Up until recently, a grey sofa was a popular go-to neutral sofa colour that many people embraced in their homes. But now, those once on-trend cool greys look dated, tied to a particular time in the recent decorating past. Instead, brown is the new neutral that people favour these days when choosing a new sofa. But is the brown sofa about to become the new grey sofa in a couple of years time?

Brown is the single biggest sofa trend of 2026 which was already on the rise last year. And it’s one that I thoroughly enjoy and get fully behind. But given the sudden rise in popularity of this particular shade, it makes me - and others - wonder whether the fate of brown sofas is similar to the grey ones’. So I asked five interior designers - the experts - to weigh in.

And I must say I was glad - and somewhat relieved - to hear them all unanimously agree that a brown sofa is a timeless choice that will stand the test of time in their opinion. Phew! And here's why.

Why are brown sofas trending?

In the last couple of years at least, home decor trends have been leaning towards interiors that feel cosy, comfortable and relaxing more than ever before. This has given a rise to earthier shades as the biggest colour trends, with brown leading the charge.

‘Sofas in brown shades have definitely been proving popular recently,’ says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs. ‘We're embracing richer, warming and more cocooning colours in the home now, and brown works because it brings warmth and depth to a room. With so many shades from the softer caramels and tans through to the rich, chocolate tones, brown is becoming a timeless and versatile choice that works well with an array of bold colours, patterns and textures to create characterful spaces. A brown sofa also won't become dated quickly, so long as you choose a style and shade that you really love.’

Why is a brown sofa a timeless investment?

Although brown sofas are currently trending, their innate cosiness and warmth are timeless. Not to mention that the likes of brown leather sofas have always been popular in homes and interiors – so there’s a strong case for the staying power of brown sofas.

‘I don’t think brown sofas are at risk of becoming the new millennial grey,’ says Nicky Emlick, interior designer and creative director at Sofa.com. ‘Grey can sometimes feel quite flat or cool, whereas brown has more depth and warmth, which gives it a little more character. I also think brown has a history in interiors that goes beyond current trends. We’ve seen it used for decades, particularly with classic leather sofas, so it has already proved that it can stand the test of time. Of course, any colour can be overdone, but I think a brown sofa in a considered, timeless shape is unlikely to feel dated simply because the trend moves on.’

My top brown sofa picks for every budget

While I certainly gravitate mostly towards chocolate brown tones of sofas, there’s a whole range of brown shades to choose from. And it’s all about choosing the right one for you and your space, as interior architect and designer Laura Callueew points out, ‘I would absolutely invest in brown. It's natural, versatile and timeless — but the right shade of brown should always be chosen in relation to the mood you want the room to have.’

Are you getting a brown sofa for your lounge?

If you want your lawn to look its best after this record-breaking summer of heat and drought (and of course you do), then experts say there's one mowing habit you should stop immediately. Can you guess what it is?

Yes, lawn care is very much at the top of our minds at the moment, largely because all of our grass looks so sad and crispy after all of that relentless dry weather. (There's a reason yours truly is waving goodbye to my lawn completely!) Still, while it can be tempting to try and get your grass looking perfectly neat with a close cut, mowing too short at this time of year could actually be doing more harm than good.

Think about it: after weeks of sunshine and limited rainfall, many lawns are already under pressure. Cutting the grass too low? That removes much of the leaf that the plant relies on to produce energy, while also exposing the soil to more direct sunlight, causing it to dry out even faster (a recipe for trouble).

The mowing habit experts say to stop this month

The good news is that it's a simple adjustment to your lawn care calendar is all it really takes to keep things looking their best; you just need to drop one mowing habit.

Rather than aiming for a freshly cropped finish, lawn experts recommend leaving your grass a little longer to help it cope with the lingering effects of summer heat and prepare for the cooler months ahead.

According to Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, mowing too closely is one of the biggest mistakes gardeners can make towards the end of summer.

'At this time of year, cutting the grass too short will leave it stressed,' he says, 'and shorter grass has less leaf surface to photosynthesise, which means less shade for the soil, leading it to dry out and be significantly more stressed than other times of the year.'

'During a drought, lawns are already stressed enough and shouldn't need mowing at all,' he adds.

If your lawn has stopped growing during particularly dry conditions, it's often better to leave it alone altogether. Established grass naturally slows or even stops growing during drought as a survival mechanism, so mowing isn't always necessary until rainfall returns.

That being said, if the lawn does need a tidy-up, Morris says raising the mower blades is a simple way to reduce stress on the grass. 'If your lawn does need to be trimmed, make sure your mower blades are raised and leave the grass slightly longer,' he explains.

'A taller lawn helps retain moisture, protects the roots from heat and can make the grass more resilient during periods of drought. It also provides valuable habitat for insects and other garden wildlife.'

Morris adds, 'Leaving the lawn to grow longer could actually leave it healthier, greener and better prepared for the months ahead'.

Post-summer lawn care essentials

FAQs

While a freshly cut lawn may look satisfying, ditching that one mowing habit and resisting the urge to scalp it now can pay off in the long run. By simply raising your mower blades and only cutting when necessary, you'll help your lawn retain moisture, protect its roots and recover more quickly from the stresses of the summer we're all still reeling from.

Come autumn, that extra patience is likely to be rewarded in the form of greener, healthier grass that's ready for the growing season ahead. Hey, if that's not a reason to stick the mower back in the shed and relax, we don't know what is!

For many, kitchens are considered to be the heart of the home. It’s where they wander to in the morning for that first sip of coffee, where they share laughs with friends, or enjoy a wholesome dinner with those they love.

A cramped kitchen can feel incredibly claustrophobic, restricted and unwelcoming, making it less of a space of sanctuary and more one you wish to leave as soon as possible. There are so many ways that a kitchen can become a cramped space too, especially when you’re working with a small kitchen like mine!

To help identify the problem areas that are making your kitchen look more cramped that it actually is I spoke to Helen Parker, creative director of deVol Kitchens, Fred Horlock, design director at British kitchen and home furnishing company Neptune, and kitchen design expert Tamsin Holland from Paula Rosa Kitchens.

They explained how colours and finishes in a kitchen can make a space feel more closed in, as can surplus furniture and items that create visual clutter. These were their top tips for the things that are making your kitchen appear cluttered and cramped and what you can do about it for a quick fix to open up the space.

1. Keeping too many items on your counters

Kitchen surfaces often find themselves becoming home to all sorts, from gadgets and decor to house keys, books, and more. However, the more items you leave out on your counters, the busier and, in turn, more cramped your kitchen is going to look.

Helen explains: ‘Kitchen clutter is a problem and is not the way to keep a calm and simple space. Just be selective; there is nothing more unappealing than a busy kitchen full of stuff, with no space to cook or enjoy the simplicity of something beautiful.’

Being selective about what you leave on your kitchen counters, as Helen suggests, will free up space, instantly opening up your kitchen visually. It will also allow you to see the items you love more, as choosing less with intention will allow each individual item to stand in its pride of place.

Something that has worked for me to help keep clutter at bay on my surfaces is using an attractive basket or a kitchen tray as a drop zone. Something neutral like the VonHaus Seagrass Storage Baskets from Amazon will give you a home for those little things that end up everywhere so your kitchen looks less cramped.

2. Using too many colours and finishes

If a kitchen is decked out in all the world’s colours and finishes, it can end up looking fussy and cramped. This is even more likely the case in smaller kitchens, which already run a higher risk of looking cramped due to their limited capacity.

Fred suggests sticking to one main kitchen colour scheme and accenting with others that complement the shade well to make your cramped kitchen look and feel as spacious as possible. He shares: ‘By painting cabinets, walls and even the ceiling in single or related shades, you soften the room's edges and remove visual interruptions, allowing the eye to move fluidly through the space.’

Light sage, dusty pinks or tranquil blues are good places to start when considering a colour palette for your kitchen. These are all relatively bright but also neutral, meaning they will work well with a lot of other tones, finishes and materials in the room.

3. Using dark colours without balance

An entirely dark kitchen will lack the balance achieved through adding contrasting accent pieces which lift the space and prevent it from looking flat and cramped.

Dark colours can look gorgeous and super classy in a kitchen though. If you’re hoping to keep a deeper palette in yours but don’t want it to look cramped, Tamsin advises: ‘Limiting darker shades to one key element and balancing them with lighter finishes helps create impact without making the kitchen feel heavy. A common approach is to keep deeper tones to lower cabinetry or an island, which grounds the space without closing it in.’

If you’re unsure what colours to opt for, using a tool like the RAL K5 Colour Chart from Amazon can be a great source of inspiration.

4. Overfilled open shelving

Open shelving is perfect for displaying what you love and keeping your kitchen items within reach. However, the downside of open shelving is how quickly it can look cluttered and cramp your kitchen if too much is stored inside.

To help remedy this, pause to first ask yourself these two questions when choosing to put an item on open shelving: Do I really love seeing this every day? and Do I need this to be something easily accessible? From there you can curate your open shelving to be both aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

Tamsin adds: ‘Open shelving should feel well put together; if every shelf is packed, dust and grease have more places to settle.’

5. Excessive cabinetry

Wall-to-wall cabinets are excellent for providing extra storage but they can very much box your kitchen in and make it look cramped. Fortunately, there are ways to help with this that don’t involve dismantling a cabinet or two.

Fred suggests: ‘Including softer items like table lamps and artwork gives the space a more multifunctional feel and eases harsh lines.’

You can also paint your cabinets in a softer tone like cream or light brown or in a tone that matches your kitchen walls so that the cabinets stand out less in the space. This way, they won’t be a feature, instead blending into the kitchen as opposed to standing out.

If your kitchen is starting to feel a bit on the cosy side (and not in a good way) it might be down to one of these five culprits.

Having moved into her dream home in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, 13 years previously, Amanda Malone longed for a big, sociable kitchen space. So a year later, she embarked on a major renovation.

‘I went for a white laminate kitchen, with a grey tiled floor, but ten years on, it really wasn't working for us anymore. There was a problem with the laminate, which had started peeling off, plus the appliances were failing. The kitchen was too modern for the house, if I'm being honest, and felt a bit cold as our tastes changed.'

There was also a big problem with the layout. The large kitchen island had been sited facing the garden with the table in front of it, which restricted the space. ‘We could see that by flipping the island to face the side wall and placing the dining table on the other side, we'd have far more room, although we weren't altering the footprint.'

After looking at a few companies and not quite finding what she wanted, the answer came at the gym. ‘I got chatting to a woman who turned out to own a kitchen company locally, and she asked if she could come and price the job.'

Being able to explain exactly what she wanted and have it tailored to her needs was the key to moving forward. ‘This time round, I wanted solid wood, plus I wanted to introduce lots of colour. It ended up not being any more expensive to have it so personalised.'

Finding enough space for a sizeable kitchen pantry and a breakfast station were two of Amanda's essentials. ‘As I'm quite small, our old cupboards were a bit of a nightmare as they were too deep, and I had no idea what was in the back of them. So, the pantry shelves are quite shallow, and I can see everything at a glance, plus I can close the doors, and it's all out of sight.'

Having been brave in the open-plan snug next to the kitchen, painting the walls mauve, Amanda was ready to inject more colour. ‘It had to be something that went with the mauve but wasn't the same.'

A big fan of William Morris prints, Amanda started with the wallpaper. ‘I had to take down the kitchen wallpaper, which had a lot of yellow in it, but I was thrilled to see there was another version in pinks. I picked the green and pink out of the wallpaper for the units and the island. I was nervous about the pink right up until the day it was painted, but now I love it.'

Steering away from shiny chrome for handles and tap was a deliberate plan, and Amanda searched out a white ceramic double sink on the Internet. ‘I love the fluted detail. I've kept the tap traditional in a muted polished nickel.'

A blank wall has been given a lift by creating a display for plates. ‘My kids think it's old-fashioned, but I really like the plates. They're all modern designs, and I never pay more than £10 each. It's putting a new twist on an old theme.'

An oak dining table and wooden sideboard added a touch of extra warmth. ‘As the walls are plain, I've also used panelled sections of my wallpaper, which helps tie in the two sides of the kitchen.'

‘Putting up shelves onto a section of wallpaper has created a place to display favourite bits and pieces. ‘I went for a slightly industrial look for the brackets, and the shelves were amazing value on eBay. I'm just over five feet tall, so I added a hook to have a permanent place for my stool, which I need when I'm reaching for the top of the cupboards.'

‘The change of colour scheme has meant investing in some new everyday green crockery and some pink and green candlesticks to complement the new solid oak table, which echoes the wooden shelves and wood-effect floor. I'm really pleased with the crockery as it's very good quality and great value.'

With touches of wood in the shelving and a wood-effect floor, the kitchen now feels in tune with the rest of the house, which Amanda documents on Instagram @the_decor_addict. ‘It's a party kitchen, and we've even freed up space for a small dance floor!'

Get Amanda's look

HexClad pans have been everywhere in the foodie world in the last few years, including in the kitchen of Gordon Ramsay, who is the brand's global ambassador.

Though I've tried a few picks from HexClad before, including the ultra-thin griddle pan made for pancakes, it was my trusted reviewer Home Economist Helen McCue who put the brand's full 7-piece set to the test back in 2024 in her review. She awarded the set five stars, saying these pans 'definitely live up to the hype'.

To see what all the fuss is about, I got my hands on the brand's Hybrid Pan (£149 via HexClad) back in June and I've been using it as my everyday best frying pan ever since. Here's what I like (and don't like!) about this bestselling pan after four months of continuous use.

1. The non-stick has held up well

I've used this pan a lot over the last few months and one thing that you can't fault with it is the non-stick. Though this pan does feature a non-stick coating of sorts, it's free from the 'forever chemicals' that many people are seeking to avoid.

With a little bit of oil, cooking eggs in this pan is a dream. That's still true even all these months on. That's probably to do with the fact that this pan, similar to my favourite ever pan from Our Place's Titanium range, has a raised, grooved interior. I find those grooves really help to caramelise and crisp whatever you're frying and mean that you can safely use metal utensils this pan without a worry. That's a huge plus for me.

The same non-stick capability goes for cheesy or other sticky foods too. That is, bearing in mind, if you follow the golden rule of not turning your heat all the way up to high when you cook. I think this is a fairly little-known thing about HexClad pans, but once you follow it you'll find that you're scraping food off your pan a lot less.

Of course, thanks to the non-stick elements within this pan it's a lot easier to get to grips to compared to uncoated stainless steel. Our expert Home Economist Helen McCue's retrospective on testing Ninja's newest stainless steel pan range has a great insight into making the switch to this harder-to-master material.

When I first started using this pan, I was having to use a truly dreadful electric cooktop, and this was the only piece of cookware that I could get any kind of result with. They're induction compatible too.

2. It cleans excellently

Thanks to its non-stick build, this pan is really easy to clean. It's not recommended that you put this pan into the dishwasher all the time (but you can occasionally and trust me, I have taken them up on that).

Unlike uncoated stainless steel, this pan has stayed immaculate now that I'm four months into using it. That includes the bottom of the pan too, which is the part exposed to my gas hob. It's survived without any scorch marks.

This is also a very lightweight pan (it weighs less than 700 grams), so handwashing it doesn't feel like such a pain. That's one thing it has over my beloved Our Place Titanium pan, which is weighty indeed.

3. It's versatile

I've been using this as my everyday pan for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it's excelled at a huge range of cooking tasks. Of course, it's great to use for frying specific needs like pancakes and tofu thanks to its shape and the fact that it comes with a lid is also great for saucier dishes.

It's not necessarily the best shape for all-in-one style dishes like the chicken fajita bowl pictured, but when put up to tasks like that it's still a very versatile workhorse. My preference is still for a pan that's slightly deeper day to day though – the brand's Deep Saute is probably a better fit for those things.

4. It's not quite big enough for batch cooking

I love doing big cooking sessions where I get multiple meals out of the way and I need a pan that can live up to that job. In many sense this pan is perfect for that (the great non-stick and easy clean nature) but in this 25cm size, it's fundamentally not quite big enough for all my needs.

When making the stovetop lasagne for four pictured below I really pushed the limits of this pan capacity wise so if you were cooking for any more than that, you'd definitely struggle. If you're considering this pan for family cooking, I'd either size up or consider the sauté-style pan I mentioned above instead.

Now I'm well established with using this pan, I'd definitely recommend HexClad as a brand to invest in for the long-term. If it's good enough for Gordon Ramsay, after all...

Strategist and content creator Francesca Swan is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on the concept of 'Everything' and what makes a home special to you. See the rest of her articles here.

If you regularly frequent this little corner of the internet (thank you and welcome back!), you will already be well versed in my Everything design philosophy. If you’re new here, you’re also very welcome – in fact, you’ve arrived at a very good time.

I am passionate about creating moments of beautiful connection in our homes that submerge us richly and deeply. For a second, that feeling is Everything, all that exists – the antithesis of nothing. These moments matter, because our noisy world becomes still and we feel present and grounded.

I devised the Everything Test to help me join the dots between this ephemeral holy grail and how I design my home. I’m relatively new to interiors and often struggle to define my style. I hoped that by properly investigating why I repeatedly choose and love certain things, some clear guiding principles would emerge. In turn, this might make my ever-flighty creative muse more reliable, reducing costly, time-consuming mistakes in the long run.

The question 'Do I like this?' (often a changeable answer on any given day) is replaced by something simpler and easier; "Does this belong in my story?".

Having ventured down this rabbit hole, I then began to wonder how the Everything Test actually worked in real life. It’s all well and good doing it myself, but would it hold up and deliver under the scrutiny of others?

I embarked upon some highly scientific (ahem) research and inveigled a crack team of wonderful creators whose diverse homes I hugely admire, to complete the Test and share their findings with me.

A huge thank you to these infinitely generous and talented creatives who contributed to bring this to life. So much life in fact, this is Part One of Two!

Stepping up to bat this week: Helen, Natasha, Tess and Laurie.

The 'Everything Test' in a nutshell

Firstly and very importantly, several commented how much they enjoyed doing it. Which, in truth, made my day, because this shouldn’t feel like homework – it should be fun!

Doing the Test is simple. You can find the full version here, but in a nutshell: walk slowly around your home and consciously use all your senses to pick five to eight special pieces that instinctively spark your Everything feeling.

Ask of each piece: What does it make me feel? Why do I own this? What story does it tell? Would I choose it again? What does it reveal about me?

Look for the themes: stories, memories, colours, shapes, materials, texture, provenance, craft, humour, nostalgia, practicality, people, places, values.

Then ask what they reveal about your personality, experiences, how you want your home to feel and the decisions you make. The answers begin to form your Everything design language.

