Black Friday is officially just around the corner, and many retailers, such as Argos, have graced us with the surprise of starting their sales a little bit early. This yearly sales event also perfectly coincides with the time to hunker down inside our homes and embrace home cooking – and with this comes an urge to upgrade some of our cookware. Argos’ Black Friday sale is the ultimate place to start.
Autumn is the perfect time for batch cooking, baking and hosting, so having the right small appliances and kitchen tools to make cooking simpler will make dinner times stress-free. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer, the best stand mixer or the best food processor, Argos’ Black Friday sale has some of the lowest prices I’m predicting to see over the course of the sales event.
Don’t let the early sale put you off – this is the lowest that Argos’ prices will go, so if there’s something you’ve got your eye on, then it’s best to snap it up fast. These are my favourite picks from the sale that I’ll be snapping up to spruce up my kitchen.
Argos’ Black Friday Sale
Black Friday officially starts on the 28th of November this year. However, last year we saw the sales launch as early as the 1st November, and this year it appears to have started even earlier, with Argos deals kicking it off.
Black Friday deals are always some of the biggest discounts that you’ll see all year round, and I was astounded when I saw that Argos had discounted the KitchenAid Stand Mixer by £219. I love my own KitchenAid Stand Mixer, and if I didn’t already own one, then I would certainly be hitting purchase, but it also makes a fabulous gift for someone special in your life.
There are also a few bigger-ticket items that I have had my eye on to upgrade my kitchen; the Kenwood Food Processor is a do-it-all piece of kit that will last for years, while the Nutribullet will make my morning smoothies much easier to make.
Here are my top picks from the sale, which have a whopping combined saving of £410. I would recommend snapping these picks up sooner rather than later if there’s anything you have your eye on.
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Cookworks
Cookworks 9l Dual Air Fryer – Black
This dual airfryer is a bargain at £50 – it’s perfect for bigger families or those who need two zones for meat and veggie cooking.
Nutribullet
Nutribullet 600 Series Blender – Black
Don’t wait until summer to invest in a Nutribullet – buying now will save you money and you’ll be thrilled when smoothie season hits.
Kenwood
Kenwood Chp61.100wh Easychop Mini Chopper
I don’t know how I ever survived without a mini chopper; this makes chopping up veg for batch cooking a walk in the park.
This Kenwood Food Processor is a kitchen essential that you’ll have for years – it quite literally does everything.
Kitchenaid
Kitchenaid 5k45ssbob Classic Stand Mixer – Black
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the price of the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It comes in both black and white and I would be surprised to see this price go lower anywhere else over Black Friday.
Morphy Richards
Morphy Richards 20l 800w Solo Standard Microwave – Silver
It’s no fun to spend a lot of money on practical purchases such as a microwave – you can’t go wrong with this Morphy Richards option discounted to £45.
Heading into Black Friday with a few key items in mind will help you to make worthwhile purchases. It’s always good to be mindful before hitting the sales shopping, but I’d definitely recommend to not wait around too long.
I’m seeing tortoiseshell lighting everywhere this autumn, and I’m obsessed with this cosy trend. But the best looking I’ve seen is the Habitat Glass Tortoise Shell Lamp (£30), and right now you can get an extra 20% off.
I’m a sucker for a pretty lamp and an avid follower of all the different lighting trends. Luxe mood lighting that casts a cosy glow has set the trend for autumn this year, and tortoiseshell, with its warm and luxurious brown tones, is the perfect way to achieve this.
The Habitat Glass Tortoise Shell Lamp combines cosy lighting with stylish structure, perfect if you want your lighting options to look like a work of art.
Habitat
Habitat Glass Tortoise Shell Table Lamp – Brown
I love everything about this a lamp from the warming tortoiseshell glass to the bold sculptural design.
Tortoiseshell is not a new pattern by any means, but it is one I consider to be timeless. We typically see it emerge in the colder months, and recently, it has been everywhere from manicures to tortoiseshell kitchen accessories this year.
