while we can expect a few air cons to come back into stock this month, they will sell like hot cakes once again.

During hot, sticky heatwaves, it’s important to keep yourself cool, and a handheld fan is an easy way to do this if you still have a busy life to lead, regardless of temperature.

It’s not much of a secret that Ideal Home editors love a John Lewis handheld fan. The £12 viral buy has had all our editors in a chokehold during previous heatwaves, and while that model is currently out of stock (surprise), the John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan reads like it’s a more powerful older sibling - so, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade?

Despite its compact size, John Lewis promises this fan packs a serious cooling punch. It has four speed settings that you can choose from its digital screen, has 15 hours' worth of charge, can be charged via a USB cable and has a handy wrist strap for when you’re on the go.

It also has an aluminium outer shell, which means you can expect it to be durable, handling inevitable knocks and drops. Coinciding with a two-year guarantee, I expect it to be fairly tough.

However, due to the power of this fan, reviews do comment that it can be very noisy.

‘Purchased before travelling on a 14 hour flight - it's certainly powerful enough, to a point it could be as good as my hairdryer!’ one reads.

‘However, it's a little noisy, so I'm not sure if I would get away with using it on its highest setting in public without turning a few heads. The lowest setting however still gives a decent breeze.’

While a noisy fan can be a little irritating, unfortunately, this is a compromise you’ll have to put up with if you want a high-powered hand-held fan. As this fan is something you will hold near your face, it will be noisier.

While noise doesn’t bother some in the quest to stay cool, if you are noise-sensitive, that’s completely valid too, and models such as Amazon's Rechargeable USB Desk Fan (£25.99) and the FAPPEN Mini Handheld Fan (£13.99, Amazon) offer a quieter cooling experience.

Like most fans, I expect the John Lewis High Powered Fan will sell fast. So I’ve rounded up a few more hand-held fans that are still in stock.

Shopping for storage for a small kitchen is no simple task. Space-saving solutions often put practicality above aesthetics, leaving a lot to desire when it comes to looks.

So when I spotted this clever £25 kitchen storage basket from Dunelm, I realised it was the perfect choice for a small kitchen - and it actually looks nice, too.

If you don't have room for a pantry, but you still need somewhere to store non-refrigerated ingredients, this woven tiered storage basket from Dunelm is the ultimate solution. Here's why it would be perfect addition to a cooking space.

Many kitchen storage ideas designed for a worktop are often simplistic shelves that are function-first. While they can be handy for increasing storage space and making the most of the height available, when you keep something on show on a worktop, you want it to look nice too.

When I spotted this woven two-tier storage basket from Dunelm I immediately thought that it acts like a mini pantry for your worktop. With two handy shelves, you can store anything from garlic bulbs to bananas so they're easily within reach.

Open pantries are a big kitchen trend in 2026, with so many homeowners opting for on-show storage that makes a kitchen feel lived-in and slightly eclectic.

However, in a small kitchen, a large open pantry or shelves can make a space feel cluttered and visually obstructive, so opting for a smaller-scale option works best in a compact room. This £20 three-tier bamboo pantry stand from Amazon is another great choice for those who need a bit more storage space.

In any kitchen, there are always things left on a worktop, so containing this things in one storage basket creates a tidier scheme, while also adding design interest.

This Dunelm storage basket is ideal for adding to a traditional, country kitchen scheme. Creating warmth through woven textures helps to make a kitchen feel like the heart of the home, and this is even more effective when it's achieved through a handy storage option too.

Small touches that showcase a lived-in look have a big impact in a kitchen, so you can lean into the eclectic look without having too much clutter on show.

If your kitchen leans more classic then this darker, woven storage basket is a great alternative to the Scandi-inspired IKEA open pantry unit. Plus, it's £95 cheaper.

Shop kitchen storage baskets

For £25, it's hard to go wrong with this Dunelm storage basket. I would style on a worktop next to your cooking essentials, such as oil, salt and pepper. It's an easy way to make your fruit and veg look infinitely more stylish.

As someone who lives where space comes at a premium, I rarely spot a new home collection that will actually work with the contours of my home. But IKEA’s new KOMPISHÄNG collection features designs that will actually work with small homes and rentals.

IKEA is great at tailoring the latest home decor trends for smaller, urban homes. In true Scandi style, they offer simple, stylish and effective storage solutions that don’t break the bank and make your home look good.

And the one piece I’ll be rushing out to buy is the KOMPISHÄNG set of two stools (£40), which also double up as a shelving unit.

This isn’t the first IKEA collection that merges both style and practicality with ease. Back in May, I previewed IKEA’s PS Collection at their Swedish headquarters and left mightily impressed with their dedication to making small homes look good.

The KOMPISHÄNG has a similar vibe. Landing in stores and online from 1 August, this collection was designed with moving in mind. The designs are simple, crafted from pine, and are easily portable - perfect for busy city life.

‘Even if you move often, you don’t want your home to feel temporary. We saw how carefully people chose the things they carried with them from place to place, and that insight shaped the collection. We wanted the collection to be portable but still have a permanent look; people should feel settled and considered,’ Dora Ding, Product Developer at IKEA of Sweden.

I want to make a further point. This portability makes the collection an equally solid small living room, bedroom, kitchen or home idea. As someone who has a small, one-bed flat, I’m already opting for foldable furniture that easily tucks away when not in use.

I have a mid-century folding dining table (mine's thrifted, but it looks somewhat similar to Wayfair’s £118.99 Solid Wood Dining Table). I also use folding wooden dining chairs (£21, Habitat), which tuck away when not in use. One thing I lack is extra storage space when guests visit, hence my interest in the KOMPISHÄNG stools.

The KOMPISHÄNG stools are currently the talk of the Ideal Home office, with two team members (besides myself) already stating they will be heading out to snap them up once they drop.

The stools offer a double function, allowing for seating space and then shelving space when not in use. IKEA describes the stools as slotting together to make a ‘sculptural tower’, designed for shelving.

The legs slot together like puzzle pieces, locking to form a strong unit. The green painted seats become your shelf, and are the ideal shape for adding plant pots, photo frames and other trinkets.

It won’t take up much space and easily disconnects to form extra seating when you need it. As someone who doesn’t have extra space for chairs for guests, these stools would be a game-changer for hosting small groups. I also think you can play into their portability, taking them camping, for example.

Small space dwelling can be stylish; you just have to be smart about it. Here are a few more brilliantly stylish space-saving products I recommend for small homes.

The KOMPISHÄNG is packed with a stylish yet practical design. If you have a small home or a family member heading off to university this autumn, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Given that the sun hasn’t seemed to stop shining this summer, it would be foolish not to indulge in hosting a few get-togethers in the garden. But if your outdoor space needs a few finishing touches, don’t fear, as I’ve found nine stylish and savvy outdoor hosting essentials at Argos for under £100.

It was the Serenity 2 Seater Metal Garden Bistro Set, priced at £90, that caught my eye at Argos initially when plotting a budget garden revamp. But, when hosting outdoors, you really need to consider all bases beyond having the best outdoor furniture for guests to sit on.

This summer, you'll need the best parasol to offer some respite from the heat. I'd also recommend adding some garden lighting ideas, which will also come in handy to keep the party going into the warm evenings.

I'm happy to report that I've uncovered some budget gems still in stock at Argos that will help you be the hostess with the mostess without the expense. It pays to be a bargain hunter, and luckily, I’m willing to share all I’ve found. So, if you have any summer soirees lined up, these are the summer buys under £100 that will elevate your hosting game.

It's the attention to detail that guests remember, which is why it always pays to anticipate their needs and provide garden furniture and accessories that make a difference to the hosting experience.

One of the most practical ways to cool down during the summer heat is simply with a cool glass of water – but what if you could upgrade yours to a spa-like experience without spending more than £10?

That's what you get with IKEA's new KLIPPKAKTUS water dispenser (£9), which has so many clever design features to make staying hydrated a treat rather than a chore.

I'm on a mission to organise my fridge to perfection when I move into my new flat in a few weeks, and this water dispenser is being added straight to my basket in the same order as these fridge organisers. Here's why.

A fridge with an in-built water or ice dispenser is obviously the pinnacle for staying refreshed at home but they're usually pretty pricey and if you, like me, are a renter you won't be able to install one even if you wanted to.

That's where this clever IKEA buy comes into its own. Not only is it the perfect size to slot onto your fridge shelf but its also equipped with a healthy capacity for keeping you hydrated all day – 4 litres is more than enough to see you through a day.

You don't need to fill this dispenser straight from the tap every time you refill it. You can save the faff thanks to the smart pull-back opening at the front of the dispenser, which also gives you access to the in-built filter.

This filter is what gives you the ability to serve up spa-like infused water, flavoured with lemon, lime or mint, without any off-putting floating bits in it too. If you pop those into the filter compartment, you'll get all of the benefits of your detox drink without the texture.

The tap element has more than one use, too. It's the classic kind you'd find on a mason-jar type dispenser, which means that you can control the flow of water without much effort. According to IKEA, 'if you want a lot of beverage to flow out, just push down on it, and if you want just a little, turn it 180° and push down until you're satisfied.'

So far, from 89 user reviews, this KLIPPKAKTUS dispenser has a 4 out of 5 star rating from customers, with some even commenting they use it more than their built-in version, thanks to its easy-clean nature.

One reviewer comments 'My water dispenser on my fridge was under the door shelf, and I found it got really grubby, so we decided to try this. It's amazing – easily topped up, rarely leaks, and the size is just perfect. Love the little filter option as well, where you can add lime or cucumber to flavour your water a little.'

Having a steady flow of perfectly chilled water during the recent heatwaves certainly seems to have won a lot of IKEA fans over to this affordable buy. Below I've found some other Ideal Home approved fridge organisers that can help you stay hydrated during this hot summer and help you keep things tidy.

Here's to a more organised fridge that keeps you drinking more water this summer!

With the UK experiencing it's third heatwave of the year before the middle of July, it's no wonder that households are desperate for ways to keep cool.

As a result of the high temperatures, there has been unprecedented demand for portable air conditioners and fans, selling them out left, right and centre. But it's not just portable appliances that are seeing record levels of demand. Fitted air conditioning has also see a huge boost, according to Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT: 'From 1st of May to 30th June, BOXT saw AC sales rise by 249% YoY, with increases in all regions of the UK. This was true as far north as Scotland, which saw a 233% growth YoY, and down in Brighton on the south coast, there was a whopping 1,700% YoY increase in enquiries.'

The Guardian has also reported that the number of air conditioned homes has doubled to four million over the last three years.

And so for those who have invested in a fitted system, headlines about air conditioning being ripped from homes under energy efficiency rules will undoubtedly be worrisome. So is air conditioning really being banned? I asked the experts for the truth behind the rumour.

Is air conditioning going to be banned in the UK?

No air conditioning isn't going to be banned in the UK. In fact, in response to headlines to the contrary, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has stated: 'There has been media coverage this week suggesting that air conditioning is banned in homes. This is incorrect.

'Air conditioning can be installed in both existing and new homes.

'In most cases, planning permission is not required to install it for a small home if it would not materially affect the appearance of the building from outside.

'However, there is no blanket rule. People should speak with their local council to check the rules, and councils should take a common-sense approach.'

Where do rumours of an air conditioning ban come from?

As reported by The Telegraph, some homeowners in London have been ordered by their local authority to remove the air conditioning from their homes, in favour of more passive cooling solutions like keeping windows and curtains closed at the hottest part of the day, and opening them when it's cooler to get some cross ventilation going.

In many cases, enforced removal like this will be down to the installations falling foul of planning and building regulation rules, which will not be the same for every area of the UK. Air conditioning rules may also be stricter in highly populated urban areas, like London, as Michael Whittall, Sustainability Manager at Fairview New Homes, explains: 'Air conditioning may make individual homes cooler, but we also have to recognise the wider impact it can have on our cities and communities. Air conditioning systems work by removing heat from inside buildings and releasing it outdoors. When this happens at scale, particularly in dense urban areas, it can contribute to the urban heat island effect - adding to higher outdoor temperatures and increasing heat stress in cities.'

There are also concerns about what a widespread uptake of air conditioning may mean for the National Grid, with researchers from Loughborough University telling the BBC that it won't be able to cope with the additional demand. According to Kian Milroy, Renewables Electrical Engineer at Heatable: 'There is a legitimate concern about millions of inefficient air conditioning units being switched on simultaneously during a heatwave. Modelling by researchers at Loughborough University found that, under its highest domestic uptake scenario, air conditioning could add around 7GW to Britain’s evening peak electricity demand by 2050.'

But Martyn Bridges, Director of External Affairs at Worcester Bosch, argues that this wouldn't be grounds for a ban: 'It is highly unlikely that grid capacity concerns will lead to a ban on domestic air conditioning. Much of the UK’s electricity grid is already being upgraded anyway to accommodate the wider electrification of transport with EVs and heating with heat pumps.

'Furthermore, a typical domestic air-to-air heat pump uses around 1.2 kW/hr of electricity—which is less than a standard washing machine or dishwasher. Given this relatively low consumption and the ongoing infrastructure upgrades, there simply isn't a strong case for a ban.'

Kian also disagrees that a ban is the answer, saying: 'A more credible future is tighter standards rather than a ban. This could include minimum energy-efficiency requirements, restrictions on the least efficient portable units, better installer regulation and incentives for modern systems that provide both heating and cooling.

'Smart tariffs and demand-response technology could also help spread electricity use more intelligently, encouraging households to pre-cool their homes when renewable electricity is abundant rather than adding demand during the evening peak.'

Do you need planning permission to install air conditioning?

Whether or not you need planning permission for fitted air conditioning will depend on where you live, the property you live in, and the type of air conditioning you plan on installing.

In many cases, installing an air-to-air heat pump (which is what fitted air con units are), can be done under Permitted Development as long as it can be used for both heating and cooling, and is fitted and used in a way that doesn't negatively impact your neighbours in terms of things like noise and proximity to their property. It's always best to double check with your local planning authority before you commit to save yourself any hassle. If you don't check and your installation falls foul of the rules, then you may face enforcement action to remove it at your own expense.

Rules will be different if you live in a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or national park. In these areas, permitted development rights may be restricted or removed altogether, meaning you'll need to apply for planning permission. Similarly, if you live in a listed building, you will need Listed Building Consent to make changes.

Portable air conditioning units will be exempt from planning and building regulation rules, but if they are too noisy or cause issues for your neighbours, the council may intervene if they receive a complaint.

Should homeowners do anything differently?

The best thing you can do if you are planning on installing air conditioning at home, is to check with your local authority that it would be breaching any rules. That way you can rest assured that your investment won't be short lived.

Choosing a reputable installer is also important and they should also be well-versed in the installation requirements under the planning rules.

If you already have air conditioning installed and it turns out you should have sought planning permission, then you could try applying for retrospective planning permission, although there is no guarantee that this will be granted.

If it looks like a fitted system won't be feasible for your home, you could invest in a portable air conditioner when stock is replenished. Until that time, you could also try the tricks to supercharge your fan's cooling power, and opening all your windows when it's cooler outside to help freshen up and cool down your home.

If you’re struggling to cool your home, then an unusual cooling hack is being recommended by experts to help prevent excess heat and light from reflecting into your home - and all you need is a camo net (£9.49, Amazon).

Seeing that the best fans and portable air conditioners are practically sold out everywhere, it's time to get creative when looking for easy and affordable ways to cool a home.

Perhaps one of the more bonkers methods I’ve spotted, using a camo net to cover windows or create a shady awning, is an easy way to help cool a room. Here’s why.

The camo net cooling hack

‘Camo nets can be a surprisingly effective and affordable way to keep parts of your home cooler because they create shade before the sun's heat reaches your windows or roof. In cases where there is a heatwave, large windows, skylights, and conservatories will act as greenhouses, letting in sunshine which, in turn, heats your walls, floor, and furnishings,’ explains Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘Because they're lightweight and come in large sheets, they can be draped over skylights, stretched across conservatories, fixed above south-facing windows or used to create a temporary awning over a pergola or patio. The idea is not to cool down rooms that have become overheated but to prevent the heating of those rooms at all.’

You may already be aware that one of the best things you can do is keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day. Similarly, it can also be a good idea to block your windows with a reflective material (like B&Q’s £15.99 sun foil) to reflect sunlight from your windows. This is used as part of the caveman cooling method, whereby keeping sunlight out of a room (like a cave) keeps it cool.

