It seems that we have yet another bow-crazy Christmas on our hands as bow decorations of all sizes, colours, materials and even patterns are popping up everywhere. And Next just launched the latest iteration of the Christmas bow trend that I predict will become everybody’s next obsession – the Tartan Check Extra Large Bow Tree Topper, selling for £22.

While last year’s Christmas bow trend was largely about super-sized velvet bows - like the M&S extra-large bow decorations - and striped versions as well, this year, Scottish-inspired tartan checks and even gingham bows like the newly introduced M&S gingham bow seem to be the latest Christmas decor trend of 2026.

Last week, I got to see the large tartan Christmas bow IRL at Next’s Christmas press preview. And in opinion, it’s only a matter of time before it goes viral.

Shoppers are still loving extra-large Christmas bows as they did last year so the design’s large size will make it extremely desirable – as will the trad-inspired tartan check pattern combining shades of navy blue, dark green and a hint of red. And Next is going big on this festive trend as an entire room was styled with coordinating tartan Christmas buys.

According to Pinterest UK, searches for ‘tartan pattern’ increased by 100% this month as this motif is not only perfect for Christmas but also for the autumn months and cosy season. And that’s one of the biggest perks of this Next bow decoration – it won’t look out of place if you put it up now since it has a very autumnal charm that will seamlessly carry you through all the way to Christmas.

Last year, the ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas’ trend exploded on social media. And this year, it’s back and set to be even bigger than in 2025 as Google searches for ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas’ increased by over 5000% this September compared to the same time last year, and by 600% compared to last month.

The Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is defined by traditional Americana style to which heritage patterns like tartan are central. So naturally, the Next tartan bow is right on trend – as are all the other tartan-adorned pieces of Christmas decor from the Next festive range.

Complete your tartan Christmas scheme

Are you going to be snapping up one of these for your own home?

Forget two pillows, or even four. According to a bedding expert renowned for their well-styled bedscaping, the key to creating a more expensive-looking bedroom is to opt for *six* pillows on your bed.

However, whilst six is the magic number when it comes to creating a comfortable and beautifully styled bed, there’s one more design trick you need up your sleeve to make this simple bedding update look as luxe as possible.

This is how to elevate your bedroom design ideas, and make your bed the pièce de résistance in your room.

The 'six-pillow rule'

‘People often think styling a bed has to be complicated,’ says bedding expert and Secret Linen Store co-founder Molly Freshwater, ‘but sometimes it's the simplest changes that make the biggest difference. For me, that's upgrading from four to six pillows.’

Why six pillows? ‘Whether you're creating a hotel-inspired bedroom or simply making your bed feel more inviting, adding two extra pillows instantly transforms both the look and feel of the space,’ says Molly.

However, this doesn’t mean simply piling more pillows onto your bed. Instead, according to Molly, the key to creating luxe-look bedscaping comes down to considering not just the number, but also the shape of your pillows.

‘For me, the perfect combination is four standard pillows and two square pillows,’ explains Molly. ‘The standards give you everything you need for sleeping, while the squares add height, softness and somewhere wonderfully comfortable to lean when you're reading or enjoying a lazy Sunday morning.’

And, of course, those extra pillows also mean more opportunity to add texture, colour, and pattern to the bedroom – a sure-fire way to make a sleep space feel more elevated and expensive.

‘Six pillows opens up so many styling possibilities,’ agrees Molly. ‘I love mixing colours, stripes and textures in pairs, using two pillows that match the duvet cover fabric, two in the sheet fabric and two as a little moment of personality.’

And as well as mixing and matching colours and patterns, Molly suggests doing the same with texture. ‘Think soft washed linen, relaxed cotton and one beautifully draped throw at the foot of the bed,’ says the bedding expert, ‘that’s often all you need.'

Wondering how to style those extra pillows? Well, according to Molly, there isn't one "correct" way to arrange them.

‘It depends entirely on my mood that morning,’ Molly says. ‘Some days I'll stand the standard pillows up with the squares sitting proudly in front. Other days I'll put the squares at the back and let the standards tumble gently in front. Both create a completely different feel.’

Mostly, ‘don't worry about getting everything “right”,’ says Molly, ‘play with colours, try different layouts and choose combinations that make you smile. I've always believed a bed should feel like it belongs to real people rather than looking like a showroom display. The best bedrooms have personality.’

‘The more important thing is making sure every pillow is properly plumped,’ says Molly. ‘A well-made bed instantly makes the whole bedroom feel calmer and more considered.’

And in case you (or your other half) is concerned about the practical details of adding more cushions to the bed, Molly’s quick to point out that stylish doesn't have to mean impractical.

So, where do all those cushions go at night? ‘I never let cushions end up in a sad little heap,’ says Molly. ‘They deserve a bedtime routine too! A chair, bench, basket or shelf all work beautifully, but honestly, even a clean floor is absolutely fine. Giving them a proper home means making the bed in the morning becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.’

Our hallways are the first and last thing guests see; they also need to support day-to-day family life, while being clutter magnets with endless coats and shoes.

Finding a balance between calm, clutter-free, yet functional and stylish spaces can be tricky when considering your hallway ideas; we asked three interior experts for their tips.

‘Our hallways hold so many small daily rituals, such as taking off shoes, hanging up coats, dropping your keys in a bowl, greeting children, and as spaces, they matter far more than people realise,' says Reena. ‘A hallway isn't only an entrance; it's the first emotional signal that your home gives you. When it feels ordered, warm and considered, the whole house feels calmer.'

‘A great hallway consists of light, storage, a welcoming colour palette and as much space as possible,' says Eloise. ‘Even the smallest hallways can be designed to feel more spacious with clever decorating, accessories and smart storage.' Reena adds: ‘The best hallways are designed around the way people live. Ask yourself: where do the school bags land? Where do you put your keys? Where do guests pause? When these small moments are considered, the space immediately feels calmer.'

Sort the storage

‘A hallway needs somewhere for the things that create the most visual noise, especially shoes,' says Reena. ‘Try a shoe storage cupboard or storage bench. If you have space in a large hallway, a sideboard works beautifully because it gives you drawers and cupboards as well as a surface to style.'

Eloise loves built-in hallway storage, if space allows. ‘Wall hooks are an easy and cost-effective way to add storage, but if space allows, I'd always recommend built-in storage, so shoes and coats are out of sight, as this helps with visual flow.'

Work with the space

‘A small hallway does need to work harder, but without being overdesigned and complicated. Try a pared-back colour scheme to create a sense of openness and calm, with a slim console table, wall hooks and a runner to help the space feel functional but aesthetically beautiful,' says Eloise.

‘In a small area, do not try to make it do everything,' says Reena. ‘Small spaces work best when the decisions are clear. Start with the biggest source of clutter. Wall hooks keep bags and coats off the floor, while a slim shoe cupboard can be transformative.'

Get the basics right

‘Hallways are a high-traffic area, so choose flooring wisely,' says Kirsty. ‘Wool works brilliantly, helping to add a luxurious and warm touch while remaining hard-wearing, while synthetic fibres are great for busy households looking for something that offers durability and fantastic stain resistance.' Reena adds: ‘I like flooring with natural character that can cope with real life. Stone, limestone, terracotta, patterned tiles and wood all look beautiful, too.'

Both Kirsty and Reena love a hallway runner: ‘It makes a hallway feel finished, adding softness and texture, while absorbing sound, which is important as hallways can be echoey spaces,' Reena explains.

‘Think about the colour of any rug or runner, as it will set the mood as soon as you walk through the door,' says Kirsty. ‘A well-chosen rug will add warmth and cosiness, making guests and homeowners feel instantly welcomed. A runner can also help to create a sense of flow throughout the home, drawing the eye through the space, making even narrow hallways feel intentional.'

When it comes to colour palette, Eloise suggests ‘pulling from your base palette used in adjoining rooms.' She explains: ‘This will ensure effortless flow from room to room. Warm neutrals, muted greens and earthy tones create a soft transition between rooms and pair with more design schemes. That said, this doesn't mean you can't be bold with darker, cocooning colours as these are sophisticated and rich,' she shares.

‘Lighting should be layered,' adds Reena. ‘A hero pendant can be beautiful if you have the height and scale, but one is rarely enough on its own. Try a table lamp on a console for a soft glow in the evening, while wall lights are brilliant in a narrow hallway.' Eloise adds: ‘If you are only passing through your hallway, decorative ambient light is sufficient, but if you have young children and you're wrestling with little ones to put their shoes on, you may need more task-based spot lighting.'

Finish it off

‘Once the practical elements are in place, layering in colour and texture helps soften the space and add personality,' says Kirsty.

‘Hallways are ideal for displaying artwork. Oversized pieces showcase the owner's personality and create a talking point,' says Eloise.

‘Mirrors are brilliant because they bounce light and create a sense of space, but they should feel decorative rather than merely functional,' says Reena. ‘I like mirrors with materiality: wood, aged brass, blackened metal or a more sculptural shape.'

‘The hallway should feel connected to the rest of the home, not matching every room, but feeling like the beginning of the same story,' says Reena. ‘And don't forget scent: it completely changes the feeling of arrival before you have even registered the furniture. A candle, diffuser or fresh foliage make the space feel alive and cared for.'

Need to know....Hallway hacks

Eloise Pfeiffer at Pfeiffer Design shares her top tips

• Update your lighting – hang a statement pendant, add wall lights or position a table lamp in a darker corner.
• Use mirrors – they add depth, reflect light and help open up the room.
• Style properly – make your hallway feel more interesting with artwork, books and other personal touches.
• Introduce a rug – it's an easy way to add softness, colour and texture.
• Give a lick of paint – it will help make a hallway feel fresh and welcoming.

Following the success of Next’s viral gingerbread tree skirt, the brand has dropped another two gorgeous styles: The House Scene Light Up Wooden Tree Skirt (£35), and the Red Festive Light Up Wooden Tree Skirt (£35), both of which reflect a slightly more traditional Christmas style.

You might already recognise Next’s gingerbread house tree skirt, which sold out in September 2025 almost instantly after launch. This year, it’s back and joined by two extra festive designs to give your Christmas decorating ideas a stylish edge.

While I appreciate it is still September as I write, experience tells me that Next’s Christmas tree skirts become popular very quickly - so read on if you want to stay ahead of the trends.

If you have one of the best artificial Christmas trees, no matter how realistic the foliage looks, the plastic base can look a little unsightly. This is where a tree skirt comes in handy. Concealing the base, the skirt becomes a key part of your decor and can add a sophisticated look (such as Habitat’s seagrass skirt) or even a playful look (try M&S’s tinsel skirts) to the overall feel of your decor. If you want something traditional, yet eye-catching, Next’s skirts are perfect for you.

First, I’d like to discuss the House Scene tree skirt which depicts a snowy street, complete with a painted Christmas tree, minute wreaths and garlands, all adorning pretty pastel-coloured houses. Just like the gingerbread skirt, there are twinkling LED lights poking through the house windows.