Habitat’s tortoiseshell lamp looks as much like a sculpture as it does a table light. Its half-moon design gives it oodles of visual appeal, while its classic tortoiseshell pattern is warming and timeless. Meanwhile, the bulb itself sits inside a glass dome, making every aspect of this lamp interesting.
At £30, this lamp is a steal. Habitat table lamps never disappoint, thanks to their affordable prices and high-quality designs. I’m sure you’ll agree that this lamp looks far more expensive than its price tag, and could easily be mistaken for a higher-end brand. And right now, get more for your money as this lamp has a further 20% discount if you use the code ‘LIGHT20’ at checkout.
Why is tortoiseshell lighting trending?
‘As with most trends, you don’t have to look very far to see why a certain colour, pattern or design is having a moment in interiors. This is certainly the case for tortoiseshell lighting, as one of the latest ‘animal prints’ to be influencing everything from manicure choices to glasses and footwear., says Olivia Sauerwein, resident Style Advisor and Art Director for Wayfair.co.uk.
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‘The perfect print for autumn, bringing warmth and depth, its caramel amber tones adds a luxe look to elevate a room. With its semi-translucent quality, when lights are switched on it creates a gorgeous diffused glow – making the design the perfect choice to create a cosy autumn-winter space.’
(Image credit: Habitat)
Tortoiseshell lighting is essentially a neutral so it can be paired with a wide range of colours. However, to lean into its sophisticated and luxurious look, consider pairing it with rich olive or navy walls.
‘To style it at home, consider a statement tortoiseshell floor lamp in a living room or elegant pendants over a dining table, ensuring the warm light enhances the space. Complement these pieces with natural textures like brass, wood, or linen, and select warm-dim LEDs to perfect the ambient glow. Whether paired with ochre and olive for a warm scheme or ink and sage for a striking contrast, tortoiseshell lighting adds a touch of refined luxury,’ comments Julian Page, Head of Design at BHS.
If you’ve developed a taste for tortoiseshell lighting like I have, here are three more stunning options to browse.
M&S
Glass Tortoise Shell Easy Fit Shade
I love this pendant light from M&S. It will fill your room with an amber glow, and the pendant itself is bang on trend.
Next is one of my favourite places to secure on-trend homeware and fashion, but right now, their take on the year’s most ‘marmite’ has me obsessed – I’ve never seen a brand do leopard print so well.
I’ll admit, I’m a big fan of leopard print, but I appreciate that it’s not for everyone. However, give me just five minutes, as these six Next leopard print buys prove that this somewhat gaudy trend can look super stylish.
The range is so expansive that there truly is something for everyone, wherever they are on their pattern journey. I’ve even spotted a leopard print pedal bin (£75) nestled in Next’s vast inventory.
Next
Set of 2 Black Leopard Print Coupe Glasses
I genuinely can’t stop thinking about these coupes – they’re just so chic! This print is also available on champagne flutes if you prefer.
Next
Brown Long Leopard Print Faux Fur Throw
Cosy is without doubt the set mood for winter this year, and I don’t think I’ve seen anything as snuggly as this stunning throw.
Next
Set of 2 Green Cheetah Print 100% Cotton Face Cloths
If you’re a little unsure about a leopard print, these pretty hand towels give the trend a subtle nod.
Next
Black/brown 200 Thread Count 100% Cotton Leopard Print Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
I’ve always been a little on the fence about leopard print bedding, but I’ve come round to it. This set will create an opulant, yet playful look in the bedroom.
Next
Black/animal 43 X 43cm Velvet Faux Leopard Print Fringe Cushion
A cushion is an easy way to introduce pattern to your home as it is not a permanent change – play around and find out what you like!
If you really want to make a statement, there’s no denying this chair is simply fabulous.
Leopard print has a retro, ‘70s style that I love, and for me, it is associated with fashion icons such as Kate Moss and even Jackie Kennedy. Having never really left popular culture, I’d argue that leopard print is a timeless print.