‘After the sun's rays have passed through the glass, a large percentage of the heat is contained within the home, which explains why shutting the curtains or blinds once the sun's rays have entered can be less effective than one might think. External shading prevents the solar heat from even reaching the glass,’ says Max.

‘As opposed to a plain tarpaulin, a camo net has gaps in its weave, which allows the wind to blow through freely while still being able to filter out the harmful rays of light from the sun. This gives you shade without shutting out any natural light or trapping a pocket of hot air underneath. It is very much like being under a big tree that makes things cool but allows the wind to blow through.’

If you’re on a budget or renting, a camo net is a good way to create shade without making any permanent or expensive drawbacks; however, Max is keen to point out that it should be used alongside other cooling methods.

‘I would not depend upon it as an absolute remedy. The effectiveness of this technique is maximised when used along with other cooling methods. The windows, curtains, and blinds must be kept shut at the time when it gets too hot outside. When the temperature begins dropping in the evening, the windows should be opened on opposite sides of the house to allow fresh air to flow inside and expel the heat collected within the house,’ he said.

‘If you are buying a camo net for cooling purposes rather than camouflage, it is recommended that you buy a lighter-coloured one. This is because light colours tend to reflect the sun's rays, whereas dark colours absorb the sun's energy. At the end of summer, all you need to do is store the net in a clean, dry place until the next hot season arrives.'

‘Ultimately, external shading is the most efficient way to cool down your house, since it stops the heat from entering the building at all. Whether this is camouflage, a shade cloth, or just an awning, stopping the sun from heating your windows will almost always be more effective than cooling down the room after it has been heated up,’ Max concludes.

It may not be the most attractive cooling method, but camo netting is a cheap and effective one. Would you be willing to try it?

Outdoor lighting is becoming just as important as the lamps and light fixtures you put in your home. This summer, fairytale-inspired outdoor lighting has exploded in popularity. However, if light-up mushrooms and floral stakes aren't for you, I've recently spotted a more boho-inspired style emerging as a playful way to turn your outdoor space into an enchanted garden - solar-powered hanging lanterns.

Garden lighting ideas should be both practical and beautiful, and these lovely paper-lantern style garden lights are just that. Cluster a couple of these lamps together, and when the sun goes down, it will create a magic look, reminiscent of the paper lantern festival scene in Tangled.

Solar-powered hanging lanterns

These garden lanterns have a similar look to the classic IKEA paper lantern that casts a lovely diffused glow at night, except they're made from more sturdy, weather-proof fabric so that they can withstand the wind, rain, heat, and anything in between. And most of them, such as the Lights4fun tassel lanterns, available at Amazon, come equipped with solar-powered lights.

A huge driving force behind these emerging outdoor lighting trends is that so many of them are now solar-powered. This means that you don’t have to worry about batteries or recharging them. Instead, the incorporated mini solar panels collect power from the sun during the day and automatically turn on in the evening when it gets dark. They're effective, low-maintenance and magical looking.

During the day, the paper lanterns will give your garden a relaxed, boho look. But once the sun sets and the lights turn on, they will look extra magical.

The Light4fun versions are my current favourites, and while I haven't tried them yet, they come with glowing reviews from customers. ‘Beautiful when set up and easy to put together. Endured rain, thunderstorms and a heatwave and still looking great,' wrote one.

‘These lanterns are very beautiful, well-made and well worth the money. Everyone who comes to the garden admires them. Definitely recommend,’ writes another.

My top tip for styling these lanterns would be to hang them in clusters from a pergola or in a tree. If you can, I'd weave in different sizes too to create a beautiful graduated effect.

Alternatively, if you only have a small space, this lantern style of lamp is often available as mini string lights that can be hung along a fence or woven through the spokes of a parasol.

How are you lighting your garden this season – are you investing in some chandeliers like Amanda Holden? Or are you recreating Nigella Lawson's magical garden lighting set-up?

For me I'll be embracing the boho look with these lovely lanterns.

If you’re struggling to keep yourself cool this summer, experts are recommending that you purchase a hot water bottle to help beat the heat. No, they’ve not lost their minds - a frozen hot water can offer chilly relief against the July heatwave.

Considering stock levels are waning for the best fans and portable air conditioners, we’re all having to be a little creative when it comes to finding ways to keep ourselves cool, and experts say a frozen hot water bottle is a good way to make you feel more comfortable.

This cooling hack is as simple as it sounds. Take a hot water bottle (you can pick one up for £8 at Argos), fill it with water and then freeze it. But this hack comes with a word of warning, as hot water bottles are not designed to be frozen, you shouldn't use the same hot water bottle to heat you in the winter as the rubber may burst. Why not keep your hot water bottle for winter and treat a second as a ‘cool water bottle’ for summer?

‘Once frozen, it's wrapped in a towel or pillowcase and used as a cold pack. It can work well as a personal cooling method because you're cooling yourself rather than trying to lower the temperature of an entire room, and holding it against pulse points such as your wrists, ankles or behind your knees, or placing it near your feet while you sleep, can help you feel more comfortable,' says Rhys Powell, director of operations at WarmZilla.

'It's worth remembering, though, that it won't cool the air in your bedroom or living room. It's a way of making the person feel cooler rather than changing the temperature of the space.'

While this hack is incredibly easy to follow, you will have to check your bottle for cracks or leaks before freezing.

‘The biggest risk comes from freezing the bottle itself. Water expands as it freezes, so overfilling the bottle can place pressure on the seams and increase the risk of leaks or damage. Not every hot water bottle is designed to withstand freezing temperatures either, so it's always worth checking the manufacturer's guidance first,’ explains Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘Freezing can cause older rubber bottles to become fragile with age. In case a person decides to freeze the bottle, it is advised to use a newer bottle, which should be filled up to at least half of its capacity but not more than two-thirds to provide room for expansion. The bottle must be covered with a piece of cloth before being applied to the body surface to prevent frostbite.’

‘When using the hot water bottle, every time check if it has any cracks or signs of damage, as in this case you need to change it.’

Alternatively, here are a few more products that can be used to keep the body cool during soaring temperatures.

I’m not about to turn my nose up at a cooling method that offers fast relief. And paired with other methods such as supercharging a fan, the caveman method and investing in a reliable misting fan can all help keep the human cool.

What do you say?

If you thought David Beckham was only good at football, then you should know he's a pretty good gardener as well - if his latest harvest of broad beans is anything to go by.

Anyone who’s considering growing broad beans should know that it’s one of the easiest and tastiest vegetables you can grow at home. And taking to Instagram, the former England footballer showed off his mammoth yield of broad beans - and believe us, they’re huge!

Luckily for us, gardening experts have revealed how we too can grow a bountiful harvest of broad beans just like the Beckhams. Here’s everything you need to know.

When I think of the Beckhams, I’m more inclined to think of Victoria’s interior style, from her ‘sexy’ reading nook to the green ‘red thread’ that runs through her home. However, the fashion designer and former Spice Girl regularly shows glimpses of her husband David’s garden, too, on Instagram - and it was here that I spotted the beans.

‘I think I’ve overachieved with my broad beans,’ David quipped to the camera as Victoria filmed the harvest.

‘Only David Beckham had broad beans quite like that,’ Victoria joked.

But I’m here to tell you that you also can be a broad bean overachiever just like David. Of course, you’ll need to get the foundations right, such as knowing when to plant broad beans to ensure a fruitful garden veg patch.

‘Victoria's right, David is clearly an overachiever. Most gardeners would be thrilled with a decent crop, but he's managed to grow a broad bean that looks like it belongs in a county show. The good news is that broad beans are one of the easiest vegetables for beginners to grow,’ says Luke Newness, garden expert at Hillarys.

'They thrive in fertile, well drained soil that's enriched with compost, enjoy a sunny spot, and benefit from regular watering while flowers and pods are developing. Keep an eye out for blackfly on young shoots, and pinch out the growing tips if they appear to help keep pests at bay. Harvest the pods when they're plump but still bright green for the sweetest flavour. You might not produce a broad bean quite as impressive as David's, but with a little care, they're one of the most rewarding crops you can grow at home.’

Broad beans are a great choice for UK gardens because they are incredibly hardy and cope with our cold winters and unpredictable weather, and can handle a little neglect. But if you want a bumper crop, they will benefit from feeding, too.

‘My top tip is to start feeding your broad beans as soon as you plant them, then continue every seven to 14 days throughout the growing season, which runs from March through to October. It's a simple step that can reward you with healthier plants, fuller pods and a bigger harvest to enjoy - just like David Beckham’s!’ says Angharad James, Brand Manager at Maxicrop.

What you need

If you want to be a broad bean overachiever just like David Beckham, ensure your beans get plenty of sun, well-drained soil and a decent feed.

On 1 July, the energy price cap went up by 13%. That means that if you aren't on a fixed tariff and are instead on your supplier's standard variable tariff, the price you pay for your energy has gone up.

While you might have already tried a few ways to save energy at home, there's only so much you can do when it comes to those appliances that you have little choice but to use. And in a heatwave, that very well be a portable air conditioner.

But how much more are you actually paying to run a portable AC in this heatwave compare to the heatwaves in May and June? I've broken down it down below for portable air conditioners and other most commonly used appliances. You can also use our new calculator below to see how much any of your appliances are costing you. All you need to know is the wattage.

Portable air conditioner: this is based on a portable AC that uses 1350W in cooling mode. Washing machine: this is based on a machine using 1.13kWh on a standard cotton 60° cycle. Dishwasher: this is based on slimline integrated model that uses 1.12kWh per quick and shine 60° cycle. Tumble dryer: this is based on an 8kg capacity, B-rated condenser tumble dryer, using 4.75kWh per full load on the standard cotton drying programme. Oven: this is based on an example 0.8kW oven. Air fryer: this is based on a 1500W basket air fryer.

To check your specific appliances that may have different wattages to those mentioned in the table above, you can use our brand new tool below.

Simply pop in the wattage of your appliance, tick whether that it's kilowatts or Watts, and if you don't know how much you pay for your energy, our tool will use the current July 2026 price cap figure. If you want to see what you were paying before the price cap increase, simply put in the figure 0.2467 when asked how much you pay for your energy. This is the price (in pounds) for a unit of electricity under the April 2026 price cap which ended on 30 June 2026.

While an extra couple of pence might not seem like a lot, add together the increase of all the appliances you use in your home, and consider how often you use them and how long for and it'll soon tot up.

And so if you're shocked by how much more you are paying now that the new price cap is in effect, there are things you can do to bring the cost down. Firstly, you could look into switching to a fixed price tariff that would reduce how much you pay for the energy you use, and protect you from further price rises for the duration of the fix (usually 12, 18 or 24 months). Use a price comparison website, like our sister brand Go.Compare, Compare the Market or Uswitch.

If you've already done that, or you can't find a suitable deal, then reducing how much energy your appliances consume is another way to lower your bills. I've tried multiple tricks so far this year to reduce my energy consumption, from not using my tumble dryer for a month, switching to a cooler washing machine cycle, or opting for a much more energy-efficient dishwasher mode.

Keeping an eye out for vampire appliances that waste energy and turning them off at the wall is another way to reduce your home's energy consumption, and as a result, your bills.

The UK is experiencing its third (yes, third) heatwave of the year, but this doesn’t mean it’s too hot to enjoy our gardens — especially as garden experts are recommending this stylish garden furniture idea to help keep your patio cool.

It would be fairly annoying to discover that all your patio ideas have gone to waste if it is too hot to sit out and enjoy the outdoor space this summer. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cool a patio, including this unusual method you probably haven’t considered yet.

Experts have revealed that outdoor rugs are useful for far more than simply making your garden seating ideas look good. They can also help cool your patio.

How to use outdoor rugs to cool a patio

If you’ve been wondering whether garden rugs are worth it, from a cooling perspective, yes, they absolutely are. This is because outdoor rugs don’t tend to retain as much heat as patio stone, so they feel cooler underfoot.

‘As temperatures continue to rise, creating a cool and comfortable outdoor space becomes just as important as styling it. If your patio is paved with stone, you'll know how quickly it can heat up under the sun, making it almost impossible to walk across barefoot,’ says Kirsty Barton, Brand Storytelling Manager at Alternative Flooring.

‘A great way to avoid this is by incorporating outdoor rugs into your patio area. Not only do they help define seating and dining spaces while introducing colour, pattern and texture, they can also create a softer surface underfoot, helping to reduce the heat radiating from the sun-soaked paving stones.’

When selecting a rug for your garden, you’ll need to ensure you use the correct material. Experts recommend selecting rugs made from recycled PET or polypropylene, as it absorbs less heat than stone. Dunelm's stylish blue striped indoor/ outdoor rug (£35) is 100% propylene, and a good option.

‘Since many outdoor rugs are made from synthetic fibres (ours are made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles), they don't retain as much heat as hard surfaces, helping to create a comfier and cooler floor to walk or sit on. Your pets will thank you too as it'll prevent them from burning their paws during hot weather,’ says Reilly Gray, co-founder of Suns Lifestyle.

However, Reilly does also point out that outdoor rugs are not the only way to cool a patio, nor are they what you should rely on to cool a patio. While great for helping your floor feel cooler, you will need to provide shade, too - which you can do with a sun sail (£34.99, Amazon) or pergola (£145.99, B&Q).

‘Outdoor rugs are definitely a worthwhile investment to add comfort and reduce glare, but they would not be a cost-effective way to cool an entire patio. Instead, introduce shade with pergolas, awnings or sails to help block direct sunlight and reduce heat buildup. Pairing your shade solution with outdoor fans, strategically placed planting and lighter coloured paving will help create a much cooler and more enjoyable space, especially during the hotter weather,’ says Reilly.

Shop outdoor rugs

Here are a few of my favourite outdoor rugs for a stylish patio. Made from recycled PET for a cooler feeling underfoot.

When used alongside other cooling methods, an outdoor rug can make your patio feel cooler and more comfortable to walk on. It will earn you instant style points, too!

Barely-there-blue is having a moment, and interior experts say it's *the* colour to decorate your bedroom in this year.

Why? Because in a summer that's seen temperatures soar (and so many of us struggle to sleep as a result), this subtle shade visually cools a bedroom down and creates a calm, soothing, and restful sleep space.

When it comes to bedroom design ideas that can help you to sleep better, that certainly sounds like exactly what this hot sleeper needs in her life right now.

As Natalie Prince, interiors expert at Sharps, explains, 'Featured at some of this year's most talked-about fashion events – including Dua Lipa's recent wedding – this subtle shade is set to dominate both fashion and interiors this summer.'

'Google searches for barely-there-blue have surged by 2,637% over the past year,' says Natalie, 'while searches for pale blue bedroom are up 1,775% in the same period.'

‘Light blue bedroom searches climbed a further 42% in the past 3 months, and on Pinterest, blue bedroom decor searches have grown 20% in the last month alone,' continues Natalie.

And with the UK now in the midst of the third heatwave this year, it's little wonder. I'm currently debating bedroom paint colours, and as the temperature has climbed, the cool-toned blues on my shortlist have definitely become more and more appealing.

'Beyond aesthetics, there's a practical case for blue too,' agrees Natalie. 'Cool-toned shades are widely associated with lowering the perceived temperature of a room, making barely-there blues a particularly smart choice as UK summers get warmer.'

This shade also ties in with one of this year's biggest bedroom trends: the desire for sleep spaces that offer somewhere to retreat to, unwind and de-stress from the fast-paced world outside of our own four walls.

'We’ve seen a real appetite from customers wanting to create a bedroom that helps them switch off,' explains Natalie. 'Pale, barely there blues are extremely popular right now – they bring a sense of calm and airiness that no other colour quite achieves in a bedroom setting.'

'Barely-there blue’ is one of those shades that instantly makes a bedroom feel lighter and more restful,' agrees Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at paint brand Dulux.

So which shades in particular are best for bedrooms? 'The palette driving the trend sits at the softer, more restrained end of the blue spectrum,' says Natalie.

'Think powdery pastels, hazy duck eggs, and the kind of barely-there sky tones that sit somewhere between blue and white,' says Natalie. 'These are shades that work with natural light rather than fighting it, making a bedroom feel larger and more restful at once.'