Similarly, the Red Festive tree skirt also depicts a snowy, festive scene. Although this piece of decor is a closer depiction of town life, rather than the village scene shown on the house skirt. This skirt is beautifully detailed, showing Christmas shoppers making their way down a snowy street. It reminds me of M&S’s stunning light-up candles which have become iconic for their festive interpretations of famous cities. The LED lights on this skirt can be seen poking through the windows of high-rise buildings.

Where you prefer a cityscape, more rustic scenery or a playful gingerbread display, what makes these tree skirts a worthy investment, is that they provide an extra layer of lighting to your decor. While one would expect the tree itself to be covered with twinkling lights, a light-up skirt provides that extra level of ambient glow that will make your Christmas decorations look even more magical.

And these aren’t the only tree skirts that have caught my eye at Next this year. Here are a few more stylish designs that will take your decor to the next level.

An LED tree skirt can help give your Christmas decor a cosy edge. And no one is doing it better than Next right now.

Our home workspaces are often last on the list when it comes to inspiring decor, with many of us working out of a spare bedroom or squeezed into a gloomy corner. But put some effort into creating a more colourful and personality-filled work space, and the benefits are clear - greater productivity, boosted creativity and enhanced wellbeing - cue the maximalist home work space.

If you’ve a dreary home office that is crying out for colour and personality, then a maximalist work space is the perfect fix. For the speediest remedy, the walls are the obvious place to begin - whether painting them a vibrant shade, adding a colourful patterned wallpaper or filling the walls with inspiring artwork - simply changing to a brighter backdrop can instantly make the space feel more energised and inspiring to be in.

Then it’s all just a matter of reflecting your own style and personality through the pieces that you bring into the space, be it statement furniture, bold and colourful soft furnishings, a patterned rug or a favourite mug or picture frame on your desk. Choose pieces that you love, make you smile or bring joy and it’ll give you the perfect head start.

1. Standout lighting

A maximalist home office scheme is all about bringing colour and personality to your everyday, with an eclectic mix of decor, furniture and accessories. Home office lighting is a natural attention-grabber, so while a practical desk lamp is a must, for additional lighting move away from basics in favour of a characterful, shapely table or floor lamp.

2. Statement desk

The desk is the anchor piece of any workspace and, in a maximalist scheme, it should take centre stage rather than blending into the background. Keep the shape and style simple, but look for vibrant colour, rich wood or a gloss finish to add impact. A backdrop of bold block colour, lively wallpaper or panelling will really show it off.

3. Upholstered chair

Choose a chair that combines plush upholstery, a coloured frame or metallic detailing for a luxe look. While aesthetics are desirable, comfort must take priority when it comes to your work chair. Ensure it has good lumbar support, an adjustable seat height, armrests and castors so you can move freely.

4. Patterned rug

A colourful area rug with a large-scale pattern will pull a maximalist room scheme together and be more impactful than lots of small-scale patterns. Centre your desk on the rug, making sure the rug extends all round so your chair can roll in and out without catching on it.

5. Colourful storage

Personality-packed spaces can bring energy and boost productivity, but too much visual noise can be overwhelming, so think carefully about your home office storage ideas.

Balance areas of open shelving to display curated collections and keep work essentials to hand with closed cabinets that conceal clutter.

6. Happy Accessories

Surround yourself with pieces that bring you joy, reduce stress and spark creativity. This might be inspiring artwork on the walls, favourite books, holiday mementos or colourful stationery on the desk – things that will make you smile every time you start work.

Interior design experts are advocating for us to apply the Japanese practice of ikigai to homes to ensure our spaces are places that add small pleasures to our lives.

Ikigai is more than just a home decor trend. With ‘Iki’ translating to ‘life’ and ‘Gai’ meaning ‘worth’ or ‘value’, it literally means ‘that which makes life worth living.’ And interior experts say that this principle can be applied to how we spend time at home and to our home decor.

‘The concept dates back to the Heian period, between 794 and 1185, when it appeared in poetry and court diaries as a way to describe moments of deep personal satisfaction. Rather than a single overarching goal, ikigai is really about the daily realisation that life is worth living in the present moment,’ explains Gini Lin, founder of Airy Fragrances.

‘It is found in small domestic pleasures: the first sip of warm tea in the morning, the way afternoon sunlight hits a wooden floor, or the satisfying feeling of preparing a simple meal. It is less about what you achieve and more about how present you are in the small rituals that make up your day.’

How to apply ikigai to our homes

Considering ikigai centres on finding meaning in everyday life, it is perhaps natural that this principle lends itself well to our home lives. It’s a useful practice to follow if you’re looking for ways to make your home feel happier.

‘The home is where ikigai is most naturally expressed, and most consistently overlooked. We spend enormous energy designing homes that look considered, but far less on making them feel considered. The two are not the same,’ says Gini.

‘It starts with one question about every object and every ritual in your space: does this add meaning to my day? It doesn't photograph well, nor is it on trend, but it gives me something when I am actually living inside it. A chair placed to catch morning light. A surface cleared of everything except what belongs to one activity. A scent so tied to a particular room that walking into it feels like arriving somewhere.

‘In Japan, this way of thinking about domestic space has been practised for centuries, built into the genkan entrance that separates the noise of the outside world from the calm of home, the single seasonal flower changed with the months, the ritual of removing shoes before crossing the threshold. The home is not a backdrop to life. It is where life is actually lived.’

What does ikigai look like in practice?

In practice, ikigai can be as simple as appreciating your favourite candle scent or reed diffuser in your bedroom, opting for specific materials that feel good on your skin, such as linen bedding.

‘For me, it comes back to creating spaces that feel comfortable, welcoming and personal. I like rooms to have a sense of character rather than feeling too perfect, and I think surrounding yourself with colours, patterns and textures that you enjoy can make a real difference to how you feel at home,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV.

‘I also think there is something to be said for creating small spaces or moments that encourage you to slow down, whether that is sitting down with a cup of coffee, reading for a while or simply enjoying the natural light coming into a room.’

Gini’s approach would be to start with the five senses, which ensures you don’t only address things in your home which you can physically see.

‘Scent is one of the most direct routes to the limbic system, the part of the brain that processes memory and emotion. It arrives before rational thought, which means it shapes how a space feels before you have consciously registered anything about it. A room with its own scent has its own identity. It becomes somewhere specific, somewhere that belongs to you. That is a form of ikigai built into the architecture of a space,’ she says.

‘I would also introduce objects that invite you to slow down: a hand-thrown ceramic cup you love the feeling of holding, a decorative glass piece that catches the light in a particular way, a reed diffuser that makes you feel good the moment you walk in. These sensory anchors create a pause between the pace of the outside world and the pace of being home.

‘Personally I am a minimalist, and I think that instinct is deeply connected to ikigai. When a home is full of things that have stopped earning their place, the mind has nowhere to settle. Removing the unnecessary is not about aesthetics. It is about clarity.

'A clear surface, a corner left empty, soft warm light rather than harsh overhead brightness: these create the conditions for the atmosphere of a room to actually be felt. Japanese spatial philosophy calls this yutori, breathing room. You cannot notice the small meaningful moments of daily life if there is too much competing for your attention. Yutori is what makes noticing possible.’

Is this a good philosophy to live by?

For our experts, ikigai is a good practice to live by simply because it doesn’t ask too much of us. All we must do is appreciate that the simple things make life worth living.

‘I like the idea that there doesn’t have to be one big source of happiness or purpose. It can be found in the small things that make everyday life feel good. The same can be true of our homes. They don’t need to be perfect or follow every new trend. They should make sense for the people who live in them and support the things that bring them pleasure, comfort and connection,’ says Debbie.

And Gini agrees, stating: ‘For the home specifically, this is a profound reframe. The home stops being a place where you recover from your life so you can go back and live it again tomorrow. It becomes the place where your life is actually happening. Every small ritual, every considered object, every scent that makes a room feel like yours: these are not decorations. They are the thing itself.’

How I practice ikigai

How do you practice ikigai at home?

While I currently technically don’t have a proper hallway, in my previous flat I had a narrow hallway. But it was so small and narrow that there was no way to fit a console table. And while some narrow hallways can just about fit a console, there is an alternative solution that many are opting for instead – and that’s a hallway ledge.

And I wish I knew about this simple yet genius narrow hallway idea in my last place because I would have been able to fit one of those in there. Instead, my keys and mail lived in the kitchen. Perhaps unsurprisingly, interior experts approve of this easy, space-saving swap.

‘A small hallway does need to work harder, but without being complicated or over-designed,’ says Eloise Pfeiffer, interior designer at Pfeiffer Design. ‘Even the smallest hallways can feel more spacious with clever decorating, accessories and smart storage.’

Why can a hallway ledge be better than a console table?

While I currently don’t have the narrow hallway problem, Ideal Home’s Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight is looking to tackle the narrow hallway in her new home next. ‘I don’t have a ledge right now, but I want one. I currently have a side table and a wall-hung basket. But I used to have an IKEA picture ledge as an alternative in my old rental flat,’ she explains.

Going for a hallway ledge instead of a console table to place your key bowl, your mail, a table lamp, a vase of flowers, and a scented candle or a reed diffuser doesn’t only save actual space to make moving through the space easier – it will also make the entryway look lighter and airier as the floor will become clearer.

‘The much seen classical idea of an entrance hall with a console table is a lovely one but where passageway flow stands to be compromised this is where the ledge can really come into play,’ starts interior designer Benji Lewis before adding, ‘Having a strong understanding of your space is integral to seeing how one might fit and if your hall is narrow, I would look at finishing my ledge with curved corners so that whilst the back edge is fixed to the wall, there are no sharp corners to catch yourself on.’

Another alternative solution

Alternatively, if your narrow hallway comes with a radiator, you can kill two birds with one stone by investing in a radiator cabinet like this one from Wayfair with built-in storage. And the top of the cabinet can be used just like a console table or a hallway ledge would be.

‘I often recommend radiator cabinets with built-in drawer storage as a flexible solution for hallways,’ says Jo Lane, founder of online interior design service See Your Place. ‘It delivers the neat look of cabinetry, but with a much slimmer profile. Having drawers close to your front door is also ideal for storing clutter like keys and post.’

So what do you think? Are you investing a hallway ledge instead of a console table?

There’s nothing I love more than a snoop around a celebrity home, and the latest to catch my eye is comedian, writer and actor Joanne McNally, whose recent house-moving video on Instagram revealed her brilliant technique of using pink to anchor her maximalist decor.

Those with stylish homes will know that having a ‘red thread’ running throughout your space ties your home together coherently for a finished look that feels as considered as it is stylish. Examples include Victoria Beckham, who has pops of pistachio green tying her home’s interiors together.

Now you can add Joanne to your list of celebrity inspiration. Her gorgeous, maximalist home decor is neatly tied together by a repeated pink colourway. Here’s how you can do it, according to interior design experts.

In a recent Instagram post, Joanne vlogged her recent move into her home and amongst all the packing and subsequent unpacking, I noticed that pink featured heavily amongst her homeware. She had a pink rug, chairs, mirror, storage unit, lighting and artwork, too. While there’s no doubt pinks proved a colour trend with staying power, what Joanne’s use of pink does is give her home a considered, finished look.