One test, four very different homes

The homes featured could not look more different. Natasha’s graphic, eclectic and colour-confident; Tess’s period home punctuated by marble and art; Laurie’s restoration warm and quietly considered; Helen’s layered with vintage, pattern and colour.

So, what happened when they stopped describing their style and started digging to find what lay beneath it?

1. Helen Somers

Helen describes herself as 'a lover of colour, pattern, vintage and heritage. Decor can be slightly excessive but absolutely no beige'. Her experience with the Test gave me some very positive early news:

'This has been very enlightening – goodness, you’ve got me thinking. So much so, I actually did it twice!

'I always say my style is lots of colour and pattern. I still think that’s true, but I’m also shocked at just how much vintage and natural wood I have.

'I love the idea that homes and furnishings have history, which also explains my love of one-off pieces that feel unmistakably ours. My living room display cabinet and its handcrafted detailing. The touch and smell of an Edwardian sideboard in the hall. My brassy and sassy cinema chairs living their best life. All these pieces have a unique story and character.

'Red is everywhere – it’s so joyful and lifts my mood.

'Texture and natural materials are important – silk, wool, cotton, glass, marble and wood. I’m very tactile and far more interested in how a home feels, than creating a showroom. I want my home and guests to feel comfortable, so a slightly scuffed velvet cushion is most welcome.

'After my first take on the Test, I later also realised how happy my marble fireplace makes me. It was reclaimed from a stately home being demolished and we have given it a new home, so it lives to fight another day. I love touching and appreciating the chips, wondering who else has done the same over the years. It’s definitely part of my Everything; made from a natural material, pattern in the marble AND a pop of red with the William de Morgan tiles I adore.

'I’m very drawn to pattern; I find it soothing and joyful. I was initially surprised that some of my choices were “plain” wood, however I’ve re-examined them and each piece has pattern – inlay on the glass cabinet, the shape and form of my classic Ercol table.

'Then I realised how little "new" mass-produced stuff I have. I bitterly regret our built-in wardrobes. We do have modern kitchen cabinets, as a compromise with my husband who likes a more contemporary look, however I then added a vintage display cabinet to soften and age the space.

'I’m also more aligned to durability than I initially thought. I grew up in a make-do-and-mend family; we never threw things out if they still had purpose and I’ve inherited these values. I’d rather source crockery and cutlery from vintage outlets than the high street.

'Now knowing how fundamental the vintage/mismatched/layered approach is for me, I don’t think I’ll rush decisions like fitted furniture again. I love the idea of repurposing and giving furniture new life. Perhaps that’s why I’m enjoying my upholstery course so much?!”'

For Helen, taking the time to let her findings settle, then revealed something deeper and more meaningful she hadn’t consciously realised before.

I admire how she applies her wonderful eye for design by using vintage to balance her husband's taste for modern. A useful practical example of two styles living harmoniously together under one roof.

2. Natasha Landers

Natasha wears many hats (literally!): interior designer, gallery owner, curator and location homeowner. Her favourite phrases are 'there is never too much art' and 'shop from home'. She’s a big fan of slow renos, which she’s applied to her home of 26 years.

Natasha's response was short and confident – she is an experienced interiors and creative professional, and it shows.

'My home is highly curated and everything has been picked with a curator’s eye. Each piece is intentional and has attached meaning, as if its own story. As much as aesthetics are important to me, the stories I associate with these things are what makes it feel like my home.

'A piece of art called “don’t touch my hair”, because as a black woman I navigate a world where I have to stop white people seeing my hair as a curiosity that they can touch without permission.

'My mid-century coffee table bought from a house clearance sale. The woman selling it used to play cards and do jigsaws with her brother as a child.

'The yellow wall organiser in my kitchen, which is the perfect balance of design and practicality. My green velvet sofa in my living room, designed to my specification and reflecting my personality (also my favourite colour).

'I wasn’t surprised by the findings, as I create my home wearing my interior design hat. This means I consciously think about the stories my pieces tell, along with their curation and how they align with my values.

'This is a great test for anyone trying to find the important elements that create a unique home. It simply reaffirmed how much my home reflects me and my design style: colour, upcycling, eclectic and rebellious.'

That point matters. Natasha naturally has a wider design vocabulary and an established way of interrogating taste, because it's literally her job. For many of us – faced with too much choice, too many tabs open, too much Pinterest – the real question is often just: where on earth do I even start?

3. Tess Atkinson

Tess is a recent London leaver, now renovating her Georgian home in the countryside whilst raising her two girls. She pens a Substack called The Lost & Found Club and her findings were a particularly delightful read.

'It’s nice to notice an element of madness and fun. My chosen things literally do spark joy, trigger memories and make me happy.

'A chrome crown fruit bowl – a total bonkers piece that everyone should have. My “Jane Fonda Workout” book makes me smile so much. I love her and this book is so stunningly of its time, reminding me of simple pleasures. The Beata Heuman bow handles on my wardrobe drawers are also very pleasing to me; they feel special to use and their shape is a fun way to elevate the room.

'A Ren Condry painting of very glitzy ladies in our living room, which we first fell for in a gallery when I’d tagged along with my husband’s work trip. Unbeknownst to me, he then bought it for my birthday, hiding it under our bed for weeks before he gave it to me.

'The gorgeously bright Alicante Rosso marble in our en-suite and the detail on the vanity turned the room from a beige box into a beautiful jewel.

'My number one vintage find: a Constance Spry vase from Fulham Pottery. When we viewed our home, I pictured this exact vase on the living room mantlepiece, so when I found one for an embarrassingly low price, it felt like I’d struck gold. My heart was racing and I was sweating a little, as you do only when you find amazing vintage. I remember that every time I look at it.

'I am surprised that my favourites were the mad pieces – perhaps my style is a little more eccentric than I’d given myself credit for? I was trying to be chic and pick classics, but if I’m being true to myself, it is the silly things that draw me in. I’m encouraged to lean more into the fun elements of design, which then sit alongside practicalities.

'Perhaps they also reveal a commitment to quality products, good materials and to not take things too seriously, which is exactly how I want people to read my home. It’s a grand space, with gorgeous original features, but we are a young family who like to live life fully, which you can see in these pieces and their meaning.

'Some of my items are decades old, whereas others are newer, but importantly, all of them will now stay with me for life. I don't want a home that lasts just one season – I want it to work and evolve over a lifetime. My pieces also aren't space-specific; they could, and likely will, move around and that's exciting. I love shopping my own home!

'It’s also reminded me that Rome wasn’t built in a day and it’s more fun to slowly find pieces with meaning than buy something because ‘we need a rug in that spot’. Sometimes we should let the right piece find us and make a home for it.

'It proves to me there just isn’t a one-size-fits-all interior design ethos. A home simply must have pieces with stories and nuance, or you’re entering catalogue territory.'

Interesting…slow considered shopping, fun and not taking it too seriously, not to mention more stories and meaning. Also, top marks to Tess’s husband for such a marvellous birthday present.

4. Laurie Morgan

Laurie is the creator of Bricks & Boughs, documenting the restoration of her Victorian country home in the Surrey countryside. With a background in home and interiors, she takes a considered, instinctive approach to creating spaces that feel lived in, layered and full of character.

'I adore my old farmhouse kitchen table. I wish I could say it’s been in our family for generations, but it was a Facebook Marketplace find. It carries the marks of a long life, and I love to think about all the people who have sat and shared meals around it, making memories over the years. There’s something special about giving a piece with so much history a new chapter.

'I fell in love with the George Nelson Apple Bubble Light whilst working at Heal’s during university and thought how wonderful it would be to eventually own one. Years later, when we bought our first home, it was one of the first pieces I invested in and it’s been with me ever since. It’s a design classic, but to me it represents the beginning of my interiors career and those early days on the shop floor, where much of my love for design started.

'I thought my least favourite colour was probably yellow. But some colours simply speak to you and I could instantly picture Butter BH by Mylands London in our family bathroom. The way the light moved and the warmth of the yellow against the raw terracotta floor just felt right.

'A collage artwork my mum made for my daughter’s first birthday is incredibly special to me and the story behind it makes it even more meaningful. My mum suffers from rheumatoid arthritis in her hands and can barely hold a coffee cup, yet over a year she painstakingly cut out hundreds of tiny pictures and assembled the most beautiful and thoughtful piece of art I will ever own.

'When selecting fixtures and fittings for our restoration, it was important to create a sense of continuity, so I’ve used Corston Architectural throughout. From kitchen handles and light switches to wardrobe hardware, the consistent narrative of these subtle yet thoughtful details quietly brings the whole house together.

'I’ve noticed that what I choose to surround myself with hasn’t appeared overnight and is a considered blend of the new, the old and the storied. In the end, I’m drawn to things that feel they belong rather than simply fill a space.

'As much as I love perfect homes in magazines, I want our family and friends to feel they can relax here and for our home to be lived in and enjoyed. If a glass of red wine leaves a stain on the kitchen table, then so be it. We’ll always remember the good time we had.

'I would now describe my interior style less through aesthetics; what drives my design process is actually creating experiences and, ultimately, memories. Of course I care about how things look, but I’m more interested in how a space makes you feel and what you touch, hear and smell. You might not consciously notice these small sensory details, but they make a house feel like home.

'It’s reconfirmed for me that to create a space that works for you, you should always trust your instincts.'

Laurie’s findings are different, but also the same in many ways. It’s clear that slow design, even more stories and memories, are recurring themes alongside the importance of comfort and experience.

So, did the test actually work?

Encouragingly (and much to my relief!), everyone discovered something useful, whether new or simply reaffirming something they already knew. The Test helped to both confirm and uncover. It clarified something unconscious or half-formed, with either a lightning-bolt realisation or a slow revelation.

Ultimately, it’s not just about the very different things in these homes – the main takeaway is the stories they hold and our relationship with them. Values, memory, identity, sensory experience, instinct, humour and plain old joy all matter equally. Things that stand the test of time, small yet vital details, along with unique vintage and personal treasures, also get the seal of approval.

What is your 'Everything' made of?

My hope is simply that the Everything Test gives you a fun starting point to understand your own style, trust your instincts and help future-proof your design decisions against the algorithm.

Perhaps you can then experiment more freely and confidently, knowing you’re more likely to make lasting choices and create a cohesive, meaningful and personal home that grows slowly with you?

Maybe try it as a couple or family to discover the shared ground uniting your design languages under one roof, rather than shoehorning everybody into one?

As I write this, I’ve also been reflecting on whether my own Everything Test findings were too broad. I'm relatively new to interiors and often overly conscious of what people think of me and my home. Did I perhaps unconsciously lean to what I thought people wanted to hear rather than the truest possible answer?

It's very easy to drift towards what's deemed tasteful, rather than what may be unglamorously true. This Test is intended to be an antidote to exactly that. The answers may be funny. Odd. Universally tasteless, even. None of that matters. What’s important is it’s true to you, and you alone.

But we are only halfway through. Do the same threads of story, memory and attachment show up in the next chapter? Does the professional versus non-professional gap hold? Or does the second group complicate everything I think I've just learned? And what happens if I sit down and redo my own Test?

In the meantime, have at it! Pick your five to eight pieces and ask yourself why. What's your Everything actually made of? Tag me with your findings – I’m fascinated to see what you discover.

Part Two is coming… stay tuned!

There is no getting away from the fact that building an extension is a costly and disruptive process. Not that I'm saying it's a bad idea – but if there is a way of gaining the extra space you crave for less money and with minimal upheaval to everyday life, it seems foolish to not at least consider it. And that is where a garage conversion comes in.

If you currently have a garage that is contributing very little to the way you use your home, it could just be the best way to get the kitchen extension you've been dreaming of. That said, conversions like this are not without their challenges – not least when it comes to making the new space feel like part of the original house rather than an awkward add-on.

To ensure you get the very most out of the new space your garage conversion will be giving you, I'm here with all the advice you need to transform it into a beautiful new kitchen that feels like it has always been there .

Do garage conversions make good kitchen extensions?

Whether or not converting your garage to extend your kitchen space is a wise move very much depends on the garage in question – its position in relation to the rest of the house and the existing kitchen layout need to be taken into account, as well as it size.

Architect Tina Patel, director at Architect Your Home, suggests beginning by assessing exactly what you are working with. 'Utilising a garage to increase the space in your kitchen is often a realistic way to get more space without the need for a full-blown extension, particularly if your garage is an under-utilised space – so few people actually put a car in the garage these day anyway. You should also consider if your existing kitchen is near enough the garage and, if not, whether this project will create the need for a wider refurbishment of the ground floor to incorporate it into the space.'

Scott Young, co-founder of K&S Bespoke Builds, agrees that while this kind of project is definitely worth considering, it is best to begin by ruling out any negative effects it could have on the future saleability of your home. 'If you don't use the garage then it's worth you doing, but if you move out then potential buyers might wish you'd kept the garage for parking or storage instead of using it for your kitchen extension ideas.'

How do you make your garage conversion kitchen extension feel like part of the house?

When building an extension of any kind, be that for a new, larger kitchen, to add a bedroom or to increase your living space, you need to take into account how the newly formed spaces will sit alongside the existing – you never want your addition to look or feel like a clumsy afterthought.

'Often a garage may not extend to the full depth of the house so understanding how the kitchen could connect as part of this spatially can make all the difference between making it feel harmonious and like it has always been part of the space, versus something that is bolted on and slightly awkward,' explains Tina Patel. 'The key here is to start by understanding what it is you need in your kitchen, what doesn’t work in your existing space and what it is you are trying to achieve – whether that be more storage, a larger food prep area or to incorporate a kitchen island. Having a wish list to start with allows you to spatially plan what is possible.'

To ensure you end up maximising your garage conversion, it can help to understand the key steps involved in creating a seamless kitchen extension out of it.

1. Consider how it will connect to existing spaces

For your new kitchen ideas to feel like a natural part of the rest of your house, you need to begin by looking at where the garage sits in relation to it.

As Scott Young explains, simply keeping the garage as a separate room, albeit with a new kitchen in it, is never going to work. 'The wall between house and garage is very important – if you just retain that standard doorway then it will always just feel like a room off to the side. Instead, remove the internal wall, use a steel beam and padstones, and enjoy one one space instead of two separate rooms.'

'In terms of blending it in to feel part of the house, it is advisable to pay for a good structural design in order for the garage to be opened up to your existing spaces without any bulky columns or piers,' picks up Tina Patel. 'If you are working with a detached garage that is separate to the house, you may need to think about building a linking structure – which in itself could become a striking feature.

'If the depth of the garage is less that that of your existing kitchen then think about creating a dining space in the converted zone so it still expands the space but doesn't feel like you've just squeezed a new kitchen into the conversion.'

2. Assess the floor levels between house and garage

It is highly likely that your garage floor will be at a lower level to that in your house. Garage floors are deliberately built to be lower to prevent any dangerous fumes, liquids or even water, from leaking into the house.

To ensure your kitchen extension doesn't feel like an add-on, you will need to address the issue of floor levels early on, as Scott Young explains. 'A level floor is the key to making the extension feel like part of the same house. Garage slabs are usually 100-150mm below the house floor on purpose so that water drains away from the house. Make the floor flush and run the same flooring through the rest of the house (or at least the room it is leading out to), with continuous skirting.'

'You will need to insulate the floor too when levelling,' adds Tina Patel. 'Level floors make it feel far more seamless rather than incorporating internal steps, which are not only a trip hazard but may also lead to issues with water ingress and damp.'

3. Consider the exterior appearance

It isn't just the internal spaces and their layout that will play a part in how successful a garage conversion kitchen extension is – you need to consider how it will look externally too.

'You should think about whether or not you still want it to look like a garage externally, or if it would benefit more from having new windows,' advises Tina Patel.

The most common approach here is to build an infill wall – which involves removing the old garage door and bricking it up, while incorporating a new window to bring in plenty of additional light. The key thing here is to ensure the brickwork ties in and matches the original as closely as possible. If this proves difficult, it might be worth considering an entirely different cladding material for the converted section, such as render or weatherboarding.

4. Don't forget the need for additional services

You will need plan early on for the provision of services for your kitchen extension – namely water and electricity.

In terms of electricity, a qualified electrician will be able to tell you whether or not your extension can be connected to your existing unit – in most cases this will be fine, but there are instances where the additional strain will be too much meaning the system will need upgrading.

When it comes to the new plumbing for your kitchen, you will need to consider drainage, as well as well as a water supply – and don't forget ventilation either. Good kitchen ventilation is essential for the new space to work on a practical level.

How much will it cost to create a kitchen extension garage conversion?

In terms of garage conversion costs, in addition to any structural work involved, as well as the additional heating and insulation requirements, you will also need to factor in the cost of a new kitchen.

'A single garage conversion is probably going to cost you around £20k, assuming there are no major issues or extras needed,' explains Scott Young. 'That's for the structure, floor, insulation, plastering walls, and installing the electrics.

'Then you need to add the kitchen on top of those costs – budget between £5,000 - £15,000 depending on the units, appliances, tiles and worktops you choose,' adds Scott.

FAQs

How much additional space will a garage conversion give you?

It's important to be realistic about how much additional space you are going to get for your kitchen when converting your garage, and assess whether your garage is big enough to make a conversion viable.

As Scott Young explains, once the garage has been brought up to the standards necessary for it to become a liveable room, it will have shrunk a little. 'Garage conversion building regulations approval is needed even though the work might fall under permitted development. Lots of garages are single brick with no damp proofing, so the walls will need to be updated to meet thermal standards. And because you're fitting a kitchen you need drainage to be right.

'A single garage will probably go from 15m² to 12m² once all the walls are insulated and it's all boxed in,' adds Scott. 'It is well worth considering raising the ceiling as well to help give a sense of space.'

If you have inherited a garage conversion that is not currently delivering what you need from it, fear not. There are plenty of ways of improving and upgrading this kind of space that can transform it into a useful addition to your home.

Horticultural expert and Love You Garden presenter, David Domoney, has just given us another brilliant bulb planting hack, and it’s the perfect way to keep your plant pots interesting all spring.

If you’re wondering how to plant your bulbs in pots this autumn, you’ll want to watch the television presenter’s latest Instagram reel. It combines a few different types of spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips, crocuses and muscari), ensuring the plant pot stays in flower all spring.

Here’s why David’s bulb planting idea is ideal for beautiful spring pot arrangements.

September marks the start of bulb-planting season, and it can be tempting to plant a mix of different flower bulbs in a random order. David says we can be more methodical about planting our bulbs in pots, though – you’ll just need to divide your pot up into four imaginary quarters.

‘Here’s a great tip when you’re planting your bulbs: plant them in quarters,’ said David in one of his most recent Instagram reels.

Pointing to each segment of the plant pot, David said, ‘Crocus here, daffodils, then muscari, then tulips.’