'These subtle tones have a really understated elegance,' agrees Marianne. 'Plus, they work beautifully alongside warm neutrals, soft linens and natural wood to create a scheme that feels calm, timeless and easy to live with.'

In a bid to sleep more comfortably this summer, I've already invested in the best cooling mattress topper, a hot-weather duvet alternative, the best linen bedding for breathability, and a lightweight dohar for the very hottest nights.

Now, I'm definitely convinced that colour-of-the-moment barely-there-blue is the final piece of the puzzle in making my sleep setup as cool, calm, and restful as possible.

If you’re looking for a playroom sofa for your little ones, I think I may have just found the one. The Tutti Bambini Playrama kids play modular sofa, available at Amazon, is loved by children and parents alike – and it’s easy to see why.

Google Trends reports that searches for ‘kids sofa’ increased by 20% in the last month which shows that there’s a clear demand for a playroom sofa like this one. Suitable for children from 12 months and up, this is a modular sofa specially designed for kids’ play which is why it makes for such an excellent playroom idea. The individual pieces can be endlessly rearranged to form anything from a car to a house-like structure and anything else that your child can come up with.

One parent and existing customer wrote, ‘Cannot recommend this enough! We were a little sceptical that our children might be too old for this (age 7 and 9), but it has been one of our best ever purchases. This is used daily as a sofa in various configurations, but it has also been crash mats, a balloon keepy uppy net, a tank, horse stables, a rocket, a house, a car and many more that I can't remember.’

The imaginative, playful design of the sofa is based on the Montessori teaching and learning method which emphasises creativity, adaptability and confidence, even when it comes to play. As the product description states, ‘the sofa encourages imaginative play and hands-on exploration, supporting cognitive and motor skill growth as children design and build their own setups.’

When I showed the playroom sofa to my sister Laura Vlkova, a teacher at a Montessori preschool and a mother of two, she was thoroughly impressed and said that if you have enough space for it, she’d highly recommend a sofa like this for a kids’ room or a playroom for seating, building play and general jumping around.

On top of all of that, the sofa is equipped with removable covers with a jumbo corduroy finish, available in three different colours to choose from depending on your child’s room colour scheme, and they’re machine washable which makes cleaning up so much easier. That’s another feature that persuaded my sister to give this sofa design a thumbs up.

Another reviewer at Argos wrote, ‘I’m really happy with the sofa I bought for my daughter's bedroom, it’s a beautiful colour, the fabric is good quality and we love how modular it is.’

The only downside that customers have noted is that after delivery, it takes about a week for the foam modules to fully puff up - since they arrive flattened - rather than the 48 hours that the brand estimates.

A previous customer writes, ‘It took a little longer than 48 hours to fully unsquish, but 9 months on of constant use, I don't even remember that! It was maybe a week to fully puff up??’

Are you considering getting a playroom sofa like this one for your little one?

While summer is often the perfect time to work on your garden, there are some jobs you should always avoid when the mercury soars. Garden experts have revealed five garden jobs you should never do during a heatwave, or risk damage to your garden.

While it’s true there are a few July lawn care jobs you’ll need to do this month, as well as garden jobs to do in a heatwave. But this doesn’t mean every task is suited to hot weather.

If you want your garden ideas to thrive all summer, these are the jobs you’ll need to avoid doing during the latest heatwave. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Feeding

If you want a lush lawn or flowering beds, one thing you need to avoid doing during a heatwave is feeding it. It may sound counterintuitive, but encouraging new growth can put extra stress on plants during periods of extreme heat.

‘Whilst the summer months are the peak time to be feeding your plants as they are actively growing, when temperatures start to exceed 29 to 32 degrees Celsius, then you need to temporarily stop using fertilisers,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardens and greenhouse expert at Easy Gardens Irrigation.

‘At these temperatures, many plants are suffering from heat stress, and they are being forced into ‘survival mode’ so what they don’t need is to reach extra nutrients, which triggers them to put on new growth. Once the heatwave passes and you see your plants starting to recover, it's time to start reintroducing feed to replenish their nutrients.

2. Aerating

While your lawn may feel hard and compacted right now, you should never aerate a lawn during a heatwave. It can mean your lawn loses water, becoming brown and patchy in the process. Instead, focus on deep watering it once a week; a sprinkler such as the Kärcher OS 5.320 S Oscillating Sprinkler (£39.99) can help you do this.

‘The aerating process consists of making thousands of small holes throughout a lawn to improve airflow. However, grass is already under significant stress during a heatwave due to a lack of moisture, and when the ground is hot and dry, these well-intentioned holes can, in fact, accelerate moisture loss and leave grass struggling. One consequence of aerating in a heatwave is that patches of your lawn that would otherwise have recovered naturally may take much longer to green up again,’ says James Higgins, a spokesperson for Grass247.

3. Pruning

While there are some pruning jobs to do in July, during a heatwave, it's worth putting them on hold or risk damaging your plant.

‘Throughout July you would normally be doing summer pruning on Wisteria, as well as Weigela and Philadelphus, which will have finished blooming and Lavender to keep it compact and prevent it becoming woody, as well as many other perennials and shrubs. However, these pruning tasks should be put on hold during a heatwave as it will simply cause problems for your plants,’ says Lucie.

‘When you prune plants, you trigger them to produce new growth, which relies on both water and energy from your plants, which they simply can’t supply during a heatwave when they are simply trying to survive. By removing foliage, stems and branches, you are also exposing previously shaded areas of your plants to direct sunlight, leaving these areas vulnerable to sunburn, scorching and sunscald.’

4. Cutting your grass too short

It’s also a good idea to leave your grass a little longer during heatwave periods. This can put unnecessary stress on your grass during hot weather.

‘One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during hot weather is cutting the lawn too short. It might seem like a sensible way to reduce how often you need to mow, but removing too much of the grass blade leaves the lawn more exposed to the sun and can put unnecessary stress on it during periods of high temperatures,’ says Alexandra Alguel, Smart Home Living and Gardening Expert at ECOVACS.

‘Another common mistake is leaving the lawn for weeks because it's hot, then giving it one dramatic cut once it starts looking untidy. Grass copes much better with regular, lighter trims than with having a large amount removed all at once, particularly during the summer months.

‘I also see people sticking with the same mowing routine regardless of the weather. The needs of your lawn change throughout the season, so continuing to mow at the same height during a heatwave isn't always the best approach. Raising the cutting height slightly can make a big difference to how well the grass copes with prolonged periods of hot weather.’

5. Use weedkillers

Lastly, you should avoid using weedkillers during a heatwave simply because it’s too hot for these products to work effectively.

‘This ideal temperature for applying weedkillers is between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, so during a heatwave you should stop using weedkillers as they will be both less effective and also potentially dangerous,’ says Lucie.

‘During a heatwave, your plants - and this includes weeds too - are simply trying to survive the intense heat and dry conditions, so don’t want to be putting energy into growing. This means that they often close the pores on their leaves to conserve moisture, so even if you spray them with weedkiller, it will not be absorbed and carried down to their roots.

‘In addition, weedkillers that contain ingredients like 2, 4-D and dicamba, when temperatures exceed 29 to 32 degrees Celsius, these chemicals can turn into vapour and damage plants which you didn’t want to spray.’

Help your garden in a heatwave

That's five jobs you can take off your to-do list!

While mainly associated with the winter months, robins can easily be forgotten about in summer, but there are a number of things you can be doing in June to help support them, according to wildlife experts.

I’ll bet anyone who has attracted robins to their garden is a staunch admirer of them. These cheerful, red-breasted birds are known for their bold personalities, making them a delight for any birdwatcher and a welcome addition to many wildlife gardens.

But in the hot summer months, birds can benefit from an extra helping hand. So, I asked wildlife experts for the best ways to support robins (and other birds) in July, and this is what they said.

1. Replenish water daily

One of the most important things you can do to support robins and other wildlife this month is to provide a fresh water source. Ideally, you’d do this with a bird bath (£30, B&Q) so birds can drink, bathe and cool off, but leaving out a dish of water is a good alternative if you don’t have one.

‘Robins need water to hydrate and bathe, making their feathers more pliable, and the water supply can be scarce in hot weather. Keep a shallow bird bath topped up and replenished, or position a small dish near shrubbery. Clean and refill it daily, particularly during hot spells, to prevent the build-up of bacteria. It’s crucial to give your bird bath a good scrub (without chemicals) to ensure it’s clean and algae-free,’ says James Ewens, wildlife expert at Green Feathers.

2. Stop using pesticides in your garden

Another consideration to make is to stop the use of pesticides in your garden. Instead of opting for chemicals, try companion planting and other natural methods such as nematodes (£9.40, Amazon) to get rid of pests, whilst making your garden more environmentally friendly.

‘Although you may consider certain insects pests, they can be a crucial food source for robins visiting your garden, as they need large amounts of protein to sustain themselves and their chicks. Avoid using any chemical pesticides so that insects remain in your garden, and birds will keep their population under control,’ says Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert from Vine House Farm.

3. Let your garden grow wilder

While you may love the look of a beautifully manicured garden, robins are less than impressed (cue Shania Twain). Instead, embrace naturalistic planting and let your garden grow a little wilder - it reminds robins of their natural habitat.

‘Robins rely heavily on insects in summer, particularly while feeding hungry fledglings. That’s why it’s a great idea to let your garden grow a little wilder. Leave a patch of longer grass and allow borders to become slightly less neat and tidy, and keep a small pile of leaves or logs to create habitats for the insects robins love to hunt,’ says James.

4. Offer shelter

You’ll also want to offer shelter to your garden birds. Robins can be fussy about their bird box’s placement, so you'll want to ensure it is 1.5 meters off the ground and tucked away near shrubs or vegetation. Robins also prefer open-fronted boxes (such as this £12.79 C.J Wildlife Birch Box from B&Q) and won’t go near a standard round-holed bird box.

‘Robins prefer to roost in dense vegetation, such as hedges or brambles, and they can also use these areas to stay cool in a heatwave. Avoid cutting back hedges where possible until at least late August, when nesting season has ended. Adult robins will also undergo moulting and shed their feathers in late summer and are less capable of flying quickly at this time, so they need a safe place to hide from predators,’ says Lucy.

5. Offer food

The RSPB is warning against leaving out peanuts and seeds during summer due to the risk of the spread of disease. Instead, they’re asking gardeners to leave out small amounts of mealworms (£4.99, Amazon) and fat balls (£15, Amazon). Luckily, robins love eating mealworms.

‘It can be controversial whether to feed robins in summer, but they actually need food more than ever as daylight hours are longer and they’re feeding recently fledged young in July. The feeding just needs to be done responsibly. Robins love live food; if you provide mealworms and earthworms, robins will love you forever,’ says James.

‘Apples, pears, and dried fruit can be a great source of fibre and vitamins A, E and C for robins - supporting digestion, healthy feathers and eyes, and immunity. Robins prefer to forage closer to the ground, so scatter some food on a low table or directly onto soil to mimic their natural feeding habits.’

If you love robins, ensure your garden offers these five things this month.

There’s nothing like a refreshing drink on a hot summer's day. And while you may plump for a frozen margarita, iced coffee or a refreshing smoothie, bees are in much need of a tipple, too.

This summer, wildlife experts want gardeners to set up a ‘bee bar’ in their wildlife gardens. Essentially a bee hydration station, bee bars are a simple and effective way to ensure that bees remain hydrated during the heatwave.

If you require bee-friendly garden ideas, read on, as I’m about to explain how you can create your very own bee bar and be rewarded with happy pollinators.

What you need

What is a bee bar?

I doubt the heatwave has escaped your attention, and while we’re all sick of talking about it, I am inclined to mention that one of the main reasons to make a bee bar is that it’s one of the easiest ways to help pollinators in a heatwave.

And you don’t need a pub license either. Making a bee bar is as simple as adding some pebbles (£8, B&Q) to a dish and filling it with water, so bees have access to a fresh drinking spot in your garden.

‘A bee bar does what it says on the tin; it’s basically a bar for bees to hydrate themselves - except not with an Aperol spritz, but fresh water. Bee bars need to be accessible for pollinators, so make sure the water is shallow and small. A bee bar isn’t just a body of water like a bird bath, either; it needs landing places to make sure bees can land on it safely and easily. Fill it with pebbles, marbles or twigs to allow bees to access moisture without the risk of drowning,’ explains James Ewens, wildlife expert at Green Feathers.

As James says, adding pebbles is a really important step. It gives bees a safe spot to land and prevents them from drowning in ‘deep’ water. Because of this, you should also avoid filling your container to the brim.

‘Fill it halfway with water - depending on how shallow the dish is, aim for around an inch of water. Add your pebbles, stones, marbles or little twigs so they slightly protrude above the water to provide a landing platform. Place it in a quiet, slightly shaded area of the garden - preferably not near a walkway to avoid disturbing them. Then just keep the water replenished and keep an eye on our buzzing friends,’ adds James.

What are the benefits of having a bee bar

When water is scarce, bee bars have many brilliant benefits for bees - provided you keep your bar fresh and replace the water daily so that it doesn’t attract mosquitoes.

‘Bee bars are a great way to support bees by providing them with a safe place to drink and gather water for their hives. Urban environments and hot, dry weather can reduce the natural water sources bees usually rely on, making bee bars essential for their survival,’ says Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert from Vine House Farm.

‘Having a reliable source of water close to their hive means that bees will not have to fly long distances to find water, meaning they can conserve their energy for finding food and gathering nectar. Foraging bees will collect and use water to cool down their hive. The bees spread water through the hive, and as it evaporates, it cools the hive to protect the bees inside.’

Bees can also use the water to dilute honey if it is too thick or crystallised, and it will also attract more birds and butterflies to your garden as well. If you want to take it a step further, why not include your bee bar as part of a pollinator pitstop? This consists of planting bee-friendly plants in a container and adding a bee bar, so bees have somewhere to relax and recharge in your garden.

Make your garden bee-friendly

This wildlife-friendly DIY craft will genuinely take you a few minutes, and a tiny bit of maintenance every day - all worth it when it comes to supporting bees and other pollinators.

Last month, Ideal Home launched an exclusive collection of sofas with none other than Furniture Village. This week, I made my way to the retailer’s store on Staples Corner to try the Ideal Home x Furniture Village sofa collection in person.

As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, who’s tested over 300 different sofas at this point to determine what the best sofas are, I’m known around the office for trying any sofa that happens to be in the vicinity. So, of course, I had to give the range that bears the Ideal Home name a try.

I managed to try out three out of the four sofa styles that are part of the Ideal Home x Furniture Village offering (the Cotswold sofa was not on display at the store that I visited).

While I didn’t go into the store looking to have any favourites, there was one sofa that instantly stood out for all the right reasons and frankly stole the show for me – and that’s the Gemini sofa. This new sofa style ticks so many boxes, while also exceeding any of my expectations with its cool and unique features…

Gemini sofa

As soon as I saw the Gemini I already liked the modern look defined by clean clines and a blocky construction. But it’s only upon closer inspection that all the cool hidden features reveal themselves.

For starters, the chaise conceals spacious internal storage which was a lovely surprise for me as I’m currently obsessed with all things storage – and while very few storage sofas manage to also be comfortable, this one certainly does.

The Gemini also introduced me to a slightly new take on a recliner – I’m generally not a big fan of recliner sofas, mainly because of their look which I don’t find very aesthetically pleasing, but this I could get on board with. Instead of a reclining function, Furniture Village calls it a gliding one as essentially, the seats glide out to extend the seat depth to match the chaise.

This is a controlled via a remote control - I gave it a try as you can see above - and to make sure the remote doesn’t get lost or misplaced, it’s equipped with a magnetic finish and get me attached to either the side of the sofa (which is also magnetic) or to any other magnetic metal surface.

Sienna sofa

I’ve tried the Sienna sofa before and was happy to see it included in the Ideal Home range. The quilted finish is a great alternative to a classic Chesterfield sofa, while the curved armrests have an art deco-inspired look to them.

The ergonomically shaped armrests are also perfect for supporting your head if you were to lie down on the sofa and watch TV or read a book. The comfortable design extends beyond the armrests though as the entire design of the sofa is very lounging-friendly with the perfect balance between cushiony softness and support.

If your living room is on the smaller side, the Sienna is an ideal choice owing to the elevated-of-the-floor design that comes with very slim tapered legs. Opting for a leggy sofa design like this one creates a more spacious and airy appearance.