‘Joanne’s pink home accents are a great way for her to inject her personality and personal brand into her home. Pink is such a naturally uplifting colour, helping to keep a space feeling fun, positive and full of character,’ comments Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

‘Using a ‘red thread’ colour throughout a property is a great way to make a bold choice feel cohesive. People often assume that if they introduce a strong colour, they need to use it heavily from room to room. In reality, following a simple 5% rule and repeating small touches of the same colour throughout can maintain personality and connection without the scheme feeling overwhelming.’

A red thread can be anything from a paint shade, material or pattern. Joanne’s use of pink works so well because it matches the bold, characterful nature of her interior design.

‘When you have lots of shapes, colours and individual pieces competing for attention, a recurring colour gives the eye something familiar to find. Pink provides that connection while still allowing each piece to have its own personality,’ says Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.

‘Joanne uses pink with real confidence. It feels playful and personal, especially alongside her sculptural furniture, colourful art and unexpected accessories. I love that she hasn’t treated pink as something that has to be delicate; it can hold its own among much bolder pieces.’

How to get the look

‘Choose a colour you genuinely love, then repeat it in different ways: perhaps a chair in one room, a detail in an artwork in another, and a lamp or cushion elsewhere. Vary the scale and the shade, and let the rest of your home evolve around it. The aim is a sense of connection, not a matching set,’ is Kunal’s advice.

When considering the best accent colour for your home, consider the palettes that genuinely make you happy. Do you have a favourite colour you wouldn’t mind seeing in every room? That makes a great red thread. If you want to reflect a bolder, playful home pink is a great choice, meanwhile a soft green can be used to evoke a sense of calm.

‘It’s also a clever way to embrace a bolder colour without making a huge commitment. Accessories and smaller decorative pieces are relatively easy to change, so if Joanne’s tastes or trends evolve in the future, the overall look can easily evolve with them,’ adds Natalie.

Shop pink home decor

If you love maximalist decor, but aren't sure how to make sure it flowers in your home, opting for your own 'red thread' can help tie it all toether. It's up to you which colour you choose.

Over the years I’ve reviewed dozens of the best air fryers and I’m very accustomed to boring black box appliances that look very unremarkable on my kitchen worktop. So when I heard Smeg was launching its first ever standalone air fryer, I was hoping for something fun and colourful.

The Smeg AFC01 Air Fryer might be a bit late to the game, but with four colour options to choose from, combined with streamlined curves, it offers a very different aesthetic to its competitors. And it’s this kind of design that might mean it was worth the wait.

In a nutshell

The Smeg AFC01 offers all the colourful curviness that’s synonymous with the brand, but without looking kitsch or overly retro. It’s a modern take on classic Smeg styling, and I think it looks great. Green or blue are the only options for those who want some colour in their kitchen, since the other two options are black and white.

In addition to standard manually controlled air fryer settings, there are seven presets to choose from. Some of the presets include a steaming function, whereby you add water and steam is produced to help lock in moisture within certain foods. I was disappointed that the steam function can only be used within the presets and isn’t a standalone function.

I love that it doesn’t take up much space and that the removable accessories are dishwasher safe. The 7.3 litre capacity sounds roomy, but in reality, this isn’t a family size air fryer, it’s ideal for a two person household.

The heating element is halogen and as such the performance was very mixed, with some foods like fish fillets cooking fast, but disappointing chips, and a whole roast chicken that was very uneven in colour. It did well with simpler foods like halloumi, vegetables, and chicken thighs.

Product specs

• Capacity: 7.3 litres
• Presets: Chicken wings/legs, meat, fish, shrimps, chips, vegetables, roast chicken
• Dimensions: 31 x 32.2 x 31cm (h x w x d)
• Weight: 5.6kg
• Colours available: black, white, emerald green and storm blue,
• RRP: £199.95

Unboxing and first impressions

My first impressions after I’d removed the air fryer from its compact box and fully recyclable packaging, was that the sleek curvy design is unlike any other air fryer. It doesn’t take up loads of space, so would be great in smaller kitchens, plus, it looks super cool.

The lower section has a matte look and feel, while the black sections above are glossy, it’s a nice mix. The upper part hinges open when you press the big button on the front beneath the Smeg logo. Then you can lift out the removable basket via its silicone handles. The basket and its rack insert are made with PFAS free ceramic non-stick coatings.

It’s worth pointing out that there’s an air vent at the back, so you can’t have it pushed right to the back of the worktop when in use. Furthermore, due to the way the lid hinges open, you can’t push it against the wall, or you won’t be able to open it.

Since this air fryer includes a steaming function, there’s a small water container that pulls out of the very top. Also on top, the touchscreen control panel gives access to all the available settings.

There are seven presets to choose between. I was a tad surprised that when in manual mode, you can only access the air fryer function. Steaming meanwhile is incorporated into some of the presets, but it’s not a standalone function.

The temperature is adjustable between 40 - 200C in five degree intervals. The timer adjusts in one minute intervals between 1-60 minutes. And although the various food presets come with predetermined time and temperature settings, you can still adjust them within the same parameters.

The touch controls are simple and straightforward to get to grips with. There are audible beeps when the buttons are pressed, but by following instructions in the manual, the sound can be turned off.

Uniquely for an air fryer, there’s also the option to set it up for delayed start cooking. You can set a timer to start cooking anywhere from 5 minutes to 24 hours later. It’s one of those features that is nice to have, but in reality I don’t think many people will use it.

What is it like to use

The first time I tried this air fryer, I simply air fried one piece of frozen breaded fish on the manual mode. I selected 190C and it took 22 minutes to both crisp up on the outside and get hot enough in the centre.

A similar piece I’d heated a couple of days earlier in my usual air fryer, took just 17 minutes. So the Smeg was a little slower, but the fish was tasty nevertheless and the crumb was nicely crisped. I measured the sound at 53dB, confirming it's very quiet in use.

Next up, I had some halloumi kebabs that were essentially halloumi slices on a stick with a spicy coating. The packaging didn’t have air fryer instructions, so I winged it and put them on a 200C.

I kept an eye on how the halloumi was cooking every time the light came on. It quickly became frustrating that the internal light cycles on and off. I wanted to be able to switch it on as needed, instead of hanging around waiting, or otherwise opening the air fryer up to check on my food. In the end though, the halloumi kebabs cooked nicely and were ready in 14 minutes.

I used the vegetable preset to roast some peppers and red onion that I intended to add to a pasta dish. The recommended weight for this preset is 250 - 600g so I chopped up enough to hit that 600g upper weight limit.

The vegetable preset cooking time is 20 minutes, but I needed to add a further five minutes to create the roasted appearance and texture I was looking for. And even then, the peppers didn’t char much around the edges like they would do in my usual air fryer.

Chips are an air fryer staple, and since there’s a chip preset, I had to try it out. The manual says there’s a minimum of 250g and a maximum of 600g recommended for this preset. After cutting up enough for two portions, I weighed my raw chips and at 540g was comfortably within the weight guidelines.

I guess, if you’re cooking more, you can simply add a few minutes to the preset time to compensate for a larger quantity. The manual also says that you should shake or stir several times during cooking for the best results.

During the preset 27 minute cook time, I gave the chips a shake twice and was really pleased that the basket’s silicone handles stayed cool, so I was able to lift it out easily to shake the chips.

It’s a long cook time in comparison to what I’ve experienced when cooking chips in other air fryers, so I was surprised when the timer went off, that the chips weren’t ready. They were all very pale and the thicker ones were still a bit hard.

I started the preset again and ended up cooking the chips for a further 20 minutes, which is a total cooking time of 47 minutes, a really long time for an air fryer. By this point the inside of the chips was fluffy. The outside was somewhat crisped and a bit hard and dry on the ends. Overall they weren’t as good as chips I’m used to making in an air fryer, so I was disappointed.

The fish preset is one of the four that offers the combined air fry and steam function, called ‘juicy and crispy’. The time and temperature on these steam settings can’t be adjusted, so I popped in two salmon fillets and started the 15 minute timer.

I put the salmon skin side down initially and then turned it over after seven minutes. I ended up taking it out after just 12 minutes, since it was nicely cooked by this point. I would keep it skin side up next time, to try and get the skin crispier, but the meat itself was moist and flakey.

When I dug into the manual, I discovered that the whole roast chicken preset is designed for a 1kg chicken, which is pretty small. The smallest chicken I could get in my local supermarket was 1.2kg, so I chanced it, knowing that I may need to add extra time.

There was plenty of space for the chicken in the basket, but I can see why a bigger chicken wouldn’t work, the top would probably sit too close to the heating element.

I didn’t do much to the chicken, just rubbed it with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper and started the roast chicken preset. There’s no information provided that suggests you need to do anything during the cooking time, so apart from occasionally glancing through the viewing window, I just left it

The preset time is just 45 minutes, and given that my chicken was over the recommended weight, I wasn’t surprised when I checked it at the end of the timer, and it wasn't quite hot enough. It only needed an extra five minutes though.

The finished chicken was moist and tender, but the meat towards the tops of the legs was dry and overcooked. The browning was also very uneven. It was too pale at the back and quite dark in one area on the top.

On the whole it was a tasty and well cooked chicken, ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner, but probably not perfect enough to serve up on the table to guests.

Separately, I tried cooking bone in chicken thighs on the chicken preset. The manual says you can add 1-8 thighs, but my five pieces (1kg pack) took up most of the space so any more might be a bit too crowded.

There is an option for the ‘juicy and crispy’ steam function, but again the manual advises using this for wings and legs, whereas for thighs it suggests the ‘crispy’ air fryer option. I went with the suggestion and started the thighs skin side down.

The preset time is 30 minutes, I turned the thighs after 10 minutes and checked the temperature after 22 minutes. At this point they were cooked through, but I left them in for the full 30 minutes in order to achieve a well crisped and browned skin.

Again, I’d say 30 minutes is a lengthy cook time for an air fryer. However, the taste and texture was good and they cooked very well. The only thing to note is that the thighs towards the back, which is directly beneath the heating element and fan, did brown more than those at the front. So for even browning, you may need to rotate some foods.

Cleaning

Thankfully, the removable basket and rack are dishwasher safe. They fit nicely into my dishwasher and clean up well. What’s more, the ceramic non-stick coating is very effective and when I opted to wash it by hand, it came clean without any hassle or scrubbing.

The shiny black plastic areas do mark easily with fingerprints. These include the control panel and the front part of the lid, that I often pressed to close it. They’re easy to clean so it’s not an issue on that front, but I just noticed I had to wipe these areas after most uses, to keep it looking pristine.

My review sample was the white colourway. I accidentally got a splatter of ketchup on it that I didn’t notice until an hour later when I came back into the kitchen to clean up after dinner. When I wiped it away, there was no obvious staining, which was a relief.

Comparisons

At around £70 less, it’s worth looking at the Ninja MAX PRO AF180UK. Its 6.2 litre capacity might be marginally smaller, but during testing I still managed to roast a 1.5kg whole chicken, with excellent results. In fact, I really struggled to find any downsides during my review, the performance was excellent. The main drawback in comparison to the Smeg, is that it’s not as stylish.

