Wondering how we test electric blankets at Ideal Home? As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I'm here to explain all.

Alongside my team of trusty product reviewers, I've put fifteen of the best electric blankets on the market through their paces so far, and each blanket has been tested according to the following criteria.

How we test electric blankets

We test each electric blanket at home, on our own bed, for at least a week. During testing, we assess the following factors.

1. Attaching the electric blanket to the bed

First up, we assess how easy it is to attach the electric blanket to our mattress.

We also assess whether the electric blanket covers the entire mattress surface (I’ve found that many electric blankets scrimp on size) and how securely the blanket stays in place throughout the testing period.

2. How comfortable is the electric blanket to lie on?

Next up, it's comfort. Once the electric blanket is attached to the mattress, we lie on it and assess any changes to our sleep comfort.

Can we feel any of the electrical wires through our bedsheet? Is the blanket padded at all? And if so, does that padding make our bed more or less comfortable?

We also note the location of the electrical sockets, and if they're in a comfortable place where they can’t be felt when we’re lying down.

3. How quickly does the electric blanket heat up?

There's nothing worse than lying there shivering whilst an electric blanket takes twenty minutes to heat up. So next up, we time how long it takes the blanket to reach maximum temperature.

We also investigate how many heat settings the electric blanket has, and how easy it is to find our ideal temperature. (The more heat settings, the easier it is to fine-tune your ideal warmth level).

4. Does the electric blanket work for couples?

We also note whether the larger sizes of the electric blanket (i.e. the double/king/super king sizes) have dual controls.

Dual controls are very useful if you share your bed with a partner, as it means both sides of the electric blanket can be operated independently.

That means that if you're hot-blooded whilst your partner sleeps cold, you can each tailor your comfort to suit your individual requirements (with less arguments about the thermostat!).

5. How easy is the electric blanket to use?

Next up, we test how easy we find the electric blanket to use.

We consider whether the controls are physically easy to operate, and if we can see the controls and temperature settings in the dark.

We note whether the electric blanket has a timer so it automatically switches off at a set time, in case you fall asleep whilst it's on.

We also note if the electric blanket has an auto-shut-off feature that turns off the blanket if the internal sensors detect dangerous overheating, as well as any other useful functionality.

6. Ease of care

Next, we find out if the electric blanket can be washed. If so, we note the care instructions and wash and dry the electric blanket according to the manufacturer's advice to check how easy the process is.

7. Value for money

Lastly, we consider the electric blanket's value for money. We consider how much it costs to buy, and if we think this offers good value for money for what the product delivers.

Plus, we find out the electric blanket's wattage, and consider how much the electric blanket costs to run.

We also compare the blanket to other similar products we've tested to see how it compares to its competition.

Ultimately, we sum up what we like about the electric blanket, what we don’t like, and whether we'd recommend it to you, our readers.

We then use this testing data to rate each electric blanket we review out of five stars.

How we come to our star rating

Any products that score below four stars we tend not to recommend, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as a very low price or specialist functionality.

Our Certified Experts

Our Certified Experts are members of the Ideal Home team who have developed specialist knowledge in their subject area. They have hands-on, practical experience with industry-leading products, regularly conduct product testing, and have conducted research into each product category they review.

Each Certified Expert must complete a five-stage process to gain this accreditation, involving the following stages:

1. Testing Our Certified Experts have hands-on experience testing the bestselling and highest-rated products on the market. This then becomes the benchmark against which other products are reviewed and judged.

2. Product research Our experts immerse themselves in each product category, learning everything there is to know about the product, from how it's made, to its biggest pros and cons.

3. Behind the scenes As well as hands-on product testing in a home environment, our Certified Experts have also gained insider knowledge on the products they test. This might be through factory visits, showroom tours, or comparison testing days at our testing facility.

4. Industry knowledge Our experts know the nitty-gritty of each product category. They regularly speak with industry experts such as product developers and retailers, they know the market leaders and the growing trends within the industry. They are non-biased and able to formulate an honest judgement about the USPs offered by different products on the market.

5. Wider opinions Our experts don't just rely on their own knowledge, they also seek input from the wider team and carefully research customer product reviews to gauge wider product satisfaction, noting and investigating any regularly occurring customer feedback.

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...

Molly Mae Hague has transformed her guest bedroom into a chic ‘cosy London hotel room’, and if you’re looking to add some elegance to your guest bedroom ideas this autumn, there’s no better place to start than here.

Famous for her love of neutrals, influencer Molly Mae is no stranger to turning a bedroom into a warm, yet luxurious-looking oasis. And her most recent guest bedroom unveiling may look even better than her recent master bedroom transformation.

Opting for her classic neutrals, Molly Mae has also included subtle black accents and pops of blue to nail the bougie hotel look. Here’s why it’s a great example of cosy luxury this autumn.

Posting on her home’s Instagram account, @mollymaison, Molly Mae showed off the guest room transformation, captioning the post: ‘Guest room brief: “Cosy, London hotel room”…. I think we might have nailed it 😭🛋️🤍’.

She’d used interior fit-out specialists Swanshawe to bring her ideas to fruition, and, taking a look at the comments, most were in agreement that the ‘cosy London hotel’ brief had been nailed.

‘Molly Mae has definitely captured the essence of a cosy London hotel with this room,’ comments Sergiu Tulbur, head of product innovation and design at OPA Living. 'The key to the look is that it feels considered and luxurious without becoming overly formal.

'The use of warm tones, layered textures and soft lighting helps to create that sense of comfort you associate with a boutique hotel, while still feeling like a welcoming space within a home.

‘There is a real benefit to giving a guest bedroom a hotel-inspired feel because it makes the room feel like an experience rather than simply somewhere for visitors to sleep. Small details such as quality bedding, ambient lighting, comfortable seating and carefully chosen accessories can make guests feel looked after and give the room a more finished, elevated feel.’

The hotel interiors trend

This year, chic, hotel-esque interiors have undoubtedly been trending, as we all look for ways to inject hotel-style luxury into our homes. As a result, we’ve seen everything from hotel plants to glam up your garden to luxury hotel bedroom ideas for the most restful night's sleep. And it all boils down to the fact that we want the escapism of going on holiday, without the high costs of a boutique hotel room.

‘The hotel look is particularly popular because people are increasingly looking to recreate the feeling of luxury and escapism they experience when staying somewhere special. It also works well with the wider trend towards creating homes that feel like a retreat, with comfort, relaxation and sensory details becoming just as important as how a room looks,’ says Sergiu.

What makes Molly’s transformation so successful is that she’s shown her neutral colour palette can evolve as tastes change, creating a room that is beautifully inviting and cosy.

‘Molly has used pale neutral bedrooms for years, but she’s clearly becoming more interested in warmth and character within that palette,’ explains Blanca Sanchez, director of Halo Design Interiors.

'Her recent bedroom redesigns have moved towards warmer finishes, and I’d copy that evolution rather than copying individual products. You don’t have to paint a neutral bedroom burgundy to make it feel richer because sometimes the problem isn’t the colour itself; it’s that every surface has the same temperature.

‘A hotel approach makes you look at the room from the guest’s point of view. Instead of treating it as a spare bedroom that happens to contain a bed, you start thinking about what somebody sees and feels when they walk through the door.

'The bed becomes the centre of the room, and everything around it should reinforce that. That’s particularly useful in a guest bedroom because it stops the space from becoming a collection of furniture that wasn’t wanted elsewhere.’

How to get the look

‘For anyone wanting to create their own cosy hotel-inspired guest bedroom, I would focus on layering first,' Sergiu advises. 'Start with high-quality bedding, add different textures through cushions and throws, introduce warm, low-level lighting and keep the colour palette cohesive. Curtains, rugs and upholstered furniture can also help to soften the room and make it feel more luxurious.

‘The final touch is to think about the details a guest might appreciate. A small chair, bedside lighting, a tray, fresh flowers or even a selection of toiletries can give the room that boutique hotel feeling without making it feel staged.

'The aim should be for the room to feel calm, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, rather than simply trying to replicate a hotel room.’

Blanca adds that adding an armchair to the room can also emphasise the luxe hotel look. You should definitely opt for one of the best accent chairs for your room, and Molly’s blue and white pinstripe number looks similar to Next’s Chenille Stripe Blue Lilly Armchair (£399).

‘A proper armchair is my favourite because it changes how you read the room immediately. It gives somebody somewhere to sit that isn’t the bed and fills the kind of awkward corner that can otherwise make a guest room look unfinished.