While I was sold on the upholstery choices on display at the store, remember that any of the sofas on this list are available in a wide range of upholstery choices – I was particularly fond of some of the earthy colour options (pictured above).

Brondby sofa

Another sofa that makes for a great small living room idea is the Brondby. The compact design encourages a very upright seating style with supportive back cushions and seat cushions that are on the narrow side. But it does all of that while remaining highly comfortable.

Corners are often the most overlooked and underutilised areas of a room - including in small spaces - so opting for a corner sofa in a small lounge is actually a great way to take advantage of every last inch. That’s exactly why I really like the small corner configuration of the Brondby.

Cotswold sofa

As already mentioned before, I didn’t get to try out the Cotswold sofa IRL as it wasn’t available in the store I visited. But just based on the look of the sofa, I really appreciate the curved scroll armrests and the chunky bubble feet which put a new playful spin on the traditional, classic sofa style.

As the name suggests, the style of the sofa is rooted in country home charm and it would fit perfectly in that style of a home.

The cushions are reversible which is set to make them last longer. And on top of that, they come with a five-year plumpness guarantee which is the first time I’ve ever come across one.

All in all, I’m a big fan of the collection and I can’t wait to see which one of these sofas you end up going for and how you style it in your home.

It can't just be me who feels like the job of keeping a fridge clean and tidy is a never-ending task. Just when you think you've got a handle on it, your spinach has wilted and your spring onions are looking sad.

That's why I ran to add IKEA's newest addition to their KLIPPKAKTUS range (which is dedicated range of gadgets that organise your fridge) to my basket – this bargain 6-piece set is just £15!

This handy collection of transparent storage boxes in various sizes is tailor-made to keep your veggies from giving up on you before you've had a chance to use them, and makes keeping on top of an organised fridge a total dream.

Joining the range's bestselling herb container and can organiser, this is the easiest all-in-one set I've found to do a hard reset on my fridge. Here's a closer look.

I've tried a fair few fridge and cupboard organisers in my five years as Ideal Home's Kitchen Editor. The biggest lesson I've learned? A variety of different container sizes is essential in effectively tackling every type of food you need to store. Different shapes are a good idea too, as I've found with storing leftovers in my round microwave-safe stainless steel containers.

That's where this affordable set from IKEA excels. The two larger containers, which measure 14cm in height and have a depth of 32cm, allow plenty of space for leafy or bulky veg – broccoli or pak choi will have no trouble slotting in.

The four mini boxes, which are 8cm high and 29cm long, give you space for all of those other foodstuffs that sometimes go nasty at the bottom of a plastic bag. I'm thinking cherry tomatoes, radishes, spring onions and more.

Another feature I'm definitely going to make the most of with these organisers is the fact that they're designed to be used in conjunction with sticky notes, to remind you exactly how many days you have to use up your veggies. The handle pull at the front retracts just enough for you to pop a Post-It underneath.

There's been a bigger focus than ever in 2026 in keeping the fridge a mess-free zone – Dunelm's affordable selection of organisers were a huge sell out in January and you can never go wrong with a JosephJoseph investment for a sleeker kitchen, as the brand's fridge storage line proves.

Here's a selection of Ideal Home approved buys that our editors swear by for keeping their fridges in top-tier condition that would pair excellently with this excellent IKEA set.

Who knew fridge organisation could come in so many different forms?!

Given that portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere, I think it’s fair to say that many of those reading this article will have a new shiny appliance at home, keeping them cool during the UK’s ‘third heatwave’.

The best portable air conditioners have proved their worth this summer, if sales are anything to go by (and Meaco’s bestseller has just come back into stock, FYI). These powerful cooling appliances are brilliant at making sweltering temperatures bearable, but if you don't use them the right way, they can not only be unsafe but also pose a fire risk.

As with any electrical appliance, there are a few safety concerns to be aware of when using your appliance. Here are four portable air conditioner mistakes safety experts have spotted this summer.

1. Plugging your appliance into an extension lead or overhead socket

First of all, if your air conditioner is currently plugged in via an extension cord, then you’ll need to unplug it. Portable air conditioners are powerful appliances, and extension cords are not designed for them.

‘This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Portable air conditioners draw significant power, and extension cords and multi-outlet adapters are not designed to handle that load,’ adds Anton Neike, Energy Expert and CEO at Taupia.

‘Using one can cause the cord to overheat, melt, or spark, and in the worst cases, even start a fire.’

2. Using it in a wet room or bathroom

Just as you shouldn’t use a dehumidifier in a bathroom, you definitely shouldn’t use your AC in one either. It’s quite simple. Water and electricity don’t tend to mix well.

‘One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that because an air conditioning unit is portable, it can be used anywhere in the home. Portable does not mean suitable for every room,’ says James Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms and qualified plumber.

‘A standard portable air conditioner should not be used in any bathroom or other wet, steamy room as a quick cooling fix. Bathrooms combine water, steam, and electricity, which is why they have stricter electrical safety considerations than bedrooms or living rooms, and most portable AC units are designed for dry living spaces, not splash zones, wet floors, or heavy condensation.’

3. Leaving your air conditioner unattended

If you have errands to run this week, you’d be forgiven for wanting to return to a cool home, especially seeing as temperatures are soaring outside. But leaving your appliance unattended is another big no-no.

‘Portable air conditioners should never be left running in an empty home. Electrical cooling equipment, if poorly maintained, can overheat and cause a fire when used continuously for long periods,’ says Anton.

‘Always turn the unit off and unplug it before leaving the house. It’s also wise to check your model against any active product recalls, as shorter compressor power cords can lead to arcing and fire.’

4. Placing it too close to curtains, towels, bedding or furniture

Where you position your portable air conditioner is really important. You don’t want to block airflow, so it’s important to avoid areas of clutter or even your curtains.

‘Portable AC units need clear airflow around the vents. If the air inlet or outlet is blocked by curtains, towels, bedding, walls or furniture, the unit will be less effective and may have to work harder than it should,’ says James.

‘It should be placed on a stable, level surface with enough space around it for air to circulate properly.’

Beat the heat

While most portable air conditioners are sold out, here are a few in-stock and well-reviewed cooling appliances that can help beat the heat.

Portable air conditioners are brilliant but do need to be used safely. So, do take these four mistakes into consideration when you use yours.

With hot weather comes smelly drains, and right now, my sink is stinking up my entire kitchen. To combat this, I’m using an 80p heatwave hack to banish odours in their tracks and keep my drains free of sludge and debris. And these EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks from Amazon are a must-have.

Yes, as hot weather accelerates the decomposition of food or debris trapped in kitchen and bathroom pipes, smelly drains are a nuisance during any heatwave. But they don't just stink up the place; they also attract irritating flies that are equally difficult to shift. And while there are many ways to fix smelly drains, the last thing I want to do in this heat is spend my time cleaning.

That’s why I’m turning to enzymatic drain sticks to freshen up my drains, banish odours and keep water flowing freely during the heatwave. They’re the zero-effort solution to smelly drains you didn’t know you needed.

Although I clean my kitchen sink drain regularly, sinks dry out more quickly when the temperature rises. This evaporates any lingering water in the pipes and leaves foul-smelling debris in its wake. Before long, the smell of leftover organic matter, soap scum and nasty sludge permeates throughout the room.

These drain sticks work by using natural bacteria and enzymes to break down this organic matter, which should, in turn, remove the odours. But many of these drain sticks - like the EcoZone ones I’ve previously used in my own home - are also scented. This means that they’ll replace the bad odours with a cleaner, fresher one, too.

The beauty of these sticks is that you simply drop them into your drain and leave them, and they’ll do the hard work for you. They’ll also continue to break down debris and release a scent for around a month - so a whole £10 pack of 12 should last you an entire year.

I’ve tried a few of these sticks in my drains over the years, including Lakeland’s 12 Drain Maintain Fragranced Enzyme Cleaning Plughole Sticks (£7.99 at Lakeland). And while Lakeland’s drain sticks certainly got the job done, I didn’t find that they lasted as long as the EcoZone option.

It seems as though I’m not the only one who appreciates them, either. The EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks have over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, with 45% of customers rating them a perfect 5 stars out of 5. A further 21% gave them 4 stars.

However, as with all cleaning tools and hacks, the results aren’t the same across the board. How effective they are depends on the condition of your drains and pipes, and some customers have found that they didn’t completely banish the odour.

So, if you’d rather try something with a much higher success rate, you could also consider using bicarbonate of soda and hot water to neutralise the odours and break down the debris in the pipes. This is also a very low-effort hack, and you might already have the bicarb sitting in your cleaning cupboard.

Whatever option you use, odours coming from your drains are some of the smells you shouldn’t ignore in your house - especially during a heatwave. So, make sure you do something about it.

Don't let your smelly drains get you down!

Hosting outdoors in the UK can always be a gamble thanks to our unpredictable weather. Usually, that would mean preparing for rain during a BBQ, but right now it's all about protecting guests from the heat, and I've found the perfect stylish shade solution on sale at Argos, the stylish Argos Home Garden Gazebo.

The best parasol is a great garden shade idea for a small space, but if you have a larger garden, I'd recommend investing in a gazebo, which will provide a larger, more stable shaded area. The Argos Home garden gazebo is usually priced at £170, but right now it is reduced by 20% to £136, making it a bargain price.

A gazebo is the ultimate multi-tasking outdoor hosting essential, protecting guests from rain and sun, whatever the weather. However, they're usually green or navy monstrosities, but not this one. This beige gazebo wouldn't look out of place around the pool at a luxury resort.

The Argos Home garden gazebo measures 3m x 3m, so it can easily cover an outdoor sofa or dining set. It has a solid steel structure, making it more suitable for withstanding rain or a slightly windy day than a standard parasol or shade sail. However, it can't be used in high winds or during storms.

It has four side panels that, when drawn back, look like elegant draped curtains. However, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, the sides can be zipped up to protect from extreme sun or rain to create an outdoor room. As a bonus, it also includes net curtains, which can be drawn to help protect against flies and midges during an evening outdoor dinner.

The gazebo is the perfect neutral base for most outdoor living room ideas. I love how Argos has styled it with a corner outdoor sofa, rug and some striped soft furnishings to add a splash of colour.

However, I think it would look equally as stylish with two sunloungers and a side table underneath for a cooling spot for guests to recline. To keep it looking luxe in your own garden, I'd recommend sticking to the best garden furniture in natural wood finishes or wicker and weaving in colour through the outdoor cushions, and a tray or vase on an outdoor coffee table.

This summer, Argos has been one of my favourite places to snap up outdoor decor to up my hosting game in my small garden. Here are some pieces I'd style the gazebo with to create the ultimate space for your guests to lounge this summer.

Are you opting for a parasol or gazebo to shade your garden party guests this summer?

We’re in for a long, hot summer, making it unsurprising that coastal gardens are trending for 2026. And if you’re looking to nail this look on a budget, B&M has some brilliant buys to snap up right now.

While coastal garden ideas are having a moment right now, they’ve been a classic garden design choice for decades. However, with this year’s garden trends prioritising climate-resilient planting and the warning of extreme heat becoming a new normal, drought-resistant coastal plants are becoming the new normal for UK gardens.

And to complete the look, this, of course, means the surge in popularity of coastal garden accessories. From rattan plant pots to glowing lanterns, here are the affordable coastal garden buys to snap up from B&M right now.

‘Coastal garden decor is all about creating a space that feels calm and natural. As more people make the most of their outdoor space, they're looking for gardens that capture that holiday feeling and somewhere to really switch off. Coastal style lends itself perfectly to that with its relaxed colour palette and a look that never feels too polished,’ explains Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's trend expert.

‘The key is to keep the look subtle. Natural textures, striped cushions and beach-inspired ceramics bring in a coastal feel without making the space look overly themed. Handmade pieces work especially well because they add character and make a garden feel collected over time. It's about capturing that easy, lived-in feeling rather than trying to recreate a beach on your patio.’

If you want your garden to look like something out of a Nancy Meyers film, aka the coastal grandma aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with rattan. From rattan planters (like this Dunelm plant pot) to even a rattan garden water butt (£500 at Garden Trading), rattan is one of the easiest ways to nail the coastal look.

You should also consider a cream and blue colour palette. Add nautical stripes to your gardening furniture in the form of the best outdoor pillows. I like this Deck Stripe Cushion from Wayfair, which looks just like a stereotypical striped sailor's shirt. And lastly, you can’t go wrong with some nautical finishes like this White Company Whitewashed Bamboo Lantern (£45).

‘For those sunny afternoons, a sun lounger is the ideal garden companion for sunbathing, and adding a parasol for protection finishes the look and creates a relaxing spot for a laid-back summer day. Plus, with parasols with fringed edging, add a fun, retro-inspired element (reminiscent of 1970s beaches), transporting you back to fond memories of your favourite holiday destinations,’ adds Helen Barlow-Davis, product development manager at Laura James.

‘Accessories can also do a lot of heavy lifting. For example, bring in colour with ocean blues with cushion covers and throw blankets, which work for outdoor sofas and seating areas. Plus, as the sun sets, soft lighting can transform your garden into a tranquil outdoor retreat. Lanterns, warm string lights, and solar-powered lamps add a subtle glow reminiscent of beachside evenings. Placed along pathways or around seating areas, they create a welcoming atmosphere perfect for relaxing or entertaining.’

B&M’s products are only available in-store. If you don’t have one local to you, I’ve rounded up a few more coastal alternatives that you can shop online.

Have you caught the coastal garden bug this summer?

Considering we’re in the midst of a second heatwave, and it’s only the start of July, it’s about time you invested in a lightweight summer duvet (if you haven’t done so already). If you’re a hot sleeper who hates not having a cover, IKEA’s £50 BLÅNEPETA duvet has you covered - at just 2.5 tog, it’s ideal for sweaty nights.

If you’re too hot to sleep, there are plenty of duvet alternatives we recommend to ensure you get your beauty sleep on sticky, humid nights. When the best duvets feel too hot, opting for bedding such as a flat cotton sheet or using a Dohar is a far cooler option.

The IKEA BLÅNEPETA duvet is one of the lowest togs you can buy and promises to help keep you cool this summer. Here’s how it shapes up.

IKEA states this duvet is perfect for ‘warm nights when you want to cosy up but remain cool.’ It uses blue lyocell material, which it states feels cool to the touch and wicks away moisture, keeping your sleep environment dry and dry.

‘IKEA's BLÅNEPETA duvet looks like a good choice for hot weather. Lyocell is smooth, silky, and cool to the touch, and the 2.5 tog rating is one of the lowest warmth levels you can get. Duvet tog does go down to just 1 tog, but many of us like something a little weightier to sleep under, even when the temperatures are hot,’ adds Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home’s sleep editor.

However, due to its synthetic material, some experts say it won’t offer the same cooling experience as a lightweight natural fibre or bamboo duvet.

‘2.5 tog is a sensible weight for summer and will suit most people who find an empty bed uncomfortable. The BLÅNEPETA uses a lyocell filling, which is a form of recycled polyester, and that is where I would flag a consideration,’ says Richard Lord, founder of bedding company Lost Loom.

‘Synthetic fillings, however lightweight, do not breathe in the same way natural fibres do. They tend to trap moisture against the body rather than wicking it away, which means you can feel warm and clammy even if the tog rating itself is low.’

Instead, Richard recommends an option for a lightweight duvet filled with natural fibres or bamboo. For example, John Lewis' 2.5 tog cotton duvet (£85 for a double). However, IKEA’s BLÅNEPETA is a great choice for smaller budgets, and the reviews do highlight its suitability for summer nights.

‘It's not magical, but it is very good. I love having a coverlet that's got more weight than a sheet but is still light. I've seen reviews that complain about the colour showing through duvet covers, but honestly, why use a duvet cover? I'd love it if it came in more colours, but the blue is really pretty. As a perimenopausal woman who wants to keep the bed as cool as possible, this is what I'm going to be sleeping with all summer,’ said one reviewer.

‘After going through several down comforters, I finally found my perfect weight and warmth level for S. Florida. And love the price,’ said another.

Alternatively, I’ve found a few more affordable options you can shop online.

Don’t let the heat necessarily disrupt your sleep. As summers are set to heat up in the coming years, it’s a good idea to invest in a lightweight summer duvet now.