Working with patterns can feel intimidating; however, if you’re following the rules of Shania Twain, leopard print is a neutral. If you’re looking to introduce a pop of the print to a neutral space, I’d recommend Next’s Velvet Faux Leopard Print Fringe Cushion (£24). A statement cushion can help you experiment with bolder patterns and colours without making any permanent changes.
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On the whole, Next’s leopard print range is opulent and luxurious. Whether you love or hate this animal-print trend, I’m sure you’ll spot something you like.
Our homes have evolved into more than just living spaces —they’ve become sanctuaries for mental clarity, physical well-being, and creative inspiration. Enter Biophilic Design 2.0, a revolutionary approach that combines nature, technology, and human-centered design to create living environments that promote both wellness and innovation.
This modern take on biophilia isn’t about filling your home with a few potted plants. It’s a holistic philosophy where design, materials, and digital tools come together to nurture the connection between humans and the natural world — all while embracing the conveniences of smart living.
Understanding Biophilic Design 2.0: A New Era of Natural Connection
The term biophilia means “love of life” and is a concept first introduced by biologist Edward O. Wilson. Traditional biophilic design focused on incorporating natural materials, sunlight, and greenery into built environments. But in the 2020s, the movement has evolved.
Biophilic Design 2.0 integrates digital innovation and sustainability into every corner of the home. It’s about creating spaces that balance organic warmth with technological intelligence, blending physical comfort with mental rejuvenation. Imagine natural light automatically adjusting to your circadian rhythm, air quality sensors syncing with ventilation systems, and wall art dynamically responding to your mood, all while surrounded by calming textures of wood, stone, and greenery.
This fusion of nature and technology is no longer futuristic — it’s here, redefining the way we live, work, and recharge.
The Three Pillars of Biophilic Design 2.0
1. Nature-Integrated Architecture
Modern architects are moving beyond superficial green aesthetics and designing homes that breathe with the environment. Green walls, vertical gardens, and living roofs not only purify the air but also enhance energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperature.
Windows are now positioned strategically to maximize natural daylight and views of outdoor landscapes. Water elements, such as indoor fountains or aquaponic systems, introduce calming sensory experiences that reduce stress and improve cognitive focus.
Digital visualization tools, often used by leading design professionals, help simulate how natural light interacts with space before construction begins. This allows homeowners to choose layouts that truly enhance both beauty and well-being.
2. Smart Tech for Sustainable Living
The second evolution of biophilic design comes from its partnership with smart home technology. Today’s sustainable homes leverage automation to make eco-conscious living effortless.
Smart lighting systems mimic sunlight patterns, adjusting brightness and hue to improve sleep quality and productivity.
AI-driven thermostats learn your preferences to optimize comfort while minimizing energy waste.
Smart irrigation systems nurture indoor plants and gardens precisely when needed, conserving water and resources.
These innovations make biophilic living not only beautiful but also practical — merging modern efficiency with the soothing rhythms of nature.
3. Designing for Mental Wellness
A home that feels connected to nature also deeply supports emotional health. Research shows that exposure to natural materials and patterns lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and enhances creativity.
Interior designers now use textures that are natural or mimic organic surfaces, such as linen, cork, and bamboo, to cultivate tactile comfort. Meanwhile, colors inspired by earth, sky, and foliage stimulate calm and balance.
Digital art and immersive media installations are also playing a role. Many homeowners curate interactive visuals that change with time or respond to environmental cues. For example, a large digital frame could display animated landscapes that adapt to your local weather — rain, sun, or snowfall — creating a sense of harmony between indoor and outdoor life.
The Digital Dimension of Modern Home Design
Biophilic Design 2.0 thrives at the intersection of creativity and technology. And digital creation tools are now making it easier for homeowners to conceptualize, customize, and visualize their dream spaces with professional precision.
These platforms help users explore how natural light interacts with design choices, how textures complement each other, and even how their decor choices affect mood. The same creative software that professionals use to edit photos, design layouts, and craft visual stories is now empowering everyday homeowners to express their own aesthetic and emotional connection to nature.