'I’d choose something upholstered and substantial rather than a tiny occasional chair. You want it to look comfortable enough that somebody might genuinely sit there with a coffee, because that’s exactly the detail that separates a lovely spare bedroom from a room that actually has that London hotel feeling,’ she says.

Get the look

Molly Mae has nailed the chic hotel look. If you want to up your hosting game and give your guests the ultimate experience in comfort, it's a good example to follow.

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.

Our gardens might be winding down for the year, but there's never been a better time to squeeze even more potential out of it – and you can do that by collecting seeds from your plants in September.

Learning how to collect seeds is one of the most valuable gardening skills you can learn, because it means you can sow more plants for free next year. It’s also a really straightforward process – and many annuals and perennials will offer seed up freely at this time of the year.

Here’s a list of plants to collect seeds from in September to give you some budget-friendly gardening inspiration.

What you'll need

1. Alliums

Once ornamental allium flowerheads have gone brown and dry, you can start collecting seed from them – and September is the perfect time to get started.

‘Leave alliums standing in the border for as long as possible to enjoy their attractive seed heads but make sure you harvest the seed before it is shed naturally,’ advises Annelise Brilli, Thompson & Morgan’s horticultural expert.

‘Cut the heads, tip them upside down over a paper bag and shake to release the seed.’

These paper seed envelopes from Amazon are ideal, because there’s space to write key information like the variety and the date they were collected. You can start sowing allium seeds in autumn (for overwintering) or spring, or plant allium bulbs in September for a head start.

2. Poppies

September is a brilliant time to collect seeds from poppies, too. You’ll know they’re ready when the seed pods have turned a dry, light brown, and you can often hear the seeds rattling around inside when you shake them.

‘Although the hot, dry weather has made collecting perfectly dry seed a breeze, prolonged drought can also reduce both seed quantity and quality, so choose seed from the healthiest, most vigorous plants,’ notes Annelise.

‘Save the little silica gel sachets that come with packaging and place them in an airtight container alongside your paper seed envelopes to help keep the seeds dry.’

You can even buy seed boxes like this Unwins Gardeners’ Seed Storage Box from Debenhams.

3. Peas

You can also collect seeds from vegetable plants like peas in September – and after the hot summer we’ve just had, there’s a good chance that most of the pods will be ready.

My peas bolted months ago thanks to the heatwaves, but if you’ve still got a few pods left on your plants and they’ve gone dry and brittle, you can save the hardened peas inside.

‘Don’t wait until every pod is dry,’ says Helen Hutchings-Cox (@helenlikesplants), allotmenteer and GARDENA Top of the Plots Judge. ‘Once most of the pods have dried and the seeds are hard and rattling, pick them and finish drying them indoors if necessary. This reduces the risk of pods splitting and losing seed.’

4. Runner beans

Runner beans should be ready for seed collection this September, too, and the process is very similar to harvesting seed from peas.

‘Make sure the pods are fully dry before harvesting,’ says Helen. ‘If there’s still any softness or moisture in the pod or seed, give them more time to dry somewhere warm and airy. This helps prevent mould in storage.’

You can order silica gel packets from Amazon to place next to your seed envelopes if you don’t have any spares lying around.

5. Verbena

Verbena is a must if you're looking to collect seeds from perennials in September. Annelise told me that Verbena bonariensis is the species that grows best from collected seed – it’s the taller version that generally adds height to garden borders.

‘Prepare for another hot, dry summer by collecting seed from drought-tolerant favourites such as Verbena bonariensis,’ says Annelise.

‘While seed collected from named ornamental cultivars may not come true to type, seed collected from species such as this will.’

6. Ornamental grasses

You can also collect seeds from various types of ornamental grass in September to multiply your collections. Plants like maiden grass are the textural powerhouses of pots and borders, so you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck.

‘Keep an eye on grasses such as Miscanthus, Stipa and Calamagrostis as their flowerheads mature through late summer and autumn,’ says Annelise.

‘Cut well-developed heads just before the seed is fully ripe and place them in a paper bag indoors to finish ripening. Once dry, shake out the seed and store it in labelled paper packets.’

You can buy a pack of 200 paper bags for £4.99 from Amazon.

Those are just a few examples of plants you can collect seeds from in September. It's a small task for a big (and free) reward!

It's back-to-school season, and while that might fill most children with dread, the parents among us will be (shush) quietly delighted. It's not that we don't love our kids, but it's been a long, sweaty summer, and it would be fair to say that not having to fork out for yet another club to keep our kids occupied, while we juggle work, housework and the rest, is a welcome relief.

With the prospect of reclaiming all that extra time and money, we can finally turn our attention to a slightly neglected area of our lives all summer - our homes. Yes, we might have been using our gardens and balconies loads, but step inside, and everything has become a little chaotic with all the comings and goings. So this monthly round-up of the best buys for £20 and under couldn't be more perfectly timed.

Every month, I have the enviable job of scouring all the high street stores and independents to find you the very best that £20 (or less) can buy you. Everything from vases to tableware, cushions and bedlinen, lighting and accessories is covered, and there's not a single thing on this list that I wouldn't personally buy myself.

This month, there's something for everyone - a smart new Black + Blum lunchbag from John Lewis for the new season, a beautifully colourful doormat from HugRug to perk up your doorstep and some oh-so-chic napkins from Primark that are an absolute steal at just £5 for two.

So consider this your first homework of term: make yourself a cuppa (biscuit optional), find somewhere comfortable to sit and take your time looking through the list below. And should you find something you love? Top marks go to you...

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've seen a lot of weird and wonderful product launches in my time. But one thing I certainly never expected to see was ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's suddenly launching a pillowcase collection.

Better known for their frozen dessert, bedding seems a (very) strange new direction for the brand, but, actually, once I understood the logic, I have to admit that it makes sense. Kind of!

What's more, when it comes to where to buy bedding, you usually won't encounter any way to dress your bed that's *free*. But this new Ben & Jerry's pillowcase range is.

There are three pillowcases in Ben & Jerry's unconventional collection, and, of course, they're inspired by the brand's most popular ice cream flavours. There are Cookie Dough, Phish Food, and Half Baked pillowcase designs, and all come served rolled up in a limited-edition Ben & Jerry's ice cream tub.

Weird? Definitely, but this is also part of their ingenuity. The collection has been launched to coincide with the upcoming warm September weather, and to offer a solution to what sleep experts are dubbing 'cranium cooling.'

The idea is you stick your Ben & Jerry's pillowcase straight into your freezer in its freezer-ready tub, and when a too-warm bedtime arrives, you pop your chilled pillowcase onto your pillow to cool down your head.

Is it a marketing gimmick? Absolutely. But it's also a gimmick that sleep experts say can actually work to help us sleep better in warm weather.

As Ben & Jerry's reveals, new research commissioned via OnePoll found that over half of Brits say flipping to the cool side of the pillow is crucial for a decent night’s sleep, with 56% agreeing that flipping to the cool side helps them fall asleep.

Ben & Jerry’s also found that a further 42% of those polled admitted they are already officially fed up with the summer heat, and 72% are now desperately craving 'cosy season'.

Had I been polled, I would definitely have been one of those cosy season cravers, and a large part of that is how badly I've slept during this summer's heatwaves.

I imagine none of us enjoy tossing and turning in bed when it's too hot and humid to drift off, and an overly warm pillow definitely adds to that misery.

Plus, as sleep expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Zoe Gotts explains, there's a scientific reason why a hot head makes it harder to fall asleep, and why cooling our cranium (otherwise known as head cooling or brain cooling) can help us sleep better.

'When you cool the head and neck area directly, you’re doing more than simply making yourself comfortable,' explains Zoe, 'you’re tapping into one of the body’s key signals for sleep: temperature.

'Cooling the head can help with heat dissipation and thermal comfort, particularly when you’re too warm to sleep, potentially making it easier to settle and stay asleep.

'Rather than forcing the brain to switch off, you’re creating the right thermal conditions for the body’s natural sleep system to take over. Think of it as helping your body press the sleep button,' Zoe explains.

Do you need a Ben & Jerry's pillowcase to make the most of this cooling hack? No. But the brand's pillowcases are free, and they do come in a freezer-ready tub. Plus, they're kinda fun!

To get your hands on one, you simply need to enter the Ben & Jerry's giveaway before it ends on Sunday 14 September at 11:59 pm.

And if you're not a lucky winner, you can, of course, use one of your existing pillowcases to try out this cooling trick instead.