And if you’re still looking for something a bit different to the standard black box style air fryer, the Ninja Crispi range stands out. The Ninja Crispi Pro XL was well liked by Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor. There are plenty of sizes to choose from in the Ninja Crispi range, and there are several colours available, which will please people looking for a pop of colour on the kitchen worktop.

Should you buy the Smeg AFC01 Dual Flavour Air Fryer?

The Smeg AFC01 has left me with such mixed feelings. On one hand, I really do love the design and how it looks in my kitchen. If you’re not a massive cook, and the look of your kitchen is very important to you, then it’ll absolutely appeal.

On the other hand, if you want an air fryer for speedy cooking and top-notch performance, then I have to admit, there are other models, with much better performance, that’ll suit your needs better. This one uses a halogen heating element and doesn’t offer the same level of performance of more traditional air fryers.

On balance, my main complaints are that browning could be uneven and cooking could, at times, be very slow in comparison to many other air fryers. So it really comes down to weighing up your needs and priorities.

Cloakrooms, or downstairs toilets, come into their own at this time of the year. With children back at school and work routines getting back into full swing after holidays, the cloakroom absorbs so much of our daily coming-and-going.

However, as they're small, poky spaces, getting the storage and layout right can be super tricky - particularly if your small bathroom is your main place to store shoes or coats.

As guests might often use this room, getting the balance right between storage and style is key. Here's some inspiration for achieving both.

'The best cloakroom storage starts with how you actually use the space, rather than with the cabinetry itself. Before you design anything, think about what tends to accumulate by the front door on an ordinary day,' explains Gail Bignell, head of design at Sharps.

I was first inspired by design-led storage ideas in cloakrooms after seeing Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young's downstairs toilet. As shown above, she has utilised the entire back wall for shelf storage that blends in perfectly with the rest of the space. I'm a huge fan of cupboard curtains, and they're a budget-friendly way to hide things away without calling in a carpenter.

But first comes the planning. 'It is rarely just coats and shoes; there are school bags, handbags, dog leads, umbrellas, hats, scarves, sports kit and all the little things you want to be able to grab quickly on the way out. If you can give each of those things a proper home, the whole entrance to the house immediately feels calmer,' Gail adds.

'Not everything in a cloakroom needs to be hidden away. The practical pieces you use every day, such as coat hooks, can actually become part of the design if they are planned into the room properly rather than added as an afterthought,' says Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel.

Hooks are an incredibly handy addition to a cloakroom, but they can add significant clutter when full of coats. A few small tricks can help to avoid this.

'In a family cloakroom, varying the height can work really well too. It makes the storage easier for children to use themselves and can stop the wall feeling overly rigid,' Gareth adds.

Rather than focusing solely on functional storage, it's important to assess how design remains a consideration.

'The backdrop makes a big difference. Mounting hooks onto painted panelling, timber or a section of joinery immediately makes them feel more intentional and gives the practical storage area its own identity,' Gareth recommends.

Storage should feel integrated, rather than dominant. Opting for built-in storage where the cupboard colour can be matched to the bathroom colour scheme will make the space feel clutter-free and design-conscious.

'I would also think carefully about the sightline from the rest of the house. A cloakroom or hallway is often one of the first spaces you see when you come home, so you do not necessarily want to be looking straight at a wall of coats,' Gail adds. 'If possible, position the messier open storage slightly away from the main view and let the cleaner lines of the closed cabinetry be what you see first.'

Shop cloakroom storage

The start of autumn is the perfect time for a bathroom refresh - these budget bathroom ideas will provide plenty of inspiration for affordable updates.

Country kitchens are an aspiring goal for many of us, and they don't just exist in farmland territory. Wherever you live, you can create a cosy, farmhouse-style culinary space, and it's even easier when you know the best paint colours for a country kitchen.

Country kitchen ideas are oozing with rustic charm, and they embrace a lived-in aesthetic over a too-perfect look. They're built around warming kitchen colour schemes that instantly make us feel cosy, and its the paint ideas that do a lot of the legwork. Get the paint colours right, and creating a charming country kitchen becomes infinitely easier.

But what are the best paint colours for a country kitchen? To find out, I asked two top kitchen designers, who – knowing all the colours that work for every type of aesthetic out there – narrowed it down to three. The three colours on this list were chosen because of the way they work with period features typical of country-style homes, as well as the warmth they bring to a space, which we all know is what a country kitchen is all about.

Here are the top three paint colours the experts recommend for a gorgeous rustic kitchen.

1. Deep heritage green

Tom Howley, kitchen designer at his namesake bespoke kitchen company, always comes back to deep, heritage green for country-style kitchens. 'I particularly like it for cabinetry,' he says. 'It's wonderfully grounding and brings a rich, earthy quality. It works especially well in country kitchens because of its connection to the natural landscape.'

Deep, heritage green is one of the first colours that come to mind when we think of country-style homes, so it makes sense that this is one of the designer's top picks. Charlotte Dubery, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones Brighton & Hove, also likes olive-toned green for rustic kitchens. 'Its earthy character interacts beautifully with the timber and stone features that my clients are always keen to preserve in their homes,' she says.

If you're embracing green kitchen ideas, just keep in mind the colours that don't go with green kitchen cabinets (like cool greys and harsh whites).

2. Muted yellow

Kitchen designer Charlotte favours muted yellow for country kitchens because it adds warmth without feeling too bright or overpowering – a key feature across kitchens in this style.

'Softer, muddier yellows have a slightly heritage feel to them, so they sit naturally alongside timber, stone and more traditional cabinetry, while still keeping the room feeling fresh.'

Butter yellow – like Fenwick & Tilbrook's Primrose Hill – has cetainly been in the country-kitchen spotlight for the last couple of years, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere yet. 'It doesn’t have to feel like a bold colour choice either,' Charlotte adds. 'It can almost act like a warm neutral, adding character without taking attention away from the materials and craftsmanship in the room.'

3. Chalky pink

Chalky pink – sometimes referred to as clay – is another one of the best paint colours for a country kitchen, say the designers. While we might think of pink kitchens as too bold for some of us, the right shade can be suprisingly versatile, and lend itself well to country aesthetics. Setting Plaster from Farrow & Ball is a great example.

'Shades that sit between a soft pink and an earthy brown have a warmth that naturally complements the architectural details found in country homes, like exposed beams or flagstone floors,' Charlotte explains. 'Their softer casts allow the grain of timber and subtle variations in tiled surfaces to become more prominent.'

Tom Howley agrees, emphasising muted, chalky pinks over anything too sugary. 'It adds warmth without overwhelming the space,' he says. 'I recommending using it alongside cream, off-white, and natural wood.'

Now you know the three best paint colours for a country kitchen, will you be creating a rustic cuilnary space at home?

Yes, it’s happened again! Yet another Christmas decoration has gone viral and sold out in a matter of days as a result. This time, it’s the John Lewis Harry Styles mouse Christmas tree decoration which was gone in 48 hours after dropping on the retailer’s website.

But if you missed out the first time around, fear not – I’ve got insider intel that a restock is coming at the end of this month. And while the felt bauble is currently out of stock in the John Lewis online Christmas shop, you might be able to find it in the physical Christmas shop at the John Lewis Oxford Street store which opened earlier this week.

The £8 felt mouse decoration doesn’t actually bear the pop star’s name per se but the heart-print jumpsuit - the very same that Harry Styles wore back in 2022 while performing at the Wembley Stadium - and the microphone in its hand makes The Enthusiast Felt Pop Star Mouse Tree Decoration unmistakeable.

And the very enthusiastic Harry Styles fans went crazy for it, with TikTok posts about this Christmas bauble getting thousands of views. Content creator Charley King (@charleyking on TikTok) was one of TikTokers that posted about it and made it go viral as her video attracted over 16K likes and over 127K views. And that’s just one TikTok video of many – so it’s no wonder this little guy is already sold out.

Luckily, John Lewis has gone all out on the felt mouse decorations front this year. So if you missed out on the first drop of the Harry Styles mouse and can’t wait for the next drop to land (or miss out the second time, too), there are plenty of alternatives to go for instead. And they’re just as adorable, if not more.

Top John Lewis felt mice picks

These cute felt mouse decorations make for the perfect gifts for friends and family – since there are so many different characters to choose from, the chosen mouse can be really personalised to the person you’re getting it for. So which one of these cuties are you getting?

For over 150 years, William Morris prints have been one of the best ways to inject pattern into your home. However, while these gorgeous Morris & Co patterns were originally reserved for wallpaper and textiles, in the last few years there has been an explosion in the number of ready-made homeware items showcasing the Victorian designer's iconic prints.

From Habitat's hugely successful Morris & Co range, which gave many of the iconic prints a modern refresh on seating and bedding, to Ruggable's new rugs featuring some of William Morris's unfinished designs. It's never been easier to add a little piece of William Morris' creative heritage into your home.

Pattern is a huge home decor trend at the moment, and no one's patterns have stood the test of time as well as William Morris'. It's no wonder that his designs have been adapted to appear on everything from dinner plates to modular sofas. I'm a huge William Morris fan, and have lots of his designs scattered around my home, including his Sunflower Print on my Habitat x Morris & Co Sunflower armchair, and the Fruits pattern on a Swyft storage ottoman in my bedroom.

Naturally, I have alot of strong opinions about when a brand does a Morris & Co collection well, and I have seen my fair share of bad versions. Thankfully, this year the good has outweighed the bad. To help you find the best pieces, I've hunted through the high-street collections to track down the best Morris & Co collaborations and William Morris-inspired pieces.

William Morris believed that art, utility, and craftsmanship should be accessible to everyone. He famously said, 'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,' an ethos I think fits these gorgeous new, accessible high-street collections.

In my opinion, bathrooms are best when you go bold. Typically, compact rooms can afford to be daring, and bathroom trends suggest that this will continue to be a big hit into 2027.

However, sometimes that same compact nature of a bathroom is what can make decor feel limiting. But we've been missing a major opportunity, particularly in a small bathroom: the fifth wall.

The ceiling, otherwise known as the fifth wall, holds so much potential in a bathroom. From painting it for a colour-drenched or colour-capped look, to wallpapering it in a funky, unexpected pattern. Here's what you could do with your fifth wall.

'Bathrooms have five walls, but for some reason we tend to decorate only four of them. The ceiling is a brilliant opportunity to do something a little unexpected, particularly in a room where you can afford to be more playful,' explains Lesley Taylor, interior designer and founder at Baked Tiles.

I've been spotting unexpected ceiling decor more and more often, and it's a great example of how you can still add so much interest to a space, no matter the size. Keeping the focal point higher than eye-level makes a room feel longer, and thus more spacious.

'One of my favourite tricks is to flip the usual hierarchy of the room on its head. Rather than putting your most decorative tile on the wall and leaving the ceiling white, keep the walls relatively calm and let the pattern happen overhead. Suddenly the ceiling becomes the surprise when you walk into the room,' Lesley adds.

So how exactly should you utilise the fifth wall?

'Wallpaper is brilliant for this because it can completely alter how you read the proportions of a bathroom. In a room with a particularly high ceiling, taking wallpaper up the wall and straight across the ceiling can actually make the space feel more intimate and cocooning,' Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs explains.