For those looking to add a playful or personal touch to their design journey, tools like a meme editor offer a lighthearted way to blend humor and creativity into home inspiration boards, mood trackers, or digital art pieces. It’s a reminder that creativity and design are not limited to architects — anyone can take part in shaping the modern living experience.
Bringing Nature Indoors: Practical Steps to Start
If you’re ready to integrate biophilic principles into your own home, here’s how to get started:
Start with Light. Natural sunlight is the foundation of wellness. Remove heavy curtains, use sheer fabrics, and position mirrors to reflect daylight deeper into rooms.
Add Layers of Greenery. Incorporate indoor plants that suit your lifestyle — from low-maintenance succulents to air-purifying species like peace lilies and snake plants.
Choose Natural Materials. Replace plastics and synthetics with materials like reclaimed wood, clay, and linen for an earthy aesthetic and tactile warmth.
Bring in Nature Sounds. Use subtle background audio featuring rainfall, ocean waves, or forest ambiances to reduce stress and boost focus.
Balance with Smart Tech. Introduce automation that enhances — not interrupts — natural harmony. Smart lighting and air systems should support your daily rhythm rather than dominate it.
Personalize with Creative Expression. Digital platforms allow you to visualize, document, and refine your ideas before implementing them. Experiment, adapt, and let your space evolve naturally with you.
A Vision for the Future: Digital Nature and Emotional Wellness
The future of interior design lies in balance, between the tactile and the digital, between aesthetics and emotion. Biophilic Design 2.0 represents a new mindset: it’s not about replicating nature, but reestablishing a relationship with it through thoughtful, human-centered design.
As technology continues to evolve, our connection to nature doesn’t have to fade. Instead, it can deepen — through intelligent systems that support sustainable living, creative digital tools that amplify imagination, and living spaces that nurture both body and mind.
In the end, biophilic design is not just about decorating your home — it’s about redefining how you live within it. A space that breathes with you, learns from you, and inspires you to live in harmony with the world around you, that’s the true beauty of Biophilic Design 2.0.
The combination of a blooming, colourful garden and chirping birds is a lovely one. And more often than not, your flower garden and garden birds rely on each other, which is why wildlife experts are urging gardeners to plant this one bulb now to attract birds and wildlife to their gardens.
If you have a wildlife garden, I’m sure you’ll already know that attracting birds via your beds and borders is a highlight. Birds rely on plants for food, while plants rely on birds for protection from pests and pollination.
This is why experts want you to plant camassia in your garden this autumn. With striking purple flowers, this spring bulb will attract an abundance of beautiful wildlife to your garden – and the best thing is, you can plant it now.
‘Birds are immediately drawn in by the vibrant hues of Camassia, yet ironically, they don’t even tend to eat the bulbs or the flowers. Camassia supports biodiversity in the garden, supporting a thriving insect population, which is scarce in winter but an essential source of food for many birds like robins,’ says James Ewens, gardening expert from Green Feathers.
‘While insects are still scarce when the ground is frozen, spring will see insects galore. The star-shaped blooms attract bees, hoverflies, beetles, and butterflies in late spring. These insects, in turn, draw insect-eating birds such as robins, wrens, and blue tits that feed on them.’
When to plant camassia
The best time to plant camassia, like with most spring bulbs, is in the autumn, so there’s still time to add this plant to your shopping list when looking to buy bulbs.
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(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘When introducing camassia bulbs into your garden, the best time to plant is from September through to November as the remaining heat in the soil will encourage the bulbs to produce roots and become well established prior to colder weather and the ground freezing,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.
‘Ideally find a spot in your garden for camassia bulbs where they will get either full sun or light shade and be in moist, well-draining soil. Unlike many other bulbs, camassia bulbs have adapted to suit their native soils of the Pacific Northwest of North America, where they are found growing in moist meadows and by the sides of streams. This means that you could even plant camassia in clay soil, close to garden ponds and also make an attractive addition to natural, long-grass lawns.’
Where to buy camassia
Planting camassia is beneficial to you, your garden and the wildlife that visit it. It’s a beautiful flower, and one that deserves a spot in your garden.