Or, if you really want to create the ultimate cranium-cooling sleep setup, I recommend investing in one of the best silk pillowcases. They're not cheap, but the silky fabric is much cooler than any other fabric I've slept on, and they've certainly made a big difference to this hot-sleeper's shut-eye over the summer.

If your neighbour has a fruit tree and has neglected to pick up their dropped fruit, you may have noticed an increase in wasps attracted to your garden as the dropped fruit ferments and rots. So, I asked experts: Who is legally responsible for removing fallen fruit if it attracts wasps to a garden?

If your neighbour is not picking up their fruit tree windfall, it can feel very frustrating - especially if this dropped fruit is attracting pests. Because of this, it’s important to get clued up on the legal side of this dispute, so you can solve the issue and ideally maintain a good neighbourly relationship.

Whether your neighbour’s fruit is falling into your garden or theirs, this is what experts say you should do if their harvest is attracting wasps to your garden.

Who is legally responsible for removing fallen fruit if it attracts wasps to a garden?

If the fruit tree is within the boundaries of your neighbour's garden, the fruit that drops from it belongs to them. That remains true if the fruit drops into your garden. So, ultimately, if dropped fruit is attracting wasps to your garden, it is your neighbour’s responsibility to deal with it.

‘The first thing to do is to talk to your neighbours and see if a sensible resolution can be agreed to reduce and/or stop the wasps becoming pests. If they have no appetite to do anything then you can take action to remove branches that are traversing the boundary, in order to reduce the amounts of wasps on your side,’ explains Jagdeep Sandher, partner and head of civil litigation at Blythe Liggins Solicitors.

‘Your neighbours do not technically need to do anything with any windfall on their side of the boundary unless their refusal is causing vermin to come into your garden, in which case it is possible this may be deemed a nuisance.’

When it comes to any garden feature that may cause a neighbour dispute, the most important thing you can do is open a conversation with your neighbour first. Politely ask if they mind removing the fruit to reduce the number of wasps. If they refuse, as Jagdeep says, you can remove the fruit and cut back overhanging plants on your side of the boundary. However, you must never cross your boundary or damage your neighbour's tree.

‘You are perfectly within your rights to ask [your neighbour to remove fallen fruit] and to do so in writing. However, if your neighbour refuses, your legal options are limited unless the problem rises to the level of a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990,’ adds Mosh Latifi, pest expert and co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management.

‘In the meantime, you can remove fruit that has fallen onto your side of the boundary yourself, place a wasp trap at the far end of your garden to draw wasps away from the problem area, and use deterrent sprays around play areas and patios while the situation is resolved.

‘If the wasp activity is severe enough to constitute a nuisance affecting your enjoyment of the property, your local council's environmental health team may be able to advise, though their powers in this area are limited.’

Deter wasps from your garden

If fallen fruit is attracted wasps to your garden, the first step is to apporach your neighbour and ask them to remove it. When it comes to wasps, most will not want to encourage them to a garden.

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.

Sorry, neutral bedding, there is a new bedding style we can’t get enough of this autumn, and I predict it will be making an appearance in the most stylish of homes. Experts are calling it ‘Grandma Chic’ and it's perfect for making your bedroom cosier this autumn.

Not only is Next one of the best places to buy bedding, but it’s also renowned for its beautiful bedding designs. Only recently, Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood, was lusting over Next’s adorable new pumpkin bedding.

However, you can set pumpkins aside for now, as what used to be known as more ‘grannyish’ prints such as ditsy florals, ruffles and vintage prints are currently in vogue. Here’s how and why you should be shopping for the grandma chic bedding trend.

The grandma chic bedding trend

‘Grandma-chic bedding is a move away from the clean, minimal, hotel-white aesthetic that has dominated bedroom interiors for the past decade,’ explains Richard Lord, bedding and interiors expert at Lost Loom.

‘Think floral prints, ditsy patterns, broderie anglaise, lace trims, layered pillows, quilted bedspreads and soft, faded colour palettes in dusty roses, sage greens and warm creams. It is a style rooted in nostalgia, craftsmanship and comfort, evoking the kind of bedroom that feels lived-in, personal and genuinely cosy rather than designed for a photoshoot.’

This nostalgia for vintage bedding trends has been seen everywhere this year. FatFace dropped a retro bedding collection back in the summer, and I couldn’t possibly write an article on vintage look bedding without referencing Habitat’s Morris & Co bedding collection, which is arguably the epitome of the trend.

But why are these prints becoming increasingly popular? It’s as simple as shoppers looking to make their bedroom ideas feel more personal, and changing your duvet cover is one of the easiest ways to redecorate without spending a fortune or making any permanent changes.

'We're overstimulated by over-consumption and tired of homes that add to this overwhelm in our personal and professional lives, especially with social media,’ explains Laura Rich, interior designer at Furniturebox. We’re focused on making our homes sanctuaries for this exact reason, while also maintaining personality and fun in our homes - making our homes a reflection of us and our character.

'We’re looking for comfort personified in our homes, especially as we head into the nesting season in autumn/winter, so the priority is soft, cosy spaces where we can be ourselves and feel comfortable and safe.

‘Once upon a time our homes were all about perfection and fitting into an aesthetic. Now, our bed can be an emotional safe space, rejecting any coldness of minimalism, built around soft textures designed for real rest and relaxation.

'A modern take on vintage styles and heirloom embroidery feels nostalgic and comfortable while also being fresh and functional. It feels lived-in without being dated, and is the perfect place to properly rest and unwind.’

Shop the trend

Are you on board with the grandma chic bedding trend?

Roses give us so much joy and colour when they're blooming, so it pays to give them some TLC in September so they can get through the trials of autumn and winter.

Paying them some attention now will pay dividends later with healthy and strong roses next year.

We spoke to our gardening experts, and they've given us some fabulous tips on how to prep these favourite blooms right now.

1. Deadhead and lightly prune

First up is deadheading your roses, followed by a light prune.

'In September, rose care is about finishing strong and getting ready for winter, not heavy pruning,' advises Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

'Keep deadheading repeat-flowering varieties until mid to late September, cutting just above a healthy leaf to push one last flush, then stop so the plant can start to harden off before the first frosts.'

Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse at Easy Garden Irrigation agrees, 'You don’t want to prune the rose stems back too much as this would encourage new growth which would be damaged in the colder autumn weather to come.'

A last tip from Julian: 'If your roses produce hips, leave the last flowers on; the hips look good and the plant benefits from putting energy into wood rather than more blooms.'

Our favourite deadheading and pruning secateurs are the Burgon & Ball RHS Endorsed rose pruners, £24.95 on Amazon. They are fully hardened and tempered and have a sap groove to prevent sticking.

2. Tidy up above and below

As well as deadheading and pruning, at this time of year it's vital to look around the roses and underneath too.

Lucie explains, 'It's important to remove any leaves infected with diseases (like black spot) or diseased stems as if these are left the spores could overwinter and establish themselves in the following spring. You should also remove any dead stems or dying wood, as this will stop any decay from spreading and will help to open up the frame of the rose for good air circulation.' 


And don't forget to tidy up underneath as well, 'Make sure fallen flower petals or blooms are removed before they start to rot as well as the leaves as they fall – leaving fallen foliage to decay on the ground often becomes the perfect environment for fungal diseases to become established. Removing fallen debris also allows air to circulate freely around the base of your plants which helps create a healthy environment less inviting for pests and keeps the crown dry to help prevent issues with mold or rot,' adds Lucie.

Pop your dead stems and debris in these flexi tubs, set of 2 for £32.99, Amazon. Various colours are available, from bright yellow to purple and lime green.

3. Don't feed, but do water

It might be tempting to feed your roses as the heads die off and the temperatures cool, but according to Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director at LBS Horticulture we shouldn't.

'You should stop fertilising roses in September so that they stop producing tender new growth and begin hardening their wood for winter. If September is dry, keep watering roses to support any late flowers and prevent the roots from drying out.'

'Roses will naturally go into winter dormancy from around November until February and by stopping supplying them with nutrients in September you will be reinforcing that it’s time for them to slow down their growth, harden off any soft growth and begin to prepare for a rest through the colder months,' adds Lucie.

Amazon have a fabulous ergonomic 8 litre watering can, £21.22, that has a longer spout for more controlled watering, and is lighter to lift than some designs.

4. Train your climbers

If you have climbers, then now is the perfect time to give them a check over.

'Loose or long shoots on climbing and rambling roses should be secured to fences or a trellis to stop them from being damaged by wind,' advises Richard.

According to Lucie, it gives you the opportunity to train them too. 'Stems can be carefully trained horizontally or in a fan shape so they are encouraged to produce flowering side shoots next year along the full length of the stem rather than just at the top.'