David’s bulb planting hack isn’t just about having a mix of blooms in one pot – it’s about ensuring that there’s always something flowering when spring arrives.

‘Because they flower at different times, you can twist the container, so you’re always looking at the plant that is in flower at that time,’ David explained.

You’ll just need some low-maintenance daffodil bulbs, like these ‘Tête-à-tête’ bulbs from Crocus, and then some muscari, crocuses and tulip bulbs, too (personally, I’ve got my eye on Tulip 'Angelique' from Thompson & Morgan). When one stops flowering, the next should be coming into bloom – so all you need to do, as David said, is rotate your pot as the season progresses.

‘It’s such a simple garden design trick, but it can create a changing display throughout the spring,’ continued David in the caption. ‘[It’s] perfect for a pot beside a doorway, patio or window.’

We haven’t quite reached the best time to plant tulip bulbs yet, so it’s worth holding off on those for a little while longer – but there are plenty other spring bulbs you can order in the meantime.

Of course, you’ll also need to follow general pot-planting principles to ensure your spring bulbs flower successfully.

‘Don’t forget good drainage,’ David added in the Instagram caption. ‘Make sure your container has drainage holes and avoid letting the compost become waterlogged over winter.’

Some pot feet like these Verve Laleh Terracotta Pot Feet from B&Q are a brilliant way of preventing your potted plants from sitting soggy over the colder months.

What you'll need

And that's it! Plant daffodil, crocus, tulip and muscari bulbs in four corners of a pot, and you'll enjoy a flowering display all spring.

When it comes to painting the kitchen walls, there are some colours that just work. Stick them in most kitchens, and whatever the size, lighting, and decor choice, the walls will complement – and even enhance – the space.

And just like there are two sides to every story, there are also wall paint colours that have the power to ruin your kitchen's entire aesthetic. Even pro designers have a hard time pulling these kitchen colour schemes off, simply because they don't lend themselves well to culinary spaces.

So we can all avoid having to repaint our kitchen walls six months down the line, I asked designers to share the top five wall paint colours that can ruin your kitchen. Spoiler: bolder isn't always better.

1. Pure white

This one might not come as a surprise to some – many of us have been choosing warm-toned creams over bright whites for years now – but a white-washed kitchen is a no-go according to kitchen designers.

'A brilliant, cool-toned white can be surprisingly unforgiving in a kitchen, particularly in a north-facing room where the natural light tends to have a slightly grey quality,' says Charlotte Dubery, designer at Harvey Jones Brighton & Hove. 'Instead of creating the minimalist look that you might expect, it takes on blue notes that look quite stark against richer kitchen materials.'

Not all white kitchen ideas were created equally though. Charlotte recommends using 'off-whites, ivories or chalky whites instead, which adapt more comfortably to the changing light throughout the day.'

2. Primary red

Red kitchens can look chic, but the undertone matters. A harsh, primary red is much harder to pull off because it carries a lot of weight, which is an easy way to ruin a kitchen's entire look.

'Very bright, saturated reds can dominate a kitchen,' says John Law, creative director of interiors at Woodhouse & Law. 'Softer, muted tones on the other hand feel more considered and allow the cabinetry and other finishes to take centre stage.'

Warm terracotta or burgundy are lovely alternatives. There are a few ways you can try a burgundy kitchen, but the walls are often the best place to start.

3. Cool greys

Grey walls were once the cornerstone of modern kitchen aesthetics, but these days they're a little more drab than fab, according to the experts. Especially, says Charlotte, grey with a cool undertone.

'A cool grey can sometimes leave a kitchen feeling more one-dimensional than intended, particularly if the same blue undertones are already present in worktops and painted units,' she explains. 'Colour nuances make a real difference to the mood of a room, so I prefer warmer greiges or mushroom shades rather than blue-based hues.'

4. Bright yellow

The primary colours are a recurring theme when it comes to wall paint colours that can ruin your kitchen. Aside from harsh reds, bright yellows should be firmly off the walls if you want to create an inviting atmosphere in your culinary space.

'The intensity of bright, acidic yellow can easily overpower the visual in the grain of timber, the movement within a richly veined marble worktop or the undertones of painted cabinetry, rather than allowing those details to come through,' Charlotte says.

Essentially, bright yellow walls can dominate a kitchen for the worse. Try soft, buttery yellows or mustard tones instead. They'll imbue a sense of calm while still bringing a pop of colour.

5. Turquoise

Green kitchen ideas are still having a moment (sage green, we're looking at you), but walls that teeter into turquoise territory are a no-go according to design experts. Like with the primary red and yellow, the brighter a wall becomes, the harder it is to balance, which is what makes turquoise a hard shade to master in the kitchen.

'Painting walls turquoise can create too many competing focal points,' Charlotte says. 'Opting for muted teals or deeper eucalyptus shades instead will sit more effortlessly beside different cabinetry styles and surfaces, allowing greater breathing room to experiment elsewhere.'

Knowing the wall paint colours that can ruin your kitchen will help you make the right design decisions going forward – you're officially one step closer to creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Kitchen paint colours to try

Home decorator Ammarah Hasham is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts infusing her rental house with plenty of personality. See the rest of her articles here.

The past few weeks have mostly been spent refilling ice trays on repeat and hunting for birthday presents for an offspring who, by the way, has reached the stage where birthday lists come with very precise links. These days, I am far more aware of hair products, skincare launches, and mascara prices than I ever expected to be. I was also recently told that it would be a really good idea to have a bathroom mirror with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. I am in alien territory here. I am not that cool.

I do, however, feel pretty smug when I come up with ideas such as using self-adhesive floor tiles on the walls (yes, you read that right), a trick I previously shared in my family bathroom makeover. I think that is probably more my area of expertise. I remember promising to share how I attached the wall sconces beside the mirror without drilling a single hole. So here we are.

The makeover dates back to 2021 and, rather reassuringly, both the tiles and the light fixtures are still in place. But before we get into the lights, you can hop over to my original bathroom makeover and see the full before-and-after here, which will make the next part easier to follow.

Finding the lights

I found these LILLHOLMEN wall sconces in IKEA’s As-Is section, which is somewhere I always check before wandering around the rest of the store.

These lights were actually discounted display items and I was lucky enough to find two for around £7.50 each. I had been looking for something sleek and timeless for the bathroom, and I also liked the fact that they came with easy-to-clean glass globes.

Creating a no-drill mount

First, I dismantled each light fitting.

Next, I cut a small piece of wood to fit inside the recessed area at the back of each light. It needed to be thick enough to fill the space and sturdy enough to take the screws. The idea was for the screws to pass through the existing holes in the fitting (the gold part) and into the wooden block, creating a solid mounting point.

However, as luck would have it, somewhere between all our enthusiasm and improvisation, we managed to lose the screws. To this day, I remain fully convinced that I had nothing to do with it. Anyway, I found our stash of regular screws that looked fit for the job. The only problem was, they were silver.

The wooden blocks were screwed into place and the mounts were ready. Don’t worry, that silver didn’t stay silver for long.

Attaching the wall sconces

This part needed patience…I applied a generous amount of No More Nails to the back of the wooden block, following the instructions, and pressed the light fitting into position beside the mirror. I taped them firmly in place using a heavy-duty duct tape.

I was still slightly nervous about the whole assembly staying put, so I added Gorilla Glue around the areas where the fittings met the vinyl tiles to give everything a firmer hold. Gorilla Glue expands slightly as it cures, which actually worked in my favour and helped secure the light fittings more tightly in place.

A small prayer was sent and everything was left alone for the next 24 hours or so. Looking back, I probably could’ve used Gorilla Glue from the beginning. But DIY projects are often a bit of trial and error.

Turning them into cordless lights

Once everything had fully cured, I carefully removed the duct tape. Since wiring them wasn’t an option, I added self-adhesive, battery-operated puck lights inside the globes. They are basically small wireless LED lights that run on batteries and can be switched on with a tap or remote, so no electrical wiring is needed.

This meant I could still get that soft ambient light effect without drilling into the tiles or touching the electrics. For a rented bathroom, where drilling into the tiles was a complete no-go, this felt like a pretty good solution.

What would I do differently

If you’re thinking about trying something similar, I would keep the light fixtures as lightweight as possible. I would also choose a light fitting that made changing the puck lights easier. Although the glass globes looked lovely, they proved a little fiddly to remove, so over time the sconces became more of an ambient feature than a practical everyday light. In hindsight, rattan or fabric shades might have been a better option.

I would also keep a more vigilant eye on the screws. Having to colour my replacements with a Sharpie to vaguely match the gold fitting was not exactly part of my plan, but in the end it worked just fine.

Considering I was half expecting one of the sconces to make a dramatic descent into the sink at some point, the fact that they are both still here five years later feels like quite the result. For a completely improvised DIY experiment, happy to call this one an aesthetic success.

A quick note

Although this little hack has worked well in my bathroom, please always check the manufacturer's guidance on weight limits and suitable surfaces before trying something similar, especially with glass fittings.

Adhesive performance can vary depending on the surface, the weight of the fittings and the conditions of the room. And just to be clear, I applied the adhesive only to the removable tiles, not directly to the original tiles in my rental.

As you were.

Curtains often get the short straw when it comes to decorating our homes - they’re usually the last element we plan, and a place we often try to save money. But making your curtains an afterthought is a decorating mistake, as the right curtains (or the wrong ones) can make a huge impact on the overall feel of our properties.

And in fact, forgetting about them entirely means you may accidentally implement one (or all) of the most outdated curtain trends – which in turn can make your whole home feel older, more stuffy, and much less modern and stylish. Yes, the window dressing you choose really can have that big of an impact!

To help you avoid the curtain styles, lengths, colours and materials that will seriously age your windows and home, we spoke to interior designers and curtains experts, who shared their thoughts with us. So if you want to keep your window dressings looking as up-to-date as you can, here are the dated curtain trends you’re best off avoiding, because we’d all rather our homes don’t look like they’re straight out of a 70s interiors catalogue…

1. Curtains that are too short

Unfortunately, nothing quite says out-of-date interiors like a short curtain that stops almost exactly at your windowsill. Though they are still favoured by many - particularly as kids' bedroom ideas - if you want to add a touch of on-trend luxe to your home, long curtain ideas have persisted as the stylish favourite since the 90s.

And there is good reason why the interior experts we spoke to no longer love this trend. 'Short curtains instantly make a room feel dated and can visually cut the height of the space,' Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors says. 'Wherever possible, curtains should run from ceiling to floor, even if the window itself is much smaller.' Debbie Leigh, Design Manager at ILIV, agrees, explaining, 'designs that gently skim the floor create a much softer, more refined look.'

Aside from changing the length of your curtains to avoid this outdated trend, you should also ensure the curtains are hung correctly - just above the window frame - to create a feeling of space. 'Mounting the track close to the ceiling draws the eye upwards, making ceilings feel taller and the room more elegant,' Kunal explains. 'Install a recessed or ceiling-mounted track with curtains that just kiss the floor or create a subtle 1-2cm break for a tailored finish.'

2. Overly fussy curtain details

Unless you’re living in a historic country manor house, the experts explain that fussy and intricate detailing on your curtains is a dated trend you’re best off avoiding in the 21st century.

‘Traditional, overly detailed window treatments are the biggest thing I’d steer people away from now,’ Katerina Tchevytchalova, Founder of K’Arte Design, says. ‘Think heavy voiles, fussy pelmets or anything too ornate. They distract from the rest of the space, rather than adding to it.’

Kunal agreed that overly decorative curtains can very easily date a space, especially in modern buildings. 'Traditional swags, ornate pelmets and fussy tie-backs can overwhelm a room, particularly in contemporary homes.

'Rather than simply dressing a window, curtains are now used to soften a room and add a layer of quiet luxury. The best curtain schemes almost disappear into the architecture, creating flow - rather than demanding attention.'

Instead, the experts suggest embracing simplicity. 'Choose simple wave headings or perfectly tailored pinch pleats on discreet tracks. They create beautiful, even folds that look timeless rather than trend-led,’ Kunal suggests. ‘For pelmets, use a reduced height for a more modern luxe look. And, opt for lighter sheer fabrics for privacy and added light.’ This is particularly helpful if you're looking for living room curtain ideas, as this is a space that doesn't need darkness and privacy as much as our bedrooms.

3. Matching curtains to your other upholstery

It’s bad news for those who love a matchy-matchy look, unfortunately. ‘One look that has gradually fallen away over the decades is having all your soft furnishings perfectly matched,’ Debbie explains. 'Gone are the days where you matched your curtains to your cushions and upholstery!'

Katerina agrees, explaining, ‘curtains and cushions in matching fabric are another dated giveaway; it makes a room feel overly styled rather than lived in.’

The experts explain that this curtain trend has become dated, as interior experts have come to favour layered personality, rather than copy-and-paste design schemes.

Instead of choosing curtains, cushions, pouffes and sofas in the same fabric, Katerina urged, 'let them relate to one another rather than replicate each other, working within the same colour family but varying the tone, texture or pattern for a softer, more layered look.'

4. Non-functional curtains

The experts explained that one of the most dated curtain ‘trends’ is in fact, choosing window treatments for their look and aesthetics alone. In the 20th century, the priority is for our curtains to be functional, as well as pretty.

‘One of the biggest modern shifts is that our curtains are expected to enhance comfort as well as style, whether that's helping to regulate temperature or soften acoustics, as well as providing privacy,’ Debbie explains.

Barbara Entwistle, Daylight Advisor & Project Development Manager at VELUX agrees, explaining that curtains nowadays need to work with the natural light in our homes, rather than block it out. ‘Heavy, dark drapes, busy patterns and elaborate curtains can make rooms feel smaller and block natural daylight. Instead, many are moving towards lighter, more streamlined options that create brighter, more contemporary interiors.’

In practice, this can mean utilising sheer curtains bolstered by shutters, to let in light as and when needed, and offer increased privacy from neighbours. And these days, curtains may not even be the best option at all for modern light, temperature and privacy requirements. 'Today, blinds can offer a sleek finish while giving greater control over daylight and privacy, with many modern options now also allowing adjustments to light levels and shading throughout the day,' Barbara explains.

‘External shading, such as shutters, can also help stop the sun’s heat from entering before it reaches the glazing.’

5. Crushed velvet curtains

There aren’t many materials that are a huge no-no for curtains, but interior designer at Furniturebox, Laura Rich, explained that crushed velvet is one exception and an example of a truly outdated curtain trend, despite its huge popularity a few years back.

‘Crushed velvet curtains are one of those interior trends from the 2010s that surged to popularity, drawing inspiration from the 70s boho and 90s grunge aesthetic. But its lifecycle as a trend was extremely short-lived,’ she explains.

‘Crushed velvet became hugely popular due to its association with hotel-style luxury, but it hasn't aged particularly well. It’s highly reflective, and the fabric appears synthetic.’

Instead, natural fibres make for a great material alternative for curtains, Laura explains. 'In 2026 we’re opting for more comfortable fabrics that are nature-inspired, like linen or a linen blend to keep the room cool but cosy and fresh. They diffuse daylight beautifully, and they’re effortless and timeless. Choosing a natural fabric in a timeless neutral will almost always outlast trend-led finishes like crushed velvet.’

As with anything in interiors your curtain choice will be a matter of personal taste. But if you're at a loss of where to start or can't put your finger on what looks a bit off in your room, your curtains could be to blame.

Home decorator Lara Winter is one of Ideal Home's Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on revamping a 200 year old cottage to make it right for modern family life. See the rest of her articles here.

I used to think decorating meant tackling a whole room. Choose the paint, find the furniture, hang the art, sort the lighting and somehow make everything work together. Easy.

Except sometimes it really isn’t. The more I looked at a room as one big project, the more overwhelmed I felt by everything that wasn’t quite working. So, almost accidentally, I started doing the opposite: ignoring most of the room and concentrating on one corner at a time.

And weirdly, that’s when everything started falling into place.

Start with a corner you’ll actually use

One of my favourite spots in our living room is ridiculously simple: an armchair, a small marble-topped table and our green drinks cabinet. That’s basically it. But the chair swivels around to look straight out into the garden, which makes it somewhere I genuinely want to sit, rather than just furniture arranged to look nice.

That’s probably my first rule for a good corner: think about what you’ll actually do there. Where will your cup of tea go? Is there somewhere for a book? What will you look at when you sit down? Sometimes moving a chair by half a metre does more for a room than buying anything new.

Don’t overlook the really tiny corners

Not every corner needs an armchair and a perfectly positioned lamp. One of the smallest areas I’ve deliberately decorated is our kettle corner.

Our thrifted kitchen cabinet holds all our mugs and glasses, so the kettle naturally lives beside it. I hung a tiny piece of art by Lucy from Kitchen Corner Gallery on the side of the cabinet, just above the kettle, and added a little hen-shaped teaspoon holder. That’s it. Cute and practical.

I make tea approximately 700 times a week, so why shouldn’t that tiny bit of kitchen make me happy? We tend to focus our decorating energy on the big views of a room, but sometimes it’s the little places you use every single day that deserve it most.

If a whole room overwhelms you, shrink the job

Our dining room is a walk-through room and the first room you enter when you come into our home. For ages it bothered me. There are lots of doorways, people constantly walk through it and whenever I thought about “doing the dining room”, I couldn’t work out where to start.

So I stopped trying to solve the whole room and focused on the dining nook instead. We built the DIY banquette, added a good table, put down a beautiful Neptune rug and painted the shelf above in Firebrick Red, one of my favourite colours. Done.

And somehow, once that area felt intentional, the rest of the room stopped bothering me. My eye had somewhere to land and the whole space suddenly made more sense. Now it’s one of my favourite rooms in the house.

Shop your house before you shop the shops

Before buying anything for a corner, I always think it’s worth moving things around. Steal the lamp from upstairs. Try the little table that isn’t doing much in another room. Move some art. You’d be surprised how different something can look simply because you’ve stopped seeing it in the same place every day.

Corners are brilliant for this because you’re not committing to an entire new scheme. A chair, lamp, table and picture you already own might be all you need.

Know when to stop

This might be the hardest bit. Once one corner looks good, you don’t immediately have to “finish” everything around it.

Rooms can evolve slowly. In fact, I think mine usually end up better that way. Make one bit work, live with it and then see what starts bothering you next.

The internet would have us believe rooms are transformed over a weekend. Mine tend to improve one little corner and one inexplicably long DIY project at a time.

Turns out, looking at less of a room has helped me like the whole thing a lot more.

After months of continuously hot weather, it's all too easy to associate certain appliances with keeping cool.

But as someone who's literal job it is to test the best fans around, I'm finding that I still have plenty of use for the fans I have dotted around my home, despite the cooler temperatures we're now experiencing in the UK. I have one in my office, my living room and my bedroom, and I don't think I'll be packing them away any time soon.