'Rather than your eye travelling upwards and stopping at a white ceiling, the decoration wraps around you and brings that height back into the room,' she adds.

However, if you don't want to decorate the whole ceiling, then opting for a tiled shower ceiling is a great compromise.

'Glossy tiles work especially well because they do far more than add colour. Their uneven, reflective surface catches daylight, candlelight and bathroom lighting differently throughout the day, so the ceiling almost changes as the light moves around it,' Lesley continues.

There are things to be aware of before going gung-ho with wallpaper or tiles, however.

'The ceiling shouldn’t feel like an idea that has been added at the end. The most successful fifth-wall schemes take something that is already happening elsewhere in the room and allow it to continue upwards,' says Keeley.

'Pull one of the ceiling colours into the vanity, the wall treatment, a towel or even a small piece of furniture, then let the rest of the room have its own character,' she adds.

And if that's still a bit much and you want to make the trend more accessible, Lesley recommends that 'A decorative border around the top of the walls is another way to draw attention upwards without committing to a fully patterned ceiling.'

Get the look

Looking for a bathroom update that is kind on your wallet? These budget bathroom ideas will provide plenty of inspiration without needing to break the bank.

I put the affordable Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress to the test to see how it compares to the best mattresses and best budget mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

At £199 for a single and £449 for a double, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress is an affordable mattress. However, after testing, I do think you get what you pay for here.

It's dubbed a medium-firm mattress, but I definitely found it on the firmer side, feeling it lacked cushioning compared to the equally budget-friendly mattress that's usually on my and my husband's bed: the Simba Mattress Simbatex Cool, which is £399 for a double.

I didn't feel this Nectar mattress gave me enough cushioning around my hip when I was sleeping on my side. Sleeping on my back, I found that it was comfortable around my hips and lower back, but lacked support around my shoulders/chest. This caused me to toss and turn a lot more than usual.

Plus, although its cover claims to be cooling, I didn't notice that I slept any cooler.

However, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress does excel at motion isolation. I hardly moved when my (heavier than me) husband lay down and got back up off the mattress. And the 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest I've come across; that should be plenty of time ot test out and see if this mattress is for you.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress

Specifications

• Type: Foam
• Construction materials: Cover, dynamic support layer, pressure-reliving memory foam, 7-zone supportive base, positioning base material
• Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
• Tensions available: Medium-firm
• Height: 25cm
• Side handles: Yes
• Flip or rotate: Rotate
• Manufacturers sleep trial: 365 nights

1. Comfort

I used to be a somewhat difficult sleeper. Without my beloved pillow and ultra-comfortable mattress-and-topper combo, I could never manage an 8-hour snooze without waking up with a sore neck. My husband? He has a hidden talent for being able to catch a few winks wherever he possibly can. Classic.

Upon first sleeping on the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress, we barely noticed a difference between this mattress and our usual mattress, the Simba Mattress Simbatex Cool, which, by the way, is ultra-comfortable and, interestingly enough, has a lower price tag of just £399 for a double.

However, after about a week, the differences started to flag: we'd wake up with the occasional neck ache; I'd wake in the night needing to change sleep positions ASAP. As someone who tests mattresses, I know that this can be normal and you've got to power through as your body adapts.

But now it has been over a month, and I can confidently say that as a back and side sleeper, I did notice a difference in comfort. Sleeping on the Nectar Classic, my pressure points don't feel as cushioned as they felt when cradled with my previous setup. It lives up to its medium-firm name, particularly when it comes to cushioning (or lack thereof!), and some might feel that it's actually on the firmer side of the scale. I agree.

It's definitely not one of those mattresses that your entire body will sink into. In fact, I almost felt like my body was on top of the mattress at all times.

When sleeping on my side, I found there wasn't enough padding around my hip, and my hips felt unaligned. When I slept on my back, my upper back would sink into the mattress (probably not as much of an issue if you're not female!).

My husband, also a side/back sleeper, felt some minor neck discomfort initially. Now, it's just his shoulders that are troubling him, as this is arguably the heaviest part of his body. However, since tossing one of his pillows, he claims that it's a lot more comfortable. So it's worth rejigging your setup if you're feeling the same way.

We are slowly getting used to this mattress's firmer feel as the nights go by, but by no means was this as easy a transition as we thought it would be. It's not that it's an uncomfortable mattress; it's just not the level of cushioning that we're used to, which means that our pressure points are feeling a little unloved at the moment.

2. Motion isolation

When it comes to a mattress, motion isolation is a hugely important factor for my husband and I, as our toddler is like clockwork when it comes to climbing into our bed at 2 am on the dot.

My husband also tends to wake before both of us, and I did find that I hardly felt him move. In fact, I didn't move at all when he rolled off the bed, which is impressive considering he is at least 20kg heavier than me.

The same goes for him — if I'm tossing and turning, or I wake in the night for a wee, he's never woken up by his body moving.

3. Responsiveness

With its medium-firm comfort rating comes an ideal responsiveness. I pushed this mattress as hard as I could with my hand, and while it did manage to push through a layer or two, when I removed my hand, it bounced back with immediate effect. Impressive.

Don't get me wrong: it's not exactly one of those mattresses that will make you feel like you're sinking into it. But, on the other hand, you also won't struggle to roll off it. Responsiveness has its perks, and depending on the way that you sleep or any sleep issues you suffer from, you'll either love a responsive mattress or hate it.

To be honest: for me, this mattress could've done with being a tad less responsive, so that you're not lying on top of it and do slightly feel like you're being cushioned, beyond just the heavier points of your body.

But, this responsiveness also means that this mattress is very easy to move around on. Even with three people in the bed!

4. Temperature regulation

Both our last mattress and this one claim to be cooling. I didn't particularly rave about the cooling effects of our last mattress at all - it wasn't any warmer, but definitely wasn't noticeably colder than average. The same goes for the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress.

I wouldn't buy this mattress specifically for its cooling claims, but even throughout several heatwaves, I didn't feel like the mattress was unbearably hot.

5. Edge support

I did have higher hopes for this mattress's edge support. Mostly because it's a big-name mattress brand that you think would nail something as simple as this. I was wrong.

There have been too many occasions where I have almost fully rolled off this mattress because of its lack of edge support. Also, admittedly, my toddler (like most) prefers it when I have as minimal moving space as possible whilst I sleep.

Even just sitting on the edge of the mattress, you can see just how much it sinks.

6. Sleep trial

As with all Nectar mattresses, this one comes wrapped in a generous 365-night trail. This means that should you really not get on with your mattress, you can return it. They say that it takes roughly 30 nights to get used to a new mattress, so do bear this in mind before making any quick decisions.

Still, this takes the worry out of buying a mattress you're yet to sit on. Instead of sitting on it in a showroom, you can sleep on it with your favourite pillow and cozy duvet to give it a true test.

7. Ease of care

I was a little disappointed that the Nectar's cooling cover isn't removable. I do think that this should be pretty much standard now with most mattresses, as cleaning your mattress is such an important job. Especially in the summer when you're sweating all night long unless you're lucky enough to own an AC unit.

I do own a much-loved Emma mattress protector that I always make sure to put on my bed before changing my sheets. And some people may already own a good mattress protector, but I think it's also handy if a mattress comes with a removable cover, should there be any accidents - or generally just for ease of cleaning.

Other than this, this mattress is designed to be rotated instead of flipped, and conveniently enough, it has handles to do this job with ease.

8. Delivery

Delivery was fast and fuss-free. I received a text regarding shipping the day before it was due. They gave me a 3-hour window and then called 30 minutes before delivery.

It was dropped into my hallway by the delivery men, as they kindly asked where I wanted it. Overall, the mattress delivery process was fairly simple.

Once dragged upstairs by my husband (I tried, but there was just no way I was going to be able to shift that box solo!), we lumped it onto our bed frame. It was folded in half and rolled into the box, which made it a lot easier to navigate around our furniture.

In the box came a tool to cut the mattress open. This was done with ease, and there were two layers — one to keep the mattress folded and rolled and the other, which has suctioned the air from the mattress to keep it compact. The second you cut this, it expands almost to full size. Impressive.

I did, despite it looking ready to sleep on, leave it all day without making the bed.

Other than that, there was a strong chemical smell once we unrolled this mattress. It wasn't unbearably strong, but it was noticeable. Around 48 hours later, it was gone.

9. Value for money

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress is the brand's most budget-friendly model, and prices start at £199 for a single and £449 for a double, which is very affordable.

However, it has competition at that price point, and there are a couple of recent launches to the mattress market that I do think offer better value for money based on my testing experience.

First, there's the Simba Mattress Simbatex Cool, which I currently sleep on and find ultra-comfortable. It has more cushioning than the Nectar Classic Memory Foam, and a lower price tag of just £399 for a double.

Then there's the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress, which we currently rate as the best budget mattress we've tested thanks to its impressive all-round performance. A double used to be £525, but DreamCloud has just reduced the RRP to £499 for a double, which makes it extremely competitive.

Nectar's remains the longest sleep trial on offer, at 365 nights, but, personally, I would opt for one of these other two budget buys if I were shopping for myself.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: Back/side
Tension preference: Medium-firm
Sleep problems: None

In putting the Nectar Original Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I considered the nine factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that my husband and I, (plus quite frequently my almost 3-year-old and dog!) slept on the mattress for over a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, and its value for money before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

This is not a sentence I ever believed I would write: Stacey Solomon is making a case for bright orange bathroom suites.

The TV presenter and personality is well known for her more neutral home decor style, but after sharing her house move with fans following her departure from Pickle Cottage, it seems the star is plumping for a bolder bathroom colour scheme.

Despite being in her new home for less than a month, she’s already wowed us with her autumn staircase, and now she’s asking fans for advice on what to do with her orange suite. I decided to ask bathroom experts what they would do, and spoiler alert: they’re all for keeping it. Here’s why.

Posting a video of the suite to her Instagram, Stacey told fans that it was likely to be her first upcycle project at her new home.

‘Even though 99% of people have told me it's got to go, I just believe it can be more than what it is right now,’ she said in the video before asking her fans what she should do with the suite at the end. And a few celebrities' faces were arguing in favour of the orange.

‘Oooooh, some brass fittings, a warm mirror and some deep rich greens on the walls, a few plants and it would be very fitting 🧡,’ said Supernanny Jo Frost.

‘😍Keep add some gold fittings lush,’ was Alison Hammond’s contribution.

And they’re not the only ones in favour of this surprising bathroom trend; bathroom experts also want Stacey to embrace this retro suite.

‘Keep the orange. Please keep the orange! You could spend weeks searching for something with that much personality and Stacey already has it sitting there waiting to be loved,’ says Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra.

How to modernise coloured bathroom suites

A couple of years back, it seemed that avocado bathrooms were making a comeback, as retro home decor trends began to surge in popularity. But in 2026, retro bathrooms are not as focused on the very ‘Marmite’ avocado shade - they’re bolder and more confident.

‘Colour is coming back in a much more confident and individual way,’ says Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs.

‘Rather than choosing a coloured bath, basin and WC and then trying to match everything else to them, people are using one or two pieces almost like furniture. A coloured bath can anchor the whole room, while the rest of the scheme is allowed to be quieter.