Dobies have a great metal rose trellis, from £24.99, that is ideal for training your climbers.

5. Mulch well

'In late September or early October, mulch around the base with well-rotted compost or manure to feed the roots and protect them over winter,' says Julian.

Mulching helps for several reasons – it locks in moisture especially after dry spells and winds, it keeps the soil temperature steady as it gets cooler and it prevents weeds from sprouting up.

We like Strulch – a mineralised straw garden mulch, from £19.99 at Dobies. It's made from wheat straw and has a neutral pH.

Shop our three favourite roses

'Autumn is a good time to plant new roses, as they will have enough time to establish before winter,' suggests Richard.

Growing roses is such a joy, and with different varieties to choose from, there's really something for every garden – from contemporary to classic cottage style. Ensure you give them a little love this September to help them survive the winter well.

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.

So far 2026 has been a year of colourful and playful interiors, and the latest social media trend is proof that people are doing everything they can to add some whimsy into everyday life.

If your algorithm is anything like mine, then you’ll likely be familiar with gem-maxxing; the viral trend that involves embellishing everyday items with gemstones. For the past month, my feed has been filled with celebrities and content creators bedazzling their belongings.

And now the gem-maxxing has cemented itself as an unusual home decor trend, with homeowners covering their decor, accessories, appliances and everything in between with eye-catching gemstones. But why is bedazzling back? And is there a way to turn this kitsch trend into a chic design upgrade?

The gem-maxxing trend

Chances are you’ve heard of whimsymaxxing, the feel-good philosophy that influenced our home decor choices at the start of the summer. Well, gem-maxxing is an extension of that and a chance for people to put a fun spin on everyday items.

Phone chargers, vases, plant pots – you name it. If it’s a blank canvas in your home, why not bedazzle it? Even plain white lamps can benefit from a glitzy makeover, as demonstrated by content creator @celenabrownie.

‘Gem-maxxing is a maximalist DIY trend where everyday household items are transformed into sparkling showstoppers using rhinestones, flatback gems and adhesive jewels,’ explains Jo Hamilton, head of buying at Hobbycraft. ‘It offers an affordable way to refresh items you already own, aligning with the dopamine decor movement and allowing people to inject colour, texture and personality into their living spaces.’

The bedazzling boom seems to have started when Kylie Jenner added jewels to her coffee cup. Since then it’s been a domino effect, with people bedazzling anything they can get their hands on. In fact, Hobbycraft has reported a 65% increase in searches for rhinestone gems compared to last year.

But the trend is not just an attempt to copy the celebrities, it actually taps into a wider appetite for personality-led design ideas. ‘Quiet luxury and minimalism have dominated social media for so long that many people have been curious about something different, something personal and playful. Gem-maxxing offers exactly that,’ explains Shaun Middleton, founder at Bluestreak Crystals.

‘While traditional bedazzling was all about neat, symmetrical rows of rhinestones on one item, gem-maxxing is all about piling on as much sparkle as possible,' Shaun continues.

'Iced coffee cups, mirrors, water bottles, photo frames, and even light switches are all fair game, with gems layered up in a way that looks joyfully chaotic. Plus, it costs very little to get started, so there's no pressure to get it “right” on the first try,’ he adds.

How to embrace gem-maxxing

There’s no denying that gem-maxxing is an irresistibly playful design idea, but if you want to give it a go there’s a few important things to consider to make it feel considered, rather than kitsch.

‘The line between tasteful and tacky with gem–maxxing is thin, so start with one piece you actually want people to notice, like a mirror or a lamp base, rather than covering every surface at once,’ suggests Shaun. This way, you can ease yourself in and create a real statement.

The application of your gems will make a big difference to the appearance of your piece, too. ‘Before starting, always clean the surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to ensure proper adhesion,’ advises Jo.

‘Use a dedicated strong gem glue for items you handle daily or opt for self-adhesive gems when working on simple display pieces. And try experimenting with a mix of gem sizes, this allows you to map out your pattern beforehand and fill any awkward gaps seamlessly,’ she adds.

There’s no denying that the gem-maxxing trend isn’t for everyone but, when done well, it can add a fun pop to your decor. Just take it from Ideal Home’s Editor in Chief, Heather Young, who put the trend to the test after intrigue got the best of her. ‘I was a bit cynical about this trend when I first heard about it as I'm not really into bling, but it's actually a really nice way to personalise or upcycle plain items,’ she says.

‘I'd definitely consider it for small items such as notebooks and memo boards or decorative pieces like vases and photo frames. I'm always behind anything that makes people smile, so if you love it, go for it! It's not like it's a permanent transformation, so don't overthink it – have some fun and get creative,' adds Heather.

However, it is worth considering the impact your gemstones can leave behind. While small, plastic stickers are an easy fix, they won’t do much good for the environment in the long run. So, if you’re serious about committing to gem-maxxing, consider investing in some proper stones for a real style upgrade.

‘Glass crystals have properly cut facets, so they throw light around a room and still sparkle years late,’ explains Shaun. Just be sure to use the right glue – ‘E6000 will work for glass, ceramic or metal, while a fabric-specific glue is best for textiles,’ he adds.

Shop the trend

Don’t fancy getting crafty? These buys will help you embrace the trend.

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.

The Habitat £14 Wiggle Vase has long been a bestseller, but did you know that it’s also a favourite amongst influencers and celebrities? The latest star to covet this stunning and affordable design is TV presenter Tess Daly.

Habitat’s now iconic wiggle vase first launched in spring/summer 2024, and has been a constant bestseller for the brand ever since, even selling out in the first six weeks of its original launch. Now available in a wide variety of colours and even shapes, it’s perfect for brightening up your home.

The striped home decor trend has been taking off all year, and this affordable vase is the perfect addition to your home if you want to keep colour present as the seasons change.

In a post shared with followers this time last year, you can clearly see Tess’s Habitat Hand Painted Stripe Vase in Mustard on display. The bright pop of yellow was the first thing I noticed when looking at her post.

And Tess isn’t the only celebrity to snap up this statement vase. Singer Raye included the wiggle vase in green (on sale for £9.33)) as part of her promo for her single Nightingale Lane.

It’s even a favourite amongst the Ideal Home team, with our Editor-in-Chief Heather Young, opting for the stylish new Habitat Stripe Ceramic Pink & Yellow Wiggle Vase (£14) to brighten up her kitchen dining area.

What makes this home decor trend so popular is that it combines a timeless stripe with pops of bold colour. Because of this, it suits most home decor styles - from brightening a neutral space to complementing an existing colour scheme. Not to mention, the vases look plenty more expensive than just £14 - perfect for those trying to capture a designer look on a budget.

These gorgeous vases have dozens of glowing reviews, praising their quality and looks.

‘Beautiful vase! Good quality, looks much more expensive than it was. Great size and perfect for my kitchen table. So glad I treated myself!’ says one happy customer in July this year.

‘This is so beautiful; I've been coveting it for ages as my Mum and friend have it. Now I've bought it for myself and as a housewarming gift for my other friend. Brightens up my kitchen, especially with some yellow roses in it. Love the other colourways too,’ says another from December last year.

Shop the range

I am also the proud owner of a green Habitat wiggle vase. They’re stylish, easy to style and perfect for holding cut flowers. What not to like? Plus, if they’re good enough for Tess, they're good enough for me!

Today, Dyson announced it’s adding a wide range of floorcare appliances to its already-stellar lineup. But perhaps most exciting is its first sub-£500 robot vacuum - a nice step away from the premium price we’ve come to expect from this premium brand.

While the best robot vacuum cleaners have become the new must-have appliance in homes across the UK, they’re not cheap. Many of the top models - including Dyson’s own robot vacuums - retail for anywhere between £700 and £1,000. But the new Dyson R1 Nurovi Dry breaks the mould at just £499.99… and it promises excellent cleaning power, too.

The Dyson R1 Nurovi Dry isn’t alone, though. It’s one of THREE new robot vacuums unveiled by Chief Engineer Jake Dyson at the Dyson Unveiled Event in Berlin today (which I was lucky enough to get an invite to), and you can read on to find out what makes these new robot vacuums so special.

The affordable R1 Nurovi Dry forms part of the new Nurovi range, aimed at offering varying levels of innovation and cleaning power across three very different machines: the R1 Nurovi Dry, R2 Nurovi Wash+Dry and the Dyson R3 Nurovi Spot+Scrub™ UV.