This is why I don't think you should either.

1. It helps reduce stuffiness

Temperatures may be a lot more tolerable now than they were a month ago, but that doesn't mean that the air is feeling lovely and crisp.

Still air combined with the rainfall we've been having lately can easily make rooms feel stuffy, so I've been using my fan to circulate the air, removing any staleness and encouraging fresher air in from outside.

When it comes to how fans can help with humidity, they might not be able to actually reduce moisture levels like the best dehumidifiers can, but the movement of air can help reduce how muggy a room feels.

2. It can help you fall asleep all year round

While experts advise not to leave a fan running all night long, I'm a big fan (pardon the pun) of having a fan on while I fall asleep. It's a combination of the feeling of a gentle breeze across the skin, and the almost imperceptible hum it creates, that sends me off into a deep sleep.

And so even though the nights are getting cooler (although I've not yet swapped to my autumn/winter duvet), I'm still using my fan on the lowest setting (and with a timer so it's not running all night), to help me drift off.

3. It can help prevent damp-causing condensation

While you might not think about using a fan during wetter months, it can actually help keep damp and mould at bay.

Having good air circulation can help speed up the evaporation of moisture, and prevent condensation from forming on windows and walls, which if left unchecked could lead to problems with mould and damp. And I definitely don't want those, so I've got used to sticking the fan on for a bit especially after cooking or showering and it seems like a good idea to me!

For more serious issues with excess moisture, a fan won't be enough though and you'd be better off with a dehumidifier. You can always use your fan to help your dehumidifier, boosting its effectiveness in a shorter amount of time. It might also be worth assessing whether a multi-functional appliance is a more worthwhile investment to give you year-round use.

4. It could help boost my heating (when I turn it on)

OK, admittedly I'm a little way off turning my central heating on for the first time this season, but with the energy price cap due to rise again in October, I'm definitely keen on any low-energy options that will boost the benefits of my heating, without costing me a fortune.

While it can seem counter-intuitive to use a fan in the colder months, it can be a great tactic for helping to circulate warm air around your home, using the same logic as radiator fans.

When the time comes to put my heating on, I plan on putting my fan near my radiator, and on the lowest speed setting, to help help evenly and quickly distribute the heat around the room. If the room feels warmer more quickly, I'm less likely to resort to having it on for longer than necessary, keeping my energy bills as low as possible.

FAQs

Do you need to use a fan all year round?

Whether you'll get the benefits of using a fan all year round will depend on your home and how it handles moisture and heat distribution.

If you have no issues with excess moisture and your heating emitters work like a dream, and burping your home gets rid of any stuffiness, then you might not need your fan over the colder months and you can probably quite happily pack it away.

However, even though you won't need it for cooling, if your fan can keep your home feeling fresh and help your dehumidifier work more effectively then it's worth keeping it at the ready. Fortunately, many of the models you can buy today are relatively unobtrusive, quiet, and inexpensive to run.

Committed home renovators David and Andrew Harrison-Colley (better known on Instagram as The Home Boys) are part of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing their thoughts on making a home together and living through the tricky parts. See the rest of their articles here.

Every breakage, delay and awkward layout at Owls Cottage has taught us something about our own home – because a house that has to work for strangers can't hide behind good intentions.

Changeover day at Owls Cottage always starts with the same walk-through: strip the beds, check the bins, count the wine glasses. Last month we got to six out of eight and stopped counting. We didn't need to see the pieces in the recycling to know what had happened. We just walked to the garage, opened a box, and put out two more.

Owls Cottage sits next door to our own cottage, and for the last few years it's paid its way as a holiday-let while we've worked on the house we actually live in. Same postcode, same taste, completely different brief. Our own home only has to survive us. Owls Cottage has to survive whoever's booked it that week – and unlike us, they've never been told which floorboard creaks or which tap needs a firm hand.

That's the real difference, and it's taught us more than we expected. A well-designed room shouldn't need its quirks explained to you. Every choice we've made at Owls Cottage has had to hold up without us standing next to it, translating.

Lesson one: replaceable doesn't have to mean disposable

The wine glasses that came with the cottage originally were a fairly delicate, matching set – the kind you'd choose for your own dinner table without thinking twice. They didn't last. After replacing a few, we gave up on matching altogether and switched to vintage cut-glass instead.

It turns out our local charity shops are full of the stuff – heavy, faceted, no two quite the same, usually 50p to £1 a glass. We pick up little hauls whenever we spot a good one and keep the spares in the garage, which now contains what is probably an unnecessarily well-stocked emergency wine-glass department. When one breaks, we swap in a replacement from the box, and nobody notices it wasn't part of the original set – because there never really was an "original set" worth being precious about.

The glasses look better than the ones they replaced. They also cost less than a pound to replace instead of a tenner and a wait for delivery. We hadn't expected those two things to line up quite so neatly.

Lesson two: the least disruptive option can still be the durable one

The cottage bathroom came with grey patterned wall tiles that had dated badly, though they were still stuck fast to the wall. Pulling them off would have meant a much bigger job than we could risk – tiles that well-attached tend to take plaster with them on the way out, and we didn't have an open-ended timeline to deal with it if they did.

We considered painting over them, but weren't convinced a painted finish would hold up to daily use in a bathroom we wouldn't be keeping a constant eye on. Because the existing tiles were sound and firmly bonded, we used Kerakoll Keragrip Eco, a primer that rolls onto suitable existing tiles and creates a key for the new adhesive to bond to. It only works over a stable base – you're not skipping the prep, you're skipping the demolition. That meant no risk to the plaster underneath, and a job we could finish in the gap between bookings. We found green zellige tiles heavily reduced at the Topps Tiles Outlet and tiled straight over the old grey ones.

It's not really a holiday-cottage problem. Anyone with a bathroom they can't take out of action for a fortnight – which is most people, most of the time - is weighing the same thing: the most correct fix against the one that actually gets finished on time. We liked the result so much that when it came to our own main bathroom, we used the same zellige tiles again.

Having already lived with them at the cottage, we knew exactly what we were getting into our own home, instead of guessing from a sample tile.

Lesson three: build in flexibility before you need it

The second bedroom at the cottage has two single beds that get reconfigured most weeks – twins for one booking, pushed together into a super-king for the next, depending on who's staying. Two separate headboards would never have read as one piece once the beds were joined, and unless they were fixed to the beds themselves, they'd have been genuinely clunky to shift every changeover.

So we built one padded headboard that spans the full width of the wall instead. MDF panels cut to size at our local B&Q, upholstered in fabric from a local fabric shop, foam and spray adhesive bought online to keep the cost down – nowhere near what a custom-built version would have cost. It's hung on a French cleat, so in theory it lifts straight off if it ever needs recovering or repairing. We haven't had to test that part yet, but with beds changing over weekly, it was never going to be a headboard we could afford to make fiddly.

Whichever way the beds are arranged, the wall itself effectively becomes the headboard. It's a small bit of joinery, but it's changed how we think about our own bedroom too – we're planning something similar there once we finally get round to finishing it, useful for any room that has to earn its keep two different ways, not just a guest room booked by strangers.

Designing for the unfamiliar

None of this came from working only on our own house. When it's just the two of us living somewhere, a mistake is an inconvenience – an ugly tile, a job we'll get round to eventually.

At the cottage, the same mistake shows up on someone else's holiday. That's forced us to design for people who don't know the house's quirks, which turns out to be a genuinely different skill from designing for people who do.

It's changed what we're willing to risk closer to home, too - though not in the way you might expect. Owls Cottage hasn't taught us to buy worse things for it; it's taught us to tell the difference between irreplaceable and hard-working. The irreplaceable pieces tend to stay at home. The cottage gets things that can take everyday use, be replaced without fuss, and still feel like they belong there.

If you ever come round for dinner and your glass looks a little more interesting than ours, there's a reasonable chance it's on secondment from Owls Cottage. It may also be nicer than ours – which is perhaps the clearest proof that practical doesn't have to look practical.

Although the sun may still be (slightly) shining, there’s no denying that the seasons are changing. The days are getting shorter, mornings are getting colder, and it’s definitely getting damper. And that’s only going to get worse as the weeks go by.

Of course, knowing how to get rid of damp will be key during the autumn and winter months. But certain rooms in the house are naturally more moisture-prone than others, and, unfortunately, many of our bad shower habits are making things worse by creating the perfect breeding ground for mould to develop and spread in the bathroom.

As Emma Mannion, Cleaning Expert and Product Development Scientist at Astonish, explains, ‘The tricky part is that it usually builds slowly, so a lot of people only spot the problem once the black marks have already appeared.’ But if you tackle your bad habits now, you can focus on prevention rather than the cure.

1. Letting moisture sit

Showering flings water everywhere, from the tiles and shower screen to the floor itself. And while it can be easy to run from the bathroom to your bedroom without a second thought as to what you leave behind, people with consistently clean bathrooms never let this moisture sit for too long.

Emma says, ‘The biggest mistake is letting moisture sit after every shower. Water left on screens, tiles and sealant gives mould the damp surface it needs to spread, so a quick squeegee or wipe-down makes more difference than people realise.’

If you want to be extra efficient, removing this moisture is one of the cleaning tasks you can actually do in the shower (with the water off, of course), using a squeegee and a cloth to reach every nook and cranny. Personally, I always use an absorbent, streak-free cloth like these Marigold 2 x Squeaky Clean Microfibre Cloths (£6.78 at Amazon).

2. Scrunching up towels

When it’s damp outside and damp inside the bathroom after showering, scrunching up towels won't help the situation. This is echoed by Samantha Lawson, Bathroom Design Expert at Drench, who says we need to focus on keeping towels fresh and dry in between uses.

‘Because bathrooms are naturally warm and humid, leaving a wet towel folded or scrunched limits airflow, meaning it takes much longer to dry. This extended dampness allows mildew to form, resulting in a sour, musty odour that is incredibly difficult to wash out,’ she explains. And if those damp towels are left on or up against tiles, this can cause damp in the room itself, too.

It may be that switching up your towel storage idea helps with this, and Samantha advises, ‘Allow your towels to dry as flat as possible, or better yet, place them on a heated towel rail. Make sure they are 100% dry before folding them away.’ And if you have a small heated towel rail, using hooks like these Set of 2 Black Magnetic Hooks (£12 at Next) can instantly double your space.

3. Closing the bathroom up

Alongside rogue water from the shower itself, one of the biggest causes of damp and mould in a bathroom is excess steam. And, ideally, you want to get rid of the steam as soon as possible - instead of trapping it inside the bathroom to condense, form water droplets, and settle on surfaces.

This steam is especially damaging if you’re trying to stop condensation in a windowless bathroom, which is why Emma urges everyone to open windows (if they can) and use extractor fans for as long as possible after a shower. She also suggests keeping the bathroom door open once the room has cooled to keep the air circulating.

If you’re guilty of closing the bathroom door immediately, it may also be worth utilising moisture-absorbing bathroom plants and considering whether you can use a dehumidifier in a bathroom. After all, it’s important to use the right type of dehumidifier to ensure it’s as safe as possible.

4. Using too many products

Everyone has their own take on what essentials they need in the shower, from shower gels to shampoos. And while you can technically use as many as you want, you need to be conscious of how these products affect your bathroom - especially if you want to keep your shower damp and mould-free.

Samantha explains, ‘Plumbing blockages are actually the leading cause of bathroom complaints across the UK, and they are a massive source of nasty, musty odours. Over the summer, a buildup of hair, soap scum, and body oils accumulates inside the pipes. When a drain is partially blocked, water cannot flow freely, creating stagnant pools that quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and pests.’

Come autumn and winter, pipes and drains still blocked from summer can lead to water pooling and bacterial growth, causing damp and mould. Thankfully, it’s very easy to clean a shower drain. You can use these EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks (£9.99 at Amazon), or pour bicarbonate of soda, followed by white vinegar, down the drain and let it sit overnight. This should break down any stubborn grime.

5. Not giving furniture enough space

No matter whether you have a tiny shower cubicle or a whole wet room, there’s a high chance that you also have some furniture in your bathroom, like a bathroom vanity or a laundry basket. And while these are essential for a tidy bathroom, they can aid mould build-up.

Samantha warns, ‘When we push them completely flush against the bathroom walls, we cut off vital air circulation. Moisture from humid showers settles in these narrow gaps, creating dark, damp pockets where mildew and mould thrive completely unnoticed.’ In fact, this is often why most people end up with mouldy grout and silicone sealant.

Thankfully, the solution is easy. Samantha explains, ‘Move freestanding furniture and accessories slightly away from the walls to allow air to flow freely. I often recommend opting for wall-hung vanity units. Elevating your furniture off the floor not only makes your bathroom feel significantly larger and brighter, but it also eliminates awkward, unhygienic floor gaps, making it incredibly easy to keep the surrounding areas clean, dry, and damp-free.’

6. Overlooking the shower curtain

While some may think that they’re old-fashioned, there are so many amazing shower curtain ideas that are both modern and chic. But if you have one in your bathroom, you need to take care of it, as overlooking your shower curtain can lead to bigger mould problems that are harder to tackle.

‘Shower curtains constantly get wet, making them prime real estate for mould and soap scum buildup long before you notice visible signs of dirt. If your curtain is bunched up in the corner while wet, moisture becomes trapped in the folds and begins to smell damp,’ Samantha explains.

The solution here is to pull the curtain back to dry after every shower, and clean it regularly (at least once a month) to keep on top of any mould or mildew growth. Samantha says, ‘A brilliant laundry hack is to throw a couple of clean, dry bath towels into the washing machine drum along with your shower curtain. The towels provide gentle friction during the cycle, helping to scrub away slimy soap scum and mildew without damaging the curtain's fabric.’

7. Ignoring the extractor fan

Airflow and moisture extraction are key when you want to keep mould and damp out of your bathroom, and using your extractor fan is essential - even for the quickest showers. However, too many people neglect their extractor fan and don’t give it the TLC it needs, which can reduce its effectiveness and lead to moisture buildup.

‘Over the summer, dust and fluff combine with high bathroom humidity to create a thick, felt-like layer over the fan's filter and grilles. This severely restricts airflow, meaning your fan has to work twice as hard to remove half as much steam, leading to moisture settling directly on your walls,’ Samantha warns.

Because of this, it’s worth cleaning your extractor fan and its filters before autumn really rears its head. Make sure you isolate the power first, and then use either a duster or a handheld vacuum to remove any lingering dust. You can also remove the plastic cover, wash it in a solution of washing-up liquid and water, then allow it to dry and pop it back in place.

So, take this as your sign to break up with your bad bathroom habits this autumn.

Once upon a time, we were led to believe that the smaller the space - and hallways tend to be among the smallest areas of the home - the lighter the colours should be in order to make it appear bigger. But in recent times, colour experts have been moving away from that method, instead embracing the cosiness of spaces with darker shades – and it turns out that the colours to make your hallway look expensive in 2026 follow a similar pattern.

If an elevated entryway is what you’re after then the darker the hallway colour idea the better, according to the pros. ‘Colour is one of the easiest ways to create a visual story in your hallway and achieve a scheme that feels considered and expensive,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore.

What colours will make your hallway look expensive?

Going for a darker and richer colour on your entryway’s walls will not only make the space look more expensive but also more stylish and considered – that’s why it’s something interior designers always do in hallways.

But if you’re wondering exactly what shades to go for, the current burgundy colour trend is a great bet as are deep earthy greens and elegant dark blues.

‘Deep, sophisticated shades such as forest green, inky blue, rich burgundy and warm charcoal can instantly make a hallway feel more considered and luxurious,’ says Caroline Thornborough, design director at Thorndown. ‘Hallways are transitional spaces, so you can often be braver with colour than you might in a main living area.’

Helen at Benjamin Moore continues, ‘For an elevated feel, rich tones such as navy blue and olive green are a great choice. Highly saturated hues such as Van Deusen Blue and Night Owl are particularly dynamic, instantly bringing a sense of luxury to the space.’

How to use these hallway colours

It’s not just about what colours you go for but also the paint technique you opt for and what else you pair it with. That’s exactly why the experts recommend an all-encompassing colour drenching scheme.

'The key is to embrace the colour throughout the space rather than using it only on the walls,' says Rob Abrahams, founder and CEO of COAT Paints. 'Carrying the shade onto doors, skirting boards and woodwork can create a more cohesive and enveloping finish.'

Alternatively, you can pair your chosen statement shade with a lighter neutral colour if a colour-drenched hallway is a little ‘too much’ for your liking. But it’s best to avoid stark white in these instances.

‘Pair a deep shade with warm off-whites, muted stone tones or soft plaster pinks to create contrast without making the scheme feel stark,’ Caroline at Thorndown advises.

Expensive-looking hallway colour top picks

Helen concludes with a final tip, ‘Layering in tactile materials such as stone, velvet and dark woods will further enhance the sense of luxury.’

We’ve all got our own personal preferences when it comes to the design of our bedrooms, whether we have a small bedroom to decorate or a larger space. Some of us like to use the blank canvas of a bedroom to stamp our personality onto it, filling it with colour and personal trinkets. Others opt to create as serene a sleep sanctuary as possible, with muted tones, comfy textures, and minimal personal clutter, like all the best five-star hotel bedrooms.

But despite the fact that taste is subjective, there are a few collective design choices that give interior professionals the serious ‘ick ’, with certain aesthetic options undeniably making them cringe.

We spoke to interior designers who design homes day in and day out, and style experts at some of the UK’s biggest interior brands, to ascertain the bedroom decor ‘icks’ they wish we’d all avoid, and how you can actually improve upon these ‘icks’ if you find yourself guilty of some of the below…

1. Busy feature walls

For Victoria Robinson, style & trend expert at Hillarys, the popular trend of a busy feature wall behind a bed is a huge ‘ick’, with the expert explaining that it can be much too busy for a space that’s meant to be so relaxing.

'A bold wallpaper idea can work brilliantly' she says. 'But when the pattern is very large, highly contrasting or clashes with the rest of the scheme, it can overwhelm a space that's supposed to feel calm and restful.'

To improve the overall ambience of the room, Victoria explains that you don’t need to abandon wallpaper, patterns or lots of colour entirely. 'I'd just opt for a softer approach,' she says. 'A subtle patterned wallpaper, textured wall finish or even just a beautifully dressed window can create just as much visual impact, without dominating the bedroom.'

Even a small pop of wallpaper over a bed as shown above will help add pattern and interest to a room without overwhelming the space.

2. Matching furniture

Some design ‘icks’ apply from room to room. And as experts explained that overly matching furniture is a living room design 'ick' - they also agree that the same distaste applies in the bedroom.