Dunelm has been on fire when it comes to pumping out stylish new homeware, but its latest collaboration, partnering with British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE might just be the brand’s most colourful and vibrant yet. The limited-edition Dunelm x Yinka Ilori collection includes 40 pieces of furniture and homeware and I got a preview of the range IRL.

Living up to his nickname, the ‘architect of joy’, Yinka and his range is filled with bold patterns and joyful, summer-ready colours. He takes over the baton from the ‘queen of colour’, interior designer Sophie Robinson, who previously collaborated with Dunelm on three separate homeware collections.

With prices starting at just £9 for a hand towel, the Yinka Ilori collection has a distinct colour scheme of bold orange, pink and green with hints of blue, seen both on the soft furnishings like rugs, bed linen and cushions, as well as furniture like the Biscuit pine side tables which are among my favourite pieces – and it’s this cohesive colour palette that holds the new collection together.

But within that colour scheme, Yinka delivers a few different bold patterns, both geometric and floral ones. The vibrant colours are set against a neutral base, either in the form of a striking sculptural armchair or the boucle ottoman bed.

Both the choice of colours and patterns are very true to Yinka’s style and what he’s become known for. The references are inspired by the designer’s multicultural background and upbringing in north London, as well as the diverse communities of Leicester, Dunelm’s home city.

‘Growing up in a working-class environment, community was everything for my family,’ Yinka says. ‘It was how we shared stories and how we built things off the ground together, as a collective. There were similarities with this and Dunelm’s beginnings as a market stall – how they sought community.’

This is particularly evident in the background of the net floral pattern seen on this cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set. Inspired by a traditional curtain design, the print design incorporates the national flowers of some of the countries whose cultures have contributed to Leicester’s textile industry boom.

But it was actually the collection’s furniture that impressed me. Most of the pieces of furniture have a mid-century modern spin to them, with on-trend chrome furniture detailing seen throughout the range.

My top Dunelm x Yinka Ilori picks

I love a good collaboration – and this one, along with the Next x Lia Gold range, has both caught my attention this summer. The range is limited edition and filled with amazing pieces at budget-friendly prices, so I don’t expect the pieces to hang around for long. So if you see something you like, I recommend snapping it up while you can.

If your lawn has become compacted as a result of all the hot weather, you may be considering whether to aerate it. The short answer is no, do not. Gardening experts even say that it can make it harder for your lawn to recover after a heatwave.

If you’ve been wondering when to aerate a lawn, garden experts want you to be aware that it’s best to wait until autumn when conditions are a little wetter. While aerating a lawn is a great way to improve drainage and allow nutrients to reach grass roots, it can also increase moisture loss and turn your lawn yellow and patchy if you do it at the wrong time.

This is why it’s so important to stick to your lawn care calendar when it comes to aerating and especially to avoid the task during a heatwave. Here’s why.

Why you should never aerate your lawn during a heatwave

‘When it comes to lawn care, aeration is the process of creating small holes in the ground, meaning water, air and nutrients can more easily reach grass roots. Similarly, scarifying removes dead organic material, called thatch, which also allows water, air and nutrients to reach the roots,’ explains Paul Hicks, Senior Marketing and Product Manager at STIHL GB.

‘While these are both important parts of the lawn care process to ensure a healthy, lush lawn, these tasks should not be completed in the summer months as essential moisture can be lost through the aeration holes - and scarifying should only be done when that grass is actively growing, and the lawn can recover.’

Aerating a lawn is typically done using an aerator tool (such as this £29 Amazon bestseller) and is brilliant at improving drainage following dry spells where soil becomes compacted. The key thing to remember here is that you need to wait for the dry spell to finish before you aerate.

‘During a heatwave, your lawn is already working hard just to cope with the stress of high temperatures and dry conditions. Creating hundreds of small holes in the soil can increase moisture loss and make it even harder for the grass to recover when it's already under pressure. Most lawns simply don't have the energy reserves to bounce back properly in those conditions,’ says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.

‘I often compare it to recovering from a marathon. If you've just crossed the finish line, that isn't the moment to head straight into another tough workout. Your lawn is in a similar position during a heatwave – it's focused on conserving energy, retaining moisture and simply getting through the hot spell, so adding another source of stress can do more harm than good.’

How to protect your lawn during a heatwave

‘During the summer months, there can be very little rainfall – if you want your lawn to stay healthy year-round, then watering it is important. While the exact amount of water that your lawn needs will depend on both the type of soil and species of grass you have in your garden, a good general rule of thumb is to supply enough water to penetrate a minimum of 25mm into the ground, roughly once a week,’ recommends Paul.

‘Do this in the cooler early morning or late evening hours to avoid evaporation and your damp grass being scorched by the summer sun, making sure to water the area evenly. If the hot weather gets extreme, you can increase this to two or three times a week as needed,' Paul adds.

'Don’t be tempted to water your lawn more than this. While it might seem the obvious thing to do in a heatwave, overwatering can actually cause serious damage to the grass as it forces air out of the soil, which can then cause root rot. If you’re not sure how often to water your lawn, use a moisture meter to check levels.’

Ensuring your lawn gets the right amount of water is a key July lawn tip, as is applying a wetting agent (£23.99, Amazon) and adjusting how you mow.

‘For now, think of protection rather than perfection. Raise your mower height slightly, mow less often and avoid heavy foot traffic where possible. Longer grass helps shade the soil, reducing moisture loss, while staying off the lawn can prevent additional stress and compaction. And don't panic if your lawn loses some of its colour – established lawns are often more resilient than people think and will usually recover once cooler temperatures and rainfall return,’ says Luke.

‘Heatwaves are also a good reminder that our gardens are changing. More people are looking at ways to create comfortable shaded spaces through trees, climbing plants and features such as pergolas. Not only does that make the garden more pleasant to use during hot weather, but it can reduce wear and tear on lawns when conditions are at their toughest.’

‘If your lawn is struggling in the hot weather and brown patches start to appear, don’t panic. Grass is extremely resilient and will go into a dormant state when it’s unable to access enough moisture. Established lawns will recover quickly,’ concludes Paul

Just wait till autumn before you aerate…

Ninja's newest Slushi machine has finally landed on UK shores, just in time for the rising temperatures that have us all longing for a cooling refreshment.

The Ninja Slushi Twist, which is available from today for £419.99 (via Ninja) takes the success of one of its bestselling launches of the past few years and doubles it, with twice the amount of drinks and flavours available to your guests this summer if you choose to buy it. And the best part of all? You can mix them with the help of the machine to make the half and half drink of your dreams!

Yep, this 'dual-vessel frozen drinks maker' gives you the chance to slush two different drinks, all in the same impressively narrow timeframe that I've been wowed by with the original Ninja Slushi during my trials of it. Here's all of the added functionality you get with this buy that offers twice the fun for your kitchen.

The biggest sell with the Ninja Slushi Twist is that you can cater to everyone that comes over to your house for a summer soiree. With the two separate mixing cylinders, you can provide alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushies side by side, as well as different types of drinks altogether. So if someone wants a frozen milkshake while you're sipping on a frosé, it's all possible.

I reckon the fact you can twist together two different flavours of Slush will be hugely popular too – something that was previously only possible if you were picking up a frozen drink at the cinema or the beach.

The combining process works thanks to one very clever feature: a spinning drip tray at the bottom of the machine. This creates that swirled-together effect that makes your two-flavour drink look so tasty. If you only want to dispense one drink at a time, then that's possible too, thanks to the split-handlebar at the very top of both vessels.

As with of all its appliances, Ninja has engineered a catchily-named program to help users get the best from this buy, which is called the Dual SlushAssist. This program will sense the ingredients in each vessel and then apply the settings that relate to whichever function you pick.

As someone who has hosted with the OG Slushi before, another marked improvement with the Twist is that it has an upped capacity. It can serve up 10x 260ml in one go, which is plenty enough for a crowd before you'll need to head inside to refill the machine.

So, if you're looking for a buy that will make hosting an absolute dream and help you cater to all tastes when it comes to drinks, the Slushi Twist might just be the thing you're looking for to cool off with this summer!

Alternative Ninja Slushis

Meaco's brand new Cirro portable air conditioner is coming back in stock this week after unprecedented demand saw the range sell out in record time.

Despite only launching last month, the new Meaco Cirro range which includes six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, has already sold out once, but some retailers are due to get more stock over the next few days. But with temperatures set to exceed 30°C again this week, and demand for the best portable air conditioners still high, it's going to sell out fast.

Another huge draw of this particular range is that it operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

While Meaco's stock has sold out again, I've also spotted the Meaco Cirro range will be available at John Lewis from Tuesday 14 July.

Meaco has also announced that it's expecting fresh stock of certain models to arrive with Currys and AO (where you can currently sign up for a stock alert) from around 10 July, but that it can't be sure exactly when that new stock will be available on the retailer websites.

Once this stock is sold out, however, Meaco says it won't be replenished again until late September (for the MeacoCool and Cirro Cooling and Heating models), and 2027 for the Cirro Cooling Only models. According to a video shared on Instagram by Meaco's founder Chris Michael, despite ordering 40% more stock than in 2025, the heatwaves we've experienced in the UK so far in 2026 have seen stock fly off the shelves.

If you don't manage to get your hands on one of the last remaining portable air conditioners, a misting fan like the Dreo TurboCool Misting Fan 765S (£199.99 and in stock at Amazon) is a good halfway house between a fan and a portable air conditioner.

IKEA's newest must-have kitchen buy, the TILLREDA multicooker (available now for £85) is just the thing you need to crack cooking perfectly fluffy rice at home.

With 14 presets, including slow cooker and baking modes, there is a huge amount of functionality packed into this compact little multicooker for its under £100 price tag. If you want to make your small kitchen more capable, you'll want to take a look at all of its functions. Here's what it can do.

The full list of functions is as follows: Manual mode, Keep warm, Slow cook, Rice, Fry/Sauté, Steam, Bake, Boil, Yoghurt, Soup, Stew, Porridge, Oatmeal, Bread rise.

So as well as the ability to use it as a 'chuck all of the ingredients in and set it off' cooker, you can also use the inner pot as a stand-in hob spot and sear ingredients from the high heat. This is something I found immensely useful when I tested Ninja's PossibleCooker with a rice mode – which is by far the most impressive multi-mode cooker I've tried.

If you love simple all-in-one meals, then the ability to saute protein before you add the rest of your ingredients can elevate a recipe by many multitudes. It's also great if you have limited hob access or if your hob (like mine) emits less heat than you might like it to.

I've found lots of people turn to a multicooker like this one when they're without a kitchen for some period of time - say, undergoing a renovation – because it's the closest appliance to having a little mini kitchen wrapped up in one.

As far as the size of this appliance is concerned, it's small stature will be hugely popular with those with more cramped kitchens. At just 21.5cm tall, including for the profile of its slimline lid, this can be placed under a countertop and in even the tightest of corners to add a whole new dimension to your kitchen. For context, the Ninja PossibleCooker that I am a huge fan of is quite a bit taller at 28cm in height and has a bigger capacity more fit for a family.

With the mini size of this IKEA version combined with its varied function set, I reckon it's perfect for 1 to 2 people most of time.

Another benefit of this mini cooker is that it comes with a steamer attachment that slots right into the main bowl so that you can get the most out of that steaming function.

The interface of the TILLREDA looks simple too. It features a small LED screen upon which you can dial through all of the different modes, set your timer and temperature of your cooking program.

This multicooker is brand new on IKEA's website, so there aren't any user reviews from the UK available yet to judge it on. I'm hoping we can get our hands on it to put it through our stringent testing process to see how it performs. But from a first look, it seems like an excellent buy if you're short on space but want to max out on cooking functionality.

I’d say it’s rare that a garden soiree doesn’t carry on into the evening, which means the majority of us benefit from quality outdoor lighting. And if you’re looking for something that truly takes you from day to night, then Lidl’s Parasol With Solar LED Lights (£39.99) is exactly what you need.

Of course, the most important thing the best parasols should do is offer shade and protect you from the sun. But thanks to the clever addition of lights, they're now starting to become an essential garden lighting idea too.

With the inclusion of LED solar lights, Lidl is offering a seamless transition into evening entertainment. Landing in stores on Thursday (9 July), here’s everything you need to know about the Lidl LIVARNO Parasol with Solar LED Lights.

Lidl’s parasol has been reduced from £59.99 to £39.99, making it one of the more affordable options available on the market.

It has 36 LED lights on the canopy struts, designed to provide soft overhead lighting when the sun sets. It has three adjustable light colours - warm, neutral and cool white - which you can control at the touch of a button.

The parasol itself has an automatically-locking crank to ensure easy usage, and it provides adequate UV protection, in accordance with UV standard 801. For optimal shade, you can adjust the parasol into three different positions,and the shade is ventilated to enhance airflow - which I’d argue is a must on hot, sweaty days.

Once charged, you can expect four hours of illumination time from the LED’s and the parasol comes with a removable cover to keep it protected when not in use. One thing the parasol doesn’t come with is the stand. However, its 38mm pole should fit this Amazon Heavy Duty Patio Umbrella Holder (£21.99).

The main draw of Lidl’s parasol is its dual functionality. It offers both shade and light. This dual function means it's particularly well-suited to small gardens or patios, where you may lack the space for both a parasol and one of the best garden floor lamps.

However, if you have a small space and already own a parasol, you can easily upgrade your parasol to have the same dual function. You can purchase parasol lights (like this £19.99 attachment from Amazon) which attach to your parasol and offer the same effect - so you don’t need to rush out and buy a new one for the sake of it.

Lidl’s LED solar parasol will only be available in-store and while stocks last. So, I’ve rounded up a few more affordable options you can purchase online.

If you’re looking to make the most of your garden this summer, then an LED parasol can ensure you stay enjoying your space as day transitions to night.

If there’s one thing that all this hot weather calls for, it’s a delicious tub of homemade ice cream. And no, you don’t need the Ninja Creami (£169.99, Argos) to do this, as Aldi has just dropped a similar alternative for just £69.99.

Over the past few years, the best ice-creams have become the ‘it’ appliance of any kitchen, even overtaking air fryers in terms of viral popularity. But they can be expensive appliances – until now, at least.

Landing in stores on 16 July, the Aldi Premium Ice Cream Maker is dropping as part of the supermarket’s latest Modern Kitchen range. Here’s everything we know about this star buy so far.

Having been writing about Aldi for a few years now, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t waiting for Aldi to drop an ice-cream maker. Yes, there may have been an Aldi ice cream maker to hit the shelves before, but I’ve been on the lookout a slightly fancier gadget.

And my prayers have been answered, as their new premium ice cream maker is a dead ringer for the Ninja Creami.

More than £100 cheaper than the Ninja Creami Deluxe (£249.99, Ninja), the Aldi Premium Ice Cream Maker allows you to create delicious homemade ice cream, sorbet, milkshake and even frozen cocktails. It’s easy to operate with a self-cleaning function, has an adjustable blade and dishwasher-safe accessories, making clean-up an equally easy job.

There’s not much detail on how the machine operates, however it does look as though it will be easy to use via a simple dial, and we predict that, like the Creami, you’ll need to freeze your ice-cream mixture first. With a Ninja Creami, this is around 24 hours, so bear in mind that you might need to account for some freezing time when preparing your frozen treats.

'Of all of the Ninja Creami rivals that have been released recently, including the cleverly designed NutriBullet Chill and Russell Hobbs' version, this ice cream maker from Aldi is by far the cheapest,’ says Molly Cleary, Kitchen Appliances Editor at Ideal Home.

‘At £69.99, if it works well, it's a total bargain. It has the same 'slot in and mix' design of the Creami and looks like it's aiming for similar functionality with the ability to whip up ice cream, milkshakes, sorbets and other sweet treats. After testing the Ninja Creami Deluxe, I can safely say that this type of appliance is one you'll have a lot of fun with, and though I haven't got my hands on Aldi's version yet, I'm sure it's about to be a hit with those looking to spend a little less!'

Due to the fact that it is under £70, I’m inclined to believe that it won’t be quite as good as the original. However, if you want to try an ice cream maker or have a tighter budget, it’s a good starting point and worth a try.

However, we do think this ice cream maker will sell out like soft serve on a hot day. So, if you can’t track one down, here are a few more affordable options you can shop online.