All three offer varying features and price points, but to cut the jargon, I’ve put the information you need into an easy-to-understand table below:

Of course, the cheapest R1 option is undoubtedly the most basic model, and it's worth weighing this up if you’re buying your first robot vacuum cleaner.

But if you primarily have soft flooring in your home and don’t need a robot vacuum that also mops, it’ll suit you perfectly. Especially with the new, souped-up cleaning technology and the side-sweeper system that aims to reach nooks and crannies like never before.

If you do want a robot vacuum that’ll mop your floors, the R2 is the mid-range option offering both wet and dry cleaning with new Reuleaux triangle pads designed to offer an effective and efficient clean that covers every inch of your floor - something that robot vacuums with round pads often miss.

And this is what Dyson wants from this new era of robotics. Speaking at the event, Jake Dyson explained, ‘With the Dyson Nurovi robots, we’ve rethought things from the ground up – from how debris is captured, to how edges and corners are cleaned, and how the machine senses and adapts to its environment.’

‘The result is a range of robots that clean intelligently, precisely, and effectively across every surface,’ he added.

But if you’re not a fan of robot vacuums, you don’t have to worry. Dyson unveiled a whopping 12 new home appliances at the unveiling - including the new Dyson W1 PencilWash (£299 at Dyson), which builds on the success of the original PencilWash by offering a self-cleaning roller dock and a more absorbent roller.

Or if you’re in the market for an old-school vacuum cleaner with a twist, the iconic vacuum brand has also reimagined the Dyson Big Ball Konical Vacuum Cleaner (£399.99 at Dyson).

You’ll probably recognise this classic design as one of Dyson’s first big successes, but this new model has been upgraded to include the Konical head (which can be seen on the Dyson V16 Piston Animal), improved cyclone technology for powerful suction power, and self-righting ball technology - which means it’ll never fall over.

Fans of the best cordless vacuums, and more specifically the hugely popular Dyson V15 Cordless Vacuum, will also be happy to hear that the brand will release its most powerful V15 model ever in 2027.

I’ll share more details on this in the coming months, but from what I hear, it’s going to be extremely versatile and very powerful.

Things are looking exciting over at camp Dyson!

At last! My favourite season is here – and no, I don’t mean autumn. I’m talking about the time of year that paint and interior brands announce their colours of the year. Last night, Graham & Brown revealed Rose Earth as its colour of the year for 2027 and officially kicked the season off.

Getting to know all the different brands’ colours of the year (also known as COTYs) is largely how I discover and determine the biggest colour trends that are going to shape the new year. And as Graham & Brown chose a warm, earthy pink shade with subtle brown undertones as its year-defining colour, it’s clear that this already trending hue is here to stay at least for another year.

Dusky pink has been one of the ‘new neutrals’ replacing the likes of beige in 2026, while plaster pink is the new go-to colour for kitchens. And according to Graham & Brown, this is not going to change anytime soon as the brand predicts we’ll all still be obsessed with shades like Rose Earth well into 2027.

This paint idea was inspired by the natural mineral pigments found in clay deposits in Italy – and this connection to a natural material and a shade traditionally found in nature is exactly what makes this shade feel warm and comforting while also being more playful and exciting than a more traditional warm and earthy neutral like beige or taupe.

'I've long been a fan of earthy pinks – I've used these tones in both my home office and my bedroom – so I was immediately drawn to Rose Earth,' says Heather Young, Ideal Home's Editor in Chief who was also present at yesterday's reveal.

'I find it a very calming colour that brings warmth and feels grounded. The beauty of it is that it sits happily with lots of different shades so it's supremely usable – something I think is really important when selecting a colour of the year.'

I’ve been seeing people use shades like this one to colour drench entire rooms. But given the versatility of the colour, it can also be paired with other colours – be it a burgundy like Graham & Brown’s 2026 colour of the year, Divine Damson or one of the brand’s newly launched shades like the dark green called Sue’s Jumper as pink and green is generally one of the best colour combinations.

Graham & Brown Design of the Year 2027

While I’m always most interested in the brand’s colour of the year to help me determine the following year’s biggest colour trends, for Graham & Brown, the design of the year is always the main event. And this year, it’s all about the new Roselle Grove design depicting large-scale florals and botanicals inspired by English gardens.

The Roselle Grove wallpaper blends Indian chintz dating back to the 16th century with a very traditional English aesthetic popular in the Victorian times, creating a very ‘grandma chic’ look which is set to be a major home decor trend in itself. While the main design comes in a dusky pink shade, coordinating with the Rose Earth COTY, it’s also available in three other colourways.

Graham & Brown Mural of the Year 2027

As Graham & Brown celebrates its 80th anniversary, the brand also reveals a mural of the year with a design that’s very distinct from the wallpaper design.

Depicting a scenic view, the Red Rose County design is inspired by the rolling Lancashire landscape, the home of the Graham & Brown brand. At the same time, it’s very reminiscent of views you might encounter in Italy’s Tuscany. And again, this mural design, too, comes in four different colourways to choose from.

Are you thinking of embracing earthy pink shades in your home? Or are you going to wait for more colours of the year to drop before you commit?

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.

Aldi has just dropped a clever smart home product for under £10 that will make the running of your home smoother and more stylish.

In 2026, most homes will have some form of smart home ecosystem. You may have an Alexa, Ring doorbell or even a water leakage sensor under your sink (yes, they exist), and now with the launch of Aldi’s Lamp with Motion Detector (£9.99), you can add easy illumination to your list of smart home features.

Landing in stores today (3 September), Aldi’s affordable new light is suitable for use both inside and outside your home. Here’s why we think it’s a great Specialbuy.

Motion lighting is typically associated with smart security, and it’s true: it's a great choice for helping to deter thieves and keep your property safe. As the name suggests, motion detector lights illuminate when movement is detected. When positioned on the exterior of your home, or on garden paths, this can alert you to unusual comings and goings.

As Aldi’s new light is suitable for outdoor use, you can absolutely use it for this purpose. However, its indoor uses are just as good as a reason to invest in one (or a few), too.

You can use an indoor motion detector light in cupboards, porches, hallways or even to guide your way as you step through your front door. If you’re someone who hates coming home to a dark house, a motion sensor light can help you stop from stumbling around in the dark.

The Aldi Lamp with Motion Detector is available in either black or white and has three sets of lights with a PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor). A PIR sensor detects motion by measuring changes in Infrared Radiation emitted by objects in its view. In other words, it detects changes in body heat.

The light duration lasts approximately 15 hours, and it has multiple lighting modes including: On, Off, Motion Sensor Activation or Dim Night Light, which has 30-second full brightness when motion is detected.

Now I haven’t tested Aldi’s sensor lamp myself, but I will say I am frequently impressed by their Specialbuys, most recently their autumn candles, which genuinely smell so good. Alternatively, I’ve tracked down a few more motion lamps that have great reviews, and you can shop online.

If you find yourself in Aldi this week, make sure you consider this sensor lamp for your autumn lighting needs.

At last! The H&M Home x Kelly Wearstler collection is finally here and available to shop! The highly anticipated collaboration between the high street brand and the American interior designer first debuted back in April at Milan Design Week, and it was announced even before then. But the pieces look so cool that the extremely long wait might actually be worth it.

The range includes 29 products with prices starting from £19.99, spanning everything from decor like candleholders to table lamps and even pieces of furniture. The focus of the collection is on modular pieces, including modular sofas.

I don’t think they’re necessarily the best modular sofas to invest your money in, since a modular sofa should future-proof your home and you should be able to add new modules to it in the future which I doubt will be the case with this like one-off range. However, I’m a big fan of the Ortra modular coffee table – or sofa table, as it’s been called – and the Noxen stools which can form a larger bench.

Aside from modularity, the defining characteristic of most of the pieces is their sculptural shape and quality – interesting, sculptural shapes and pieces can be found across most of the interiors Kelly’s designed. Even though all the products have a practical purpose – be it a vase for flowers or a lamp to light the room – each of them looks like a piece of art in its own right. When styled together, the variety and contrast of natural materials becomes evident – from wood to marble, metal to ceramics.

H&M’s designer collaborations are famous for selling out pretty much as soon as they drop, like with last summer's H&M X Palm Heights hotel collab. Given the amount of buzz and anticipation there’s been around Kelly’s collection for the high street retailer, I’m sure these pieces will fly off the shelves.

These are the 6 pieces I’ve got my eye on and would recommend investing in asap.

My top picks

I love a good collaboration. And it seems we’re in the midst of a collab season as Dunelm’s collection with artist Yinka Ilori dropped just in July, while both Tan France’s partnership with Castlery and MADE’s range with the Barbican launched last month. It's looking like the H&M Home x Kelly Wearstler range is the perfect cherry on top.