For interior designer Catherine Colegrave, creative director at Eighty Four Interiors, matching furniture can make your room look too showhome-like; rather than lived in. 'If the bed, bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobe all come from exactly the same range, it’s a bit of an ‘ick’ for me. It can make the room feel a bit like a furniture showroom, and appear a little flat and uninteresting,' she says.

Instead, she recommends finding pieces and furniture that feel similar to one another, but that aren’t exactly identical in style like in the bedroom shown above. 'This gives the room more character, and creates that sense that everything has been properly thought through and considered, rather than simply choosing a matching set,' Catherine says. 'I think a bedroom feels so much more interesting when you layer different materials, finishes and shapes that still sit beautifully together.'

3. A TV in the bedroom

Though it may not technically be a design choice, for Catherine, a TV in the bedroom can seriously ruin the otherwise beautiful design you’ve chosen for your room, particularly if it really dominates the space. 'Bedrooms should feel calm and relaxing, and a big black rectangle on the wall can really take away from that,' she explains.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a TV in your bedroom! There are some fantastic bedroom TV ideas out there to help hide it away.

'If you do want a TV in the bedroom - which is, for many people, a really nice addition - I think it’s really worth looking at ways to conceal it, maybe behind sliding doors, within some joinery, or even having it built within an ottoman at the end of the bed,' Catherine suggests.

4. An all-white bedroom

“For me, the biggest bedroom ‘ick’ is when everything is so pale and neutral that the room ends up feeling a little lifeless,” Kate Palmer, Creative Director at The Painted Furniture Company says.

She explains that the ‘ick’, for her, lies in the lack of variety and texture in a bedroom like this. 'There’s nothing wrong with a calm bedroom, but if every element in your bedroom is beige, cream or white and there’s very little contrast, it can lack the warmth that makes a bedroom feel inviting,' Kate says. 'I think bedrooms work best when they feel restful but still have a sense of personality; they don’t need to be completely colourless to be calming.'

Luckily, this particular ‘ick’ is easily solved with some clever purchases. Kate explains, 'I’d introduce colour through one or two key pieces of furniture. A painted chest of drawers or bedside tables in a deeper or more characterful shade can completely change the feel of the room.

'You can then pick up that colour in smaller details such as cushions, lamps or artwork.'

5. Items that are too small for the room

Choosing items that are out of proportion with the rest of the room is one of Catherine’s biggest design ‘icks’ in the bedroom. It's something she says makes the room look less stylish and considered.

And this applies to so many different bedroom items, Catherine tells us.

'Proportion makes such a difference,' she says. 'For example, if you’ve got a king or super king bed and use standard pillows or small cushions, everything can start to look a bit lost; for me, larger beds need large pillows, rather than standard ones.'

'I’m also not keen on a little throw that just sits across the very end of the bed. I love a lightweight throw that’s generous enough to fall down either side. It just looks so much more elegant,' Catherine continues.

Tiny bedside furniture is another of Catherine’s lines in the sand. 'Really small bedside tables are another ‘ick’! Especially when everything ends up piled on top of them. If you’ve got the space, I’d always go a little more substantial and ideally have some proper storage, so all the chargers, books and everyday bits can be tucked away. It makes the whole bedroom feel much calmer,' she explains.

The final design of a bedroom will all come down to personal taste, but if you're struggling to put your finger on something that's currently not working in you room, it might just be one the things on this list.

Whatever kind of air environment you want to create in your home, you can probably buy an appliance to help you achieve it. Whether it's one of the best fans to help circulate fresh air, a purifier to remove allergens or a dehumidifier to help banish damp, there's a product solution.

However, if you need a fan or air conditioner in the summer, a heater and dehumidifier in the autumn and winter, as well as a purifier all year round, then that's a lot of appliances to find space for and it can easily feel like clutter.

More and more, you can find these functions grouped together in single appliances, which is great from a space-saving point of view, but is a combined appliance really as good as a single function one? As well as having tried individual and multi-purpose appliances myself, I've also reached out to the experts to weigh up the pros and cons.

What are the benefits of having a fan, heater, air conditioner and dehumidifier in one appliance?

There are lots of benefits at choosing an appliance that offers multiple different functions.

Firstly, despite the fact that they are more expensive than single function alternatives, multi-function appliances that offer cooling, purification, heating and dehumidification are usually more cost-effective than buying each of the appliances individually.

Cost-per-use is also usually lower too as you could use the multi-function appliance year round, rather than just for a few weeks depending on the season. For example, Dyson's HP1 combines fan, heater and air purifier functionality in a single appliance. While it costs more than £500, you could easily spend that buying a fan, heater and purifier of similar quality.

In addition to making sense if you intend to use the extra functions over the course of the year, they 'can reduce upfront outlay versus buying separate appliances, cut clutter, and save storage space,' says Meaco's Chief Product Officer, Chris Michael. 'They can also reduce running costs in practice because you can run the mode you actually need at the time.'

What are the disadvantages of having a fan, heater, air conditioner and dehumidifier in one appliance?

But while there are undoubtedly benefits to buying a single appliance that offers a range of functions, there are some downsides to consider before you buy.

Multi-purpose units can be sizable, bulky and heavy, especially if they have air conditioning functionality. While they may still be portable, this can make them challenging to move up and downstairs. This is especially the case when it comes to portable air conditioners.

It may also be that you don't have use for all of the functions your unit provides. For example, if your home doesn't struggle with excess moisture then you might not need a dehumidification function. You might also be able to use a single function appliance throughout the year (I'm not packing away my fan just yet and plan on using it frequently over autumn).

Or if your home is well insulated and holds onto heat well, a heating function may not get used that often, in which case, it may be more cost effective to buy an appliance that is dedicated to the function that you need. You might also already have a couple of air quality appliances, in which case you may be doubling up unnecessarily.

But for me, based on my own experience, the biggest downside is that not all of the functions on a combined appliance are as good as their standalone counterparts. I find this particularly apparent on portable air conditioners with fan and dehumidifier functionality. The air conditioner is usually the star of the show, while the fan especially is louder and not as powerful as a standalone fan. I always tend to see the dehumidifier as a bonus feature rather than of equal standard as the air conditioner.

Ideal Home's Senior Digital Editor Jenny McFarlane (who's been reviewing and writing about air quality products for years), agrees, saying: 'I'm always a little wary of appliances that try to do too many things at once, and that's true of dehumidifiers with built in air purification.

'I've tested enough dehumidifiers to know that more features don't necessarily make for a better appliance, because most importantly, a dehumidifier needs to be really good at getting excess moisture out of the air.

'Having an air purifier function is a really nice bonus though, but it wouldn't sway me to buy a combo appliance if the extraction performance isn't as powerful as it should be.'

Finally, it's important to think about your air quality needs around your home before deciding on a combined or single function appliance. Maybe you need a dehumidifier in a poorly insulated part of your home, and an air purifier in the bedroom to help with allergies. If that's the case then a single appliance may not be suitable.

Instead a dedicated dehumidifier for the room that has issues with excess moisture, and a separate air purifier for the bedroom would be a better and more sustainable set up. Just make sure you weigh up whether a dehumidifier or purifier will be best for your home before you commit.

What is worth buying in a single unit?

If you aren't after something whisper quiet, then opting for a dual purpose fan and heater can be an effective way to get more use our of your appliance over the course of the year. These are available in slimline designs that won't take up too much room and are usually light enough to move around with relative ease.

If you can find an air conditioner that also offers a heat mode, and you are short on storage space then it's worth investing. Air conditioners can be bulky and hard to store, but if you can find use for it over the winter months, then you don't have to worry about packing it away.

For a dehumidifier, where it's effectiveness will be paramount if you want value for money, you may find that you need a standalone appliance. However, we were very impressed with the Meaco Arete Two dehumidifier that has a purification function when we put it through it's paces.

Screen printer Hannah Carvell is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on colourful home design for a creative family to live in. See the rest of her articles here.

People often assume that because I spend my days screen printing, I must have some secret formula for putting colours together or an instinct for knowing exactly what works.

The truth is far less glamorous. My studio floor is usually littered with test prints, colour swatches and sheets of paper covered in scribbled notes. I spend an awful lot of time simply trying things to see what happens.

That's probably the greatest lesson screen printing has taught me, and it has very little to do with making art. It's taught me to trust my own eye.

When I first started screen printing, I'd often second guess myself. I'd hold two colours together and wonder whether they were supposed to work. Was that shade of pink too bright? Did mustard really belong next to lilac? Should I be choosing something a little safer?

But the more I printed, the more I realised there wasn't a rule book hidden away somewhere. Sometimes the combinations I was least certain about became my favourites, while the sensible, predictable choices felt rather flat.

I often think my test sheets are the best sheets. They're the ones where I stop trying to get everything right and simply start playing. I'll layer colours I'd never have consciously put together, combinations that, on paper, probably shouldn't work. Yet they're often the ones I love the most. It's taught me that some of the most interesting colour palettes come from letting go of the rules and trusting your instincts instead.

Now I rarely ask whether colours "go" together. Instead, I ask whether they spark some joy (Marie Kondo eat your heart out). If a combination makes me stop in my tracks in the studio, chances are it'll find its way into my home sooner or later too.

I think we can all become a little overwhelmed by trends, paint charts, instagram and all the endless advice telling us what colours we're supposed to have this year. There always seems to be another list explaining what works with what, or which shade has suddenly become outdated. Somewhere along the way it becomes surprisingly easy to stop listening to your own instincts.

My home has never really worked like that. It's a collection of things gathered over time: colourful screen prints leaning on shelves, vintage finds, family photographs, flowers from the garden and treasures found in charity shops and car boot sales. None of it was bought because it matched perfectly. It simply found its place because I loved it.

Working as a printmaker has also taught me that layering is often where the magic happens. In screen printing, each colour is printed one at a time. What looks rather ordinary after the first layer slowly comes to life as the next colours are added. Occasionally I'll peel back the paper after the final print and discover the image is even better than I'd imagined. Other times, I've added one colour too many and realise it was stronger before.

Homes are much the same. The rooms I love the most aren't the ones that were finished in a weekend. They're the ones that have evolved slowly. A chair moved from one room to another. Prints swapped between walls until they find their rightful home. A lamp bought from the local car boot sale. Layers added over months and years rather than days.

Screen printing has also made me much braver about editing. That might sound strange coming from someone who clearly likes collecting things, but editing isn't always about having less. It's about making space for the things you really love.

In the studio I'll often spend hours creating a design only to remove a tiny detail at the very end because the print is stronger without it. I'm forever starting again as a print evolves and I realise I want to take it in a different direction. It's also exactly how the drawers for my twice-yearly sample sale seem to fill up so quickly.

I've learnt to do the same at home. Every now and then I move things around, take a picture down, swap a cushion or quietly admit that something no longer belongs. It isn't because I'm chasing perfection. Quite the opposite. I'm simply making room for the pieces that still make me pause as I walk past.

However much I plan and sketch a print beforehand, it always evolves once I begin printing. Colours change, inks overlap in unexpected ways and new ideas appear halfway through. Perhaps that's why screen printing has taught me to become comfortable with uncertainty.

No matter how carefully I mix my inks, there's always a moment of anticipation when I lift the screen. Sometimes there are happy accidents that are far better than what I'd planned. Occasionally things don't work at all. Either way, I've learnt that creativity is rarely about getting everything right the first time.

Maybe that's why I've stopped worrying whether my home is ever truly finished. For years I thought one day I'd finally arrive at that perfectly decorated house where every picture was hung, every corner complete and every room exactly as I'd imagined. Now I'm not so sure I'd want to.

A home, much like a print, is always evolving. There will always be another season, another idea, another bunch of flowers picked from the garden or another slightly wonky pot to bring home from pottery class. And I rather like that. After all, the most interesting homes aren't the ones that follow every decorating rule. They're the ones that tell the story of the people who live there.

If screen printing has taught me anything, it's that the only opinion that really matters when you're creating a home is your own.

Back in the day, most homes featured a dedicated dining room, contained into one space and separated from the kitchen and the living space. But in modern homes, the boundaries between dining, cooking and living spaces are becoming increasingly more blurred. But should you have a dining room in your home? Or is there no need or use for it in this day and age?

I asked five interior experts this very question, along with what their modern dining room ideas and recommendations would be. And all of them agreed that dedicated dining rooms come with their benefits and drawbacks. While you likely won’t find a separate dining room in the majority of homes these days, whether you should have one depends on your priorities, lifestyle and the style and size of your abode.

‘The dining room has really evolved over recent years, especially as open-plan living has become more popular and the way we live is changing and becoming less formal,’ says Amanda Huber, creative director at The Dining Chair Company.

Pros of a dedicated dining room

The main benefit of having a separated dining room is that it makes sitting down to eat feel all the more special.

‘A separate dining room offers a dedicated space for dining and makes mealtimes feel more celebratory,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘They’re great for hosting guests or special occasions too. A dedicated dining room also offers separation between living and dining spaces, which has practical benefits such as keeping dining away from the noise and activity of the kitchen.’

Being separated from the rest of your home for this short time also allows for no or very little distractions which is great for taking the time to enjoy and appreciate the food and the company, be it your family, friends or even just your own.

Shelley adds, ‘However, even those with dedicated dining rooms usually also have kitchen tables for more casual everyday dining.’

Another benefit of a dining room is that it creates an opportunity for decor and design that’s a bit more ‘out there’. ‘For me, the biggest advantage of having a separate dining room is that it gives you the freedom to make a real feature of the space,’ says Adam Dugdale, creative director at Oak & More.

‘You can be more ambitious with the proportions of the table, introduce statement lighting and create a room that has its own character and atmosphere, rather than simply being another functional part of an open-plan space.’

Cons of a dedicated dining room

As modern homes tend to be on the smaller side, the available space often doesn’t allow for a standalone dining room. And this demand for dedicated space is the dining room’s biggest drawback.

‘A separate dining room can feel like a luxury if space is limited, particularly when homes need to accommodate working, relaxing and entertaining in the same footprint,’ explains Nicky Emlick, interior designer and creative director at Sofa.com.

She continues with a tip, ‘The key is to make sure the room earns its place in the home and is used regularly, rather than becoming a space that is only opened up for special occasions.’

How to make a dedicated dining room work

Nicky at Sofa.com already touched on the necessity to make sure the dining room earns its place in your home if you have one or are looking to incorporate it in the future.

Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House, agrees, ‘The downside is that a formal dining room can become underused if it doesn't reflect the way the household lives. It also takes up valuable floor area, so in a smaller property you need to ask whether that space could serve the family better in another way.’

‘If you do have a separate dining room, we like to make sure it can work beyond dinner. Good storage, a generous table and appropriate lighting can allow it to double as somewhere for homework, working from home, games or larger family gatherings,’ she says.

This can be done with the right dining room table ideas, as well as storage furniture including dining benches like Next’s Aldridge storage bench.

What’s the best dining room alternative?

If a separate dining room is simply not an option, there are other ways you can create a dining area that feels special.

‘With the continued appeal of open-plan living and the pressure on space in many homes, we’re seeing less demand for a traditional, dedicated dining room,’ Nicky at Sofa.com says. ‘For many homes, a dining area within the kitchen is a much more practical solution. A well-proportioned table can act as the heart of the home, providing a place to eat, work, entertain and gather throughout the day.

'In smaller spaces, it’s about choosing furniture that works hard without compromising on comfort, a properly sized table and comfortable chairs can transform even a compact area into a sociable dining space.’

A dining area within an open-plan living room is another great alternative. ‘Having a well-designed and defined dining area in an open-plan living space will be really effective, creating a natural transition between the various zones without compromising on functionality,’ Amanda at The Dining Chair Company says.

'Extending tables are always a great option as they allow you to accommodate more guests when needed without taking up unnecessary space on a day-to-day basis. Dining benches are becoming increasingly popular as they help to create a more relaxed atmosphere.'

My top dining picks

These picks will work both in traditional dining rooms, as well as modern, open-plan dining spaces.

‘Ultimately, people are prioritising flexibility over formality. Rather than having a room reserved only for dining alone, they want spaces that can work harder and adapt through the day,’ Amanda at The Dining Chair Company concludes.

Around four months ago I started using the Ninja EverClad Stainless Steel 5-Piece Set. In my original full length review I noted that this pan set offers both functionality and quality. So it’s a good choice if you’re in the market for one of the best saucepan sets.

I’d already made the switch to stainless steel saucepans a while ago, but completely ditching the non-stick when it came to the best frying pan in my kitchen was daunting to me. I had to put my non-stick frying pans out of reach in the spare bedroom, to stop myself from defaulting to them.

Now, four months on, it’s safe to say those frying pans never made their way back into my kitchen and I’ve been happily cooking on stainless steel ever since. Here’s my update on what I’ve learnt using these pans (which are currently on sale at Amazon for £205, down from £231) over a longer period; the good, and the bad.

1. I’m definitely getting the hang of stainless steel frying pans

During my initial review, there were a few things that I didn’t exactly nail. One of them was frying fish to perfection. But as you can see in this photo of fried seabass fillets, I’ve perfected the art of creating a crisp skin and succulent flakey texture without any sticking.

For fish and meat, the trick is taking it out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and thoroughly patting it dry with kitchen towel. And I’ve learnt to resist the temptation to turn the heat down too low as well.

What I would say is that for things I don’t cook frequently, like pancakes, I have to hop online for a reminder of the best stainless steel specific cooking method. Because I know that if I dive straight in without that reminder, I won’t get the best from the pans.

I also know that I’m easily distracted in the kitchen, so if I’m preheating a frying pan, I set a two minute timer. This reminds me to test for the leidenfrost effect and usually means I nail the initial pan preheat, which is key to avoiding sticking.

2. I feel reassured that non-stick coatings aren’t flaking off into my food

It is a bit more effort to cook in stainless steel frying pans, and as I said above, I have to go to extra steps like timing the preheat. But I feel like I’ve embraced the challenge and learnt a new cooking skill. And now I don’t have to scrutinise the type of non-stick coating on my pans for fear of toxic chemicals, because I no longer need non-stick pans at all.

3. My husband loves them too

Since I’m usually in the kitchen reviewing kitchen appliances, my husband doesn’t get much of a look in when it comes to cooking. So while he had used the saucepans for the odd tin of beans and soup, it’s not surprising that he shied away from the frying pans for several weeks.

However, he is the pancake cook in our house, so when we recently had a craving for crepes with banana and chocolate spread, I walked him through making them in the stainless steel frying pan.

And I was surprised when, at the end of the batch of pancakes, he declared that he actually preferred using this frying pan. He thought it cooked very evenly and using it was much easier than our old sort-of-non-stick ceramic frying pans.

3. They feel robust and hardwearing

We’ve all had the odd dodgy spatula that’s a bit melted at the end, and many of us are now realising that’s probably not ideal. I’m in the process of trying to replace most of my cooking utensils with wooden and metal ones. So naturally I love that I don’t have to stress about using metal utensils in these pans.