With 2026 on track for a scorcher of a summer, what better way to cool down than with a delicious, homemade ice cream?

While much of my garden has been suffering in the heat, it doesn’t seem to have had any effect on the weeds, which are growing as much as ever. But the hot weather has meant that I have zero energy for digging weeds out by hand, so I was happy to give the Ryobi Cordless 18V ONE+™ Patio Cleaner at Amazon a go and save myself the effort.

The combination of paving slabs, pointing and brick edging on my patio means that there are plenty of gaps and crevices for weeds to take root in. While I’ve tried plenty of different methods for removing weeds from a patio, it can be back-breaking work stooping down to get at them, not to mention hard on the knees, too.

I was also pleased to discover that the patio cleaner is cordless, meaning it can be used outside without the hassle of having to drag out an extension cable, and with plenty of weed-ridden paths at my allotment (which has no outside power), I plan to put it through its paces there too.

Using the Patio Cleaner

The Patio Cleaner works by using a battery-powered motor that rotates a wire brush head, which whizzes round and dislodges any weeds, moss, grass and debris from the gaps in between paving slabs and along path edges.

Set up was fairly speedy. The Patio Cleaner comes complete with a rechargeable battery and charger - it takes an hour to fully charge and promises to run for up to 32 minutes on a single charge.

Looking similar in shape and size to a strimmer, it has a contoured handle at the top, plus a steadying handle further down that simply needs to be clipped in place.

It also has a telescoping handle which can easily be adjusted in height, should it feel more comfortable longer or shorter. And to operate, there is a safety trigger and button at the top that need to be pressed in unison to start it up.

Weight-wise, it does feel pretty hefty at 2.83 kg in weight, but it is fairly easy to manoeuvre without putting strain on your shoulders or back.

The Patio Cleaner comes complete with a wire brush head, which is recommended for use on patios, driveways and bricked surfaces where you’ll come up against the most common garden weeds. A lighter nylon brush head is also available, which is recommended for softer surfaces like sandstone or marble paving, but does need to be ordered separately and costs £17.99.

Operation of the Patio Cleaner was pretty straightforward. The wire brush head sits on one side of the sweeper, while on the other side, there is a small wheel that helps guide it along the line of your paving or pathway.

All that’s needed is to hold onto the top handle and grab the guiding handle lower down to steer it. Once switched on, the Patio Cleaner easily whizzes along in a line, with the rotating brush head getting into gaps and dislodging weeds and debris as it goes. I found that small weeds came out instantly, but with bigger, more deep-rooted weeds, I needed to run it over them again a couple of times.

For my patio, with regularly spaced paving slabs, tackling the job in sections and working methodically in lines going down and then across the patio worked best for me. Clearing the entire patio was speedy (in under 15 minutes) and required no back-breaking bending or getting down on hands and knees.

The Patio Cleaner does send weeds and debris whizzing out, although there is a plastic shield that guards the brush head and prevents debris from flying upwards - it is also recommended that you wear safety goggles while operating it. Afterwards, you will have to give the patio a thorough sweeping down to clear up, so do have a sturdy brush on hand.

When it comes to corners and tricky angles, it does take a little manoeuvring to make sure that you get into the edges, but that was no problem.

I found the noise levels of the Patio Cleaner to be a lot less noisy than a regular garden strimmer (check out the video below to see and hear it in action), with less vibration than a strimmer, so much easier on the arms.

The verdict? Having previously tested QVC's electric Weed Sweeper, my only gripe with that design was having to drag a cable around with me. So upgrading to this cordless Patio Cleaner makes cleaning the patio that much easier and means I can also use it in places where a power source isn’t available, such as the front garden or over at my allotment.

And while it is great for clearing weeds from hard surfaces like patios and paths, when it comes to removing weeds from lawns and borders, investing in a manual weeding tool like the Gardena Weed Puller is also worth considering, so you'll have every type of weed covered.

Shop these Patio Cleaner alternatives

If the Patio Cleaner isn't quite what you're looking for, we have a few alternatives you can shop.

Will you be investing in a patio cleaner? Or do you have your own clever ways of dealing with weeds? Let us know.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, and a self-certified very-hot-sleeper at the best of times, I've tested a *lot* of cooling bedding over the past five years.

And, as many parts of the UK prepare to navigate a sweltering heatwave for the third time this year, there's one product I recommend time and time again to anyone looking for a cooler sleep.

The Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad costs £30, and (as long as you have space for it in the fridge), it offers almost glacial cooling compared to pretty much every other bedtime cooling hack I've tried.

When temperatures are this high, even the best mattresses need some extra help to stay cool, so it's little wonder the smaller version of this cooling pad, Silentnight's Cooling Gel Pillow Pad, sold out pretty much everywhere during the June heatwave.

The larger mattress pad is exactly the same design, just longer, measuring 60 x 90cm. It's only a few millimetres thick and constructed of three compartments, each of which holds cooling gel within a thick PVC cover.

Now, it's worth pointing out that, depending on which retailer you look at, this cooling pad has mixed reviews.

The Cooling Gel Body Pad is marketed as being cooling straight out of the box. And it is; I was really surprised by how cool to the touch I found this product upon first handling.

However, I also agree with many reviewers who say that that coolness soon wears off after you've been lying on the pad for a while. Body heat causes the gel to slowly warm, and in a heatwave, that happens pretty quickly.

But where I think the cooling pad really comes into its own is if you pop it in the fridge before bed.

Admittedly, you will need enough space in your fridge to fold the pad up and chill it for an hour or so before bed. But, if you can, the pad then becomes *really* cold.

After doing this, I actually find it *too* cold to use next to my skin, so I pop it under a fitted sheet to lie on, or simply slide it into bed to cool down the sheets and then remove it before I get in.

If you choose to keep it in bed with you, then it will still warm up gradually over time, but that cool blast as you get into bed can really help you to drop off to sleep during a heatwave, as our temperature dropping a few degrees is what triggers the sleep cycle to begin.

'I needed this so that I could get to sleep in this heat,' says one reviewer of the Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad at M&S. 'It helped enormously, even though it was warm to the touch by morning.'

Pair the cooling mattress pad with the cool-against-the-skin M&S Stay Cool Lyocell Rich Fitted Sheet I just tested, and a lightweight dohar over you for the ultimate breathability in bed, or some of the best linen bedding for hot weather, and you'll have a sleep setup that's as hot-weather ready as it will ever be.

Although be warned: as the mercury continues to climb, I think this Cooling Pad might go the way of Silentnight's smaller version, and start selling out fast. So, I've popped three stockists below to ensure you have more chance of snapping up stock.

And, of course, if all else fails, you could also use the classic (and free) cooling hack of popping your fitted sheet into the fridge before bed.

In my experience, the cooling effect doesn't last as long as when using a cool pack or cooling pad, but in these temperatures, every degree cooler counts!

Aside from budget-friendly flatpack furniture, IKEA is also becoming well-known for its clever problem-solving designs. The just-dropped IKEA GREJSIMOJS playmat is the latest addition to the lineup as the foldable mat turns into a toy storage box or even a ball pit within seconds – and what parent can resist a genius product like that?!

The £29 mat is part of IKEA’s wider children’s GREJSIMOJS collection released earlier this year and filled with playful designs like a giraffe-shaped floor lamp or a clothes stand taking on the look of a potted cactus. But while the previous GREJSIMOJS drop was more fun and playful, this genius toy storage idea is a more functional addition.

The three-in-one design makes toy clean-up super quick and easy. After your little one is done playing on the mat, you can simply fold it up - still with the toys on top of it - using the eyelet fastenings the design comes equipped with and turn it either into a cube-shaped storage box or a wider, lower shape which can fit under a sofa or a bed as a hidden toy storage idea. The latter configuration can also be used for play, turning it into a small ball pit.

Existing customers are already loving it. One reviewer wrote, ‘I love such well thought-out products – that's why I had to grab it immediately when I discovered it under new products at IKEA. Great workmanship, absolutely practical, does exactly what it should! Fits under our IKEA sofa when low.’

The only downside that customers are disappointed with is that when folded into a storage box, the GREJSIMOJS doesn’t fit into a KALLAX unit. ‘I got so excited about this for our Lego collection. Then I saw the dimensions didn't fit in the kallax unit and now I'm trying to work out where we can store it,’ a reviewer wrote.

Similar alternatives

On top of all of that, given the GREJSIMOJS mat’s multifunctional design, it’s also a great buy for any compact spaces, whether it’s a small playroom idea you’re after or if you want to squeeze a play area into a small living room.

This IKEA mat is set to become every parent’s favourite toy storage solution and a secret weapon for quick toy tidy up.

Aldi is launching a stylish LED solar fountain that will add both ambience and style to your garden this summer. It looks so good; I can’t believe it’s only £12.99.

There’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the soft tinkling of a water feature. It’s often a simple addition to your garden, yet the best water feature ideas can transform your outdoor space into a chic and calming environment.

This year, micro ponds and DIY fountains have been doing the rounds on TikTok and Instagram; however, for the cash-strapped, less creative among us, Aldi has come to the rescue with its solar LED fountain, landing in stores on Thursday (9 July). It will make a serene addition to even the smallest of gardens and patios.

This isn’t the first solar fountain from Aldi to impress us. The viral mosaic solar water fountain is a middle aisle favourite and is coveted by a couple of members of the Ideal Home Team. While I do love the Mediterranean look of this fountain, Aldi’s new Solar LED Fountain is a sleeker alternative that’s perfect for evening entertaining.

The latest solar fountain not only has a sleeker bowl-like appearance that will look gorgeous nestled amongst your container garden ideas, but it is fitted with twinkling LED lights to provide a soft, ambient glow in the evening.

The solar fountain has an external solar panel to ensure it flows beautifully throughout the day and glows when the sun sets. It’s available in three neutral colourways, and you can choose from a smooth or riffled finish - I personally think the Anthracite colour in the smooth finish looks the most stylish, and way more expensive than its £12.99 price tag.

I haven’t found any alternatives to this Aldi fountain that are both space-saving and this affordable. I’d go as far as to say it’s the most affordable water feature I’ve seen this year. La Redoute’s Outdoor Solar-Powered Round Ribbed Ball Water Fountain (£79.99) is the closest in style, but far more expensive.

You can try to DIY your own mini solar fountain with a solar-powered attachment, pebbles and a plant pot. However, even that can easily cost over £30 if you need to buy a new planter for it, and here, Aldi has done all the hard work; this LED fountain is a shortcut to achieving the must-have water feature of the summer.

Alternatively, a patio pond is an affordable and wildlife-friendly option. Combine Thompson & Morgan’s Pond Flowering Kit (£24.99) with this Amazon Solar Water Fountain (£8.34), and you’ll have a stunning, naturalistic display that also attracts birds, bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Here are a few more stunning solar water features you can shop online if you can't get to an Aldi.

If you’ve been looking for an affordable yet attractive water feature to add to your garden, Aldi is where you want to head this week.

Shark has a few carpet cleaners to its name, but the brand's newest release, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner EX500UK (£179.99 at Shark), definitely stands out from the crowd as it's officially their lightest model to date.

Of course, you probably don’t need me to tell you that the best carpet cleaners are big, bulky and heavy. This often makes them difficult to manoeuvre and even more difficult to store - especially in smaller homes where cupboard space is limited. And while renting a carpet cleaner is always an option, Shark has made buying one more accessible than ever.

The Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is designed to be compact, lightweight, and seriously convenient, delivering full-size power in a ‘fun-size’ form that’s easy to use and store. At just £179.99, it also takes the cake as one of the cheapest carpet cleaners I’ve come across.

Coming in at just 6.9 kg, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is officially lighter than any other full-size carpet cleaner in my guide - and it even comes with a removable wand that makes it smaller to store in tighter spaces.

In fact, my number-one-rated model, the VAX Platinum SmartWash carpet washer review, weighs 8.9kg, and the hefty Rug Doctor Deep Upright Carpet Cleaner comes in at a whopping 14.25kg. And while some of them do fold down, they are nowhere near as compact as Shark’s new model.

But while I’d initially questioned whether a lighter, smaller carpet cleaner could successfully clean carpets, Shark claims that the CarpetForce offers up to six times deeper cleaning than traditional vacuuming, using its DirtDistrupt brush roll to get deep into carpet fibres and lift, loosen, and remove all kinds of debris.

The 3.8-litre clean water tank capacity is also what you’d expect from a full-size carpet cleaner, and it’s compatible with Shark’s Deep Clean Pro Formula (£14.99 at Shark), which is specifically designed to refresh carpets and remove odours from pets or even smoke.

But if that doesn’t quite suit your carpet-cleaning needs, it’s also compatible with the Shark Deep Clean Ultra With Stain Guardian (£19.99 at Shark), which is for more targeted spot cleaning and for protecting against future staining.

And while we all know that the most annoying part of cleaning carpets is waiting for them to dry, Shark’s Express Clean Mode supposedly offers a 50% faster dry time compared to the Deep Clean Mode. This means you can get on with your day much quicker.

On paper, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner definitely has a lot of perks - most notably the sub-£200 price point. But I always like to test these claims for myself, so keep your eyes peeled for a full review coming soon.

I do already love the idea of a compact, lightweight carpet cleaner though...

If I wanted to give a garden privacy this summer, I’d use a hedge bed like B&Q’s Bopha Rectangular Wood Trough (£54) to add instant height and structure to my borders.

There are plenty of garden screening ideas to help zone your space and gain privacy from nosy neighbours, and one of the easiest (and most natural ways) is by making the most of your plants, in particular hedges.

Having spotted B&Q’s hedge beds on a recent trip to the store, I saw first-hand how handy these troughs are for crafting your own garden privacy ideas, they can also become a haven for wildlife too.

The Bopha Rectangular Wood Trough has a capacity of 110L and is ideal for growing edibles and flowers in your garden. Standing at 35cm, they create height and structure to your garden borders and patios.

Many flowers, such as some geraniums, dwarf zinnias and crocuses, don’t reach great heights, so container planting is an excellent way to ensure your eye is drawn to them, whilst adding extra height and structure to the space.

Now, this won’t exactly offer loads of privacy, but you can also add taller-growing plants to the trough thanks to its 40cm depth, such as agapanthus, delphiniums and verbena, which offer privacy through their height, as well as stunning bursts of colour.

The trough itself has drainage holes in the base, which allow excess water to drain away, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged, although container plants do benefit from being watered more in a heatwave. You will, however, need to apply a suitable oil finish (such as the Osmo Garden Furniture Oil, £30.62, Amazon) periodically to maintain the trough’s colour and weather resistance.

As well as adding extra height to your garden, the trough can also be used to carve out zones in your garden. This easy garden layout idea really couldn’t be any simpler. Simply arrange your troughs to create zones, such as a seating area or BBQ space. Think of them as flowering screens.

These planters are also great for supporting local birds. Once blooming, the trough offers a sheltered spot off the ground that birds can take respite in.

‘I recently purchased the Verve Bopha 110L trough, and I'm very impressed. At 80cm wide, it provides plenty of space for a variety of plants. The build quality feels very durable; the wood is thick and feels like it will hold up well against the elements. Aesthetically, the brown finish is lovely-it has a natural, premium look that fits perfectly in my garden. Overall, a high-quality item that feels like it’s built to last,’ says one review.

‘Really pleased with the planters, they are solidly built and sturdy and just the right size to fit perfectly on the patio. The stained wood is attractive and blends well with the perennial flowers I've planted in it to give that extra bit of colour in winter,’ says another.

Add privacy to a garden

While a hedge bed will add privacy along fences or around seating areas when the plants have established themselves, if you are looking for a more instant fix, here are a few alternative patio privacy ideas.

If you want to use natural planting to create privacy in a garden, these wooden troughs are the stylish planters to help you do it.

When looking to keep up to date with the latest home styles, I can count on Primark Home to keep me both fashionable and not out of pocket. And their latest home collection is seriously nailing the Pinterest moody minimalism trend.

Home decor trends come and go at an alarming rate, but ‘moody minimalism’ has the potential for longevity. Minimalist decor ideas are a classic style, and ‘moody minimalism’ is its slightly edgier sibling. You can expect the same clean lines and simple designs, but in darker finishes. Think dark wood, plenty of black and the odd gold accent.