‘I think that reflects a wider change in how we decorate bathrooms. For a long time, white sanitaryware was treated as the safest choice because a bathroom was expected to last for years. Now there is much more appetite for creating a room that actually says something about the person who lives there.’

'I’d treat the orange as the starting point for the palette rather than a colour that needs disguising. Warm whites, soft stone shades and natural textures would give it a completely different context. I'd also look at the brassware. Chrome or another cooler metallic finish would be really interesting against orange and could immediately sharpen the room up.'

The way to modernise colourful suites is all about how we style them. With orange, use it as an anchor point in your bathroom, complementing it with warm, creamy neutrals (such as your tiles) so as not to overpower it.

‘What I definitely wouldn’t do is panic and start trying to make everything match. Orange bath, orange tiles, orange towels and suddenly we’re on the set of a 1970s sitcom. The suite has already turned up to the party wearing the fabulous outfit; everything else can calm down,’ says Grazzie.

‘I'd probably give it something slightly unexpected to play with. Creamy tiles would make it feel softer, a dusty pink could be brilliant, or you could introduce a little burgundy or deep red through a border or patterned floor.

‘And don't underestimate how much changing the backdrop changes the way you see something. Put an old orange bath against tired tiles and it looks dated. Put exactly the same bath against a really beautiful new surface and suddenly everyone wants to know where you bought it.’

Shop the look

I won't lie, I've been won over by the orange bathroom suite and belive with the right styling and accessories has potential to look very cool. Are you in favour? Or should this retro trend stay in the past?

Most of us are familiar with Japandi style bathrooms - the pared-back, immediately relaxing trend that is popular for bathroom schemes. And while it's a great design principle to follow, the space-saving attributes of Japanese design are much less talked about - and arguably more important.

Small bathrooms are very common in the UK, and squeezing a bathtub, shower, toilet and basin into a compact room is always a tricky task. However, we still insist on opting for bathtubs that are much too large for our spaces.

Enter: the Ofuro bathtub. This Japanese tub design is a masterclass in small space living, but it doesn't require any sacrifice in comfort. Here's why we should be considering it.

Japanese design is all about keeping things simple, while still prioritising wellbeing. There's an emphasis on functionality, which means that design is thoughtfully considered for the space. It's not just about how it looks - although the ergonomic nature of the Ofuro bath tub still has heaps of style.

'Japanese bathrooms are a really useful reference point for smaller spaces because they show that a bath doesn’t have to be long to feel luxurious. The Ofuro bath is traditionally deeper and more compact, with the emphasis on soaking rather than lying fully stretched out, and that principle works particularly well in UK bathrooms where floor space is often limited,' explains Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.

Japanese soaking tubs are all about creating a spa-like experience at home. The ergonomic shape invites long, indulgent soaks, and while larger sizes are available, there is an emphasis placed on not allowing this to be exclusive to bigger spaces.

'One of the biggest mistakes people make in a small bathroom is assuming they have to remove the bath altogether,' Keeley adds. 'In reality, a compact freestanding bath can work in spaces where a standard 1700mm bath simply won’t. Look for designs around 1300–1400mm in length, but pay close attention to the internal depth and shape.'

The Japanese Ofuro bath design is a great option for those who don't want to commit to a shower-over-bath situation, and instead want to maintain two distinct zones but don't have tonnes of space to work with.

Unlike shallow Western baths, the Ofuro concept reduces the length but increases the depth, allowing you to sit in it with your knees bent. This is actually thought of to be much more relaxing for the body and mind, creating an immersing feel where the main focus is to soak.

Ofuro tubs are ideal for small spaces, but they're also handy for those who want to create a Japanese-inspired design scheme.

'Japanese-inspired bathrooms work so well in small spaces because they’re not trying to cram in twelve different ideas at once. There’s a real confidence in keeping things simple, letting one or two materials do the talking and, crucially, knowing when to stop,' explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'The biggest mistake would be to turn it into a theme. You don’t need bamboo, pebbles, a bonsai tree and a suspicious amount of beige. Take the principles instead: natural materials, tactile surfaces, quiet colour and a sense of flow,' she adds.

For an Ofuro bathtub to work in your bathroom, keep the layout simple, work in wood tones and indulge in the Japanese design ethos where less is definitely more.

Shop the look

Looking for a bathroom update that is kind on your wallet? These budget bathroom ideas will provide plenty of inspiration without needing to break the bank.

It feels like it’s suddenly getting darker earlier once again, and right on cue, IKEA has dropped its twinkling new STRÅLA collection, whereby more Scandi lighting styles have joined its sell-out series of cosy, festive lighting.

IKEA’s STRÅLA collection is largely known for its sell-out paper stars, which are big contributors to the biggest Christmas lighting trends. Its paper design is quintessential of classic Scandinavian design and is perfect for practising hygge in your home on cold winter nights.

This year, STRÅLA has seen some colourful and quirky additions to the range. I’ve rounded up my favourites - from pieces that will bring festive joy to your home to the weird and wonderful lights that will get your guests talking.

The IKEA STRÅLA collection produces some of the best budget Christmas decorating ideas, with prices starting from just £3 for the lace paper star lampshade. You’ll need a separate light source (such as the IKEA table lamp base), but the finished look is simply beautiful.

Alas, this is not my top pick, although it is a good one. That award goes to the Paper Petal Star (£9), whose delicate design looks like a perfect snowflake. It’s an elevated take on the typical STRÅLA star, and perfect if you want to create cosy ambient lighting. I think this would be beautifully hung on windowsills or along your stairs’ bannister, so you give the darkest areas of your home a soft glow in the evenings.

It reminds me of a more affordable version of H&M’s £19.99 paper lampshade, although I will admit the H&M version does offer more detail.

Alongside the beautiful paper lampshades, here are a few more options from the IKEA STRÅLA collection that caught my eye.

These IKEA lights have really got me in the mood for festive lighting, so I've done some more digging, and here are a few more stunning examples I've found that you can shop online.

Alternatives

IKEA’s STRÅLA collection is perfect for creating a hygge glow in your home - and that makes celebrating Christmas worth it.

2026 has been the year for maximalist, personality-led interiors, so you’d be forgiven if your instinct is suddenly telling you to fill every corner of your space with decorative trinkets. However, sometimes less is more, as the ancient Japanese art of Ikebana teaches us.

Ikebana is a traditional Japanese practice that relates to the art of flower arranging. However, the philosophy behind it can transform the way we view our homes. It harnesses the beautiful minimalist style of Japanese interiors while teaching us to take a considered approach to our home decor ideas. And with trends like Japandi style still going strong, now is a perfect time to apply this philosophy to your scheme.

But what is Ikebana? And how can it help us create a considered home? I asked the experts for all you need to know.

What is Ikebana?

If you’re interested in floristry, you may well be familiar with the art of Ikebana. With roots in Buddhist traditions, it’s a practice that brings life to floral arrangements.

‘Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging. Unlike typical Western arrangements which generally focus on abundance, colour, and fullness, Ikebana is much more about movement, shape, balance and empty space,’ explains Abigail Ahern, interior designer and founder of Abigail Ahern.

‘It often uses relatively few stems or branches, arranged very deliberately so you notice the relationship between each element and the space around it,’ says Abigail. Using dedali vases (like this one from Amazon) or flower frogs, Ikebana places a lot of emphasis on negative space to highlight the flower in its full form.

‘But, the philosophy translates so well into interiors because it's all about composition and restraint, with an understanding that what isn't there can be just as powerful as what is,’ Abigail adds.

While Ikebana fundamentally relates to floral arrangements, the way it views negative space can translate directly to the way we decorate our homes. ‘Ikebana is all about being intentional,’ agrees Victoria Robinson, style & trend expert at Hillarys.

‘Most people know it as the Japanese art of flower arranging, but the philosophy behind it is really about balance, simplicity and appreciating the beauty of space as much as the objects themselves,’ she adds. ‘Rather than filling an arrangement or a room for the sake of it, Ikebana encourages us to be thoughtful about what we include and how each element works together.’

And there has never been a better time to adopt this practice in your home. ‘We are now seeing a 'more is more' philosophy across interiors, but Ikebana flips that. It's a philosophy of intention over accumulation,’ explains Laura Townsend, Design Manager at Magnet. ‘When you’re struck by lots of options and don’t know where to start, constraints can and will force considered decisions, where every choice has to earn its place.’

How to use Ikebana at home

If Ikebana can teach us one thing, it’s to place as much importance on what you leave out of a room as what you decide to keep in it. But, this is easier said than done, especially when trying to create a space that feels homely, not bare.

However, negative space doesn’t automatically mean an empty space. And this is what Ikebana teaches – it’s all about placing decor with intention, and giving each piece room to sing.

‘Treating absence with the same care as presence can be the part of Ikebana that people find hardest, because an empty shelf or a bare stretch of worktop feels like a space to fill,’ explains Laura. ‘But in Ikebana, the space around the flower’s stems isn't a void, it's doing active work. It frames what's there and gives the eye somewhere to rest.’ And negative space in your home should create the same effect.

Not sure where to start? These expert-approved tips should help.

1. Sit with your space

‘Get comfortable with stepping back before adding something new. If you feel a space is unfinished, ask yourself whether it genuinely needs another item or whether it simply needs time for you to get used to it,’ advises Victoria.

‘We often associate empty space with something missing, when actually it's an important design tool. Try removing a few accessories from a shelf or side table and live with it for a week. More often than not, you'll find the room feels lighter, more balanced and much easier to enjoy.’

2. Practice in small pockets

You don’t have to implement the art of Ikebana everywhere in your home. Instead, focus on a few select corners. ‘Leave some wall around a piece of art rather than creating a gallery everywhere. Let a console have only two or three strong objects on it. Keep one corner quieter. Pull furniture slightly away from the walls and allow it to sit within the room rather than packing everything around the perimeter,’ suggests Abigail.

‘Negative space doesn’t have to mean stark or minimal. A little emptiness can make a room feel way more atmospheric, so don't always think about decorating every wall or surface.’

3. Embrace asymmetry

'Ikebana is rarely arranged in neat, even rows, and neither should your home be,’ says Laura. ‘In the kitchen, bold, strongly veined marble worktops paired back with a deep-coloured door carry the drama, while everything else can step back and give it room.’ And this same principle applies to every room in the home.

‘And lighting matters too. Warm white lighting lets a bolder, darker colour feel cocooning rather than closing in, in the same way negative space lets a room feel calm rather than empty.’

4. Don’t hold back

‘Leaving something out gives greater emphasis to what remains. I always think a room needs tension between abundance and restraint,’ says Abigail. ‘I love layering and richness, but the layers only work when there are quieter moments around them.’

Achieve a similar look with cosy, rustic textures that will thrive in a considered space.

I’ve been saying this all throughout this month when I talk or write about something Christmassy – I know it’s only September, but brands are dropping their Christmas collections now. And the best ones have to be snapped up asap because people go crazy for them and they sell out fast. These are the 5 Christmas buys that sell out by October year after year in my experience – so it’s likely to happen again this festive season.