Incidentally, I also noted in the original review that the pans are pretty weighty. So it's worth saying that for me personally this hasn’t been an issue over the last four months. I think I’ve got used to the weight and simply don’t give it a second thought anymore. But that’s not to say it won’t still be an issue for some people.

4. There are some downsides

So far, I’ve managed to avoid the temptation to put them in the dishwasher and have learnt how to clean stainless steel pans properly instead. The saucepans are generally quick and easy to clean and have stayed looking pristine. But the frying pans are becoming a bit of a chore, and if you like to keep your cookware immaculate, this could be a sticking point for you.

After a few uses, I start to notice brown fatty deposits up the sides of the frying pans. These stains don’t come off with normal hot soapy water, so periodically I have to spend extra time giving them a deeper clean.

I usually use bicarbonate of soda for the deep clean, scrubbing the powder into the pan in a thick paste. It gets the job done but still requires a good amount of elbow grease. Last time, I spent 10 minutes on one pan, though arguably, I had left it a bit longer than I should.

Personally, I have a bit of a ‘cooks kitchen’ philosophy, whereby I expect the things in my kitchen to look like I use them, because I do. But if you’re fastidious about keeping your cookware like new, I think this will start to bother you quite quickly.

Four months in and I'm very pleased on the whole with how this pan set is getting on in my kitchen. Could you be persuaded to make the switch away from non-stick?

Despite open plan reigning supreme for the last few years, I never really loved the look of a single wide open space with no visual breaks. In guides on how to design an open plan living/kitchen/dining room, you’ll notice there is a real emphasis on zoning — I know, because I’ve written a fair few over the years.

The idea of zoning is so the spaces feel interconnected, but for them to have their own identities. Naturally, this then developed, as all interior trends do, into the ‘broken plan’ layout. Similar to open concept, this style uses physical dividers, such as walls with archways or open doorways to give the circulation flow, but with a certain level of cosiness to each space.

Once my kitchen-dining-sitting layout was finished with builders, it felt void of character, so I got to work one weekend and started plotting an easy DIY project to create a visual break, add colour and character, inspired by mid-century design and broken plan living.

Designing the mid-century divider

Between the kitchen-diner and the living space, we installed a dwarf wall alongside the two small steps for the change in level. It gives the space a cosy feeling like a mid-century conversation pit, without being too on-the-nose.

But the idea was always to create a divider atop the dwarf wall that would encourage the light between the spaces, while making them more separate. One idea was simply to install timber slats, another was glass panels, but after playing around a little bit with different drawings, we ended with a ‘cubby’ idea on three levels to house the different objects, artwork and plants.

The final design also allowed for us to connect two sets of speakers to our record player so when we have people over, or while we are reading/cooking at the same time we can listen to music through the rooms.

How I built the divider

As we were building this DIY, which is made of plywood, my partner made a cut list that maximised the material — which, let’s face it, is not nearly as cheap as it once was — and made use of B&Q’s cutting service.

While we were able to cut small widths at home using a mitre saw, it was substantially easier and quicker to pay for their industrial panel saw in store to get straight and consistent length cuts rather than fight it with our table saw.

For ease of assembly, my partner constructed the ‘cubbies’ row by row, counter sinking screws (which would have a flush finish) into the uprights so they wouldn’t be seen once it was installed, as well as glue for long-term strength.

As the dwarf wall is made of timber, we screwed in the bottom section of the divider to provide stability — it was going to house a lot of treasured and expensive items so we didn’t want it to go toppling over.

The dwarf wall is also hollow so we were also able to drill a hole for a cable to fish through down to a nearby plug, which is then hidden by the sofa. After it was installed, it was time to caulk, prime and paint!

Although we could have left the plywood edge raw to match some of the other furniture pieces my partner has constructed, we opted to paint it all. The key here was to use wood filler, like this Everbuild Multipurpose Wood Filler, £4.78 from Amazon, on the counter-sink holes and the exposed edge to even it out for a uniform finish.

Enjoying the result

The kitchen, dining and living areas are all painted off-white (for now), so I wanted to encourage the theme of greens alongside our kitchen units and windows. We chose Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke in a high sheen finish and it looks fantastic.

The open structure means that our belongings can be rearranged constantly to freshen the space up. Plus when we have guests over and one person is cooking they can still be involved in the conversation rather than feeling separate.

If we were to commission this style of carpentry, it would have cost us around £300 at least — it probably would have gotten us a slightly better finish, but I’m delighted with how it looks. I think you could achieve a similar look by embracing some IKEA hacks, but I think for the time spent and that we were able to customise the cubby sizes to fit the speakers/record player it was well worth the effort.

So much of our homes take inspiration from period features, particularly if you live in a period property itself and want to stay true to the era. But while coving and fireplaces are popular restoration projects, the Victorian cold pantry has been quietly forgotten.

Victorian cold pantries were traditional larders that kept food cool, and thus had particular design features in order to achieve this all year round. Many people strive to include a kitchen pantry idea in their cooking space, and this offers a new approach to the trend that is super practical, too.

Here's why you should consider creating your own.

A Victorian cold pantry differs from a regular pantry because it's specifically designed to keep things cool. Larders and pantry units are great places to store dried goods, but as temperatures rise every summer, they aren't necessarily designed with cooling in mind.

As refrigeration wasn't around in the Victorian times, they had to resort to other methods, including the cold pantry. While this differs to our modern lives, creating dark, cool areas in our kitchen will help dried goods last for longer, too.

Walk-in style pantries align well with a cold pantry design. Sectioning off part of your kitchen to have a dedicated walk-in space, even if it's small, allows you to keep kitchen cupboards less cluttered, and worktops clear.

So what exactly does a Victorian cold pantry include?

For starters, designing an effective cold pantry begins with ensuring it's situated in a cool, dark area of your home. North-facing pantries will naturally keep items cooler, which is even more important in sweltering summer months.

Open shelves were a popular feature of a Victorian cold pantry, and they help to create an open air flow towards the top of the room. Whether you opt for natural wood or a painted finish, the open feel also adds to the rustic, antique-inspired look, too.

'To recreate the charm of a Victorian pantry at home, focus on practical storage, paired with traditional materials such as natural stone worktops, often used to keep goods cold,' explains Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr.

'Open shelving is key, providing easy access to everyday essentials, while dried goods can be decanted into glass or ceramic jars,' he adds.

Decanting your dried goods into glass jars adds to the period design, and helps you track what is running out more easily.

Stone surfaces and tiled flooring are more practical design elements that are necessary in a cold pantry. Traditionally, cold slabs were located beneath a window in a Victorian pantry to keep butter and cheese cool, but as we have fridges for this purpose now, choosing cool flooring and worktop surfaces will benefit the temperature of the entire room instead.

And of course, the finishing touches are important, too. In 2026, pantries have become somewhat of a status symbol, so consider small accessories that add to the overall look of the space. This will help to make it feel like an extension of your kitchen.

'Wicker baskets are ideal for adding extra storage as well as visual texture and interest, while natural linens and soft textiles bring warmth through layering,' Al adds.

Shop pantry accessories

September is the perfect time to reorganise your cooking space. These small kitchen storage ideas will help you declutter for the new season.

Last week, I awoke to a spider (quite literally) hanging out on my bedroom ceiling…right above my head. The next day, I unknowingly took a shower with one of these eight-legged critters. And if that’s not a sign that spider season is officially here, then I don’t know what is.

Even more horrifyingly, experts warn that this year’s spider season will be worse than ever, as the warmer temperatures will result in them staying active for longer as they go in search of their mates. Because of this, knowing how to get rid of spiders is key - but understanding why they’re coming in is equally as important.

And it turns out that many of us (me included) have unknowingly been luring these spiders into our homes without even realising it. So, it’s well worth understanding what attracts spiders and making a few changes before these rent-dodging lodgers outstay their welcome.

1. Moisture and humidity

While spiders can set up camp in any room of the house, they definitely have a preference. As Alex Woods from Victorian Plumbing explains, ‘You’re most likely to find spiders in your bathroom or kitchen, because their food is attracted to dark, moist areas.’

And by ‘food,’ Alex means most insects, including flies, mosquitoes, moths, and earwigs, all of which are typically attracted to your moisture-ridden drains and pipes. So when a spider needs a meal, it’s going to head straight to the source and head to the areas that are high in moisture and humidity, too.

Because of this, it’s well worth cleaning your drains regularly and keeping humidity in these rooms to a minimum. Opening windows and using extractor fans can help here, but you may also want to use a non-electric dehumidifier, such as this Absodry Moisture Absorber (£27.99 at Amazon), to tackle excess moisture.

You can also use plants and the scents spiders hate to your advantage here. Alex explains, ‘Plants such as mint, lemongrass or eucalyptus will not only elevate your bathroom interior, but they will help warn off spiders as they hate these kinds of aromas.’

2. Bright lights

The days definitely start getting shorter in September, and you may be inclined to use your outdoor lights as a result. Just be warned that these can also attract spiders into your home, especially if you’re also leaving doors and windows open to enjoy the still-warm weather.

Helen Godsiff, Brand Manager at Eurocell, warns, ‘When spending time outdoors, keep outdoor lighting to a minimum where possible, as the lights can attract insects, which in turn provide a food source for spiders.’

She adds, ‘This can make areas around the home and garden more appealing to them, so don’t be surprised if you notice an influx in the kitchen or garden rooms.’ And when they’re in your house, they’re probably not going to want to leave anytime soon.

Of course, not using your lights at all may be a step too far for you, but simply understanding that lights will attract spiders can be all you need to keep them out - especially if you enlist the help of a spider catcher and rehome them as soon as you spot one trying to sneak its way in.

3. Clutter

It’s already a well-known fact that excess clutter can cause damp, so it should come as no surprise to learn that clutter can also attract spiders. But it turns out that spiders also love hanging out and spinning their webs in clutter because they love being warm and cosy and hate being out in the open.

Luke Newnes from Hillarys explains, ‘Dark, undisturbed areas with piles of stored items can provide ideal conditions for spiders to settle. Keeping these spaces tidy and regularly checking stored belongings can help discourage them from nesting.’

After all, if a spider nests in your house, there’s a very high chance that future spider babies will soon call your home their home - making the situation so much worse. Because of this, decluttering regularly (without making a bigger mess) can work wonders. You also need to maintain a regular cleaning schedule.

Having one of the best vacuum cleaners to hand can help. Dr Jonathan Kirby, Head of Research & Development at Safeguard Europe, says, ‘Regularly remove or vacuum webs and any visible egg sacs. This can reduce activity, but spiders will quickly attempt to rebuild their webs if suitable shelter and insect prey remain. Reduce clutter and keep flies and other insects out to make it harder for spiders to enter and settle.’

4. Shelter

You probably don’t need me to tell you that the weather in the UK is becoming increasingly unpredictable. This summer alone, we’ve gone from month-long heatwaves to flash flooding. Because of this uncertainty, spiders seek shelter in our homes to find a stable place to enjoy mating season.

And when they want to come in, they do so through the weak spots in your home - including cracks and gaps in windows and door seals. The good news is that fixing these can also help you draught-proof your home ahead of winter.

Luke advises, ‘Check external doors and window frames for small cracks or gaps where spiders can enter. Replace damaged weather seals and use exterior-grade sealant- both of which can be picked up for less than £10 from most DIY retailers to close openings around frames, helping to prevent spiders from getting inside.’

In fact, you can buy this UniBond Outdoor Window & Door Frame Sealant for just £8 at Amazon. And if there are bigger gaps that need to be filled in order to keep spiders and draughts out, you can also buy draught-excluder tape for a very affordable price, too.

5. Food waste

We already know that spiders follow their food's footsteps, and flies will also enter homes with human food waste and crumbs for them to eat. Because of this, it’s also important to keep this to a minimum during spider season - and at any point throughout the year - if you want to keep critters at bay.

This means emptying normal waste bins as soon as possible, sealing your food waste caddy and taking steps to deter flies, and regularly wiping down surfaces to remove any lingering crumbs, sticky residue, or large chunks of food.

When you’ve done this, it’s well worth cleaning any areas where food has been present with essential oils, as spiders hate these scents. Alex advises, ‘A drop of essential oil is enough to deter a spider. You can make your spider repellent by mixing essential oil (20 drops) and water in a spray bottle. The best essential oils to use for your repellent are: tea tree, lavender, peppermint, citrus, and cinnamon.’

Just be warned that some essential oils are toxic to pets, so it’s worth taking caution if you have animals in your home - or avoid them altogether. Thankfully, making a white vinegar spider-repellent spray can be just as effective, and you can pick up a bottle of white vinegar for just £1.50 at Dunelm.

Sorry, spiders, if you're not paying rent then you're not coming in...

If, like me, you have a small bedroom, you'll probably be eager to learn every design tip there is for making a small space look bigger.

And according to interior designers, one of the tools you'll want in your belt is this simple window-dressing trick.

Yep, the experts say that the key to maximising a bijou bedroom is getting this curtain detail right. So if you're looking for ways to make your small bedroom ideas feel more spacious, let's get started.

Now, when it comes to bedroom curtain ideas, most of us might think that choosing the right colour and fabric are the most important details. However, our design experts say there's something else just as important to factor in, especially if you're furnishing a small bedroom.

Namely, that's the height of your curtains. And you might be surprised to find out that this isn't a situation where less is more.

Instead, our interior designers reveal that the key to dressing the windows of a small bedroom is to go bigger, not smaller.

The window dressing trick that makes small bedroom look bigger

Rather than simply hanging your curtains to frame your window, our design experts say that we should consider utilising all of the space *above* the bedroom window as well.

Why? Because, as Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of interior design studio K'Arte Design, explains, 'full-height curtains are one of the simplest tricks for making a small bedroom feel bigger.'

'Hanging the track as close to the ceiling as possible, rather than just above the window frame, draws the eye upwards and emphasises the height of the room,' explains Katerina, 'so the space feels taller and more generous than it actually is.'

'Full-height curtains naturally draw the eye upward, giving bedroom walls the appearance of added height and making the bedroom itself look bigger,' agrees Chloe Dacosta, design manager at window dressing specialist Blinds2Go.

And, according to interior designer Lara Clarke, founder of Lara Clarke Interiors, it isn't just extra curtain *height* we should consider in a small bedroom.

'Full-height curtains are one of the easiest tricks for making a small bedroom feel bigger,' says Lara. 'It's a small adjustment that makes a disproportionate difference. However, width matters just as much as height.'

'Extending the curtain pole well beyond the window frame, so the curtains sit against the wall rather than the glass when open, lets in more light and makes the window itself look larger,' reveals Lara.

'Think "high and wide"', agrees Helen O’Connor, product and trend manager at 247 Blinds. 'Hanging curtains higher than the window frame draws the eye upwards, while extending the pole or track beyond the sides of the window helps create the impression of a wider and maximises natural light.

'Natural light is particularly valuable in a small bedroom, so you don’t want your curtains unnecessarily reducing it during the day.'

Other window dressing tricks for a small bedroom

So, we now know that high and wide is the way to make curtains work best in a small bedroom. But do our design experts have any other top tips for creating the illusion of extra space via window dressing choices?

'My other tip for making a small bedroom look bigger would be to keep the curtain and wall colour tonal,' says Katerina.

'A stark contrast between wall and fabric will visually cut the room in half, whereas a soft, tonal palette lets the curtains blend into the architecture rather than compete with it.'

'Keeping your curtain colour close to the wall tone helps the curtains recede rather than cutting the room in half,' agrees Lara.

'I'd also avoid anything too heavy or fussy in a small room,' says Katerina. 'A lighter fabric that puddles less and pools softly at the floor keeps the space feeling airy rather than weighed down.'

However, if your floor space is limited, Chloe does suggest an alternative approach to avoid a trip hazard. 'I would aim for your full-length curtains to hover just above the floor,' she says, 'ensuring easy opening and maximum coverage.'

'Additionally, choosing lighter colours for your curtains can give a small bedroom a brighter feel,' says Chloe, 'making it feel more spacious.'

'Colour and pattern can make a difference too,' says Helen. 'You don’t have to stick to white or beige, but softer colours or curtains that sit within the room’s overall colour palette will help the space feel calmer and more open.'

'If you do want to opt for a pattern, a subtle vertical design, such as a stripe, can help emphasise the room height,' Helen adds. 'And in a particularly compact bedroom, I’d be careful not to overwhelm the window with very bulky fabrics or excessive volume.'

'A curtain that hangs beautifully but stacks back relatively neatly will give you the softness of fabric without making the window area feel crowded,' says Helen.

Bear these design tricks in mind when it comes to your window dressing, and your small bedroom will soon look far larger than its measurements might suggest.

Sprinkling cinnamon on your lawn sounds, on paper, like a recipe for disaster – albeit a recipe that, at the very least, will mean your garden has that same spicy scent that comes hand-in-hand with a chai latte.

Here's the thing, though: if your grass has started looking a little worse for wear, it could be one of those quirky lawn care hacks that's well worth trying. Cinnamon, after all, contains natural antifungal and antimicrobial compounds, which means it may have a role to play when you're dealing with certain lawn diseases or trying to protect newly sown grass.

Could a light dusting be what you need, then, to give your grass a helping hand? As ever, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it...

How sprinkling cinnamon on your lawn can make it healthier

According to Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, cinnamon's natural properties mean it could be useful when dealing with fungal problems.

'Cinnamon contains natural anti-fungal compounds which can help suppress some fungal growth in the garden and could be useful when dealing with patches of lawn affected by diseases,' he says.

For anyone who spots a suspicious patch of grass, Morris says a dash of cinnamon could be well worth experimenting with. And he really does mean a dash; the trick is, rather than heavily coating the lawn, just applying a very light dusting directly to affected areas.

Matt J Adams, founder and lead gardener at The Relentless Gardener, agrees that cinnamon can have a useful role in lawn care; indeed, if you have noticed ants or other unwanted insects gathering in a particular area, he recommends combining cinnamon with compost before applying it to the affected patch.

What you will need

'If you're dealing with an area of lawn affected by ants or other insects, try mixing 1 to 5 tablespoons of cinnamon with 5 litres of compost (we recommend Westland's John Innes blend, £10.99 at Amazon) and sprinkling the mixture over the affected area,' he says. 'Coffee can also work well as a natural option for helping to discourage unwanted insects.'

The same approach can also be used when you're repairing bare patches or overseeding an existing lawn. 'Once you've spread your grass seed (GrowPure grass seed, £12.99 at Amazon is a great choice), mix 1–2 tablespoons of cinnamon with compost and spread it over the seeded area,' says Matt. 'This can help protect young seedlings as they begin to establish.'