‘Moody minimalism is a quiet rebellion against clinical minimalism. Rather than feeling sterile or cold, it embraces rich, warm tones and creates interest through depth instead of decoration. By layering colour, texture, and tonal variation, it delivers a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply inviting,’ defines Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

In Primark’s collection, this can be seen via their stylish Bobble Arch Mirror (£12), which uses a richer, dark-hued mood to convey its ‘moodiness’, while the design itself remains simple and clean. Similarly, the Gold Scalloped Glass Rectangle Tray (£5) somehow serves a look that is both opulent and minimalist.

How to style the moody minimalism trend

When it comes to styling moody minimalism, take the less-is-more approach, using gold as a subtle accent in your home. You want to find pops of gold via a hinge or doorknob, rather than going for a full-blown Midas look.

When selecting neutrals for your home, opt for darker, cooler tones such as Little Greene’s Stone-Dark-Cool, which is a beautiful moody shade and works well among classical decor and wallpapers.

‘Start with a rich, moody wall colour and build the room around a palette of similar tones. The key is layering tone upon tone to create a sense of calm, depth, and sophistication, rather than relying on bright, energetic colours for impact,’ says Natalie.

‘Instead of making individual pieces stand out, allow them to blend harmoniously into the overall scheme. The result is a space with quiet confidence, one that feels immersive, inviting, and full of subtle, intriguing depth.’

While some Primark stores have a Click & Collect service, they don’t offer a delivery service. So, I’ve rounded up a few more pieces online that suit the moody minimalist style.

Whether you’re a moody minimalist or a happy minimalist, you have to admit the moody minimalist trend is great for adding subtle luxury to your home.

When planning how I wanted my tiny urban garden to look, I took inspiration from my favourite London and Parisienne cafe. They managed to turn small outdoor spaces into a pocket-sized oasis with simple bistro sets and pretty table lamps, and Aldi is dropping the perfect set of solar table lamps for under £5 this week.

Cafe-gardens have become an emerging garden trend. This trend is all about turning any outdoor space you have into a version of your own at-home coffee shop/wine bar. It's a look made for small garden ideas, as it romanticises the humble bistro set as the perfect spot for a quiet morning coffee or an intimate glass of wine in the evening.

An outdoor table lamp is an essential part of elevating a bistro set. You'll see them on the tables of most chic cafes or wine bars, casting a lovely, romantic glow in the evening. I've been on the hunt for one, and Aldi's mushroom lamps are not only chic but the most affordable I've come across.

The Aldi table lamps launch in-store on 9th July in two different styles. There is the mushroom lamp, my particular favourite, with its conical shape and a circular design that will cast out more light from the sides. Both of them are available in black, white/beige and sage; however if is the sharp black version that caught my eye as looking the most expensive and sophisticated.

Both styles of lamp are priced at £4.99, which is also a great reason to buy them. Most rechargeable outdoor lights will cost you around twice that price. However, there is another star reason to buy them: they're solar-powered rather than rechargeable, so as long as you leave them out in a sunny spot, they can be left to do their thing without plugging into a charger every few days.

The most similar solar lamp I've come across in terms of look and price to the Aldi version is this Solar Black Metal Table Lamp at Habitat, on sale for £9.60.

These table lamps aren't the only gems in the Aldi specialbuy drop this week. In the middle aisle, you'll also be able to find the Solar Penzance Candle Lanterns for £8.99, which are perfect for elevating the romantic feel of a garden. I'm also very tempted by the solar decorative string lights for £7.99 that have a similar chic and simple design to the table lamps.

The best planned garden lighting ideas are all about creating layers and pockets of illumination. That is as simple as stringing up some lights along the fence for ambience, adding task lighting with a table lamp on a bistro set, and finally dotting in decorative lanterns as accent lights to illuminate planting.

Alternatives

Aldi's lights will only be available to purchase in-store, so I'm having to go on a dedicated shopping trip on the 9th to hunt a pair down. However, if you don't have a store near you, here are a couple of other affordable garden lamps I've been considering to get the cafe-garden look.

Will you be elevating your garden dining set with a new table lamp this summer?

Garden experts are recommending gardeners leave out ‘pollinator pitstops’ this summer to encourage bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife into urban gardens.

This year, garden experts at B&Q want to remind you that it’s possible to have a thriving wildlife garden even if you have a small garden or balcony. In fact, the beauty of making your own pollinator pitstop is that it will fit any garden.

On a recent trip to B&Q’s flagship sustainability store in Cheltenham, I was lucky enough to attend a pollinator pitstop workshop in the store’s sustainability garden. Here’s everything I learned about what they are, why every garden can benefit from one and how to create one yourself.

What you need

What is a pollinator pitstop?

In the workshop hosted by Jamie Walton, founder of Nettles & Petals, I learned that a pollinator pitstop is a very easy way to attract bees to a garden.

All you need is a planter, some pollinator-friendly plants and a small dish of water filled with pebbles. This gives your local wildlife a ‘pitstop’ where they can stop off for a drink of water during hot summer days. And the pebbles? I hear your question. These provide an area for bees to perch, so they don’t get trapped in your water dish. It’s very similar to a bee hydration station, which is one of the easiest ways to help bees in hot weather.

‘People often assume you need a large garden to support wildlife, but that's simply not the case. A pollinator pit stop is a space designed to provide pollinating insects with the food, water and shelter they need to thrive. It can be as simple as a few nectar-rich plants in pots, a shallow water source, and a small area left a little wilder. Collectively, those small actions can have a big impact,’ Jamie said.

To create his pollinator pitstop, Jamie used purple thyme, ivy and lavender in his pot. He filled the pot with peat-free compost (£7, B&Q) and explained the pitstop was best placed in a sunny spot after completion. While thyme and lavender are excellent at feeding pollinators in the spring and summer months, it is the autumn berries that ivy produces that mean you can attract and feed your garden wildlife for longer.

‘One of the biggest mistakes I see is gardens that peak in July and then offer very little for the rest of the year. Pollinators need support beyond summer, so think about what is flowering across the seasons. Crocus and Pulmonaria are brilliant in early spring when insects are emerging, while Sedum and Asters help provide a late-season food source. If you can create a succession of flowers throughout the year, you'll make a much bigger impact and attract regular visitors,’ he said.

And other wildlife experts agree this is a brilliant hack that offers loads of benefits to a small garden. In fact, why not get the whole family involved? Making a pollinator pitstop is a great weekend activity for kids, too.

‘I think a pollinator pitstop is a lovely idea, and supporting pollinators is crucial. They’re an especially great idea when your garden space is limited, as they provide a small space for bees and birds to refuel before continuing on their journeys,' comments James Ewens, wildlife expert at Green Feathers. 'Think of a pollinator pitstop as the wildlife equivalent to a cafe on the canal.'

‘It’s always worth being mindful, though. Water needs to be regularly replenished so it isn’t stagnant and unhygienic. Make sure water is clean and regularly topped up, and ensure it’s shallow to make it insect-friendly. Some birds may use the water, too, but they'll generally prefer a slightly larger bird bath nearby that’s more accessible. Overall, though, it's a simple, accessible way to support local wildlife and encourage more pollinators into the garden.’

Is this a wildlife-friendly idea you’ll be trying out this summer?

Earlier this week, I was scrolling through Next’s new-in section and stumbled across the just-released Next Addison modular sofa – and I was instantly impressed with the look and price point. When I say I’m obsessed with modular sofas, I’m not exaggerating – I’m modular sofas’ number one fan. So when it comes to modular sofas, I know my stuff – especially since I’ve tried over 100 of them at this point (in all fairness, it’s part of my job) and own one myself.

When searching for the best of the best modular sofas, I’m by no means easily impressed. My standards are high, given the number of sofas I’ve tried. And yet, this is not the first time I fell in love with a modular sofa from Next – last year, Next launched the Crosby modular storage sofa, and it’s become one of my all-time favourite sectionals and storage sofas.

‘A modular design offers greater flexibility, allowing customers to configure the sofa to suit their individual room layouts and making it a better fit for a variety of UK homes,’ says Next Home’s spokesperson.

Modular sofas are now bigger than a fleeting sofa trend – it’s a versatile and flexible living room seating solution that future-proofs your lounge and a category that many brands, including Next, are expanding, given its popularity.

So what’s so special about Next’s new Addison modular sofa? For starters, the sleek, curved-style sofa looks like a designer piece. And yet, it’s an affordable design – take the three-piece configuration as pictured above which will set you back £1848.

The Addison is available in two colourways and upholstery finishes – either a forest green twill or off-white oyster chenille. They’re smart colour choices to start with as green and cream/off-white are among the most popular sofa colours across the board. And it covers the bases of both a neutral and a colour without it being too bold either.

Full disclaimer, as the sofa has just dropped, I haven’t been able to test it out yet. But you best believe I will be trying it the first chance I get, hopefully soon.

This week it feels like everyone is trying to get ahead and rectify any mistakes they made during the last heatwave. And for me, that means ensuring I have a much better supply of ice than I did during the hottest days of the year last week – especially given that at every supermarket I went to I was greeted by totally bare freezer shelves.

To solve the problem, I must admit I've been eyeing an ice maker (like this one from Amazon for £62.99) that can sit on my kitchen countertop during the hottest days. As I'm not blessed with a freezer with ice-making facilities (or a very big freezer at all!), I think I'm going to have to outsource this need to a standalone appliance like I have with one of the best ice cream makers. Here's why.

Of course, I was desperate for more ice during the heatwave in order to keep my water and other drinks cool in order to rehydrate. But there are lots of other reasons, many of them owing to the hacks I've learnt from my Ideal Home colleagues, for me needing large quantities of ice in the hot weather.

The most pressing of which was so I could enact the cooling hack our News Writer Kezia put me onto last year: placing a bowl of ice in front of my fan in order to mimic the effects of an air conditioner. It's a way to use a fan that actually lowers the temperature of a room and it was a true godsend for my sleep last week when paired with my Dyson fan.

When I do invest in an ice maker I'll also be picking up this £6 fan attachment that we wrote about last week to DIY the air conditioning effect even further. If you own a fan and not an AC, it's an essential! It'll certainly be an upgrade for me from placing my ice in a bowl on a stool.

While an ice maker, much like the Ninja Slushi (which has also been running non-stop in my flat this summer), is hardly a kitchen essential, it can make those unbearably hot days a little more livable – at least, that's according to the reviews these Amazon buys have racked up. I reckon every little helps for when we're faced with the next hot spell!

FatFace has just quietly dropped its first-ever bedding collection, and with prices beginning at £15, I'm not surprised shoppers are already snapping up these stylish and affordable designs.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I thought I knew everything there was to know about where to buy bedding, but the fashion retailer certainly wasn't on my radar.

That is, until this month. Because the new FatFace bedding collection just launched with a bang, and I think these super summery designs should definitely be on your radar.

The new range includes four duvet sets, starting at £35 for a single, £45 for a double, £55 for a king, and £65 for a super king.

My favourite has to be the bold striped pink and ochre set, which couldn't be more summery if it tried. However, there are also pretty floral designs, on-trend gingham checks, and travel-inspired prints.

I think all the sets are great value for money, more so because each design is reversible, featuring stripes, florals, or checks on the reverse for two looks in one.

And I'm not the only one who's impressed. The bedding collection has only been in store and online for a few weeks, but it's already amassing a growing number of positive five-star reviews from shoppers.

In particular, many happy owners mention how impressed they are with the attention to detail and quality of FatFace's new range.

'A really beautiful duvet cover,' says one reviewer. 'Bright colour and a very summery design. The quality is amazing and so soft and cool. Washed well and keeps its shape. Definitely worth the money and great value compared to other big-name brands.'

'Love, love, love this!', writes another reviewer, 'the quality of the material makes it really comfortable to sleep in. I especially like the ties on the pillowcases... cute feature.'

If you're thinking of refreshing your bedroom for summer, I think this new FatFace range should definitely be a contender.

Plus, the coordinating sunshine yellow-striped £25 fitted sheet and matching £15 pillowcase certainly seal the deal for me.

If the recent flush of warm weather has had you realising your garden fence and shed are looking a little tired, it might be time for a repaint with one of this year's five trending paint colour combinations. for the garden.

Colour trends aren't just for indoors; our gardens have plenty of opportunities to be drenched in colour too. Bringing our interior tastes outside has been a big gardening trend for 2026. It’s all about expressing our personalities, and painting or choosing the best garden furniture in a new colour is one of the easiest ways to do that.

But if you need a little encouragement to get creative, here are the colour trends to test out in your garden this summer for a stylish new look.

1. Sage green and warm neutrals

Let’s start simple. Sage green is a soft, relaxing shade both indoors and outdoors, and when paired with a warm neutral colour, you can create a soothing spa garden retreat. It may be a simple combo, but it is by no means dull.

‘One combination we’re seeing a lot of is soft sage greens paired with warm neutrals, like sandy beiges or stone tones. It’s a really calming look that works beautifully with the natural tones and textures of the outdoors and helps create that relaxed, lived-in feel people are after,’ explains Donna Taylor, colour and design manager at Johnstone’s Paint.

2. Burgundy and pink

Warm tones are all the rage right now, and don’t be afraid to bold with a rich burgundy and pink pairing. This combination works perfectly for hosting areas, as it is warm, inviting and effortlessly stylish. Why not pair John Lewis’ burgundy salsa chairs (£149) with this B&Q sculptural side table (£60.49) for a bold look? Alternatively, for a softer look, pair earthier terracotta pink planters with a bold burgundy garden set like the one above.

‘For those looking to make more of a statement, deep burgundy paired with dusty or blush pink adds depth and sophistication. Rich burgundy anchors the space, while softer pink tones stop the palette from feeling too heavy. It's a combination that works especially well with flowering plants and creates a layered, designer feel,’ says Olly Cavner, operations director at Essential Living.

3. Yellow and white

If you want something fresh and exciting, try a sunny yellow, paired with a bright white. This colour combo can make your garden feel brighter and even larger - perfect for small spaces.

‘At the other end of the spectrum, sunny, buttery yellows with crisp whites or pale greys are having a moment too. They instantly brighten up fences, planters or garden furniture and bring a real sense of energy to the space - perfect for making smaller gardens feel brighter and more open,’ says Donna.

4. Ocean blue and beige

If you are looking for coastal garden ideas or Mediterranean garden ideas, this colour combination is begging for you to try it. Blue has been a huge interiors trend this year, so it feels only natural that it’s having its moment in the garden, too.

‘People are increasingly looking to create outdoor spaces that feel like an escape, and coastal-inspired palettes are growing in popularity as a result. Ocean blue accents combined with sandy beige tones bring a calm, holiday-inspired feel that's perfect for patios, outdoor dining areas and balconies. The colours feel light, airy and work beautifully in both contemporary and traditional gardens,’ says Olly.

5. Pink and blue

2026 has also seen a further increase in dopamine decor both inside and outside the home. So, if you’re keen to fill a garden with a characterful colour, give pink and blue a try.

‘It’s also hard to ignore the influence of ‘dopamine décor’, which is still going strong outdoors. We’re seeing more people mixing playful pops of colour - think bright blues, corals or even fuchsia with stripes or patterned textiles for a more relaxed, layered look,’ says Donna.

Are you tempted to try any of these trending colour combinations?

If you’ve ever wondered how the iconic Wimbledon lawns remain so lush and green, I’m about to let you into a little secret. Wimbledon groundskeepers use a wetting agent (which you can pick up for under £20 on Amazon) to keep lawns hydrated and fresh, even in hot weather.

Every year, while watching the tennis, I can't help but admire how the Wimbledon gardeners create such luscious displays, whatever the weather. I need their lawn ideas, and I need them to know.

But one thing I do know is that Wimbledon gardeners use a wetting agent, a formula that helps water soak more effectively into soil, boosting your chances of a healthy, green lawn in hot weather. While the exact wetting agent Wimbledon uses is likely to be top secret, here’s how the expert recommends you use one in your garden.

What is a wetting agent?

Neil Stubley, Wimbledon’s Head of Courts and Horticulture, told The Guardian last year about the use of wetting agents on the grounds.

‘It sounds a weird term but it makes water wetter. The surface tension of a water molecule, a plant root system, at a certain point, can’t penetrate it as the moisture gets smaller, because the surface tension is more. We can adjust that so that actually a plant root can tap into that water,’ he told the newspaper.