Whether you’re in the market for the best artificial Christmas tree or want to get your hands on some of the most popular and viral Christmas decor ideas, this curated list has got it all. In order to avoid regret at a later date closer to Christmas when you’re ready for your holiday shopping, I recommend getting ahead and adding these to basket now while you still can.

1. John Lewis Cotswold Christmas tree

Every year, the John Lewis Cotswold potted pre-lit Christmas tree comes out on top in our best artificial Christmas tree buying guide as the best tree overall. I just did a Christmas tree testing shoot this week and this was one of the trees I tried. And as expected, it did not disappoint.

The only downside of this tree is that it comes only in one size - which is 7ft - and perhaps that’s partly why it sells out so early. Usually, it’s gone by mid October despite its rather high price point of £580.

The tree’s extremely realistic look is one of the reasons behind its popularity, as well as the potted design. Instead of a flimsy metal stand which needs to be covered by a tree skirt or presents, the Cotswold comes with a black ceramic planter which looks so much more aesthetically pleasing and adds to the realistic effect.

2. Marks & Spencer light up candles

The M&S light up candles are notorious for selling out within days of launching. Particularly the Yuletide Pine & Spice Refillable Light Up Candle is flying off the virtual shelves – it’s currently the number one bestseller in the M&S home accessories department. And soon after launch last week, it already went out of stock. But luckily it’s been restocked since then.

Aside from this top seller, there are two other also very popular light-up candles – my personal favourite Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon light up candle and the Frankincense & Myrrh light up candle, all of which are refillable and sell for £12 a pop.

3. Next gingerbread house Christmas tree skirt

Last year, the whole Ideal Home office missed out on the Next gingerbread house tree skirt as it sold out within days. It all happened so fast we didn’t even manage to let our readers know it had dropped.

But this year, we’d been checking the Next site daily and a couple of weeks ago it launched. Selling for £35, this whimsical tree skirt is made from wood to resemble a row of gingerbread houses. And there’s even a light-up function! How cute and how clever! No wonder it’s so popular.

4. The White Company Symons Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree

The White Company’s Christmas trees are well known for being some of the best, most realistic and highest quality trees on the market. And this is reflected in how quickly they sell out. While the also popular Grand Spruce Pre-lit tree - which I regularly rank as the best pre-lit Christmas tree in our buying guide - usually hangs around a little longer as it comes in various sizes, the Symons Nordmann Fir Christmas tree tends to go out of stock early.

It’s only available in one 7.5ft size but it comes with a stylish wicker tree skirt included. And much like the John Lewis Cotswold tree, this one from The White Company is also extremely realistic-looking. It traditionally comes unlit but now, there’s a pre-lit version available, too, and it’s been one of the brand’s top tree sellers so far this year as well.

5. Marks & Spencer XL velvet bows

The super-sized M&S velvet hanging bow decorations have had us all in a chokehold for the past three Christmases as they sell like hotcakes and go viral every single year. So here’s to hoping that M&S stocked up on these this year so that there’s plenty to go around.

There are two sizes available this time around – the ‘smaller’, currently more popular one is 65cm long and sells for £20, available in three colourways, while the extra large version is £30 and measures a whopping 95cm.

Which one of these top Christmas buys are you snapping up before October?

When Swyft collaborated with Morris & Co last year, we readily labelled it the best Morris & Co collaboration to date. If you were also a fan, you’ll be pleased to know that Swyft has just dropped its second Morris & Co collection (and it's even better than last time!)

Available to shop now, the second Swyft x Morris & Co collection features four new designs from the Morris & Co archive: Pimpernel, Seasons by May, Wandle and Arbutus. With Swyft known for producing some of the best sofas available on the market, you can expect to see these stunning designs reimagined into quality pieces of furniture and home accessories.

Following the success of last year’s partnership, Swyft's latest collection combines the timeless patterns of William Morris with Swyft’s own modern, practical values.

The four Morris & Co prints will be available on a selection of classic Swyft designs. This includes the Storage 01, Storage 02, Storage 03, Model 05 Loveseat & Ottoman, Model 08 Sofa Bed, Bed 02, Model 02, Chair 01, Chair 03 and Cushion 01. More styles are expected to be announced. Across the collection, prices start at £59 for Cushion 01 and rise to £2,499 for the Model 08 Sofa Bed.

‘The success of our first Swyft x Morris & Co. collection showed us just how much appetite there is for bringing these iconic patterns into contemporary homes. For this second collection, we wanted to build on that success while giving the collaboration a fresh feel, which is where the rich, low-pile velvet comes in,’ says Keiran Hewkin, Founder and CEO of Swyft.

‘The four new prints each have their own character, and while the Swyft team is pretty evenly divided on a favourite, Pimpernel has a slight majority. We’re excited to see which one customers choose.’

Last year, I agreed that the Swyft x Morris & Co collaboration was one of the best William Morris homeware collections available to shop, and this year, I stand by that sentiment even more so.

The four new patterns each have a sumptuous, autumnal look, opting for colourways that are both richer and deeper-looking than the previous drop. Pimpernel, for example, is one of the boldest prints, featuring terracotta blooms and sage green stems across a burgundy background.

Sara Hesikova, Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, has already seen the new collection in person and was left impressed.

‘The first Swyft x Morris & Co. collab did really well, so I'm not surprised the brands decided to do it again. But this time, they went bigger and bolder, learning from their experience with the first drop where the boldest, most quintessentially Morris & Co. print was the clear customer favourite,’ she said.

‘This time around, the colour palette is much cosier and autumnal, which is perfect as we're moving into the cosy season. And I think the burgundy-toned Pimpernel and Seasons by May prints are going to be the most popular.'

Swfyt is not the only brand nailing Morris & Co collaborations right now; here are a few more styles I’m loving right now.

Other Morris & Co collections

William Morris prints will never go out of style, and with Swyft known for their high-quality designs, it’s a winning combination for your home.

I was sat on the sofa last night considering going to bed when I realised, in horror, that it was only 7:30pm. That's right, the dark evenings are upon us, and as my open-plan kitchen is so poorly set up for cosy evenings, I knew I needed to line up a payday lamp purchase - stat.

So naturally, I started browsing my favourite spot, Dunelm, for affordable buys that feel like a genuinely justifiable purchase - whether it's payday week or the week before.

This lamp I spotted made me stop in my tracks. I'm a lover of country-inspired home decor and I love high-end brands that embody this aesthetic, but over £100 for a lamp isn't in my budget. For just £35 for this Posie lamp, however, I can definitely commit - and it looks just like one from a much more premium retailer.

When I spotted the textured, ceramic base of Dunelm's Posie lamp, I couldn't help but think it reminded me of much more expensive, similar styles.

The Stucco lamp from Pooky is the perfect example of how these textured lamp bases are trending right now. Living spaces, whether a sitting room or an open plan kitchen, are benefitting from a more-is-more approach, with plenty of textures, patterns and colours creating an inviting space.

The contrasting colour scheme of the pink shade and green base is an easy way to add a fun pop of colour to a kitchen colour scheme - it will look right at home in pale pink or earthy green spaces.

The Dunelm Posie lamp comes in two sizes - the smaller size is £35 and the larger style is £69. which is still much more affordable than other lamps of a similar size.

I have my eye on the smaller size to add a warm glow to dark corners of my small kitchen. Fabric shades are controversial in cooking spaces, but I think as long as they're away from appliances, there's no reason why they can't be used.

These ruched, fabric shades have been seen everywhere as of late, and they're an easy way to incorporate a new pattern into a scheme. Pattern layering can be tricky, so trying it out in smaller, more affordable formats can ease you in.

I'm all about finding small additions to a kitchen that don't break the bank. Updating decorative touches breathes new light into a space (quite literally), and it's even better when the piece is practical too.

As the nights draw in, focusing on task lighting around a kitchen will make it feel cosy and welcoming, and reduce the requirement of having the big light on.

What's even better is when this has a dual function - it adds illumination but also adds to a layered, beautifully curated scheme.

Shop more textured lamps

Autumn is upon us, so it's time to start thinking more carefully about our kitchen lighting ideas - these tips will provide plenty of inspiration for new projects.

As we head further into autumn, my focus has certainly shifted from getting out of the house, to updating the inside of my home. I'm preparing for cosy evenings spent hunkering down, and my kitchen is where I want to make some improvements.

Kitchens are the heart of the home, so creating a warm and inviting environment is essential to making a cooking space feel like a hub that the whole family can gather in during the winter months.

Kitchen island ideas are the perfect way to achieve this, but it's hard to add one in without breaking the bank or calling in a professional. Luckily, Dunelm holds the answer in its Francis compact kitchen island - a classic Shaker island for just £249. Here's why you should consider it.

Many people think that a kitchen island is something that you build into your kitchen when you're designing the whole space, but there are so many freestanding styles on the high street that allow you reap the rewards for less.

Perhaps you realised after living in a space for a while that you'd benefit from an extra work surface or a seating zone, in which case adding a freestanding island to the centre of a kitchen will work well.

However, some freestanding islands can still come with a serious price tag, so when I saw this style from Dunelm, I was shocked to see that it's under £300.

It's compact, but this makes it perfect for small kitchens and it adds storage without taking up the entire room.

The Francis compact kitchen island from Dunelm has so many great features, but the Shaker design is what first caught my eye. If you already have traditional Shaker cabinetry then continuing the look with an island will make it look like it's built in.

It comes in two colours - navy and off-white, so you can either match it to your current scheme or opt for a two-tone look. The brass handles make it look so much more high-end than the price tag suggests, too.

While kitchen islands are handy for creating an additional work surface, they are also crucial for extra storage.

The lower shelf on the Francis island is great for larger pieces of kitchenware like mixing bowls, or even small appliances like a stand mixer, which isn't used all of the time.

While the drawers provide a handy spot for cutlery, it's the wine rack that makes this affordable kitchen island look much more premium. With space for 6 bottles, it creates a real focal point in your kitchen, rather than simply being a practical zone.

Shop freestanding kitchen islands

Finding genuinely stylish and affordable solutions for small kitchens is no small feat, and now is the time to invest as we start to make the most of our cooking spaces this autumn.

Upholstered headboards are a timeless interior design choice, yet there’s no denying 2026 has truly been their moment to shine. And the latest offering to catch our attention is the Habitat x Morris & Co Hyacinth Double Headboard, which, at £200, is one of the most affordable headboards I’ve seen that will give your bed a timeless, designer look.

Having now worked at Ideal Home for more than two years, September is eagerly marked in my calendar as the arrival time of the Habitat x Morris & Co autumn collection. And the one thing this collaboration does consistently well is nail (and sometimes help set) the biggest bedroom trends.

Fans of the iconic Arts & Crafts designer don’t want to miss out on this statement headboard. Its stunning design will add some romantic charm to your bedroom - and I bet it will never go out of style, either.

Personally, I see September as the perfect opportunity to reset my life, and one way I like to do this is to update my sleep space. I’ve already recently raved about the Habitat x Morris & Co bedspread which is the perfect transitional layer to add to your bed as the temperature starts to drop.

But having spotted this statement headboard, I’m about to push those shopping plans to a whole bedroom revamp; honestly, I’ve not seen anything this stylish for that price. The headboard is elegantly curved with rich pink cord piping for a stylish finish. The upholstered headboard trend goes hand in hand with curvy designs, and the trend is focused on creating an environment that is both comforting and elevated.