Tomato plants are gifts that keep on giving, and if you’re lucky, yours will still be pumping out fresh tomatoes at this time of the year. To give your crop a boost, it’s worth knowing what to do with tomato plants in September.

Learning how to grow tomatoes gives you plenty of bang for your buck, because a pack of seeds alone can grow dozens and dozens of plants – and each plant has the potential to produce countless tomatoes. By September, many plants have been fruiting for a while – but that doesn’t mean their season is over.

As it turns out, there are a few ways to keep them fruiting or, at the very least, ripen the tomatoes that have already formed. If you’ve already revived your tomato plants after the heatwaves and are wondering what to do with your tomato plants in September, here are a few tips to keep them going.

What you'll need

1. Remove new flowers and tiny fruit

There are lots of reasons tomatoes don't turn red, but sometimes, it’s all down to an energy problem. More specifically, energy that's being misdirected.

The fix? Start removing new flowers that appear on your plant, as well as tiny fruits that just don’t seem to be growing.

‘Make sure to pinch out new flower trusses because they’re unlikely to produce worthwhile ripe tomatoes before the weather turns,’ says Helen Hutchings-Cox (@helenlikesplants), allotmenteer and GARDENA Top of the Plots Judge.

‘This gives the plant the opportunity to put its energy into ripening the already formed fruit.'

You can either pinch the fruit and flowers off by hand or use a pair of snips like these Darlac Deadheading Snips from B&Q.

2. Get rid of redundant leaves

New flowers and petite fruit aren’t the only things you should remove from your tomato plants in September. Helen says we should be snipping away yellowing tomato leaves, too, as well as any other foliage that looks unhealthy.

‘Keep plenty of healthy foliage around the developing fruit, but start to remove any yellowing, damaged or diseased leaves,’ she advises. ‘It is important not to strip the plant bare, because the leaves are still powering ripening.’

The GARDENA PremiumCut Pro Secateurs (which you can order from Amazon) are perfect for the task – just make sure you’re cleaning your garden tools properly between plants, especially if you’re dealing with diseased leaves.

3. Give your plants less water

Water your plants less might sound like counterproductive advice given that we’re on the climb-down from a drought, but it becomes key for tomato plants as September progresses.

‘As temperatures fall and growth slows, tomatoes need less water,’ Helen explains. ‘Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet, particularly in the greenhouse, as this encourages disease.’

Helen does note, however, that it’s important to give your plants water when they need it. If the hot weather creeps into this month, you’ll still need to keep your plants hydrated – so it’s worth feeling the top inch of the soil and watering when it feels dry. Or, grab a soil moisture meter like this one from Amazon.

These simple tasks can go a long way towards ensuring a bumper crop – or making the most of whatever your tomatoes have left to give.

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!

It can't just be me who thinks that your chosen crockery makes so much difference to how your food tastes. For me, every dinner not eaten out of a plate bowl (also known as a pasta bowl or even a blate, in some circles) is an opportunity missed.

By definition, these dishes have wide, flat bottom surfaces combined with raised curved edges. It makes them deliciously suited to saucier dishes – noodles, pasta and bakes – as well as suitable for foods that need to be cut on a level surface.

Plate bowls are a kitchen trend with serious staying power, with all of the most fashionable homeware brands buying into this viral hybrid product. From my favourite at-home pick from Our Place (of Always Pan fame) to my dream kitchen pick from Fable Home, these are the pasta bowls that are on my radar for 2026 and beyond. I promise they'll be a hit with the whole family.

Investing in a full tableware set vs collecting individual pieces is a long-discussed topic here at Ideal Home, which is why I've included single bowls alongside larger sets as well as ultra-affordable picks nestled next to statement buys. All that's left to do now is decide what your first pasta bowl-appropriate meal will be...

Countryfile’s Matt Baker has revealed he is a fan of this vintage lighting trend on a recent Instagram post, and lighting experts say it’s a great way to embrace the Art Deco revival, which has been a huge part of 2026’s home decor trends.

While you probably know Matt for his work on Countryfile, The One Show and Blue Peter, the presenter shares glimpses of his life on his Instagram account, and it is here that we spotted his gorgeous Tiffany lamp in the background of a video.

Tiffany lamps are the vintage lighting trend that has been making a comeback over the past couple of years, and Matt’s suits his country kitchen perfectly. Here’s how you can get the look, too.

In a video where Matt shows his parents a copy of his new book, My Dogs and Me, there is a beautiful cream Tiffany light twinkling in the background. In a way, it sets the scene perfectly.

‘Matt's Art Nouveau Tiffany lamp fits really well in his room,’ comments Jamie Moxey, a buyer and lighting specialist at Dusk Lighting. 'The wider space is very country/traditional, featuring a lot of natural wood, rattan and greenery above his mantle. The lamp fits in nicely as an Art Deco touch in a country kitchen, adding a luxurious note to the space.'

Last year, experts told me Tiffany lamps were making a comeback as retro lighting styles, particularly Art Deco, are back in vogue. Not to mention the fact that Tiffany lamps are a symbol of craftsmanship, with their intricate designs adding plenty of charm and personality to a home.

‘What I love about Matt’s is that it doesn’t seem out of place or overly traditional,’ says Julia Barnes, product director at ValueLights. 'The green in the stained glass works really well with the plants and other natural tones around it, so although the lamp itself is quite decorative, it feels like it belongs. It’s also a great example of how you don’t need a completely vintage interior to make this style of lighting work.'

‘Tiffany-style lamps take inspiration from those beautiful leaded-glass designs, with all the colour, pattern, and detail that people have loved for more than a century. There’s something special about the glow you get through coloured glass.

'Once you switch the lamp on, all those different shades come to life and give off a lovely, warm light that instantly makes a room feel cosier. When it’s switched off, you’ve still got something incredibly decorative to look at, which is why these lamps can feel almost like a piece of art in the room.’

How to style Tiffany lamps in modern homes

While Matt’s Tiffany lamp is perfectly suited to his rustic, farmhouse kitchen, this lighting style can also be adopted in more contemporary homes. So, if you love Tiffany lamps but assume they wouldn’t work in your new build, you can think again.

‘Tiffany lamps can be styled very easily in most modern homes,' explains lighting specialist Jamie. 'Minimalist briefs can use more simplistic Tiffany Lamps as a showcase item to build a room around.

'Alternatively, in colour-drenching or maximalist aesthetics, a Tiffany Lamp can create a jewel tone that echoes the rest of the space. Tiffany lamps have the benefit of coming in a variety of styles and patterns; natural patterns fit biophilic design, geometric patterns to support urban looks.

‘Today a lot of interior design projects aim to avoid mass-produced, flat-pack furniture; Tiffany lamps act as an antidote, bringing a touch of artisanal class to the space.’

Julia agrees, stating that sometimes Tiffany lamps can work better in contemporary homes, rather than surrounded by antiques.

‘If you love the Tiffany look, but your home is more modern, don’t feel like you suddenly need to fill the room with antiques. Personally, I think these lamps look their best when there’s a bit of contrast. Style one alongside a contemporary sofa, a simple side table or more modern furniture and let the lamp be the piece that brings in the colour and character,’ she says.

‘You can also use the colours in the glass as your starting point. Pick out a green, amber or red and bring little touches of that shade into cushions, artwork or accessories around the room. You don’t need to match everything perfectly; just having those small connections will make the lamp feel at home in the space.’

Shop the look

Have you been charmed by this retro lighting trend?

If your neighbour's plants have grown into your garden and are causing an eyesore, blocking the light or dropping leaves in your space, you'll probably want to know if you can cut them back.

However, before you get out the secateurs, make sure you understand the rules around cutting your neighbour's plants to ensure you aren't breaking the law in the garden

'It can be really frustrating when plants from your neighbour’s garden start to spill over into your space. In England and Wales, you’re allowed to cut back any plants that cross onto your property, but only up to the boundary line,' says Natalie Welsh, Head of Property at HCB Widdows Mason.

1. Always speak to your neighbour first

'You can trim the overhanging branches or parts of a hedge that are encroaching into your garden and can do this without notice to your neighbour,' says Janet Lane, Property Litigation Solicitor at Rogers and Norton.

However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't ask them first – asking first is just neighbourly behaviour – and acting without your neighbour's knowledge could lead to a garden neighbour dispute.