The reason Neil and his team opted for a wetting agent was to try to reduce water bills and tackle rising temperatures. Given that we’ve had record-breaking heat this year, could a wetting agent be the key to reviving a dry lawn?

‘A wetting agent is a chemical that reduces the surface tension of water. When applied to soil, it helps rain and water penetrate the turf and spread more efficiently,’ explains Jonathan Davis, a grass expert at Lawnsmith.

‘A perfect example of water’s surface tension at play is the old party trick where you balance a coin on top of a glass of water. And when you put a drop of washing up liquid in the water, the surface tension breaks and the coin immediately sinks.

‘Water can sometimes just run off soil, especially when the ground is dry and hard. By disrupting the water’s surface tension, a wetting agent immediately allows it to filter down through the soil, right to the roots where it’s most needed.’

Should you use a wetting agent this summer?

If you’ve been looking for ways to keep your lawn alive in a heatwave, a wetting agent can be a good idea, experts say.

‘It is recommended to use a wetting agent on your lawn during hot summers. This is because it can make watering more efficient and help to prevent heat stress. During warm weather, soil can harden and begin to repel water, leading it to run off instead of sinking in,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

‘A wetting agent can help to prevent this by allowing water to penetrate the soil, and when water can reach deeper into the soil, it can encourage deeper roots to develop to help your lawn survive through and recover from droughts. It is best to apply the wetting agent as a preventative before hot weather, but it can still be used during a heatwave to revive areas.’

Jonathan points out that the recent hosepipe bans and the expectation of more hot weather to come mean it is a good idea to use a wetting agent this summer. However, he warns that timing is key.

‘I’d recommend using a wetting agent to prepare your lawn for dry, summer conditions, supporting its hydration ahead of warmer weather,’ he says.

‘To get the best out of your product, apply it to your turf before watering or rainfall. Add it to the whole lawn or just to patches that need it.

‘If just treating specific dry areas, spread it further than the initial patch to ensure thorough coverage.’

Shop wetting agents

Would you try a wetting agent to achieve that luscious Wimbledon lawn? Or do you have different tricks up your sleeve for keeping grass green and hydrated?

On the Ideal Home team, we spend so much time hunting through the very best new products, so when we all collectively agree that a product has an ingenious design, then you know it's good.

Rechargeable lamps have gotten bigger and better over the last few years and are now mainstays in our kitchens and living rooms thanks to their versatility. The new Highclere rechargeable lamp from Next is putting every other rechargeable lamp to shame - and it's finally back in stock.

Designed to sit on a bookshelf, this clever rechargeable lamp looks like a marble bookend while the chic brass lamp shade and base sits out on a right angle. Here's why you should snap this up for your living room lighting ideas before it inevitably sells out again.

We're all about finding practical additions to our homes that are also pretty. Lighting is one of those areas where it is important to strike the right balance.

While rechargeable lamps offer a lot of versatility in terms of being able to move them around a room unrestricted by plug sockets, a shelf is where they often fall short. Unless you're positioning a lamp on the bottom shelf of a built-in bookshelf, it can be difficult to find a shelf that is high enough for a lamp.

Additionally, placing a lamp within the shelf will illuminate the area immediately on the shelf, rather than extending the light into the room.

This Next Highclere Lamp went out of stock a while back, and we've been carefully watching to see when it would return. As interior designer, Olivia Caplan explains above, the lamp slots perfectly next to books on a shelf, and is handily rechargeable which removes the need for wiring.

I love the appearance of wall sconces on built-in shelving, but adding these in needs to take place in the initial design period so that an electrician can wire them through the back of the shelves. This Next lamp is the perfect retrofit solution - you can slot it in where required and change the format of your shelf decor over time, too.

When this lamp was first released, it went out of stock super quickly. In the comments of Olivia's Instagram reel, many people have clearly been eagerly awaiting it's return, so you won't want to wait around before buying.

I've searched high and low for similar styles, but it seems like this Next lamp is one of the first of it's kind, particularly on the high street.

Rechargeable lamps are perfect for any corner of a living room, on a shelf or not - these alternatives from Next will look just as sweet in your space.

Shop more rechargeable lamps

As alfresco evenings become our norm, outdoor lighting is just as essential. Pooky's new release of outdoor lighting is one to watch, with colourful lanterns that will perfectly decorate any tablescape.

Wildlife experts have revealed the one job you should be doing every day in July to support birds and other garden wildlife - and it will only take up a minute of your time.

If you have a wildlife garden or love attracting birds to your outside space, it's paramount that your garden has everything our feathered friends would need to stay happy and healthy. This is often the big three: water, food and shelter.

In summer, hot weather and drought conditions can mean fresh water is hard to come by for birds. This is why wildlife experts are urging gardeners to leave out a fresh source of water for birds every day in July.

How to support birds in July

To help birds in hot weather, water is one of the most important things you can provide. Birds can’t sweat like humans, so water is one method they use to cool down. As a result, it’s a good idea to provide a bird bath (like this traditional-style £14.50 bird bath at B&Q) so birds can drink, bathe and play as they please.

‘The most important thing that you can do in July to support birds is to refill bird baths with fresh water daily. The warmer weather we experience in July means that other sources of water relied on by birds may have dried up, and they need to drink to replace the fluids they lose in the heat,’ says Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert from Vine House Farm.

‘You do not necessarily need a bird bath to give birds water, as a shallow dish will work just as well. Any bird baths or water dishes should be emptied and cleaned daily, then allowed to dry before filling, as this will reduce the spread of disease.

You’ll want to consider where to put a bird bath, as when in direct sunlight, water can evaporate and algae growth can be accelerated, while being too close to dense shrubs puts birds at greater risk of predators. The sweet spot is somewhere that stays relatively cool, and birds can spot danger - a couple of meters away from your hedgerow.

You also should think about purchasing a copper disk (£7.99, Amazon) or adding a penny to your bird bath, as copper can help reduce the growth of algae in your bird bath, improving its hygiene.

‘Providing water in the month of July is so important for many reasons, the main and most obvious one being the warmer weather. In July, rainfall is limited, and temperatures tend to be higher, making it more difficult for birds to access water to cool down, hydrate and maintain their feathers,’ adds James Ewens, bird specialist at Green Feathers.

‘Leaving out a shallow bowl of water takes away that extra stress for birds, ensuring they have a safe place to hydrate in the hot weather. It’s important to replenish this, especially in a heatwave.

‘Bathing also helps to prevent diseases by allowing birds to physically dislodge debris and mites. Birds need to be able to distribute their natural oils that naturally repel bacteria and deter feather-eating parasites.’

Bird baths

Refreshing a bird bath or bowl of water in your garden is a quick and easy job that you can commit to every day. And if you do, your birds and other garden wildlife will thank you for it.

I write about garden lighting almost every day in the summer, so it takes quite a bit to impress me. However, cult favourite lighting brand Pooky's new outdoor rechargeable lantern caught my attention immediately. I got to see these stylish garden lights IRL on the day of the launch – and to say that I ‘liked’ them would be a huge understatement.

The Pooky Stefan lantern by The Novogratz is easily the prettiest garden lighting idea I’ve seen this year. And I don’t say this lightly, especially since I’ve already seen some lovely outdoor lamps and lighting solutions this season as stylish and whimsical lighting is one of the biggest garden trends.

The outdoor rechargeable lanterns were created in collaboration with US design duo Cortney and Robert Novogratz, also known as The Novogratz. Available in five pretty colours, the collection was previously launched in the US last year, but now it's landed in the UK.

Pooky’s interior wireless lamps have been a huge success since day one and are among the brand’s top sellers. But this is the British brand’s first foray into outdoor rechargeable lights, utilising the same signature Genesis cell to power it as the company’s other wireless designs. This allows the lanterns to illuminate your outdoor space for anywhere from nine to 17 hours, depending on the chosen brightness, which can in turn be controlled with the included remote control.

I’m certain these outdoor lights will fly off the shelves in no time, especially given their unique design. I’ve never seen lanterns take on such a charming shape, reminiscent of bird houses or even bird feeders – but in the best way possible. And this becomes especially obvious if you choose to hang them up as Pooky is selling a specially designed lantern hook for £40 to go with these lanterns.

Not only do these lanterns boast an original shape and come in five beautiful shades, but there are also three sizes available to choose from, with prices starting at £140 for the smallest (and cutest) one.

Shop the range

The lanterns were launched in the US, on The Novogratz duo’s home turf, last year. Originally, they planned to keep the launch to the US, but after much demand they decided to bring them back to the UK.

When speaking to Jo Plant, chief creative officer at Pooky, she revealed that it was the dark blue ‘denim’ colourway that turned out to be the bestseller in the US, to her surprise. However, it’s the green ‘moss’ and the pink ‘blush’ that she predicts will do well here in the UK.

For Cortney Novogratz, the colourful aspect of the design was perhaps the most important and exciting, ‘What I love most is how we've brought much-needed colour to outdoor spaces - especially that vintage-toned pink - and the way the cordless technology allows these stunning designs to enhance any gathering without limitations.’

But if you’d like to bring some whimsy into your interiors, you can use these Pooky lanterns indoors, too, as I have done with my little denim blue number.

Which colourway have you got your eye on?

I'm somewhat obsessive about keeping a clean sink area. Seeing as I don't own a built-in dishwasher, keeping standards high can be difficult, but I think it's about to get a little bit easier with my discovery of IKEA'S £4 dishdrainer that's designed to be neatly hidden after use.

The concept of the IKEA SPJUTLILJA is simple: it's a slim bucket-shaped dish rack that you can use to quickly and efficiently put your dishes away once they are dry. It's tailor-made for small kitchens like mine and is compact enough to be easily packed away after use, too, so that I can have that clean-countertops look I've always dreamed of.

As a renter, until I can employ one of the off-worktop dish rack solutions of my dreams, this excellent £4 buy is going to see me through. Here's a closer look.

Despite its very enticing £4 price tag there are a few features built-in to this handy little buy that go a long way to helping keep your kitchen clean. The first of those is handles, so that you can take this mini bucket from the sink to your cupboards and cutlery draw with no difficult manoeuvring neccesary.

And if you're eagled eyed, you will have noticed that the SPJUTLILJA also has no holes for draingage. That's great news for carrying it around your kitchen but you may think is a lot less useful for successful drying.

That's where the textured surface on the bottom of this drainer comes into its own. The grooves and edges are designed to keep your dishes lifted above the base of the drainer, where the water will gather, leading to dry dishes that are quickly ready to be put away.

As well as being ideal for compact kitchens (like mine!), this drainer also doubles up as a handy travel piece if you own a mobile home or like to go camping. As per IKEA's website, it is only suitable for the washing up of 1-2 people due to its small nature. But if you wanted a supplementary putting away drainer for your larger family kitchen, it could work for that too.

If you're lucky enough to have a dishwasher, this drainer could be another supplementary piece to help you lift everything out of your appliance and put it away around your kitchen too.

Keeping a sink area tidy is a topic of constant discussion here at Ideal Home. Just last week our Editor-in-Chief Heather Young was singing the praises of this inexpensive stone rest, which is perfect for keeping the area dry and banishing damp.

Lots of editors on the team also swear by Joseph Joseph for their sink essentials. Their dish drying racks have genius features, including multi-levels and carry-away cutlery holders. Here's a few of the tidy-sink picks that the team couldn't be without.

Alternatives

With these clever buys, you'll be closer to a cleaner sink at all times of the day – I guarantee it!

If you’ve noticed the temperature is about to spike once again at the end of the week, don’t panic. Experts have revealed six jobs to prepare your kitchen in time for the July heatwave.

While the last heatwave left us desperately seeking ways to cool a home, purchasing the best fans and desperately checking to see if the best portable air conditioners were back in stock, this time around, it pays to be prepared.

When you’re hot and bothered, the last thing you want to do is clean a kitchen. So, experts recommend completing these six kitchen tasks now before the weather heats up. You’ll thank yourself later!

1. Clean your kitchen bins

Unfortunately, stinky bins are often synonymous with hot weather. Heat speeds up the process of decay, which can cause some pretty funky smells. So, it’s really important to keep on top of bin hygiene when the weather heats up to avoid attracting flies and making your kitchen stink.

‘The warm weather provides the ideal conditions for bacterial growth and the breakdown of food, which is why kitchen bins are often the biggest culprits for unpleasant smells in the summer,' explains Heather Nixon, sustainability manager at Bio-D.

'Giving your kitchen bin a thorough wash before temperatures rise removes food residue that causes the odours. It’s also worth emptying food waste more regularly during hot spells as this reduces the window of opportunity for odours and bacteria to develop.'

To help reduce odour, you can buy charcoal bin filters for £14.50 at Amazon. These are great at absorbing and neutralising unpleasant odours.

2. Clean and check your extrator fan

Do you remember the last time you cleaned your extractor fan? Well, now is as good a time as any, as these fans can be really helpful when your kitchen feels too hot.

‘Extractor fans can be your friends in heatwaves as they pull warm, humid air out of the kitchen, especially when you're cooking or doing the washing up. Before the heat arrives, give the fan and filter a deep clean to make sure it’s working as efficiently as possible, so it can help stop hot, stuffy air sitting in the room,’ says Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT, heating and cooling specialists.

3. Clean the dishwasher

While your dishwasher is likely to be your best friend during a heatwave, it’s a good idea to give it a clean before the heat hits, particularly if you want to reduce the risk of bad smells.

‘Dishwashers can easily become a hidden source of unpleasant odours during hot weather. The remaining food particles, grease, and moisture from previous cycles can build up around the filter and door seals and combined with higher temperatures, it can make smells that usually go undetected much more noticeable,’ says Heather.

‘Pre-empting this before a heatwave begins by removing the dishwasher filter, wiping around the rubber seals and running an empty maintenance cycle with some rinse aid is an easy way of reducing odours and preventing homes from becoming even more uncomfortable with the heat.’

4. Plan no-oven meals

During a heatwave, my kitchen is a firm no-oven zone. I normally opt for plenty of salads (MOB Fresh has some delicious non-boring salads) during the summer, so I don’t have to use my hob or oven. This helps reduce the amount of excess heat in my kitchen.

In the meantime, it's a good idea to degrease your oven and give the inside a clean to remove any food residue before the heat hits (and causes potential odour), and so it is lovely and clean when the time comes to return to heart

‘We all love a home-cooked meal, but this can actually turn your kitchen into a furnace without you realising. Ovens and hobs are some of the biggest culprits in the kitchen. We’ve all got to eat, but if you can plan a few meals that don’t need the oven, or can be cooked earlier in the day or later in the evening, it can help stop the kitchen from becoming unbearably hot during the afternoon,’ says Angus.

5. Wash cleaning cloths

Lastly, you’ll need to clean your kitchen cleaning cloths ahead of the temperature increase. Not only do they become smelly, but they can harbour bacteria, too. Two things that contradict the whole point of a cleaning cloth!

‘Damp dishcloths and cleaning cloths can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, and this is sped up when temperatures rise. Before a heatwave arrives, give your kitchen cloths a thorough wash and make sure they're able to dry completely between uses, rather than leaving them scrunched up beside the sink. This is a simple yet effective preventative habit to get into to stop further bacterial and odour build-up,’ says Heather.

6. Give your fridge and freezer a clean and clear out

Now is also the perfect time to clean your fridge and freezer. Bin any old food, and ensure you wipe away any stains or spillages. This helps reduce smells and helps your appliance work more efficiently.

'The warmer it gets, the more strain is put on your fridge-freezer, so getting a few small jobs done before the hot weather hits can help prevent it from breaking down just as you need to stock up on ice cream,' says Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare.

'First, give your fridge and freezer a quick clear-out. Throw away any out-of-date food, nearly empty jars or gone-off vegetables, and make sure you're not overpacking shelves or blocking the air vents. While a reasonably full fridge and freezer can help maintain a stable temperature, good airflow is key to keeping the appliance running efficiently during hot weather.

'It is also worth giving the fridge-freezer a quick maintenance check. Pull it slightly away from the wall if you can, so there is enough ventilation around the back, and try to keep it out of direct sunlight. Wiping up spills, checking the door seals and making sure nothing is blocking the vents can all help the appliance cope better when the kitchen is warm.'

What you need

How many of these jobs have you ticked off so far?