Basically, while cinnamon is a great addition to your lawn care arsenal, it shouldn't replace the basics. Regular mowing helps keep grass at a suitable height, while aeration can improve drainage and allow air and water to reach the roots. Scarification removes built-up thatch and moss, and feeding the lawn appropriately encourages strong and healthy growth.

'Put these measures together, and you'll have a denser, stronger lawn that's better able to withstand common problems,' says Matt. 'Cinnamon can be a useful addition in certain situations, but it's the overall care and condition of your lawn that makes the biggest difference.'

'A dusting of cinnamon might give your lawn a fighting chance if it is diseased, so it's worth a try!' adds Morris.

FAQs

Better get sprinkling then, we guess! Just don't expect the spice rack to do all the work for you...

As summer draws to an end, our focus turns back to our homes - whether that's by making them as practical as possible or upgrading the appearance. Kitchens and utility rooms come into their own at this time of year, via cosy evenings spent cooking and muddy dog walks that end in the utility, so they deserve our full attention.

Despite the change in season, however, there's a colour trend that is reigning triumphant. Warm, earthy colour palettes have remained popular throughout 2026, and as we approach the end of the year, using these shades in utility rooms is the perfect way to embrace the trend.

Utility room ideas have to be practical, and that extends to colour choices. This colour trend is as functional as it is stylish - here's how to use it.

Utilities are a unique room. In many homes, if you're lucky enough to have space for one then they tend to work as a traditional utility, as well as acting as a boot room and laundry space. They're also often compact, so getting the design right can be a challenge.

Colour, therefore, is an important consideration. The inclination with small rooms is to choose a bright neutral colour palette that makes a room feel larger, but in a utility room, this only emphasises any scuffs and dirt. Instead, going for bolder hues is a more practical and creative solution.

'Utility rooms are often overlooked when it comes to colour, but they’re a wonderful opportunity to embrace richer, more characterful shades,' explains Tom Howley, creative design director of the bespoke kitchen brand.

'This autumn, we’re seeing a move towards warm, earthy palettes that bring depth and warmth to these hardworking spaces,' Tom continues.

In previous years, dark navy shades were popular for utilities, but trends are moving away from cool-tone colours and towards warmer tones that inspire a cosier home.

'Warm, earthy colours are becoming increasingly popular in utility rooms, helping to create a space that feels welcoming rather than purely practical,' explains Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr.

'Shades inspired by nature, from soft creams and warm neutrals to earthy greens and muted terracotta, work particularly well alongside natural materials such as wood and stone,' he adds.

The benefit of this trend is that it encompasses a variety of colours, so you can find one that matches the rest of your interiors. While creating a sense of cohesion between your kitchen and utility is key, the smaller utility space presents the perfect opportunity to go bold and try something new.

'Dark greens work particularly well in a utility room, creating a sense of connection with nature while feeling timeless and sophisticated. Paired with warm wood hues, they can soften the practical nature of the space and give it a more considered, inviting feel,' says Tom Howley.

'For those looking to introduce a little more warmth, rusty reds and rich chocolate browns are excellent choices, adding a sense of cosiness without feeling overly seasonal.'

The key to using these natural colours is to style them with other design features and accessories that are more rustic. Keep the palette earthy by avoiding white stone worktops and instead opt for natural wood tones, then pull this through to open shelving and decorative objects.

'Olives and earthy greens give a natural sense of calm, while coffee tones add a little more richness and maturity. We'd recommend balancing with lighter walls, which gives you the warmth and character in the cabinetry without losing the clean, fresh feeling a utility still needs,' Ntola Obazee, brand director of Kutchenhaus adds.

Shop the trend

No matter your taste, these are 3 colour trends that will offer serious staying power so you can be sure your money goes further.

September has rolled around once more, and with that comes the renewal of routine. Whether your household is back to school or you simply have that September itch that never really disappears, tweaking your kitchen pantry ideas will help mornings to run smoothly.

A morning pantry is our favourite way to ensure that the morning routine is as argument-free and fuss-free as possible. It takes a regular pantry area and turns it into a zone that is designed for sacred morning rituals, whether yours involves tea and toast or coffee and cereal.

If you're designing a pantry from scratch, now is the perfect time to think about all of the details that will make it work for your morning routine. But if you're looking for smaller tweaks to add retrospectively, there will be something in here for you, too.

1. Decant essentials

This small tweak makes a huge difference to how your pantry functions. While we recommend decanting dried goods in your kitchen cupboards anyway, doing so in a pantry dedicated to your morning routine makes for a clutter-free experience that starts your day off on the right foot.

Decanting cereal, coffee and tea into clear containers means that you can easily keep track of when stocks are running low. This is key to maintaining a household when life gets busy, and prevents anyone from putting an empty cereal box back into the pantry.

It also makes it much easier for children to help themselves. Cereal containers with smaller openings or a dispenser will prevent too many spillages from occurring.

2. Create an appliance station

This morning pantry feature requires a bit more forward planning, but when done well, changes the game completely. An appliance garage layout turns your pantry into a dedicated spot for housing a kettle, toaster and coffee machine, so you can shut the doors on mess once the morning routine is over.

When you come back from the school run, you can close off the chaos of the morning and enjoy clean, clutter-free worktops in the rest of your kitchen.

'Practicality is just as important as aesthetics, so make sure there’s sufficient worktop space and easy access to power points,' recommends Tom Howley, the bespoke kitchen company’s creative design cirector. Map out the layout before you begin the build to ensure the plug sockets are in the right place, and that there's enough height for your appliances.

3. Think about layout and doors

It's not just the interior of the pantry that needs to be considered, it's the overall cupboard, too. Opting for double doors is a practical design decision as it allows the pantry to operate as a focal point, and means you can easily access the entire space. Pocket doors, however, are also a handy choice for those with a small kitchen.

'A pocket door or concealed section can hide coffee machines, toasters and other appliances when they’re not in use, while dedicated internal storage keeps breakfast essentials easy to reach,' adds Ntola Obazee, brand director of Kutchenhaus.

'Think about the layout of the pantry, keeping everything you reach for within easy access - from the coffee machine for that first cup of the day to open shelving with enough height for cereals, dry food and everyday essentials,' she adds.

4. Don't forget lighting

It won't be long until mornings get much darker, so make sure you prep for the change in seasons by adding soft kitchen lighting ideas to your morning pantry.

Integrated lighting on shelving and motion-sensored task lighting will provide illumination where you need it the most, and you won't even need to turn the big light on.

For added style, rechargeable lamps are perfect for a pantry area, and you can move them around the room as the day continues.

September is the perfect time to reorganise your cooking space. These small kitchen storage ideas will help you declutter for the new season.

Making the switch to glass food containers from plastic ones has yielded so many benefits for my kitchen. Not only can I now avoid reheating my food in plastic containers, but my clean-up routine is miles easier. I never have to suffer those tomato stains that just won't shift anymore.

I've written in detail about why my preference for glass over plastic when it comes to food prep and while my go-to choice is from the pricier Black + Blum, there are plenty of places with more affordable options if you want to make the switch too.

Here's a round-up of all of the places I've shopped excellent glass food containers and why I'd recommend each for picking up non-toxic, easier to clean food prep options.

1. Black + Blum

This London-based brand, which has been making waves on the food-influencer side of Instagram, not only prioritises clever designs but delivers on quality big time. I've tried the stainless steel food prep set from Black + Blum as well as the brand's new glass Stack + Nest set (from £27.95). Together, they make the perfect food prep combination.

The glass set is perfect for meal prep that you'll keep at home, like lunches or freezer fodder while the super lightweight stainless steel version could not be better for throwing into my work bag for the office. It's been the envy of the Ideal Home lunchroom.

These containers are expensive, there's no getting around it. But the glass nesting containers fit together compactly for storage and the lids feature clever vacuum seals to keep your food fresher for far longer.

The range available from Black + Blum is also very impressive. You can pick up these containers in an array of sizes – but the best for everyday food prep is likely going to be the 1 litre for most people. Pricey, but worth every penny in my book.

2. IKEA

What area of the home doesn't IKEA have you covered for? It can certainly be relied on for affordable food containers if you need them, including a well-rated glass range. At £4 per glass container, the 365+ range is one of the brand's bestselling as far as the kitchen is concerned.

With over 4000 reviews to its name awarding it a 4.7 star rating overall, this excellent value container is popular for good reason. And as with Black + Blum's version, it's oven-safe and freezer-safe, which is great for those who like to prepare all of their meals at the beginning of a week.

It is heavier than the more premium Black + Blum option though – weighing in around 680 grams without food in. That can make quite a difference to your lunch bag day to day.

Another benefit of IKEA's 365+ system is that it's part of a wider interchangeable system, which means you can pick up lids that fit various containers for cheap. If you want to totally shun plastic, the bamboo lid versions will be your best bet.

3. ZWILLING

If food longevity is your main concern as you come to upgrade your food storage then Zwilling's Fresh & Save range is well worth a look in. While Black + Blum's range has an excellent and simple to use vacuum button, Zwilling's is a lot more involved – it removes air out of the containers using a pump.

This system has its pros and cons. It's very effective at making your fresh or dry food last far longer but it does require a lot more work to achieve that end goal than simply pressing down on a seal. You need to keep the vacuum pump close to hand and charged to use it effectively.

There's a lot to love about the sheer breadth of the range if you do decide to invest in the vacuum pump. The glass food containers are a standout, but you can also pair it with stainless steel food prep bowls, clever silicone food bags and lunchboxes too.

I rated this system when I tried it but it was just a little too fiddly for me to hang onto in my small kitchen. If you have more space for the accessories needed and want to make a long-term investment, it's a great pick.

4. Amazon

If you have an Amazon Prime membership already, you're probably looking to save on the postage costs that buying glass food containers online might create. Turns out, it's a great place to shop for this kitchen essential too.

As well as a host of lesser-known names, there are plenty of brands you will recognise on Amazon in this particular area. One of those is Pyrex, with this set (for £23.02) which I've tried in my own kitchen. It's a bargain price for a set that contains 4 separate glass dishes, the biggest of which can hold 4 litres of food.

Another style that works very well for breakfast oats and fruit is this round shape (£15.89 for 4 via Amazon). And for added style points on your lunchbreak, I love these fluted ones with different coloured lids (£15.99 via Amazon).

For the sheer amount of choice on offer, Amazon's selection is well worth checking out. Just make sure to check the reviews thoroughly before you make a commitment.

Whichever brand you end up deciding on, I can assure you that making the switch to glass is well worth the effort. At the very least, there'll be no more tomato stained plastic containers cluttering up your cupboards.

Content creator Lucy Kalice is one of Ideal Home's Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on cleaning, home decor and making the most of small spaces. See the rest of her articles here.

Hello from Canada! The land of maple syrup, bears and ice hockey. And the place I have the pleasure of writing this weeks article from. It’s actually the place I wrote my first ever Ideal Home article over a year ago (whose been a reader since day 1?).

Now I love holidays as much as the next person. I’d go as far as saying that going on holiday and staying in lovely places is my favourite hobby...annoyingly not the cheapest of hobbies but alas it it’s a hobby nonetheless!

There’s the obvious things to look forward to on holiday - trying new delicious food, exploring amazing different cultures, sunbathing whilst getting lost in a book (I’m a real sun-lover and bookworm). Oh and how could I forget, not having to do any washing up or laundry!

But another thing that I really look forward to is the interiors. I love looking at all the furniture in hotels, noticing the different textures and patterns used which create the mood. I notice all the scents used in hotel rooms, what candles they’ve got which add to the ambience and how it makes the place feel. I love using all the different tableware in restaurants (especially the wine glasses) and I even love browsing in homeware shops.

I get so much inspiration from these spaces because it’s not what I’m used to seeing. On a day to day basis we wake up in our own home with our own home comforts. But when you’re away you’re thrust into an entirely different world. So I’m always looking to see if there’s anything I can bring back home with me or a design feature that would work in my house. And it’s just so different from just scrolling past something on Instagram or Pinterest, you actually get to touch it, feel it and use it.

The best part about getting this inspiration whilst your on holiday is that the touches that you do take back home with you, will also remind you of the holidays or places you’ve visited! I mean why wouldn’t you want a home curated from all your favourite places?!

So I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite finds and how I’d love to one day incorporate them into my home.

Bahamas

My husband and I went on our honeymoon to the Bahamas in May and I quickly fell in love with the place, especially the Caribbean interiors.

This is the restaurant in Coral Sands hotel. The attention to detail was second to none - from the painted ceilings, to the checkered tile flooring. There were shells everywhere and pink everywhere…my absolute dream!

It was the kind of interior that scratched an itch in my brain and I simply fell in love. Now I want to incorporate as many shells in my own home so that it’ll remind me of this special island.

I love love LOVED these shell bar stools. The pink interiors were so fun and it’s taught me to not be afraid of colour. I’ve been so inspired that we are actually planning to redecorate our downstairs toilet and the theme is pink and shells!

Paris

If you’ve been to Paris you will have absolutely seen the bistro chairs they have there. They are everywhere and they are iconic. I think they have so much character and look so chic.

In the future I’d love to have a patio table surrounded by these chairs in orange. How fun would that be! And it’ll always remind me of my trips to Paris.

Naples

The hotel that we stayed in when we visited Naples had this huge mirror attached to the inside of the window frame. In my home we don’t have space in our bathroom for a mirror on the wall, so instead we have one of those tiny freestanding mirrors on the windowsill.

After a few days of using the hotel mirror I knew it would work perfectly in our bathroom. Not only that but it looks gorgeous too, so we plan to install one in our bathroom.

So I urge you, next time your on holiday, a staycation or a night away, if you like something take a picture! If it’s a vase, a chest of drawers or a bathroom tile, it’s the perfect time to get inspiration for your own home. And slowly but surely you’ll create a home that’s filled with such special memories and is completely personal to you!

I appreciate that some people might have loved how hot this summer was, but I was not one of them. And with reports circulating that 2027 could be the planet's hottest year on record, I am determined to set my home up so that it's as heatwave proof as possible.

2026 might have reinforced my thoughts that fitted air conditioning is definitely worth it, especially as I work from home and have a dog that I am always fretting about keeping cool, but it has highlighted a glitch in my summer-proofing plans.

My air conditioning is in my living room, which made the most sense to me when it was installed. It's a room that I can relax, work, entertain and sleep in if I need the benefits of the AC. But after the prolonged heatwave this summer, I started to feel frustrated at spending so much time in one room. And after camping out on an admittedly very comfortable air bed, it doesn't come close to my own bed.

However, my bedroom is easily the hottest room in the house, and during a heatwave, can easily get stuck in the mid-high 20s all night. The size and layout of existing furniture in there also makes it challenging to have a portable air conditioner set up properly and over a longer time frame.

While the warmer weather has largely passed (give or take a couple of warm days before autumn really kicks in), I'm taking the time to really plan and budget for upgrades I want to make to my home before next summer. And number one on my list is to get air conditioning fitted in my bedroom (something I wish I'd done when it was installed in the first place).

This might not be the most affordable option, but it will mean that I can keep the valuable floorspace clear as the unit will be mounted on the wall. Fitted air conditioning is also whisper quiet, especially when used in night mode, which makes it ideal for hot bedrooms. That's a huge bonus that will contribute to me being able to sleep in my own bed, even on the toastiest of nights.

It might seem a bit ridiculous to even be thinking about next summer before winter has reared its head, but I would absolutely encourage you to start thinking about your own summer proofing tactics now. And there is reason to the madness.

Firstly, it gives you time to really assess your home, think about what you need, and research the best solutions for your space. While fitted air conditioning might be right for me, a portable unit might be more suitable for you. I've tried both the Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner and the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner, which are both quiet enough to use in a bedroom setting. They're currently out of stock, but are worth bookmarking and keeping an eye out for. It may also be that more passive measures, such as thermal curtains and clever planting to create natural shade would be even better.

Having that time means that you'll spend more wisely, rather than having a bit of a knee-jerk reaction to an excessively hot day.

Secondly, the unprecedented temperatures experienced this summer meant that fans, air coolers and portable air conditioners sold out in record time. Many of those that remained saw their prices hiked. By planning and acting early before the next hot spell hits, you can ensure you get your pick of the best products around, and at the best price.

Bulb-shopping is one of my favourite September activities, because there are just so many to choose from. You can really tailor your garden colour scheme with them - and to celebrate, I’m rounding up a few of the best bulbs to order in September for pink spring blooms in 2027.

Before we start, it’s important to note that there’s a difference between the best time to plant spring bulbs and ordering them. Some bulbs can be planted in September, like daffodils - but others, like tulips, are best ordered now so that they’re ready for planting later in the autumn.

Still, what better time to stock up? The best spring bulb stockists are selling new collections and classic favourites – and these are the best bulbs to plant in September for pink spring blooms.

Bulb planting kit

1. Tulip 'Dreamer'

If you’re a fan of peonies, you’ll love this one. Tulip ‘Dreamer’ boasts blush pink, double blooms for fluffy border displays. They look just like peonies, flowering from mid- to late spring, with strikingly fresh green foliage. I think they’re the perfect cottage garden plant, and they look beautiful in a vase, too.

‘Tulip ‘Dreamer’ is the sort of luscious, layered variety you’ll want to stop and admire, with beautifully ruffled petals in soft shell pink,’ says Annelise Brilli, Thompson & Morgan’s horticultural expert. ‘Exceptionally generous in flower, it produces at least two blooms per stem, creating a fuller, more abundant display than the average tulip.’

Where to buy Tulip 'Dreamer' bulbs:

• Thompson & Morgan: Buy Tulip 'Dreamer' bulbs in packs of eight, 16 or 32.
• Dutch Grown: Pre-order Tulip 'Dreamer' bulbs for early October dispatch.

2. Tulip 'Huis Ten Bosch'

If you're hoping to order fringed bulbs this September for pink spring blooms in 2027, look no further than Tulip 'Huis Ten Bosch'. The fringed petals are a beautiful rose pink with a creamy white base, appearing between April and May.

Annelise recommends the 'Strawberry Frost' tulip collection, which includes two varieties: Tulip 'Huis Ten Bosch' and Tulip ‘Noordeinde White’, a brilliant white fringed tulip.

'Tulip ‘Strawberry Frost’ provides the perfect contrast to the softness of ‘Dreamer’, with crisply fringed petals delicately coloured in a beautifully balanced blend of pink and cream,' says Annelise.

Where to buy Tulip 'Huis Ten Bosch' bulbs:

• Thompson & Morgan: Order the Tulip 'Strawberry Frost' collection, which includes two different fringed varieties.
• Amazon: Or, order the pink Tulip 'Huis Ten Bosch' bulbs alone.