The pattern itself is taken from Morris & Co’s Hyacinth wallpaper, which was designed by John Henry Dearle between 1900 and 1912. Its block-printed pattern shows a sprawling floral display with twisting foliage and rich colours of green, blue, pink and orange.

The 2026 Habitat version has been reimagined slightly bolder. Set against a navy backdrop, it features bolder reds, greens and blues whilst retaining the romantic charm of the original.

If this Hyacinth headboard is too bold for you, consider the Habitat x William Morris Apple Double Headboard - Cream (£200). This intricate floral and fruit print is stunningly sophisticated, in a soft green and cream colourway.

This headboard is inspired by the Apple wallpaper, which was designed by William Morris in 1877. The pattern combines apples and acanthus leaves against a backdrop of foliage. While the original has a small splatter of orange hues, the Habitat version lacks it. However, I do prefer this take if you’re looking to create a more relaxing sleep space.

The headboards are available in a double or king size. The double measures at W153, H127 cm, while the king is W168, H127 cm. The boards come with a 1-year manufacturer's guarantee.

If you love the Habitat x Morris & Co headboard but are not due for an upgrade, no fear, as here are a few of their new bedding sets that will look gorgeous in your bedroom this autumn.

If you are due for a new headboard idea, or this one has simply caught your eye, I don't think you'll regret the purchase. It will make a beautiful statement in any room.

At Ideal Home, our team of professional mattress testers have slept on over 150 different types. However, one mattress always emerges as the top-rated every time we retest it: the Simba Hybrid mattress. Right now it's also on sale with 25% knocked off the price tag in the Simba September sale.

Simba produces some of the best mattresses on the market; we've given rave reviews to the Simba Hybrid Luxe and the more affordable Simba Hybrid Essential. However, the Simba Hybrid Mattress retains the top spot as the best mattress overall due to its value for money, comfort levels and temperature regulation. Our reviewer went as far as to call it the 'Goldilocks of mattresses', giving it a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating.

Right now, this crowd-pleasing mattress is even better value, with the price for a double mattress dropped from £899 to £674.25.

The Hybrid mattress isn't the only product Simba has dropped the price on. They are having a sitewide sale on some of their bestsellers. If you are looking to refresh your bed for cosy season, now is the time to pounce, as there is up to 30% off everything.

There are usually a couple of Simba sales a year, but these are some of the lowest prices we've seen at Simba in 2026. Now that the weather is starting to change and get colder, duvet season has commenced. If your bedroom needs a little TLC, these are the other star buys on offer to snap up in the September sale while you can.

The sale currently runs for the rest of this week and next, ending on the 1st October subject to availability. If you're bed is due and upgrade, this is the payday to make the investment.

One of the biggest perks of my job is getting my hands on the Diptyque and Jo Malone advent calendars every year. I genuinely look forward to receiving them in the months running up to their launch, even though I have to return them back to the brands once I’m done ‘playing’ with them. This year was no exception and I compared the Jo Malone vs Diptyque advent calendars – and I’ve got thoughts on which one is better and worth the investment.

If you really want to treat yourself or a loved one this festive season, these are the best advent calendars because they are the epitome of luxury. They both look and feel really premium, they’re filled with beautiful products, both for your body and home, and even the brand names are synonymous with luxury. This is, of course, reflected in the price points of these calendars – while Jo Malone’s Christmas Kist Advent Calendar retails for £375, Diptyque’s 2026 Advent Calendar is currently selling on pre-order for £420.

Since both of these advent calendars are serious investments, it’s unlikely you’ll be buying both – so if you’re not sure which one to go for, I’ve analysed everything about each one to determine which one I think you should buy this year. When comparing the Jo Malone vs Diptyque advent calendars last year, I was leaning more towards the Diptyque calendar. But it’s a new year and both of the calendars look very different from last year. So it’s anyone’s game.

Diptyque advent calendar 2026: Pros and cons

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I’m a big fan of Diptyque. I love the brand’s best scented candles and the advent calendar impresses me every year without fail. This year, the box features the same fold-out mechanism as the one in 2024 did which is very clever and looks very luxurious. But the theme and the design of the box is different from previous years.

This year’s design references a ‘wood tuner’s toolbox’. This translates into the interior of the box and all the numbered compartments covered in a wood-like finish, while the outside of the calendar is covered in a print depicting animal-shaped toys carved out of wood.

In all honesty, I like the wood-effect interior but I’m not very keen on the execution of the wooden toy print on the box exterior – and the rest of the Ideal Home team very much agrees with me on this.

As every year, the calendar is filled with 25 gifts which includes everything from soap and perfume to room sprays and eight mini candles – on the 25th December, you get the special Christmas candle, Sapin which smells just like a fir tree.

There are very few and little changes to the contents of the advent calendar. But there are some. For example, three of the included mini candles are new, launched only earlier this year – the Sesame Noir, Cafe and Rhubarbe.

The main issue I have with this year’s advent calendar is the price. While it’s been pricey every year, the price has been increased from last year’s £399 to this year’s £420.

Jo Malone advent calendar 2026: Pros and cons

I would like to start this by saying that I find this year’s Jo Malone advent calendar hugely improved compared to last year’s. As much as I liked the design of last year’s calendar, there were certain issues with the packaging on the inside that I felt cheapened the product.

But this year, there is no such issue. And the whole Ideal Home office gasped as I revealed each tier of the calendar. Yes, there are several tiers, or levels if you like.

The design is shaped like a treasure chest – and it indeed is filled with much treasure, 25 pieces of it. Inspired by the brand’s Scottish Highlands theme that Jo Malone’s been running with throughout 2026, upon opening it the chest reveals a blue tartan interior. The top tier is filled with numbered miniature Christmas stockings, each filled with a little present and matching the interior perfectly.

The next pull-out drawer features six Christmas crackers, again numbered and filled with the likes of mini scented candles - from Christmas-themed Ginger Biscuit to the popular Cypress & Grapevine - and plenty of colognes. The bottom drawer is filled with tartan-printed gift boxes and a matching perfume travel case for Christmas Day with a 30ml bottle of Tangerine & Honey cologne adorned with a tartan bow.

Retailing for £375, the price also increased a little compared to last year when it retailed for £360.

My verdict

Which advent calendar is best for you will ultimately come down to personal preference and which brand and scents you prefer. But if I was to recommend one over the other this festive season, I’d go for the Jo Malone advent calendar.

This is largely due to the slightly lower price point of the Jo Malone calendar, the impressive design of the Jo Malone trunk-style calendar and the fact that I wasn’t particularly taken with Diptyque’s design this year.

But if you prefer Diptyque’s products and will get more use out of their little gifts over Jo Malone’s, then Diptyque might be the one for you.

I know we’re only at the end of September, but I have just spotted the bedding set that is going to see me through the winter months: Next’s Sateen Robins Christmas Duvet Cover and Pillowcase (from £55).

Next is one of the best places to buy bedding, particularly colourful and patterned bedding. If you want your bedroom ideas to stay on trend, Next is one of the brands I recommend for personality-packed bedding.

But one thing Next absolutely nails is their seasonal bedding sets, and this sateen set, complete with festive red bows and detailed robin foliage, is just the right amount of festive. In fact, I’d be tempted to use it all winter long.

If this year’s bedding trends have proved anything, it’s that nature-inspired colour palettes and floral prints are having a huge comeback, and with this bedding set featuring a border of bushy green foliage, it’s perfectly on trend for the new season.

Last year, Next dropped a fleecy robin bedding set, and it’s safe to say we were all charmed by its good looks. Made with a soft, fleecy material, it was perfect for snuggling up on cold winter evenings. This year, Next has given robin bedding a luxury spin.

This set is made from sateen. Sateen bedding has a luxuriously smooth, silky finish, which often makes getting into bed feel like getting into bed at a posh hotel. Alongside its luxury feel, this bedding set has beautiful red bows along the edge of the duvet cover and pillowcases. While I am tired of the bow trend, I do think this makes for a striking and thoughtful finishing touch.

The robins themselves can be spotted in pairs or individually nestled amongst branches of festive mistletoe. If you’re a fan of attracting robins to your garden (and honestly, who isn’t?)This is a lovely way to continue the charm into your bedroom. Given that the set is largely white, the set isn’t too loud either.

If you really want to nail the luxury hotel feel, there are a couple of extra things you can do to make your bed feel even comfier this autumn and winter. Alongside your sateen robin set, investing one of the best mattress toppers offers an additional layer of cushioning for a bed that’s even comfier. Our best-rated topper, the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, is currently reduced from £349 to £296.65.

Similarly, the Simba Hybrid Pillow is also 25% off right now. If your pillows are looking a little worse for wear, I’d recommend using this deal to give them an upgrade.

Alternatively, if it’s just bedding you're after, here are a few more of Next’s seasonal sets that have caught my eye.

Christmas has definitely landed early at Next. But this robin bedding set has convinced me to welcome the festive season early to my bedroom, too.

The term ‘modern sofa’ can mean various things – and it can mean a few different styles of living room seating. But if you favour a more contemporary aesthetic in your home and want to make your lounge look considered yet relaxed at the same time, these are the 12 best modern sofas that will help you do just that.

When it comes to other best sofa categories - whether that’s mid-century style sofas or curved sofas - it’s much more straightforward to pinpoint and describe exactly what style of sofa we’re talking about and exactly what it might look like.

‘“Modern” isn’t really one particular sofa shape – it can encompass a number of different styles and silhouettes,’ says Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology. ‘Modern sofas tend to prioritise comfort, softness and a more relaxed silhouette, rather than the formal, highly structured appearance associated with traditional sofas.’

What does a modern sofa look like?

While there are certain sofa ‘looks’ that feel more modern than others, a modern sofa is also one that reflects how people live now, how they use their homes, their living rooms and sofas.

‘There is also much more emphasis on making sofas work for how we actually live today. Large, comfortable designs are suited to lounging and socialising, while modular and corner configurations can adapt to open-plan spaces and different room layouts. It’s really about creating a more relaxed and adaptable approach to the living room,’ Julia at Sofology says.

So everything from deep-seated, relaxed sofas to curved styles and even modular sofas fall under the umbrella of ‘modern sofas. In terms of looks, a modern sofa tends to be more pared-back compared to more traditional styles.

‘There isn’t one single style of modern sofa but in general, modern sofas tend to have clean, simple lines and less decorative detailing than traditional styles,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘They can be quite structured or very soft and relaxed, but the overall look tends to be more pared back.’

What are the benefits of investing in a modern sofa?

Since there are a few different styles of modern sofas, the benefits depend and change based on what style you go for. Nicky Emlick, creative director at Sofa.com, breaks down the various benefits of all the different modern sofa styles.

‘Cleaner silhouettes can make a room feel lighter and more open, while modular designs allow the sofa to evolve around changing needs. Modern styles also tend to prioritise comfort, with deeper seats, generous proportions and softer shapes, making them well suited to the way we actually use our living spaces today,’ she explains.

What style of modern sofa are you favouring?