'For best practice, take some photographs of the overhanging tree/bushes and knock on your neighbour’s door. Show them the photos and ask whether they have any objections to you trimming up your side,' says Jordan Kluth, property law expert at John Fowlers. 'Falling out with neighbours and getting into disputes will not only make living at the property uncomfortable, but it can become very expensive if it needs to involve legal proceedings.'

2. Do not go over your boundary

While you can cut your neighbour's plants if they grow into your garden, you must not trespass on their property, as this is illegal.

'You must not trespass onto the neighbour’s property to carry out the work or do anything that could be considered a nuisance in the legal sense. This principle also applies if you are trimming a ‘party hedge’ where both neighbours have rights and responsibilities regarding its maintenance,' says Janet Lane, Property Litigation Solicitor at Rogers and Norton,

Natalie Welsh, Head of Property at HCB Widdows Mason, seconds this, adding that 'boundary disputes can often become costly and acrimonious – if you’re not sure about your rights or think things might get tricky, it’s a good idea to speak to a legal expert first.'

In short, remember it’s an offence to prune your neighbour’s tree on their side of the fence.

3. Do not damage the plant

Trimming the plant is fine; damaging it is not – so make sure you know how to cut back the plant in question.

'You must not damage the main trunk or structure, and you should check first that the tree or hedge isn’t protected by a Tree Preservation Order or in a conservation area,' explains Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

When cutting a neighbour's plant – or any plant – it is important to disinfect your secateurs to prevent infection from being introduced to the plant via the blades. This is easy to do; just wipe the blades with an antibacterial spray or wipes – like these disinfecting wipes from Amazon. If your blades are blunt, make sure you sharpen your secateurs.

If you don't have secateurs, invest in the best secateurs you can afford – Spear & Jackson's 7159BS Razorsharp Advantage Bypass Secateurs, available on Amazon, are some of our favourites.

4. Correctly dispose of cutting

Not that you do not own the cuttings. 'The cuttings, and any fruit or flowers on them, still belong to your neighbour, so you need to offer them back,' explains Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

Something that is seconded by Natalie Welsh, Head of Property at HCB Widdows Mason, who adds: 'You mustn’t just throw them back over the fence - that's fly-tipping, which is illegal. If your neighbour doesn’t want the trimmings, then it’s down to you to dispose of them responsibly, whether that’s your garden waste bin or taking them to the recycling centre.'

This applies whether you are pruning a rose or fruit tree or trimming a hedge.

Keep on the right side of your neighbour and make sure you follow this guidance to avoid any complaints or disputes.

Olivia Attwod has revealed she ditched her air fryer and microwave in favour of the new Ninja CRISPi Microwave, Air Fryer & Oven (£359.99).

Sitting down with Olivia to discuss all things at home, she explained to me that Ninja’s latest appliance had meant she could save space and reduce clutter in her kitchen. And honestly, small kitchen dwellers may want to pay attention as I think she’s onto something.

While the best air fryers and microwaves have long been an essential part of any modern kitchen, an excess of appliances doesn’t always work in small or minimal spaces. Offering multiple functions, Ninja’s new microwave plans to solve this problem.

Chatting to Olivia about her recent partnership with SharkNinja, as well as things relating to her own interior style, she explained to me she preferred her home to be tidy, organised and neutral. A calming space.

‘I feel like a microwave is something that most people have in their home, but a lot of people honestly have had the same microwave for way longer than they should have. It's probably not performing as well as it should have. It’s probably quite unsightly,’ she explained.

‘And the second thing most people have now is an air fryer. So the Ninja Crispy Microwave basically combines the two, and I love clear surfaces. Like I like I'm a no clutter girl. So I think when you combine two appliances, it looks sleek. You've then created more space for yourself on your countertops. It's just a no-brainer.’

If, like Olivia, you’re someone who doesn’t like clutter, opting for a three-in-one microwave will help make room and save space in your kitchen. I personally have a tiny kitchen, and thus far I’ve opted for a Ninja Food Air Fryer (£159.99 at Argos) instead of a microwave. But I have to say I’m considering a swap after this latest launch.

That said, essentially £360 is a lot of money to drop on a kitchen appliance (especially if your current appliances don’t need replacing). Luckily, if you’re not looking to upgrade, there are plenty of appliance storage ideas to help reduce clutter, such as opting for deep drawers, or even using appliance covers if yours look unsightly in your kitchen.

The Ninja CRISPI Microwave, Air Fryer and Oven is currently being tested by Ideal Home’s trusted and expert review, so we’ll be able to tell you if it’s Ideal Home approved very soon. But, from a small kitchen perspective, I’m with Olivia -I can see it quickly becoming one of those things people with tidy kitchens always have.

Small kithen essentials

Olivia Attwood has partnered with SharkNinja to promote the new Ninja CRISPi Microwave which is available from today (2 September).

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.

At the beginning of July, Dunelm held an exclusive preview of its autumn/winter 2026 collection. Ever since then I’ve been waiting for the Dunelm gingham sideboard, the standout piece of the range, to launch. Finally, the Dunelm Posie gingham sideboard landed on the brand’s website at the end of last week – but I have a feeling it will quickly sell out.

The Posie sideboard is definitely one of the standout Dunelm autumn 2026 buys that I recommend snapping up fast. Since it’s such a distinctive design, I predict it will prove very popular with customers. Reminiscent of last season’s Dunelm chequerboard side table, the Posie sideboard is covered in a similar checked pattern, hand-painted using chestnut-toned wood stain rather than paint – what a great idea for an easy DIY project!

Checks and ginghams are always popular during the autumn season. But this year, it’s one of the biggest autumn home decor trends that both homeware and fashion brands are focusing on. Meanwhile, the antique brass-style drop pull knobs are a great nod to the current tassel trend I’m seeing in the most stylish homes lately.

The sideboard is selling for £599 which might sound like a lot – but considering it’s made with genuine mango hardwood, that’s actually a reasonable price.

The design is finished with tapered, turned legs made from the same wood which give the sideboard a vintage-style look. Dunelm’s autumn collection consists of a few different looks, one of which is ‘Vintage Emporium’ – this is the style that the Posie sideboard and the check ruffle easy fit lampshade - which our Editorial Assistant, Maddie Balcombe was enchanted by - are part of.

The Vintage Emporium look is described as cottagecore nostalgia meets charming, eclectic touches and whimsy. It’s defined by a ‘more is more’ approach which sees mix-and-match patterns and textures.

It’s encouraged to pair the checked pattern of the Posie sideboard with other patterns, textures and whimsical touches for a cosy yet playful result.

Get the full look

If I was to get just one thing from the new Dunelm autumn collection - and had the space - this standout sideboard would be it. Although, I’m not going to lie, the Salvage enamel nibble bowls are also great – and I’ve already bought two of those for my home…

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.

Ninja has a shiny new release for those looking to save on worktop space: the 3-in-1 CRISPI Microwave, Air Fryer & Oven (now available for £359.99).

It's the latest in a line of multi-hyphenate appliances which combine the two most convenient products in a kitchen: the speed of the best air fryers meeting the ease for reheating leftovers of the best microwaves.

Despite sounding great on paper, as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, I've so far been disappointed in the microwave/air fryer hybrids we've tried so far. Here's why I'm hoping this new iteration of the best Ninja air fryers is going to be the exception to the rule.

If you own a Ninja air fryer already, you'll know that this is the brand to go for if you want to maximise cooking power. With temperatures up to 240°C, that certainly looks like an advantage that will carry over with this clever combination buy.

Though this is advertised as a 3-in-1 (air fryer, microwave, oven) there are actually a whopping 13 functions available on the interface of the appliance. Eight of those are for microwaving to your hearts content, and 5 of them will be very familiar to those who love their existing Ninja air fryer.

Those five settings are: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake and Air Broil (which is the American term for grill). I own the Ninja Double Stack and the high heat and power of the Max Crisp setting means it's never out of use in my household.

Using the microwave and air fryer elements separately is one thing, but the setting that has me most intrigued is Fusion Crisp. This button allows you to whip up 'fast meals with a crisp finish'.

Once pressed, your device will begin by microwaving your food and then move onto auto finishing with air frying. That should, in theory, allow you to 'go from frozen to crispy in minutes'. If it works well, this should make this microwave air fryer the most time-efficient buy in your kitchen.

Another winning feature of the original Ninja Crispi is present within this new version too: the introduction of glassware to help with efficient meal prep. With a 5.2 litre capacity and a matching lid, it's perfect for saving on washing up. Capacity-wise, it can fit a 3kg chicken, according to Ninja, making enough food for up to eight people at a time.