3. Narcissus 'Casanova'

'Casanova' daffodils might not look pink at first glance, but they're renowned for their delicate apricot-pink coronas. They make a wonderful addition to a pink flower bed or border, and a great choice if you're looking to plant unusual spring bulbs this month.

'Yellow is the colour which immediately springs to mind with daffodils but, surprisingly, there are some unique and exciting varieties which come in shades of pink,' says Annelise.

'The dashing Narcissus ‘Casanova’ barely looks like a daffodil with its ruffled apricot-pink corona sitting flat against white outer petals. Despite its glamorous appearance, ‘Casanova’ is as hardy and dependable as traditional varieties.'

Where to buy Narcissus 'Casanova' bulbs:

• Thompson & Morgan: Order packs of five or 10 Narcissus 'Casanova' bulbs.

4. Tulip 'Pink Impression'

If you're after a classic egg-shaped tulips, Tulip 'Pink Impression' is one of the best bulbs you can order in September for pink spring flowers. It can grow to over half a metre tall, adding height and colour to garden borders, and it's a lovely spring bulb to grow for cut flowers.

'Tulips are one of the best choices for pink spring blooms in 2027, with so many varieties to choose from,' says Charlotte Daubney, bulb expert at Taylors Bulbs. 'In our top three would be Tulip 'Pink Impression', a top-performing Darwin hybrid with giant, long-lasting flowers.'

Where to buy Tulip 'Pink Impression' bulbs:

• Crocus: Order seven Tulip 'Pink Impression' bulbs for £6.99, or 21 for £18.
• Peter Nyssen: Another affordable Tulip 'Pink Impression' stockist.

Plant these bulbs from November for pretty pink displays next spring.

Florals tend to be love-hate. In interiors, they're closely associated with dated decor, whether it's yellowed wallpaper or curtains that have got to go - but florals are having a resurgence in bathrooms.

From Sanderson to Laura Ashley, some of the biggest names in retro florals have created new collections that prove that florals are a bathroom trend to invest in. Florals aren't just for spring; they're a pattern that creates a warm, homely atmosphere that is just what is needed in a wash space.

Here's why you should consider trying this retro-inspired bathroom trend.

'Bathrooms became very sensible for a while. Lots of stone effects, lots of neutrals, lots of schemes designed to feel calm. Florals bring back some of the joy that got lost along the way,' explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

In 2026, bathroom ideas are largely focused on creating spaces that feel more like the living zones in our homes. Rather than a stark, clinical design, taking inspiration from the 90s with layering patterns and colours makes for a cosy space that is genuinely calming - as well as practical.

'In the 90s, those bathrooms were not frightened of decoration. You had flowers climbing walls, borders around the room, pattern appearing in places we had since trained ourselves to keep plain. I think what we are borrowing now is that confidence, rather than recreating the whole thing exactly,' Grazzie adds.

While we're seeking inspiration from the 90s, florals are being used in different formats to suit a more contemporary approach.

'A floral does not automatically mean a sugary, traditional bathroom. Put a blowsy rose or a botanical tile next to a beautifully simple basin, a great piece of brassware or a block of colour and suddenly it feels much fresher. That contrast is important. You want a little tension between the prettiness of the pattern and the more functional parts of the room,' Grazzie continues.

When using florals in 2026, scale is important. Layering small-scale florals will create a more traditional, retro scheme, whereas combining a smaller floral print with a block colour or a larger-scale print introduces dimension and adds a more modern touch.

Additionally, using a floral with an alternative pattern, such as a stripe or a black and white checked flooring takes away the saccharine feel and adds more edge.

Combining practicality with this style is the key to using it effectively in a bathroom. Waterproof wall panels and tiles are a great way to showcase patterns, particularly in a shower area or behind a basin.

'From the delicate vintage-inspired blooms to more contemporary florals, they are versatile to work in both traditional and contemporary settings, while helping to soften the harder surfaces such as tiles and ceramics,' explains Elliot Fairlie, product and marketing director at Grant Westfield.

The benefit of opting for floral tiles and wall covering is two-fold - it adds visual interest to a practical area, and it also softens the look of cold, hard surfaces.

'A floral border around a basin, framing a shower or creating a panel on the wall gives you this lovely sense of decoration without having to cover every surface,' Grazzie adds.

Shop the trend

'My advice is not to make a floral bathroom too polite,' Grazzie concludes. When using florals, don't play it safe - add different colour palettes and large-scale patterns to update the retro look.

Interior designer Natalie Jahangiry is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on decorating a home to suit a busy family life while sticking to your aesthetic values, too. See the rest of her articles here.

I’ve just returned from a summer holiday in Mallorca with my family. We had a wonderful time escaping the busy day-to-day London life (alongside the current heatwaves!) in Portocolom, a traditional and picturesque fishing village on the eastern coast of the island.

And while this might shock some of you (when I show you the interiors) I fell in love with the Spanish interior style.

Now by the above statement I mean that Spanish style is very different from my own style. If you’ve seen any of my previous articles, which include my new bedroom and kitchen renovations, you’ll know that at this stage of my life I am into colourful, playful spaces, with a warmer look and feel overall. There’s less of a play on pattern, but I do love texture. Heritage style and vintage furnishings also play a role in my home. Spanish interiors, on the other hand, feel much more stripped back. Natural, earthy, contemporary and almost quiet in comparison to my own home. And although this is very far from my own style, I absolutely love it.

This isn’t my only visit to the Spanish islands recently either, last year we stayed in Ibiza Old Town and I had a similar love affair with the style. So here comes my Jekyll and Hyde moment…The moment I tell you that yes, I love my current style, but I also feel like I am having an interior love affair because I just can’t get enough of the clean and natural feel of Spanish Style.

The warm whites, stone mixed with marble, raw finishes and slightly imperfect, but perfect feel to everything. And although I know I can’t replicate this soothing Spanish look and feel in my own home currently, one day I’d love to use this combination to shape my imaginary holiday home, or perhaps a client’s home if they were looking for this relaxed Mediterranean look and feel.

So here are my takes on how to create a little slice of Spain at home, and the elements that stood out to me the most on my travels.

Minimal, but still warm

One of the things I really love about Spanish interiors is the sheer amount of natural stone, it’s everywhere. Across floors, walls, sinks, worktops, furniture, decor. In homes, hotels, bars, shops, the outside of buildings…you name it, it will be there! And it’s that beautifully pale, almost sun-kissed kind of stone that feels so warm and natural, especially under the Spanish sun.

And I think this is where I am drawn in, the part that has somewhat swayed my view on minimalism. As I mentioned, I wouldn’t exactly describe my home as minimal, I’d say I sit in the midimalist/lived-in category. It’s very colourful, my walls are heavily dressed with styling and there’s not a white wall or ceiling in sight.

To me, minimalism can look (not always) a little bare and uninviting, but these spaces never felt cold or empty to me. Yes, there may be less colour, styling and furniture, but where it lacks in colour and well stuff, the stone is complimented by natural woods, texture, linen, rattan, marble and imperfect finishes.

This considered combination not only looks beautiful, it brings warmth and cosiness, just through a different lens. I think what Spanish interiors really nail is that ability to be minimal but not stark, letting the natural materials do the work…and I think that’s one of the parts I’ve really fallen for.

Woven textures

Wicker and rattan consistently appear in Spanish style, from baskets to lampshades, chairs and accessories, they bring warmth and character to what could be considered quite pared back spaces.

Our hotel in particular had a great display of this in action. The ceilings showcased an array of rattan lightshades, set against stone walls and marble floors. I loved how something as simple and rustic as rattan brought a softer more considered feel without taking away from how refined and stylish the space looked overall.

Pottery and ceramics

Then there’s the ceramics…oh my love. Anyone who knows me knows I have a ‘thing’ for kitchenware and glasses so this for me was an utter highlight.

Handmade and slightly imperfect pieces appear everywhere. Oversized pots, decorative bowls, hand-blown glasses and patterned crockery that all feel like they have been collected over time rather than bought brand new. I think it’s this mix of quite minimalistic overall decor, then bringing in pieces full of texture, pops of colour and character, that really brings the spaces to life without them ever feeling stark and overly styled.

It’s safe to say my suitcase was rather heavy after we went to visit the local market!

Traditional meets contemporary

One thing that really stood out was how transitional the style can feel, mixing traditional Mediterranean materials such as raw stone, wood and ceramics with much cleaner, contemporary details such as black steel-framed doors and windows.

Well…technically Crittall-style steel doors are a heritage feature, dating back to the 20’s, but with their slim frames and large panes of glass they take on a much more contemporary feel. In Mallorca, I really loved how this industrial black steel sat against white rendered walls and marble to create clean, crisp lines.

It’s not all about the inside

The buildings and architecture in Spain have me swooning, to the point where the kids kept telling me off for stopping every 5 minutes to take a picture. Pastel hued buildings, the details on doors, colourful exterior shutters and that mix of warm wood with stone. The outside of these buildings really set a tone for what you may find inside.

Common colour palettes include soft pinks, earthy tones, warm whites, putty shades, butter yellow and the occasional pop of a richer red. So you can imagine how this plays into my current colour palette obsession. It’s also fascinating that the outside of the buildings is sometimes where you see the most colour, in contrast to the much more modern and minimal interiors set within. But somehow the two don’t feel disconnected and the blend works perfectly, almost giving you the best of both worlds at the same time.

Plants, plants and more plants

And finally, plants. Lots and LOTS of plants. And I think this is where our worlds come together with a common factor. I love plants, the bigger the better. I love the way they look and the feeling of bringing outside in, and did you know plants are good for your health? That’s another article for another day, but it’s safe to say they are an all round necessity in a home.

So against all the beauty and wonder of natural Spanish tones, the greenery really stands out to create a big statement. Huge pots and trailing plants adorned so many spaces we visited, so for me, it was easy to fall in love.

I particularly liked the huge banana leaf plants, popped in oversized terracotta pots against stone walls. They add colour, but in such an organic way, bringing that inside-outside look and feel that makes a space feel calm and welcoming. Plants add so much texture and character to a room too, and it’s probably one of the easiest elements to steal and replicate at home.

So while I won’t be swapping out my colourful, lived-in home style for the calming minimalism of Spanish style anytime soon, there are certainly elements I’ll be stealing and incorporating with my own little sprinkling of Natty personality. And as for that imaginary Spanish holiday home I will be dreaming of for months…well, does anyone want to lend me one? In the meantime, a girl can dream!

Kitchen pantries are one of the most desirable features to include in your cooking space. They've become somewhat of a wishlist item, creating a dedicated space for organisation while also acting as a focal point within a kitchen.

However, they can come at a cost, which is why I'm always on the hunt for affordable alternatives. I just spotted this freestanding compact pantry from Dunelm and at £499, I had to shout about it.

The classic style is reminiscent of freestanding kitchen pantry ideas from high-end brands such as Neptune, for considerably less. Here's why this would be the perfect addition to any kitchen, but particularly smaller spaces.

Built-in pantries make for a beautiful kitchen storage idea, but unless you're renovating the entire room, adding one in retrospectively is unlikely.

Luckily, freestanding furniture is trending, so there are plenty on the high street to add to your kitchen. Freestanding kitchen storage is a traditional concept that is making a comeback, providing an easy way to add useful space to your cooking space without uprooting the room.

'Freestanding kitchens are firmly back on trend as homeowners move away from one-size-fits-all fitted schemes and towards spaces that feel more personal, characterful and adaptable,' says Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography & film, Cox & Cox. 'Islands, tables and larder cupboards can be repositioned, added to gradually or even moved from one home to another, making them a more sustainable, long-term choice.'

This Dunelm pantry really does have it all. At £499, it's an investment but still considerably more affordable than other similar freestanding pantries out there. The Shaker design makes it look premium, and would be perfect for completing a classic kitchen scheme.

It also comes in two different colours, navy and off-white, so you can decide to match it to your kitchen colour scheme or opt for a two-tone look.

The interior of this pantry is where it really shines. The inside of the door features a spice rack so you can keep all of your herbs and spices neatly organised in one space, while the larger drawers provide space for storing onions and potatoes, or packets of dry ingredients.

The open shelves will also be handy for glass jars with your daily essentials in, so you can instantly see what you're running out of without needing to keep out on a worktop.

Considering the compact width and size, there is so much space in this pantry that will free up clutter on your worktops and in your cupboards.

Shop freestanding pantries

September is the perfect time to reorganise your cooking space. These small kitchen storage ideas will help you declutter for the new season.

Home decorator and content creator Leah Hodson is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on overhauling a home with clever DIY and decorating tricks. See the rest of her articles here.

My husband’s first reaction when I told him I wanted a pink pantry was delight (surprisingly)! “Finally some colour!”, he said. That’s because I chose a grey kitchen and a cream utility room, which to him is devoid of colour – rude, as he knows that I introduce colour through styling!

However, I didn’t want the pantry to be overly pink or to be completely different to the other rooms. Here’s how I ensured that I had the pink pantry I wanted, that still flows with the rest of the house!

A colour theme

In my utility room, I have a blue ticking stripe wallpaper from Dunelm covering one wall. This is to add depth and acts as a patterned contrast to the cream floor to ceiling cabinets. Moving onto the kitchen, I painted the window Laurel Green by Rustoleum to bring the outside in, to add warmth to my grey kitchen and make it feel less sterile.

So when it came to designing my pantry and deciding on colours to complement pink, I utilised blue coloured paints (‘Teacup’ & ‘Avery's Sky’ from Earthborn Paints) alongside green paints (‘Poppet’ & ‘Little Sprout’, also from Earthborn Paints), to create a hydrangea mural that covered the whole wall.

I love the mix of colours I used as they are tonal in shade and work well in adding depth and shading next to each other.

One statement piece

No pantry is complete without base units! I searched for a long time to find units that fit the depth and length that I needed – it wasn’t an easy task! I was about to purchase the kitchen base units when I did another search and found these wavy edged Drammen cabinets on vidaXL, and they’re perfect!

I normally prime the furniture I’m painting with Zinsser’s BIN so that the paint adheres to it easily after. This time, I tried a different primer, Earthborn’s multi purpose primer. It was my first time using it and I was pleasantly surprised at how hardwearing it was! It passed the scratch test and even when I used the cabinets as a temporary worktop, there were no scratches. I might have a new favourite primer for laminate furniture!

Onto the pink – I chose to paint the cabinets in Earthborn’s ‘Thimble Lane’, a gorgeous bright pink. I went a little bold with the cabinet knowing that I wanted to keep the rest of the room rather pared back. The cabinet is the star of the show!

You can never have too much storage

Base units alone are not enough storage for the amount of dried foods we have on constant rotation, so storage needs to be extended onto the walls. This left me with a little dilemma, to paint it Thimble Lane like the cabinets or stick with the same pinkish off white as the walls, Piglet. After a little swatch on the shelf brackets I felt that Thimble Lane on the shelves and the cabinets would be too much for me.

Painting the shelves ‘Piglet’ by Earthborn also allowed the hydrangea mural that I painted to pop against the pink rather than making it feel like an after thought. One thing I didn’t realise was how colourful and varied food packaging is before this project. I’m really glad that I went for a subtle shelf instead and it doesn’t look too overwhelming when the shelves are stacked full of different products.

One thing this experience has taught me is that colour doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I used to play it safe, sticking almost exclusively to beige and grey, worried that introducing bolder colours would make a space feel chaotic. But as my style has evolved, I’ve realised that colour often brings out the best in my favourite neutrals rather than competing with them. The trick is using it with intention.

If you love the idea of colour but don’t know where to start, try borrowing one or two statement shades from another room and using them as complementary accents around your main feature. It creates a sense of cohesion throughout the home, allowing colour to feel considered rather than overpowering. Sometimes, all it takes is one confident pop of colour to make a neutral space come to life.

I've got to be honest. I will be flabbergasted if anyone with a conservatory has been able to use it since the middle of May. This unprecedentedly roasty toasty summer has meant our homes have been getting hotter and hotter as they hold on to the residual heat from the days before.

But for those with glazed roof additions? Oof, they will have been utterly sweltering this year. And trust me, I know from experience. For the first 10 years I lived in my three bed house, I had a conservatory with a glass roof which, by lunchtime on a sunny summer day, was considerably warmer than it was outside. And in a heatwave it became disgustingly hot and an utterly unusable space.

I wasted thousands of pounds trying to make it cooler, but since it didn't work this meant that the space was effectively cut off from the rest of the house for months and months every year.

Last year I finally took the plunge and replaced the roof with a solid alternative. The brilliant team removed the glass roof in about 45 minutes, had it weathertight in a couple of hours, and the roof itself finished in two days, with another week for internal plastering and drying times.

While it's the most expensive alteration I've made to my home at around £12,000, over the last 12 months, I have realised that it's been the most transformative home improvement I've ever made and the best money I've ever spent. This is why.

1. I can use the room all year round

For the first time in over a decade, I have been able to use my conservatory whenever I want and whatever the weather.

It's used as a seating area and I sat in there with my family on a 30°C day with a fan going, which would have been impossible 12 months ago. I also entertained friends and family in there over Christmas, when previously I would have shut off the space from the rest of the house with the hopes of keeping the cold out.

In the 12 months since the roof was replaced, there hasn't been a single day when I've not been able to use the room which, for me, makes the expense worth it in itself.

In the winter, I can also tell that the room is much better at retaining heat, which means it's much better for my energy bills.

2. It gives the space more of a purpose

For a large part of the last 10 years, my conservatory had become a bit of a dumping ground. After all, if it was too hot or cold to enjoy, then I might as well use it to store a bit of furniture I planned to upcycle, the ever-growing ironing pile or parcels I needed to return. I'd even hung a thermal curtain on a tension rod to hide the mess from view, and to try and prevent heat from the main part of the house from seeping out.

Now it's much more of a pleasant space to be in, it's got a renewed sense of purpose and the curtain is gone. Gone too are the piles of gubbins, replaced by a comfy chair, sofa bed (oh yes, it can now double up as a guest bedroom!), coffee table and TV. It's a really comfortable zone to relax or entertain in, especially when I want to enjoy the garden views.

My favourite is when the nights start drawing in and I get to look out at my array of solar lights while chilling with a glass of wine!

3. It's got rid of the dread

I used to be filled with a feeling of dread whenever I had to walk through the conservatory as it was either freezing cold or boiling hot. And as I have a dog who goes in the garden multiple times a day, I had to pass through the space daily. On a hot day it was like someone had opened an oven nearby and I was stepping right into it. In the depths of winter, it'd feel like I'd left the door wide open for hours.

Every time I walked through, I'd find myself getting riled up that the space felt completely useless.

But after 12 months of a new roof, that trepidation is totally gone. In fact, now when I'm in the conservatory, I am still marvelling at how comfortable it is!