Simply cook in it within the Crispi and then pop any leftovers straight into the fridge when you're finished. And though it doesn't come as standard, it looks as if you'll also be able to separately invest in a steamer lid too – perfect for veggies, rice, dumplings and more.

Though it was released today (the 2nd of September), Ninja will always send their products ahead of time to reviewers. At the time of writing, this 3-in-1 has already gleaned a 4.7 star rating from 160 user reviews, which is a promising sign.

Our review of this innovative new Ninja is currently in the works so that we can let you know whether it's Ideal Home approved for your home. Could you see this type of appliance working in your kitchen?

Looking to plant some easy-care spring bulbs this month? There are so many low-maintenance daffodil bulbs you can plant in September.

Daffodils usually crown a list of bulbs you can plant in September, and for good reason: they’re among the easiest spring flowers you can grow in the garden, return year after year, and produce some of the earliest displays.

To help you decide which varieties to go for (and there are lots), I’ve pulled together a list of five low-maintenance daffodil bulbs to plant in September. I’ve included stockist details, too, so you can start ordering them ASAP!

What you'll need

1. Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'

Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’ has long been a reigning daffodil variety, and it’s renowned for being one of the easiest spring bulbs to grow in pots. It grows just as well in garden borders, though – and it’s among the best low-maintenance bulbs you can plant in September.

‘One of our top three suggestions would be Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’, great for pots as well as dotted into borders,’ says Charlotte Daubney, bulb expert at Taylors Bulbs.

‘Daffodils are the number-one bulb you should be planting in your gardens! They are very low maintenance, very reliable, pest resistant and perennial, so they will come back each year. They’re also a great investment, as they multiply over time.’

Where to buy 'Tête-à-tête' bulbs:

• Peter Nyssen: Buy 25 Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’ bulbs for £5 (or even higher quantities, if you’re filling a larger space!).
• Crocus: Organic and regular ‘Tête-à-tête’ bulbs are available.

2. Narcissus 'Bridal Crown'

‘Bridal Crown’ daffodils look a lot higher maintenance than they really are: majestic, creamy-white ruffled blooms with an orange-yellow centre. They’re easy to look after, though – and one of the best bulbs you can plant for scent.

‘Clusters of double, layered blooms with yellow centres release a wonderfully sweet perfume, making this RHS-recommended variety irresistible in generous drifts or planted in patio containers,’ says Thompson & Morgan’s horticultural expert, Annelise Brilli.

'Cut a few stems for a vase and enjoy their beautiful, fragrant flowers indoors too, extending the spring display beyond the garden.’

Where to buy ‘Bridal Crown’ bulbs:

• Thompson & Morgan: Narcissus ‘Bridal Crown’ bulb packs are available from £11.99.
• YouGarden: Grab the 3 for 2 bulb offer when you buy Daffodil ‘Bridal Crown’.

3. Narcissus 'Ice Baby'

If you’re after something a little different from a daffodil's signature yellow flowers, Narcissus ‘Ice Baby’ produces miniature white blooms. It’s another recommendation of Annelise’s for low-maintenance daffodils to plant in September.

‘This miniature daffodil is a little gem that makes a big impression in smaller gardens and container displays,’ says Annelise. ‘Best appreciated at close quarters, its crisp, reflexed petals surround a perfectly formed snow white cup.

‘Planted along the front of a garden border, it naturalises readily, gradually filling gaps between emerging perennials and delivering a welcome flush of early spring colour from late March.’

Where to buy ‘Ice Baby’ bulbs:

• Amazon: Order 25 Narcissus ‘Ice Baby’ bulbs from The Great British Bulb Company.
• Peter Nyssen: Buy packs of Narcissus ‘Ice Baby’ bulbs in various sizes.

4. Narcissus 'February Gold'

Low-maintenance Narcissus ‘February Gold’ can also be planted in September. Its golden-yellow flowers are perfect for brightening up a garden in late winter and early spring.

‘’February Gold’ is a great variety for those early spring flowers,’ agrees Charlotte from Taylors Bulbs.

Besides rewarding you with earlier spring blooms, ‘February Gold’ also holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit. Just make sure you know how deep to plant daffodil bulbs for the best displays.

Where to buy ‘February Gold’ bulbs:

• Marshalls Garden: Order 8 Daffodil 'February Gold' bulbs for £11.99.
• Crocus: Buy Narcissus 'February Gold' bulbs in various pack sizes.

5. Narcissus 'Thalia'

Last but by no means is a classic daffodil variety: Narcissus ‘Thalia’. It’s often considered one of the best spring bulbs for cut flowers, and it’s another white-bloomed showstopper that’s rich in nectar (perfect for the bees in early spring!).

Charlotte recommends ‘Thalia’ to those of us looking for low-maintenance daffodil bulbs to plant in September, describing it as, ‘A dainty, delicate, multiheaded white variety, and a firm favourite at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.'

Where to buy ‘Thalia’ bulbs:

• Thompson & Morgan: Order Narcissus 'Thalia' bulbs to grow ice-white flowers.
• YouGarden: Another great place to buy Daffodil 'Thalia' bulbs at a competitive price.

These easy-care daffodils are sure to steal the show in spring. You could even plant several varieties at once for a mix of colours and texture.

If you thought IKEA was already affordable, I have good news, as the Swedish retailer has just permanently slashed the prices of some of its most popular products.

Whether you're putting an IKEA DIY hack into practice or following the latest home decor trends on a budget, IKEA is undoubtedly a go-to brand for many in the interiors world. And now, IKEA is dropping the prices of its bestsellers; it's become even more affordable.

With cult products such as the KALLAX shelving unit, HEMNES daybed and the retro DIVYLINGE chair all seeing a reduction in price, here’s everything we know about IKEA’s New Lower Prices, and how it can save you money this autumn.

IKEA's New Lower Prices

Officially launching on Friday 28 August this year, IKEA’S New Lower Prices are, as IKEA states, not a sale, but the new normal. They have rounded up everything from some of their most recognisable furniture designs to everyday essentials to make shopping from your home more affordable.

If you’ve been worried about rising energy costs, increasing food prices and the general cost of living, it is quite refreshing to see a brand committed to doing the opposite. New Lower Prices will be available both in stores and online. Here are some of the best deals I’ve spotted since the launch.

Whether you're giving your home an upgrade this autumn, sending a loved one off to university or moving home yourself, IKEA is helping to make furnishing a home more affordable. We can't fault that.

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!

Molly Mae has become synonymous with cosy minimalism, and her recent bedroom transformation is no exception. She turned a cold and icy space into warm, old-money elegance.

If you’re in need of new bedroom ideas, influencer and businesswoman Molly Mae Hague has shown that you don’t need a full-blown renovation; a fresh lick of paint and a few design tricks can completely transform your sleep space.

The Ideal Home team raved about Molly’s last neutral bedroom, and this most recent transformation shows she’s not lost her gift. If you want warm, cosy bedroom inspiration, here’s why Molly Mae’s is where you should look.

Posting the before-and-after photos on her home Instagram @mollymaison, Molly explained that while there was absolutely nothing wrong with the space before, she was planning to stay in her home for a long time, so she wanted something ‘that feels completely like us’.

There’s an undeniable difference between the two rooms. While the layout hasn’t changed, Molly Mae’s switch to warmer-toned colours and natural finishes gives the room a far cosier, yet luxurious look.

‘The original bedroom’s cool greys, reflective surfaces and sharper contrasts gave it a sleek, contemporary hotel feel, but it could also appear slightly icy and impersonal. The finished bedroom feels softer, warmer and much more established. The natural timber, creamy neutrals, layered textiles and traditional furniture shapes give it the character associated with the ‘old-money’ aesthetic,’ says Melanie Whetstone, in-house interior design expert at British Bedmakers Get Laid Beds. Melanie also designed the house prior to Molly Mae moving in.

‘The warmer scheme also feels better suited to the proportions of the room. The bed provides a strong visual anchor, while the deeper wood tones prevent such a large space from feeling empty or overly polished. It now feels like a private retreat rather than simply an impressive room.

‘It is also a more tactile space. Timber grain, soft bedding, upholstery and layered fabrics bring sensory warmth, which is particularly important in a bedroom. The styling feels luxurious without being showy, and the combination of traditional forms with a restrained modern palette gives the room a timeless quality. Ultimately, it feels designed around rest rather than display.’

Is Molly Mae a good example to follow?

If you plan on decorating with neutrals, Molly Mae is always a good example to follow. She transformed her bedroom into a space that is both welcoming and screams old money sophistication.